2 min read

Breast reduction surgery is known for yielding one of the highest satisfaction rates of all plastic surgery procedures. Why is this? Breast reduction is usually performed to ease the physical pain, emotional trauma, and unwanted attention that can be caused by having overly large breasts. These complaints are not limited to adults; many female teens suffer just as much (if not more) from having oversized breasts. Breast reduction can help teenagers who suffer from these symptoms experience a better quality of life and develop a healthy, positive body image.

The Challenges of Having Large Breasts as a Teen

Teenagers with overly large breasts can experience both psychological and physical concerns like sexual harassment and back pain that can be addressed through breast reduction.

Anyone who went to a public high school knows how teenagers tend to respond to people who look different from them. Teenage girls with abnormally large breasts can find themselves the victims of teasing, unwanted attention, catcalling, sexual harassment, and other forms of social rejection and objectivism. Some are referred to throughout their four years of high school as “the girl with the big boobs” rather than their given name. Especially during these vulnerable years of life, it’s fairly easy for these kinds of things to lead to social and emotional anxiety, psychological issues, poor body image, and/or eating disorders.

In addition, adolescent girls must deal with other personal struggles. All the painful physical symptoms of large breasts—such as neck aches, backaches, skin infections, shoulder grooves—can prevent you from participating in activities you would otherwise enjoy. You might feel that you can’t be a cheerleader or join the track team because your breasts make it difficult to exercise. Shopping can be equally frustrating.

Teenage Breast Reduction

Deciding to undergo major surgery is never easy. The results are permanent, and uncertainty over what your future appearance will look like may cause you to hesitate. Despite these worries, it’s hard to argue against the benefits of breast reduction surgery. Breast reduction is known to dramatically improve quality of life by eliminating chronic pain, improving ability to exercise, making it easier to shop for clothing, and reducing the cause of unwanted negative attention. Many teens have already undergone teenage breast reduction surgery with great success. Modern Family actress Ariel Winter had a breast reduction and said, “I have felt happier with myself than I ever have.”

Dr. Joshua Halpern uses the HALPERN breast marker (which he invented) when performing this surgery. 

He also utilizes the Finesse technique, which he developed. Recovery is quicker versus traditional techniques. 

Breast reduction can help mature teens overcome daily challenges and improve their quality of life. Dr. Halpern can help candidates for teenage breast reduction determine whether they are right for this procedure and emotionally prepared for it. To request a consultation with Dr. Halpern, call (813) 872-2696 or contact us online today.

Categories: Breast Reduction

4 Min Read

Excess, unwanted breast tissue develops in both women and men. 

While increases in breast volume can occur at any time in response to weight fluctuations and lifestyle changes, a substantial increase is commonly due to changes in hormones. 

Many women and men experience significant breast development in their teenage years when they are sadly still at the mercy of overly critical teenagers. 

Large breasts seem to invite unwanted and unneeded comments, which can cause lifelong self-esteem issues. 

The same criticism can be directed at men who are suffering from an overly large male chest (gynecomastia) since breasts are typically considered a feminine trait. This unwanted attention drives many women and men to consider the reduction of the breasts. 

For women, this is breast reduction, where the excess breast tissue is removed, and a breast lift is performed to raise the breast and the nipples to a youthful and perky elevation. 

For men, this is gynecomastia surgery, where excess breast fat, tissue, and skin are removed.

What Are the Similarities Between Male and Female Breast Reduction?

Motivation

Both male and female breast reduction is commonly performed to increase comfort, enhance aesthetics, and restore confidence.

The Desire for Greater Variety of Clothing

Excess breast tissue significantly limits clothing options. 

Form-fitting clothing often accentuates and highlights the breasts, and clothing has to be professionally altered to fit both the chest and waist when breasts are overly large. 

Breast reduction for women and gynecomastia surgery for men creates or restores a balanced frame, allowing a wider variety of off-the-rack clothing.

Being able to wear a variety of clothing styles without worrying about the appearance of your breasts provides many reduction patients with the comfort they are looking for.

What Are the Differences Between Male and Female Breast Reduction?

Incisions

The placement and size of incisions are important to both gynecomastia surgery and breast reduction procedures.

That being said, incision placement and size is often a more considerable concern among men because of the resulting scars. 

