A Saline Implant With No Silent Rupture Risk

Recently another implant has come on the scene.  The Ideal Implant is a saline implant which is designed to function more like a silicone implant (less rippling), but with all the advantages of saline implants.  The shell is made from the same material, and the saline inside is also the same.  The implant has multiple internal shells which act like a “wave less waterbed” to minimize rippling.  Because it does cost more than a traditional saline implant, I only recommend Ideal implants for patients who are very thin and more likely to experience rippling.  I have been using this implant for a few years, and am very pleased with the outcomes.  At the present time, we are the only practice in the Madison area offering this implant.

WHY COMPROMISE? CHOOSE A NATURAL FEEL AND YOUTHFUL SHAPE WITH THE SAFETY OF A SALINE IMPLANT.

Heather, a Practice Manager who works in the plastic surgery industry, discusses why she chose Ideal Implant over a traditional silicone or saline breast implants and how confident and happy she is with her choice.

IDEAL SALINE IMPLANT CLINICAL ADVANTAGES

• Lower rupture rate
• Lower capsule contracture rate
• Higher rupture strength
• Smaller incision
• Easy to remove

IDEAL SALINE IMPLANT FILLER ADVANTAGES

• Only saline inside for peace of mind
• Safety of saline, harmlessly absorbed by the body
• Look in the mirror and know implants are intact

IDEAL SALINE IMPLANT RUPTURE ADVANTAGES

• Lower rupture rate
• No risk of silicone gel in tissues
• No MRI scans needed to detect ruptures
• No silent ruptures

If you would like to learn more, give our office a call for a free, no-obligation appointment. Request a consult here.

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Dr. Bartell has been providing body recountouring services in solo practice for over 20 years.

There are many advantages to patients within this business model.

Tune into Dr. Bartell’s Facebook Live from April 6th 2018 to hear about it from him.

Summary

In solo practice, Dr. Bartell is not focused on teaching nor is he focused on research. His main concern is to provide the best possible surgical outcome for his patients.

As a solo practitioner, Dr. Bartell has 100% control over who is in the operating room. His team is hired by Dr. Bartell an is “the best surgical team” in the area. Meet them. His team is hand-picked and Dr. Bartell “does not accept mediocrity”.

Dr. Bartell choose to be in solo practice because he could be his own boss, be there for his family who is #1 in his life, he could pick his staff and he didn’t feel like he’d be reinventing the wheel with each surgery. He describes the operating room as a “wonderful ballet” with a “beautiful flow”.

The patient certainly benefits from this model as they are receiving very high quality and personalized care. He doesn’t double book appointments. He prides himself in listening to patients and treating them with the utmost respect and consideration. This is why Dr. Bartell only takes his own calls. If you have a problem or concern, you get to talk to Dr. Bartell on his personal cell phone. You won’t be rerouted to a call center or nurse who doesn’t understand your goals or know your chart. Book a consult.

There are a few downsides to solo practice. One being the time and effort it takes to build a practice. And second being referral only. So please, if you’ve had a successful experience with Dr. Bartell, please tell your friends. Read from people who have had success.

Want to see a full story? Here’s our Studio Models who share the in’s and out’s of their time with Dr Bartell.

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Truth in advertising.  Sometimes it’s hard to know what is true and what is hyperbole.  Many claims can be made, but often it is necessary to verify those claims, and that may require the consumer to ask some hard questions.

I have been performing breast augmentations using an incision in the arm-pit (Trans-Axillary Breast Augmentation, or TABA) for almost 30 years.  During that time I have performed thousands of these procedures, and it is my preferred approach.  I am more experienced in this technique than any other surgeon in this area.

While I like to call this a “scar-less” procedure, actually there is no way to cut the skin without leaving a scar.  However, since I place the incision in a small skin crease in the arm-pit, often I myself cannot find the scar 6 to 8 months after surgery, and if I can’t find my own scar, certainly no one else will see it either.

