November 2nd, 2009 admin
One of the most common problems seen in patients presenting for body contouring is unattractive rolls of fat and skin in the flank and back areas. All too often patients are more focused on their abdomen because from their perspectives it is the most striking issue noted when they study their figure in the mirror. The back is often neglected by both the patient and her surgeon.
Patients usually assume these problem back rolls are the result of excess weight gain and liposuction can be the quick and easy answer. Unfortunately, in most cases, the problem is more complex and the solution for each patient needs to be individualized. The major cause of back skin and fat rolls in many in individuals is actually skin laxity that develops with aging and weight gain and loss.
Patients presenting with mild to moderate back and flank rolls can be very effectively treated with a combination of liposuction (often ultrasonic aided) and release of the subdermal skin attachments that encourage the skin to create rolls. This skin release procedure can be performed using small instruments through the same 3-5mm incisions used to perform the liposuction phase of the procedure, once released and excess fat is removed, the skin will redrape. Compressive garments are then worn post-operatively for a period of 4-6 weeks.
In cases of more severe back skin rolls, as is often seen in massive weight loss patients, true surgical excision of the major rolls of tissue needs to be performed. This procedure, called an upper body lift can dramatically remove very severe back skin rolls. In this procedure, the loose redundant skin is pulled and tightened in an upward direction with the required scar hidden in the back bra strap area.
The previously “neglected back” is now beginning to receive the attention it deserves. Patients who choose to address problem back rolls are finding it an invaluable addition to more traditional body contouring procedures such as abdominoplasty. Please visit Dr. Burkett’s website for additional information or to schedule a consultation.
Posted in Home | 7,253 Comments »
October 29th, 2009 admin
Breast asymmetry is an extremely common problem for women. Most women have some minor degree of difference in breast size or shape that presents no major cosmetic problem. In some women the degree of unevenness can be so severe that it can be difficult to conceal with clothing and can produce not only a functional problem but also impact the woman’s self confidence.
Patients with significant breast asymmetry often present with a number of issues. In a typical patient, one breast may be much larger and droopier (ptotic) and the opposite breast will appear smaller and rather underdeveloped. Correction of significant breast asymmetry can be surgically challenging but very rewarding for the patient and her physician.
In simpler cases of irregularity, simple bilateral breast augmentation using a larger breast implant on the smaller breast side can nicely correct the problem. More commonly, patients with a larger more ptotic breast on one side may require a unilateral breast lift (mastopexy) and possible breast augmentation using different size breast implants to balance out the differences in pre-operative breast size.
Women with breast asymmetry are often very self conscious of this problem. They express problems with self confidence and intimacy in more severe cases. Significant improvements in both size and shape can often help women regain inner confidence and simplify wardrobe issues. Please visit Dr. Burkett’s website for more information or to schedule a consultation.
Posted in Home | 6,971 Comments »
October 22nd, 2009 admin
Which feel more natural, silicone or saline implants?
Patients presenting for breast augmentation often ask, “Which feel more natural silicone or saline implants?” Silicone gel implants more closely simulate the feel, movement and consistency of natural breast tissue. In many patients augmented with silicone gel breast implants the implant can be almost undetectable. Saline breast implants although often offering a very acceptable appearance and feel can almost always be easily detected by examination.
Women with a fuller pre-augment breast size such as a C cup breast or larger may obtain a very satisfactory result from the use of saline breast implants. The thicker a patient’s natural body tissues that overlay a saline implant, the less it can be detected.
Women with smaller breast and thinner body builds will typically achieve a more superior result from the use of silicone gel breast implants. In these patients there is much less natural body tissue to cover the breast implant. A silicone implant that closely simulates the natural breast tissue is almost a must in this patient group to achieve the most natural result. Visit Dr. Burkett’s website for more indepth implant information or to schedule a consultation.
Posted in Home | 5,990 Comments »