Women can conceal scars beneath bras and swimsuits, while men cannot. 

One of the main reasons men undergo gynecomastia surgery is to enhance the appearance of their chest without a shirt. 

Whether they are at the beach, gym, or in an intimate setting, large or unsightly scars interfere with this desire.

Dr. Halpern attempts to make all incisions as inconspicuous as possible. The ideal incision is one that is made around the areola so that the resulting scar can be hidden within the dark skin.

In certain gynecomastia or breast reduction cases, alternative and more invasive incisions techniques are applied.

Fat Removal

When men undergo gynecomastia surgery, fat in the breast is removed to create a smooth and flat chest appearance. 

Female candidates wish for their breasts to be proportionate to the rest of their body, not entirely removed. 

Breast reduction and breast lift surgery do more than just reduce the size of a woman’s breast. They also shape and contour the breast.

Gynecomastia surgery often uses liposuction (either alone or in combination with tissue excision) to remove excess fat. 

Breast reduction commonly requires the surgical removal of excess glandular tissue.   

Gynecomastia due to excess fat can occasionally be treated through UltraShape®, a non-surgical option where pulsed ultrasonic waves destroy excess breast fat. 

This option can be beneficial for men with mild to moderate gynecomastia; however, it is not useful for large-busted women.

The Finesse Technique

Dr. Halpern utilizes his Finesse Technique℠ in plastic surgery procedures whenever possible. 

The Finesse Technique℠ uses “mini-scar” incisions that are less noticeable and cause less bleeding during the surgery. 

Less bleeding means less post-operative bruising, swelling, and pain, and a more comfortable recovery period.

The Finesse Technique℠ can be applied to both gynecomastia surgery and breast reduction surgery for qualifying patients. Significant excess tissue may require more invasive and longer incisions.

You can see if you qualify for the Finesse Technique℠ during your consultation with Dr. Halpern. 

Interested In Learning More?

For more information about the Finesse Technique℠, gynecomastia surgery, or breast reduction surgery, contact Dr. Halpern by calling (813) 872-2696.

You can also fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation with our Tampa, FL, office.

Categories: Breast Reduction

3 Minute Read: 

Breast reconstruction is something that no woman wants to confront. Unfortunately, it is a sad realization for far too many. Breast reconstruction improves the patient’s level of self-esteem and quality of life.

Breast reconstruction rebuilds and resculpts the breast/s after mastectomy or other breast cancer treatment.

What Are Your Reconstruction Options?

Depending on the specifics of your cancer treatment, breast reconstruction can be performed immediately following your mastectomy (immediate reconstruction) or further down the line (delayed reconstruction). 

One is not significantly better or safer than the other—it comes down to personal preference.

One method of reconstruction is through fat transfer or fat grafting. 

In these methods, fat is harvested from regions of the body (such as the abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, or back) through liposuction. The fat is then purified and injected back into the breast to restore fullness.

Some fat may be absorbed, so your results may alter slightly. If this is bothersome to you, you may benefit from a touch-up treatment. 

An additional method of breast reconstruction is the flap method. 

The flap method is when a piece of tissue is harvested from the body and relocated to the chest to build the breast. 

The most common area of tissue harvesting is the abdomen.

Another method of reconstruction involves the placement of implants, just like those used in breast augmentation. 

Reconstruction implants can be any type of implant, and one (saline or silicone) is not inherently better than the other.

While there are pros and cons to each treatment option, many of Dr. Halpern’s patients prefer using breast reconstruction with fat injections to rebuild the breast. The main reason is they have undergone multiple cancer surgeries as well as radiation therapy and chemotherapy, and they would prefer a minimally invasive surgery with relatively small incisions and minimal downtime.

What Are the Benefits to Fat Grafting?

Easier On Your Body

The flap method requires tissue to be removed from the stomach, back, or other areas. This involves invasive surgery on two regions of the body rather than one. 

Liposuction harvests the fat comfortably, and most patients only experience mild bruising and swelling and relatively small scars.

Less Possibility of Complications

While implants are safe, there is still the possibility of implant complications down the line. 

These include implant rupture, capsular contracture, implant displacement, or the rejection of the implant.

Because the fat belongs to you, your body will not reject it.

