Author Archives: Dr. Traci Temmen

Should I get a Tummy Tuck, a Mini Tummy Tuck, or Liposuction?

A toned, flat stomach is one of those coveted features that is desired by many, but as we all know, can be very difficult to achieve. Sometimes no matter how hard you work, no amount of dieting and crunches will cut it! Luckily in today’s day and age, safe and highly effective cosmetic surgical procedures are available for those that wish to finally get that flat stomach they’ve been hoping for. In fact, there are several different options for people wishing to improve the appearance of their abdomen, including full tummy tuck, mini tummy tuck, and liposuction alone. This post will parse out the differences between these procedures to you help you begin thinking about which one ones you are most interested in learning more about.

A full, or regular tummy tuck is one popular option for improving the shape and size of the midsection. In the past, this procedure focused on removing sagging extra skin and fat from the stomach without changing the appearance of the rest of the abdomen. However, this often had the unwanted effect of creating a boxy, unnatural-looking abdomen by selectively removing tissue from the front without touching the back or sides. Most reputable plastic surgeons today including board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen have adapted this procedure to produce much better results for their patients. When Dr. Temmen performs this procedure, she combines traditional tummy tuck technique with the gentle body-sculpting benefits of liposuction to slim, shape, and smooth the midsection. She first uses the precise power of liposuction to remove stubborn fat deposits from the front, back, and sides. This helps sculpt the body evenly and smoothly while bringing in the waist and accentuating the hips, resulting in the attractive hourglass shape many women are looking for. In the second part of this procedure, Dr. Temmen then uses traditional tummy tuck technique to remove excess sagging fat and skin from the abdomen. This combination of techniques creates optimal results for patients, leaving them with a slim tummy and natural-looking, beautiful curves. The scar from this procedure is usually a little bit longer than a C-section scar, and Dr. Temmen takes care to place it low enough on the abdomen such that it is usually concealed behind a bikini or underwear. This procedure tightens the abdominal muscles and removes excess tissue from both above and below the belly button. Because of this, this procedure also includes creating a new, perfect “innie” belly button in an attractive oval shape.

Another option for patients to consider is the “mini” tummy tuck. Much like the full tummy tuck, the mini tummy tuck also includes targeted liposuction of the front, back and sides to create a slim and curvy shape. The main benefit of this procedure versus a regular tummy tuck is that a smaller incision is made, resulting in a shorter scar. The scar is usually shorter than a C-section scar, and may even be short enough to be concealed by the pubic hair. In addition, because a mini tummy tuck only targets the tissue below the belly button, the belly button does not need to be remade in this procedure like it is in a fully tummy tuck. Good candidates for this option typically have excess skin and fat that is limited to the lower abdomen. This way, they do not require a full tummy tuck to address unwanted excess skin and fat from the upper abdomen, and the procedure can be performed through the “mini” incision. People who may not be a good candidate for a mini tummy tuck are those who have excess fat and skin both above and below the belly button, making a full tummy tuck a better option.

A final option for patients to think about when considering their options for improving the appearance of the midsection is liposuction alone, without an associated tummy tuck. As described in the other procedures, liposuction is a method of gently removing fat in order to slim and shape the abdomen. Liposuction can eliminate stubborn fat deposits such as love handles, but cannot remove loose, saggy skin or tissue that hangs over the front of the abdomen. This would need to be removed during a tummy tuck or mini tummy tuck. Liposuction may be a good option for patients who don’t have sagging excess skin to remove, but are looking to sculpt the body and improve overall shape. Along these lines, good candidates for this procedure should be close to their ideal weight, have good quality skin, and be aiming to target specific fat deposits that have been resistant to diet and exercise. With liposuction alone, the resulting scars are extremely minimal as it is performed through tiny incisions in the abdomen (usually between ¼ to ½ an inch long) that are placed in well-concealed areas of the body whenever possible.

As you can see, there are several cosmetic surgical options for improving the appearance of the abdomen. Just a few of the factors that play into choosing the best option for a unique patient are their current appearance, aesthetic goals, and preferences for scar size and placement. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen is highly skilled at all of the procedures discussed in this post (any many more!) and enjoys working with each individual to design a personalized procedure plan that is the perfect fit for them. If you are interested in learning more about if you may be a good candidate for any of these procedures, please call 813-771-6393 to schedule your one-on-one consultation with Traci Temmen, MD, today!

What are my Options for Breast Implant Removal and Capsulectomy when I have my Implants Removed?

Breast augmentation with implants is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries and is a source of confidence and empowerment for many women. However, there are plenty of women who later on down the road, desire to have their implants removed for one reason or another. For some, it’s simply a matter of personal preference as their idea of beauty has changed over time. Others find that their bodies change with pregnancy, aging, or weight gain in a way that no longer makes implants the best option for them. Still others no longer want to be responsible for the maintenance of their implants. Finally, some women believe their implants are negatively impacting their health and have concerns about Breast Implant Illness (see previous posts). Whatever their reason, Dr. Traci Temmen understands that this is a personal choice that deserves the same level of support and guidance as the decision to get breast implants. In addition, she recognizes that this may be a difficult decision for some as they consider what their breasts will look like without implants, while others may feel very confident and liberated by their decision. Dr. Temmen recognizes that all of these feelings are completely okay, and meets every patient where she is to walk their journey together. Regardless of how a woman is feeling about her breast explantation, nearly everyone has questions regarding how the procedure will be done. This post will discuss some of the different options for breast explantation with and without capsulectomy, and discuss the pros and cons of each to shed some light on this important topic.

