8 Reasons Your Breast Augmentation at Rucker MD Plastic Surgery Clinic will be Easy and Speedy.

If the only thing that is separating you from the breast augmentation you've always wanted is the length of recovery time and the pain, this post is for you. Our patients often come to us with these exact concerns, and with having performed several thousands of breast augmentation procedures, we now have patients rating their pain level from a 2 to a 5 on a scale of 1 to 10, 10 being most painful.  I attribute these low pain levels and speedy recovery times to the following factors: 

1. Each augmented breast is routinely injected with anesthesia before the patient awakens from the procedure. This technique gives a four hour, pain-free period and allows our patients to easily start their oral pain medication, allowing a smoother transition in pain control. 
2. Our patients are instructed to take their pain pills every 4 to 6 hours after surgery for the first 24 hours. This helps to give a uniform level of pain control and helps to avoid cycles of increasing pain that may happen within the first 24 hours. 
3. All of our patients are prescribed a muscle relaxant which helps to reduce the overall incidence of muscular spasm, which can contribute to the pain level.
4. We routinely give our patients anti-nausea medication to help avoid nausea caused by the anesthetic.  
5. Our patients are instructed to sleep in a “Lazy Boy” position, with the head slightly elevated so as to put less pressure on the chest and to reduce the discomfort caused by trying to sit up.
6. Each patient is given specific instructions for a gradual return to normal activity over a 2 to 3 week period. This helps to avoid setbacks in recovery that are usually caused by over-activity. 
7. All of our patients are instructed to wear a support bra to help avoid the movement of the breasts during routine daily activities. 
8. The incision used to introduce the implant is made as small as possible so as to also help reduce the level of post-operative discomfort.

With these pain reduction methods, our patients have described the breast augmentation procedure to be less stressful and much less painful.  Less muscle spasm, less post-operative nausea and a smaller incision all help to produce a faster and smoother recovery.

To set up a consultation with Dr. Rucker, call the Rucker MD Plastic Surgery Clinic at 800.456.8222 and check out the website at http://www.ruckermd.com  

BEATING THE CLOCK

They say growing old is better than the alternative, but aging certainly is not for the faint of heart. By the late 30s to early 40s, fine lines and wrinkles begin to appear. Changes in skin texture, volume and appearance, pigmentation problems, broken capillaries and dullness become more pronounced with every birthday. We cannot stop the hands of time, but knowing the factors involved with aging can lead to an understanding of what we can and cannot influence when striving to look our best.

First, the basics – the skin has three layers: the epidermis, the dermis and a deeper subcutaneous tier. The epidermis is the outer layer and its role is protection. This layer loses lips (fat-like substances), making the skin dry. In your 30s it will shed itself every two months. The dermis is the skins inside layer, responsible for texture and elasticity. This is the home of collagen and elastic fibers that break down over time. The subcutaneous inner layer is composed of fat and connective tissue and allows us to maintain constant body temperature.

Intrinsic Aging: Changes that happen within the body.

• Fine lines and wrinkles
• Thin and transparent skin
• Loss of subcutaneous layer attachment to bone, resulting in sagging and folds
• Thinning of underlying fat, leading to hollowed cheeks and eye sockets and loss of firmness on the hands and neck
• Drying of the skin
• Gray hair and hair loss 

Extrinsic Aging: Skin changes due to external factors:

• Sun exposure, resulting in age spots, loss of elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles
• Facial expressions: Repetitive facial movements actually lead to wrinkles, often referred to as “character lines”
• Gravity: Our skin gradually ceases to “snap back” due to gravity
• Sleeping positions: Resting your face on the pillow in the same way every night can contribute to the development of facial folds
• Smoking: People who smoke regularly are more likely to develop wrinkled, leathery skin, especially wrinkles around the mouth.

Prevention + Treatments: We cannot stop the aging process, but we don’t have to surrender quietly. Signs of aging can be corrected with fillers, lasers or ultrasound. Pharmaceutical-grade skincare products can further repair damaged skin. 

