Aurora Doctors

What Do You Know About The Semielastic Scarless Serdev Suture Breast Lift?

I have been considering a breast lift, but am concerned about scarring and loss of sensation in the nipple. Today I found a procedure called the "Semielastic Scarless Serdev Suture Breast Lift". It appears that Dr. Serdev uses sutures to raise and secure the breast. I can't find any doctors who do this in the US. Couple of questions: 1. Does this really work, and is it practiced in the US? 2. How long do the results last? 3. Is the cost on par with traditional breast lift methods??

The flood of "Designer Procedures" self-named by self-promoting surgeons to create a misleading aura of uniqueness, exclusivity, differentiation and innovation is very rarely more than deceptive marketing hype. Unfortunately, the list of such cleverly named procedures is getting longer every day.

It is understandable that this unfortunate and disingenuous advertising leads to confusion for people seeking reliable information on the internet.

• Many of these "Designer Procedures" are actually well established procedures used by many of us and most often not developed by the person who has just attached a clever name to it.
  • Be very skeptical of any procedure that has the surgeon's name attached to it and is advertised only by that surgeon.
  • A good surgeon stands out on the basis of his/her reputation; not a catchy procedure name.
• Many of these "Designer Procedures" may be more hype than substance: many of us don't use them, because they don't work particularly well, or may not be suitable for a particular patient.
• Be cautious, skeptical and trust your instincts; do more research and question the validity of such procedures with second opinion(s) from Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons. 
  • If the procedure has merit, most of us will be familiar with it and many of us will have adopted it. 
  • At the very least, we can help determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure.

Paul C. Zwiebel, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon

Under the Muscle Vs. Over the Muscle? What's Really the Best Decision?

I have been to two consults. One doc says under, another says behind. Should I get a third opinion?

There are many advantages to sub muscular implants. You will have less rippling and lower rate of capsular contracture. The overall look tends to be better in the long term appearance with going under the muscle especially if saline implants are used. You will also have a better image for the doctors to read during a mammogram if the implants are placed under the muscle.

Christine Rodgers, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon

Had Capsular Contracture. Would Going to Larger of Slightly Larger Implant Increase Risk?

I had 2 grade 4 cap contracture. 1st one 475 silicone gel a year and a half ago. Developed contract in 3 months. Went down to 425 and got grade 4 within months. Just had surgery reusing implants with allomax. So far so good (2 weeks post)Wanted to go back up a size to 450 but surgeon said slight risk. Now I sort of wish I had. Can you tell me if you think there is a risk going from the 425 to 450 if cont was severe. Said very aggressive. Really wanted a little larger. Chest around about 34.130lb

A larger implant should not increase the possibility of having a contracture. You are at risk with any size but the size is not as important as how you care for your implants after surgery. You should continue to move your implants daily to help prevent the reoccurrence of a capsular contracture and help to minimize the amount of scar tissue that forms around the implants.

Christine Rodgers, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon