Author Archives: Dr. Traci Temmen

Is the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) Safe?

With summer just around the corner, many women are starting to think more about how they can look and feel their best in a cute swimsuit, jean cut-offs, or new tank top this summer. For many women, a key problem area that continues to bother them despite diet and exercise efforts is the shape of their behind. No matter how many squats you do, sometimes it’s just not possible to get that perfect lift and full shape through lifestyle changes alone! The Brazilian Butt Lift Procedure performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen is a great option to consider for finally achieving that flawless derriere you’ve been dreaming of. This ingenious procedure utilizes the powerful precision of liposuction to remove unwanted fat from problem areas like the tummy, back, and sides and then transfer it to the buttocks to create a fuller, rounder shape. The concept of transferring one’s own fat to a different region of the body may be unfamiliar to many patients, and raise questions about the safety of this procedure. In this post, I will address these concerns and explain how this procedure is very safe when performed by a highly experienced board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Traci Temmen.

At first glance, the idea of moving fat from one region of the body to another may sound pretty simple. However, there are a few key factors to keep in mind that affect the safety of this procedure. First is the amount of fat that is harvested via liposuction. This varies significantly depending on the patient, as a patient with more excess fat will have more accessible fat for removal, while a slim patient will have less. It is possible to remove too much fat during this procedure, and as such, your plastic surgeon should not have a “one size fits all” approach but instead customize the quantity of fat and areas that it is harvested from depending on the shape, size, and aesthetic preferences of the patient. Although slender patients have less fat available for transfer, it is important to remember that a small volume of fat can make a big impact for these patients, so it is perfectly okay that less is able to be harvested. Dr. Traci Temmen works extensively with each patient to ensure that she fully understands their goals before forming a personalized plan to create a result they are happy with. In addition to her extensive training in the Brazilian Butt Lift procedure, Dr. Temmen also has additional training in how to safely perform this procedure on thinner patients (called the “Skinny BBL”) to ensure that these patients can achieve an equally safe and beautiful result.

The second piece of information that is integral to ensuring the safety of the Brazilian Butt Lift procedure is the manner in which the fat is injected into the buttocks. After the fat is harvested, it should be transferred subcutaneously using large bore, side port, blunt cannulas while withdrawing. This method ensures that the fat injection process is as safe as possible, and minimizes the risk of complications. While the buttocks may feel mostly composed of fat, there are important neurovascular structures and muscle groups underneath the superficial tissue layers that should not be disturbed during the BBL procedure. That is why it is crucial to remain in the subcutaneous plane (just under the skin) while injecting to avoid impacting these deeper structures. In fact, in the state of Florida, it is illegal for surgeons to inject fat deep into the muscle because of the increased risk of serious complications such as fat embolization (when some fat accidently gets into the bloodstream and causes a clot somewhere in the body, such as in the heart or lungs.) By always staying in the shallow subcutaneous plane, this risk is much, much lower, as the fat is being injected into the layer where preexisting fat already naturally exists just beneath the surface.

Finally, an important factor to consider regarding the safety of the BBL procedure is the setting in which it is performed. This procedure should be performed in an accredited surgical facility, meaning that it has been verified to be clean, up to code, and be fully equipped with everything needed to respond in a life-threatening situation. Temmen Plastic Surgery meets hospital standards and has been approved by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities. Furthermore, every detail has been designed with patient safety, comfort, and privacy in mind in order to ensure that every patient has the best experience possible. One additional feature that pertains to the BBL specifically is this facility’s ability to utilize ultrasound guidance if needed during fat transfer to avoid improperly placed fat – just another feature that maximizes patient safety.

As you can see, there are many different factors that play into the safety and efficacy of the Brazilian Butt Lift Procedure. Hopefully, this article shed some light on a few aspects to keep in mind. Of course, first and foremost, it is important to choose an experienced, highly trained board-certified plastic surgeon who will work alongside you from initial consultation to post-op. Dr. Traci Temmen is a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon who consistently achieves safe and stunning BBL results for her patients. If you’re ready to take the first step and learn more about this life-changing procedure or any other cosmetic procedure you may be interested in call 813-771-6393 today to book your one-on-one consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Traci Temmen, MD, today!

