Author Archives: Dr. Traci Temmen

Will a Breast Lift Reduce My Cup Size?

Gravity may keep our feet firmly planted on the ground, but unfortunately it also has many unwanted effects on the body! The effects of gravity in conjunction with aging and weight fluctuations can lead to sagging skin almost anywhere on the body, including the face, neck, and breasts. This post will discuss one surgical solution many women are interested in learning about to reverse sagging of the breasts called mastopexy, or breast lift. First, I will explain this procedure and its benefits, before addressing a common question asked by many women considering this procedure, “Will a breast lift reduce my cup size?”

Sagging breasts is one the most common complaints women have about their bodies, making them feel less attractive, self-conscious, or unable to wear the clothes they want. Unfortunately, this problem is almost inevitable as we age and our tissues lose their elasticity. Dr. Traci Temmen understands the toll this problem can have on a woman’s quality of life, and is happy to offer her surgical expertise to help many women regain their confidence. As with any surgery, the first vital step is to meet with a board-certified plastic surgeon who’s experienced in the area of interest and discuss your goals for the surgery as well as thoroughly review your medical and surgical history. During this visit, Dr. Temmen also performs a thorough physical exam and takes measurements of the breasts to precisely plan for surgery. On the day of surgery, the patient will meet her entire care team dedicated to her safety and comfort before being taken to the OR. During surgery, an incision will be made around the nipple-areola complex, or the border between the colored skin around the nipple and the rest of the breast. This allows the nipple and areola to be lifted to a higher position on the breast, as well as reduced in size if that is something the patient desires. For women with a mild degree of ptosis (sagging), this incision may be all that is needed. For those with moderate to severe ptosis, a second vertical incision may be made that connects the bottom of the circular incision to 2-4 cm above the breast fold. This incision is important for further tightening the skin and tissues in patients with higher degrees of breast sagging. Patients may be familiar with the combination of these two incisions commonly called the “lollipop incision”. While this may seem like a large incision to many patients, most find that it fades significantly and becomes only barely noticeable over time. Patients will discuss incision size and location with Dr. Temmen in the consultation and decide together if the patient’s goals are best achieved through just the peri-areolar incision or the combination lollipop incision.

Now that we have gone through the basics of how this procedure works, let’s address the common question, “Will a breast lift reduce my cup size?” The way that a breast lift works is by removing excess skin and tissue to lift and tighten the breasts. Since this involves removing some excess tissue, most women will find that a breast lift reduces their cup size by about one letter. However, most women are significantly happier with their overall breast appearance because their breasts are much perkier, and actually appear fuller despite being slightly smaller because the tissues are tightened. For women who want to maintain or increase their breast size after a breast lift, adding implants during this procedure may be an excellent option. This couples the benefits of reducing sagging and lifting the breasts to a more youthful position with a simultaneous increase in volume to give additional fullness to the breasts. Which option is better for the patient depends on their lifestyle, anatomy, and how they ultimately want to look, and can be discussed in detail with their plastic surgeon during their consultation.

Dr. Traci Temmen is highly trained and experienced in cosmetic breast surgery, including breast lift, breast augmentation using implants, and combined breast lift with implants. She enjoys working with each individual patient to help them reach their goals, and patients appreciate her commitment to perfection and gentle bedside manner. If you are interested in exploring one of the surgical options discussed or any other plastic surgery you are interested in, call 813-771-6393 to book your one-on-one consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Traci Temmen, MD, today.

Will Breast Implants work if my Breasts are Sagging?

Spring is in the air! And that means that summer is just around the corner, and with it hopefully at least a few vacation days to relax and unwind at the beach. While summertime brings poolside lounging, tropical drinks, and beautiful sunsets, it unfortunately is also a time when many people feel a little insecure about their bodies. For many women in particular, it can be a challenge to find a bikini top that makes them feel confident hitting the seashore. In fact, lots of women are unhappy with breasts that don’t quite fill out their bathing suit top, leaving them wishing they had just a little extra volume. For many others, the effects of aging bring unwanted sagging into play as women struggle to find a top with enough support. Whether an issue of wanting increased volume or a little pick-me-up, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen understands that the appearance of the breasts can be a source of embarrassment for many women, and is happy to offer safe and effective surgical solutions for those wishing to make a change. This blog post will discuss the basics of breast augmentation and breast lift, as well as answer the common question, “Will breast implants work if my breasts are sagging?”

