Liposuction is the mechanical removal of fat through suction. This is done through small incisions and using cannulas to suction the fat out of your body. Liposuction only removes fat and does not remove skin. Your skin will “shrink” to some extent after liposuction, accommodating the slimmer, skinnier you. Laser liposuction uses laser to help “shrink” and “tighten” the skin, improving your overall result.

A tummy tuck, or abdominoplasty, involves surgically removing the loose hanging skin of the lower abdomen. A Tummy Tuck also tightens the underlying abdominal muscles that have become weak through multiple pregnancies. This is done through an incision across the lower abdomen that in some cases goes from hip to hip. A Tummy Tuck can be considered a “skin and muscle operation” because it commonly addresses the loose skin seen after multiple pregnancies or weight loss. It does little in terms of fat removal.

So, now knowing the difference between these two procedures, you can better decide which is best for you. If you have loose hanging skin of your lower abdomen, then liposuction is not the answer. In fact, liposuction will remove fat and do little to the overlying skin. The ultimate result may be more hanging skin after liposuction and a worse appearance. A Tummy Tuck is the procedure for removing hanging skin.

If you have had multiple pregnancies that have stretched out your abdomen and caused weakening of your abdominal muscles, than you probably need a tummy tuck. No matter how much fat is removed, weak abdominal muscles will always make the belly look large and round. A tummy tuck will address these weak muscles by tightening them in the middle. Liposuction does nothing to improve the underlying muscles. The Smooth Tuck procedure is another option for improving the contour of your abdomen.

Liposuction will also do nothing to help remove stretch marks. Stretch marks are the result of weight fluctuations and pregnancy. They are actual “cracks” in the deep layers of the skin. The only way to remove stretch marks is by removal of the skin containing these stretch marks. Usually a tummy tuck will remove the skin from the pubic area to the belly button, assuming there is enough skin laxity.

It is common for people to mistakenly confuse these two procedures. The basic rule is if you need fat removed, then liposuction may be the answer. If you need hanging skin removed, then you may need a tummy tuck. Yes, a tummy tuck is a more invasive procedure requiring more recovery, but getting liposuction when you really need a tummy tuck will result in a worse overall appearance.

Many individuals ofter have to have a combination of procedures to achieve their overall desired look. Women who undergo tummy tuck often have a breast lift as well. A board certified plastic surgeon, like myself should be able to evaluate you and advise you as to the most appropriate procedure or procedures.

If you are interested in a procedure, contact my office in New York City today. I would be happy to meet with you and discusses your needs.

In general breast implants have no impact on a woman’s ability to breast feed. The exception is when breast implants are part of a larger breast procedure such as a breast lift and breast implants, or breast reconstruction. These complex surgeries often require relocating the nipple, which can disrupt the milk ducts and limit the ability to breastfeed. But, straightforward breast augmentation (regardless of the location of the implant or the placement of the incision) does not interfere with the ability to produce milk or transport milk through the milk ducts.

Rupture of a breast implant is rare, but does happen. The leaking of saline (salt-water) or silicone will not contaminate the breast milk and harm the baby. Also, breastfeeding does not increase the risk for implant rupture.

It is true that there are women out there who have had breast implants placed and now find themselves unable to breastfeed. Most likely the women would have had difficulty breastfeeding, regardless of the breast implants. Women with small breasts may have difficulty producing enough milk to successfully breastfeed. Many women who choose to have breast augmentation do so because they have small breasts and desire an increase in breast volume. Therefore, there is a statistical increase in the number of women with breast implants who report difficulty breastfeeding – but as described above, this is unrelated to the implants.

As with everything, there are a few exceptions. If your breast augmentation surgery damaged the nerves of the nipple and areola, your ability to breast feed may be compromised. This is because nipple sensation is required to stimulate milk release.

Overall, breast implants surgery, when done correctly by a board certified plastic surgeon in new york city, is extremely safe and should have not interfere with breastfeeding or place you or your child in harms way.

The internal support of the breast is composed of a network of dense collagen fibers termed “Coopers Ligaments.” This internal bra is responsible for maintaining the shape of the breast, independent of the quality of the overlying skin. As you age, the support structure naturally weakens. The weight of the breast also places strain on the ligaments, thereby “stretching” them over time. This is why it is rare to have naturally large, “perky” breasts. While there is no known way to “strengthen” Coopers Ligaments, wearing a well supporting external bra, especially during exercise, may delay the normal weakening that occurs as you age.

The actual composition of the breast is also important. The breast is composed of a combination of breast tissue and fat. The ratio between the two varies dramatically among women. Women who have heavy, dense breasts may have a breast tissue to breast fat ratio of 2:1. Women with soft, less dense breast have twice as much fat as breast tissue. This ratio between breast tissue and breast fat is very significant in how the breast changes and what breast contouring procedures you may require.

Breasts with a majority of dense breast tissue may be more likely to droop over time. This is because the weight of the breasts causes weakening of the internal support of the breast. As you age, the breast will continue to droop, making a breast lift necessary.

Breast tissue will also change with hormonal changes. So, dense breasts may be more likely to enlarge during pregnancy and breastfeeding. After the hormonal surge of pregnancy is over, the breast tissue may shrink in a process called “post-partum involution”. Correction may require a breast augmentation with implants and sometimes a simultaneous lift.

Breasts with a majority of fat are lighter and less likely to droop. However, the fat in the breast is extremely sensitive to changes in your body weight. Gaining weight may cause your breasts to enlarge and this often does not regress if you are to lose the weight in the future. This may make a breast reduction necessary.

Breast fat is also not as sensitive to the hormonal changes of pregnancy, so enlargement and involution from pregnancy hormonal changes is unlikely. However, weight gain that often accompanies pregnancy may result in enlargement of the breasts. Conversely, weight loss can cause loss of fat in the breast, and make the breast “deflate”. Correction of this may require a breast enlargement with implants.

So, breasts size and shape will changes throughout your life. Understanding the internal support of your breasts, and the ratio of breast tissue to breast fat will help you anticipate these changes. Fortunately, breast contouring has evolved so that there is a procedure for virtually every complaint. New techniques allow for shorter incisions that are more easily hidden, and a more rapid recovery from surgery. Also, implant technology has evolved so that modern implants look and feel more natural, and are more durable then earlier generations of breast implants.

If you are interested in learning more about a breast procedure, contact my office to schedule a consultation.