Search results for /
breast augmentation

Do you wish your breasts were larger, smaller, perkier, or just plain different? Most women who seek breast augmentation or reduction are looking for these kinds of results. 

But for women with inverted nipples, the situation is different. They may be happy with the size and shape of their breasts, but are embarrassed by the appearance of their nipples. Especially in intimate settings. 

They may also be concerned about their ability to breastfeed should they wish to have children. So they frequently inquire of plastic surgeons if there are ways of correcting inverted nipples.

Fortunately, the answer is yes. 

What Causes Inverted Nipples?

An inverted nipple is an irregularity where the nipple doesn’t point in an outward direction. It’s typically not a medical concern. Even so, this condition can cause women distress and pull down their self-confidence a notch or two. 

In some women (and even a very few men) inverted nipples are noticeable from childhood. In others, they may develop over time when milk ducts become shortened or breast tissue is reduced after pregnancy . 

Whatever the case, it’s the result of the breast tissue pinching the base of the nipple – thereby limiting movement and stretch. 

Some people experience inversion all the time, while others only notice it some of the time. There are even occasions where nipples that were once constantly inverted now fluctuate between being inverted and erect.

When patients desire breast revision surgery for inverted nipples, the surgeons must determine the level of inversion first.

Grades of Nipple Inversion

Inverted nipples are placed into one of three grades. The factors that determine the grade into which they’re placed are the degree of inversion, the effect on breastfeeding, and the best solution should breast revision surgery be desired. 

In the Grade 1 category, the nipple will protrude with gentle squeezing and pushing on the areola. This can happen intentionally or through stimulation or breastfeeding. The nipple will often stay erect for some period of time after this.

For a Grade 2 inverted nipple, it’s more difficult to get the nipple to protrude and when it’s released, it retracts back inward. 

Women with Grade 3 inverted nipples find it extremely difficult or even impossible to pull the nipple out from its inverted position. 

Any grade of inversion can be addressed with nipple correction surgery – although women with grade 1 and 2 inversions will often try non-surgical methods first, such as nipple piercing or suction.

Nipple Piercing or Suction?

Yep, that’s right. Some women opt for nipple piercing to draw out inverted nipples. It seems that putting a piece of metal through your nipple will keep it in an erect position. 

Of course, this option is far from ideal for most women. And it requires a tattoo artist who is very familiar with working with inverted nipples. 

Meanwhile, there are suction methods that draw out the nipple. Although some of them promise this is a viable fix, the only truly permanent solution is surgery.

Correcting Inverted Nipples with Surgery

Once upon a time, correcting inverted nipples meant severing the milk ducts that pulled on them. Obviously, this eliminated the option of breastfeeding. As such, this method is rarely used any longer.

Instead, there is a newer technique that focuses on releasing surrounding fibers rather than severing the milk ducts. This way, the milk ducts are kept completely intact, while the fibers around them are stretched and spread.  

A small incision is made at the base of the nipple, while the nipple is held in the out position. Then several lines of dissolving sutures are inserted under the skin to hold the nipple in that position. 

After the procedure, protective devices are placed over the nipples for a couple of days. This ensures the nipples stay in position and don’t retract again during healing. These devices can be removed after a few days and the sutures dissolve within weeks.

But the results of the surgery are immediately noticeable. And because the procedure addresses the underlying issue of tissue abnormalities, the  results are very likely to be permanent with minimal scarring that will blend right into the bumps and color of the areola. 

You Don’t Need to Live with Inverted Nipples

When it comes to correcting inverted nipples, you have options! 

So if you’re troubled by this condition, then contact us today for a free consultation. 

You could be one simple procedure away from FINALLY feeling really good about the appearance of your breasts! 

The short answer is yes.

In our last post, we discussed how a tummy tuck procedure can help correct poor posture and ease back pain by strengthening and supporting the spine.

But an abdominoplasty isn’t the only plastic surgery to reduce back pain.

In fact, one of the most obvious ways to decrease pain in the back is by reducing the load on the front. Hence, the breast reduction.

The Drawbacks of Large Breasts

Preference in breast size is very personal. Some women are quite comfortable with an A-cup, while others feel more at home with something larger. That’s part of the reason breast augmentation exists.

But when breasts that are too ample wreak havoc on a woman’s quality of life, she may seek out a plastic surgeon to find relief for her chronic back pain and other large-breast-related health issues.

In some cases, patients are young women who developed large breasts during puberty. This is not an ideal time for this to occur because not only are the bones in the spine and neck not yet developed enough to support that kind of weight – but neither are the muscles in the shoulders and the back.

Other times, patients are older women whose breasts didn’t return to their original size after having children. Instead, they may be heavy and pendulous, causing discomfort.

Whatever the case, women with large breasts often have to deal with many negative repercussions. They have difficulty buying clothes that fit well and may even avoid certain social situations. They also avoid exercising because larger breasts can impede what others regard as regular movements in an exercise regimen.

In addition, they’re subject to uncomfortable rashes between and under their breasts.

Furthermore, the weight of their breasts pulling on bra straps can cause the skin to breakdown in their shoulders and create scabs, scars, and ridges there. But it’s usually back, neck, and shoulder pain that brings them to the plastic surgeon’s office.

How Is Back Pain Experienced?