First, let’s go over the basics of breast augmentation with breast implants. When it comes to implants, there are lots of different choices to help you find the look that’s right for you. Firstly, the patient will work with their plastic surgeon to decide between the two implant materials: Saline and silicone. Saline implants are designed like a balloon that is “inflated” with sterile saline (salt water) solution once placed into the implant pocket. Silicone implants, on the other hand, are composed of solid, medical grade silicone throughout. Other decisions to make with your surgeon include scar placement (under the armpit, around the areola, or in the crease underneath the breast), and implant placement (above or below the pectoralis muscle). As you can see, breast augmentation with implants is far from a one size fits all surgery, and it is vitally important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Traci Temmen who you can partner with and trust throughout your surgery journey.

So, lets shift focus now to answer the common question, “Will breast implants work if my breasts are sagging?” The answer to this question depends on how much the breasts are sagging – also referred to as the “degree of ptosis” of the breasts. Women with breasts with minimal sagging, where the nipple is at or above the level of the breast crease, may benefit from an implant alone. For these women, the increased volume will help “fill in” the loose overlying skin to make the breasts appear fuller. However, women with moderate to severe ptosis such that the nipple is below the level of the breast crease will usually require a breast lift in addition to implants. In a breast lift, the sagging extra skin and soft tissue are surgically removed to facilitate lifting the breasts to a higher position. The nipple and areola are also raised to higher positon during this procedure to match the new perkier positon of the breasts. For women who desire an increase in breast volume in addition to a lift, a breast lift with implants is an excellent option. This effectively eliminates sagginess while also adding beautiful volume and fullness to the breasts.

There are many options when it comes to breast augmentation, including breast implants alone, breast lift, or the combined breast lift with implants. Perhaps you already have done your research and feel confident which option is the best for you, which is great! But for many patients, the final decision will come down to having an in-person detailed conversation with their plastic surgeon to discuss the potential pluses and minuses of each procedure and choose the option that best suits their anatomy and desires. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Temmen recommends patients bring identify several before and after “wish pics” to go over together so she can fully understand their goals. To view real example of patient transformations, please refer to the Gallery portion of this website. If you would like to learn more about breast implants, breast lift, or the combination of the two, simply pick up the phone and call 813-771-6393 to schedule your personal consultation with Traci Temmen, MD, today!

Can Labiaplasty Improve Your Sex Life?

With the miracle of modern medicine and technology, the field of plastic surgery has blossomed to include safe and effective procedures all over the body. While breast augmentation, nose jobs, and butt lifts often grace magazine covers, plastic surgery on the genitalia remains a taboo topic. However, procedures such as labiaplasty can in fact be life-changing for many women who live with constant discomfort or embarrassment from enlarged labia. This blog post will explain this procedure in more detail as well as discuss the effects of labiaplasty on sexual function to answer the common question, “Can labiaplasty improve your sex life?”

The first step in any cosmetic surgical procedure is to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon who you trust to take great care of you before, during, and after your surgery. Dr. Traci Temmen has the highest level of training in her field and is experienced in the field of female genital surgery including labiaplasty. Furthermore, as a woman herself, Dr. Temmen understands the worries and concerns of her female patients and makes every effort to ensure every woman feels comfortable and cared for throughout their surgical experience. Once you have selected a surgeon and had a detailed in-person consultation to discuss your goals, it is time for surgery! This procedure usually takes only about one hour, but of course can vary depending on the individual patient. Before surgery, the patient receives local anesthesia and may be offered anti-anxiety medication to help her feel more relaxed, but remains awake and breathing on her own. During the procedure, Dr. Temmen carefully removes unwanted excess tissue from the labia. During this process she pays special attention to orient the incisions away from the vaginal opening. This precise scar placement ensures optimal patient comfort in the future during physical activity or sexual intercourse that might otherwise irritate the area. After surgery, patients are pleased that they are able to return home the same day and may return to work the next day. During recovery, they are able to resume light exercise in three weeks and sexual activity in six weeks.