• Avoid deliberate tanning, including use of indoor tanning devices. 
• Apply sunscreen year-round. Sunscreen should be broad spectrum (offers UVA and UVB protection) and have a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of 30 or higher. Using an effective sunscreen, such as Enza Essentials Advanced Protection SPF 30, on a daily basis will make a big impact on the skin and help prevent future damage. 
• Consult with Dr. Rucker and his staff. We have developed a skin treatment program that has been used by over 1,000 patients. Let us discuss personal options that will fit your lifestyle and priorities.
• Tri-Peptide Cell Activator: Dr. Rucker’s exclusive wrinkle-reduction serum formulated with Resveratrol, Tripeptide-3, and Swiss apple stem cells, clinically proven to reduce signs of aging. 

For more information, please contact our staff at 800-456-8222 or email us at info@ruckermd.com. Check out our website at www.ruckermd.com.

When Insurance Covers Breast Reduction

No matter the reason a woman decides to have plastic breast surgery, this decision may cause her stress: physically, emotionally and financially. Her stress can be lessened if she is presented with the right information, such as the symptoms that hint towards surgery, how she may obtain insurance coverage and what she can expect going through surgery. With these pieces of information, a woman can be comforted by knowing what to expect through her breast reduction.

When To Get A Breast Reduction
A woman inquiring about functional breast surgery has the best chance to have her surgery covered by insurance.  This woman will have large breasts that have caused her discomfort. Symptoms may include:

• Chest wall heaviness
• Neck strain
• Bra strap irritation
• Upper or lower back pain
• Poor posture
• Tingling or numbness of the fingers

These symptoms will make it difficult for a woman to be active in sports, make her want to wear clothing that will conceal her size and will have worsening symptoms during child bearing years. Typically, these women begin as a D cup or higher and wish to be reduced to a C cup or smaller.

How To Obtain Insurance Coverage
For a woman to be covered under insurance, it is essential for her provide the following information to her insurance carrier:

• The estimate describing the amount of reduction from the procedure (most patients will go from a D or DD cup to a C cup)
• A detailed list of the symptoms present and their duration
• Any records of a non-successful conservative treatment period 
• Documentation regarding her condition and any attempts to reduce symptoms from her primary care doctor 

Anticipating The Surgery
After a patient goes through surgery, she can expect the following, as part of the plastic breast surgery procedure:

• Overnight stay in the hospital
• Pain level roughly between 2 and 5 on a scale of 1 to 10
• A return to work within around two to four weeks (dependent upon the patients type of employment)
• Partial or full return of nipple sensation and ability to breast feed in 90% of patients
• The breast shape lifted, as well as reduced

During my 30 years as a plastic surgeon the breast reduction procedure has been by far the most appreciated by my patients.  I attribute this to the fact that they not only feel better with the reduction of symptoms, but they also have an improved appearance. The most frequent statement that we hear after the procedure is, "I should have done this years ago."

To set up a consultation, call our office at 715-833-2116 and visit our website at www.ruckermd.com. Our staff is happy to assist you with any questions.

THE ADVANTAGES OF THE RUCKER MD IN-HOUSE SURGERY SUITE AND RECOVERY CENTER.

Avoid expensive hospital facility charges. You can save money just by scheduling your surgery at the Rucker MD Plastic Surgery Clinic since you don't have to cover the hospital facility charges.

Rest assured. Your surgery will have a full staff of Dr. Rucker, an Anesthesiologist, two surgical technicians, nurse, and recovery nurse at your side.

Enjoy extra privacy.You can trust our small staff and know that your appointment will be secret. Our back door entrance and exit make it easy for a discreet visit with us.

30+ years of experience. Plastic surgery is no small deal. Trust your body in the hands of a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 40 years of experience.

Call us for a consultation at 800.456.8222 and visit our website at www.ruckermd.com.