There are multiple methods for breast implant removal, including varying options for removal of the capsule, which is the natural scar tissue the body forms around any foreign object (ie. Breast implant, knee replacement, pacemaker, etc…). One option that works well for many women is to have their implants removed while leaving the capsule behind. This means that no natural tissue is removed from the body, just the implant itself. An advantage of this approach is that leaving the capsule in place often helps to better preserve the shape of the breast after the implant has been removed. The volume of tissue in the capsule contributes, in some measure, to the size of the breast, and the capsule architecture helps the breast hold its shape without the support of the implant. In addition, leaving the capsule in place also preserves its role in the blood supply to the breast tissue and nipple. This is a great option for a patient whose main concern is having the best aesthetic outcome possible after her implants are removed. However, it may not be a good match for those who have experienced problems with their capsule, such as capsular contracture, or feel that their implants have made them sick (called “breast implant illness”) and therefore want any tissue that has touched their implants to be removed.

As discussed above, some women may prefer for parts or all of their capsule to be removed with their implants. Select problematic parts of the capsule can be removed in a partial capsulectomy, such as when treating capsular contracture (abnormal, restrictive scar formation around the implant). In other cases, a woman may desire for her entire capsule to be removed with her implants, either in multiple pieces or as a whole that is still encasing the implant inside. These two approaches are called a total capsulectomy, and an en bloc capsulectomy, respectively. Some patients who believe they are experiencing breast implant illness advocate for en bloc capsulectomy in order to remove the implant and associated capsule in one piece and avoid the implant touching any other tissue as it is being removed. Dr. Traci Temmen respects her patient’s wishes for how they want their breast explanation to be performed, and makes every effort to honor their personal preferences. However, it is important to note that en bloc capsulectomy is sometimes not able to be done safely as attempting to remove the implant and capsule in one piece could risk damage to important underlying structures like the ribs and lungs. Dr. Temmen always prioritizes patient safety, and so in these cases will change course to a total capsulectomy where all of the capsule is still removed, but it is done so in pieces rather than as a whole.

There are many different options to consider when thinking about breast implant removal, and this can often seem overwhelming. It is important to have a board-certified plastic surgeon you can trust to guide you on your journey. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen listens carefully to her patients and takes the extra time to answer any questions and address any concerns that they have. She is highly trained in all methods of breast implant removal with and without capsulectomy, and is meticulous and precise with her surgical technique regarding this sensitive area of the body. Patients love her gentle bedside manner, and feel reassured and supported throughout all aspects of their care, from initial consultation to post-op result. In addition, she also offers options for enhancing the appearance of the breasts after implant removal, including breast lift and fat transfer to the breast. To learn more about these options, explore the tabs under the Breast heading of the Procedures section of this website and past blog posts on these topics. Example of real patient transformations performed by Dr. Traci Temmen may also be viewed in the Before and After section of this website. If you would like to learn more about your options for breast implant removal or any other cosmetic procedure, call 813-877-2277 to book your one-on-one consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Traci Temmen, MD, today!

What are the risks of a BBL?

Throughout American history, the ideal image of beauty has continuously evolved – ranging from the thin and boyish figures of the 1920’s flappers to the voluptuous hourglass shape of Marylyn Monroe. Most would agree that the perfect figure of today’s modern woman lies somewhere in between, embodying an overall athletic shape with generous curves. This image that has been accentuated by celebrities like Jennifer Lopez and Kim Kardashian who have worked hard to stay fit and strong while also embracing their killer curves. Unfortunately, while many women work hard to achieve this look, many are not able to achieve it with lifestyle changes alone. Fortunately, the power of plastic surgery has opened doors for many women to finally achieve the look they have been dreaming of. One procedure that is one of the fastest-growing cosmetic plastic surgeries in the US is the Brazilian Butt Lift (or BBL, for short). This procedure does what nearly every woman has exclaimed in frustration at one point or another – “If only I could just take some of the fat from my stomach and move it to my butt!”. With the BBL, this is actually possible! However, while few can deny the amazing results of this procedure, this procedure has some associated risks that should be appropriately addressed. This post will discuss some of the safety concerns associated with this procedure and how they can be mitigated to ensure the highest level of patient safety without compromising on quality results.

The Brazilian Butt Lift is a surgical procedure that uses the power of liposuction to gently remove unwanted fat from the abdomen, back, and sides, which is then precisely injected into the buttocks to create a fuller, rounder shape. Through this method, the plastic surgeon is able to simultaneously slim the tummy, bring in the waistline, and enhance the buttocks – all without the use of synthetic implants or fillers. However, as the BBL has gained popularity, studies have showed its association with an elevated risk of intraoperative lethal fat embolism. Once this information came out, additional research was performed to figure out exactly why this risk was elevated, and what could be done to decrease it as much as possible. These studies looked at autopsies of patients who had suffered lethal fat emboli during a BBL, and examined what factors these cases had in common. The results showed that this fatal complication occurred in cases where there was injury to the deep pelvic veins, large blood vessels that lie deep to the gluteal muscle fascia and subcutaneous fat. When these deep veins were lacerated, fat could inadvertently reach the blood vessel and get stuck in the cardiovascular system, causing the cessation of blood flow and death. These results were supported by post-mortem examinations that showed the presence of fat deep in the muscle and laceration of a nearby deep vein.

