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Grand Rapids Breast Reduction
Many women have overly large breasts that are out of proportion to their body size. This may come with symptoms that include neck and back pain, rashes, painful bra strap marks, difficulty fitting into clothes, tingling in the hands, and difficulty adjusting socially. With a breast reduction the Partners in Plastic Surgery of West Michigan can reduce the breasts o relieve these symptoms.
Dr. Hammond and Dr. Timek use a short scar technique (the SPAIR technique), developed by Dr. Hammond, that reduces the amount of scarring and greatly improves the aesthetics of the breasts. Insurance typically covers this procedure.
Breast reduction is one of the most common procedures performed at Partners in Plastic Surgery of West Michigan. Breast reduction may improve problems of excess breast size by:
- Reducing the excess size and weight of the breasts
- Removing excess breast tissue
- Tailoring the lower skin envelope of the breast to reposition the breasts upward
- Repositioning the nipple-areola onto the newly shaped breasts
The SPAIR Technique
For years, breast reduction procedures resulted in a long scar which ran along the underside of the breast from the lateral chest wall over to the mid-portion of the sternum. There was an additional scar which ran up the center of the breast and around the nipple and areola. This technique successfully reduced the size of the breast, but it was often associated with unsightly scarring in the inner and outer portions of the breast. Also, the shape created at the time of surgery was often lost as the breast settled and created what is referred to as a "bottomed out" appearance.
For this reason, Dr. Hammond developed a new operation for breast reduction called the SPAIR technique. His procedure takes advantage of rounded contours of the breast and reduces breast volume while maintaining the beautiful, natural, soft curves of the breast.
With the SPAIR technique, tissue is removed from around the nipple and the areola in a semi-circular fashion and the breast is reshaped in a manner which maintains the natural curves running from the outer portion of the breast over to the inner chest wall. At the same time, the breast maintains appropriate and pleasing projection.
Advantages of the SPAIR Technique
- Surgery requires one simple scar
- The breasts maintain their shape over time
- There is less scarring
- Patients experience a faster recovery with fewer complications
About Dr. Ewa Timek
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Dr. Ewa Timek specializes in plastic, reconstructive, and microsurgery. She is skilled in all types of breast reconstruction, including highly specialized techniques that employ abdominal tissue and preserve the muscle (DIEP flap). Dr. Timek performs facial cosmetic procedures and body contouring. Dr. Timek also provides treatments such as Botox and injectable fillers, and surgical procedures including eyelid surgery, face lifts, rhinoplasty, breast surgery, tummy tucks and liposuction.
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Dr. Timek graduated from Stanford University School of Medicine. She completed her training in plastic surgery at Loma Linda University where she remained on staff to earn certification by The American Board Plastic Surgery. Dr. Timek then returned to Stanford to complete a Fellowship in Microsurgery and then joined the academic faculty. Dr. Timek is also a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and American Society of Reconstructive Microsurgery (ASRM) and serves on the Editorial Boards of the Microsurgey Journal and Annals of Plastic Surgery.
About Dr. Dennis Hammond
| Dr. Dennis Hammond was born and raised in Saginaw, Michigan. After graduating first in his class, he attended the University of Michigan for undergraduate training as a pre-med student and then for Medical school. At the University of Michigan, he served as a manager on the football team under legendary coach Bo Schembechler whose unyielding commitment to excellence influences him still. After completing medical school in 1985 he was accepted into the integrated Plastic Surgery training program in Grand Rapids. Upon graduation in 1990, he then completed two year long fellowships in Plastic Surgery. The first, at the Medical College of Wisconsin, focused on Surgery of the Hand as well as Microsurgery. It was based on this fellowship experience that Dr. Hammond was able to replant the nose of a 16 year old boy involved in a car accident only two weeks after opening his practice. In searching the literature after this case was successfully completed, it was discovered that this was the first time an amputated nose had ever been conventionally replanted using both an artery and a vein, certainly a tribute to the quality of the training Dr. Hammond received in Milwaukee under the direction of several fine surgeons. However it was the second fellowship that has most directly influenced Dr. Hammond's current academic career. This year long combination research and clinical fellowship in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery was completed in Nashville, Tennessee under the direction of two of the finest breast surgeons in the world, Dr. Pat Maxwell and Dr. Jack Fisher.
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Based on this experience, Dr. Hammond has himself now gone on to become one of the world's most recognized and respected authorities in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the breast. He has co-edited one of the most influential textbooks in plastic surgery along with Dr. Scott Spear from Georgetown University in Washington DC. In addition, he has authored numerous book chapters concerning a host of breast related topics in nearly every respected plastic surgery textbook currently in use. He has now also written his own single author textbook, "Atlas of Aesthetic Breast Surgery" published in 2009. This best selling text is currently recognized by every serious student of breast surgery as a "how to" guide to successful outcomes. Dr. Hammond has authored many scientific papers, and currently serves as an associate editor for "Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery," the main scientific journal for plastic surgeons around the world. Dr. Hammond also serves on the editorial board for Annals of Plastic Surgery, and serves as a reviewer for scientific articles for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the Journal of Aesthetic Surgery. Dr. Hammond has performed live surgery as part of surgical demonstrations at various meetings all over the world including at the prestigious Baker-Gordon Aesthetic Surgery Symposium and multiple times at the Atlanta Breast Symposium. He has also given literally hundreds of presentations at meetings all over the globe. He has served as the chairman of the well respected Sante Fe Breast and Body Contouring Symposium three times, most recently in 2011. Dr Hammond is a member of and serves on numerous committees for the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) as well as for the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). Dr. Hammond routinely gives numerous panel lectures and instructional courses at the annual meetings for both of these societies. Dr. Hammond is also a member of the prestigious American Association of Plastic Surgeons.