Doctor, do I need a breast lift with my augmentation? And what is the difference between silicone and saline?

It’s hard to give the best answer without the benefit of an examination, however, there are three general complaints you may have that will indicate whether you need a breast lift with your breast augmentation.
Three good indicators are:

• You feel you have lost fullness on the upper portion of your breasts
• You feel a push-up bra is a necessity
• You feel going braless is not an option

Before.

After.

A good at-home test to decide whether a lift is right for you is to place your index finger beneath the fold of your breast and point upwards toward your nipple.  If your finger tip protrudes over the upper portion of your areola or above it, then a lift is probably needed, however, a detailed examination by your plastic surgeon is recommended.

If a lift is needed, but not done with your augmentation, your breast sagging may appear more pronounced after your breast augmentation procedure. In my experience, 75% of my patients that opted for a breast lift also chose a breast augmentation. A breast augmentation and breast lift combination may be the best option for you if your goals include any of the following:

• Regaining a "perky”  look
• Improving your cleavage
• Being  able to go braless

Your next decision may be choosing between a saline versus a silicone implant. I personally believe that current saline and traditional gel-filled implants will be obsolete in the near future.  I use the Sientra  “Gummy Bear” implant.  The benefits of this new implant option include a natural feel, less complications in the event of rupture and a probable less chance of scarring around implant. See video for more details. Choose wisely.

“Some people think that women with perky, well-formed breasts are stupid. Actually, it’s quite the opposite. Women with perky breasts make men stupid.”

To schedule a consultation, call us at 800.456.8222 and visit our website www.ruckermd.com 

The Top 5 Nose Complaints. Sound Familiar?

While we can often disguise protruding ears with different hairstyles and soften the appearance of our eyes with makeup, the nose is the most noticeable facial feature and is more difficult to hide or disguise. In the 500+ Rhinoplasty procedures that I have performed, I have employed a highly focused individualized approach which avoids the dreaded “operated on” or “done” appearance.

FUNCTIONAL nasal problems usually arise from an injury and result in a disfigurement of the nasal shape with complaints of obstructed nasal breathing.
     Most functional Rhinoplasty candidates  have sustained an injury to the nose that has resulted in a possible nasal fracture and/or displacement of the internal partition of the nose, which separates one nostril from the other. The most common concerns - difficultly breathing through the nose and severe headaches.
     The nose may appear disfigured, often identified by a hump at the mid-portion of the bridge. An internal examination may confirm that there is, in fact, a deviation of the nasal partition resulting in a partial blockage of nasal airflow. We then would develop an operative plan to restore the displaced nasal structures to their original position, and to rearrange the displaced nasal partition in an effort to restore normal nasal airflow. The reconstruction of a functional nasal problem is usually covered by one’s insurance.

COSMETIC nasal problems include the above complaints of “my nose is too large”, “I hate my hump” or “the tip is too large”. These are characterized as cosmetic because their improvements do not affect the function of the nose and the ultimate goal is to produce a better appearance of the nose. I refer to this type as an “aesthetic” Rhinoplasty. It is important to understand that the shape of the nose is dictated by the bone and cartilage framework beneath the skin.  It is therefore the goal of the cosmetic nasal surgeon to reshape the framework beneath the skin to reduce the size and shape of the nose, without producing a result that looks “done”.
     In the case of an aesthetic Rhinoplasty, I feel the most important aspect of the initial consultation is to determine whether the results of the procedure can realistically meet the patient’s expectations.  Difficulties can arise when a patient states, “I want my nose to look exactly like this,” and presents a photo of a celebrity.  This type of result is often not realistic, firstly, due to other facial features contributing to the nasal appearance, and secondly, because the nasal framework may not allow a specific result. However, certain characteristics of someone else’s nose may be incorporated into each individualized Rhinoplasty. A detailed examination of the candidate is performed and an operative plan to address the patient’s concerns is formulated. Because this is a purely cosmetic procedure, it is not covered by insurance.