It is important to note that in these studies, thus far no cases resulting in death have been found to be associated with fat injected purely into the subcutaneous plane. All fatal fat emboli have occurred during fat injection into the muscle. (It should also be noted that fat injected into the subcutaneous plane is separated from the deeper muscle layer by a layer of fascia, preventing it from migrating into the muscle.) Due to these findings, plastic surgeons should never attempt intramuscular fat injection during a BBL, taking care to only inject fat into the subcutaneous tissue. In order to ensure this, it is essential that surgeons are acutely aware of the location of the cannula tip at every moment, and are vigilant about confirming its trajectory by feeling the cannula tip through the skin. Furthermore, using large-bore cannulas that will not bend during injection allows surgeons to more accurately place fat in the subcutaneous plane. Dr. Traci Temmen has trained extensively in proper BBL fat injection technique, and always injects fat into the subcutaneous plane using large-bore cannulas while monitoring the location of the cannula tip at all times. Taking these essential safety precautions greatly lowers the risk of fat embolism and maximizes patient safety.

The final factor to consider when thinking about BBL safety is choosing the right surgeon. First and foremost, it is extremely important to choose a board-certified plastic surgeon. This ensures that they have been extensively trained in both the procedures themselves as well as how to prevent and handle emergencies that may arise in the operating room, and requires both completion of a plastic surgery residency and passage of all required examinations. Finally, board-certified plastic surgeons are required to practice in fully accredited surgical facilities that are certified to have all of the necessary equipment to handle an emergency should one arise. In addition to being board-certified, it is also important to choose a surgeon who you feel like you can trust, and who understands your values and preferences. In addition, they should have numerous examples of real patient Before and After pictures for you to view, showcasing their results and providing evidence of their surgical skill and positive results. Dr. Traci Temmen is a board-certified plastic surgeon who practices in a state-of-the-art surgical suite at Temmen Plastic Surgery. She is fully trained in numerous plastic surgery procedures including the BBL, and has complete knowledge of potential complications and how to manage them. Furthermore, Dr. Traci Temmen’ patients love her kind and calm demeanor and are consistently impressed with their beautiful results, many of which are showcased in the Before and After section of this website.

As with all surgical procedures, the Brazilian Butt Lift is associated with complications that should be discussed with your plastic surgeon. That being said, when performed by an experienced and highly trained board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Traci Temmen, these risks can be substantially lowered. Dr. Temmen fully understands the anatomy of this region and practices only the safest injection techniques, making this procedure a safe and effective option for slimming the tummy and creating beautiful curves – all from your natural supply of fat! If you are interested in learning more about this procedure, please call 813-771-6393 to book your one-on-one consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Traci Temmen, MD, today.

What are gummy bear breast implants, and how do they compare to silicone?

Breast augmentation with implants is the most popular cosmetic plastic surgery in America, with over 300,000 procedures performed each year! With powerful modern technology that allows surgeons to create full, beautiful breasts while leaving minimal scars behind, it’s easy to see why so many women are choosing this life-changing procedure. In addition to providing safe and effective results, many women are also pleased that this procedure can be individually customized to make it the perfect fit for them. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen specializes in breast augmentation with implants, and is committed to working with her patients to provide them with a tailor-made result that exceeds their expectations. While being able to make decisions about implant material, size, shape, and scar placement is empowering for most patients, sometimes all of these choices can feel a little overwhelming! This post will break down some of the different options that are available, as well as address a common source of confusion for many women, which is “What are gummy bear breast implants, and how do they compare to silicone?”

Before diving into different implant materials, let’s first briefly outline some of the other choices patients will make with their plastic surgeon when planning their procedure. Implant size is one factor women spend a lot of time thinking about, as most try to find a happy medium between an increase in size that’s too small to be noticeable, and one that’s too big and looks awkward or unnatural. Most women ultimately choose a size that’s between 300 and 400 ccs (or milliliters), increasing their cup size by two letters (i.e. 32B to 32D). However, this varies widely depending on the patient’s body type and preferences, and really boils down to a decision made by the patient and surgeon working together after much discussion, body measurements, and “trying on” different sizes underneath clothing. Another decision patients will make with their surgeon is scar placement, of which there are three basic options. The first is to place the scar around the areola, or darker area outside the nipple. The second is to place the scar in the inframammary fold, or the natural crease between the bottom of the breast and the chest wall. The last option is the one most often preferred by patients, which is to place the scar in the natural crease in the armpit. This leaves the surface of the breasts flawless and scar-free, as well as making scars as discrete as possible – only visible when the patient raises their arms over their head. Once again, this decision should be made by the patient and provider together, depending on the patient’s anatomy and aesthetic goals.

Now that we have explored a few of the different options patients have for breast augmentation, let’s move on to this post’s main topic: gummy bear vs. silicone breast implants. Unlike saline implants, which are composed of a thin silicone shell filled with saline (a salt water solution) and filled up similarly to a water balloon, both silicone and gummy bear implants are solid throughout. Some of the key differences between them are that gummy bear implants are composed of a thicker gel than most silicone implants. This means that the implant retains its shape better over time, and is less likely to leak if it ruptures. This also means that the implant texture is firmer (like a gummy bear) than a silicone implant, which is a little bit softer and squishier. It is a good idea for every patient to hold the different types of implant in their hand in the office in order to feel the difference and decide which one they prefer. In addition to the texture difference, gummy bear and silicone implants also have different shapes. Gummy bear implants are generally a teardrop shape, whereas silicone implants are typically a rounder shape. Gummy bear implants were designed as a teardrop in order to more closely mimic the natural shape of the breast, which is fuller at the bottom than the top. Some patients like this more natural look, while others prefer to have more fullness in the upper portion of the breast. This is a matter of personal preference, and every patient should talk to their board-certified plastic surgeon to decide on the right implant for them. A final point to make about the difference in shape between these two implant types is because the gummy bear implant has a teardrop shape, it has a small potential to distort the shape of the breast if it rotates, while the silicone implants pose a smaller risk since they are more uniformly round. Overall, this risk is low as the implants are designed to stay in place.

