Author Archives: Dr. Traci Temmen

Does a BBL look and feel natural?

While some women are blessed with perfect genes, many struggle to attain the body they want even after rigorous dieting and exercise. With curvaceous and athletic body types gracing many of the covers of magazines these days, many women with fewer curves can be left feeling inadequate and embarrassed. One area that can be particularly frustrating for women in today’s world is having a flat or boxy butt. Fortunately, there are safe and effective options available when squats and lunges just aren’t enough to get the body of your dreams. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen has changed countless lives by offering the Brazilian Butt Lift procedure to her patients. This blog post will discuss this transformative procedure and address a common patient question, “Does a BBL look and feel natural?”

Prior to plastic surgery of any kind, your board certified plastic surgeon will perform a detailed medical history and physical exam. Dr. Traci Temmen also encourages patients to bring in “wish pics” that show the kind of result they are looking for to give her a good idea of the patient’s goals. During this one-on-one session, Dr. Temmen goes over what to expect before, during, and after the procedure, as well as the expected results. Dr. Temmen recognizes that surgery of any kind is a big decision, and encourages women to share their concerns and ask any questions they have, no matter how silly they may seem. It is very important to find a board certified plastic surgeon who you can trust as they will be performing the surgery and also managing your care going forward. Dr. Temmen is board certified in plastic surgery and trained not just to perform surgery but also to appropriately manage any complication that may arise. In addition to her expertise, patients appreciate her gentle and approachable bedside manner, and feel at ease knowing she is treating them with the same care and respect as a friend or family member.

Now let’s dive into the basics of the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure. This surgery can be thought of in two parts. In the first part, your surgeon will perform liposuction of the belly, back, sides, and other problem areas to slim and sculpt the body into an attractive silhouette. It is important to note that liposuction is a great tool for shaping the body, but is not designed for weight loss. Therefore, patients should be close to their ideal weight before deciding to undergo any procedure involving liposuction, such as the Brazilian Butt Lift. Once liposuction is complete, the collected fat is prepared for transfer. The highest quality fat is then injected into the buttocks to create the desired shape and volume. At the end of the surgery, the tiny incisions used for liposuction and fat transfer are closed. Patients recover in a private suite with a nurse dedicated solely to their comfort, and are able to return home the same day. Patients are sent home with 2-4 drains which are typically removed 1-5 days after surgery, and are given a compression garment to wear for six weeks. Most patients are able to return to work within 3-5 days, drive when they are no longer taking narcotic pain medications, and return to full exercise by six weeks.

Now that you have an idea of what the BBL entails, let’s answer the common patient question, “Does a BBL look and feel natural?” The short answer to this question is, yes! As described above, the only thing injected into the buttocks during a BBL is your own natural fat tissue. This means that the result should look and feel just like you, because it is you! This natural look and feel is one advantage of the BBL over butt implants, which can sometimes look less natural or out of proportion with the rest of the body. During a BBL, a skilled plastic surgeon like Dr. Temmen will perform body sculpting with the liposuction to create a smooth silhouette that blends seamlessly into the BBL result. A final thing to note is because a BBL transfers your own natural fat, the tissue will also behave like the fat in the rest of your body. This means that if you gain or lose weight, the fat that was transferred to the buttocks will be affected just like the rest of your body. This is another reason why it is recommended that patients considering a BBL try to get close to their ideal body weight prior to the procedure, to prevent fluctuations afterwards from altering the result.

The Brazilian Butt Lift is a great method of enhancing the size and shape of the buttocks without the use of synthetic implants or fillers. It is a particularly good option for those interested in the body sculpting benefits of liposuction who are also looking for buttock enhancement that looks and feels very natural. Board certified Dr. Traci Temmen frequently performs BBLs on patients of many body types, and has mastered the art of creating beautiful results that stay true to the patient’s individuality and goals. To see real examples of amazing results, please explore our Gallery of patient photos. If you would like to learn more about if this procedure is a good fit for you, please call 813-771-6393 to book your one-on-one consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Traci Temmen, MD, today!

What is SAFE Liposuction?

As the summer starts to heat up, many people making their way to the beautiful Florida beaches for some much needed vacation time. However, all of this fun in the sun can unfortunately cause a lot of negative thoughts and body insecurities to rise to the surface. Many women don’t feel as confident in a bathing suit as they would like, and spend valuable time and energy worrying about their appearance instead of enjoying their vacation time. In the era of body positivity, women can also feel pressured to embrace and celebrate their imperfections when the reality is, it’s perfectly normal to for there to be a few things you wish you could change. Fortunately, the power of modern plastic surgery offers safe and effective options for women looking to make impactful and lasting change when diet and exercise just don’t cut it. One of the most popular body contouring procedures today is liposuction, with over 400,000 procedures done each year and climbing! While there many different types of liposuction advertised, this blog post will discuss one of the safest and most reliable methods while answering the common question, “What is SAFE liposuction?”