The Nasal (Rhinoplasty) Procedure:  Both functional and cosmetic procedures are done under a general anesthetic and on an outpatient basis.  Each procedure takes about two hours to perform. Most patients rate the pain on a scale of 1 to 10 as a 4 to 6.  There is a dressing in place for 6 to 7 days, and upon its removal the patient’s result is noted with a moderate amount of swelling.  Patients typically feel comfortable being in public after Rhinoplasty in seven to eight days.

To set up a consultation, call Dr. Rucker’s office at 715.833.2116. Our staff is always happy to assist!

MINNESOTA BREAST CANCER AWARENESS ASSOCIATION ANNUAL CONFERENCE

Dr. Joseph Rucker, has been selected to be a keynote speaker at the 12th Annual BCAA Education Conference in Minneapolis, MN on October 12th. 

He will be speaking on "Staying Abreast: Innovations in Plastic Surgery".

Tickets are available for purchase at www.bcaamn.org.

We're on Bloglovin!

Add the RUCKER MD Plastic Surgery Blog to your Bloglovin list and you'll always get our latest posts on plastic surgery.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

The Future of Breast Augmentation.

Silicone or saline? That is the question that many women on the market for a breast augmentation face. When weighing the options, there have always been strong arguments for both sides. Thanks to new technology, the future of breast augmentation is here with a new implant that has the best of both worlds.

Up until five years ago, the salt water filled implant (saline) has been the preferred implant. The standard silicone implant has since returned to favor, but there has always been that lingering doubt of what happens if it leaks. 

Saline Implant Benefits:

• Non-toxic in the event of leakage since it is filled with salt water.
• Size can be varied by merely adding more fluid to enlarge it.

Saline Implant Drawbacks:

• Does not feel natural.
• Tends to reveal itself more by producing ridges on the breast.
• Higher chance of leakage.

Over the past five years, many of my patients have chosen the silicone-filled implant because it does feel much more natural, and it tends to not show the ridges beneath the skin that the saline implant does. Nonetheless, it still causes some concerns if there was leakage, and the silicone was to leak into the breast tissue.

Currently, I feel the saline-filled implant and the standard silicone gel filled implants will be obsolete within the next two years. This is due to the current availability of the revolutionary high tension, gel implant – AKA the “Gummy Bear” implant. The term is coined from the fact that when cut in half, the breast implants are able to retain their shape with no leakage, similar to the popular gummy bear candies.

The benefits of the “Gummy Bear” implant are so pronounced that it has become my implant of choice.

"Gummy Bear" Implant BENEFITS: 

• Smaller chance of a leakage of gel into the body if a rupture is to occur.

• Natural feel, similar to the gel-filled implant.

• Multiple shapes and sizes offered.

• Cost is very comparable to the standard gel-filled implant.

• Some studies suggest that there may be less of a chance of scarring around the Sientra “Gummy Bear” implant.

With these suggestions and information in mind, it is important to remember that a consult with your plastic surgeon is highly recommended to determine your personalized needs. For more information or to set up an appointment, please call 715.833.1068 and speak to our patient coordinator.

Doctor, What Size and Type of Implant would you Recommend?

When choosing a breast implant, there are two major factors one must consider (1) what size implant is best for me and (2) what type of implant should I choose. The following information is meant to guide you in making an educated decision

IMPLANT SIZE: While there is no specific chart that will display exactly what size implant should be used, most surgeons will have a general suggestion for each of their patients. The surgeon must make a determination based on the cup size that the patient desires as well as the body size of the patient. Generally I offer the suggestions listed below:

• Small statured women (<5'3") with an A cup requesting a C cup. My implant range suggestions are between 280cc to 380cc
• Medium statured women (>5'3") with an A cup requesting a C+ cup size. My implant range suggestion is between 380cc and 480cc
• Large statured women (>5'8") with an A cup requesting a C+ cup to a D cup. My implant range is between 480cc and 540cc