As you can see from this post, deciding to undergo breast augmentation with implants entails making many decisions including implant type, size, scar placement, and many other factors. While this allows the patient to play a big role in the decision-making process, it also emphasizes the importance of choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon who respects your thoughts and concerns. Dr. Traci Temmen truly puts her patients’ safety, comfort, and privacy first, and enjoys using her surgical skills and expertise to create beautiful results unique to each patient. Patients appreciate her meticulous precision and perfectionistic nature, and are amazed by the beautiful results she is able to create while keeping scars small and easily concealed. Please explore this website to read real patient reviews and view the amazing patient transformations in the Before and After section. If you look at the photos and find yourself thinking, “Wow, I wish I could look like that!”, this is your opportunity! Call 813-771-6393 to book your one-on-one consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Traci Temmen, MD, today.

Should I Get Butt Implants or a Skinny BBL?

If there was one thing you could change about your body, what would it be? For most women, a specific area jumps to mind almost immediately. It’s what you notice each time you look in the mirror, and what feature you envy the most when flipping through a magazine. The answer to this question is different for everyone, but some of the most common areas women which they could change or enhance are the tummy, breasts, and buttocks. While it is always a good idea to try to target these areas with diet and exercise, sometimes no amount of cross-fit or soul cycle can get you the result you want. In these cases, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen is ready to use her surgical expertise and experience to help transform your body into the one you’ve been dreaming of! This post will focus on the cosmetic surgical options available to enhance the buttocks to help every woman feel confident and empowered to rock her favorite pair of blue jeans or yoga pants, namely through the use of gluteal (butt) implants or a Skinny Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL).

Butt implants are just what they sound like – similar to breast implants, they are solid silicone implants that are inserted into the buttocks to add volume and projection. These implants are normally inserted through an incision made in the midline of the buttocks, just above the gluteal cleft. Dr. Temmen meets extensively with every patient to discuss the desired appearance, and works with the patient to choose an implant size and shape that is the right fit for each patient’s anatomy, lifestyle, and aesthetic preferences. It should be noted that unlike a BBL or skinny BBL, gluteal implants do not have any impact on the appearance of the sides of the butt, thighs, or lower back. Furthermore, once the desired implant is chosen, there is not as much personalization that can be achieved during implantation, compared to a BBL which can be sculpted and shaped to more precisely match the patient’s body and goals. In addition, butt implants are unfortunately associated with a higher degree of complications, including problems with wound healing, implant malposition, fluid collection. Dr. Traci Temmen takes every precaution to lower the risk of these complications as much as possible for her patients, but unfortunately the risks of this procedure are still elevated compared to a BBL or Skinny BBL.

For many of the reasons outlined above, the majority of patients are better suited for a BBL or Skinny BBL than butt implants. Patients who may be good candidates for gluteal implants are typically very thin, with virtually no fat available for harvest to perform a successful BBL. For these patients, a significant increase in gluteal projection may not be feasible with a BBL, and thus they may consider butt implants as an option. However, the majority of patients, (even slim ones!), still have enough fat available to get a great result from a BBL.

In the BBL procedure, the first step is to gently harvest unwanted fat from the abdomen, back and sides using precisely targeted liposuction. Dr. Traci Temmen is highly skilled and experienced at using liposuction to sculpt the body into a beautiful shape by slimming the midsection and enhancing the patient’s natural curves. After the fat has been collected, it is prepared for injection to the buttocks. Next, precise amounts of fat are transferred to different aspects of the butt to create a beautiful shape that suits the individual patient. Fat can be transferred to increase projection in the back as well as the sides of the butt to create a rounder shape and fill in “hip dips”. Dr. Traci Temmen works one-on-one with her patients to ensure that each BBL creates a beautiful, seamless shape that is tailored perfectly for their anatomy and aesthetic desires. Compared to gluteal implants, the BBL is more customizable, allows simultaneous 3D-sculpting of the body, and has lower complication rates. In addition to these benefits, many patients appreciate that the BBL takes advantage of fat harvested from your own body, creating a result that looks and feels very natural.

Oftentimes, thin patients are concerned that they may not be able to get the result they want with a BBL due to having low body fat. Dr. Traci Temmen is one of the few board-certified plastic surgeons who specializes in performing “Skinny BBLs” for her thinner patients, all while maintaining the highest standards of safety and creating beautiful results! When working with a slim patient, a small amount of expertly transferred fat – even just a few hundred cc’s – can make a huge difference! In addition, these patients typically do not desire a very large butt, but are more interested in creating a rounder, more voluptuous shape by adding a little bit of volume in just the right places. The Skinny BBL procedure is ideal for enhancing gluteal shape by decreasing sagginess, filling in “hip dips”, and increasing projection through precisely targeted fat transfer, whereas butt implants can only increase projection. As mentioned above, on the occasions that a very thin woman desires a very large butt, a BBL alone may not be able to provide this result, and other options like butt implants with or without a BBL may be explored. However, the vast majority of the time, the round and attractive shape that slim women are looking for does not require a high volume of fat to create, and is very achievable at their normal weight.

