Has any one received a TUG flap followed by a DIEP or TRAM flap to make the breast look fuller?

Q

Done: Bilateral TUG flap surgery (nipple and skin sparing). Breast appear empty/ bony at the top. My PS surgeon did not think an implant would be a good visible option to add to the TUG flap. I prefer not to receive any more liposuction as it made my breast sag more than anything else. Has anyone received a TUG flap followed by a DIEP or TRAM flap to make the upper breast look fuller? How did this turn out? What do the professionals think? Thank you for thinking along. With greetings, Audrey.

A

Microsurgery can be more challenging for the new procedure,

with possible need for vein grafts etc

and higher risk of complications, even failure.

Fat transfer might be an alternative/ simpler option.

I would look for an experienced in breast reconstruction surgeon who would discuss your problem in a Multidisciplinary team approach.

Katerina Anesti, MD, MRCS, FRCS (Plast)

Should I be concerned my PS is at fault for my ruptured implant?

Q

I had a preventative double mastectomy in May of 2016 in June of 2016 I had my final 700cc gel implants put in. It’s only been a year and 4 months and my doctor is saying it’s ruptured and scheduled me surgery in 2 months. No reason has been given for my rupture.

A

There are always risks of rupture, especially with attenuation of cell after time/ depends of course on the manufacturer/ type of the implant too…

(Signs can be dramatic or subtle, such as sudden swelling and MRI is not always a reliable test)

but as per ASPS;

In 2011, the FDA released this report on the safety of silicone breast implants. ‘’After 10 years of an initial breast augmentation, 1 out of 5 patients need some sort of revision procedure. That means 20% of patients need another operation due to excess scarring inside the breast (capsular contracture), broken implant etc. That also means that 80% of the patients are doing fine at 10 years.’’

Also, keep in mind that this study was released in 2011. Since 2011, there are newer fifth generation gummy bear implants. These implants appear sturdier than the implants studied in 2011. So maybe updated 10-year data with newer implants will show a less frequent need for revision, in the sub-20% range.

The numbers above reference data for cosmetic breast augmentation. Implants used for breast reconstruction differ. Because of radiation and thinner breast skin after mastectomy, implants for breast reconstruction tend to have a higher percentage that require exchanging every 10 years. Check with your doctor to be sure.

The best data sometimes takes many years to be collected. Keep researching for the latest data.

I would certainly not blame the PS.

 

Katerina Anesti, MD, MRCS, FRCS (Plast)

Is it possible to surgically repair a complete tear/separation of the upper and lower pectoralis muscles?

Q

I had a BMX and (because of complications) haven’t yet gotten a reconstruction. During a revision, the butcher who operated on me RIPPED the seroma capsule out (causing 100% separation of my upper and lower pectoralis muscles). I have a big hole between them now where the skin is sitting directly on top of my rib bone. Is it possible to reattach the muscles together?

A

I am really sorry to hear that you are suffering from complications.

Your Surgeon tried to remove the seroma capsule and the attenuated / scarred muscles ended healing in a position that causing skin tethering on you chest wall. It happens sometimes.

This can be revised during your reconstruction with several evidence based options such as:

Muscle repair/ repositioning, fat graft, dermal substitutes and appropriate breast volume reconstruction.

I would advise you to consider a clinical opinion from a Board Qualified Experienced Breast Reconstructive Surgeon.

Katerina Anesti, MD, MRCS, FRCS (Plast)

Should I have lipo or a lift to reduce the fat on my chin?

Q

I have a great amount of fat on my chin. I am 42 years old.

A

Hi

It might be worth starting with liposuction/ you are rather young for a neck lift; there is no significant skin laxity/ excess.

BW

Katerina Anesti, MD, MRCS, FRCS (Plast)

I am only 18 and I have wrinkles under my eyes. How can I treat that?

Q

I am only 18 yrs old and there are wrinkles under my eyes. How do I treat them so that they go?

A

Hi

You are really young to consider surgery for this eyelid creases.

It is more of an anatomic variation in the spectrum of individual anatomy, rather than a sign of skin aging.

Perhaps you can consider seeing a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and discuss less invasive/ minimaly invasive options first, including fillers.

BW

Katerina Anesti, MD, MRCS, FRCS (Plast)

What procedures should I prioritize?

Q

Hi! I want to invest in plastic surgery. I plan to go in for consultations but want to research procedures first. I have a deviated septum. I have asymmetry of the nose, lips, jaw, eyes, and eyebrows. I have drooping eyelids, a wide, weak jaw, and a chubby, weak chin. What procedures would I (likely) reap the most benefit from? Top 3 procedure suggestions would be very appreciated. Thank you!