Let’s start by breaking down the components of SAFE liposuction. SAFE stands for Separation, Aspiration, and Fat Equalization, which are the three basic steps of this method. During the first step, the fat in the areas being targeted is separated from the surrounding tissue. This is accomplished by introducing a sterile “tumescent” solution into the target areas through tiny incisions. This solution helps break up the fat and also contains lidocaine (a local anesthetic) and epinephrine (a blood vessel constrictor) to reduce bleeding and post-op pain. Next, aspiration is performed through the same small incisions by using long cannulas and suctioning out the unwanted fat. During this process, experienced board-certified plastic surgeons like Dr. Traci Temmen are skilled at not only removing the fat deposits in question, but also bringing out natural curves to sculpt an attractive hourglass silhouette. Once this is complete, the final step is fat equalization. During this step, the remaining thin layer of desired fat is equalized or redistributed to create a smooth, natural look. Once this process is complete, the incisions are closed, leaving behind tiny scars that become virtually invisible over time. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen utilizes the SAFE liposuction technique to ensure beautiful, natural-looking results for her patients with minimal scarring and downtime!

Now that we’ve discussed the mechanics of SAFE liposuction, let’s talk about if you may be a good candidate! In general, good candidates for liposuction are people who are close to their ideal body weight, but with a few stubborn fat deposits that have been resistant to diet and exercise. The areas that are most commonly targeted are the belly, back, and sides, but may also include the thighs, knees, ankles, upper arms, and neck. In addition, good liposuction candidates have good skin quality, meaning that their skin is supple and elastic. Patients with excess loose or sagging skin may benefit more from a procedure that includes skin excision in addition to liposuction, such as a tummy tuck. In addition to these factors, good surgical candidates are non-smokers, have a BMI less than 30, and any medical conditions they have are well-controlled. These criteria help ensure a safe procedure, healthy healing, and a beautiful outcome that the patient is satisfied with.

With swim suit season just around the corner, now is the time to start thinking more seriously about that body-sculpting procedure you’ve been considering! Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen is skilled and experienced at performing liposuction for her patients with consistently stunning results. Patients love seeing their stubborn fat deposits melt away once and for all, and can’t wait to show off their new figure at the pool or in their favorite sundress. To see beautiful examples of real patient transformations, please navigate to the Gallery tab of this website. If you’d like to learn more about if you may be a good candidate for liposuction or any other body-contouring procedure, please call 813-771-6393 to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Traci Temmen today!

What are the Risks and Benefits of Labiaplasty

Labiaplasty is one of the fastest growing cosmetic plastic surgeries in America, and as awareness of this surgery procedure grows, more women are finding themselves wondering if labiaplasty may be a good option for them. Like all surgeries, deciding to undergo labiaplasty is a big decision. One of the first things women considering labiaplasty or any other cosmetic plastic surgery should do is consider the risks and benefits of the procedure. This blog post will briefly explain labiaplasty and break down some of the potential risks and benefits to help women begin thinking about if this procedure may be a good option for them.

Prior to labiaplasty, the plastic surgeon will meet with each patient one-on-one to discuss the procedure and answer any questions she might have. During this appointment, the surgeon will review the patient’s medical and surgical history, as well as perform a detailed physical examination that includes measurements of the labia majora and labia minora (the tissue that frames the vaginal opening). On the day of surgery, the patient is given medicine to help her relax, and local anesthesia is used to numb the area. The patient will feel relaxed and comfortable, but will be able to breathe on her own and follow simple instructions. During the procedure, Dr. Temmen may remove excess tissue from the labia minora and/or labia majora depending on the patient’s anatomy and complaints. Dr. Temmen is meticulous in her technique, and takes care to orient the incision away from the vaginal opening so it is discreet and so that friction due to clothing, tampon use, or intercourse does not irritate the area. This whole process typically only takes about 90 minutes, and the patient is able to return home shortly after. During recovery, the patient is instructed to wear compressive underwear and a light pad for a couple of weeks. Most patients are able to return to work the next day, drive when they are no longer taking narcotic pain medications, resume light exercise in about three weeks and resume sexual activity in about six weeks.