Now that we have discussed labiaplasty, let’s go over how this procedure can affect (and maybe even improve!) sexual function. First, an anatomy lesson. Sexual sensation and function is supplied by nerves, most importantly the pudendal nerve. This nerve lies deep in the pelvis, sending small branches up to the surface to innervate the external genitalia. During a labiaplasty, only the most superficial tissue is operated on, leaving the deeper structures untouched. Therefore, injury to the deep nerves supplying this region would be extremely unlikely. Not only does labiaplasty preserve these important nerves, in fact many women report that labiaplasty actually improves their sex lives! This is accomplished through a few different ways. Firstly, many of the women seeking labiaplasty do so at least partially because their labia have enlarged to a point where they cause pain during exercise, rubbing against clothing, and during sexual activity. Reducing the size of the labia through labiaplasty eliminates this issue and helps women engage in these activities pain-free, increasing sexual enjoyment. The second part of this is as a woman experiences discomfort or pain with intercourse over a long time period, she may start to develop a negative association with sex that decreases her libido as well. Fixing the root of this problem can help women reclaim their sexual identity, with many women experiencing a newfound sex drive and increased desire. Finally, another common reason many women pursue labiaplasties is due to a feeling of embarrassment over the appearance of labia that they feel look engorged, elongated, or asymmetrical. Correcting this through plastic surgery can help women feel confident and sexy in the bedroom again.

Labiaplasty may seem like a scary option to some, but in reality it is a very safe and effective way to decrease the size of enlarged labia that cause pain, discomfort, or embarrassment for many women. This can have a positive impact on self-esteem, sexual function, and overall quality of life – all accomplished through a procedure done under local anesthesia in the time it would take you to take your lunch break! If you’re reading this blog post thinking this sounds like you, this is your chance to finally make a change and reach out to a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in this specialized and sensitive procedure. All you have to do is pick up the phone and call 813-771-6393 to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Traci Temmen, MD today!

What is “Low Cost Plastic Surgery”?

For many people, plastic surgery can be life-changing, helping instill confidence in how the world sees you, as well as how you see yourself. However, this powerful tool usually comes with a significant price tag that can leave patients wondering if it’s really worth it. Sometimes, this drives patients to explore some of the “low cost” plastic surgery options on the market. This post will shed light on some of the ways these surgeries are able to be offered at a lower price, as well as the potential pitfalls for patients. Armed with this information, patients should be able to make better informed decisions about how to spend their money, and what exactly they will receive in return.

Surgery is expensive, and includes many costs. For starters, these include the facility, the surgeon, the anesthesiologist, other paid staff, and of course the necessary tools to perform the procedure. Thinking logically, how are low cost plastic surgery centers able to offer surgery to patients at a reduced cost? The answer is twofold: Reducing costs, and increasing the number of surgeries they perform. Let’s start with the first part. In what ways do they reduce costs? Starting with the facility, the best place to have surgery is a fully accredited surgical facility that has been verified to be clean, up to code, and fully equipped with everything needed to respond in a life-threatening emergency. Dr. Traci Temmen operates at Temmen Plastic Surgery, a private surgical center that meets hospital standards and has been approved by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities. However, many low cost surgery centers do not live up to this high standard. The next area often compromised to bring down costs is who will be performing your surgery. Plastic surgery should only ever be performed by a board-certified plastic surgeon who is highly trained, experienced, and equipped to handle any potential complication that may arise. Patients may be fooled by people calling themselves “cosmetic surgeons” but who are actually not board-certified in plastic surgery. This greatly increases the likelihood of a poor outcome for the patient, and is associated with an increased risk of major complications such as bleeding and infection. The next place low cost centers may try to reduce costs is anesthesia. The anesthesiologist plays a very important role on the surgical team by safely putting the patient to sleep, overseeing their airway and breathing during surgery, and helping them wake up from surgery safely. An anesthesiologist is a doctor who received their MD and then completed a residency in anesthesia, making them the most qualified for the job. To reduce costs, a CRNA, or certified registered nurse anesthetist may be substituted. While CRNAs are also trained in anesthesia, the training is not as lengthy or rigorous as that for an anesthesiologist with an MD. At Temmen Plastic Surgery, every case has a dedicated anesthesiologist to ensure the safest possible anesthesia experience. Finally, let’s return briefly to part two of how low cost surgeries are able to be offered a low price. The answer to this is in order to make enough money at a lower price per surgery, they must perform a greater number of surgeries. This often means longer hours and fewer breaks for everyone on the medical team, resulting in personnel who are more tired and burnt out. This is obviously not optimal for the highest quality care.

