Many people get plastic surgery because they feel self-conscious about their appearance. However, it’s important to remember that plastic surgery is not a miracle reconstructive surgery! While it can do a lot for your self-esteem and appearance, our patients must reach a healthy weight before attempting most plastic surgery procedures.

If this is news to you, keep reading! In this post, we’re debunking some of the most common plastic surgery myths as well as what it can (and can’t) do for you. With over 34 years of experience, the team at Dr. Brantner M.D. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery knows the facts and what you can expect from plastic surgery in Johnson City, TN.

1. Plastic Surgery Can’t Help You Lose Weight

The purpose of plastic surgery isn’t to help you lose weight; in the end, it is only a cosmetic procedure. This is just one of many myths about weight and plastic surgery. Plastic surgery does not (and will not) help with weight loss, but liposuction and breast reduction surgery can take care of fat cells in areas that won’t budge, even with diet and exercise.

2. Liposuction Doesn’t Last Forever

Unfortunately, while many of the surgical procedures we do can last indefinitely (such as breast implants), not all of them do. Liposuction and Botox are excellent examples of temporary cosmetic surgery procedures that we offer.

The amount of time that liposuction lasts varies depending on how well you take care of yourself during recovery and beyond. For example, if you continue to lose weight or maintain your current weight after a liposuction procedure, the results can last for years. However, if you experience weight gain and don’t commit to a healthy diet and exercise routine after the liposuction procedure, the fat can grow right back.

For procedures like Botox, you don’t need to do anything differently to maintain the effects, but they will naturally fade on their own over time.

3. It’s Not Better to Lose Weight Before Surgery

While you must be at a healthy weight to receive many plastic surgery procedures, that advice comes with some caveats. While you must not be exceedingly overweight, it’s more important to be at a stable weight than it is to be at your “goal” weight. Many people work hard to lose weight before their procedure, then “rebound” after their breast augmentation or liposuction, and gain the weight right back.

If possible, avoid gaining extra weight after your procedure. You can always lose weight after your procedure, but gaining weight after can leave you with stretched skin and returning fat deposits. So, in the end, if you think you’d be at risk of a rebound, losing weight before surgery may not be for you.

Have you been considering plastic surgery? Maybe you’ve been wondering about how these myths about weight and plastic surgery might affect you? If so, don’t hesitate to contact our team of plastic surgeons at Jim Brantner M.D. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery in Johnson City, TN, today for advice or to set up your initial consultation. You can reach our office by calling 423-328-9000 or filling out the form on our website.

While many people dream about breast implantation, fears about the removal procedure may dissuade many from getting implants at all. Fortunately, many of the myths around breast implant removal surgery are simply not true. At Jim Brantner M.D. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, we’re here to set the record straight and teach you all you need to know about implant removals. Call today for more information or to schedule a consultation in Johnson City, TN.

1. Reasons for Removal

Myth: Women only have implants removed if there were disastrous complications.

Fact: Not everyone gets their breast implants removed because of complications, such as a ruptured implant. While complications do happen in a very small percentage of individuals, today’s breast implants are overwhelmingly safe, durable, and long-lasting. Many women choose to have their implants removed for personal reasons that do not relate to their health.

For example, some patients decide that, as they get older, their breasts do not suit them the way they used to. Alternatively, some may wish to lay on their stomachs without discomfort, or others might be looking for greater comfort during athletic activities.

Some patients decide to remove their breast implants because of perceived health reasons, such as headaches, photosensitivity, fatigue, and more. These symptoms make up a condition called Breast Implant Illness Syndrome, though it’s unclear whether the implants in question are responsible for the disease.

2. Will My Breasts Sag?

Myth: Sagging breasts indicate something is wrong with your breasts.

Fact: Breast sagging (or breast tissue ptosis) is completely natural, and it happens to all women in varying degrees as they age. Men even experience this, too! Whether your breasts sag after the removal procedure depends on several factors, including your previous breast size, what size implant you chose, whether you’ve had a pregnancy, whether you’ve experienced weight gain or weight loss, and more.

Generally, the smaller the implants (and your initial breasts) were, the less loose skin will be present after removing breast implants. Some patients may “bounce back” to a similar state as their pre-procedure breasts. However, if you fear that ptosis may be an issue, Dr. Brantner can discuss solutions with you. Performing breast reconstruction or breast augmentation surgery during the removal procedure helps tighten the skin and creates a more natural look.

3. What Is the Removal Procedure?

Myth: The implant removal process is more difficult than implantation.

Fact: The breast implant removal procedure is relatively straightforward. First, Dr. Brantner cuts into the scar tissue present from your original procedure then removes the implant. As long as the implant is in one piece, the process is quick and easy. Often, the surgeon will remove some tissue around the implant (and the capsular contracture, if present) to complete the procedure.

You may also elect to receive a breast lift while having your implants replaced or removed to keep ptosis at bay and restore a youthful look to your breasts. Recovery from breast implant removal surgery is generally easier than implantation recovery.

Have you been thinking about plastic surgery or breast implant removal? Do you still want to move forward after learning all you need to know about implant removals? If so, contact our team of plastic surgeons at Jim Brantner M.D. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. A board-certified plastic surgeon with 34 years of plastic surgery experience, Br. Brantner treats each patient’s unique needs and takes the time to understand your goals for your implants. You can contact our Johnson City, TN, office by calling 423-328-9000 or filling out the contact form on our website.