Dr. Traci Temmen frequently performs BBLs, Skinny BBLs, and butt implantation to help her patients get the beautiful derriere they are hoping for! To view real examples of patient transformations performed by Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen, explore the Before and After section of website. If you are interested in seeing if you are a candidate for one of these procedures or any other cosmetic procedure, call 813-771-6393 to book your one-on-one consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Traci Temmen, MD, today!

Do I Need Vaginal Tightening Surgery?

In the modern world, more and more women are recognizing plastic surgery as a powerful tool to help restore confidence and self-esteem in virtually any area. Procedures on the face such as rhinoplasties (or “nose jobs”) and face lifts can correct life-long insecurities or turn back the clock on aging to help patients feel confident in how they face the world each day. Surgeries performed on the body, such as breast augmentation and tummy tucks, have also become increasingly popular by helping sculpt a shapely physique, restoring patients’ self-esteem and helping them feel radiant in their little black dress, new bikini, or wearing nothing at all! Another area that women all over the world are becoming increasingly interested in targeting with plastic surgery is the genitalia. While you might not see as many billboards advertising surgery in this region of the body, many women are interested in learning more about their options for improving the appearance or function of this area through procedures such as labiaplasty, clitoral hood reduction, or vaginoplasty. This post will focus on vaginoplasty (also known as vaginal tightening surgery), a surgical procedure that tightens the vaginal opening and canal in women who have experienced unwanted widening of the vagina.

Many women are interested in this procedure due to unhappiness with vaginal widening caused by childbirth, menopause, or the normal aging process. Vaginal widening may cause women to experience less friction during intercourse, causing decreased sexual enjoyment, intimacy with partners, and self-esteem. Women may also notice that they have difficulty getting tampons to stay in, or that their vagina often makes embarrassing noises (called “queefing”) due to trapped air suddenly escaping during sex or physical activity. If you’ve noticed some of these signs of vaginal widening in your own body and are bothered by them, vaginoplasty may be a good option to explore. As a woman, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen understands the profound impact that unhappiness with this area of the body can have on the rest of a woman’s life, affecting physical comfort, confidence, and intimate relationships. Patients admire Dr. Temmen’s gentle disposition and commitment to safety, comfort, and privacy throughout all aspects of this sensitive procedure.

During a vaginoplasty, the surgeon first removes some of the stretched or scarred vaginal tissue from the wall of the vaginal canal and opening. Typically, tissue is excised from the posterior vaginal wall (the side closer to the back) rather than the anterior wall (the side closer to the belly), allowing the scar to be placed in a location with fewer nerve endings. Once the excess tissue is removed, closing the incision decreases the circumference of the vaginal canal and opening. One of the main benefits of this is increased friction during sex, allowing women to feel more pleasure and connection with intimate partners. Furthermore, the firmer vaginal tone created during this procedure can help women use tampons without freely without worry of them falling out, allowing women to live more comfortably and confidently.

A couple of the most common concerns women have who are considering this procedure are recovery and scar placement. The surgery itself usually takes about an hour to an hour and a half, and is performed outpatient. Patients are able to return home the same day, and most are able to drive and return to work after just a few days. To allow the tissues to heal, patients should not exercise, insert anything into the vagina (including tampons), or partake in sexual activity for at least six weeks. While most patients can safely resume their normal lifestyle after the initial six-week recovery period, the healing process will continue for six months to a year as the scars soften. The scarring from this surgery is very minimal, the vast majority of which is located inside the vaginal canal and so is not visible from the outside. Externally, a scar will be visible extending from the posterior wall of the vagina towards the anus (similar to a scar from an episiotomy), but it is typically small and well-camouflaged by the normal anatomy of this region. Overall, patients are happy with the quick and effective result from this procedure that leaves minimal scars behind, and allows them to enjoy a greater quality of life.

Many women are dissatisfied with the toll that child-bearing and aging have taken on the most intimate part of the body, causing decreased sexual enjoyment, unwanted lifestyle changes, and a loss of self-esteem. As a woman herself, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen is uniquely positioned to understand her patients’ wishes and concerns. Dr. Temmen meets extensively one-on-one with each patient to ensure that she fully understands their desires and can address all of the worries and questions they have. If you’re interested in learning more about if this procedure may be a good option for you, take this opportunity to schedule an in-person meeting with a female board-certified plastic surgeon who is experienced in this specialized and sensitive procedure. Call 813-771-6393 to book your one-on-one consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Traci Temmen, MD, today!

Am I a Candidate for Removal of Implants and Fat Transfer to the Breast?

Breast implants are a popular method of adding volume to the breasts, helping many women feel more beautiful and confident. However, sometimes women find that whether due to aging, weight gain, pregnancy, complications, or simply being unhappy with their implants, they wish to have them removed. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen understands that this decision can be difficult to make, and is committed to walking alongside her patients on every step of their journey, from initial consultation to post-operative follow-ups. This post will touch upon a few of the different options available to patients considering breast implant removal (also called explantation), and spend a little extra time focusing on one option patients may not know as much about, called fat transfer to the breast (also called fat grafting).

Women thinking about getting their breast implants removed have several different options to choose from. The simplest option is to remove the implants without performing any other procedures. This may be a good option for women who are younger, have smaller implants, and have not had them for very long. For patients with this combination of factors, the skin and tissues surrounding the implant will contract or “fluff up” considerably after implant removal. This minimizes sagging or drooping, giving these patients the best chance at a result that looks most similar to their pre-implant appearance. For many patients, however, a combination of aging, having large implants, and having implants for a long time means that the overlying tissues are not as good at “bouncing back” after implant removal. In these women, breast explantation alone may result in a saggy or “deflated” appearance, particularly in the upper portion of the breast. These women are often interested in additional procedures that can be performed at the same time as implant removal to eliminate sagginess and improve the overall appearance of the breasts.

