Florence Mussat, M.D.
680 N Lake Shore Dr. #1030 Chicago, IL 60611 (312) 751-9000

Translator

Month: August 2017

What You Need to Know About Breast Augmentation in Your 20s

Your 20s are a great time for a breast augmentation procedure. This procedure will place implants into your breast for enhancement and firmness. It is the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures in Chicago and the entire country. I wrote this post to share with young ladies in their 20s what they need to know when considering this surgical procedure.

Breast Implant Replacement in the Future

Saline and silicone breast implants can last several years, but they will likely need replacing at least once in your lifetime. In the past, plastic surgeons recommended replacing implants every ten years, but implants have come a long way. Now it is recommended to replace implants only as needed. Replacement can be for leakage due to rupture, upgrade to a more advanced model, or adjust the size or shape.

Choices for Breast Implants

If you are under 22, silicone implants are not available for you. That is not to say you cannot achieve optimal results. Both saline and silicone implants are beneficial and can successfully transform your breasts to your desired outcome.

The FDA has approved saline filled breast implants for women over the age of 18 while approving silicone filled implants for women over the age of 22. Consultation with a qualified plastic surgeon will help you to determine which type is best suited for you and if waiting for silicone might be the best option.

You Can Probably Still Breastfeed

Is breastfeeding still possible with breast implants? The answer is yes in many cases. During the consultation, let us know if this is a priority to determine the best incision to ensure success.

Pregnancy Can Cause Breast Changes

Getting pregnant after breast augmentation can cause changes to your breasts. These changes are common and may have occurred regardless of having the procedure or not. Many times a breast lift can restore any negative effects from childbearing.

Medical History a Factor

If you are a smoker, it is always in your best interest to quit, but more so if you are contemplating surgery. If you smoke, that can cause undue complications during and after surgery. I recommend you quit before considering any surgery, including breast augmentation.

We will discuss medical history during your consultation including any medications and supplements you may be taking. A big advantage to having the procedure in your 20s is the likelihood of being in good physical condition.

Importance of Realistic Expectations

An important factor in preparing for breast augmentation surgery is to set realistic goals. Factors including body type and anatomical limitations will determine what we can and cannot achieve with your procedure. Many young ladies incorrectly assume they can have the breasts of a celebrity or someone they know.

It is critical to set realistic expectations for your procedure. As a surgeon, I want my patients to be 100% satisfied with every procedure I perform. During the consultation, I explain every aspect of the surgery and how to realize optimal results. We take the time to size your breasts and allow you to visualize what would be the best implant for your anatomy. This information will set the stage for a successful procedure.

If you’re ready for more information, call Dr. Florence Mussat at (312) 751–9000 to schedule your breast augmentation consultation.

Why Haven’t I Seen Results from Working Out and Eating Right?

In an ideal world, all of those articles that promise us our dream body if we eat right, exercise several times a week, drink green tea, and perform the latest “miracle cleanse” would all be true. Obviously, we’re not living in an ideal world. We live in the real world, where genetic predispositions, hormones, and age control the distribution of body fat… And where dieting down to a very low body fat percentage in order to banish stubborn fat is usually more dangerous than it is healthy.

This is not to suggest, of course, that we can’t maintain a healthy body weight via natural means. Barring a medical issue, most of us can (and should). There are, however, a number of obstacles that stand in the way of achieving the “ideal” body this way, such as:

  1. Metabolic factors.

Our bodies instinctively react badly to being deprived of food. (And of course, when you look at our evolutionary history, this isn’t exactly shocking.) When we lose a significant amount of weight, our metabolisms slow down as our bodies desperately try to hold onto their stores of energy (AKA fat). This makes it extremely difficult for most of us to safely and healthily lose those “last couple inches” of stubborn belly fat.

  1. Genetic factors.

Unfair as it may be, sometimes our genetics simply work against us. If you’ve ever seen a thin person with a distinct double chin or love handles, you know that nature doesn’t always get her proportions right. If you’re genetically predisposed to having one or more deposits of stubborn fat, they’ll probably remain present in some capacity even if you’re quite slender.

  1. Motivational issues.

Because we’ve been led to believe that we’ll somehow obtain the perfect body if we just behave well enough (i.e., eat “whole” foods, do cardio, and so on), most people end up disappointed by dieting. Sure, it may shed the pounds, but it just won’t produce the really attractive shape and obvious muscle definition most of us want. This realization leads to a loss of motivation, a lack of effort, and inevitably, weight gain. In fact, numerous studies have shown that people who have cosmetic surgery following weight loss are much more likely to keep the weight off than those who don’t.

This naturally brings us to the real solution for stubborn fat: Liposuction. If you’re battling metabolic or genetic challenges, liposuction is the most effective way to safely get rid of your remaining “problem fat.” Remember: There’s no shame in turning to cosmetic surgery for assistance. You’ve done the hard work of weight loss, after all— now it’s time to reap the reward. Contact Dr. Florence Mussat for a liposuction consultation today!

Plastic Surgery Recovery During The Summer

Having invasive cosmetic surgery remains a popular choice for many people owing to the dramatic results these procedures can produce. However, with that being said, it can easily feel like there’s never a convenient time to spend weeks or months recovering from surgery. You know you don’t want to miss important events like seasonal holidays, peak times at work, etc… So when should you plan to recover so that it has the least impact on your busy life?

For many people, the fall or winter months are better for plastic surgery recovery, but this isn’t always the case. In some instances, choosing to recover from plastic surgery in the summer can actually be ideal. If you’re wondering when you should book your surgery, consider the following potential advantages of summertime:

1.Work often slows down during the summer.

Because so many people take vacations during the warmer months, the pace of business tends to slow down. This may make it easier for you to book a couple of weeks off in order to heal. Likewise, when you do return to work, you’ll have fewer demands to contend with

2. Not everyone likes to be outdoors in July and August.

If you live in an especially hot or humid climate, your idea of having a good time during the summer is probably “hiding indoors with the AC cranked up.” Why not use this time to rest, relax, and recuperate from cosmetic surgery while binge-watching your favorite movies and TV shows?

3. Having surgery during the summer ensures that you’ll look your best by winter.

Some procedures (such as tummy tuck and facelift surgery) require 2-3 months or more of total healing time. If you’re having one of these more intensive operations and you’re hoping to look and feel great in time for the winter holidays, having surgery during the summer is strongly recommended.

If you do choose to have surgery during the summer, there are some additional precautions you need to take while healing, such as staying out of the sun and making an extra effort to stay hydrated. Be sure to discuss this with your plastic surgeon; he or she will be able to help you create a comprehensive recovery plan. Contact Dr. Florence Mussat for a plastic surgery consultation today!