Stem-Cell Benefits

Your fat contains stem cells, which can improve skin quality and minimize the appearance of the scars.

Neither of the other methods can reduce the look of post-surgical scarring.

Body Contouring

Breast reconstruction with implants only addresses the breasts. Reconstruction with flaps removes tissue but does not contour the harvesting site. 

Only breast reconstruction with fat transfer rebuilds the breast while sculpting and contouring the other regions of your body.

Quicker Recovery Period

Regardless of when flap or implant reconstruction is performed, there is a recovery period of several weeks. 

The recovery period for fat injections is much shorter because it is less-invasive. 

A Natural Feel

Following mastectomy and cancer treatment, many women choose breast reconstruction so they can feel like themselves and improve their level of self-esteem again after their rigorous fight.

The fat used for injection is soft to the touch and will feel natural to you. 

If You Have Additional Questions

To learn more, or to find breast reconstruction near you, contact Dr. Halpern by calling (813) 872-2696 or by filling out our online contact form.

Categories: Breast Reconstruction

2 Min Read

Individuals who are interested in rejuvenating their faces want to find the procedure that is best for their needs. Facial treatment options range from surgical to non-invasive, and sometimes it may be hard to choose.

Dr. Joshua Halpern approaches facial rejuvenation based on his artistic background as an art student from the Los Angeles Museum of Art. 

“I look at my patients as my art projects,” Dr. Halpern says. 

When Is the Best Time for Facelift Surgery?

Many people are displeased with the aging of their face but are unsure when the right time for surgery is. 

While facelifts are typically done on patients between the ages of 40 and 60, we are now starting to see patients in their 30s decide to undergo surgery as well. However, patients of any age may be good candidates for the Millennial Lift. 

Dr. Halpern will discuss all of your options with you when you come in for your consultation. 

How Is a Traditional Facelift Performed?

Facelift surgery uses long incisions to access the underlying fat and tissues of the face. The incision typically starts in front of the ears, wrapping up and around into the hairline and under the chin. 

These days, many plastic surgeons are performing the SMAS facelift, which lifts and repositions the muscle layer of facial tissue. While this does allow for easy access to facial structures, it prolongs healing time and makes for more extensive bruising after surgery.

A facelift may be appropriate for patients who are displeased with sagging facial tissues and deep lines and wrinkles in the lower face. It has proven to be a highly effective form of facial rejuvenation, but it is not the ideal procedure for every patient. 

The Millennial Lift Is a Less Invasive Alternative

While there is no question that the facelift is an excellent procedure, the Millennial Lift is a less invasive alternative that offers several advantages. 

Most of these advantages arise from the fact that the Millennial Lift also lifts and tightens the SMAS but it is less invasive, especially when compared to the traditional SMAS facelift. 

Dr. Halpern uses incisions that are much smaller and also employs his Finesse Technique ® minimizes bruising, bleeding, and pain, providing a quicker recovery.

This procedure is one of the latest developments in less invasive facelift techniques and can produce natural-looking results that greatly revitalize your appearance. (See our 10-day patient video on our website).

Dr. Halpern has lectured nationally and internationally to other plastic surgeons on his facelift techniques (as well as other subjects).

Still Have Questions?

Dr. Halpern offers the Millennial Facelift here at his Tampa, Florida, practice. 

To find out whether you are a candidate for these procedures, schedule your personal consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Halpern. 

Call our office at (813) 872-2696 or fill out our online contact form to request your consultation today.

Categories: Millennial Facelift

5 Min Read

Have you heard of a Mommy Makeover? Well, now mothers are not the only ones getting into the plastic surgery game after the trials of raising a child.

More men are turning to plastic surgery to enhance their physical contour and facial appearance. This is becoming known as a Daddy Do-Over. 

While men do not experience the physical changes of pregnancy and childbirth, some men still experience shifts in their appearance after becoming a parent. 

Men’s lifestyles change dramatically with fatherhood, and these changes can affect their physical appearance.

Facial and body contouring procedures allow men to regain the bodies that they had in their youth. 

What Is a Daddy Do-Over?

Just because you are a father, it does not mean that you have to accept the “dad bod.”

Changes in diet and exercise, reduced sleep, and increased stress all tend to occur with parenthood, and these situations cause premature aging of the face and tissue laxity on the body.

