Correcting the Inverted Nipple

Nipples play an important role in the aesthetic beauty of the breast and a functional role in breast-feeding children. Inverted nipples are seen in approximately 2% of the general population, and the cause is usually the development of fibrous bands behind the nipples that occurs during uterine development. While some women who have inverted nipples experience no problems with breast-feeding, others do have difficulty and cannot breast-feed. Surgical correction is an option for aesthetic considerations. Plastic surgery can be performed on the nipple(s) to evert them, and many surgeries involve small incisions near the areola or base of the nipple. However, there is some risk that the patient may experience a decreased amount of feeling and sensation in the nipples post-operatively. There is also a risk that the patient may be unable to breast-feed even after surgery. While there are commercial suction devices available, this is neither a guarantee nor a permanent solution to having inverted nipples. Patients who are bothered by this condition should consult a board certified plastic surgeon such as Michael Eisemann, M.D.

Treating Breast Asymmetry in Houston

There are many kinds of congenital breast and chest wall irregularities that affect children, adolescents, and adults. While the majority can be corrected through surgery (whether one or multiple), many irregularities cannot be repaired until the patient is fully grown or developed, and this is the case for treating breast asymmetry. It is best to delay surgical intervention until the patient is between 17 and 18 years of age. While breast asymmetry does not create medical problems for the patient per se, the psychological effect can be quite significant – especially in adolescent females. They may feel personally embarrassed, socially isolated, and have difficulty in forming relationships if the breast asymmetry is left untreated. Breast asymmetry is not uncommon in females, but when it is more pronounced plastic surgery is an excellent way to create symmetry. A breast may be hypoplastic (deficiently developed) or absent altogether (aplasia), and both situations may be treated. When a patient has a hypoplastic breast, the plastic surgeon’s aim is to make the deficient breast match the other, fully developed breast. This can be done using breast augmentation, breast reduction, or both procedures. Breast augmentation would enhance the hypoplastic breast to be congruent with the other breast. Breast reduction (mastopexy) would reduce the size of the other breast to be congruent with the hypoplastic breast. However, plastic surgeons often use both techniques to achieve breast symmetry and aesthetic harmony. Houston’s Michael Eisemann, M.D. is a triple board certified surgeon who has focused on plastic surgery for over 30 years. Dr. Eisemann has experience not only in surgeries whose focus is solely aesthetics, but also in plastic surgery geared toward correcting the body’s structural elements.

Facelift vs. Non-Surgical Facelift in Houston

The facelift is one of the most sought after plastic surgery procedures for good reasons: It provides immediate results and turns back the hands of time, giving the patient a more youthful appearance that lasts well with time. However, news and social media are hyping a new energy based procedure called Ulthera that calls itself a “non-surgical facelift” offering no downtime or incisions. While the non-invasive part is true, Ulthera is NOT a facelift. In fact, if the patient carefully reads the device’s own advertising literature, the manufacturer clearly states that this is not a facelift and it will not provide the same results. Though Ulthera may be a good choice for the younger patient in her 30’s or early 40’s, it cannot provide the same lifting and tightening of a facelift or brow lift, and the results are not necessarily predictable or long lasting. The United States FDA only cleared this medical device in 2009; therefore, physicians do not have much personal experience in just how well Ulthera performs, but more importantly how long the results last. There are patients who must undergo a second course of Ulthera treatment if they do not get the desired results after 90+ days. Having a second procedure performed makes the non-surgical facelift just as expensive as having a traditional facelift, but without the immediate results and benefits of a skilled, board certified plastic surgeon performing the work. At the Eisemann Plastic Surgery Center, we strive to provide our patients with expertise, results and value. Therefore, Dr. Eisemann and his medical staff will be candid about the patient’s personal goals, the reality of achieving them, and the best approach for the individual patient. For more information on facelift surgery or other forms of facial rejuvenation that are tried and true, contact our office today.

Exercise Post Breast Augmentation

Exercise is a great way to stay strong, slim and healthy, but following breast augmentation surgery you need to take a break, and for good reasons. Patients can of course walk after breast augmentation surgery, but brisk, power walking is not an option. In fact, cardiovascular exercise should be put on the back burner for at least 2-3 weeks, or until Dr. Eisemann clears you following surgery. Additionally, you should avoid weight lifting and heavy pushing or pulling that you would do around the house. This is because lifting, pushing and pulling engaged the pectoral muscles of the chest, which is one area of focus during your augmentation surgery. Your follow-up, post-operative visit is very important not only to check incisions and the placement of implants, but also to discuss how to reincorporate exercise into your life.