From in like to in love: Patients share the plastic surgery procedures they adore
Love is in the air, and we're not talking about wine and chocolates. More people than ever are falling in love with plastic surgery and how these procedures make them look and feel. Numbers from the 2023 ASPS Plastic Surgery Statistics Report show a steady, growing demand for plastic surgery procedures in the United States, with a 5 percent increase yearly in overall cosmetic surgery procedures.
Body contouring procedures like liposuction, breast augmentation and tummy tucks always seem to be at the top of the statistical "love" list, but what do real people think? How does a procedure go from "I like this idea?" to "I love this result!" If the rave reviews of doctors and patients are any indication, it may be new implant technology, such as Motiva implants and surgical techniques that help minimize pain and recovery time.
Real people shared their personal experiences with plastic surgery and talked about what shifts a procedure from the like column to the love list.
From like to love: Preservation breast augmentation
Daisy is a 50-year-old mother of two. She said that after breastfeeding two babies and losing 30 pounds, she thought her breasts looked deflated. Having just turned 50, Daisy felt she needed a change and sought a procedure to boost her self-confidence. That's when she found Troy Pittman, MD, FACS, thanks to her husband's help, and settled on a preservation breast augmentation, which uses smaller incisions to minimize trauma to the breast tissue while increasing the breast volume as well as preserving the breast's natural tissue and structure.
"My husband recommended that I do my research before moving on with breast augmentation surgery," said Daisy. "After much research and consulting with several other surgeons, I knew Dr. Pittman was the one who I wanted to help me achieve the change I needed. From the moment I walked into Dr. Pittman's clinic, I knew that I was in the perfect place. From the attention to detail to his professionalism at the initial consultation, I was also impressed to see the computer-generated "after" images; it helped me have a better idea about what to expect. I just knew that I was interested in having preservation breast augmentation with Motiva implants."
She noted that the recovery process was surprisingly quick, and she experienced minimal pain from the procedure. In addition to the augmentation, Daisy also opted for a C-section scar revision.
"The recovery from both procedures exceeded my expectations," said Daisy. "I actually felt better than when I was recovering from my C-section."
She is currently six weeks postop and said she feels back to normal already without pain, physical limitations or discomfort. In addition to the speedy recovery, she said she loves that the procedure did not disrupt the muscles.
What else is there to love? The look and feel of the new Motiva implant themselves.
"I am so happy with the results," said Daisy. "I feel like these are my pre-baby breasts – upgraded, of course."
She also said that since going back to the gym, she doesn't feel like there is anything foreign in her body and that working out with implants feels completely natural.
Undergoing plastic surgery is never a decision a person should take lightly. It is always a balance between risks and rewards. Looking back on her decision, she loves her final result.
"I highly recommend preservation breast augmentation with Motiva implants," said Daisy. "So happy with my results, and I have zero regrets. I currently have recommended this procedure to several close friends who I know are interested in breast augmentation. I love the natural look and feel. I am obsessed with my results. I'm so happy, and the boost in my confidence is beyond anything I could have ever imagined."
As if that weren't enough to push like into the love category, there has been one more benefit to the surgery just in time for Valentine's Day.
"This procedure has also helped improve my sex life with my husband of 21 years," said Daisy. "Sex is better than it has been in so many years since becoming a mom because my confidence in my appearance is back. I feel so sexy, even at 50! Literally a life-changing experience and absolutely worth it, in my opinion."
What did Dr. Pittman say?
Why are patients like Daisy falling in "love" with preservation breast augmentation and the results this procedure can achieve?
"The popularity of preservation breast augmentation comes from the fact that the modern patient is looking for something different," said Dr. Pittman. "One of the reasons that women tell me they are hesitant to move forward with breast augmentation is fear of immediate and long-term discomfort and concerns about implant safety."
In reality, medical innovations and changes in the lifestyle of women have modified the procedure to be less invasive.
"Because we are doing a minimal soft tissue dissection and not disrupting the chest wall muscle, the procedure becomes much more minimally invasive," said Dr. Pittman. "Recovery is much shorter, and the long-term comfortability with the implants is better. Years ago, we asked women, 'Do you work out?' Most of the time, those who actually did were doing light aerobic workouts or stretching. Today, we see women doing heavier workouts like Orange Theory and Pilates. They are really reliant on their pec muscles. So, in a sense, we are adapting the operation to meet the needs of the modern woman."
