Fuller Butz: A Behind the Scenes Plastic Surgery Podcast

Dr. Sam Fuller and Dr. Daniel Butz
  • 4.6 (11)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Weekly

Plastic Surgeons Dr. Sam Fuller and Dr. Dan Butz discuss a wide range of topics within plastic surgery, adding insight, detail, and humor to a captivating field in medicine. Join their conversation as they highlight advice, myths, facts, and everything you need to know about tummy tucks, breast augmentation, liposuction, and more! Included in the podcast are conversations spanning plastic surgery, such as botox, fillers, celebrity plastic surgery, mommy makeovers, breast lift, breast reduction, drainless tummy tucks, arm lifts, thigh lifts, hand surgery, carpal tunnel syndrome, facelift, neck lift, laser, technology and innovation, team members within plastic surgery, office-based surgery, skin cancer, wound care, postop recovery, weight loss surgery, body transformations, before and afters, and fun-filled topics!Dr. Fuller attended undergrad at the University of Notre Dame, medical school at the University of Chicago, then completed a 6-year Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Residency at the University of Chicago Medical Center, training with world-renowned plastic and cosmetic surgeons. Dr. Fuller focuses his aesthetic practice on body contouring, including breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, tummy tuck, mommy makeover, along with many other procedures. He offers detailed consultations and creates a unique approach to body contouring for each patient. Dr. Fuller also has a robust hand surgery practice, treating conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow injuries and more! Dr. Butz is a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with a focus on body and breast surgery. His philosophy on confidence and beauty provides patients with comfort in their journey while achieving breathtaking results.Dr. Butz is one of the first in the nation to offer a unique technology to deliver impressive results with minimal downtime. He is the only surgeon in Wisconsin to offer a drainless tummy tuck procedure among many other advanced techniques. As part owner of Quintessa, Dr. Butz recognizes the importance of a complete line of surgical and non-surgical treatment options for his patients. He takes the time to educate on all options to treat concerns including surgical solutions, and non-invasive body contouring with CoolSculpting Elite, CoolTone, and EmSculpt.Links:https://samfullerplasticsurgery.com/https://myquintessa.com/staff/dr-daniel-butz/Music byhttps://igluandhartlymusic.com/

  1. Jul 24

    The No-Regrets Guide to Plastic Surgery

    Send us Fan Mail Every patient hopes for one thing after surgery: to love their results and never look back. The truth is that avoiding regret starts long before you enter the operating room. In this episode of the Fuller Butz Podcast, Dr. Sam Fuller and Dr. Dan Butz discuss the most common reasons patients experience regret after plastic surgery, and most of them have very little to do with the surgery itself. From choosing a surgeon based solely on price to traveling out of the country for discounted procedures, we explore how seemingly small decisions can have a lasting impact on safety, recovery, and long-term satisfaction. We also dive into the importance of setting realistic expectations. Plastic surgery can be life-changing, but it cannot create perfection or solve every insecurity. Understanding what surgery can and cannot accomplish is one of the biggest predictors of a happy outcome. Recovery is another area where patients often underestimate their role. Following post-operative instructions, attending follow-up appointments, wearing compression garments when recommended, avoiding nicotine, and giving your body the time it needs to heal are all essential parts of achieving the best possible result. Even the most technically perfect operation can be compromised when recovery instructions are ignored. Finally, we share practical tips for choosing the right surgeon, asking the right questions during consultation, recognizing red flags, and making decisions that prioritize safety over short-term savings. Whether you're just beginning to consider plastic surgery or already have a procedure scheduled, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you make informed decisions, maximize your results, and approach surgery with confidence. The best plastic surgery isn't just about what happens in the operating room. It starts with thoughtful planning, realistic expectations, and a commitment to the recovery process. If you want to make the best possible decisions and give yourself the greatest chance of loving your results, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

