Has childbirth wreaked havoc on your body? Does it seem like no matter how much exercising and healthy eating you do, there are still stubborn areas of fat and sagging skin? Well, that’s what the mommy makeover is for, and Buckhead Plastic Surgery can offer you the high-quality experience you need to feel confident once again. 

Buckhead Plastic Surgery, established by Dr. Alan Larsen almost twenty years ago, is a boutique cosmetic surgery center that offers patients a range of services, including spa and non-surgical treatments. As one of the highest recommended plastic surgery practices in Atlanta, the staff at Buckhead Plastic Surgery is dedicated to giving patients the compassion, patience, and care they need to feel comfortable. We make sure patients have a complete understanding of the procedures they’re considering, including the mommy makeover. 

What is a mommy makeover?

Although you probably have some idea of what a mommy makeover is, it’s best to understand your options before your initial consultation. A mommy makeover consists of multiple procedures that target the areas of the body most impacted by childbirth and pregnancy. These areas typically include the abdomen and breasts, but the upper thighs and bikini area can also be included. 

The most common surgical procedures involved in a mommy makeover include:

• Breast augmentation
• Breast reduction
• Breast Lift
• Liposuction
• Tummy tuck
• Body Lift
• Labiaplasty

Many women notice a change in their breasts after breastfeeding. Sometimes, their breasts lose their volume and sag, and other times, their breasts become uncomfortably large. This is why many women opt for a breast augmentation or reduction and breast lift as part of their mommy makeover. Breast augmentation or reduction alters the fullness of your breasts while a breast lift can reshape and tighten sagging breasts. 

If you can’t seem to get rid of certain areas of fat, then consider liposuction for your mommy makeover. Be aware that liposuction doesn’t help with weight loss—it can only remove small amounts of fat. The most common areas for liposuction are the tummy, upper arms, thighs, and lower back. Talk to Dr. Larsen about your personal areas of concern to see if liposuction is right for your mommy makeover. 

Furthermore, tummy tucks and body lifts are meant to tighten the skin and provide a more youthful appearance. During pregnancy, skin can lose its elasticity from stretching so much, which is why some parts of the body sag after childbirth and subsequent weight loss. With a tummy tuck, your surgeon can both tighten loose skin around the abdomen and repair abdominal muscles, which may tear during pregnancy. A body lift usually targets skin in the lower abdomen, bikini area, and upper thighs. 

If you want to make the very most of your mommy makeover, you can choose to have labiaplasty, which is a reconstruction of the vaginal lips. 

The procedures above are all considered part of a mommy makeover, but you choose which procedures are right for your body and your budget. Dr. Larsen and our team of medical experts can walk you through each procedure and help you decide what you want from your mommy makeover.

Dr. Larsen’s Background and Credentials

With his extensive years of training and experience, Dr. Larsen is able to give his patients the best care and results they can ask for. His training as one of the best plastic surgeons in Atlanta began when he graduated from the University of Nevada School of Medicine and started his general surgery residency at the University of Florida Health Sciences Center, located in Jacksonville, FL. During this residency, he assisted in over 600 general surgery cases as a junior resident before becoming a senior resident and advancing to chief resident, where he assisted in over 700 general surgery cases.

After he excelled in his general surgery residency, Dr. Larsen was admitted into one of the country’s most prestigious plastic surgery fellowships at Wake Forest University’s Baptist Hospital in North Carolina. There, he accomplished over 1,700 cases as a plastic surgery resident. 

Once he completed his fellowship, Dr. Larsen spent years developing more skills and learning about the latest technologies in cosmetic surgery by practicing with notable plastic surgeons across the country. Once he was finally ready to settle down, he moved to Atlanta and opened Buckhead Plastic Surgery. 

To add to his credentials, Dr. Larsen was board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery in 2000 and was re-certified in 2009. Becoming board-certified is one of the highest credentials any medical practitioner can achieve as it requires the completion of a certified residency, written and oral examinations, and performing operations at a board-approved surgical site. 

 

Reviews of Mommy Makeovers

“I’ve been coming to Dr. Larsen for 21 years. I’m always very happy with my results.” 

“All of my wants were taken care of. Dr. Larsen and his staff told me what to expect after the surgery and they were willing to answer any questions I had. I woulddefinitely go back to them for any other surgery needs I may have or want and I would definitely send others to them.”

“The doctor was extremely knowledgeable, confidant, and friendly. The wait time at the office was never more than a few minutes. The staff was very friendly and helpful. My body looks and feels a thousand times better than it did. The doctor did great work!!”

