Boulder Plastic Surgeons

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

Doc Says Don't Do Daily Massages for Breast Lift/Aug? Worried About Capsular Contracture.

One week pre-op now....Dr. doesn't want me to start my daily massages for breast lift/aug at least until my next appt in 6 weeks. I am worried about Capsular Contracture. My healing looks good and no problems... Why wait on daily breast manipulations? Is this normal? I went from a saggy small B to 375ccs larger.

In my practice, I generally encourage manipulation of implants to prevent capsule contracture.

As you can see from the comments here, experts may disagree on techniques, but surgeons will generally agree on advising your following the recommendations of your surgeon. It is reasonable to ask your surgeon if there is a particular reason he/she is having you postpone manipulation. For example, one reason could be minimizing stres on new suture lines.

Paul C. Zwiebel, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon

Is It Safe for a Woman with Rosacea to Have a Face and Necklift?

Rosacea is under control, but I have thin skin. Thank you

It is reasonable to consider a facelift if you have Rosacea, but there are  important risks and considerations.

• It is important to recognize that stress can make Rosacea worse: undergoing any surgery is stressful, even if it is elective cosmetic surgery.
• There is a tendency for thin, delicate skin with telangiectasia ("broken capillaries" or "spider veins") to develop more of these with surgical facelift or laser resurfacing procedures.
• Steroid medications, including creams and ointments can cause significant impairment to healing after surgery.

A thoughtful approach combining the expertise of your Dermatologist and your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon is important in advising you in determining if the benefits outweigh the risks. With this approach, many people with Rosacea have successfully benefited from facial rejuvenation procedures.

Paul C. Zwiebel, MD

Denver Plastic Surgeon