Does Labiaplasty Surgery affect sexual sensation or function?

While you have probably seen lots of advertisements about using plastic surgery to enhance the appearance of their breasts, tummy, and bottom, another area that is less talked about but very important to the confidence and comfort of many women is the external genitalia. In particular, many women find that due to factors such as genetics, exercise, childbirth, and aging, they are unhappy with appearance of their labia majora and minora, or the “wings” that frame the vaginal opening.

Oftentimes, the labia may appear engorged, elongated, or asymmetrical, causing embarrassment over this very intimate area of the body. In addition, this may prevent women from donning swimsuits or tight-fitting clothing such as athletic apparel that they would otherwise enjoy wearing. In other cases, increased size or protrusion of the labia minora beyond the protective labia majora causes irritation from rubbing against clothing or pain during sexual intercourse, interfering with daily life and personal relationships.

Whether a woman is interested in learning more about labiaplasty due to embarrassment or dissatisfaction with her appearance or to alleviate pain and discomfort, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen understands that this is a very personal decision, and ensures that every patient feels listened to and cared for from initial consultation to post-op recovery. Due to the delicate nature of the area involved in this procedure, many women have a lot of questions and concerns about labiaplasty. This post will discuss a few of the most common worries women have who are considering this procedure, including changes in sensation and sexual function after surgery and scar placement.

One common concern women have who are interested in learning more about labiaplasty is if this procedure will affect sensation or function of the area and reduce enjoyment of sexual activity. Fortunately, the labiaplasty surgery does not have a detrimental effect on sexual sensation or function. This is because this procedure is performed very superficially, only impacting the skin and underlying mucosa. The nerves supplying this region are located deeper in the pelvis, and are not affected during surgery. Therefore, sexual sensation and function are preserved. An additional benefit of this surgery is that for women undergoing labiaplasty due to enlarged labia causing pain or discomfort during sex, the reduction in the size of the labia during this procedure should make sex more comfortable and enjoyable! Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen forms a detailed and personalized surgical plan with each patient, taking into account their individual anatomy and goals. Patients are consistently impressed with Dr. Temmen’s kind and calming bedside manner throughout this sensitive procedure, and her exquisite surgical skills and gentle touch ensure a great aesthetic result while preserving sensation and function.

Another common concern women have is about the location of their surgical scars following labiaplasty. Some patients worry about the scars being super obvious to themselves or a partner, or that they will cause pain during intercourse. Dr. Traci Temmen is meticulous and precise in her pre-surgical evaluation of the patient, ensuring that she knows exactly how much tissue will be removed and where the scar will be located. The surgical scar is placed on the inner surface of the labia, with the suture line oriented away from the vaginal opening. This deliberate and precise placement not only makes the scar as invisible as possible, but also minimizes irritation against clothing or during intercourse. Dr. Temmen typically recommends that patients wait about three weeks after surgery to resume light exercise and six weeks to engage in sexual activity in order to give the tissues time to heal.

Patients considering labiaplasty often have many concerns including those addressed in this post, ranging from worries about sexual function to scar placement to recovery. It is imperative that every patient finds a board-certified plastic surgeon who they feel listens to and understands their needs and desires. Patients should spend time researching plastic surgeons, ensuring that they are board-certified, have ample experience, and have before and after pictures of real patients they have worked with and achieved great results. Dr. Traci Temmen is highly skilled and experienced at performing labiaplasty procedures and consistently produces results her patients are happy with – many of these examples can be viewed in the “Before and After” section of this website. In addition, as one of the few female plastic surgeons in the area who are experienced in this procedure, Dr. Traci Temmen is uniquely positioned to understand her female patients wishes and concerns. She meets extensively one-on-one with each patient to ensure that she fully understands their desires before forming a personalized surgical plan to achieve those goals, and treats every patient as she would want a friend or family member to be treated.

While it is a great first step to learn from online resources such as this one, nothing can replace an in-person meeting with a board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in this specialized and sensitive procedure. Call 813-771-6393 to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Traci Temmen, MD today!

What is Beauty?

Beauty isn’t about looking like the supermodel on the cover of a magazine, but feeling happy and confident in who you are and sharing that light with others. Unfortunately, many women feel like an aspect of their appearance is preventing them living their lives to the fullest as the gorgeous goddesses they are inside. Part of the reason for this is society today is caught between two extremes – on the one hand, we are in the age of relentless social media, where our world is saturated with pictures of beautiful people. On the other, the idea of body positivity has recently become very trendy, and an unintended consequence of this is that women today often feel pressured fully love and embrace their bodies or risk betraying womankind. The clash of these two cultures puts women in a difficult place, as we are constantly being bombarded by pictures of perfect bodies while also being told that we must be content with whatever body we were given, including all of its flaws and imperfections. The truth is that most women have things they wish they could change about their bodies, and that is perfectly normal and okay.

Some women are fortunate enough to find ways to make those changes through lifestyle modifications like diet and exercise. Unfortunately, other changes are simply not possible to make on your own, and require the help of professional. This is where the expertise of a highly trained, board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Traci Temmen can make a world of difference. Plastic surgery is a powerful tool that, when wielded by an experienced and skilled plastic surgeon who understands your desires, can dramatically impact the way you feel about yourself. The objective of plastic surgery is not to change who you are, but to help shape your body in such a way that makes you feel radiant and confident in your own skin. As a female plastic surgeon, Dr. Temmen understands how the close connection between looking good and feeling good can dramatically impact a woman’s self-esteem and overall quality of life.

As discussed above, a key goal of plastic surgery is to help you feel just as beautiful on the outside as you do on the inside. Many patients can immediately identify a problem area that they are most self-conscious of. For some, it’s a prominent nose that has always made them feel less feminine, or stubborn love handles that won’t disappear no matter how much they exercise. For many others, it’s embarrassment over having breasts that are small and flat, differently sized, or low and saggy. Whatever it is that is holding you back from feeling like the truest, most beautiful form of yourself, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen is ready to listen to your story and work with you towards the appearance of your dreams. Not only is she highly skilled and experienced in many different areas of cosmetic surgery, but she also a perfectionist with an artist’s touch. Dr. Temmen meets individually with each patient to thoroughly review their medical history, lifestyle considerations, and aesthetic goals before making a plan to reach them together.

Contrary to popular belief, “plastic” in the context of plastic surgery does not mean synthetic. It actually means capable of being molded and shaped; able to exhibit growth, change, and renewal. If you feel like there is an aspect of your appearance that is bringing you down or preventing you from living life to the fullest, know that that field of cosmetic plastic surgery exists to help people affect powerful positive change in their appearance. Dr. Temmen understands that the body’s appearance can have a profound impact on how confident, attractive, and happy people feel, and takes the responsibility of sculpting it very seriously. She takes great care to thoroughly address all patient concerns and treat every patient like she would want a family member to be treated, all in the privacy and comfort of a boutique surgical setting.

If you are tired of hiding problem areas under baggy clothes or feeling unhappy when you look in the mirror, now is the time to take action! Let board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen work with you to transform your source of unhappiness and embarrassment into one of confidence and joy. You deserve to feel radiant and empowered to be the best version of yourself – and that is the true definition of beauty.

Interested in learning more about which cosmetic procedures could help you reach your goals? Take the first step and call 813-771-6393 to schedule your personal consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Traci Temmen, MD today!

Breast Lift vs Breast Augmentation

For many women considering cosmetic plastic surgery, the key area they wish to change to feel more confident and beautiful is their bust line. Patients may have many different reasons for wanting to change the appearance of their breasts. Some women feel like their breasts are too small for their frame, and believe they would feel more feminine and attractive if they were a little bit larger. Other women may be happy with their current size, but wish their breasts looked more perky and youthful, rather than saggy and deflated. Whatever the reason, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen meets her patients where they are, and works with them one-on-one to create a personalized surgical plan to suit their body, lifestyle, and goals. In this post, I will break down the two main surgical options for creating a beautiful bust line: Breast augmentation with implants, and breast lift. Hopefully by the end of this post, you will have a solid understanding of the different options that are available to help you reach the body of your dreams!