“From the beginning, everything was explained to me. His entire staff was fantastic! They answered all of my questions before and after surgery. The pain management was phenomenal and I had zero complications. I am very happy with my result and will definitely use them again in the future should I choose to have other procedures.”

Why Choose Dr. Larsen for Your Mommy Makeover? 

Dr. Larsen’s training and experience alone are enough to give patients confidence that he performs precise work with outstanding results. However, choosing the right plastic surgeon for your mommy makeover comes down to more than an impressive resume.

The most valuable lesson Dr. Larsen has learned through his years of training and medical practice is that patients come first. Dr. Larsen and our staff at Buckhead Plastic Surgery are committed to giving patients an exclusive experience. From the very first consultation to the time of surgery, patients feel comfortable and assured, because Dr. Larsen makes sure that patients are aware of every step of the process and understand the decisions being made regarding their procedures. 

When undergoing a mommy makeover, which requires multiple procedures, it is important to choose a surgeon who is transparent when answering any questions you have. By the same token, that surgeon should be understanding of your concerns and be honest about any associated risks. Dr. Larsen and our team are well-equipped to handle your expectations and concerns with care and respect. 

BOOK A CONSULTATION

Of course, your desired results are also important. If you want to ensure Dr. Larsen can produce the results you want out of your mommy makeover, take a look at his gallery. If you still have questions, just contact Buckhead Plastic Surgery to schedule a consultation. 

The post The Best Plastic Surgeon for Your Mommy Makeover appeared first on Buckhead Plastic Surgery | Atlanta GA.

There are several different techniques and implants that can be used to augment the breasts and the best option may depend on your specific goals and breast anatomy. From the type, size and placement of the implant to the type of surgical incision, there are plenty of options to ensure you get your breasts enhanced just the way you want them.

There are many different reasons women may desire to augment their breasts which are all perfectly acceptable. Some women just want larger breasts, while others may want to restore their breasts’ fullness after weight loss, pregnancy or the gravity effects of aging. Even still, some women may want to correct asymmetric breasts or correct other concerns. Regardless of your reason for seeking breast enhancement surgery, you should find out everything you need to know about breast implants before you make your decision.

If you’re considering breast augmentation, you probably have a vision in your mind of how you would like to look with breast implants. To ensure you get the results you want, it’s critical that you do your research to familiarize yourself with the entire process from your consultation through post-surgery. Knowing what to expect will ensure your surgery is successful and you get the breasts of your dreams.

Your most important resource will be your plastic surgeon who can help guide you to reach your aesthetic goals. The decision to get breast implants is a personal one; finding a plastic surgeon you feel comfortable with is critical. Ask important questions of your plastic surgeon regarding their expertise like if they are board certified, how long have they been doing breast augmentation surgeries and how many they perform each year.

You want to make sure you have an open and detailed discussion with your plastic surgeon about your motivations for breast augmentation and your expectations. Your plastic surgeon can work with you to get the best results for your body type to achieve your goals.

One of the most intimidating aspects of plastic surgery is not quite knowing what your results will look like once your procedure is done and you are fully healed. For this reason, ask if your plastic surgeon offers patients Vectra 3D Imaging. Vectra is a revolutionary 3D Imaging system that can be used to render a realistic three-dimensional image of what your breasts may look like after implants. With a quick and thorough scan of your body, Vectra uses the taken images to generate a visualization of specific results personalized to your preferences and goal outcome. With Vectra, you can take the guessing out of your procedure and head into surgery feeling a lot more confident and excited for your final results.

Breast Implant Choices

With the advent of new technology and medical research, more types of breast implants have been developed to give you a number of different options. This means you also have more choices in the overall feel of the implant – meaning the softer implant versus a more firm or more cohesive implant.  There are also smooth implants and textured implants and round and shaped. Dr. Alan Larsen prefers a smooth round, cohesive silicone gel “gummy” implant as it is a durable implant with a natural feel that has very low risks, complications, and side effects.

Before your plastic surgeon recommends an implant shape and size, he or she will take measurements and assess your skin and breast tissue characteristics to help determine the size, shape, and style of implants that are suitable for you.

Silicone Implants

Silicone “Gummy” implants are filled with a cohesive controlled and predictable medical grade, high-strength silicone gel which provides a soft and natural feel and is the preferred implant amongst women.   This “gummy” implant filler material is a cohesive gel that holds together uniformly and has been available for nearly two decades, meeting the needs of over 1.5 million women worldwide. Both doctors and patients alike appreciate these implants’ long-term performance while being pleased with their overall aesthetic.