Patient of Dr. Bartell’s post operative photo of incision location. 8 months post op. Ideal Implant saline implant. She’s happy!

Other plastic surgeons in the area may claim to perform this technique.  They may even advertise it on their web-sites.  However, if you ask them how many procedures they have performed over the last few years, they will not likely be too forthcoming in their answer.  That is because, although they may have been trained how to do the procedure in their residency, they rarely have performed the procedure in their practice.  They will usually come up with all sorts of excuses why their patients really need to have some other technique which (unfortunately) will resort in a scar on the chest. 

This is where the incision is located on the body for ALL breast augmentation procedures done with Dr. Bartell.

If you are interested in a breast augmentation, there are a few plastic surgeons in the Madison area that can accommodate you.  But if you want a great outcome with no scars on the chest, you had better make sure to insist on a Trans-Axillary Breast Augmentation, and there is no plastic surgeon in this area with more experience with the TABA than myself.

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Time and Money

As an active member of the Madison community, a place where I was born and raised, and where I have lived for most of my 60 years, I am a firm believer in giving back whenever possible.  I feel that this shouldn’t only involve charitable financial contributions, but actual participation.  And while spending time with one’s family is certainly a worthwhile activity when not working, I find it equally rewarding to donate my time to several worthy endeavors.

Bell-ringing and Math Tutoring

In addition to the annual bell-ringing that many do, I enjoy spending time at one of the local high schools 4 to 5 hours every week, tutoring math to students who need a little extra help.  Many of these are students of color, and I try to do all I can to decrease the “achievement gap” that we see in the public schools.

Commissions and Boards

Last year, I was appointed to the Town of Middleton Plan Commission.  As one of seven commissioners, we are an advisory institution to the Town Board planning the growth and development of the town.  I also sit on the boards of the UW Flying Club, as well as our homeowners association.

Annie Stewart Resurrection

Recently, I have started participating in a new endeavor, a group endeavoring to reconstruct the Annie Stewart fountain in Vilas Park.  For anyone not familiar with this, there is a small park adjacent to the zoo in which is situated a beautiful (although inoperative and neglected fountain).  Members of the community are trying to restore the fountain, and I have joined the effort.  I encourage everyone to visit the area to see the fruits of our efforts.

More About the Annie Stewart Fountain

In the late 1880s five young Madison women – Mary and Elva Bryant, Molly Vilas, Annie Storer, and Annie Stewart – took turns mending discarded clothing to distribute to the poor. One day Edwin Bryant saw them descending from his attic laden with clothing and called them the “attic angels.” The name stuck.

Annie Stewart (January 17, 1867 – April 8, 1905), who suffered from depression, took her own life. When her mother Mary died a few months later, she left $2,000 to the Madison Park and Pleasure Drive Association to erect a fountain in Annie’s memory. On May 16, 1925, the Capital Times reported the project was finally done.

“The completion of the Annie C. Stewart memorial fountain, which the city has been awaiting for more than fifteen years, has at last been realized and the fountain now stands facing Erin Street, making a picturesque entrance to the southeast end of Vilas Park.

The fountain was designed by Frederick J. Clasgens, Cincinnati, Ohio. It has a concrete bowl 21 feet in diameter, with three figures in marble, a sea nymph and two dolphins, in the center. The arrangement of the figures is such that water is constantly flowing from conch shells, held in the hands of the dolphins, into small basins. The shells serve as drinking fountains. Later it is planned to put fish in the small bowl.

For years after the bequest had been made, the Park and Pleasure Drive Association could not decide on either a suitable site or design for the memorial. Furnishing the fountain with water would also entail an expense which the city council could not be prevailed upon to countenance. When Ernest N. Warner became president of the association in 1912 it was his intention to decide on a design and site. The contract was finally made with the sculptor, Mr. Clasgens, on March 9, 1917.

With the coming of the war, work on the fountain was again suspended. When Mr. Clasgens was ready to resume it, prices had mounted so high that the memorial cost considerably more than the Park and Pleasure Drive Association had contracted for.”