New techniques and the advancement of breast implant devices mean patient outcomes like Daisy's are allowing more women to fall in love with the look and feel of implants.
"Enter Motiva," said Dr. Pittman. "Because of the unique monobloc design, we don't see implant rippling. Motiva is much more like natural breast tissue. Additionally, the 4-micron SmoothSilk surface mitigates the inflammatory action between the patient and the implant, making this a truly biocompatible implant. The rates of capsular contracture are exceedingly lower than its predecessors."
At the end of the day, the result should be a procedure that both doctor and patient can fall in love with.
From like to love: Signature breast augmentation
Leslie wasn't looking for an extreme change. At 28, she was looking for a refresh.
"My goal was to enhance my look while achieving a noticeable and natural result," said Leslie. "Beauty trends emphasize elevated, balanced facial features, which I love for their ability to give a refreshed appearance."
She opted for a surgical brow lift and a lip lift to achieve her desired look so she wouldn't have to constantly rely on filler and Botox injections for the same result. For her body, she was looking for a breast enhancement. That's when she turned to Kristy Hamilton, MD.
"I chose Dr. Hamilton's signature breast augmentation with 285cc Motiva implants to add fullness while still keeping everything proportionate to my frame," said Leslie.
She knew she would be in good hands with Dr. Hamilton. Following her on social media, she saw her work and heard what patients said about their results.
"I love how Dr. Hamilton's artistry consistently achieves stunning results," said Leslie. "She's incredibly talented and truly listens to her patients, creating results that enhance natural beauty. Her level of skill, precision and care that she puts into every procedure is superior. I had complete trust in her ability to bring my vision to life. Plus, if I'm going to have surgery, why wouldn't I go to the best?"
Although she had work on her face and breasts, she said that recovery was relatively quick and painless.
"I made sure to follow Dr. Hamilton's instructions, including starting vitamins and arnica before my surgery and continuing them afterward," said Leslie.
Sticking to her doctor's instructions was key, and within a week, she said she was applying makeup and feeling no discomfort.
Leslie's result has her falling in love with her body all over again, noting that her procedures create the perfect balance in her face and body.
"The brow lift brightened my eyes and refreshed my overall appearance, while the lip lift added harmony to my facial features," said Leslie. "The breast augmentation gave me the shape and fullness I've always wanted."
She recommended that if others are interested in enhancing their look, they take the time to find the right board-certified plastic surgeon who is an ASPS member, someone they can trust and feel comfortable with.
"Don't rush your decision," said Leslie. "Research your options and understand what to expect. The recovery can be smoother than you think if you follow your surgeon's instructions. The results are so worth it when everything comes together!"
She also recommended finding a surgeon who listens to you and explains the process thoroughly, so you know what to expect.
Today, Leslie said she feels great!
"I've learned that post-care is just as important as the procedure itself," said Leslie. "While I'm excited to see the final results as I continue healing, I can already see the changes. It's amazing how small enhancements can make a huge difference!"
She added that recovery is about being patient with your body and the healing process. The outcome is well worth the time and effort you put into choosing a qualified plastic surgeon and caring for yourself.
Working with people you trust can make all the difference, turning a plastic surgery "like" into a result you love.
What did Dr. Hamilton say?
Breast augmentation is still going strong, and thanks to innovations in breast implants, there are no signs that procedures will slow down anytime soon.
"Breast augmentation is a safe, impactful aesthetic plastic surgery with minimal downtime – now more than ever," said Dr. Hamilton.
Motiva implants – popular with physicians and patients – help speed recovery and provide natural-looking results that align with modern aesthetics.
"The pre-pectoral placement of the Motiva implants amplifies the speed of recovery by allowing them to get back to lifting and exercise in a week, and patients also skip the step with submuscular implants where they look boxy and 'weird' for six to 12 weeks afterward," said Dr. Hamilton. "My patients are busy. They're moms, students, career women – and sometimes all of the above – and they want to get back to their normal lives as soon as possible."
*Some names have been changed to protect patient privacy
To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.