A Daddy Do-Over uses a combination of male plastic surgery and non-invasive procedures to target the areas that are most likely to have experienced changes. 

This surgical makeover is beneficial for men in their 30s or 40s who are trying to lose weight but are struggling or have plateaued, or men that are dissatisfied with the inevitabilities of aging and gravity.

What Are the Benefits of a Daddy Do-Over?

As men settle into their new roles as fathers, it is not always easy to set aside time for themselves. This can make activities like going to the gym, eating healthy, or taking a few minutes to relax and unwind seem like a far-off dream. 

Not seeing the physique or complexion that you want can prove to be emotionally challenging and confidence-damaging. No one enjoys seeing the gradual increase of wrinkles or the formation of fat pockets on the sides of the body. 

These signs of aging can contribute to men pulling into their shells or feeling as though they want to hide.

These procedures allow dads to take some time for themselves so that they too can experience the lasting benefits provided with plastic surgery. 

There is little denying that men and women who feel confident and happy with the way that they look are more open and comfortable. And those are feelings that everyone deserves to have for the benefit of themselves and their children.

What Can A Daddy Do-Over Address?

An Aging Face

Man or woman, the effects of aging will eventually settle on the face to create wrinkles, soften facial features, and worsen facial hollows. These can be further exacerbated by the lack of sleep and the increased stress that parenthood presents.

Here are a few procedures that can combat some of these conditions:

• Surgical procedures like male eyelid surgery and male brow lift address drooping eyelids, falling eyebrows, and deep creases along the forehead. 
• The surgical male facelift targets aging on the lower regions of the face, including the jawline. As a sculpted and chiseled chin is the cornerstone of a masculine physique, facelift surgery will reduce jowls and enhance jaw definition. 
• For men who require additional jawline definition, a chin implant can bring out a receding chin to create a stronger profile.
• KYBELLA® is a non-surgical injectable treatment that eliminates excess submental fat. The reduction of excess fat contributes to an angular jawline.
• For men with a lesser degree of aging, BOTOX® Cosmetic, Dysport®, or XEOMIN® temporarily reduces crow’s feet, frown lines, and forehead lines.

Softening of the Midsection

A loosening of the abdomen is the key feature of the dad bod. 

It is difficult to maintain a firm and sculpted abdominal contour when there is so much else on your plate. Body contouring procedures provide the extra help that some men want.

• Whether the issue is love handles, a beer belly, or flabby thighs, excess fat develops in areas that are not easy to tone with diet and exercise. Liposuction targets these areas to restore slimmer, firmer contours. 
• Male tummy tuck surgery tightens skin and abdominal muscles after weight fluctuations, aging, or heredity have resulted in unwanted laxity. This procedure restores tight abs and allows men to feel more comfortable with or without a shirt. 

Definition of the Chest

Some men experience an unwanted increase in breast tissue as they age. Others discover that they cannot build chest muscles no matter how many weights they lift at the gym. 

• Gynecomastia surgery reduces the appearance of man boobs for men that have excess fat and breast tissue. This procedure is performed through liposuction or surgical excision. 
• Male pectoral enhancement uses implants to build out the chest muscles for men looking to enhance the size and definition of their chest. Scars are discreetly hidden in the armpit so men can feel comfortable baring their chest at the gym or beach.

Thinning Hairline

Many men are prone to thinning hair or full hair loss as they age. Sadly, there is not much they can do about it. But there is the NeoGraft® hair restoration treatment, which restores thickness for men that experience partial or full hair loss. 

This treatment uses donor hair from another region of your scalp to stimulate the hair follicles. There is no cutting and it is not uncommon to go back to work the next day or two. 

Your Surgical Process

Since a Daddy Do-Over is a combination procedure that is tailored to the patient, different surgeries can be performed to address multiple areas during a single visit.

This allowed for a shorter recovery period and reduced financial costs.

To Find Out More

If you would like to learn more about the Daddy Do-Over or are looking for male plastic surgery near you, contact Dr. Halpern by calling (813) 872-2696, (800) 963-8483, or by filling out our online contact form. 