A breast lift is one of the most common procedures performed with explantation. This procedure removes sagging excess skin and tissue from the breasts and surgically lifts the breast to a higher position on the chest wall, creating a perkier, more youthful bust. A breast reduction is a similar procedure to a breast lift, but removes additional breast tissue to further reduce the size of the breasts. Both of these options lift the breasts up to eliminate droopiness, one of the most common undesired effects of implant removal.

Both of the options discussed above are great for patients looking to remove their implants without being left with saggy breasts. However, a subset of patients is interested in having their implants removed while also adding natural volume and fullness to their bust line. Dr. Traci Temmen is one of the few board-certified female plastic surgeons in the Tampa Bay area who is highly skilled at performing fat transfer to the breast, a method that uses the power of liposuction to do just that. During this procedure, Dr. Temmen performs gentle, precise liposuction of the abdomen and other problem areas. This removes stubborn fat deposits while also providing a supply of high quality fat for later transfer to the breasts. Dr. Traci Temmen is highly trained at performing liposuction to gently sculpt the body into a more flattering shape, and is able to flatten the tummy, melt away muffin tops, and accentuate the waistline. With her exacting surgical technique, Dr. Temmen is also able to precisely target certain areas the patient is most self-conscious of, adapting to each patient’s unique desires. Once liposuction is complete, the collected fat is processed and prepared for transfer. It is then carefully injected into the breasts to create soft, beautiful volume. Since fat transfer replaces some of the volume that was previously taken up by the implants, this adds fullness while also reducing sagginess. For most patients, fat transfer provides up to 1 to 1.5 increase in bra cup size after implant removal (i.e. from a 36B to a 36C), although this varies between patients. Some patients may also be happy to stay the same cup size, but create a rounder shape by adding volume to the upper breast. Overall, explantation with fat transfer is a great option for patients who no longer wish to have breast implants, but still want full, beautiful breasts. Patients are typically impressed with their results, and think it’s simply amazing how great they look just from moving their own fat around! Many patients also enjoy the soft, natural look and feel of their breasts, and may feel more at ease that the increased volume came from their own body rather than outside material.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen frequently performs breast implant removal alone or in conjunction with breast lift, reduction, or fat transfer to best suit each unique patient’s anatomy, lifestyle, and aesthetic goals. Dr. Temmen is an expert in her field, and stays up to date on the latest innovations in cosmetic plastic surgery to ensure the highest levels of safety and patient satisfaction. In addition to her surgical expertise and experience, as one of the few board-certified female plastic surgeons in the Tampa Bay area, Dr. Temmen understands how closely a woman’s appearance can be tied to self-esteem and quality of life. Patients love her gentle bedside manner, and often find that her humble and kind demeanor are a breath of fresh air in today’s fast-paced world. Just read a few of her many glowing patient reviews to hear for yourself why they’re so satisfied with their care!

With her commitment to safety, extensive training and surgical skill, and gentle approach to patient care, it’s no wonder why so many patients trust Dr. Temmen to perform their cosmetic surgical procedure. Visit the Gallery tab of this website to view Before and After photos of real patient transformations performed by Dr. Traci Temmen, and see the stunning results for yourself. Want to learn more about if you may be a candidate for breast implant removal with any of the procedures discussed above? Call 813-771-6393 to book your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Traci Temmen today!

Will I need a lift if I remove my breast implants?

Many women get breast implants to enhance the size and shape of their bust line. However, sometimes a woman may desire to have her implants removed (called “explantation”) at a later date for a variety of reasons. Some women may find that with aging, weight gain, or pregnancy, their breasts enlarge over time to a point where they no longer desire the added volume of implants. In other cases, a patient may feel that she was rushed into her decision, or find that her implants are not the size or shape she desired. Whatever the reason, Dr. Temmen recognizes that much like the decision to have breast implants put in place, the choice to have them removed is a personal one. Dr. Temmen’s gentle bedside manner and listening ear ensure that her patients feel comfortable and cared for throughout their entire experience. A key concern many women have who are considering this procedure is that they will be left with saggy, shapeless breasts after the implants are removed. This raises the question of if a breast lift or other procedure is needed in conjunction with explantation to restore the breasts to a natural-looking shape. This post will discuss a few of the surgical options Dr. Traci Temmen frequently performs for her patients to ensure that they are pleased with their result following breast implant removal.

One key point patients thinking about breast explantation should consider is that there is significant variability in breast appearance after implant removal. There are several factors that contribute to this including implant size, how long the patient has had the implants, and how robust the patient’s overlying tissues are, including the thickness and elasticity of the skin. Generally, a young patient who recently had small implants placed will have a better result from breast explantation alone than an older patient who has had large breast implants for a long time. Women with a favorable combination of these factors have the best chance at a result that closely resembles their pre-implant appearance from simply removing the implants. This means that over the course of a four to six-week recovery period, the skin and overlying tissues will tighten and the breasts will “fluff up” in these patients, with minimal sagging or drooping. On the other hand, older women who have had large implants for a long period of time will likely find that breast explantation alone will leave their breasts with a “deflated” appearance that many women would be unhappy with. Fortunately, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen has several options at her disposal to prevent this, allowing patients to have their breast implants removed and still emerge with beautiful, natural-looking breasts.