IMPLANT TYPE: When it comes to implant type, I personally think the saline filled implant and the standard silicone gel filled implants will be obsolete within the next two years. This is due to the many benefits of the revolutionary Sientra "Gummy Bear" Implant. The benefits of the Sientra implant are so pronounced that it has become my implant of choice due to the following reasons:

• There is a smaller chance of a leakage of gel into the body if a rupture is to occur
• Has a natural feel similar to the gel filled implant
• There are multiple shapes and sizes offered
• The cost is very comparable to the standard gel filled implant
• Some studies suggest that there may be less of a chance of scarring around the Sientra implant

With these suggestions and information in mind, it is important to remember that a consult with your plastic surgeon is highly recommended to determine your personalized needs. For more information or to set up an appointment for a consultation with Dr. Rucker, please call our offices: 715-832-1774. All inquiries are welcome and can be answered by an experienced Rucker MD staff. 

Why Trust a Plastic Surgeon with your Skincare Needs? Dr. Rucker is about to tell you!

How to easily treat Marionette Lines

Marionette lines are long, vertical lines that start at the corners of the mouth and extend downwards towards the chin. They are visible on a person's face as landmarks for general expression. However, for some, these lines deepen or turn downward and may create a cosmetic concern. To improve these lines, I would recommend a filler introduced in the following manner: 

1. A direct placement of the filler of your choice in two planes beneath your marionette lines will diminish the problem

2. I would also place a small amount of filler on the underside of the upper lip near the corner. This will roll the lip up nicely to produce more of a smile while also reducing the deepened marionette lines. 

3. This is a 5 minute procedure with minimal to no downtime. 

5 Factors That Contribute to A More Natural Appearance and Feel in your Breast Augmentation

1. Scar Around Implant - If a scar develops around the implant, this can result in a firmer feel and a less-than-natural appearance. I routinely use an antibiotic rinse in the implant pocket during the augmentation to combat this problem and have seen the occurrence of this capsular contraction around the implant to be much less frequent.  

2. Over the Muscle vs. Under the Muscle - I have a personal preference to place the implant beneath the chest wall muscle. In the 1,500 breast augmentations I have performed I have placed the implant in the space beneath the muscle in 95% of my patients. My reasons for sub-muscular placement are as follows:

• A more natural appearance
• Easier to detect any breast lumps, which may appear at a later date
• Less concern with breast feeding
• Less of a chance of scarring around the implant
• Less of a chance of seeing rippling on the side of the breast

3. Silicone vs. Saline - 90% of my patients has chosen Silicone over Saline for their implants. A significant number of patients that have chosen Saline over Silicone return in 1 to 3 years and request an exchange to Silicone implants. My rationale for choosing Silicone over Saline is:

• Silicone is much more natural feeling
• In my experience, there is less of a chance of leakage
• There is a smaller chance of detecting rippling on the side of the breast with the use of Silicone.

4. The Size of the Breast Skin Envelope - This is a less-mentioned, but very important factor.  If the breast skin has been stretched during pregnancy, it is more difficult to obtain a natural feel and appearance without doing a breast lift at the same time as the augmentation. The lift coupled with the augmentation produces a much more natural appearance and a more perky appearance of the breast. 

5. Smaller Normal Breast Tissue vs. Larger Normal Breast Tissue - The amount of breast tissue prior to the augmentation contributes significantly to a natural feel after augmentation. The implant is more easily hidden in the larger breast tissue and takes on a more natural feel and appearance.

Profiles Fall / Winter 2012

The NEW Profiles is here! Click below to see our online edition.

• 1st Annual Pink Ribbon Charity Golf Classic Recap
• Giving Mother Nature a Boost
• Saying Good-Bye to Wrinkles
• Tips for Luscious Lips
• Eating Healthy for the Holidays
• Botox Blunders

Also check out our specials on the back-page for the Enza Medispa.