For many patients, breast augmentation with implants is an excellent choice. In this procedure, either saline or silicone implants are surgically inserted to provide attractive and natural-looking volume. Breast implants are a great choice for patients who are happy with the shape of their breasts, but wish to increase their size. However, they may not be a good option for women who want to change the shape of their breasts, such as make them perkier, firmer, or less saggy. It is also important to note that breasts implants will not alter the position of the nipple and areola. There are many different options for breast implantation, including the implant composition (saline or silicone), where the implant is placed in relation to the pectoralis muscle (above or below), and where the surgical scar is located (in the armpit, in the crease under the breast, or around the areola). To learn about these options in more detail, please check out the blog post called “Saline vs Silicone Implants”, or go to the “Breast Augmentation” tab on this website!

A breast lift is another great option for enhancing the appearance of the breasts, and has some key differences that set it apart from breast augmentation using implants. In this procedure, undesired saggy extra skin and tissue is remove to facilitate lifting the breast to a higher position. During this procedure, the nipple and areola are raised to a more youthful position along with the breast tissue. The benefits of this procedure include eliminating droopiness by lifting up the breast and nipple-areola complex, tightening and firming the breast tissue, and improving the shape and fullness of the upper part of the breast most affected by sagging. This procedure is ideal for patients who wish to turn back the clock on breasts that have become deflated due to childbearing, weight changes, or aging. Women who wish to increase their breast size, but are happy with their current shape and nipple position will probably find that their goals are better suited to breast augmentation with implants rather than a breast lift.

So what happens when a patient wants a little bit of both – desiring to decrease sagginess and improve breast shape while also adding additional volume? In these cases, a combination procedure of a breast lift with implants can be performed to give the patient the best of both worlds – elevating the breast to provide youthful lift and inserting implants to add beautiful volume and fullness. Having an open and thorough conversation with your plastic surgeon is key to identifying which procedure is right for you. Dr. Temmen also recommends that her patients choose several before and after “wish pics” to go over together so she can fully understand their goals.

Dr. Traci Temmen is highly trained and experienced in cosmetic breast surgery, including breast augmentation using implants, breast lift, and the combined breast lift with implants. She is a true perfectionist, and is committed to creating a safe and beautiful result for each and every patient. If you want to feel confident and sexy in your favorite swimsuit or little black dress again, don’t wait any longer! To learn if you are a candidate for any of the above procedures, book your one-on-one consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Traci Temmen, MD, by calling 813-771-6393 today.

Saline vs Silicone Implants

For many women considering cosmetic surgery, the feature they are most interested in enhancing is their breasts. Full, round breasts are closely associated with notions of femininity, fertility, and desirability, which unfortunately leaves many women who weren’t lucky enough to inherit the perfect pair feeling less confident and attractive than they would like. Some women feel like their breasts are way too small for their frame, while others may be looking to add additional volume, or simply create a rounder shape. The unfortunate truth is there isn’t much patients can do in the realm of lifestyle changes to alter breast shape and size – you can’t really “work out” your breasts! However, with the power and precision of plastic surgery, you can finally have the appearance of your dreams! Breast augmentation with implants is a safe and easy option for adding beautiful shape and volume to the breasts, all while minimizing scars and recovery time. In this post, I will explore this topic in further detail, as well as compare the two main types of breast implants: saline and silicone.

For patients interested in a breast augmentation procedure, one of the first decisions they will make with their plastic surgeon is choosing between saline and silicone breast implants. Saline implants consist of a silicone-based outer shell that is filled with saline, while silicone implants are composed of solid silicone throughout. From a health and safety standpoint, both implant types are FDA approved and safe options for patients when inserted by an experienced and skilled board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Traci Temmen. The only exception is that currently, the only implant type that is FDA approved for patients ages 18-21 is saline. Both saline and silicone implants have similarly low rates of complication and rupture. One advantage of saline implants is that a ruptured implant will immediately become obvious to the patient because it will deflate quickly as the sterile saline is harmlessly absorbed by the body. The rupture of a silicone implant, on the other hand, is usually not picked up by the naked eye because the implant will still hold its shape, and so must be diagnosed with MRI imaging.