While plastic surgery is often portrayed in the media as a glamorous and easy solution to getting the body of your dreams, it is important to remember that it is still surgery! Plastic surgery is technically demanding, requires the highest level of skill and experience, and should only be performed in the safest possible setting with fully qualified team members. When corners are cut to reduce costs, patient care suffers and the chances of a dangerous complication or poor outcome increase (which only increases costs in the long run.) Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen is highly skilled and experienced, and knows the importance of ensuring the highest quality care at every step – from thorough in-person consultations to a private surgical suite equipped with the latest technology to a full medical team dedicated to each patient. Dr. Temmen has the results to prove that her thorough, meticulous method works – Explore the Before and After section of this website to see for yourself why so many patients trust her for their surgery. If you want to learn more about if you are a good candidate for any plastic surgery you are interested in, call 813-771-6393 to book your one-on-one consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Traci Temmen, MD, today!

Will my Tummy Tuck Scars be Noticeable?

The abdominal region is a great source of insecurity for many women. And with all the flat stomachs and tiny waists in bikinis on magazine covers, who can blame them? Sometimes all the sit-ups and Weight Watcher’s meals in the world just won’t cut it, leaving women feeling discouraged and defeated. Luckily, Dr. Traci Temmen is highly skilled at using her surgical expertise to give women the body of their dreams! One procedure that does just that is the “tummy tuck”, also known as an abdominoplasty. This post will explain some background on this procedure and what kind of results patients can expect. In addition, it will address one of the most common questions patients ask about this procedure, which is “Will my tummy tuck scars be noticeable?”

While tummy tucks have been around for a long time and many patients are familiar with the idea, most are less familiar with the steps of how the procedure is performed to create that perfect result. The first step in any cosmetic surgery is of course meeting with your board-certified plastic surgeon. During this individual consultation, Dr. Traci Temmen likes to spend quality one-on-one time talking to each patient about their questions, concerns, and goals for the procedure. She also goes over their anatomy in detail to meticulously plan out how the surgery will be performed in order to give them the best possible result. On the day of surgery, Dr. Temmen first performs liposuction of the abdomen, back and sides in order to flatten the stomach and sculpt the abdomen into an attractive hourglass shape by accentuating the patient’s natural curves. This step of the procedure also enables Dr. Temmen to perform the tummy tuck part of the surgery afterwards through a shorter scar. Next, a horizontal incision is made low down on the abdomen in order to perform the tummy tuck part of the procedure. Using this incision, Dr. Temmen removes the excess droopy abdominal skin and tissue to create a tighter, firmer stomach. At the same time, she pulls together the abdominal muscles that are often stretched apart over time due to aging, weight gain, or pregnancy, helping to further cinch in the waist. Lastly, Dr. Temmen creates a new, attractive oval-shaped “innie” belly button to complement the new physique.

Now that we’ve gone over the basics of the tummy tuck procedure, it is time to discuss the question on everyone’s mind: How big will my tummy tuck scar be? In the old days, tummy tuck scars were long, unsightly scars extending from hipbone to hipbone and beyond. Luckily with advanced techniques and Dr. Temmen’s method of performing liposuction first, most tummy tucks today can be performed through a scar that is just a little longer than a typical C-section scar. In addition, Dr. Temmen takes care to make the scar as short as possible and as low as possible on the abdomen so it can easily be concealed by standard underwear or bikini bottoms. Most women are very excited that they can have a such a beautiful result all through a small scar that is easily concealed. Lastly, there is one additional small scar where the new belly button is created. This scar is conveniently located in the indent of the belly button to help conceal it even further, and is barely noticeable with time.

For women considering tummy tuck, the surgery can seem daunting – especially hearing past stories of patients left with long, unsightly scars and unnatural looking results. However, you can take just one look at the Gallery portion of this website to see how far tummy tucks have come today! With Dr. Temmen’s meticulous eye for detail and proven surgical techniques, patients today are amazed by how good they look after surgery, with minimal and easily concealed scars. 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 personal consultation with Traci Temmen, MD today!