Watch your mail-box or check out these newspapers for your own copy:
Nov 7th: Pioneer Press, New Richmond News, River Falls Journal, & Hudson Star Observer
Nov 10th: Leader Telegram
Nov 11th: Chippewa Herald

Open publication

Avoiding Botox Blunders

BOTOX® injection is the most commonly performed aesthetic procedure in the United States with over 5 million anatomical sites injected in 2011 alone. It acts by partially and temporarily paralyzing the facial animation muscles beneath the skin, thereby decreasing the skin wrinkles that are formed due to the action of these muscles.

BOTOX® has many cosmetic uses including:

• Treatment of frown lines between the eyebrows.
• Worry lines across the forehead.
• Crow's Feet at the corners of the eyes.
• Fine lines around the mouth.
• Excessively sweaty armpits, palms, and feet.
• Relief from migraine headaches. 

What are the risks?  

• Bruising & swelling. Quick Fix: Ice area after procedure to treat; avoid aspirin prior to treatment.
• A droopy eyelid, which is the result of an improper injection.
• Overall unacceptable results. This can easily be avoided. 

How To Avoid Botox Blunders and Poor Results:  
After treating over 100,000 injection sites, in my opinion, these are the most common causes of a poor result:

• Improper injection technique: An injector not familiar with the muscular anatomy may execute an improper placement, causing unwanted side effects and a less than optimal result. My Opinion: “Seek treatment from an experienced licensed physician.”
• Not enough material used at the injection site: I use 5 units per injection site and I have found most patients require the treatment of 8 to 14 sites to receive an acceptable result. My Opinion: “50 units per treatment for an even face. Always ask how many units will be used. A common statement we hear is: 'I was treated for half the cost but did not receive the results that I desired.’”

• Use of an outdated BOTOX solution: Injecting a less potent Botox solution can cause poor results. The product has a shelf life of only 48 hours and the potency drops off significantly after that time. My Opinion: “Use the product the same day it was prepared.” 
• “I don’t want to look like Nicole Kidman”: Here we have a prime example of overtreatment.  The forehead muscles were over treated, resulting in a done appearance. My Opinion: “Never overuse a good product." 

All inquiries are welcome: Feel free to contact Barb Bridell (our patient coordinator) 1-800-456-8222 or barb@enza.com. 

First Annual Pink Ribbon Golf Classic for the American Cancer Society

Local Plastic Surgeon Dr. Joseph Rucker raises over $20,000 for the cure for Breast Cancer and the American Cancer Society

RUCKER MD Plastic Surgery Clinic hosts Pink Ribbon Charity Golf Classic on Friday, September 14^th, 2012.

Eau Claire, WI – On Friday, September 14^th RUCKER MD hosted the 1^st Annual Pink Ribbon Charity Golf Classic. The event benefited the American Cancer Society to raise funds for breast cancer research. Guests of the Pink Ribbon Charity Golf Classic played 18-holes of championship golf on a perfectly sunny day and participated in an evening reception with dinner and guest speakers Ann Harris and Lois Joseph from the Breast Cancer Awareness Association in Minnesota.

The event raised over $20,000 through generous sponsorships, and excellent raffle, and golfers alike. Among the day’s events were free chair massages courtesy of The Salon Professional Academy and Da Vinci Therapeutic Massage, and chances to win brand new cars, courtesy of Eau Claire Ford and Eau Claire Auto Group. Many other sponsors such as Larson Allen, RBC, and Dental Health Center were present at their sponsored holes to greet golfers with different giveaways.   

More than 100 guests attended the evening reception which was kicked off with cocktail hour and followed by a gourmet dinner and Pink Ribbon cupcakes from Simply Cakes bakery. The raffle was drawn featuring various items such as a Pelleve® package from the Enza Medispa, color Nook from Charter Media, and gift certificates to local businesses such as Charly’s Market and Houligan’s.