    The No-Regrets Guide to Plastic Surgery

  2. May 4

    Redraping Reality: Body Contouring After Major Weight Loss

    Send us Fan Mail When the scale finally stops dropping, a new question takes center stage: now what? In this episode of the Fuller Butz: A Behind the Scenes Plastic Surgery Podcast, Dr. Sam Fuller and Dr. Daniel Butz step into the often-overlooked chapter of massive weight loss, where discipline and determination have done their job, but the body hasn’t quite caught up. This conversation goes beyond celebration and into strategy. After significant weight loss, patients are frequently left with excess skin, deflation, and contour irregularities that no amount of diet, training, or willpower can resolve. Dr. Fuller and Dr. Butz break down why this happens from both a biological and structural perspective, explaining how skin elasticity, fat distribution, and underlying support systems all play a role in what patients see in the mirror. From there, the episode unfolds into a practical guide to surgical options. The duo walks through the most common procedures following massive weight loss, including tummy tucks, lower body lifts, arm lifts, thigh lifts, and breast reshaping. They demystify how these procedures are often combined, staged, or tailored based on individual anatomy and goals. Listeners get an inside look at how surgeons think through sequencing, safety, and recovery, especially when multiple areas are addressed. But this isn’t just a checklist of procedures. It’s a discussion about artistry. Dr. Fuller highlights how restoring proportion and balance requires more than removing excess skin. It’s about recreating a natural silhouette, refining contours, and in many cases, rebuilding support with techniques like internal suturing or structural reinforcement. The conversation emphasizes that this phase is less about weight loss and more about body composition and aesthetic harmony. The episode also tackles the real-world side of these transformations. Recovery expectations, downtime, scarring, and the emotional component are all addressed with honesty. Patients who have already undergone a major life change often enter this stage with high expectations, and understanding the process is key to a successful outcome. The doctors discuss how to prepare physically and mentally, what timelines typically look like, and how to optimize results through nutrition, compression, and follow-up care. Throughout the episode, there’s a consistent theme: massive weight loss is not the finish line, it’s a turning point. For many, body contouring surgery becomes the final step in aligning how they feel with how they look. Dr. Fuller and Dr. Butz bring clarity to that transition, offering both expert insight and grounded perspective on what’s possible. Whether you’re a patient considering next steps, a provider looking to better understand this population, or just curious about the science and strategy behind these transformations, this episode delivers a thoughtful, detailed look at the “after” phase of massive weight loss—and how to finish the journey with intention.

    Redraping Reality: Body Contouring After Major Weight Loss

  3. Mar 6

    Plastic Surgery FAQs: The Questions Patients Always Ask

    Send us Fan Mail The latest episode of the Fuller Butz Podcast pulls back the curtain on one of the most common moments in aesthetic medicine: the plastic surgery consultation. In this episode, Dr. Sam Fuller and Dr. Daniel Butz tackle the questions they hear day after day from patients walking through their doors, demystifying the process while offering honest, practical insights into what really matters when considering cosmetic surgery. From the very first consultation question, “Am I a good candidate?”, the discussion explores how plastic surgeons evaluate patients beyond simply the procedure itself. Dr. Fuller and Dr. Butz explain how factors like overall health, lifestyle habits, expectations, and long-term goals shape surgical planning. The episode highlights how consultations are less about selling procedures and more about building a thoughtful roadmap tailored to each individual patient. Listeners will hear the doctors break down some of the most common procedures patients ask about, including breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, and body contouring after weight loss. They explain the differences between implant types, profiles, and gel cohesivity, while also discussing how surgeons help guide patients toward the right choice rather than overwhelming them with options. The conversation also touches on newer technologies and innovations that are shaping modern plastic surgery. Recovery questions are another major focus of the episode. Patients often ask how long downtime will last, when they can return to work, and what recovery actually feels like. Dr. Fuller and Dr. Butz discuss the realities of healing, how modern techniques aim to minimize recovery time, and what patients can realistically expect in the days and weeks following surgery. The episode also addresses some of the biggest misconceptions patients bring to consultations, including concerns about scarring, safety, and whether cosmetic surgery results can look natural. Through candid discussion and a few lighthearted moments, the hosts emphasize that successful outcomes come from clear communication, careful planning, and choosing the right surgeon. Whether you are actively considering a procedure or simply curious about how plastic surgeons think, this episode offers an informative and approachable guide to the consultation process. It’s an inside look at the questions patients ask most often—and the thoughtful answers that help them move forward with confidence.