Categories: Daddy Do-Over

2 min read

Rhinoplasty has been around for millennia, and since its inception, numerous new strategies and techniques have been developed to refine the procedure. A common contemporary practice among plastic surgeons is to use packing during recovery. Having performed rhinoplasty for many years on patients from all over the world, Dr. Joshua Halpern has found that nasal packing is unnecessary and excessively painful. Nose surgery without packing leads to a better recovery experience for the patient.

The Problems With Nasal Packing

While the motivation to reduce bleeding can be a valid reason to use nasal packing, it can also do more harm than good. Even while reducing bleeding, it is rough on the tissues and can lead to excessive bruising. It can also increase the risk of infection. Nasal packing leads to a worse recovery experience, as it is uncomfortable and often painful for the patient. Recovering patients with nasal packing may need stronger narcotics to manage the discomfort, and antibiotics may also be necessary to prevent infection or toxic shock syndrome. Removing the packing can be so painful that some patients feel like they are in shock afterward.

Rhinoplasty Recovery Without Nasal Packing

Recovery from rhinoplasty without nasal packing is a far better experience with significantly less pain and discomfort. Dr. Halpern uses his Finesse Technique ®when performing rhinoplasty, which further reduces pain during recovery. With the Finesse Technique ® there is less bruising and swelling, a quicker recovery, and for some patients, an entirely pain-free experience. Having found that nasal packing is unnecessary and antiquated, and also knowing just how much patients detest it, Dr. Halpern avoids using this technique. In doing so, Dr. Halpern provides his patients with a much better experience during recovery after rhinoplasty.

Dr. Halpern is a skilled and talented rhinoplasty surgeon with years of experience refining and performing his specialized Finesse Technique. To request your personal consultation with Dr. Halpern today, call (813) 872-2696 or complete our online contact form.

Categories: Nose Surgery, Rhinoplasty

Large or small, high profile or low profile, smooth or textured, round or shaped… these are just a few of the debates that women have before selecting the ideal breast implants for themselves. While choosing the shape of your implants is one of these important decisions, a recent study shows that shape may not matter as much as you think. In fact, breast implant shape may not even matter at all. Focusing on other implant characteristics instead of implant shape will make a much more significant difference in your final appearance after breast augmentation.

What’s the Difference Between Round Implants and Anatomical Implants?

Breast implants come in two shapes. Round implants are uniformly round and are equally full throughout. Anatomical implants, also called shaped or teardrop implants, are shaped to mimic the natural breast tissue. In other words, they angle downwards and are fuller in the bottom half, or lower pole. Anatomical implants are designed to correct breast shape for women with misshapen breasts. This theory, however, doesn’t appear to be substantiated by actual breast augmentation results. Research suggests that women can achieve natural-looking shape correction with either breast implant shape.

Does Breast Implant Shape Matter?

Are round or teardrop implants better? Can you even tell the difference after they’re inserted? These were the questions posed by a research team led by Dr. Carlos Rubi and colleagues of The IMED Hospital Department of Plastic Surgery in Valencia, Spain. Dr. Rubi’s team had 30 plastic surgeons and plastic surgery nurses review preoperative and postoperative photos of breast augmentation patients. The reviewers were given 15 photos of patients with round implants and 15 photos of patients with anatomical implants. The implant types, placement, and approximate sizes were kept the same as control factors.

The results of the study were published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and revealed a surprising finding: even plastic surgeons and plastic surgery nurses can’t tell the difference between round and shaped implants. They had only a 50-50 chance—no better than the flip of a coin—of accurately identifying the correct implant shape. Plastic surgeons were slightly more accurate based on what would likely have been recommended based on the before photo. Still, there was no clear consensus among the reviewers or even among themselves when shown the same images several weeks afterward.

As evidenced by this study and others before it, there is no visible difference in the end result when choosing between round and anatomical implants. Despite arguments that anatomical implants produce more natural-looking results, evidence shows that they offer no visible advantage over round implants. This is likely reassuring to women who are concerned about their breast shape but who don’t like the increased risks and expense of choosing anatomical implants.

So…What’s More Important?