Quarantine Bod Edition: Tummy Tuck vs Mommy Makeover

The covid-19 vaccines are starting to roll out and summer is on the horizon, leaving many people feeling less than pleased with their post-quarantine bod! As society starts to move towards a new “normal”, this is the perfect time to resume thinking about all of the things that got put on the back burner. For many women, that may include revisiting some of the elective procedures they were considering before the pandemic hit and everyone stayed safe at home. This blog post will focus on the tummy tuck and the mommy makeover, two procedures offered by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen to help contour the body and leave people saying “Wow, she must have done quarantine right!” This post will compare and contrast these two options to help women start to think about which one may be better suited to their goals.

First, let’s talk about the tummy tuck, a cosmetic surgical procedure that has long been popularized in the media for creating a flatter, smoother tummy. In this procedure, Dr. Temmen first performs liposuction to remove unwanted stubborn fat from the stomach, back, and sides. This also has an overall smoothing and slimming effect, and can help accentuate the waistline to bring out the patient’s natural curves. Once this step is complete, Dr. Temmen removes excess skin and tissue from the abdomen via a horizontal incision that runs under the bikini line. This helps flatten the stomach and pull the skin tighter across the abdomen to eliminate the dreaded “pooch” area. Dr. Temmen may also pull together the underlying abdominal muscles in this area if they have stretched apart to further cinch in the waistline. The result of this procedure is slimmer, shapelier midsection free from excess flabby skin. And the best part is that the surgical scar can be easily concealed beneath most standard underwear or bikini bottoms, so no one else has to know!

For those looking to go one step further, the mommy makeover may be right for you! This procedure is a combination of the tummy tuck with liposuction as well as breast enhancement, providing a full-body transformation. In this surgery, Dr. Temmen performs body-contouring liposuction and removes unwanted extra skin with a tummy tuck, but she doesn’t stop there! For the mommy makeover, patients may choose to enhance their breasts through a variety of options including breast augmentation with implants, fat transfer to the breasts, or augmentation with a breast lift. Dr. Temmen works individually with each patient to choose the perfect option that best suits their body and aesthetic goals. Breast implants can provide additional volume and fullness to the breasts. Fat transfer to the breasts is another way to add soft, natural-looking volume to the breasts without the use of implants. Lastly, a breast lift may be desired by women who feel that their breasts are sagging and could benefit from a little pick-me-up! Some women may also choose to combine a breast lift with augmentation during a mommy makeover to add beautiful volume while also lifting the breasts, creating a fuller, perkier look. When it comes to the mommy makeover, as you can see this procedure is very customizable to suit your individual needs. Dr. Traci Temmen takes pride in working with each patient to design the perfect procedure for them, and patients appreciate her thorough, meticulous approach and kind bedside manner.

As the world starts to emerge from its quarantine bubble, now is a great time to show some love to yourself for making it through these difficult times! And what better way to do that than through a life-changing full body transformation? Whether you’re more interested in liposuction with a tummy tuck, a mommy makeover, or aren’t sure yet, Dr. Traci Temmen has the perfect option for you to transform your body and take your self-confidence to a whole new level. To see real patient examples by Dr. Temmen, visit the “Tummy Tuck” and “Mommy Makeover” sections of the Gallery tab on this website. If decide you’d like to learn more about if you may be a good candidate for either of these procedures, simply call 813-771-6393 to book your one-on-one consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Traci Temmen, MD, today!

What are the risks and benefits of breast reduction?

While many women spend their days wishing their breasts were fuller, other women have just the opposite problem. In fact, having breasts that are too large is becoming an increasingly common problem that has women searching for a solution. While healthy lifestyle changes like nutrition and exercise can help decrease overall body weight and thus take some weight off the breasts as well, unfortunately for many women that just isn’t enough. Fortunately, breast reduction surgery, also called reduction mammoplasty, is a safe and effective surgical option for women to consider who are bothered by their large and cumbersome breasts. This blog post will talk about the risks and benefits of this surgery that addresses an increasingly common complaint experienced by women today.

