Tuberous Breast Deformity - Breast Augmentation is the Solution

Once in a while I will encounter a patient as pictured above, who is seeking breast augmentation.  Often this patient does not realize that the reason she does not like her breasts has to do with not only the small size but also the shape of the breasts.  She has tuberous breasts.  Tuberous breasts have a number of characteristics that make them unique.  It is important to state that there is nothing wrong with these breasts.  This is strictly a cosmetic issue for most women.

Tuberous breasts have a narrow base width and a high constricted infra-mammary fold.  The breasts are  conical in shape and have the appearance of underdeveloped breasts.  In fact they are actually fully developed but lack the proper aesthetics.  In severe cases of tuberous breasts, the nipple areolar complex is often large and misshapen due to breast tissue that herniates behind the areolae.  

Breast augmentation is the best solution to improve the appearance of these breasts.  These cases are challenging.  They require a level of understanding of the proper aesthetic relationship of the breasts.  This again is where the art and science comes together to sculpt beautiful breasts.  These procedures are very satisfying for patients and I love doing them.  

Below is the patient shown about 3 months post surgery using implants.  She is very happy.

South Jersey Magazine Top Physician Award for 2013

Please pick up a copy of August issue of the most popular magazine in South Jersey.  It seems that we have done it again!  Being selected as a Top Physician for South Jersey is a deep honor that I take pride in.  We have received this award consistently since 2007 and I remain proud of this accomplishment.  Thank you to all patients who take the time to vote for us.  We will continue to deliver excellence in plastic and cosmetic surgery to our patients.  For those who are considering plastic surgery, please check us out and let us be part of that transformation for you.   

How young is too young for Cosmetic Rhinoplasty?

Often I am evaluating a young patient for rhinoplasty and this topic needs to be re-visited in my opinion.  Improving the appearance of a nose combines the art with the science of rhinoplasty.  This is where science plays a major role in deciding when to do rhinoplasty.  An aesthetically poor appearance of the nose can have a devastating effect on a young patient from a social standpoint.

We know through our scientific analysis that the nasal anatomy matures during the teen years.  It is generally understood that the female nose matures between the ages of 16 to 18 and the male nose takes a bit longer.  In general the male nose matures closer to 18 to 20 years of age.

Theoretically, we can perform rhinoplasty at the age of 16 in girls, BUT this has to be based on the surgeons assessment of the facial anatomy of that patient.  What I tell patients is that it not just enough to evaluate the nose, my assessment has to include other structures on the face.  How does the nose fit in relationship to other parts of the face for instance, the jaw bone and the orbital bones.  Sometimes, these other structures are lagging behind in terms of growth and waiting is the best option for that patient.  My job is to help patients determine this issue.  In most cases, 16 is the earliest that I would initially consider a female patient for cosmetic rhinoplasty.

Physician Excellence Award

Last week, Virtua Hospital system held their annual Super Star Award ceremony.  At this ceremony, I was recognized by the Board of Directors to receive the Physician Excellence award.  I was extremely touched and grateful for this recognition.  This award has a significance in that it is a recognition of excellence of service by peers.  There is no recognition greater in my humble opinion than that by peers in your profession.  It shows our commitment to excellence at South Shore Plastic Surgery. I would like to thank any and all who were kind enough to nominate me and then to actually award me over so many excellent and amazing doctors in South Jersey.   

Earlobe Reduction

This does not seem like a huge issue, but it can be for some patients.  Earlobes that are too large can have a negative effect on patients.  Patients often complain that they look older just because their earlobes are too large or pendulous.  More often this is an issue that women deal with, especially those who wear heavy earrings.  It can stretch the earlobe and leave them hanging really low.
Another subset of patients are those who are just born with large earlobes.  The earlobes can be thick and pendulous as though they have been wearing large earrings, but in fact it is just their genetics.  This can be corrected with earlobe reduction surgery.
These procedures are done in the office setting with just local anesthesia.  There is often very little down time associated with this procedure.  The results are excellent.  Patients are very happy with the changes that they see.  My goal with this surgery is to make this look natural.  Patients can wear earrings after this procedure, once all the tissues have healed.

Top Physician for Women 2013

I know that choosing the right plastic surgeon is a personal endeavor for all patients.
Once again, I want to extend my deep gratitude to all patients who voted for us.  For a number of years now, we have been voted Top Physician for Women by South Jersey Magazine.  We did it again for 2013!
This represents our hard work, as we strive to provide the best care in plastic surgery to our amazing patients in South Jersey.  We want all of you to know that we will continue to be the best and earn you trust.  If you are thinking about plastic surgery, allow us the privilege of providing that service to you.  Come and meet us and see why we are the Top Physicians for all of South Jersey and dare I say all of New Jersey!

Breast Augmentation and Re-shaping without Implants- Mastopexy or Implants?

Breasts come in all different shapes and sizes.  Breast enhancement surgery is meant to restore volume and projection.  You can sometimes have adequate volume but poor projection and appearance.  This patient seems to have enough volume but poor appearance and even asymmetry of the breasts.
We can improve this situation and it does not always have to involve the use of implants.  Implants are necessary when the patient has lost volume of breast tissue.  This patient underwent a breast lift and re-shaping using her existing volume.  In this case, she also has breasts that look different (asymmetry).
I used mastopexy techniques to re-shape her breasts without the need for implants.  The patient now has a more pleasing shape and contour with an improvement of her symmetry. The scars have healed well and they often do heal well, even in dark skinned patients.