Though technology has certainly come a long way and with the popularity of both cohesive gel “gummy” silicone implants and small incisions, a device called a Keller funnel was created allowing for a much smaller incision with the insertion of these implants.

Surgeons that utilize a Keller funnel when inserting silicone implants have the advantage of being able to provide smaller incisions for their patients and this advanced technique has been adopted by most plastic surgeons.  Dr. Alan Larsen has been utilizing this device and offering his patients this technique since the conception of the device in 2009.

Saline Implants

Saline implants are made of a silicone shell that is then filled with sterile saltwater, “saline” solution, which can be harmlessly absorbed by the body if it ever ruptures or collapses. Saline implants tend to be more firm as it is common to “overfill” to reduce rippling, a common side effect of saline implants and less common in cohesive silicone gel. Saline implants do allow for a fuller, more projected look which is often a preferred look.  Though due to the popularity of this projection, cohesive silicone gel implants are now available in a high and ultra-high profile allowing for a very similar, high projection result.

Profiles

Both saline and silicone breast implants are offered in a wide array of sizes and profiles appealing to women of all body types and sizes.  With your individual body proportions and the look you want to achieve in mind, your surgeon will help you select the optimal size and profile of your breast implants.

Round implants, as the name suggests, are round and create a full, projected appearance in women with less breast tissue and can look more natural in women with more breast tissue.  The implant placement can also assist in achieving a more round versus more natural look as well.

Your plastic surgeon will review your options and their best recommendations to help you achieve your breast enhancement goals. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Larsen and tell him what you want out of a breast augmentation, and he can suggest the best options for you. Regardless, the number one priority is to be satisfied with the look and feel of your new breasts.

Understanding the Procedure

Once you’ve decided on a type of implant, you’re going to have to think about the best way to get the implants inserted. It’s important to talk to your plastic surgeon about the kind of incision your surgery requires because you want to keep scarring as minimal as possible. Dr. Larsen is known around the United States for his artistry in breast augmentation, and you can trust his recommendation for the type of incision for you.

Silicone implants require a slightly larger incision than saline implants yet still smaller when a Keller Funnel is used.  Again, this is a device that allows for a smaller incision, best possible placement, as well as reduces infection as the implant is placed in its precise and intended location without coming in contact with surrounding glands, etc.

The three most common incisions for breast augmentation include inframammary (under the fold of the breast), trans-axillary (in the armpit), or periareolar (around the nipple). Each incisional technique has its advantages and disadvantages.

The Inframammary incision is the most common type of incision and is made along the inframammary fold, which is the natural crease under your breast. The incision leaves a thin scar that is strategically hidden by the inframammary fold, and is typically approximately 1 to 2 inches long.

Dr. Larsen almost exclusively use the inframammary incision technique as it provides optimal access to the breast tissue, has the least chance of complications and completely hides procedural scarring.

Breast Implant Placement Options

There are two options for implant placement: Under part or all of the chest muscle (submuscular) and above the chest muscle and below the breast glands (subglandular).

Your surgeon will help you select the best placement based on the characteristics of your breast tissue and whether there is appropriate tissue to cover the desired implant volume.

Recovery and Life After Breast Implants

Because breast augmentation is an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia, you can expect to go home the same day. Within a couple of hours, you’ll be able to walk around, and most patients feel up to leaving the house within a couple of days.

Expect to feel sore for the first week, especially in the first 3 to 5 days. Your upper body mobility will be limited, and you should refrain from over-exerting your arm and chest muscles.  It is recommended to have minimal exertion to allow your body to recover and for the first 2-3 weeks, you won’t be able to take part in any type of strenuous exercise during this time. Your plastic surgeon may recommend you engage in brisk walking or other forms of light exercise.  Your surgeon will be able to tell you when you can return to exercise and give you an idea of how long your recovery should take.

Dr. Alan Larsen is known throughout the greater Atlanta area for the results he achieves from breast enhancement surgery performed to resize, reshape, or reconstruct a woman’s breasts. Dr. Larsen also specializes in breast augmentation revision and uses advanced surgical techniques to create consistently beautiful results for each of his patients.

If you’re considering cosmetic or reconstructive breast surgery, request a consultation at Buckhead Plastic Surgery using the online form, or call our office at 404.367.9005 to schedule an appointment to meet personally with Dr. Larsen.

