Uplifting Results Reveal the Best Version of You

It’s not surprising that many women don’t make their appearance a priority. They’re often busy taking care of the people in their lives.

When women do take the initiative to change their appearance, they often admit they aren’t happy with their breasts.

Franziska Huettner, MD, PhD, FACS, understands this dilemma. It’s one of the reasons she opened her practice, Florida Institute of Plastic Surgery in Lady Lake. 

Dr. Huettner chose to move to this area and open her office in The Villages because her mother was supposed to be living here with her. Sadly, her mother passed away last year in the middle of the office renovation process. 

Born and raised in Germany by physician parents, she attended medical school there before moving to the United States to pursue her career. She completed residencies in general surgery and plastic surgery. After a prestigious fellowship in aesthetic plastic surgery and one year in practice at the Cleveland Clinic, she held a three-year position at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. 

Dr. Huettner opened her own practice in 2017 and maintains offices in both Lady Lake and New York City.

When patients turn to Dr. Huettner for solutions, it’s not simply because she is an acclaimed plastic surgeon. Her compassion and personal interaction are as important as her skills in the operating room.

Unfortunately, the Internet and social media have contributed to misconceptions about plastic surgery, including breast surgeries.

After looking at online posts and videos, some women mistakenly think they can have surgery with zero down time afterwards. Because they aren’t aware of all that is involved, they have no idea about what can potentially go wrong.

Franziska Huettner, MD PhD FACS Diplomate American Board of Plastic Surgery, Diplomate American Board of Surgery, Past President – New York Regional Society of Plastic Surgeons, Past Program Director Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, St. Barnabas Hospital, NY

When Dr. Huettner has a consultation with any patient, her priority is to make sure they leave with a full understanding of what is involved with the procedure they’re considering, including a realistic view of recovery.

Women often bring photos to the consultation, but photos on their own can be deceiving because many times the woman in the pictures has had more than one procedure done. Dr. Huettner can explain what likely has been done surgically to create those results. 

“Just because something works in one woman, it might not work for another. Every woman is so unique and individual, and that’s how I approach all my patients,” says Dr. Huettner. “I may be considered ‘old fashioned’ and ‘traditional’ about this, but I think it’s important to explain everything before we start. Everybody should be informed of potential complications and the real risks involved. I’d rather under-promise and over-deliver than the other way around.”

During the initial consultation, Dr. Huettner’s goal is to understand what the woman envisions so she can map out the best way to achieve
those results.

Every woman is different in breast shape, skin tissue, breast tissue and how the breast comes off the chest wall, plus her unique medical history. All these factors play a role in what can be achieved through surgery.

When it comes to improving breast appearance, there are multiple options available. In many cases, the answer is a mastopexy, or “breast lift.”   

“There are many things that can be done; it’s often not just a breast lift. The procedure often includes a reduction where some tissue is removed to create a perkier, younger-looking breast. If the woman wants more fullness in the upper breast so she has cleavage, an implant may be added,” says Dr. Huettner, adding that she takes time to fully explain the pros and cons. 

To achieve similar fullness without implants, Dr. Huettner can offer auto-augmentation mastopexy, a technique which sets her apart from many other surgeons.

She uses the woman’s own breast tissue that is removed from the lower aspect of the breast in a standard lift procedure. This tissue is then used to build up the breast, creating more fullness without using an implant. Many women are not aware that this is even possible.

“We can also do fat grafting, which is when we do liposuction and add that fat to the upper part of the breasts to give more volume. A woman can add a half to a full cup size to the breast with this method,” notes Dr. Huettner.

The result is an overall reshaping or sculpting of the breast, not just “lifting” it.

Any surgical procedure requiring sedation with the patient under general anesthesia is done at the TLC surgery center or in the UF Health The Villages hospital.

Procedures performed with the patient under local anesthesia are done in the procedure room at Dr. Huettner’s office. 

Women of all ages--from young mothers to retirees--regularly turn to Dr. Huettner to give their breasts a more aesthetically pleasing shape and form. 

If you’re ready to unveil the best version of yourself, it’s time to schedule your complimentary consultation with Dr. Huettner.