    Plastic Surgery FAQs: The Questions Patients Always Ask

  4. Feb 20

    Implant IQ: Choosing the Perfect Breast Implant

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Fuller Butz Podcast, Dr. Sam Fuller and Dr. Daniel Butz take a deep dive into one of the most misunderstood aspects of breast augmentation: what actually makes an implant the “right” choice for a patient. While many people assume breast implants are simply about picking a size, the reality is far more nuanced. The duo breaks down the critical variables that experienced plastic surgeons evaluate every day, including implant profile, projection, base width, and the often overlooked but highly important factor of gel cohesivity and feel. Dr. Fuller and Dr. Butz walk listeners through how implant profile shapes the final aesthetic, explaining the differences between low, moderate, and high projection implants and when each makes the most sense anatomically. They emphasize that the goal is not to force anatomy to fit an implant, but rather to select an implant that harmonizes with the patient’s natural chest dimensions, tissue characteristics, and desired outcome. A major focus of the episode is the evolving technology behind modern silicone implants, particularly the Motiva line. The surgeons discuss how Motiva Mini and Motiva Demi profiles can be powerful tools for achieving natural, proportional results in appropriately selected patients. They also explore the unique properties of Motiva Ergonomix, highlighting its dynamic gel behavior that allows the implant to maintain shape while still moving naturally with the body. For patients seeking more upper pole fullness and structure, the conversation shifts to Motiva Round options and when a more form-stable or fuller profile may be the better strategic choice. Throughout the discussion, Dr. Fuller and Dr. Butz stress that there is no universally “best” implant. Instead, the art of breast augmentation lies in thoughtful customization. Listeners will gain insight into how experienced surgeons balance patient goals, soft tissue characteristics, chest wall anatomy, and implant technology to create results that look effortless rather than overdone. The episode also addresses common patient misconceptions and provides practical guidance for anyone considering breast augmentation. Whether you are a prospective patient doing your homework or a medical professional interested in the finer points of implant selection, this episode delivers a clear, experience-driven look at how precision planning leads to consistently beautiful outcomes. Tune in for a thoughtful, practical, and surprisingly fascinating exploration of the science behind the perfect implant.

    Implant IQ: Choosing the Perfect Breast Implant

  5. Feb 6

    Clinical Craftsmanship and Personal Balance: Dr. Daniel Butz Reintroduced

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Fuller Butz: A Behind the Scenes Plastic Surgery, we turn the spotlight back on one of our own. Meet (or re-meet) Dr. Daniel Butz. This is a true re-introduction episode, giving listeners a deeper look at the surgeon behind the scrubs, the co-host behind the mic, and the human behind the hustle. Dr. Butz walks us through his medical journey, from early training and residency to building his current practice alongside co-host Dr. Sam Fuller. He shares what drew him to surgery, how his technical skills were shaped along the way, and what continues to motivate him in the operating room today. Whether you’re in medicine or simply fascinated by how high-level professionals are forged, this conversation pulls back the curtain on the discipline, curiosity, and grit required to master the craft. But this episode goes well beyond the OR. Listeners will also get a glimpse into Dr. Butz’s life outside of work, where steady hands meet creative outlets. From peaceful mornings spent fishing to the satisfaction of woodworking projects in his shop, he talks about the hobbies that help him recharge, stay grounded, and maintain balance in an otherwise demanding career. These passions reveal a thoughtful, hands-on personality that mirrors the precision he brings to surgery. You’ll hear stories, laughs, reflections on teamwork, and insights into how personal interests shape professional performance. It’s an honest, relaxed conversation that reminds us surgeons are more than white coats and schedules. They’re builders, outdoorsmen, lifelong learners, and everyday humans chasing growth both inside and outside the clinic. Whether you’re a patient, a fellow medical professional, or just someone who enjoys meaningful conversations with interesting people, this episode offers a refreshing look at what it takes to build a fulfilling career while still making room for creativity, connection, and joy. Tune in for an engaging re-introduction to Dr. Daniel Butz, and get to know the person who helps make Fuller Butz more than just a podcast, it’s a conversation worth following. 🎙️✨ https://samfullerplasticsurgery.com/ https://myquintessa.com/about/meet-the-team/dr-daniel-butz/

    Clinical Craftsmanship and Personal Balance: Dr. Daniel Butz Reintroduced

  6. Jan 23

    Figure by Fuller: The 2026 Playbook

    Send us Fan Mail Step back into the studio for a fresh chapter of Fuller Butz as we re-introduce Dr. Sam Fuller and set the tone for 2026. This episode pulls back the curtain on his vision for the year ahead, his evolving approach to surgery, and what keeps him inspired both inside the OR and far beyond it. From innovation and precision to his children, cooking, fitness, and a relentless drive to build better outcomes for patients, this is the blueprint behind the surgeon and the mindset shaping the future of FigureByFuller. 🏥✨🎙️