The next point of comparison that is very important to patients is the look and feel of the implants. As previously discussed, saline implants are filled with a saltwater solution and so have more of a “water balloon” feel to them. Patients who choose for their implant to be inserted underneath the pectoralis muscle, or who already have abundant overlying breast tissue, can achieve a natural look with this type of implant. However, patients who want their implant placed on top of the muscle closer to the surface and who have little overlying tissue may find that their saline implants show more wrinkling or rippling through the skin. In comparison, silicone implants are made of solid silicone, and so have more of a “gummy bear” feel to them that is designed to more closely mimic breast tissue. In particular, women who have little overlying breast tissue or who plan to have their implant inserted on top of their pectoralis muscle may find that this implant type creates a more natural look and feel. Dr. Temmen works closely with her patients to identify the implant type that best suits their body, lifestyle, and aesthetic desires.

When it comes to insertion, there are a few differences between saline and silicone implants. Saline implants are inserted deflated, and then filled with sterile saline solution once in place. This enables the line of incision to be a little bit smaller, and also allows tiny adjustments to be made to the final implant volume in the operating room to achieve that perfect look. Silicone implants, on the other hand, are solid and so cannot be inserted “deflated” like saline ones can. Thus, the line of incision may need to be slightly longer in order to accommodate the size of the implant. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen is skilled and experienced at multiple methods of implant insertion to ensure that her patients have the least noticeable scars possible, usually only about 1.5 to 2 inches in length and well-concealed. These methods include making the incision around the areola (the darker area surrounding the nipple), in the axilla (the armpit), or in the inframammary fold (the crease underneath the breast). Many patients love the axillary approach to implant insertion because the scars are discretely located in the natural crease of the armpit, leaving absolutely no marks on the breasts. Dr. Temmen is an expert at breast augmentation using any of these techniques, and works one-on-one with each patient to ensure that they have a beautiful result with the most invisible scars possible.

Hopefully this post helped shed some light on the similarities and differences between the two main types of implants used in breast augmentation. If you still have questions, or are interested in finding out if you are a candidate for breast augmentation or any other cosmetic surgery procedure, call 813-771-6393 to book your one-on-one consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Traci Temmen, MD, today!

Should I gain weight for a BBL?

The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) is a cosmetic procedure that has become very popular with patients because it does what many women have always dreamed about – moves some of your very own fat from your tummy to your rear! In this post, I will explain this procedure in greater detail before delving into a common question many patients have when considering this procedure, which is: “Should I gain weight for a BBL?”

Put simply, the BBL is a two-part surgery that utilizes liposuction to add precise volumes of natural fat to the buttocks in order to create a rounder, more attractive shape. In the first part of this surgery, areas of unwanted fat are gently removed from the stomach and sides using liposuction. This step serves two goals: One, to provide a supply of natural fat for later transfer. Two, to make those stubborn fat deposits you have never been able to get rid of finally disappear, smoothing and flattening the abdomen. In the second step of the BBL procedure, the fat that was harvested during liposuction is precisely transferred to the buttocks and sculpted into the desired shape. One great aspect of this procedure is that very precise volumes of fat can be transferred to different aspects of the butt, creating the perfect shape for you. Dr. Traci Temmen meets extensively one-on-one with her patients to ensure that each BBL is personalized for each unique patient to create a beautiful result that is tailored seamlessly to your body and aesthetic goals.

Many patients who are interested in learning more about this procedure are curious if it would be to their benefit to gain weight beforehand in order to make more fat available for liposuction and fat transfer. While this is a good thought, in reality it is typically best for patients to just maintain their normal weight before the procedure. The reason for this is that patients who gain weight specifically for a BBL may be disappointed that their result changes when they lose the extra weight again once the surgery is over. This is because this post-surgery weight loss will cut down on the volume gained through the BBL, changing the size and shape of the buttocks achieved in the operating room. Instead of gaining weight, it is recommended that patients try to be close to their ideal, stable weight before the procedure. This maximizes the chance that the result achieved during surgery will not change substantially afterwards due to weight fluctuations, but remain the full, beautiful shape the patient desires.