There may be no aesthetic reasons to choose one implant shape over the other, but there are reasons to consider other factors. More important factors to concern yourself with are implant size, material, and profile. Make it a priority to select the right size for your preferences and your body type, and ask your surgeon for expert recommendations. The profile, or forward projection, of the implant can go a long way in determining your final appearance. Implant material (silicone or saline) makes a significant difference in the look and feel of the breasts as well. By prioritizing these characteristics, you can achieve the best results that will enhance your breasts in the ways you desire.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Joshua Halpern can help you make informed decisions about your breast implants so that you will be pleased with your ultimate results. To schedule your personal consultation with Dr. Halpern, call us at (813) 872-2696 or complete our online contact form today.

Categories: Breast Implants

Men can feel more confident at the pool with a firmer chest after gynecomastia surgery.

Having a masculine physique is of the utmost importance to many men.

Unfortunately, a condition known as gynecomastia can give men excess breast fat and breast tissue that interferes with this image.

Gynecomastia can be highly embarrassing and can inhibit men from feeling confident and comfortable in their bodies.

Male breast reduction surgery can get rid of gynecomastia and give men a more attractive and masculine chest appearance. 

About Gynecomastia

Gynecomastia is identified by excess breast tissue and fat in the chest. Some of the causes of gynecomastia include:

• Hormone changes (especially during puberty)
• Major weight gain/fluctuations
• Genetics
• Aging
• Drug use
• Steroid abuse
• Certain medical conditions

Gynecomastia is relatively common and often causes feelings of intense embarrassment and anxiety.

Men may refuse to go swimming without a shirt, or they may avoid baring their chests in front of others for any reason.

Affected males tend to feel self-conscious about their figures, and this can translate into other aspects of their life and influence how they interact with the world around them.

Gynecomastia Surgery

Male breast reduction is a surgical procedure that can help men get rid of their overgrown breast tissue.

Widely recognized as one of the best plastic surgery procedures for men, male breast reduction for the treatment of gynecomastia was one of the top five male cosmetic plastic surgery procedures in 2016.

In fact, gynecomastia surgery has become so popular that it has risen by an astonishing 181 percent since 1997.*

Men who undergo this treatment typically experience notable improvements in their quality of life, including peace of mind, a feeling of freedom, increased confidence, greater clothing options, and improved comfort with their bodies.

Your Options for Male Breast Reduction

For male breast reduction, there are several gynecomastia treatment options:

• Liposuction: This option removes chest fat and leaves no scarring. It is best for those men who have excess fat but no surplus breast tissue.
• Mini-scar: This option removes fat and excess breast tissue through a small incision around the areola. Scarring is minimal and blends well with the edges of the areola.
• Male breast reduction (traditional approach): This option removes fat, skin, and excess breast tissue using a larger incision. It is reserved for those with moderate or severe cases of gynecomastia.
• Ultrashape®: This option uses pulsed ultrasonic energy waves to destroy chest fat without any surgery. It is best for those with a limited amount of excess fat in the chest.

Using one of these approaches, men with gynecomastia can achieve a permanently more masculine chest contour through male breast reduction.

Want More Information?

Dr. Joshua Halpern, our board-certified plastic surgeon, has assisted men both young and old in eliminating gynecomastia and improving their body shape through male breast reduction.

To learn how Dr. Halpern could help you, call (813) 872-2696 or complete our online form to request your consultation today.

* Statistics provided by the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

Categories: Gynecomastia Surgery

When dreaming about a flat, toned tummy, a long tummy tuck scar is the furthest thing from the mind. If you are interested in tummy tuck surgery but haven’t taken the plunge because you are concerned about scarring, Dr. Halpern’s mini-scar tummy tuck could be perfect for you.

He was one of the pioneers of the mini-scar endoscopic tummy tuck. The mini-scar tummy tuck can tighten the abdominal muscles and get rid of excess belly fat with smaller, inconspicuous scars.

Scarring With the Mini-Scar Tummy Tuck

With the mini-scar tummy tuck, scarring is significantly reduced. First, Dr. Halpern performs ultrasonic-assisted liposuction (UAL) to remove excess abdominal fat through tiny incisions.

He makes minor incisions just wide enough to allow the ultrasonic wand and cannula to pass through the skin. This step gets rid of a belly pooch and gives you a flatter abdomen. Next, Dr. Halpern tightens the stomach muscles through a relatively small incision that is hidden in the pubic hair, using the Halpern Endoscopic Retractor which he invented.