Firstly, breast reduction has the risks associated with surgery of any kind, including bleeding and infection. These risks are typically very small if the surgery is performed in a fully accredited surgical facility by a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Traci Temmen who is well-equipped to manage any potential complication that could arise during or after surgery. As far as risks that are specific to breast reduction, there are a few. One of these is changes in nipple sensation due to surgery impacting some of the small nerves that supply the area. Along similar lines, women who have a breast reduction may have difficulty breast-feeding down the road due to some loss of sensation as well as some glandular tissue. This is not always an issue for patients, but it should be discussed with the surgeon if the patient plans to try to breastfeed in the future. Another very rare complication is loss of the nipple areola complex, but this can almost always be prevented by proper patient selection (only operating on patients who are healthy and don’t smoke). Lastly, there is always a risk that the patient will be unhappy with the result. This can be minimized by taking time to do your research to select a plastic surgeon who is board-certified, understands your goals and concerns, and consistently gets great results. Dr. Traci Temmen has performed many breast reductions with beautiful results, and her patients are always impressed by her kind bedside manner and gentle hand. To see for yourself, just read one of her many raving reviews left by real patients, and view the images of real patient results in the photo Gallery.

Now that we’ve covered some of the risks of breast reduction, let’s move on to the fun part – the benefits! For most women, breast reduction surgery has both functional and aesthetic benefits. From a functional standpoint, breasts that are large and out of proportion to the rest of the body often cause chronic back pain, neck pain, and headaches from the excess weight. Large breasts can also make it very difficult to exercise, perform normal daily activities, and find clothes that fit well. Some women also experience painful rashes underneath the breasts from chronic irritation of the skin. After breast reduction, many of these problems are improved or even disappear completely, dramatically improving quality of life. Women often feel like a great burden has been lifted off and now they can finally enjoy life without all that extra weight and pain. From an aesthetic standpoint, most women are also very happy to have breasts that look more proportional to their body after surgery. Usually, breasts that are very large become low and saggy due to all of the excess weight. During surgery, the breasts are lifted back up to their normal anatomical position, creating a more youthful and natural look. In addition, women seeking breast reduction are often also bothered by areolas that are very large and out of proportion to the breast. During surgery, Dr. Temmen can decrease the size of the nipple areola complex so that it is in proportion to the rest of the breast. Overall, women are usually very pleased with the look of their new breasts that are lighter, perkier, and more proportional to their body.

Hopefully this post has shed some light on the potential risks and many benefits of breast reduction surgery. Of course, the best way to learn more about if you may be a good candidate for reduction mammoplasty is through talking to a board-certified plastic surgeon. To find out more, call 813-771-6393 to book your one-on-one consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Traci Temmen, MD, today!

Are plastic surgery and self-love mutually exclusive?

Valentine’s Day is here, and love is in the air! While many people might be thinking about red roses, chocolate hearts, and spending time with that special someone, this post is about a different kind of love that is just as important – Self-love! When thinking about self-love, chances are plastic surgery isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. In fact, some people may even believe that the two are mutually exclusive. This post will unpack the concept of self-love and show how cosmetic surgery can actually be a wonderful way to show love to yourself.

The concept of self-love has become increasingly popular over the past several years, often gracing the covers of magazines accompanied by a woman smiling while they do yoga. Indeed, the world seems to have adopted a specific formula for self-love that typically includes green smoothies, French-pressed coffee, and morning routines that involve sun salutations. Needless to say, this is highly glamorized and does not apply to most people. In reality, everyone practices their own unique form of self-love based on what makes them feel good. Just as there is no single winning algorithm for romantic love that works for everyone, there is also no single best way to practice self-love. Some people feel empowered by wearing high heels and a dress, others feel their best in casual comfy clothing. Some show love to themselves by cooking a delicious meal, while others get the most joy out of ordering take-out. None of these choices are wrong, it’s just about the individual. Plastic surgery can be thought about in a similar way. For some women, self-love means embracing their bodies just as they are. But for others, self-love means taking the first step towards affecting positive change in their appearance through the power of plastic surgery. Either of these approaches is healthy as long as the person is acting true to their values and desires and doesn’t feel pressured by someone else. For those who have long struggled with insecurities about their body, cosmetic surgery can be the ultimate gift to themselves that helps them feel radiant and beautiful like never before. After all, your outward appearance is what you see when you look in the mirror every day, as well as how you face the world. Being consistently unhappy with your appearance can take a huge toll on one’s self-confidence and quality of life. Despite what some magazines may say, there is no need to feel pressured into loving every single part of your body. It is okay and perfectly normal to want to change something, whether it’s due to genetics, aging, weight gain, or just bad luck! With the power of plastic surgery, people finally have a chance to make the changes they want to see and smile every time they look in the mirror. This can have many far-reaching effects, including building self-esteem, feeling more comfortable exploring romantic connections, and increasing confidence in social settings – Overall, getting get more joy out of life!

