By: Joseph J. Thornton, M.D., Kyo A. Kim, M.D.,
Ellen E. Radziewicz, PA-C,
Lawrence D. Chang, M.D.

Flashback to New Year’s Eve 2009….5,4,3,2,1….Happy New Year! At that moment many women made New Year’s resolutions promising to shed off the winter pounds to enhance their self image this year. The ultimate goal of these resolutions is to look better, feel younger, and improve their self confidence.

Fast forward to April 2010, spring has arrived and summer is just around the corner; bringing upon mixed emotions of what is to come, bathing suit season. At this moment many women recall the resolution they promised to keep, but wonder how they can be ready by Memorial Day. Well good news: It’s Not Too Late!

Breast Augmentation
Breast size and shape can leave women dissatisfied with their breasts and make them feel self-conscious about their appearance both in and out of clothes. Breast augmentation enhances their natural breast size and shape giving them the look they desire.

The Procedure
Breast augmentation adds fullness and shape to the breast by placing saline or silicone breast implants under the breast tissue, regaining the fullness lost with age or after pregnancy, or to simply provide the full breast they never had. Breast augmentation surgery is performed on an outpatient basis with general anesthesia and takes less than two hours.

Types of Breast Implants
Breast implants come in a variety of shapes and sizes. The two major categories refer to the material used to fill them; saline (filled with salt water solution) and silicone (filled with a cohesive gel). Both types of implants are safe and have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The surgeon will evaluate the patient’s existing breast tissue, along with the patient’s cosmetic goals to determine the appropriate implant to achieve the breast they desire.
In certain cases where a woman has very loose breast skin or low hanging breasts, a Breast Lift or Mastopexy will be combined with the appropriate implant to achieve the best results.

Breast Augmentation Recovery
A post-surgical recovery period of 24 to 48 hours and an additional reduced-activity period of a few days should be expected. Resuming regular daily activities in 5-6 days and reserving more strenuous activity, such as rigorous exercise for the first month.

Results
The results of breast augmentation surgery will be long-lasting and life changing. The self confidence women feel can often be seen outwardly just as much as their enhanced breasts.
It is important to know that after receiving breast implants, results are not permanent and they may require replacement during an individual’s lifetime. Over time, breasts can change due to aging, weight fluctuations, hormonal factors, and gravity. Some women may then choose to undergo a breast lift or implant exchange to restore a more youthful contour.

Liposuction
Excess fat stored in the waist, hip, thigh, and arm areas often remains resistant to even strenuous diet and exercise. Liposuction targets this excess fat to improve body contour and make women look and feel great both in and out of clothes. This not only improves aesthetic appearance, but also self confidence.

The  Procedure
During liposuction, tiny incisions target the excess fat deposits. A sterile liquid solution is infused into the fatty tissue to reduce bleeding and trauma, followed by removal of the fat with
an instrument called a “cannula.”
Liposuction surgery can be performed on either an outpatient or inpatient basis with general anesthesia, and may take one to three hours depending on the amount of fat removed.
At times, optimal results will require not only fat removal but also skin removal and muscle tightening, especially after children. These women are candidates for a Tummy Tuck, Abdominoplasty, or “Mommy Makeover” as it’s often referred to.  Consultation with your surgeon will determine the best procedure for each individual.

Recovery
After the procedure, a compression garment is worn to control swelling and compress the skin. These garments are worn throughout the healing process, which can last from days to months. Most patients are able to move freely without discomfort and can return to work in less than a week.

Results
The improved body contour from liposuction will be apparent initially and will continue to improve as the swelling subsides and the skin tightens secondary to the healing process. The final result will be apparent in a few months. Through continued healthy living, with an appropriate diet, and adequate amount of exercise, the new body contour, enhanced self image will be enjoyed for years to come.