One of the most common choices women make to restore their breasts to a perkier, more youthful appearance after explantation is a breast lift. In this procedure, saggy excess tissue is removed from the breast after the implants have been removed, and the breast is then lifted to a higher position on the chest wall. This does not increase the size of the breast like an implant, but decreases sagging to help create a more youthful, lifted bust line. Some women with the favorable conditions discussed above may have enough recoil in their tissues to allow the breasts to snap back to their original shape without a lift. However, for many women, a lift is necessary to achieve this result.

Another option some patients are interested in exploring with breast explantation is a breast reduction. This option is best suited for patients who wish to decrease the size of their breasts beyond removal of their implants. Oftentimes these women are experiencing major problems from the heavy weight of their breasts, such as back pain, trouble exercising comfortably, and difficulty finding suitable clothing options. This procedure is very similar to a breast lift, but a greater quantity of breast tissue is removed to reduce the size of the breasts, rather than just the saggy excess tissue and skin removed during a lift.

Finally, a third option available to patients considering breast implant removal who are interested in restoring a little bit of natural volume to the breasts without the use of implants is fat transfer to the breasts. In this procedure, liposuction is performed to remove excess fat from the abdomen that is then transferred to the breasts to add soft, natural-looking volume. This helps fill out the upper pole of the breast which is often what looks the most “deflated” after breast implant removal. An added bonus of this procedure that many patients enjoy is the slimming effects of the liposuction used to harvest fat from the midsection.

As you can see, there are many options for improving the breast appearance while performing breast implant removal. As a highly skilled female plastic surgeon, Dr. Traci Temmen has the technical skills to perform all of these variations of breast explanation as well as the patience and understanding to listen to her patient’s wishes and concerns. Dr. Temmen is an expert in the field, and prides herself on working individually with each patient to design a personalized plan that will give them the most attractive and natural-looking result, leaving them feeling confident and beautiful.

To view some real patient examples, navigate to the tabs under the “Breast” section of the “Before and After” tab of this website. If you are interested in learning more about breast implant removal or any other cosmetic surgery procedure, call 813-877-2277 to book your one-on-one consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Traci Temmen, MD, today!

How soon after pregnancy can I get a mommy makeover?

The time period following the birth of a new baby is so exciting – filled with joy, love, and lots of new memories as a new life is welcomed into the world! Most mothers are thrilled about their new little bundle of joy – but many are not so happy about the toll pregnancy has taken on their body, leaving them with an enlarged abdomen, saggy skin, and stretch marks. While plenty of women embrace these “battle scars”, others feel less confident, unattractive, or just not like themselves due to these changes to their bodies. While some post-pregnancy changes improve with time and lifestyle changes, women are sometimes disappointed that they are not able to get their “pre-baby body” back despite all of their hard work. For these people, cosmetic surgical procedures such as the “mommy makeover” may be a good option to explore! In this post, I will explain this procedure in detail as well as answer a common question asked by moms who are eager to get their body back: How soon after pregnancy can I get a mommy makeover?

The mommy makeover is a highly effective combination of a tummy tuck with liposuction (or liposuction alone, if desired) and a breast augmentation procedure. Prior to the tummy tuck portion of this procedure and according to patient preferences, Dr. Traci Temmen performs targeted liposuction to remove fat from the stomach, back and sides in order to sculpt a slimmer, shapelier physique. This helps create an hourglass figure, in addition to eliminating stubborn lower back fat and muffin tops. Performing liposuction first also slightly reduces the size of the incision that must be made to achieve optimal results during the tummy tuck portion of the procedure, resulting in a smaller scar. Most patients are very pleased that the scar from their tummy tuck is only slightly longer than a C-section scar, and can usually be easily concealed behind a pair of underwear or bikini bottoms. After liposuction, the standard tummy tuck technique is used to remove excess fat and skin is from the abdomen, creating a flatter, tighter stomach. This helps remove saggy skin and stretch marks acquired during pregnancy, eliminating the post-partum “pooch”.

In addition to liposuction and a tummy tuck, the mommy makeover procedure also includes breast augmentation to enhance the appearance of the breasts. Many women are unhappy with the shape, size, or symmetry of their breasts after the toll of pregnancy, breast-feeding, and aging. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen works closely with each patient to form a surgical plan that perfectly suits their anatomy, lifestyle, and aesthetic desires. The breast augmentation portion of the mommy makeover is extensively personalized to each unique patient. Many women are unhappy that their breasts hang lower than they would like and are good candidates for a breast lift, where excess tissue is removed from the breast and it is lifted to a higher position on the chest wall. This helps the breasts appear more youthful and perky. Depending on patient preferences, Dr. Temmen can also place breast implants during a mommy makeover to increase breast fullness and add beautiful, natural-looking volume. There are many different types and sizes of implants to choose from, and Dr. Temmen spends one-on-one time with each patient going over the different options to help every patient find the perfect match.