The self-love movement is often portrayed as a specific trope, but the truth is it’s really about doing things that make you feel beautiful, loved, and valued. If you feel like some part of your appearance is making you feel unattractive, insecure, or holding you back from living your best life, you don’t have to just tolerate it anymore. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen has used her surgical expertise to help countless patients get the body of your dreams, and frequently performs procedures on the abdomen, breasts, buttocks, and face with beautiful results. To view real examples of patient results, please explore the Gallery tab of this website. If you’re ready to take the first step towards realizing the body of your dreams, call 813-771-6393 to book your one-on-one consultation with Traci Temmen, M.D. today!

What Are Sculptra Butt Injections, and Who Should Get Them?

Have you always been unhappy with your flat butt and wished it was more round and curvy? If so, you’re not alone! It is very common for women to be dissatisfied with the shape of their buttocks, causing them to feel less confident or attractive. Although some women are able to change the shape of their glutes through vigorous exercise, others unfortunately just don’t have the genetic foundation to change their shape. Luckily, there are a few options available to enhance the appearance of your booty without doing a single squat! From a surgical standpoint, butt implants and Brazilian butt lifts are offered by many plastic surgeons to sculpt the buttocks into a rounder, fuller shape. For those wishing to explore nonsurgical choices, Sculptra butt injections are another great option for many patients. This post will go into detail about how Sculptra butt injections work and who may be an ideal candidate for this safe and effective procedure.

When considering injections to enhance the appearance of the buttocks, it is important to remember that not all injections are created equal! In fact, while injections like Sculptra are very safe when performed by an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Traci Temmen, others that are not FDA approved can have potentially dangerous consequences. Sculptra injections have a well-established safety profile, and actually have been used for years to fill in wrinkles and creases in the face. This poly-L-lactic acid filler has recently been cleared by the FDA for use in the buttocks as well. During the procedure, Sculptra is precisely injected into targeted regions of the butt where the added volume is desired. Once injected, the Sculptra starts to work on the surrounding tissues to stimulate collagen production. Thus, while patients may notice some difference after injection, the bulk of the change will happen gradually over a few months as the body slowly generates collagen in the areas that were injected. This helps ensure a gradual and natural-looking progression in the size and shape of the buttocks.

There are many benefits to Sculptra injections that make it a popular choice for many patients. For one, the procedure itself is not a surgery, eliminating the need for anesthesia, reducing pain, and virtually eliminating the recovery period. In fact, the injections themselves typically only take about thirty minutes. However, it should be noted that many patients benefit most from multiple injection sessions, so this is not typically a “one and done” procedure. In addition, the effects of the injections typically last 2-3 years, leading many patients to return for “maintenance injections” at the end of this time period. Sculptra may be an especially good fit for patients who are very thin with little fat available for harvest with a Brazilian butt lift, since it uses a filler instead of autologous fat. That being said, Dr. Temmen is also highly skilled in performing so-called “skinny BBLs” on slender patients as they typically don’t desire a large volume fat transfer to get the result they desire. For these patients, both Scrulptra injections and skinny BBL may be good options to consider. To pick the best choice for each patient, Dr. Temmen offers one-on-one consultations where she considers the patient’s lifestyle, anatomy, and aesthetic preferences to choose the best option for them. Overall, patients who are thin and like the idea of not having to undergo a full surgery to get results are probably the best candidates for Sculptra butt injections.

Lastly, it is important to share a quick word of caution on butt injections. While having Sculptra injected by a board-certified plastic surgeon is very safe, there are unfortunately plenty of providers in the world who are not licensed or trained in these procedures and try to lure patients in with low prices and promising patient anecdotes. Not only are these providers not qualified to perform butt injections or manage the potential complications, but they may also be injecting a substance that is not FDA approved to cut costs, such as industrial-grade silicone (or heaven forbid, cement!) These substances are not approved for butt injection and can have serious, potentially even fatal consequences such as deadly embolism or abscess. A famous example of this is the rapper Cardi B who experienced a horror story of butt injections gone wrong when she went to someone who was not board-certified for a low price and ended up with a botched result and costly complications. While the cheap price tag on these procedures can be alluring, do not be deceived! It is not worth risking your health (or your life) to save money on a cosmetic procedure.