Now that we’ve covered the basics of labiaplasty, let’s discuss some of the potential risks. First, there are risks that are inherent to surgery of any kind, including bleeding and infection. Because labiaplasty is a fairly simple and quick outpatient procedure performed on the superficial tissue, these risks are small. However, board certified plastic surgeons like Dr. Traci Temmen are fully trained not just in how to perform plastic surgeries like labiaplasty, but also in how to promptly recognize and manage any potential complications that arise. Other common effects from surgery of any kind are swelling and bruising of the area, which typically resolves on its own after a few weeks. Another common problem associated with labiaplasty is problems with wound healing. A small degree of wound breakdown or dehiscence is fairly common after this surgery due to the increased movement and friction in this area. These wounds almost always heal without difficulty, further scarring, or the need for additional procedures. Another potential risk of this procedure is asymmetry. Often times, women seeking labiaplasty already have some degree of asymmetry. While this can often be improved during surgery, perfect symmetry may not be a reasonable expectation. Another risk of surgery is abnormal scarring, which is most common in women who have a history of abnormal scarring such as keloids or hypertrophic scars. Women with this history should discuss this with their surgeon and consider the risks and benefits of surgery. A final risk of labiaplasty many patients worry about is altered sensation affecting sexual function. Fortunately, sexual sensation and function is largely supplied by nerves that lie deep in the pelvis and send tiny branches up to the external genitalia. A labiaplasty only operates on the most superficial tissues so it is extremely unlikely that these deep nerves would be injured during surgery. Typically, if a woman does experience some changes in sensation after surgery, these changes are temporary and resolve during with healing process.

Now that we’ve covered the risks of labiaplasty, let’s discuss the fun part – the benefits! Many women considering labiaplasty do so for a few reasons. One common reason is that the inner labia minora have become enlarged so that they extend beyond the protective outer labia majora, resulting in painful rubbing during exercise, sex, and everyday life. Labiaplasty can resolve this issue by removing excess tissue from the labia minora so it no longer protrudes, increasing comfort during these activities. In addition, women with enlarged labia majora may feel embarrassed wearing tight clothing such as yoga pants, swim suits, and athletic wear. During labiaplasty the labia majora can be reduced so there is no longer any fear of showing through tight clothing, allowing women to feel confident and comfortable no matter what they’re wearing. Another potential benefit of labiaplasty is increased sexual satisfaction due to several reasons. Firstly, decreased pain during intercourse allows women to experience greater enjoyment. In addition, it is not uncommon for women with enlarged labia to have developed a loss of interest in sex due to pain and discomfort. After labiaplasty, women may start to enjoy sex again and rebuild a healthy relationship with their sexual identity. In addition, women who feel embarrassed by their appearance often find renewed confidence in the bedroom after labiaplasty. However, it is important to note that no woman should ever pursue labiaplasty due to the preferences of a partner – this is a personal decision, and it should be hers alone.

Labiaplasty is a simple but life-changing procedure for women who are plagued by pain, discomfort, or embarrassment over disproportional or enlarged labia. Board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen has helped countless women find comfort and confidence through labiaplasty, and patients love her kind demeanor and gentle approach. If you have been wondering if this procedure might be right for you, don’t wait any longer! Call 813-771-6393 to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Traci Temmen, MD today.

Should I get Breast Implants, a Breast Lift, or Both?

Everyone deserves to feel confident and beautiful. Sadly, many women are held back by an area of their body that makes them feel embarrassed or unattractive. One source of low self-esteem for many women is the bust line. Whether too small, too large, asymmetrical, or droopy, not many people are lucky enough to have a perfect pair! Fortunately, with the power and precision of modern plastic surgery, there are an abundance of safe and effective cosmetic procedures to change the appearance of the breasts, helping thousands of women feel confident and beautiful again each year. This blog post will introduce a few of the most common cosmetic breast surgery options: Breast augmentation with implants, breast lift, and combined breast lift with implants. We will then go over some of the similarities and differences between these procedures and who may be better suited for one over the other in order to answer the common patient question, “Should I get breast implants, a breast lift, or both?”

Let’s start with breast augmentation with implants. This procedure is the most common, with over 300,000 cases performed each year! Breast augmentation with implants is a safe and highly effective way to enhance the size and shape of the breasts. There are many types of different breast implants, including saline versus silicone, and a wide variety of different shapes and sizes to choose from. Dr. Temmen recognizes that every woman is unique, and is committed to helping every patient find their perfect match. Patients are encouraged to bring in “wish pics” of their goal, as well as “try on” different implant types in the office to find the best option for them. During the procedure itself, Dr. Temmen creates a “pocket” in the chest for the implants, and then inserts and positions them. Saline implants are made up of an outer shell and filled with sterile saline after they are inserted (similar to a water balloon), while silicone implants are solid throughout, and implanted as is. Oftentimes, Dr. Temmen is able to place the implants using a small, discreet incision under the armpit, leaving no scars on the breast. Each patient has a thorough one-on-one consultation with Dr. Temmen during which they discuss implant type, scar location, and surgical approach to form a personalized plan that takes into account the patient’s anatomy and goals to ensure they get a beautiful result!