Clasgens died on April 7, 1955, at 2120 Jefferson Street, his sister’s house, and was buried at Resurrection Cemetery.

Mark Gajewski

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I never served in the military.  While my father was a veteran (WWII), and my brother served in the reserves, I didn’t find the time to serve.  When I graduated from college, a married and went straight into medical school.  After four years, I found myself looking at a minimum of five years of residency.  After that (and two children), it was time to start practice.  Also, at age 35, I was a little “long in the tooth” to be starting basic training.

Respect

Having said all that, I must emphasize that I have nothing but the highest respect for the young men and women who do enlist, as well as their spouses and children.  They are the ones who are taking time out of their lives, (as well as potentially risking them), and taking time away from their families for the rest of us.  I feel that they deserve all our praise and support.

Military Discount

For many years I have made it a practice of offering a “military discount” to all veteran patients and the spouses of active duty service members.  I think it is the least I can do to demonstrate my support for their service.  While I understand it is only a small gesture, it has always been well-received in the spirit it was offered, and I am honored to be able to do this for these remarkable people.

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Dear Friends,

Breast augmentation is the most frequent operation I perform.  I am certain that one of the reasons for this is the fact that I routinely perform breast augmentation through a small incision in the armpit, thus eliminating the scar that most plastic surgeons leave around the areola or under the breast.  I have been using this technique since the late 1980’s, and have been using it routinely since I opened my Madison practice in the early 1990’s.  I have performed thousands of augmentations using this technique that leaves no scaring on the breast at all.

Recently, another practice in the Madison area started advertising that they also perform augmentation using the transaxillary technique (while also using the alternative incisions).  Patients desiring “scarless” breast augmentation would be wise to consider the breadth of experience offered by surgeons who claim to be able to provide this service.  Specifically, patients should ask the following questions:

1. How long has the surgeon been performing transaxillary breast augmentations?
2. How many has he/she performed?
3. How often does he/she use the technique, as opposed to other techniques?
4. How many transaxillary augmentation has he/she performed in the last month? Last year?
5. Can he/she show you before and after photos of his/her work using this technique?
6. Can you speak with previous patients who have had transaxillary augmentation performed?
7. Surgeons who perform operations rarely, infrequently, or only recently generally don’t become proficient, and this can lead to complications.

If the surgeons you consult cannot answer the questions listed above, perhaps you would do better to find a surgeon who is better suited to your needs.

-Dr Thomas Bartell, MD

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I am a private pilot.  I don’t mind saying that I’m pretty proud of that.  Being a pilot makes me part of an exclusive club.  In the entire history of humans on this planet, only a very few have been given the privilege of piloting an aircraft.  Even after I stop flying (which is regrettable, but eventually necessary), I will always be a pilot.  In that regard, it is like being a doctor.  Even when I retire from active practice, I will still be a physician.

Coworker flight by Dr. Bartell

$100 Hamburgers

I came to aviation later in life, obtaining my private pilot certificate at age 54.  I fly in a club which has two single-engine Cessna planes.  My flying is mostly for recreation;  I seldom use the plane for transportation.  Most of my flights are to airports within 50 to 75 miles.  I am usually flying to an airport that has a restaurant or two in the vicinity.  These meals are referred to as the “$100 hamburger”, because when you total the expenses of flying the airplane (rental, insurance, fuel, club dues, etc.) that’s about what the burger costs.

Doctors and Pilots

Piloting a plane is a little like performing surgery, which is one of the reasons it appeals to me.  Both require a lot of training, attention to detail, planning and discipline.  In addition, both can require some improvisation when things don’t go exactly as expected.  Also, one of the most important lessons that can be learned in flying as well as surgery is when not to do it.  If a patient isn’t a good candidate (for whatever reason), surgery should not be attempted.  Similarly, if weather conditions or the functioning of the plane are not ideal, the plane should stay on the ground.

