Dr. Ekstrom with Dr. Bunkis’ patient and our grandkids celebrating Halloween.
Most of us have fond memories of Halloween, of trick-or-treating when we were children. Children today, as judged by our grandchildren, enjoy this holiday as much as we did when we were younger. Did you ever wonder how Halloween got its start and why people, young and old, feel compelled to wear costumes on this day?
This holiday dates back to pagan times to a Celtic festival called Samhain, which welcomed the harvest at the end of summer. People would wear costumes, probably animal hides in those days, to ward off ghosts, enjoy special treats and make lanterns by hollowing out gourds (i.e. jack-o’-lanterns). The holiday was celebrated the day before All Saints Day (Nov 1). The word Halloween is a contraction of All Hallow’s Eve, the evening before All Hallow’s or All Saint’s Day.
Over time, the holiday has evolved into a part of our pop culture. As evidenced by my patient who, on his way to his acting class, came to see us with a fake scar made up on his forehead, adults love this holiday as much as children do. Halloween is celebrated in many countries around the globe. In the US alone, consumers spent $10 billion dollars on costumes, decorations, treats, parties and other Halloween expenses!
Spotlight on Plastic Surgery – “Minimal Incision” Breast Reduction
By Deborah Ekstrom, M.D.
A less commonly encountered breast reduction is a “scar-less” or “minimal incision” breast reduction.
Two types of women benefit from a breast reduction that does not remove skin or create extensive scars on the surface of the breast.
The first is young women who have their childbearing years ahead of them and have not yet established a long-term intimate relationship. Because a minimal incision breast reduction basically aspirates out excess fatty tissue, the breast is reduced in size but glands that produce milk, and ducts that travel to the nipple are retained. This allows breast-feeding in the future and nearly always preserves nipple sensation.
The procedure is performed by making two small long incisions for access under each breast and eliminates any scars on the front of the breast. Typically, a C or D cup breast can be obtained.
Since no skin is removed, the breast is not “lifted” as occurs with other types of breast reductions. However, most patients find that their nipple areola complex rises about an inch when the skin elastically tightens over the now smaller breast mound. The final shape mimics the preop shape, only smaller.
Recovery is quick, with patients going out with friends in 3-5 days.
Some swelling and bruising can be expected, and pain is controllable, similar to that experienced with liposuction. Some patients may wish a second, incisional breast reduction after childbearing or menopause have occurred, at which time a “lift” can be safely incorporated for a better cosmetic outcome.
A second group of women who prefer this type of breast reduction are older women who feel bulky and don’t particularly care about a “perky” breast shape. Many of these women may also have a disproportionately bulky chest, which also benefits from liposuction. These women tend to be more active and sports oriented and simply want better mobility.
Having this procedure available gives patients one more possibility to relieve bulk and pain associated with enlarged, heavy, bulky breasts and is a great fit for those wishing a smaller breast but are not as concerned with nipple position.
16 year old female going from a 34DDD to a 34D….these photos are 2wks post op, with a one inch nipple elevation
If you want to see if you can have any part of your body improved, contact us for a consultation:
For CA, please call 949-888-9700 or visit www.orangecountyplasticsurgery.com
Or for MA location, call 508-755-4825 or visit www.salisburyps.com
You can write to
Dr. Compoginis at Contact Us Form
Dr. Bunkis at Contact Us Form
or Dr. Ekstrom at mds@salisburyps.com