While breast implants add volume to the breasts, a breast lift adds lift! Women best suited for this procedure are often bothered by breasts that are low or sagging. This may be due to unlucky genetics, weight changes, previous pregnancies, breastfeeding, or the effects of aging. These factors combined can cause the breasts to look “deflated”, making patients feel self-conscious. During a breast lift, this process is reversed by removing loose excess skin and superficial tissue, allowing the remaining healthy tissue to be pulled together to create a rounder, perkier breast. While some tissue is removed during a breast lift, it has a paradoxical effect of making the breasts look fuller due to this improvement in shape. The number of incisions made during a breast lift depends on the patient’s degree of sagging (also called ptosis) and goals for their appearance. The most common approach for patients with moderate ptosis is a “lollipop incision”, which includes one circular incision around the areola (the darker colored skin surrounding the nipple) joined by a vertical incision extending down the breast. While this scar may sound scary, in practice the vast majority of patients are thrilled with the beautiful perky shape of their breasts, and find that the scars fade significantly with time and are a small price to pay.

The final option we will discuss in this post is the combined breast lift with implants. Simply put, this procedure consists of the two options explained above put together. This procedure may be best for patients who want to decrease sagginess while also enhancing breast size. As we discussed above, a breast lift makes the breasts appear rounder and fuller, but does not actually increase breast size. For patients hoping to increase their cup size as well, a combined breast lift with implants is a great option. Many patients considering cosmetic breast surgery find that this combination procedure is the perfect option for them, as it creates a beautiful shape, youthful lift, and adds a little extra volume.

When it comes to cosmetic breast surgery, the options can sometimes feel overwhelming. Depending on your goals, you may find that breast augmentation with implants, a breast lift, or combined breast lift with implants is the best choice for you. A key part of making these important decisions is finding an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon who is committed to working together to create a personalized plan to ensure you have the best possible result. Dr. Traci Temmen is a female board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in cosmetic breast surgery, and patient’s love her gentle bedside manner and perfectionism. To view real examples of amazing patient transformations, please explore the Gallery on this website. If you are interested in learning more about one of these life-changing procedures, simply call 813-877-3739 to schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Traci Temmen today!

What Happens if I get Pregnant after a Tummy Tuck?

Many women find that as they age, have children, and undergo weight fluctuations, their body changes in ways they wish it wouldn’t! One change that many find particularly bothersome is the development of loose, sagging skin on the abdomen. Oftentimes, this is the result of stretching of the abdominal skin and tissues due to pregnancy or weight changes. After pregnancy or weight loss, the stretched out skin is unable to recoil to its original shape, leaving behind sagging tissue. Unfortunately, this loose tissue cannot be toned with exercises to make it elastic and tight again. However, board certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen is happy to offer a surgical solution – the tummy tuck! This surgery is a dream come true to women who have felt helpless as they watched their body change over time. However, many women considering this procedure ask, “What happens if I get pregnant again after a tummy tuck?” This blog post will introduce the tummy tuck procedure, as well as answer this common patient question.

In the past, plastic surgeons performed tummy tucks using a “one size fits all” approach, where sagging extra tissue was removed from the belly and the remaining tissue pulled together to create a tight, flat abdomen. While this surgery achieved a flatter stomach, it also left many women with an unnatural shape by removing tissue from the belly but leaving the back and sides untouched. Today, board-certified plastic surgeons like Dr. Traci Temmen have adapted their approach to flatten the tummy while also slimming the overall silhouette and accentuating the woman’s natural curves. To accomplish this, first liposuction is performed of the abdomen, back and sides. Through this technique, Dr. Temmen is able to start sculpting a smooth hourglass shape before she even starts on the “tummy tuck” portion. Liposuction also slims down the back and sides, ensuring the finished look will look natural and proportional with the abdomen. Next, excess sagging skin and loose tissue is surgically removed from the front of the abdomen, and the remaining healthy tissue is neatly pulled together to create a flatter, more toned tummy. In addition to pulling together the skin and superficial tissue, Dr. Temmen may also tighten the muscles of the abdominal wall if she sees that they have drifted apart as a result of pregnancy and weight changes, helping to further cinch in the waist. Altogether, this approach to the tummy tuck results in a flatter belly, smaller waist, and silhouette that highlights a woman’s natural curves.

Now that we’ve introduced the tummy tuck, let’s answer the common patient question, “What happens if I get pregnant after a tummy tuck?” The short answer is, pregnancy after a tummy tuck is not recommended, but is unlikely to pose a danger to the mother or child. As we discussed above, a tummy tuck’s main purpose is to remove excess sagging skin and tissue, which is usually created by pregnancy, weight fluctuations, aging, or some combination of these. As the pregnancy progresses, the abdominal tissues will be stretched out again, negating the tightening and slimming effect of the tummy tuck. Along similar lines, plastic surgeons recommend that women also try to maintain their stable ideal weight after a tummy tuck and avoid big fluctuations for the same reason. While pregnancy can have aesthetic consequences on tummy tuck results, there is no impact on fertility or the safety of a pregnancy as the tissues targeted in a tummy tuck are superficial, and have no effect on the uterus or reproductive organs. The main difference a woman may notice is that her belly feels tighter as her pregnancy progresses. Nevertheless, most plastic surgeons strongly recommend that women wait until they are done with childbearing to pursue a tummy tuck, in order to give them the best chance of a beautiful and long-lasting result. However, as we all know, life is full of surprises! In these cases, please expect that pregnancy will alter your result and increase your chance of desiring a revision or repeat tummy tuck in the future.

