January 20th, 2009 Dr. Taleisnik
An abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, is an extremely powerful procedure that can dramatically reshape the abdomen. I’ve discussed tummy tucks in detail in another article, but I’d like to address here a point that’s confusing to many patients. Women often ask me whether they are candidates for a “mini” tummy tuck, as opposed to a full tummy tuck. They ask this question assuming that the mini tummy tuck means a shorter scar, which may or may not be the case.
Tummy tucks eliminate excess abdominal skin and fat, and tighten and flatten the abdominal muscles. Many and sometimes all stretch marks can be removed. A mini tummy tuck is recommended when the extra or loose skin is only below the belly button, with a tight and flat upper abdomen. This is sometimes the case with fairly thin patients after pregnancies. The scar can be slightly shorter than for a full tummy tuck, but it might also be almost as long. A mini tummy tuck does not involve the belly button, so the belly button continues to look totally natural, without any scarring. Only the lower abdominal muscles are tightened. The surgery is shorter than for a full tummy tuck, and less expensive.
Most patients actually require a full tummy tuck to obtain maximal improvement. The full tummy tuck tightens the entire belly or abdomen, and to a much greater degree. The muscles above and below the belly button are also tightened and flattened. More stretch marks can be removed with a full tummy tuck, including all those from the belly button down. The scar is usually longer than for a mini tuck, but the results are so much more dramatic. For either surgery, I take care to place the scar very low, so that it can be hidden beneath most pants, underwear, and even bikini bottoms. With time, the scar tends to fade in most patients, becoming fairly inconspicuous.
Please call my office to schedule a no charge consultation to meet with me (714-835-6500). During your appointment in my Orange County office, you will meet only with me, not a nurse or assistant. I will help you to determine whether you’d benefit most from a full or mini tummy tuck, or whether you might do well with liposuction instead of a tuck, or in addition. Please also visit my website at www.ataleisnikmd.com for more information and patient photos.
Posted in Abdominoplasty, Mini Tummy Tuck | No Comments »
January 20th, 2009 Dr. Taleisnik
Patients often ask me whether they should choose silicone breast implants or saline implants. There is not a single “correct” answer, since every woman has different anatomy and preferences. The main difference between the two is that silicone implants are softer, while saline implants are firmer. This difference can be especially noticeable for thin patients with little breast tissue, since they will have less coverage or “padding” over the implants, which will therefore be easier to see and feel.
Silicone implants can often look and feel a little more “natural” than saline implants. Since a silicone implant is pre-filled, a larger incision is needed to insert a silicone implant than a saline implant, which can be inserted partially filled. A woman with small areolas (the dark skin around the nipple) may not be able to receive silicone implants through an incision around the areola, and instead may require an incision in the crease under the breasts. There have been questions in the past regarding possible effects of silicone if it leaks. For this reason, silicone implants were available only to women who met certain criteria, and who were enrolled in the large silicone implant studies, until Fall, 2006. After years of extensive testing, including evaluation of the many women who received silicone implants as part of the study, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) now allows any woman 22 or over to receive silicone implants. The FDA also recommended that women undergo an MRI examination of the breasts 3 years after receiving silicone implants, then every other year thereafter. Silicone implants are significantly more expensive than saline.
Saline implants remain the most popular choice in my practice. I can obtain very natural and beautiful results with saline implants too in most patients. Many of my patients prefer the firmer look and feel of the saline implants, which may result in a more “youthful” outcome. Most patients choose the peri-areolar incision, which generally is very inconspicuous (more on incisions for breast enhancement in another article). If a saline implant leaks, there are no concerns regarding a foreign substance in the body, since the implants contain only salt water. Saline implants may also be more helpful than silicone to counteract mild drooping or shape abnormalities of the breasts.
During your consultation with me, I will help you to decide which implant type will be best for you. There are a number of other decisions to make as well, including the shape or “profile” of the implants, the incision to use, the size, and others. I will guide you through the entire process, so that you will feel comfortable with your choices, and very happy with your results.
To schedule your consultation to meet with me (no charge), please call my office at 714-835-6500. Please also visit my website at www.ataleisnikmd.com.
Posted in Breast Augmentation, Breast Implants | 7 Comments »