In addition to the reasons discussed above, gaining weight before a BBL is also typically not recommended because it’s just not necessary! When working with a thin patient, a small amount of precisely transferred fat can make a big difference. In addition, generally slim women do not desire a really large butt, but are mainly interested in creating a rounder, fuller shape by adding a little bit of volume in just the right places. Dr. Traci Temmen is highly skilled and experienced in performing BBLs on slim patients, and consistently achieves stunning results. To see some real examples of patients before and after their BBL transformation, please check out the “Before and After” section of this website, and select the “Skinny Brazilian Butt Lift” tab.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen is a safe, highly skilled, and attentive physician who is committed to helping patients get the appearance they’ve always dreamed of. If you would like to see if you are a candidate for the Brazilian Butt Lift or any other cosmetic surgery procedure you are interested in, call 813-771-6393 to book your one-on-one consultation today!

When should I remove or replace my breast implants?

For patients who already have or are considering getting breast implants, a common question that may be on their minds is, “When should I remove or replace my breast implants?” Breast implant removal, also known as explantation, is a procedure many women choose for a variety of reasons. Some women may find that as their bodies change with aging, pregnancy, or weight gain, they no longer want the increased size from their breast implants. Others may simply evolve their personal preferences over time and wish to have their implants removed. Still others may have unfortunately gotten a result they were unhappy with from their breast augmentation, and immediately desire a change. There are also a few different medical indications for explanation. These may include implant rupture, capsular contracture, infection, or addressing any concerns the surgeon or patient has. It is important to remember that foreign objects introduced to the body – whether it be a pacemaker, knee replacement, or breast implant – are not considered lifelong devices, and require some maintenance over time.

Whatever the reason a patient is exploring the option of having her implants removed, Dr. Traci Temmen recognizes that the explantation decision is a big one for many women, and is often accompanied by worries of what the breasts will look like after the procedure. Dr. Temmen works one-on-one with each patient, listening to their wishes for their appearance after explantation as well as their concerns and fears. She works together with her patients to develop a personalized plan to achieve an attractive result that is as close to the patient’s goal appearance post-surgery as possible.

Another point patients considering explantation should keep in mind is there is significant variability in breast appearance after the implants are removed. For some women who had smaller implants placed, more recent implantation, or more robust overlying tissues and tighter skin, a breast explantation surgery alone may yield a very aesthetic result. This means that after 4-6 weeks of recovery, the skin will tighten and the breasts will “fluff up” with minimal sagging or drooping. Typically, these patients have the best chance of attaining results from explantation alone that look most similar to their pre-implantation appearance. For women with larger implants, who have had them for a long period of time, or have less robust overlying tissue and looser skin, a simple breast explantation procedure may leave a result the patient is unhappy with. In other words, removing the implants in these patients without doing any other procedure may leave the breasts with a “deflated” or saggy appearance.

In these cases, there are many options for improving the breast appearance – and Dr. Traci Temmen is an expert at working with her patients to identify the best option for them that will yield the most beautiful and natural-looking result. These options include breast reduction, breast lift, and liposuction with fat transfer to the breast. The breast reduction and breast lift options are ideal for removing excess tissue that causes the breasts to sag, creating a perkier and more youthful appearance. A breast reduction removes more tissue than a breast lift, so it is generally better suited for women who wish to decrease the size of their breasts even more in addition to removing their implants. Liposuction with fat transfer to the breast is a great option for filling out breasts that look “deflated” after explantation. In this procedure, fat is first liposuctioned form the patient’s midsection, which has a slimming and smoothing effect. This fat is then precisely transferred to the patient’s breasts, providing soft, natural-looking volume. As a highly skilled female plastic surgeon,

Dr. Traci Temmen has both the technical skill to perform all of these variants of breast explanation as well as the patience and understanding to listen to her patient’s wishes and concerns, ensuring that they leave with a result that makes them feel beautiful and confident.

Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen expertly performs breast explantations of all variations with beautiful results! To view some real examples, please explore the tabs under the “Breast” section of the “Before and After” tab of this website, including the “Breast Implant Removal” and “Fat Transfer to Breast” tabs.

If you are interested in seeing if you are a candidate for breast implant removal, or any other cosmetic surgery procedure you are interested in, book a one-on-one consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Traci Temmen, MD: 813-771-6393.

What Will My Breasts Look Like After Implant Removal

Breast implant removal or breast explantation is a procedure used to remove previously placed implants. Some women seek explant procedures in response to changes in their breast size over time while others choose to remove their implants due to dissatisfaction or regret after breast augmentation. While both breast augmentation and explantation require careful consideration, many patients make the decision much more quickly for augmentation while the decision to remove them is often a more extensive, lengthier process.

Many patients worry about the appearance of their breasts following explantation and therefore must be emotionally prepared with realistic expectations for the final result. Removing breast implants will have a dramatic effect on the resulting size of the breasts and in some cases the removal may leave behind excess skin and/or asymmetries. Dr. Traci Temmen is extremely helpful when it comes to this aspect of the pre-procedural process as she patiently and thoroughly advises patients on the changes they should expect during every stage of implant removal and beyond.

In the case that only explantation is desired, it may be possible to remove the implants through the same incision site through which they were placed. Although some patients can undergo explantation without consequence and with aesthetically pleasing results, others are not as fortunate. Depending on the condition of the implants, current breast size, degree of sagging, and implant size, many women consider having a breast lift, breast reduction, or liposuction and fat transfer in addition to the implant removal or explantation for optimal cosmetic results. Each of these additional procedures helps to provide the patient with normal and natural looking breasts despite removal of the implants. However, even those patients that opt for implant removal alone should not be dismayed by their breast appearance immediately following explantation. In the weeks to months following implant removal, the skin of most breasts will contract while the soft tissues will expand or “fluff out.” This gradual healing process results in a fuller, tighter, and much more attractive result than what may be seen immediately after breast implant removal.

The recovery process for explantation varies depending on the degree of changes and the method in which the result was obtained although most patients typically return to work within a few days following the surgery. Breast implant removal surgery starts at $4,900; this price may vary depending on the method of removal, complexity, and optional pairing of implant removal with other surgeries such as a breast lift, breast reduction, or liposuction with fat transfer to the breast (i.e. natural breast augmentation). Dr. Temmen performs all aspects of revision surgeries and will help you decide on the best plan to fit your lifestyle, goals, and desired outcome. To see before and after photos in addition to those pictured on the website, call the office at 813-771-6393 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Traci Temmen in Tampa, Florida!

Breast Implant Illness

The subject of Breast Implant Illness (BII) has gained recent attention among patients with breast implants and those considering breast augmentation with implants. While little scientific research has been done on this controversial topic, a minority of patients with breast implants attribute certain systemic symptoms to their implants. Some of these symptoms include mental confusion, joint pain, hair loss, dry eyes, chronic fatigue, and persistent flu-like symptoms. Further confusing the issue is the fact that these symptoms are frequently encountered in women suffering from other common illnesses such as hypothyroidism, menopause, depression, anxiety, and general aging. Additionally, certain patients do feel a subjective improvement in symptoms upon removal of their implants while many other patients continue to experience symptoms even years after removal of their implants.

The safety off all medical devices, including breast implants, are studied in depth by the use of high-quality medical studies and scientific research before they are approved for use. All medical devices used in the United States must pass rigorous testing done by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before they are allowed to be used in humans. Throughout years of research, there is no evidence or pathophysiological explantation as to how silicone or saline breast implants could be the sole cause of the symptoms experienced by women concerned about Breast Implant Illness.

As trained doctors and researchers, plastic surgeons base their medical decisions on scientific studies, FDA guidelines, and evidence-based medical practices. However, these studies rely on statistics taken from studying large patient populations, not the individual patient experience. With that said, there is a community of individual breast implant patients suffering with symptoms of breast implant illness. These patients gain support and comfort from online resources, social media, and hopefully their treating plastic surgeon.