A tummy tuck can be a rewarding and transformative procedure, removing excess skin from the belly and sculpting a smooth hourglass figure. However, it’s important to think about the best time in your life to consider having a tummy tuck. Ideally, patients should be done having children and at or near their ideal, stable weight. These conditions maximize the chances of having a stunning result that stands the test of time, and decreases the chance of later desiring a revision. Dr. Traci Temmen recognizes that plastic surgery of any kind is a big decision, and is committed to working with each patient to find the best option for them. As a woman herself, she understands her patients’ questions about how childbearing may affect their result, and is happy to discuss these concerns one-on-one. To learn more about if you may be a good candidate for a tummy tuck or any other cosmetic plastic surgery you’re interested in, please call 813-771-6393 to book your personal consultation with Dr. Traci Temmen today!

Can I get Fuller Breasts without Breast Implants?

While some women are blessed with naturally full, perky breasts, unfortunately not everyone hits the genetic lottery! For everyone else, having breasts that feel too small can be disheartening and cause decreased self-confidence. Push-up bras and strategic clothing choices can help you feel more confident in the moment, but many women find at the end of the day they still wish their breasts were fuller. Breast implants are a great option for many women hoping to increase the size of their breasts, but is this the only option? This blog post will answer the common patient question “Can I get fuller breasts without breast implants?” and introduce the concept of natural breast augmentation through fat transfer.

During breast augmentation with implants, medical grade synesthetic breast implants are used to add volume to the breasts and create a round, full shape. When it comes to breast implants, there are many different options to choose from such as saline versus silicone, and a wide variety of different sizes and shapes are available. However, for many women sometimes breast implants just don’t feel like the right choice. This may be due to worries about the safety or longevity of implants, or concerns about implants looking or feeling unnatural. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen understands that every woman is different, and respects her patients’ values and preferences. She is one of the only female board certified plastic surgeons in the area to offer natural breast augmentation with fat transfer to her patients who prefer a more natural approach.

For years, fat transfer has been used to move fat from an area where it is unwanted (such as the belly) to an area where it is desired (such as the face or buttocks). In recent times, plastic surgeons have found a new application of fat transfer in breast augmentation. During this procedure, a board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Traci Temmen begins by performing gentle liposuction of the belly, back and sides. This has an overall slimming effect, allows for body contouring, and also collects a supply of fat that can later be used for transfer. Once liposuction is complete, the fat is processed and prepared for transfer. It is then injected into the breasts to add soft, natural-looking volume. Patients are typically very happy with their result and love that their breasts look and feel soft and natural. Some women also feel more at ease knowing that they don’t have to worry about needing to replace their implants later on. Because the incisions made for fat transfer are very small, the resulting scars are tiny and become almost invisible with time. Scars for breast augmentation are longer, but in many cases the incisions are able to be placed in discreet locations such as under the armpit, leaving no scars on the breasts. (If you would like to learn more about the scar sizes and locations for breast augmentation, check out the Breast Augmentation procedure page.)

Natural breast augmentation with fat transfer is a great option for many women, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. Fat transfer typically results in a 1-1½ increase in cup size, so women desiring a greater increase in cup size (2 cup sizes or more) may be better suited for breast implants. In addition, women with a significant degree of ptosis (sagging) may benefit more from a breast lift with or without implants than fat transfer in order to tighten the skin and create a perkier appearance. Lastly, women with very low body fat may not have enough fat accessible via liposuction for fat transfer to the breasts if they desire a significant increase in breast size. However, this is rare and there is almost always enough fat available even in slim patients to create a beautiful result.

Natural breast augmentation with fat transfer is a great option for women to consider who are looking for a more natural alternative to breast implants. Dr. Traci Temmen is an expert at breast augmentation both with implants and with fat transfer, and consistently creates stunning results using both methods. To view real patient results, explore the Gallery of before and after photos. To learn more about if one of these options may be right for you, call 813-771-6393 to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Traci Temmen, MD today!

Will a Breast Lift make my Breasts Smaller?

When it comes to cosmetic breast surgery, every woman has unique goals! Some women wish their breasts were larger, and find breast augmentation with implants to be a great surgical option for them. Other women are happy with their breast size, but disappointed that aging, post-pregnancy, or unlucky genetics that have resulted in a sagging bust line. Still others desire larger breasts and a youthful lift, and choose to undergo a breast lift with implants. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen recognizes that every woman is different, with unique goals and priorities. She enjoys working with each one to form a personalized surgical plan that makes their dreams come true. This blog post will talk about a few of the unique surgical options available to patients considering cosmetic breast surgery, including breast implants, breast lift, and the combination procedure. While going over these options, we will also answer the common patient concern, “Will a breast lift make my breasts look smaller?”

