Providing Comprehensive Plastic Surgery at Every Age

SURGICAL PROCEDURES

BREAST AUGMENTATION
This procedure increases the breast size by the addition of a breast implant. Together with Dr. Fripp patients decide on the type of implant as well as the position of the implant (above or below the Pectoralis major muscle). There are several benefits of the procedure including increased self-esteem and confidence; however complications may occur. These will be discussed during your consultation with Dr. Fripp. While the benefits are many, this procedure should not be undertaken without careful consideration and without the consultation of a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon.

BREAST REDUCTION
Breast Reduction surgery can be one of the most rewarding procedures a woman can have. The benefits are many and include relief of neck and upper back pain, finger tingling (neuralgia), healing of rashes and better-fitting clothing. The surgery is indicated for women whose breasts cause them to have the aforementioned symptoms.

The ideal patients are those who have been seen by their Primary Care Doctor and referred to a Chiropractor, Physical Therapist or Orthopedic Surgeon before their appointment with me. This is in an effort to rule out intrinsic disease of the back, shoulders and neck; which is required for insurance coverage. Those patients paying for the procedure are still required to rule out intrinsic disease of the spine to avoid recurrence of preoperative symptoms.

Patients can expect an inverted/upside down 'T' incision that begins at the base of the nipple-areola complex as well as an incision around the nipple-areola. The horizontal component of the incision will be hidden in the crease of the breast and will not be visible in bras or bathing suits.

All patients heal differently and some may experience darkening of the scars and even small areas of breakdown along the incision. These are the most common complications as well as loss of sensation to the nipple or hardened areas within the breast termed fat necrosis.

Nutrition is a very important part of the healing process, so all patients are started on a multivitamin regimen prior to surgery. I do not perform Breast Reduction surgery on patients who smoke tobacco because of the known complications with healing.

BREAST LIFT (MASTOPEXY)
Mastopexy is a procedure to improve ptosis (dropping) of the breasts. Patients don’t want to drastically change the size of the breasts but rather the position on the chest wall. There are several incisions that can be used from the peri-areolar (around the nipple, also called Concentric), Lollipop, and inverted 'T'. The specific type chosen for you will depend on patient's breast size, amount of skin excess and patient preference. I look forward to helping you decide it you are a candidate for this procedure and how the procedure will be done.

LIPOSUCTION
This is one of my personal favorite procedures and one patients enjoy as well. This procedure is designed for those patients who have discreet area(s) of adipose (fat) with minimal skin excess. Traditional liposuction allows us to contour almost any part of the body; below the clavicle to the top of the knees.

Patients are required to wear compression garment post-procedure to further shape the areas treated. Garment compliance is crucial to achieve the goals of the procedure. Full results are seen 6-8 weeks post-procedure. I ask my patients to make at least one lifestyle modification before the procedure to ensure their results can be maintained post-procedure. It can be as simple as adding 30 minutes to your exercise regimen or decreasing your daily sugar intake.

TUMMY TUCK (ABDOMINOPLASTY)
This is one of the most popular procedures I perform and is a part of the Mommy Makeover package I offer. The transformation is amazing and patients are incredibly pleased with their results. During this procedure, I remove the excess skin and fat below the umbilicus (belly-button), tighten the Rectus Abdominal muscles and External Oblique muscles to cinch the waist and liposuction the abdomen to further shape the abdomen and waist. Some patients add liposuction of the flank (love handles) to give their body a more hourglass curvature. Additionally liposuction of the upper back can be done to circumferentially contour the trunk and improve their profile.

Patients ambulate from the surgery center immediately after the procedure and are fully recovered within 10-14 days. Most patients will have a drain and are required to wear compression garments for up to 6 weeks post procedure.

INNER THIGH LIFT 
This procedure has gained popularity with my patients in the past 10 years. The excess skin in the inner thigh can be embarrassing and cause patients to avoid wearing bathing suits and shorts. While the benefits are numerous the position and appearance of the thigh incision needs to be considered carefully. The typical incision lies within the groin crease. If there is skin excess that extends from mid thigh to the knee a vertical extension is necessary.

In patients with excess adipose tissue as well as skin Liposuction is done to ‘debulk’ or thin the thigh and then the skin removed at a second stage.

BRACHIOPLASTY (ARM LIFT)
This is another procedure that has gained popularity in my practice over the last 10 years. During this procedure the excess, ptotic skin in the upper arm is excised and the arm contoured around the musculature. Liposuction is often done to thin the arm prior to excision for improved contouring. The incision is hidden in the inner aspect of the arm to be inconspicuous. Patient wear arm compression in the postoperative period for 2-4 weeks.

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