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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/

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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. 🏥✨🎙️

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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.