Dr. Teresa C. Cunningham, MD

Yes, Sientra LPP is a new breast implant available at the practice. Patients are encouraged to ask about this implant during their consultation to see if it aligns with their aesthetic goals.

Breast rejuvenation typically involves either breast augmentation, breast lifting (mastopexy), or a combination of both. A breast lift reshapes the breast, lifts and repositions the nipples, and reduces excess skin, addressing issues like drooping or deflated breasts after breastfeeding or aging, but it does not add volume. Breast augmentation, primarily using implants, provides pure volume. If existing breast volume is insufficient for a patient's goals, a combined breast lift and augmentation may be recommended. The practice performs all these procedures, and a consultation is essential to determine the best approach for individual needs.

The practice offers many different types and sizes of breast implants. A personalized consultation is necessary to discuss individual goals and determine the implant that best fits the patient's desired outcome.

Plastic surgery practices are highly sensitive to smokers due to significantly increased complication risks. Nicotine, found in cigarettes and vaporizers, causes vasoconstriction, squeezing blood vessels and disrupting blood supply. Since surgery already disrupts natural blood supply, the combined effect with nicotine can lead to necrosis (tissue death). This means tissues farthest from their blood supply may not survive, potentially causing longer dressing changes and revisionary surgeries to achieve the desired cosmetic outcome. Some studies show smokers have up to 13 times the increased risk of necrosis. Therefore, current smokers are generally not ideal candidates for many plastic surgery procedures, as the practice prioritizes excellent patient outcomes.

For tummy tuck recovery, patients are generally recommended to take about two weeks off work to feel comfortable, though some with desk jobs might feel ready in ten days. Most patients feel good and ready to return to light activity around four weeks post-op. However, surgeons at the Center for Cosmetic Surgery advise waiting approximately six weeks before engaging in heavy lifting or strenuous activities. When resuming activities, patients should start slowly, approach them cautiously as if new, avoid high-intensity exercises like heavy squatting or running marathons, and always listen to their body's signals.

In general, patients are able to breastfeed after breast reduction surgery. The proportion of women who may need to supplement with formula after breast reduction is similar to that in the general population, which is approximately 20%.

While permanent nipple sensation loss is rare after a breast lift, approximately 5-10% of patients may experience temporary changes. These changes can include becoming hypersensitive, less sensitive, or, rarely, a complete loss of sensation. The degree of change can vary based on surgical technique and tissue removal. A significant number of patients experience temporary changes, but almost all regain full sensation, though it can take up to a couple of months for sensation to fully return.

Facelifts can address layers of the face including skin, fat, muscle, and the deep plane (under the muscle). Techniques vary, from simply tightening the muscle to extensive deep plane dissection. While the deep plane facelift is a valid technique, first described around 1995, there's no data suggesting it's superior to other methods. The practice emphasizes that the surgeon's skill and ability to choose a technique appropriate for the individual patient's face are paramount, rather than focusing on one specific technique as 'the best'.

A good facelift candidate often finds that less invasive techniques are no longer effective as they age, particularly when addressing distracting features like jowls and the anterior neck, which respond well to structural support. A mini facelift, approached from around the ears with a two-layer correction, offers a quicker recovery. Fall is considered an excellent time for a facelift due to cooler weather making recovery more comfortable, less sun exposure, and allowing results to settle beautifully before the holidays.