Q&A
What Trends Do You See In Bbls (Brazilian Butt Lifts)? Is “The Bigger, The Better” Still Popular?
Dr. Dulin: Patients are choosing a more natural size and shape these days. Big can look okay in Instagram pictures, but realistically, clothes fit and drape better when the buttock shape is natural.
I’m Interested In Getting Nose Surgery And Wonder What I Will Look Like Afterward.
Dr. Harris: We strive to educate our patients, so they have realistic expectations about their recovery, the healing process, and what their final results may look like. During their consultation, we take their picture, then, using sophisticated imaging software, we morph the image on the screen to change the appearance of their nose. This gives patients an idea of what their reshaped nose will look like. We’ve had a great deal of success with this.
What Are Some Of The Newer Options In Breast Implants?
Dr. Raphael: Selecting an implant is a personal decision, and we’ll discuss options during your consultation so you can feel confident in your decision.
New-generation silicone implants are the most popular because they feel and look more like natural breasts and come in some new shapes. You can choose from several options, including higher profile and smoother, rounder implants. The industry is moving away from teardrop-shaped implants for cosmetic purposes.
What Kind Of Tummy Tuck Variations Do You Perform?
Dr. Antonetti: Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) is a common procedure that removes excess fat and skin and restores weakened muscles to create a smoother, firmer abdominal profile. In my practice, I perform several tummy tucks a week and include liposuction in 95% of them to further sculpt the area. In limited cases, a mini tummy tuck can be an option when the patient is a good candidate with minimal excess skin and is a healthy, proper weight. I’ll add that new patients often wonder if abdominoplasty requires drains because no one wants or likes them. They are unnecessary, and I haven’t used them for 15 years.
Why Do People Prefer Smartgraft, A Nonsurgical, Minimally Invasive Procedure For Hair Loss, Versus Surgical Hair Restoration?
Dr. Harris: The primary reason is no large horizontal scar on the back of the head. Instead, with SmartGraft, hairs are harvested individually with a vacuum. There’s also artistry involved in hair restoration, so choosing the right provider is vital. We place the hairs in the hairline in a variable manner, so the results look natural. A completely straight hairline looks unnatural. We also angle the hair so that it mimics the natural growth angle when it grows out. If you’re interested in hair restoration, please call us to schedule a consultation.
What Are Some Popular Add-On Services When Getting A Mommy Makeover?
Dr. Dulin: Mommy makeovers are highly customized to each patient, but they usually include a tummy tuck and breast augmentation and/or lift. I’ve been doing more extended tummy tucks lately to create an hourglass look. It’s a more extensive version of the standard option that reaches beyond the tummy to the hips and sides of the lower back. Other popular add-ons include thigh lifts, vaginal rejuvenation, and even facelifts.
We’ll discuss what bothers you the most and what you want to achieve during your mommy makeover consultation and compare and contrast options with you.
What Is Your Most Sought-After Post-Weight-Loss Procedure?
Dr. Raphael: It depends on the patient. Everyone is unique and depends on genetics. However, most people want to remove excess skin in the abdominal region and redundant skin in the thighs. Concerning the abdominal area, we usually perform a tummy tuck which includes tightening the abdominal muscles as well as removing excess skin. The face may also be affected by weight loss, making facelifts a popular procedure, too.
Can Fat Harvested Via Liposuction Be Used For “Natural” Breast Augmentation Instead Of Implants?
Dr. Antonetti: Personally, I don’t use fat grafting in breast augmentation except in some cases of breast reconstruction. Honestly, breast implants provide the best and most reliable results. Fat can calcify and cause complications, and it may also be reabsorbed. You may need multiple procedures to correct these issues, which adds cost. You can end up spending a lot more than you would have with implants.
Are There Different Options For Arm Lifts?
Dr. Raphael: Many patients want their upper arms to appear more sculpted. Brachioplasty (arm lift) involves making an incision down the inside of the upper arm, then tightening sagging skin and supportive tissue and removing pockets of fat.
A few years ago, minimal-incision arm lifts were getting traction, where the incisions were limited to the axilla — the area under the shoulder joint where the arm connects to the shoulder. Realistically, minimal-incision arm lifts are best suited for a small, select number of people. Another option, usually for younger people with good skin tone and elasticity, is liposuction versus an arm lift. Radiofrequency (RF) skin tightening may work for some, but it has limited value if you have a good deal of lax skin.
Do A Lot Of Patients Return To Have More Work Done At Some Point?
Dr. Harris: Yes, we all see a lot of repeat patients at the American Institute for Plastic Surgery. They return for services throughout their lives, knowing we always strive to do what’s in their best interest. We build long-lasting relationships with our patients based on honesty, trust, and respect. In addition to offering comprehensive services, including surgical and nonsurgical options, we carefully listen to our patient’s desires and concerns, explain options, and create highly customized treatment plans.
We Usually Think Of Liposuction For The Abdomen. What Other Areas Of The Body Are Popular Targets?
Dr. Dulin: We can perform liposuction almost anywhere. A circumferential technique called Lipo 360 is a big trend today. It can provide the ultimate contouring around the waistline for a beautiful hourglass figure. We also regularly perform liposuction on the flanks, hips, back, bra line, neck, outer thighs, and other areas.
What Should I Look For When Choosing A Plastic Surgeon?
Dr. Antonetti: First and foremost, your plastic surgeon should be certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or at least be board-eligible. You also want a plastic surgeon who has a lot of experience performing your procedure.
About The Experts
Alfred Antonetti, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Alfred Antonetti works with each patient to understand their goals and achieve attractive, satisfying results. He completed his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma Medical School, a general surgery residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, and a fellowship in plastic reconstructive surgery at the University of Texas Health Science Center, Southwestern Medical School at Dallas.
Alan Dulin, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Dulin is a recognized leader in breast and body contouring. He received his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and completed an extended plastic surgery residency at Scott and White Hospital in Temple, Texas. His extensive surgical training enables him to diagnose and treat a broad range of cosmetic and reconstructive procedures, including intricate hand surgery.
Scott Harris, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Scott Harris’ patients appreciate his caring bedside manner, meticulous attention to detail, and ability to deliver natural-looking results. The Dallas native received his medical degree from Southwestern Medical School in Dallas and completed general surgery training in Phoenix, Arizona. Then, he accepted a plastic surgery residency at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.
Peter Raphael, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Raphael specializes in plastic and reconstructive surgery. He completed his medical degree at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, general surgery training at the Methodist Dallas Medical Center, enhanced his microsurgery skills while attending the Division of Cardiovascular Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern, and completed a fellowship in plastic surgery at the University of Illinois/Cook County Hospital in Chicago.