Dr Bartell and wife, Nina

Keep Your Head Down

I try to fly at least once per week, sometimes just to practice landings or stalls (yes, we practice those).  Many times I will circle over our house and “waggle my wings” as a greeting to my wife.  So if you happen to see a small airplane flying around the Madison area, it just might be me.  So keep your head down!

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A breast augmentation is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical procedure. Though there are many reasons women strive to enhance their breast size and shape, the most common is striving to fix changes in the breasts to boost self-esteem.

Breasts Change After Significant Life Events

A woman’s breasts do not stay the same their entire lives, much like the rest of our bodies. Major life changes can cause them to become flatter, misshapen, saggier, or smaller. Having a breast augmentation can reverse these changes and restore a woman’s breasts, bringing new confidence and higher self-esteem.

Weight Loss

A few pounds lost here and there might not be enough to cause your breasts to change sizes, but often, women who lose a significant amount of weight find their breasts have begun to sag, are no longer round and perky. This is because breasts are mostly made up of fatty tissues. This means, when weight is gained, fat cells expand. When weight is lost, they shrink. Some women have more fat cells in their breasts than others, but many, after weight loss, can see a significant change in the size and shape of their breasts. Once a healthy weight is maintained, Dr. Bartell can perform a breast augmentation to bring the fullness and roundness back.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, breasts commonly increase in size as the mammary glands grow, preparing the body for breastfeeding. Sometimes the size increases are enough that women need to buy bras one to two cup sizes bigger. They also change right after giving birth, and continue to do so during breastfeeding. Once a woman is finished feeding her baby from her breasts, their bodies realize milk production is no longer needed. Once this happens, breasts reduce in size, nipples return to the state they were in prior to pregnancy. Unfortunately, for many women, this process can leave stretch marks and loose skin, the latter causing breasts to look saggy and flat. A breast augmentation can bring a woman’s back the fullness and shape of their breasts.

Aging

As women age, changes in their hormones affect their bodies. When estrogen levels lower, it can cause drier skin, causing it to be less elastic. This bodily change makes breasts sag, deflate, and change size and shape. This often happens after menopause, a time in a woman’s life when she stops menstruating. Even though this is an inevitable change for women, a breast augmentation by Dr. Bartell can bring new life into a woman’s breasts.

Breast Augmentation After a Mastectomy

When a woman has breast cancer, a mastectomy may be required in the fight against it. This procedure removes most to all of a breast that is affected. Although it is an important procedure in the steps to removing the cancer from a woman’s body, it can have a crushing emotional impact. Losing a breast greatly affects how confident a woman feels about her body, and can reduce or eliminate sex drive. Often, doctors can remove the tissue inside of the affected breast, leaving the skin and nipple for a future reconstruction. Dr. Bartell has performed a countless number of breast augmentations in his career, and can help bring back the fullness and shape of a breast after some mastectomies.

Make the Change

Regardless of the reasons, a breast augmentation can positively change a woman’s attitude about her body and increase their confidence and outlook on life. Choosing to have a breast augmentation is a big decision, and one that should not be taken lightly. However, patients of Dr. Bartell can put their mind at ease when it comes to scarring. Dr. Bartell is the only plastic surgeon in Madison and the surrounding areas to perform scar-free breast augmentations. If you feel this procedure is right for you, call his office today and schedule your free consultation.

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She’s fun, quick, and easy to relate to both on-air and off, and when she decided to explore her options for breast enhancement, she brought her listeners along, letting them share each step in the process.

Here’s just a small taste of her story:

Alright, it’s no secret that I have expressed the smallness of my girls during the morning show. It’s true! At the age of 39 my back still simply looks like my front. Ever since I can remember, my mom, my grandma and my sister were all blessed in this department.

I’m at a time in my life where I am done having children and I think after the wear and tear from breast feeding and gravity, it might be time to look into the procedure.

Follow along here to read it all.

