What is Diastasis Recti?

Diastasis recti is a partial or complete separation of the midline abdominal muscles known as the rectus abdominis. This finding most often occurs in women during and after pregnancy. In fact, many pregnant women experience some form of this condition, as the growing uterus stretches muscles to accommodate a growing baby.

As mentioned, the stretching of abdominal muscles during pregnancy can cause diastasis recti. In addition, increased intra-abdominal pressure due to pushing during delivery can worsen the condition. All in all, it is quite common for a postpartum woman to experience diastasis recti. In mild cases, the muscular separation closes during the weeks after delivery, but in many cases, the problem is persistent and can cause physical complaints and self-confidence issues.

Diastasis Recti Plastic Surgeon

 

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What are Tubular Breasts?

Tubular breasts are a condition in which the breast tissue lacks volume in both the horizontal and vertical direction, leading to tubular or tuberous breasts. Some doctors also call this condition breast hypoplasia. In general, the breast tissue does not proliferate properly during puberty, leading to a breast deformity that impacts breast shape and at times the ability for a woman to breastfeed. Important to note, there is no health risk associated with tuberous breasts, however, some women seek to correct the condition by undergoing breast augmentation surgery.

In this article, you will learn what tubular breasts look like and how to treat the condition. Scottsdale plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Howarth is an expert plastic surgeon known for correcting tubular breast deformity with breast augmentation surgery in Arizona.

Tubular breasts or tuberous breasts


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Happy Mother’s Day!

As I reflect today, I realize that no one could have prepared me for how motherhood would expand my heart.  Becoming a mom has been the most life-changing experience that I have ever had. The sweet moments with my nine month son are passing by much too quickly.

As a plastic surgeon, I am privileged to be able to work with so many amazing patients who are mothers. Honestly, every one of my patients is extremely special to me, but when I meet a woman who has come in for a Mommy Makeover procedure, I completely resonate with her.

Motherhood is not just impactful to the heart, but to the body as well. I understand and have experienced the changes that occur due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, and childbirth. Likewise, I recognize the potential influence of these changes on a woman’s self-esteem and confidence.

I have a finely tuned connection to these concerns and appreciate how important it is to feel comfortable throughout the entire process of discussing and undergoing this type of plastic surgery procedure.

I work to provide not only exceptional aesthetic results but to nurture a comfortable, supportive process from initial consultation, through the procedure, and subsequent aftercare. I pride myself on being attentive to detail and aware of the emotion behind these decisions. I understand.

Please remember that as a mother, when you feel your best, you tend to do your best. Many of my patients describe feeling renewed not only in body, but in mind and spirit, as they enjoy their beautiful post-procedure results.  If you have any questions about the Mommy Makeover procedure or want to find out more about cosmetic surgery, give our office a call to make an appointment for a consultation. To all the mothers out there, I wish you a peaceful and contented day.

— Dr. Ashley Howarth

Happy Mother's Day from Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

 

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Saline Breast Implant Rupture in Scottsdale

Saline breast implant rupture occurs when the implant used in a breast augmentation procedure sustains a leak, and the implant itself deflates in size. In general, saline implants have very long-lasting, durable qualities and most women will never experience an implant rupture. However, even when placed under perfect circumstances, implant rupture and deflation can occasionally occur.

The saline implant consists of a soft silicone shell filled with a saltwater solution called saline. The silicone shell of the implant can experience tearing or damage under extreme conditions. In rare cases, just as with any other medical device, the implant itself is faulty. Once ruptured, the saline leaks into the body, where it gradually, naturally absorbs over time. This is known as saline implant deflation.

There are a few different procedures that can address saline implant rupture, but the treatment of choice always involves surgical removal of the ruptured implant. Scottsdale plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Howarth is an expert at removing and replacing ruptured breast implants.

Saline Breast Implant Rupture Scottsdale Phoenix AZ

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Dr. Ashley Howarth Sponsors the Celebrate Youth Gala

Dr. Ashley Howarth is proud to be a corporate sponsor for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale signature fundraising event–The Celebrate Youth Gala. The gala is an evening to celebrate the exceptional teens nominated for the prestigious Youth of the Year title and scholarship.

Corporate Sponsor of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale Celebrate Youth Gala

Dr. Howarth is a corporate sponsor of the event, personal donor to the clubs, and has also donated a skin care package for the silent auction. As one of Arizona’s leading female plastic surgeons, Dr. Ashley Howarth is proud to support the Boys & Girls Clubs as they expand their programs to include STEAM learning activities.