    Figure by Fuller: The 2026 Playbook

  7. Jan 9

    The So-Called “Chicken Nugget”-- Lateral Breast Tissue Explained

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the podcast, Dr. Sam Fuller and Dr. Dan Butz take on one of the most commonly discussed yet poorly explained concerns women bring up in consultation: the area of fullness along the outer breast near the armpit, affectionately and infamously nicknamed the “chicken nugget.” It is the spot that peeks out of bras, resists workouts, and often surprises patients who thought breast surgery would magically make it disappear. With a mix of surgical insight and candid conversation, the doctors unpack what this area really is and how best to treat it. The episode begins with anatomy. Drs. Fuller and Butz explain that lateral breast fullness is not a flaw or a mistake. It is often a normal extension of breast tissue called the axillary tail, sometimes combined with subcutaneous fat. This matters because not all “nuggets” are created equal. Some are primarily fatty, soft, and responsive to contouring. Others contain true glandular breast tissue that behaves very differently than fat and will not reliably shrink with weight loss, exercise, or nonsurgical treatments. Understanding what lives in that space is the foundation for choosing the right solution. From there, the discussion moves into treatment options, starting with liposuction. Liposuction can be an excellent choice when the lateral fullness is mostly fat. It is minimally invasive, uses small incisions, and allows for smooth contouring that blends nicely into the side of the breast and chest wall. Recovery is typically quicker, swelling settles over weeks, and scars are usually discreet. However, liposuction has limitations. It cannot effectively remove dense glandular breast tissue, and aggressive suction in this area carries risks such as contour irregularities, tethering, or skin laxity if not done thoughtfully. As Dr. Fuller emphasizes, liposuction works best when anatomy and expectations are aligned. The conversation then shifts to direct excision. For patients whose “chicken nugget” is primarily breast tissue rather than fat, surgical excision may be the more definitive option. This approach physically removes the tissue rather than relying on suction, making it more predictable for dense or fibrous areas. The tradeoff is a scar, usually placed strategically in the natural crease of the armpit. Dr. Butz explains that while many patients are initially scar-averse, they are often more satisfied long-term with a flat contour and permanent result than with incomplete improvement from liposuction alone. Excision also allows for pathology evaluation when appropriate, adding an extra layer of reassurance. Drs. Fuller and Butz spend time comparing the pros and cons of each approach, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Liposuction offers smaller scars and faster recovery but may under-treat true breast tissue. Excision offers completeness and durability but comes with a visible incision and slightly longer healing. In some cases, a hybrid approach may even be considered. The key, they stress, is individualized planning and honest preoperative discussion. This episode is equal parts education and empowerment. Whether you are considering breast surgery, have already had a procedure, or have simply wondered why that area never seems to cooperate, this conversation sheds light on a common problem and the thoughtful surgical strategies available to address it.