During breast augmentation with implants, patients have the option of selecting saline or silicone breast implants that sit within the breast pocket, adding beautiful shape and volume to the breasts. Saline implants have an outer shell and are filled with a sterile saline solution after implantation (like a water balloon). In contrast, silicone implants are made of solid silicone throughout that more closely mimics breast tissue. As part of her thorough consultation and evaluation process, Dr. Temmen goes over the different implant types, shapes, and sizes with each patient to help them select the best option for them. The primary purpose of breast implants is to add round, full volume to the breasts, helping women feel more confident and attractive in clothing, bathing suits, or wearing nothing at all!

During a breast lift, excess sagging tissue is surgically removed and the breasts are lifted to a higher, more youthful position on the chest. This procedure is highly effective way to correct breast “ptosis” or sagging. There are different degrees of ptosis, which Dr. Temmen assesses by performing a careful physical examination and measurements in the office, including the distance from the nipples to the crease underneath the breasts (or inframammary fold), and if the nipples are facing forward or pointing down. Assessing the degree of ptosis helps her create a precise surgical plan to meet the patient’s goals. The main goal of a breast lift is to correct sagging and elevate the bust line so it appears perkier and more youthful.

Now that we’ve introduced breast implantation and breast lift, let’s briefly cover the combination procedure. During the combination breast lift with implants, Dr. Temmen performs both procedures simultaneously in the operating room, sparing the patient from having multiple surgeries. This is a great option for many women who want to increase their breast size while also eliminating sagging and creating a perkier bust line. This combination procedure allows for complete transformation of the breasts, making it a popular choice! Dr. Temmen performs this combination procedure for her patients all the time, creating truly stunning results!

Let’s conclude this post by answering the common question, “Will a breast lift make my breasts smaller?” In a literal sense, yes, a breast lift on its own removes tissue from the breasts without adding anything back. However, most patients find that visually, their breasts actually appear fuller after a breast lift. In others words, their cup size may slightly smaller, but the cup is much fuller. Patients notice this change the most in the upper pole of the breast that is most impacted by gravity. By taking away excess saggy and loose tissue, a breast lift tightens the remaining skin and tissue into a round, full shape. In summary, women looking for a true increase in breast size will need implants along with their lift, but those who would be happy with perkier, fuller-looking breasts may find that a breast lift on its own meets their goals.

Dr. Traci Temmen is highly skilled and experienced in all kinds of cosmetic breast surgery, including breast augmentation with implants, breast lift, and combined lift with implants. Patients love her gentle bedside manner and commitment to perfection, making her one of the most highly rated plastic surgeons in Tampa. To see real examples of patient results for yourself, simply navigate to the Gallery tab of this website. To learn more about if one of these transformative procedures may be a good fit for you, call 813-771-6393 to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Traci Temmen today!

Will a Breast Lift or Reduction Alleviate Back Pain?

Back pain is an exceedingly common complaint among Americans, affecting hundreds of thousands of people per year. While there are many possible causes of back pain, women have to deal with an additional cause that may not come to mind as often – breast size. For some women, losing weight can help decrease the size of enlarged breasts, thus decreasing back pain. For others, making a simple change such as finding a more supportive bra can help redistribute the weight across the shoulders, decreasing pain. Unfortunately, for a large number of women, these solutions simply don’t work. This can feel very discouraging for many women left wondering if there’s another option. Fortunately, there is a solution! Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen offers safe and effective surgical options for patients looking to decrease the size of their breasts and improve their quality of life. This blog post will discuss the similarities and differences between two common procedures, breast lift and breast reduction, and address which option may be better for women looking for relief from back pain due to heavy breasts.

First, let’s break down the differences between a breast lift and breast reduction. The goals of a breast lift include raising the nipple-areolar complex to a higher position, tightening the skin envelope of the breast, and improving upper breast fullness and shape. To achieve these goals, Dr. Temmen surgically repositions the nipple and breast tissue to a higher position on the chest wall, making the breasts look perkier. Additionally, excess loose and sagging skin is removed during this process to tighten the skin of the breasts and create a fuller, more youthful shape. During a breast lift, the removal of excess sagging skin and superficial tissue generally reduces cup size by about one letter (i.e. D to C). Although the breasts are technically smaller, they typically appear fuller after a lift due to the tightening and lifting effects of the surgery.

A breast reduction builds upon the procedure for a breast lift by adding surgical excision of excess breast tissue. This allows breast size to be decreased much more significantly than with a breast lift. It is important to note that a breast reduction still includes all of the elements of a breast lift that eliminate sagging, including the repositioning of the nipple-areola complex and skin tightening to create a perkier appearance. The main difference is simply that a reduction also removes a significant amount of breast tissue to make the breasts the desired size. Both breast lift and reduction may also include resizing of the nipple-areola complex for those desiring smaller or more symmetrical areolas.

Scar locations for these procedures vary depending on the degree of breast sagginess and/or enlargement. Patients requiring a small breast reduction or lift may achieve beautiful with a single scar placed around the nipple areolar complex (the border between the more pigmented areola and the rest of the breast). For patients requiring a larger reduction with a more significant degree of breast sagging, it is necessary to add a vertical scar from the bottom of the nipple-areolar complex to 2-4 cm above the breast fold at the chest wall. While patients often worry about this scar, it typically heals very well and can become virtually invisible after a year. Rarely, patients desiring a drastic reduction with extreme degrees of breast sagging may need a third horizontal scar placed at the breast fold. Traci Temmen understands that scars are a source of anxiety for many patients, and is committed to forming a personalized surgical plan with each patient to address all of her concerns and ensure the best possible aesthetic outcome that meets her goals.

Let’s end this post with a quick discussion of the role of breast size in back pain, and which surgical option can most effectively mitigate this. If you think about it, it makes sense that heavy breasts cause back pain. The breasts add substantial weight to the chest, which in turn exerts excess pressure on the joints and muscles of the back, causing pain. Over time, this can take a heavy toll on the body. Breast weight largely depends on breast size, and can vary from less than a pound to over five pounds for well-endowed ladies! While supportive bras may help redistribute this weight, unfortunately the amount of weight remain the same unless the breast size is reduced. For women with who are primarily concerned with the saggy appearance of their breasts rather than the size, a breast lift may be a good option. However, women with enlarged breast size that is causing secondary issues such as back pain will likely benefit more from a breast reduction, as this does much more to remove excess tissue from the breasts, and decrease the amount of weight.

Deciding the best option for you can feel daunting, but luckily you’re not on your own! Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen offers one-on-one consultations to all of her patients that includes a detailed discussion of the patient’s past medical and surgical history and goals for what she hopes to achieve from surgery. During this visit, Dr. Temmen also performs a thorough physical exam and takes precise measurements of the breasts to create a personalized surgical plan for each patient. She also takes the time to answer any questions the patient has about surgery, recovery, outcomes, and anything else the patient has concerns about. Dr. Temmen recognizes that surgery of any kind is an anxiety-inducing process for most patients, and is committed to helping each patient feel comfortable and cared for from initial consultation to recovery.

Dr. Traci Temmen is an expert at cosmetic breast surgery, and frequently performs breast lifts and breast reductions with beautiful results. She enjoys working with each patient to help them reach their goals, and love using her skills to restore patient’s confidence and quality of life. If you are interested in learning more about breast lift, reduction, or any other cosmetic plastic surgery you are interested in, please call 813-771-6393 to book your one-on-one consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Traci Temmen, MD, today.

Are the Results of My BBL Permanent?

When women think about the physical attributes they desire, for many, a round, shapely booty is at the top of the list! Unfortunately, for many women, no amount of squats is enough to get the shape of their dreams. This may be due to genetics, aging, or simply bad luck! No matter the reason, dissatisfaction with this area is a common frustration for many women. Luckily, with the power and prevision of modern medicine, a beautiful and shapely derriere can now be surgically sculpted with minimal scars through the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)! This is great news for women searching for a safe and effective way to sculpt their behind, but it also brings common questions like, “How long will my results last?” and, “Are the results of my BBL permanent?” After all, no one wants to undergo a costly procedure for a short-lived result. This blog post will discuss the Brazilian Butt Lift procedure as well as address this common patient concern.

The Brazilian Butt Lift is a transformative procedure developed to do what many women have jokingly wished for at one time or another – to take some fat from HERE and put it back THERE! This is accomplished through a combination of liposuction and fat transfer in two steps. In the first step, Dr. Temmen performs targeted liposuction of the tummy, back, and sides. This eliminates stubborn fat deposits like love handles and back fat, and also smooths and slims the entire silhouette. Once this step is complete, the fat that was collected is prepared for transfer. The highest quality fat is then loaded into cannulas and injected into targeted areas of the buttocks. During each patient’s individual consultation with Dr. Temmen, they go over the patient’s anatomy in detail and discuss the patients’ goals for their appearance. The locations and quantities of fat transferred is then tailored to meet those goals, for example to create more projection versus a rounder shape. During a BBL, both the liposuction and fat transfer are performed using small cannulas, leaving very tiny scars (about ¼-½ inch). After recovery from this procedure, it is not uncommon for the surgeon or even the patient to have difficulty locating their scars as they are so small and fade with time.