This “mini scar” can reveal a firmer, more toned, and more defined abdominal contour without lengthy or multiple incisions.

He can further tighten skin using a new high-tech device called J-Plasma® by Renuvion™. This uses radiofrequency technology to tighten skin.

A Flat, Toned Abdomen Without Major Scars

When exercise and diet have failed you, a mini-scar tummy tuck can help you achieve a firmer and flatter stomach without the downsides of unsightly scars. After your procedure, you can enjoy your new look while wearing any clothing you desire.

Many patients are extremely satisfied with their results and feel more confident about their appearance after a mini-scar tummy tuck.

Candidates for a mini-scar tummy tuck have good skin tone (not too loose or too thin) but struggle with weakened abdominal muscles and excess tummy fat. To learn more about this technique and other tummy tuck options, schedule your free consultation with Dr. Joshua Halpern. Dr. Halpern is a board-certified plastic surgeon and a leader in endoscopic mini-scar surgery. Call (813) 872-2696 or fill out our online contact form to request your appointment today.

Categories: Mini-Scar Tummy Tuck

The average plastic surgery candidate today has the freedom to choose between multiple body contouring procedures, all of which are popular and have been proven successful. In the case of choosing between liposuction and UltraShape®, you should know that each has advantages and disadvantages. Whichever you choose, liposuction and UltraShape® are both excellent body contouring procedures that can permanently get rid of excess fat and enhance your body shape.

Liposuction

Liposuction is a way of artfully contouring the body by targeting excess fatty deposits. Dr. Halpern is a highly experienced liposuction surgeon and regularly performs this procedure to enhance the body shape of his patients. He has lectured both nationally and internationally on this subject. During the procedure, a suction device vacuums the fat cells from the body through a thin, hollow tube that is inserted into the skin. With liposuction, Dr. Halpern can improve the contour of the chin, neck, upper arms, chest, breasts, flanks, hips, underarms, abdomen, waist, love handles, mons pubis, thighs, knees, calves, ankles, buttocks, and back. He incorporates the SAFELipo® technique. This surgery can get rid of resistant fat all over the body and can even be combined with fat transfer techniques, in which fat harvested through liposuction can be injected into the face, buttocks, or breasts to enhance the contour of these areas.

Key Advantages:

• Can treat anywhere on the body
• Can remove a significant amount of fat
• Goals may be accomplished in just one procedure
• Results are immediately apparent (but may be initially hidden by temporary swelling)
• Can be combined with fat transfer
• Results are permanent

UltraShape®

UltraShape® is a non-surgical way of enhancing the body without a lengthy and painful recovery period. Dr. Halpern offers UltraShape® to help patients rid the body of unwanted fat tissue without invasive surgery. UltraShape® uses ultrasound energy to non-surgically rupture the fat cells, after which the body flushes them away. With this technology, UltraShape® can improve the contour of areas that commonly accumulate unwanted fat, such as the abdomen, thighs, hips, chest, back, and arms. Studies have indicated that the procedure gets rid of more fat per session than other non-surgical treatments such as CoolSculpting®. Unlike CoolSculpting®, there is not typically any pain during or after the procedure.

Key Advantages:

• Non-surgical
• No pain
• No downtime
• No scarring
• Results are permanent

Which Is Better?

As you choose between liposuction and UltraShape®, whichever is better for you will depend on what matters most to you and what your body needs in terms of the body contouring experience.

• Permanent Results: Both
• Shorter Treatment: UltraShape® (liposuction treatment length varies depending on the number of areas treated)
• Less Pain: UltraShape®
• Shorter Recovery: UltraShape®
• No Scarring: UltraShape® (although liposuction produces minimal to no scarring)
• Faster Results: Liposuction
• Greater Amount of Fat Removal: Liposuction
• Fewer Treatment Sessions Needed: Liposuction

Liposuction and UltraShape® can significantly improve body contour and help people from all walks of life achieve their desired figures. Dr. Halpern is a skilled body contouring surgeon and would be pleased to help you select the right procedure for your needs.

If you would like to learn more about liposuction and/or UltraShape®, please contact us to request your personal consultation with Dr. Halpern. To reach our office, please call (813) 872-2696 today or contact us online at your convenience.

Categories: UltraShape®