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Dr. Thomas Bartell is the only board certified plastic surgeon in Madison, WI that focuses on below the neck procedures. This makes him highly sought after, with patients traveling all over to Madison, WI to see him. He has been in practice for over 20 years, and specializes on procedures such as scarless breast augmentation, liposuction, tummy tucks, and many other cosmetic surgeries. Since so many people travel to have Dr. Bartell perform their surgeries, it is important for his patients to understand how to travel safely to and from his office before they plan their trip.

As patient safety is our top concern, we do require that all patients have someone drive them home or to their hotel, either a family member or friend. Cabs or Ubers are strictly not allowed. Your driver is not required to stay during the procedure, but if they leave the clinic waiting room, they will be asked to leave a cell phone number where they can be quickly reached.

From In Town

Madison, WI is a large city, housing over 200,000 people and families. Depending on what side of town you live on, you can reach the office of Dr. Bartell within minutes or, at the very most, within an hour. Regardless of if you live near the office or on the other side of Madison, you will be required to have a friend or family member drive you to your surgery for your safety.

From a Nearby Location

There are many surrounding cities and towns around Madison, WI where Dr. Bartell is located. He sees many patients from places such as Baraboo, Beloit, Appleton, Fox Valley, Green Bay, Janesville, Milwaukee, Sauk City and many more. For those who have a short drive into Madison, WI, it is perfectly fine to drive back to your hometown that same night with your driver taking you to and from for safety. However, other locations may be further away. For those patients, Dr. Bartell recommends booking a hotel in advance, as not only will you be exhausted after your surgery, but your driver may be tired, too, from a long day of driving to Madison, and the safest choice for the both of you would be to stay in Madison for the night.

Flying In

The Dane County Regional Airport is off of International Lane, mere minutes from downtown Madison, WI and just a short beltline drive to Dr. Bartell’s office. For those who are flying into Madison for their procedure with Dr. Bartell, a friend or family member is still required to drive you, whether they come with you for the trip or meet you in town, to ensure your safety. There are many hotels in the area to choose from, and plenty to do for you or your driver while staying in Madison.

Post-Surgical Traveling Tips for Patients of Dr. Bartell

As you heal from your procedure, you will need to make sure you avoid certain activities for a few days so you do not aggravate your surgery site:

• Don’t lift or pull heavy items
• Walk and take your time when moving through your home
• Drink plenty of fluids and get enough rest
• If you’re driving somewhere once you have been cleared to drive, plan a rest stop or two and walk around and stretch carefully
• Keep any medication at hand, and have Dr. Bartell’s number in your phone.
• Flying can be restricted right after surgery, so always check with Dr. Bartell to know when you’re cleared to fly
• If driving is uncomfortable for you, ask someone to take you to and from places for a few days

Driving After Surgery

As stated before, you must have a friend or family member you trust drive you to and from your surgery, and who can stay with you for up to 24 hours as your anesthesia wears off. Many patients have someone stay with them for a few days to a few weeks until they are fully healed, as many day to day tasks can become unbearable while their bodies are recovering.

When it comes to driving 24 hours or later after your surgery, getting around by car or truck should be perfectly fine if you are up to it. Seat belts should always be worn, although they can put pressure on surgical sites, depending on the type of surgery you had done. If your seat belt hurts too much, find someone to drive you for a few days while you heal, especially if you have been given pain medication that you cannot drive while taking. This way you can keep your seat belt on but lean your chair back a bit to relieve the pressure and irritation, while ensuring you are still safe.

Flying After Surgery

Typically you are to not fly for up to a week after your surgery, depending on what type of procedure you have. A few post-operative exams are scheduled with Dr. Bartell so he can check your healing progress. It would be wise to wait to fly until that first exam, at which you can ask him whether or not you can fly at that time.

Your Safety Is Our Concern

Dr. Bartell is always on call for all of his patients, and will always send you and your driver home with instructions for medications and what you should do and not do and for how long. Whether you’re coming from out of town or down the street, Dr. Bartell and his staff want to make sure you stay safe and healthy while traveling to and from his office.

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