Now that we’ve gone over the basics of the BBL, let’s discuss the common patient question, “Will my BBL results be permanent?” Given that surgery of any kind costs a significant amount of money and comes with some risk of complications no matter how qualified and experienced the surgeon is, it is no surprise that the longevity of surgical results is a concern of many patients. Following surgery, between 60-80% of the newly transferred fat is retained long term stays while the remainder is reabsorbed naturally by the body. To help new fat stay in place, Dr. Temmen recommends patients try to avoid prolonged sitting for the first two weeks following surgery, and to also stand or lie on their side or stomach when possible during this period. During the recovery process, the new fat integrates into the surrounding tissues, ultimately acting similarly to your native fat anywhere else in your body. This means that the fat transferred during a BBL can also be affected by weight fluctuations. For this reason, Dr. Temmen recommends patients be at or near their ideal body weight prior to surgery to minimize weight changes afterwards that could alter the result. Lastly, it is important to keep in mind that of course the body will continue to change after surgery due to natural aging and the effects of gravity. While some of these natural changes unavoidable, patients can help preserve their result by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, following their surgeon’s post-op instructions and follow-up, and maintaining their ideal body weight.

Lastly, it is crucial to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced at BBLs and has a proven track record of excellent results. This will ensure that your surgeon is qualified not only in the operating room, but also fully trained to address any complications that arise during the recovery process. Dr. Traci Temmen is highly skilled at BBLs and consistently achieves amazing results. She is committed to working with each patient to create a beautiful and long-lasting result that makes her patients feel confident and radiant. To view real examples of past patient transformations for yourself, please explore the Gallery tab of this website. If you are interested in learning more about if you may be a candidate for this life-changing procedure, please call 813-771-6393 to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Traci Temmen, MD today!

Too Old for Breast Augmentation

Did you know that breast augmentation is the most popular cosmetic plastic surgery in the US? Each year, thousands of women choose a surgical option for safely and effectively enhancing their bustline. Most commonly, this is accomplished through the use of breast implants, which are soft synthetic implants that add beautiful round shape and volume to the breasts. While women of all ages commonly undergo this procedure, most advertisements showcase examples of young women in their 20s. However, in reality, the majority of women choosing breast implantation are in their 30s, 40’s and 50s. Oftentimes, these women choose to have breast implants due to the changes that take place in the breasts due to aging, pregnancy, breastfeeding, weight fluctuations, leaving many women feeling dissatisfied with their breasts. For many women, breast implantation offers a great solution for women hoping to feel more confident in their body again. This blog post will discuss the topic of breast augmentation with implants, as well as address the common question, “Am I too old for implants?”

Let’s start by discussing the options for breast implantation. Breast implants can be divided into two basic groups: Saline and silicone. Saline implants are composed of a thin plastic shell that is filled with a sterile saline solution. Silicone implants, on the other hand, are made of solid silicone throughout. Saline and silicone implants are both great options for many patients, and this decision usually comes down to a one-on-one conversation between the patient and surgeon about their goals for their appearance. Other blog posts that review this topic specifically can be found in the Blog section of this website. Other considerations for breast implants include implant placement (if the implant will be placed above or below the muscle), and scar location (in the armpit, around the areola, or under the breast fold). These considerations are discussed in detail at each patient’s one-on-one consultation with Dr. Temmen. During this visit, patients can discuss what kind of result they are hoping for, as well as review real patient before and after photos to view examples of past patient transformations. Dr. Temmen also allows patients to “try on” different implants underneath clothing to help patients visualize what different shapes and sizes would look like and find their perfect fit.

Next, let’s discuss the breast implantation procedure itself. First, the plastic surgeon creates a surgical “pocket” in the breast where the implant will sit. Then, the implant is placed into the pocket. Saline implants are placed in the surgical pocket and then filled up with saline once in place, whereas silicone implants are solid and so are directly implanted as is. Once the implants are in place, Dr. Temmen takes time to ensure a beautiful, symmetrical appearance and makes any necessary adjustments to implant size or position. Then, the small incisions are closed, taking care to conceal the scars as much as possible in natural skin folds, whether it be in the armpit, around the areola, or under the breast fold.

Now that we’ve broken down the different options and procedure for breasts implantation, let’s address the common patient question, “Am I too old for breast implants?” In short, the answer is probably not! Dr. Temmen is an expert at breast augmentation with implants in women across a wide age spectrum, from young women born with underdeveloped or hypoplastic breasts, to women in their 60s and beyond. More than age, it is important that any surgical candidate is in good health, feels ready to have surgery, and has reasonable expectations for their result. In addition, one extra factor to consider in older women is it is more common for this population to have breasts that have been affected by gravity over time, and are now in a lower position on the chest wall. Many of these women choose to undergo a combined breast augmentation with implants and breast lift, where excess sagging tissue is removed to lift the breasts at the same time that the implants are placed. This ensures a perky and youthful result, as well as a boost in volume and breast fullness.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen understands that the decision to get breast implants comes with many questions and worries, and stands ready to offer a listening ear and her surgical expertise to those who are interested in learning more breast augmentation with implants. In addition, she encourages everyone to look through the Gallery section of this website to see real examples of stunning patient transformations for themselves! If you would like to learn more about if you may be a good candidate for this life-changing procedure, simply call 813-771-6393 to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Traci Temmen, MD today!