Dr. Howarth wishes the Youth of the Year finalists best of luck and bright futures ahead! For more information about the Celebrate Youth Gala, to purchase tickets, or to make a donation, please visit the event website.

Dr. Ashley Howarth Supports the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Scottsdale Celebrate Youth Gala

 

What is Capsular Contracture?

Capsular contracture is a complication that can occur after breast augmentation surgery with implants. Even the most highly skilled surgeons see cases in their patients because every single body responds uniquely to placement of an implant.

With any breast implant surgery, the body creates a capsule of scar tissue that surrounds and supports the implant. Recognized as a normal finding, the formation of the capsule helps keep the implant in place. However, in cases of capsular contracture, the capsule becomes unusually dense and contracts around the implant. This can lead to unwanted aesthetic changes, or when extreme, significant pain and distortion in the breast.

Capsular Contracture Treatment Scottsdale AZ

In this blog post you will learn what the breast implant complication looks like and the Baker stages of capsular contracture. Scottsdale plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Howarth is an expert known for correcting capsular contraction deformities in revision breast augmentation surgery in Arizona.

Capsular Contracture Baker Grade 4 IV

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Dr. Ashley Howarth Proudly Supports Arizona Musicfest

After a year of silence due to COVID-19, Arizona Musicfest is back with its first ever outdoor spring concert series.  This season’s performers include The Black Market Trust, The Kingston Trio, Ann Hampton Callaway, Tony DeSare, and the Festival Orchestra Chamber Players.  The socially distanced, outdoor events will take place at venues in North Scottsdale and run from April through early May.

As one of Arizona’s leading female plastic surgeons and an expert in creating harmony, Dr. Ashley Howarth is proud to sponsor Arizona Musicfest.  Please join Dr. Howarth at these upcoming events and share in the mission of Arizona Musicfest to bring the joy of music to all.

Dr. Ashley Howarth Supports Arizona Musicfest

 

What is a Double Bubble Breast Implant Deformity?

A double bubble breast implant deformity is an unfortunate breast implant complication that may occur following breast augmentation surgery. A breast with a double bubble deformity has a distinct appearance of a second bulge or bubble beneath the inframammary fold (IMF). A double bubble breast implant can generally only be corrected surgically. Scottsdale plastic surgeon Dr. Ashley Howarth is an expert known for correcting this defect in revision breast augmentation surgery.

To learn more about the double bubble deformity, read on. In this blog post you will learn what a double bubble deformity looks like and how to recognize if your breast has the deformity. Furthermore, you will learn what causes the double bubble and how to correct it through revision surgery.

What Does a Double Bubble Breast Implant Look Like

A double bubble breast deformity looks similar to the illustration above. Notice the presence of two folds beneath the breast giving the appearance of a second bulge or bubble beneath the breast. The crease below the breast is known as the inframammary crease or inframmmary fold. In a double bubble defect, two creases or folds are present.

Double Bubble Breast Implant Deformity

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Can You Transfer Fat to Your Breasts? Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation FAQs

Can you Transfer Fat to your Breasts?

More women are asking the question, can I transfer fat to my breasts? Fat-transfer breast augmentation is a plastic surgery procedure in which liposuction removes fat from one location of a woman’s body and transfers it to her breasts. In fact, some women consider this a win/win. Lose fat in trouble areas and gain volume in the breasts.

In contrast to augmentation with implants, fat transferring procedures provide an all-natural means of increasing breast volume. The procedure works best for women who desire a modest increase in breast volume and those who have minimal breast sagging. Additionally, breasts should have aesthetically pleasing skin tone and texture, for best results.

There are many questions women have about this procedure. In this article, we will address some of the most common questions regarding fat transfer breast augmentation.

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When Will My Breasts Go Back to Normal After Pregnancy?

 

When will my breasts go back to normal after pregnancy is a very common question we receive. Yes, having a baby can change everything. Certainly, a woman’s body undergoes a significant transformation through pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding. As amazing as the process is, many women find themselves wondering if their breasts will ever go back to normal after pregnancy.

When will my breasts go back to normal after pregnancy?

Realistically, there is no set answer. Every woman’s body is different, and each has a unique postpartum recovery. Sometimes, the body and breasts do return to near pre-pregnancy shape. In other cases, women describe their breasts as forever changed once they have delivered, and possibly breastfed a child.  Keep reading, because in this blog post, we will answer the factors effecting if your breasts will go back to normal after pregnancy.

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