The type of back pain and degree to which women experience it can vary. For some, the pain is dull, achy, and chronic, and remains mostly in the lower back.

For others, it’s more of a stinging or burning pain that moves from the low back to the backs of the thighs. From there it may travel to the lower legs or feet. The pain is often increased after prolonged sitting or standing.

In some cases, there may be muscle spasms or tightness in the back, pelvis, and hips. And some women report tingling or numbness in the hands or along the sciatic nerve.

The pain can start suddenly, or slowly develop over time. Sometimes it will come and go, but seems to get worse over time. But at the end of the day, women who seek plastic surgery for back pain have reached a point where they can no longer enjoy certain things because of it.

Breast reduction surgery is the ideal option for them.

What to Expect from Breast Reduction Surgery

When you make the decision to get a breast reduction, you’ll consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon who will ensure that you fully understand the surgery, follow-up care, and the expected outcome. This will garner the most positive experience.

During the procedure, the surgeon will remove extra skin and excess breast tissue to make the breast more proportionately sized. He or she will then reposition the breast and the nipple and perform a breast lift to give your breast a fuller and more contoured appearance.

In addition, a long-acting pain medication is inserted between the pectoral muscles in the chest to ease you into recovery.

The procedure is outpatient, so you go home the same day. You’ll be prescribed a combination of pain relievers, anti-inflammatories, and muscle relaxers which will help shorten the recovery time.

For the first six weeks, you’ll need to wear a support bra both day and night. But you’ll be able to return to work and your regular activities in two to three weeks. And in just three months, you’ll be able to shop for your favorite bra in your new cup size!

Is Plastic Surgery to Reduce Back Pain an Option for You?

If you find that excess fatty tissue around the abdomen or in your breasts is putting too much strain on your back, then plastic surgery to reduce back pain might be right for you.

Contact us today to talk with one of our highly skilled plastic surgeons. We’ll discuss your options so that you can find relief and get back to your life with new confidence and vigor.

You may have a concept of what liposuction is. But do you really know what liposuction is?

Despite it having been around for a long time now, a lot of people are still unclear on just exactly what liposuction is or how it works.

And as the field of plastic surgery has evolved and expanded, so too have liposuction procedures. For instance, Liposuction 360 brings a whole new dimension to the procedure.

In other words, today’s liposuction is not your grandma’s liposuction.

So let’s dive in and see what’s happening in the wild world of liposuction these days…

What Is Liposuction?

When you struggle with large deposits of fat in the thighs, abdomen, chest, arms, buttocks or neck that are unresponsive to diet and exercise, it can be incredibly discouraging.

This is particularly the case if you’re continually engaged in strenuous exercise and simply seeing no results. Plus, the extra weight makes your workouts even more challenging.

Removing that fat via liposuction can help. And the procedure is fairly straightforward.

Small incisions are made in the treatment area. Then a board-certified plastic surgeon inserts a cannula, or thin hollow tube, through the incisions to expand the space where fat is deposited. The fluid infiltrated also has anesthetic properties and helps constrict blood vessels making the procedure more comfortable, while decreasing postoperative bruising and intraoperative blood loss.

From there, a surgical vacuum is used to loosen and suction that problematic fat out of the body. Reducing that excess fat results in a slimmer body contour and restored confidence.

As an additional bonus, the fat cells or adipose tissue removed during liposuction can be repurposed if needed. For example, the fat can be transferred and injected into areas of the breast to improve shape and contour.

This provides patients a natural alternative to breast augmentation. Rather than using implants, they are able to enhance breast tissue using their own tissue.

The phenomenal success rate of liposuction procedures has made it one of the most popular forms of plastic surgery.

Are You a Good Fit for Liposuction?

The most effective way to determine if you’re a candidate is through a one-on-one consultation with a plastic surgeon.

Generally speaking though, the best candidates are those with localized accumulations of fat in specific areas.

But what about if the fat you want to remove isn’t quite so localized and affects multiple areas of the body?

That’s where Liposuction 360 comes in.

What is Liposuction 360?

Liposuction 360, known more simply as Lipo 360, is a surgical procedure that’s conducted 360 degrees around the body.

Lipo 360 uses ultrasonic, laser or power-assisted technology to selectively dislodge body fat so that it’s easier to remove. By dislodging the fat, surgeons can remove it more consistently – minimizing trauma and force.

Most commonly, Lipo 360 refers to decreasing the waistline in a 360-degree fashion.

The procedure is performed in two stages around the body.

Beginning with the back, the surgeon removes excess fat in upper back rolls and the lower waist, as well as bra fat and lower back fat. Arm liposuction may also be performed.

In the second stage, the patient is turned over for the abdomen and flank liposuction. Depending on the situation and the amount of loose skin remaining, the patient may require a tummy tuck as well.

Inner and outer thighs may be contoured as well.

Those with excess fat deposits in these areas can benefit from this procedure – though the ideal candidate is in overall good health, has healthy skin with good elasticity, and is of average to moderate weight.

Enhance Your Natural Contours with Liposuction and Lipo 360

So there you have it.

Whether you’re looking to remove excess fat from one “problem” area, or think you could benefit from a more comprehensive Lipo 360 procedure – with or without additional procedures – we’re here to help.

Contact us today to consult with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. They will advise you on the best procedure(s) that will result in the best you.

Then prepare to celebrate your body this summer!