People today have many options to choose from when it comes to butt augmentation including both surgical and non-surgical options. In the right patient, Sculptra butt injections can be a great choice for those hoping to stay out of the the operating room without sacrificing results. Dr. Traci Temmen is highly skilled in performing Sculptra but injections for her patients with beautiful results. If you would like to learn more about if you may be a good candidate for this procedure, simply call 813-771-6393 to book your one-on-one consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Traci Temmen, MD, today!

What is Awake/No Downtime Liposuction?

Many people aren’t bothered by one particular area of their body, but rather wish that they could trim a little here and there to create an overall slimmer and shapelier physique. Fortunately, one such cosmetic surgery can do just that! Liposuction is a surgical procedure that has become very popular across the United States for providing safe and effective results that can be tailored to each unique patient. There are many different types of liposuction that pop up in the media, including everything from tumescent to ultrasound to laser-assisted. This post will speak briefly about the general process of liposuction as well as dispel some myths about one form of liposuction called “awake” or “no downtime” liposuction that patients may come across in their research.

Liposuction typically consists of two steps. The first step is breaking up the fat to prepare it to be suctioned. This can be accomplished with a chemical solution or another form of energy such as laser or ultrasound. Dr. Traci Temmen utilizes a method called tumescent liposuction where a fluid consisting of a saline solution, a local anesthetic, and a drug that constricts blood vessels is injected into the patient’s tissues. This helps to break up the fat and separate it from the surrounding tissues for later suction as well as reduce pain and bleeding. Liposuction is then performed where a hollow tube called a cannula that is attached to suction is gently maneuvered to loosen and remove the targeted fat deposits. Once the fat has been removed, Dr. Temmen takes care to equally redistribute the thin layer of remaining fat in order to ensure a smooth, natural-looking result. Dr. Temmen’s patients are consistently impressed with their new slim and sculpted physiques after liposuction, and thrilled that it was all accomplished through incisions that are only a quarter to half of an inch long!

Patients exploring different modes of liposuction may come across options that sound very appealing such as “awake” or “no downtime” liposuction. These are often advertised as having less risk due to being done under local anesthesia instead of general, being “less invasive”, and promising a shorter, more comfortable recovery period. Unfortunately, this marketing can sometimes be too good to be true. The way that this type of liposuction is performed is by injecting very large amounts of local anesthetic (lidocaine). This is what allows the patient to stay awake during the procedure but feel minimal discomfort. Unfortunately, high levels of local anesthetic can be toxic to the body. Therefore, this method generally only makes sense when performed on a very small targeted area of the body where not much lidocaine would be needed. However, the vast majority of patients desire a large area of their body (such as the abdomen, back, and sides) to be targeted in order to achieve an all-over slimming effect and sculpt the body into an attractive hourglass shape. In order to achieve this kind of result using awake liposuction techniques, such a large volume of local anesthetic would have to injected that it would be toxic to the patient. Therefore, in these cases the surgery must be divided over multiple days. At this point, it really makes more sense to perform liposuction in one sitting under general anesthesia rather than dragging out the procedure over multiple days. Utilizing general anesthesia safely allows the surgeon to create the best aesthetic result without the increased hassle and possible complications of multiple surgeries. Furthermore, because the main difference between these techniques is the amount of local anesthetic used but the surgical methods are the same, the recovery process for awake liposuction is about the same as for other types of liposuction and does not offer any advantage.

Liposuction is a powerful tool for removing stubborn fat deposits and contouring the body into the shape you desire. In the hands of an experienced and highly skilled board certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Traci Temmen, this technique is very safe and consistently produces beautiful and natural-looking results. To view real examples of past patient transformations, simply explore the Gallery tab of this website. If you are interested in learning more about if you may be a good candidate for liposuction or another cosmetic surgery procedure, please call 813-877-2277 to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Traci Temmen, MD today!