    The So-Called “Chicken Nugget”-- Lateral Breast Tissue Explained

  8. 12/19/2025

    Prognosis 2025: Hits, Misses & What We’re Betting on for 2026

    Send us Fan Mail Season 3 of the Fuller Butz Podcast opens with a comprehensive look back at our 2025 predictions, separating what truly moved the needle in plastic surgery from what failed to gain traction. This “Wrapped” episode serves as both a retrospective and a roadmap, grounded in real-world clinical experience, patient outcomes, and evolving technology. We begin by revisiting one of our most confident and ultimately successful predictions: the launch of the FDA-approved Motiva breast implant. Throughout 2024, we discussed the growing momentum behind Motiva’s design philosophy, data-driven development, and global track record. In 2025, that prediction came to fruition with FDA approval, and its entry into the U.S. market has already begun reshaping conversations around implant technology, safety, and patient choice. We break down what makes Motiva different, from surface technology to consistency and responsiveness, and discuss how FDA approval validates years of international data. More importantly, we explore how this approval expands options for patients seeking a more natural feel and long-term reliability, while raising the bar for innovation across the implant space. Another major “hit” from our 2025 forecast was the continued success and broader adoption of the internal bra. Once viewed as a niche adjunct, internal bra technology has become a mainstay in breast surgery for surgeons focused on long-term shape, support, and durability of results. We discuss how internal bra use has matured from early experimentation into refined technique selection, improved materials, and clearer indications. From revision cases to primary lifts and augmentations, internal bra support has proven its value in reducing bottoming out, improving upper pole stability, and enhancing longevity.  Not every prediction, however, came to pass. We take an honest look at AlloClae, a product we believed might gain stronger momentum in 2025. Despite theoretical advantages and early interest, AlloClae did not achieve widespread adoption or consistent clinical enthusiasm. We discuss possible reasons, including cost, handling characteristics, outcome variability, and surgeon preference, emphasizing why it’s important to continually reassess emerging technologies against real-world performance. This segment underscores a recurring theme of the episode: innovation alone is not enough. Adoption depends on reliability, reproducibility, and clear benefit to both surgeon and patient. Looking ahead, we turn our attention to 2026 predictions, starting with the Preserve system from Motiva. We discuss why Preserve represents a potential next evolution in breast implant surgery, focusing on tissue preservation, surgical planning, and alignment with modern patient priorities.  Beyond devices and implants, we expand the conversation to areas we believe will see significant advancement in 2026: compression garments, postoperative care, and nutrition. We predict a move toward smarter, more patient-specific compression solutions that improve comfort while maintaining effectiveness. In postop care, we anticipate greater integration of multimodal recovery strategies, emphasizing mobility, lymphatic support, and data-driven protocols.  This episode sets the tone for Season 3 by reinforcing what the Fuller Butz Podcast does best: thoughtful analysis, honest reflection, and forward-thinking discussion grounded in real practice. As we close the chapter on 2025 and look ahead to 2026, the message is clear. Progress in plastic surgery is rarely about a single breakthrough. It’s about consistent refinement, better decision-making, and putting patient outcomes at the center of every prediction and every procedure. https://myquintessa.com/staff/dr-daniel-butz/ https://samfullerplasticsurgery.com/

    Prognosis 2025: Hits, Misses & What We’re Betting on for 2026
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About

Plastic Surgeons Dr. Sam Fuller and Dr. Dan Butz discuss a wide range of topics within plastic surgery, adding insight, detail, and humor to a captivating field in medicine. Join their conversation as they highlight advice, myths, facts, and everything you need to know about tummy tucks, breast augmentation, liposuction, and more! Included in the podcast are conversations spanning plastic surgery, such as botox, fillers, celebrity plastic surgery, mommy makeovers, breast lift, breast reduction, drainless tummy tucks, arm lifts, thigh lifts, hand surgery, carpal tunnel syndrome, facelift, neck lift, laser, technology and innovation, team members within plastic surgery, office-based surgery, skin cancer, wound care, postop recovery, weight loss surgery, body transformations, before and afters, and fun-filled topics!Dr. Fuller attended undergrad at the University of Notre Dame, medical school at the University of Chicago, then completed a 6-year Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Residency at the University of Chicago Medical Center, training with world-renowned plastic and cosmetic surgeons. Dr. Fuller focuses his aesthetic practice on body contouring, including breast augmentation, breast reduction, breast lift, tummy tuck, mommy makeover, along with many other procedures. He offers detailed consultations and creates a unique approach to body contouring for each patient. Dr. Fuller also has a robust hand surgery practice, treating conditions such as carpal tunnel syndrome, cubital tunnel syndrome, hand, wrist, forearm, and elbow injuries and more! Dr. Butz is a board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon with a focus on body and breast surgery. His philosophy on confidence and beauty provides patients with comfort in their journey while achieving breathtaking results.Dr. Butz is one of the first in the nation to offer a unique technology to deliver impressive results with minimal downtime. He is the only surgeon in Wisconsin to offer a drainless tummy tuck procedure among many other advanced techniques. As part owner of Quintessa, Dr. Butz recognizes the importance of a complete line of surgical and non-surgical treatment options for his patients. He takes the time to educate on all options to treat concerns including surgical solutions, and non-invasive body contouring with CoolSculpting Elite, CoolTone, and EmSculpt.Links:https://samfullerplasticsurgery.com/https://myquintessa.com/staff/dr-daniel-butz/Music byhttps://igluandhartlymusic.com/

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