Dr. Ekstrom and I with our UK friends, Mark and Sue, enjoying Arundel Castle
By Juris Bunkis, M.D.
Dr. Ekstrom and I decided to travel to the UK this year to celebrate my birthday. We have been in the major European capitals and have seen the touristy sites. What we love to do the most is to visit with friends and to enjoy the countryside. We are now visiting our friends, Mark and Sue, who live in a tiny village a little more than an hour southwest of Heathrow. Yes, even the little villages have wonderful English pubs and teahouses and are rich in history.
Another 40 minutes from their home is the town of Portsmouth, where the HMS Victory is moored. The Victory has been in service for 245 years and is the world’s oldest naval vessel still in commission. Stepping aboard HMS Victory was like stepping back in time. The ship, which played a pivotal role in the Battle of Trafalgar, offered a fascinating glimpse into maritime history. The HMS Victory was commissioned during the last years of the American Revolution but did not see a battle against US naval ships. During this time, the Victory was engaged in the European theater against French and Spanish vessels. The HMS Victory is the only ship to have served during the American Revolution, the French Revolutionary War, and the Napoleonic Wars. It was her role as the flagship of British hero Vice Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson during his final battle of the Napoleonic Wars at the Battle of Trafalgar for which HMS Victory is most renowned.
Another awesome experience was a visit to Arundel Castle, a magnificent medieval fortress nestled in the heart of West Sussex, England. Steeped in over a thousand years of heritage, this iconic castle is a testament to architectural splendor and enduring legacy. As you approach, the imposing stone walls and crenelated towers create a dramatic first impression. Inside, the castle’s interiors are a treasure trove of art, antiques, and historical artifacts, showcasing the opulence and taste of generations of the Dukes of Norfolk, who have called Arundel Castle home for centuries.
Arundel Castle is not just a testament to England’s past, but a living, breathing monument to its enduring traditions. A visit here with our British friends is a journey through time and a chance to immerse ourselves in the rich tapestry of British history.
Free Nipple Graft Gynecomastia Surgery
by Dr. Deborah Ekstrom
Surgery for gynecomastia, excess breast tissue in a male, is one of the more popular procedures that we do at Orange County Plastic Surgery and Salisbury Plastic Surgery. In most such cases, removal of the excess tissue can be accomplished while leaving the nipple areolar complex attached to the surrounding skin. In treating severe cases, where skin has to be removed or very large quantities of tissue have to be removed, the blood supply to the nipple areolar complex will be compromised and it will be safer to completely detach the nipples and surrounding areolae and, at the end of the procedure, to replace them as free nipple grafts. This procedure is typically considered when other less invasive treatments have failed or when the gynecomastia is particularly advanced or severe. Here are some reasons why this surgical approach might be chosen:
Severe Gynecomastia: Free nipple grafts are typically reserved for severe cases of gynecomastia where there is a significant amount of excess breast tissue and sagging skin. In these cases, other surgical techniques like liposuction or glandular excision alone may not provide adequate results.
Excess Skin: When gynecomastia is severe, it often leads to stretched and sagging skin around the nipple and areola area. Nipple grafting will allow this excess skin to be removed and the nipple grafts to be replaced in a normal position to create a more aesthetically pleasing chest contour.
Nipple Repositioning: In some cases, the breast tissue including the nipples have sagged way below the levels of the folds beneath the breasts and may need to be repositioned to achieve a more natural and masculine appearance. Free nipple grafts allow for precise repositioning of the nipple after the excess skin has been removed.
Predictable Results: Free nipple grafts can provide predictable and consistent results, especially in patients with extensive gynecomastia. This technique allows the surgeon to remove the excess tissue and skin and reposition the nipple with precision.
Customization: The free nipple graft technique allows for customization of the nipple size and position, which can help create a more natural and proportionate appearance.
It is important to note that gynecomastia surgery with free nipple grafts is a more complex procedure than other gynecomastia correction techniques, and it may involve longer surgery and recovery times and the excess skin resection can potentially result in more visible scarring. The decision to use this approach should be made during a consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon who is well versed in this technique and who can assess the severity of the gynecomastia to recommend the most appropriate surgical technique based on the individual’s unique circumstances and goals.
Male in his 40’s, before and after removal of excess male breast tissue and free nipple grafts (actual patient of Dr. Ekstrom)
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. John Compoginis at Contact Us Form
Dr. Staci Compoginis at Contact Us Form
Dr. Deborah Ekstrom at Contact Us Form
or Dr. Juris Bunkis at Contact Us Form