* AMERICAN SOCIETY OF PLASTIC SURGEONS. ASPS procedural statistics represent procedures performed by ASPS Member Surgeons certified by The American Board of Plastic Surgery® as well as other physicians certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties-recognized boards. ©ASPS, 2018

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Liposuction is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States. Despite its popularity, many people still don’t fully understand what the procedure entails, meaning they are left with more misconceptions about liposuction than they are with facts. If you are considering liposuction, then it is important to clear the air of those misconceptions, so you can fully understand what to expect.

Liposuction gets rid of cellulite.

It’s not possible for liposuction to treat cellulite because it is not simply poorly-placed pockets of fat. Cellulite is actually caused by subcutaneous fat pushing against connective tissue bands, which then cause deformations in the skin. Since liposuction only removes soft fat tissue, the fat pushing against the fibrous bands is not affected.

Liposuction reduces sagging skin.

Liposuction is only intended to remove fat, not tighten the skin. Sagging skin is caused by loss of elasticity, so some problems areas—like double chins and heavy tummies—may not be completely treated through liposuction. You would want to look at a skin tightening procedure to address sagging skin if liposuction alone cannot fix the area.

Liposuction helps you lose weight.

Most candidates who are approved for liposuction are within 30 percent of a healthy weight range, which means they don’t lose much fat. Overall, the average weight loss from liposuction is about 2-5 pounds. This is because liposuction is meant to contour the body, not assist in weight loss.

Fat can return after liposuction.

Once fat cells are removed, they do not grow back. However, the fat cells that remain can expand with excessive calorie intake. If you want to maintain your newly shaped body, then your best bet is to eat healthily and stay fit.

Liposuction is the “easy way out.”

This brings us no our next point of contention: liposuction is not an easy way out of weight loss. As mentioned, it is not designed for weight loss nor is it guaranteed that your remaining fat cells will stay the same size. Since liposuction is meant to contour the body and take care of stubborn pockets of fat, it is not an easy route to weight loss or a healthy lifestyle.

Liposuction is meant for women.

In addition to being one of the most popular procedures amongst women, liposuction also happens to be one of the most popular cosmetic procedures for men. The number of men getting liposuction is steadily growing. Most men tend to get liposuction in their abdomen, chest, and love handles.

Liposuction is dangerous.

As with any surgery, there are risks associated with liposuction. However, techniques and procedures have become pretty well-developed, so with the right surgeon, skillset, and training, the risks are minimal. Make sure you consult with an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, and you should be in good hands.

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This more natural method is called a fat transfer breast augmentation. This procedure involves taking fat from other parts of the body and injecting it into your breasts. Most patients choose to get fat transferred from “problem areas” like the abdomen, back, arms, and thighs.

Before considering a fat transfer augmentation, however, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation to see if the procedure is right for you and your wants.

Pros

1. It’s natural—if you have reservations about putting foreign substances in your body, then a fat transfer breast augmentation is a great way to get the procedure done without implants. What’s more is since the fat is completely natural, you don’t have to worry about your breasts looking and feeling unnatural.
2. Your entire body gets reshaped—since you’re taking fat out of other parts of the body, then you get double the outcome. You lose fat in places you may have been wanting to lose fat from and you gain bigger breasts. Because of the liposuction involved in the fat transfer, you could end up with a flatter tummy, smaller love handles, and naturally enhanced breasts.
3. There are almost no scars—during the fat transfer procedure, the fat is injected into your breasts through very tiny incisions. These tiny incisions leave virtually no scarring, which only increases the natural look.
4. You don’t have to worry about the complications from implants—implants come with the risks of rupturing, shifting, or collapsing, which can all come with serious side effects and expensive corrective procedures.

Cons

1. There’s only so much enhancement you can get—through a fat transfer procedure, you can only enhance your breasts by one cup size. So, if you’re hoping for a larger enhancement, this procedure may not be right for you.
2. The fat can be reabsorbed—plastic surgeons who practice this procedure try their hardest to ensure the fat survives its transfer. However, the body does what it does and may still reabsorb the fat, essentially diminishing the enhancement.
3. The breasts do not lift—unlike implants, fat does not prevent sagging that comes with aging, weight loss, pregnancy or genetics. Furthermore, implants typically provide a lifted look that fat transfer does not provide.
4. It costs more—since you’re basically getting two procedures (liposuction and breast augmentation) fat transfer breast augmentation is more expensive than other breast augmentation procedures. It is usually about $5,000 to $10,000 more than traditional breast enhancement surgeries.

Interested in Learning More?

To get the process started, all you need to do is call Buckhead Plastic Surgery at (404)367-9005 or request a consultation online. Dr. Larsen will discuss your goals with you and recommend the right procedure to get you looking and feeling your best!

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