Dr. Rucker expressed his sincere appreciation for the generosity from the guests and sponsors as well as his renewed commitment to find the cure for breast cancer. “We are grateful to our sponsors and our donors for their support for the fight against Breast Cancer. Through this event, we have raised over $20,000. In addition, I am making a commitment to personally donate towards the cure for every Breast Reconstruction procedure I perform.”

Dr. Rucker and staff will present the check for$20,000 to the American Cancer Society on Saturday, October 20^th, 2012 at Making Strides Against Breast Cancer in Eau Claire.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer. In 2011, an estimated 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosed among women.

For more information, please contact Kiana Tom at 715.832.1774 or kiana@enza.com

Is Breast Reduction right for you?

During my 25-year career as a plastic surgeon I have noticed that one of the most misunderstood concepts is the difference between a breast reduction and a breast lift.

The woman who is a candidate for breast reduction will often present with a history of an enlarged breast size since high school. She may have found it difficult to participate in athletic activities, and she will often present with complains of back pain, neck strain, chest wall heaviness, bra-strap grooving and, on occasion, rashes beneath her breasts. She will often have a breast size of D cup or larger. She may have tried conservative methods of easing her symptoms including physical therapy for her back, heat treatments, chiropractic care, muscle relaxers and even pain pills. She may have heard about the breast reduction procedure from a friend or may have been referred to us by her family physician.  

The woman seeking a breast lift presents with essentially no symptoms; her complaints are that her breasts have begun to sag over the years. This sagging may have been accelerated by a large weight loss or following a pregnancy. She often feels that her breasts are now too long, the nipples too low and that she has lost her natural cleavage.

So in essence, we have the breast reduction patient presenting with symptoms because of the sheer weight of her breast, and the breast lift patient because of the shape of her breasts. The breast reduction procedure may well be covered by insurance because it is an attempt to alleviate the potentially harmful symptoms that come with the weight problem. With the breast lift candidate, the aim is to only improve the shape, and it is therefore considered a cosmetic procedure – one not covered by insurance.

It is worth noting that fifty percent of my breast lift patients also opt to undergo a breast augmentation at the same time. They feel that they can better achieve that natural-looking cleavage with breast enlargement.

What to Expect

• The Procedure: The breast reduction and breast lift procedures are very similar. The only major difference is that in a breast reduction, a predetermined portion of both the breast tissue and skin is actually removed. In a breast lift, only a portion of the skin is removed to lift and reshape the breast. Most breast reductions will go from a D cup to a small or medium C cup. Breast lift patients will go from a C cup to a perky C cup. In both procedures the nipple areola complex is left attached so as to preserve sensation and the ability to breast feed. The two-and-one-half-hour breast reduction procedure is done in a hospital setting under a general anesthetic, and there is usually an overnight stay required. The breast lift procedure is done on an outpatient basis and may require a general anesthetic. In some situations it may also be done with a local anesthetic and sedation in our office operative suite.In order to gauge the improvement of symptoms, we conducted a survey. Of approximately 100 breast reduction patients, 95 stated that their symptoms and quality of life had significantly improved following reduction mammoplasty.
• The Risks: There is a potential for complications in any operative procedure. The most common being infection, scarring and sensation changes. During your consultation a detailed discussion of these potential risks will be given to you.
• The Recovery: After performing nearly 1,500 breast reduction procedures and 600 breast lift procedure I have found most patients rate the pain, on a scale from 1 to 10, with ratings between a 2 and 5 for both procedures. The patient may be off work from one week with the breast lift, to two to three weeks with the breast reduction.Light activity is tolerated well in the first week. Most patients are never so incapacitated that they cannot take care of their own basic needs. You will return to see the doctor one week after your procedure. All of your dressings are removed; your postoperative recovery and activity levels are again discussed as well as an anticipated date for your return to work. Light employment is tolerated after two weeks with heavy lifting and regular activity in three to five weeks. You are also given detailed instructions for care of your suture lines so as to help prevent excessive scarring. Your final consultation usually occurs five months after your procedure.
• The Decision: The most common thing that I have heard from my breast reduction patients is, “I should have done this ten years ago!”