As you can see, the mommy makeover is a combination of procedures designed to target many of the key areas women are unhappy with after child-bearing in order to create a more youthful, slim, and shapely physique that makes every woman feel radiant and confident. So now the question is, how long does a woman have to wait after pregnancy to have this life-changing procedure? It is typically recommended that women wait at least six months to have this procedure to allow time for the tissues to recover after pregnancy. This gives time for the uterus to contract, abdominal wall muscles to tighten, and overlying tissue and skin to contract to their full extent. (While it may take about six to twelve weeks for the uterus to contract back to its original size, it takes six to twelve months for the abdominal muscles to return to their original positions and for the overlying abdominal skin to contract.) To ensure patient safety and produce the best result, a mommy makeover should not be performed sooner than six months after pregnancy, and it is typically recommended that patients wait six to twelve months to give the body time to recover. It should be noted that having a mommy makeover (or surgery in general, particularly intra-abdominal surgery) immediately following vaginal birth or C-section is associated with an increased risk of dangerous complications such as blood clots and significantly increased overall mortality, and should therefore never be pursued. In addition, a woman should ideally be done have children before deciding to have this procedure as the body will change with subsequent pregnancies, undoing much of the work that was done. Finally, it is preferred that a woman is at her normal, healthy, ideal weight before having a mommy makeover in order to reduce the chance of significant weight changes after the procedure having a negative impact on the results. In summary, it is important that every woman wait six to twelve months following pregnancy, and ideally be finished having children and at her stable, ideal body weight before having a mommy makeover. It is well worth the wait to ensure patient safety as well as the best-looking result!

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen’s impeccable surgical skills and gentle bedside manner make her the perfect choice for helping women get their body confidence back through the highly effective combination of procedures known as the mommy makeover. To view some examples of real patient transformations by Dr. Temmen, go to the “Mommy Makeover” section of the Before and After tab on this website. To learn more about if you may be a good candidate for this procedure or any other cosmetic procedure you may be interested in, call 813-771-6393 to book your one-on-one consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Traci Temmen, MD, today!

Will a Tummy Tuck Give Me Better Curves?

To many people, having children is the greatest joy life has to offer. But as much love and happiness as they bring, unfortunately many women are upset to find that no matter how much they diet and exercise, their body never looks the way it did before they had kids. Even those women who are able to lose all of their “baby weight” are often bothered by loose sagging skin and stretch marks on their abdomen. Every woman deserves to feel confident and beautiful, but many struggle to do so when these stubborn flaps of skin just won’t go away no matter how hard they work! Luckily, there is a way to get your pre-pregnancy body back through the tummy tuck procedure performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Traci Temmen. This surgical procedure uses a combination of liposuction for body sculpting, muscle repair, skin removal and tightening to dramatically reshape the abdomen. While most women know that a tummy tuck procedure removes excess fat and skin in order to flatten and tighten the stomach, many have concerns about getting a flat tummy but being stuck with the excess fat on their back and sides, resulting in an unnatural, boxy shape. What most women really want is a flatter tummy, no more muffin tops, better curves and an hourglass waist – but is this really possible to achieve with a tummy tuck? This post will answer this question, showing how a tummy tuck performed by an experienced plastic surgeon like Dr. Traci Temmen can give you pre-baby body back, plus the sexy curves and hourglass figure you’ve always wanted!

The traditional tummy tuck procedure removes excess fat and skin from the abdomen, pulling the remaining tissue together to create a flatter and firmer tummy. However, this does not improve the shape of the waist, muffin tops, or lower back. Dr. Traci Temmen has found that modifying this method creates the best results for her patients – leaving them with not only a flat tummy, but also removing love handles, narrowing the waist, and eliminating stubborn fat deposits from the lower back. These amazing results are achieved through a combination of the standard tummy tuck technique plus targeted liposuction that removes excess fat to sculpt the abdomen into an attractive hourglass shape.

The liposuction component of this procedure is performed first, eliminating fat from the lower back, stomach, and sides to create a slimmer, smoother figure. The next step after body sculpting with liposuction is repair of the abdominal muscles. During pregnancy, these muscles are slowly pulled apart, causing the abdomen to widen. These muscles can be pulled back together into their original positions during surgery, narrowing the abdomen. After muscle repair, the traditional tummy tuck technique is used to remove unwanted excess skin and fat from the front of the abdomen, creating a firmer and flatter stomach. An added benefit of performing liposuction prior to the tummy tuck portion of the procedure is that the tummy tuck can be accomplished through a shorter incision, leaving a smaller scar – just a little bit longer than a typical C-section scar. Dr. Temmen takes care to leave the shortest scar possible while still creating stunning results, and her patients are thrilled that their scar is usually easily concealed below the top of their bikini bottoms! A final important (but often overlooked!) component of an attractive abdomen is the belly button. Just look at any image of toned stomach and you will notice that the belly button is dimpled and has a smooth oval shape. During tummy tuck surgery, Dr. Temmen meticulously recreates a beautiful and natural-looking belly button, all through an almost invisible scar.

In addition to body sculpting with liposuction, abdominal muscle repair, and excess skin removal with the recreation of a beautiful belly button, Dr. Temmen finds that some patients may benefit from additional fat transfer, or moving fat from one area of the body to another. One of the more common examples of this is the Brazilian Butt Lift, which repurposes fat that was removed during liposuction of the stomach, back, and sides and transfers it to the buttocks to create a rounder, shapelier behind. Dr. Temmen meets extensively with each patient to build a personalized surgical plan that considers their individual anatomy and aesthetic goals in order to give them the best possible result.

Many moms struggle to get their pre-baby body and confidence back after they have children. The special tummy tuck procedure performed by Dr. Traci Temmen that combines both liposuction and standard tummy tuck techniques is a safe and extremely effective way to eliminate sagging skin, flatten the tummy, and sculpt the back, stomach, and sides into that sought-after hourglass figure. Check out some examples of real patient results by Dr. Temmen in the Before and After section of this website, and see the amazing transformations for yourself! Want to learn more about if you are a good candidate for this life-changing procedure? Call 813-771-6393 to book your one-on-one consultation with Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon Traci Temmen, MD, today!