Show Off a Little More This Summer

By G. Wesley Price, MD, FACS

The Center for Plastic Surgery

. http://www.cpsdocs.com

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Show Off a Little More This Summer

Springtime is a popular and logical time of year for patients to take a look at themselves and consider an improvement of their breasts, abdomen, and thighs prior to the summer beach season. Breast procedures can range from breast augmentation, breast reduction, or breast lift (mastopexy) depending on the desired size and shape. These procedures today are all outpatient surgeries.

The changes in breast augmentation surgery have allowed our patients to have the best selection of high-quality silicone and saline filled implants. The new silicone gel implants (cohesive gel) are a significant improvement in the overall quality, feel, and longevity for breast implants. Today, patients have a choice of both round and shaped implants manufactured by three different companies, giving them an even larger selection to choose from.

Since every patient is different, a reliable sizing technique has been developed to create the individual's personal look and feel. Today's surgical advances have led us to techniques that provide a more comfortable postoperative recovery for breast lifts with or without implants. Many patients go back to work within five to seven days. Breast reduction surgery has also improved with experience and recent advances. Breast reduction can now be performed as an outpatient procedure with a shorter recovery and smaller scars. Occasionally, breast reduction surgery may be covered by insurance.

Liposuction remains the most common body contouring procedure in a plastic surgery practice. Several different technologies can be used to contour different areas of the body for great results. Liposuction is done as an outpatient procedure with either sedation or light general anesthesia depending on the patient's desire.

We also have a new office-based procedure for fat reduction called CoolSculpt, which reduces fat through “cryolipolysis.” This procedure gets rid of fat by significantly cooling the fatty tissue and is FDA approved. For the first time, our new “CoolSmooth” hand piece will allow us to treat fat reduction of the lateral thighs in an office setting. A patient should consult with a plastic surgeon to determine whether liposuction or CoolSculpt is a better fit for their needs.

Many of our patients who have had pregnancies or weight loss are best suited for body contouring through an abdominoplasty also known as a tummy tuck. This combines redraping the excess abdominal skin, liposuction, and muscle tightening for post pregnancy or weight loss patients. Some of our patients combine breast surgery with the abdominoplasty for a mommy makeover, which has become one of our most popular surgical procedures.

There is much than can be discussed for patients interested in recontouring their bodies prior to the summer season. It is best to have a full consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon (American Board of Plastic Surgery). Spring could be the season of change for you.