My staff at RUCKER MD Plastic Surgery Clinic and I hope that this information will be of help to you if you are considering breast reduction (mammoplasty) surgery. The staff has gained a considerable amount of experience and knowledge in helping nearly 1,500 patients during the preoperative, operative and postoperative periods of reconstructive breast surgeries.

Please feel free to contact Dr. Rucker’s office at 800.456.8222 with any concerns or questions that you might have about undertaking breast reduction surgery. 

New Plastic Surgery Article Finds Most Patients are Pleased with Results of Breast Reduction

A new PRS study finds that women generally rate the appearance of their breasts following breast reduction surgery as "good" to "very good" - but plastic surgeons are more critical of the cosmetic results.
Since starting my practice in 1984, I have performed approximately 2,000 breast reduction cases. This procedure has by far been the most appreciated by my patients. The presenting symptoms I see most commonly are:

• Upper and lower back pain,
• Chest wall heaviness.
• Shoulder grooving.
• Rashes beneath the breast.
• Upper extremity numbness of the hand is the most extreme finding.

Before

After

As far as the cosmetic result, proper  breast mound development to avoid that flat operated on look is imperative. 
Most of my patients have gone from a DD cup to a perky C cup.

• 80% of our patients have recovered full nipple sensation and the ability to breast feed.
• We have found that this procedure has been covered by insurance in over 85% of our patients. 

To view more before/after photos and learn about this procedure, visit ruckermd.com

Q & A: Tummy Tucks and Liposuction

Q: I’m totally confused after two consultations for the Tummy Tuck procedure: one physician suggested liposuction during the procedure and the other said this can cause problems. Also, will I need a vertical scar during the procedure? 

A: Regarding Liposuction with the Tummy Tuck:

• Many feel that liposuction in the upper abdominal area during a tummy tuck can cause poor healing issues above the pubic area.
• Many physicians are willing to do some limited liposuction in the upper abdominal area in a healthy non-smoking patient.
• I prefer limited liposuction above and more aggressive fat removal at the waist with the possibility of a small in office liposuction procedure done down the road if necessary.

Regarding the need of a vertical scar from the umbilicus to the pubic area:

• In the vast majority of patients I feel a vertical scar is not necessary. 
• The patient that may benefit is one that has lost a considerable amount of weight and has skin laxity from top to bottom as well as side to side. 

For more information, please visit my websites: www.ruckermd.com and www.enza.com. Feel free to leave comments and questions below.

What is the Best Way to Permanently Remove Under Eye Wrinkles

Crepey, lower eyelid skin can be improved, but in my opinion it can't be removed permanently. The recommended treatment plan would depend upon the patient's age and the degree of wrinkling in the lower eyelid skin.

1. For the older patient with significant lower eyelid wrinkling, I recommend a more aggressive approach:
1. Laser Resurfacing of the lower lid and an aggressive skin care maintenance program including a Tri-Peptide Wrinkle Reducing Serum. In most cases this approach can improve the wrinkles of the lower lid by 40 to 70%.
2. For the younger patient with less eyelid wrinkling, I would recommend a less aggressive approach. One should expect a 30 to 50% improvement with this approach.
1. Profractional Laser or Pellevé three times per year
2. Microlaser Peel once per year
3. Enza Essentials™ Tri-Peptide Cell Activator/wrinkle-reducing serum twice daily

Since aging and permanent wrinkle-removal is non-avoidable, maintenance is the key to avoiding and reducing unwanted wrinkles.
For more information, please visit my websites www.ruckermd.com and www.enza.com. Feel free to leave any comments and questions below.