If you feel you are having symptoms of breast implant illness, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Traci Temmen in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Temmen will provide honest and reliable answers to all of your questions and concerns regarding breast implants and the associated risks of placement or explantation. For patients concerned about breast implant illness, there is a variety of treatment methods depending on individual needs, anatomy, and desires. The implants can be simply removed, the implants and be removed as well as the capsule, or the implants can be removed while still inside of the capsule (called en bloc removal). Additionally, if cosmetics is also a concern, the breasts can then be further refined with a fat transfer to the breast, a breast lift, or breast reduction.

In summary, there are a variety of treatment methods for women considering breast implant removal for breast implant illness. Dr. Temmen in Tampa, Florida will listen to your concerns and help individualize a treatment plan to best fit your needs and lifestyle. To schedule a consultation for implant removal with Dr. Traci Temmen, call 813-771-6393 today.

Surgical vs. Non-Surgical or Liquid Rhinoplasty

Surgical Rhinoplasty

Traditional rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure performed when fairly large changes to the nose are needed or desired. Surgical rhinoplasty is often performed through an “open approach” where a small incision is made at the base of the nose, but can also be performed through a “closed approach.” Whether open or closed, the nasal bones, cartilage, and musculature can then be changed to produce a more aesthetic result. Surgical rhinoplasty is often performed to refine or reduce the overall size of the nose and, in those cases, involves reductive techniques such as reducing a bump on the bridge of the nose, refining the nasal tip, or making the width of the nose smaller. Although results may take longer to appear, surgical rhinoplasty is the only procedure capable of significantly altering the shape and size of the nose permanently. It is also used to correct internal and functional issues such as breathing impairments. Rhinoplasty surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and the length of time varies based on the level of complexity and the patient’s desires. Due to the surgical techniques utilized and resulting changes from the procedure, recovery involves more bruising and swelling as compared to nonsurgical rhinoplasty. There is not a predetermined age requirement for a surgical rhinoplasty although it is recommended that a patient reach facial skeletal maturity before considering surgery. This typically occurs around 14 years of age at the earliest for girls and later for boys. The cost of traditional or surgical rhinoplasty varies by region of the country but usually starts around $5,900 to $6,900. A traditional rhinoplasty is the ideal procedure for patients interested in permanently refining the shape and size of the nose in a significant way.

Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty aka Liquid Rhinoplasty

Nonsurgical rhinoplasty, also known as liquid rhinoplasty, is the term given to the alteration of the appearance of the nose using dermal fillers and/or a person’s own fat. In general, liquid rhinoplasty is used to cover or camouflage areas of the nose and is thus used for augmentation or enhancement of certain features. Liquid rhinoplasty can be used to cover bumps, define the tip of the nose, help correct asymmetries, and/or add overall volume. Due to injections occurring within the skin, surgeons are able to contour the nose in a detailed and precise manner. Nonsurgical rhinoplasty does not correct functional issues as the filler or fat is injected only in the superficial layers of the nose and does not impact the nasal passages or airways. General anesthesia is not required for this procedure which allows patients to monitor progress and give personal feedback throughout in order to achieve optimal results. Because the procedure does not involve surgery, results can be seen immediately with practically no down time. Although results are immediate, the enhancements from dermal fillers fade over time and results typically only last for up to two years. While appealing in many ways, nonsurgical rhinoplasty is limited in scope and duration of results. Patients interested in temporarily camouflaging certain aspects or making subtle refinements in the shape of the nose may be a good candidate for liquid rhinoplasty. The cost of a nonsurgical rhinoplasty varies, but averages around $500-$700 per syringe of dermal filler used. The price of a liquid rhinoplasty using liposuction and fat transfer varies significantly depending on if the procedure is performed under local or general anesthesia, the amount of liposuction performed, and other associated procedures.

If you would like more information on either surgical or nonsurgical rhinoplasty, call today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Traci Temmen in Tampa, Florida. During the consultation you will have a chance to discuss your areas of concern and decide which treatment option is best for you!