Mommy Makeover

Many patients ask what is considered a 'mommy makeover?' I consider a mommy makeover to be any combination of procedures which have the goal of restoring the appearance of the body to pre-baby proportions. This may include any combination of breast augmentation, mastopexy (breast lift), abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), liposuction, etc. The procedure is tailored to meet each patient's goals.

As a female surgeon, and also a mommy myself, I can relate to the changes that have occurred secondary to pregnancy and breast feeding. In other words, I understand you. I am happy to discuss your particular goals and design a set of procedures (or a single procedure) to best suit those goals.

Come see me in my Newport Beach, CA office for a personalized approach to your mommy makeover.

Breast Implants: Saline vs Silicone

Many women present for consultation for breast augmentation ans want to know if they should use saline or silicone implants. Although the choice is a personal one, there is some information that patients should consider before choosing between saline or silicone implants.

The outer shell of both silicone and saline implants is made of a solid silicone material. Solid silicone is widely used in implantable medical devices. In contrast, silicone gel implants are filled with silicone gel, which is a semi-solid. Saline-filled implants are filled with the same kind of salt water that is used in I.V. fluids. Silicone gel filled implants tend to feel softer and provide a more natural look and feel. Saline implants feel slightly firmer but can still give a natural appearance when an appropriate size is chosen for the person's body.

What if my implant ruptures? If the implant ruptures and it is salt water, the water is simply absorbed by the body. If this should occur it would require an operation to remove the deflated implant and replace it. If a silicone gel implant has a tear in the outer shell often it is not apparant clinically. To detect a rupture the Gold Standard for diagnoisis is an MRI. If a rupture is detected in a silicone gel implant it would also require an operation to remove the implant and replace it.

All patients who are 22 years of age or older are possible candidates for silicone gel implants. Saline implants can be used for any patient who is 18 years or older for primary breast augmenation. If a patient wishes to have silicone gel implants and is not 22 years old exceptions can be made if clincially indicated. This is considered an 'off label' use of the silicone gel implants.

Choosing the right implant for each person is a personal choice. I discuss both options with my patients during their consultation to assist them in making a choice that is right for them and the look they are trying to achieve.

Board Certified

When choosing a surgeon to perform an operation, patients often wonder why it is important to choose a board certified surgeon. Of those who know the importance, often people become confused about what exactly they should be looking for.

Board certification is a credentialing process where physicians voluntarily complete a list of requirements in order to be certified by a particular specialty board. The process to become board certified is different in every specialty. In order to become board certified in plastic surgery it requires that you have completed an accredited training program in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Following graduation there is a two step examination process which requires both a written and oral examination that are taken in subsequent years. Board elligible surgeons are those who have completed the accredited training program and are somewhere along the path to becoming board certified.

The reason that is gets confusing is because some surgeons advertise that they are board certifed cosmetic surgeons or just that they are board certified and do not indicate in which specialty. There is no accredited training program in 'cosmetic surgery.' Often the physicians that indicate this board are certified in a field other than plastic and reconstructive surgery. Before a consultaion for any cosmetic procedure, patients should always inquire as to whether the surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

The American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) requires that a candidate complete prerequisite training followed by requisite training at an accredited plastic surgery training program. The candidates next must pass a comprehensive written exam which is usually taken within the first year or two after training. Finally, candidates must pass an oral examination which strenuously evaluates a candidate's base of knowledge, judgement and ethical standards. Only after completing each of these steps are candidates considered board certified. The official term is a Diplomate of the American Board of Plastic Surgery. The ABPS requires re-certification every ten years.

When it comes to your health and your safety, what could be more important than finding a plastic surgeon who has been appropriately trained and who has proven their knowledge and ethical standards through a demanding and thorough examination process?

Mommy Makeover

So many patients have recently inquired about 'mommy makeover' and wondering if this is a new set of procedures. Although the term 'mommy makeover' is fairly new, the procedures are ones that have been around for a long time. The concept of a mommy makeover is combining a few procedures to resore your body back to the shape you had prior to having children. The most common combination of procedures is breast augmentation and tummy tuck.

After having children, our breasts and tummies tend to take the biggest 'hit.' Many woman had full, perky breasts prior to having children and after pregnancy and/or breast feeding they tend to look deflated. The abdomen also gets stretched out and often gets stretch marks from the pregnancy. After the baby is born, the skin shrinks back but often never to what is was before having kids. The only way to get rid of stretch marks and extra skin is by cutting them out. By placing implants behind the breasts, patients can achieve the fullness that they are missing since having their children.

I recommend waiting to have your mommy makeover until you are sure that you are finished having children. You should also give yourself a sufficient amount of time to allow your body to recovery from pregnancy. A mommy makover can help to make you look as good as you feel !

Board Certified Female Plastic Surgeon - Dr. Lawton

Dr. Lawton was born in Michigan and graduated from Brighton High School. She attended Central Michigan University and finished with a double major in both Biology and Health Fitness. Dr. Lawton earned her doctorate at Wayne State University School of Medicine. Following graduation, she specialized in General Surgery at St Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She then completed a fellowship in Plastic Surgery at Providence Hospital and Medical Center & The Craniofacial Institute in Detroit, Michigan under world renowned Dr. Ian Jackson. The rigorous training program covered all aspects of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery including cosmetic surgery, breast reconstruction, burns, trauma, hand, post-bariatric reconstruction, cancer reconstruction and the correction of congenital defects.

Dr. Lawton has been an active speaker locally as well as nationally, sharing her expertise in many areas of plastic and reconstructive surgery. In spite of her busy schedule, she continues to attend many local and national meetings in order to stay on the cutting edge of cosmetic as well as reconstructive surgery.

Dr. Lawton is also passionate about physical fitness. She has always been an active athlete. She played on the soccer team at Central Michigan University. During Medical School she continued her personal training, concentrating on distance running as well as weight lifting. After graduation, she joined the Leukemia Society Team N’ Training and completed the Rock’N’Roll Marathon in San Diego. She currently trains and participates in triathlons. She also enjoys participating in sports for a good cause. Dr. Lawton particularly enjoyed her involvement in fundraisers for breast cancer through the Race for The Cure and The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

Dr. Lawton is a specialist in cosmetic surgery procedures such as breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, tummy tuck, liposuction, facial and nasal surgery. She also performs the complete spectrum of minimally invasive non surgical rejuvenation procedures such as BOTOX, Restylane, Thermage, chemical peels and laser therapy. Please call and schedule your consultation with Orange County female plastic surgeon Dr. Tenley Lawton