Board Certified Plastic Surgeons Provide Expert Answers About Popular Procedures

How do I know when I’ve found the right plastic surgeon?

Dr. Alan Dulin: In addition to being board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, you want someone who actively listens to you and understands what you’re looking for rather than telling you what to do. If you feel a plastic surgeon understands your goals and you feel comfortable, you’ve likely found the right one.

Can you correct my old breast augmentation?

Dr. Scott Harris: No matter how skilled the plastic surgeon is, sometimes issues arise. One is capsular contracture, where the body creates hard scar tissue around the implant. We have new techniques for removing old implants and making the breast softer. If breasts become larger over time due to aging or weight gain, making the implant appear to be falling off the breast, we can reset the implant and decrease breast tissue. If implants shift too far to the inside or outside or too low, we also have techniques to move the implant and better position it without using mesh.

What is a Mommy Makeover?

Dr. Alfred Antonetti: It’s a set of procedures designed to restore a woman to her pre-pregnancy figure. Mommy Makeovers generally include breast augmentation, lift, or both, and a tummy tuck to tighten abdomen muscles and remove excess skin and fat. But it’s common to include other procedures, too. We’ll discuss what bothers you the most and what you want to achieve during your consultation and compare and contrast options. Mommy Makeovers are highly customized.

Should I get a breast lift with my breast augmentation?

Dr. Peter Raphael: It depends on the amount of droopiness in the tissue and skin due to childbirth, breastfeeding, and age. One way to know is to look at the position of the nipple relative to the fold of the breast. A lift is likely the right decision if it’s below the fold. If there’s only a slight droop and the nipple is above the fold, it may be due to loss of volume, and an implant alone may correct it.

What are some 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.

Is it common for patients to return to have more work done?

Dr. Harris: We always see repeat patients because they know we 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.

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. 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. New patients wonder if a tummy tuck requires drains because no one wants or likes them. They are unnecessary, and I last used them over 15 years ago.

We usually think of liposuction for the abdomen. What other areas 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.

Which is best: liposuction or non-surgical body contouring?

Dr. Raphael: The answer depends on the amount of fat that needs to be removed and your recovery time. If you want a significant reduction in fat and reshaping, you may want to consider liposuction. You may opt for a noninvasive procedure if you’re at or close to your ideal weight and don’t need considerable reshaping.

How do I reshape my nose so it looks natural and not “done?”

Dr. Harris: Patients often come to us with a picture of an actor or a model whose nose they want us to create. But it won’t look natural. We use software to show patients 3D images of what their new nose can look like on their face — a natural-looking nose that fits their facial structure versus someone else’s nose. This also helps set realistic expectations.

What hair loss options won’t leave a big scar on my head?

Dr. Antonetti: We help men and women address hair loss and restore their confidence with SmartGraft. This non-surgical, minimally invasive procedure has a fast recovery with virtually no downtime. We can create a natural-looking hairline, and the results are permanent. Schedule a hair restoration consultation with us to determine if SmartGraft suits you.

What trends do you see in Brazilian butt lifts?

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.