A

Hi

An experienced Plastic Surgeon would perform a formal facial analysis,

simulation

and offer a treatment plan.

You should think about prioritizing functional over cosmetic issues:

  • Visual fields disturbance due too ‘droopy eyelids’
  • Breathing difficulties due to septal and nose deviation

the jawline can be improved with adjunct procedures and Botox/ fillers

Katerina Anesti, MD, MRCS, FRCS (Plast)

Breast lift or no breast lift? I’m frustrated with the look of my breasts since I stopped breastfeeding 7 yrs ago

Q

Although they have some fullness they sag and they have are flat. I’m aware there is much worse re sagging and my husband and friends tell me my boobs look great. I know they’re not that bad and I’m truly wondering if the trade off Lift scars would be worth it or not? Do I want ok-ish boobs with a smooth skin and no scars or perky breasts with anchor scars? Will the lift change the shape of my breasts? I like the shape of mine they are round and I’d like to preserve it.

A

Hi

Aging, gravity, weight fluctuation are things that you should take into consideration when deciding about a breast lift.

Yes they will be scars, and the result will not be permanent.

It seems that your nipple position is at level of the IMF crease ( so not significant ptosis) although the volume of the breast below ( i.e.: empty upper poles).

An implant can achieve upper pole fullness, however with the time might cause more ptosis, due to gravity.

The breast uplift can be considered, but it will inevitably cause some shape changes.

Please do see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon and discuss your options carefully.

BW

Katerina Anesti, MD, MRCS, FRCS (Plast)

Should I choose a bigger implant since it will be under the muscle?

Q

I measured at my consult and measured perfectly for mentor silicone 325cc implants. I tried them on in a bra and was happy with the size. My surgeon is going to perform dual plane breast aug surgery to help correct the laxity in my left breast. I was talking with a friend who had undergone under the muscle breast aug and she said I should go bigger, because the muscle will squish the implant and it won’t be as big as it was when I tried it on. I’m sharing pictures of what the implant looked like when I tried it on and my current breast tissue. Should I choose a bigger implant?

A

The size of implants will not change with placement under the pectoralis major muscle.

However,

if you still feel that you would like larger implants,

it is worth discussion with your Doctor before the final surgery date.

Katerina Anesti, MD, MRCS, FRCS (Plast)

Does a fat transfer work on the nasal dorsum area?

A

Hi

There are fillers ( hyalouronic acid ), such as Restylane or Juvederm that can be safely injected on the nose dorsum for correction of minor hump, low radix, and post surgical deformities.

Is it possible to get gynecomastia surgery after building muscles at the gym?

A

Hi

Yes it is possible, if you can accept that the breast will look larger / more pronounced after building up the muscles.

My advise is to aim for an ideal body weight before the surgery, and stay clear for any anabolics/ steroids in order to eliminate the risk of perioperative complications.

You will have to take sometime off / avoid gym for a few weeks post op, so it will be reasonable to aim to get as fit as possible before surgery.

Please do see a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon for a formal assessment and a management plan.

BW

Katerina Anesti, MD, MRCS, FRCS (Plast)

Would lip fillers make my nose look less wide and my face more symmetrical?

Q

I think my nose is too wide, and my lips are too small for my nose. Would lip fillers make my face look more symmetrical? Also, from my side profile, my top lip goes slightly above my bottom lip, is there a way to fix this? Thank you.

A

Hi

It is worth seeing a facial plastic surgeon who can perform a facial analysis of your proportions and simulation (Visualiser) of your desired outcome.

However:

These changes might not be achievable with a lip filler

I hope this helps

BW

Katerina Anesti, MD, MRCS, FRCS (Plast)

Can the Depressor Septi Muscle be re-attached at all or is there anything I can do to stop the crease forming in my lip?

Q

I had Rhinoplasty & my surgeon suggested cutting the Depressor Septi Muscle. All he said was it will stop the tip of my nose from pulling down so I thought it was a good idea. Unfortunately what he didn’t explain was that it could change my smile!! it now feels strange when I smile & I have a long crease line on my top lip now when I smile that wasn’t there before. Is there anything that can be done to reverse this at all in anyway even slightly to stop the crease from forming? Thank you

A

Hi

The release of Depressor Septi Muscle is common practice for prevention of downward pulling of the nose during animation.

Although it is difficult to advise without seeing pre and post op photos,

revision can be performed in terms of an upper lip lift procedure.

Please discuss with your treating clinician first and /or seek advise from a Board Qualified Plastic Surgeon.

Best wishes

Katerina Anesti, MD, MRCS, FRCS (Plast)