Clinically Dr. Hammond is active in nearly every aspect of aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery. He has developed and marketed his own tissue expander for breast reconstruction, developed the internationally utilized BodyLogic evaluation system used for implant sizing in breast augmentation, has participated in nearly every known breast implant study since 1990, and currently serves as the medical director for the Contour Profile Gel (CPG) anatomically shaped cohesive gel breast implant (gummy bear implant) study marketed by the Mentor Corporation, a subsidiary of Johnson and Johnson. However, perhaps the most notable achievement thus far has been Dr. Hammond's development of the SPAIR Mammaplasty. This procedure directly designed and developed by Dr. Hammond accomplishes reduction of an overly large breast with half the scarring normally associated with breast reduction and yet provides outstanding cosmetic results, not only for breast reduction but for breast lifts as well.
Dr. Hammond is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has been in practice since 1992. Currently his practice focuses on all aspects of both aesthetic as well as reconstructive breast surgery. Dr. Hammond has also developed a particular interest in revisionary breast surgery treating complications from previous procedures. Other types of body contouring procedures also offered by Dr. Hammond include abdominoplasty, liposuction, and body reshaping after weight loss. No matter what the condition, Dr. Hammond is intensely committed to providing the best result that can be achieved in the safest manner possible.
Patient Testimonials
Dr. Timek and her staff – who are all awesome – have been so caring and gracious throughout the time I've been with them as a breast cancer patient. They have made this difficult time easier to get through for myself and my family. They really care! I'm lucky to have been their patient.
Loved the staff and all the support I received. It felt like family with true heartfelt concern. Doctors thoroughly explained the ins and outs, and I felt very comfortable about my decision. I had gone elsewhere for a first opinion, but you all have exceeded my expectations and I highly recommend you to anyone. I would go through it all again... I'm extremely happy!!!!
I had a breast reduction from Dr. Dennis Hammond in May. I have had a huge boost in confidence and feel so much better about myself. I have also started running because I don't have that part holding me back any more. I have now run two 5K races and look forward to running the Fifth Third Riverbank Run next May! Thank you Dr. Hammond and staff!!
I am very impressed with the work that Dr. Hammond did. I really appreciate how he explains what he is doing as he goes along. My husband is very pleased with the results. I also want to add that the office staff and the nurses were very nice and helpful; I really appreciated them. I don't know the names of the doctors that helped Dr. Hammond, but they were very much liked and appreciated. The whole experience was very much recommended to anyone that needs their services. I thank God that he brought me to this office.
Dr. Hammond was one of three opinions I received when considering surgery. Upon meeting with him I knew immediately he was the one I wanted to do my surgery. Let me explain... I have had two children and breast-fed them both. Age, (I am near forty) combined with the breastfeeding left me with severe sagging. I have always been small breasted but the sagging made me look even smaller. When I met Dr. Hammond I felt very comfortable with his knowledge, his professionalism and his confidence in performing a successful surgery that I would be happy with. He thoroughly explained what he felt would give me the results I desired. The other opinions I had received simply told me what they would do without considering what results I was looking for. Plus, my family doctor highly recommended Dr. Hammond.
Dr. Dennis Hammond performed immediate reconstructive surgery on me following a bilateral mastectomy. I had been diagnosed with lobular carcinoma in situ and, needless to say, this was a very difficult time for me. I met with Dr. Hammond very early in my decision making process on the recommendation of my general surgeon.
From the first time we met, I had a feeling of confidence in Dr. Hammond. Not only had he come highly recommended, but he took the time to fully explain to me my options and the pros and cons of the different methods of breast reconstruction. Dr. Hammond spent the time necessary for me to completely understand the procedures and showed me examples of other patients at various stages of recovery. Consequently, I felt more prepared for the procedure and for what to expect as I recovered. When the day came for my surgery, I knew that I had made the right decision and that I was in excellent hands that I trusted. I knew he had my best interests at heart.
It was during my recovery period that I gained an enormous respect for the very competent staff that Dr. Hammond has surrounded himself with. No question or concern was too small for Joanie, Dr. Hammond's scrub nurse. If I called the office with a concern, she'd call back even on days when they were at the hospital with scheduled surgery. Marie and the rest of the office staff were very warm and friendly. I looked forward to going for my post-surgical exams because it was a very supportive atmosphere.
I highly recommend Dr. Dennis Hammond for breast reconstructive surgery. It was a life changing experience for me and I'm very grateful that I found the right doctor with the necessary skills to do my surgery.
I recommend [Partners in Plastic Surgery of West Michigan] without reservation for plastic surgery and breast revisions. Dr. Timek's medical advice prior to the procedure was complete and prepared me for every step of surgery and recovery. In each of my post surgery visits the doctors and nursing staff demonstrated a sensitive understanding to my personal concerns and specific questions. Before and following the procedure access to the doctors and office personnel was exceptional.
I can't express my gratitude, relief and happiness for how well everything went with my [breast] surgery and most important, how fantastic my breasts look and feel. The surgery overall was much easier than I expected and to have the outcome so positive is thrilling. Dr. Timek was very supportive through the whole thing, she listened and really cared about my concerns, explained everything thoroughly to me and was honest about what could and could not be done. She set realistic expectations and I have no disappointments, only satisfaction. I would not hesitate to recommend Dr. Timek. I feel fortunate to have her for my surgeon.
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Before and After Pictures
