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Many women considering breast surgery feel confused about whether they need a breast lift, implants, or a combination of both. While implants add volume, they do not always address sagging, and a lift improves position without increasing size.

In this video, Dr. Dimitri Koumanis clearly explains the difference between breast lifts and breast implants and how to determine which option fits your concerns and goals. Understanding what each procedure does can make the decision process much clearer. The full transcription of the video is included below.

Video Transcription

If you’re unhappy with the appearance of your breasts and you’re considering surgery, one of the most confusing questions is this. Do I need a breast lift, implants, or both? Many women assume implants will fix everything, but that’s not always the case. Today, I want to explain the difference clearly so you can understand which option is right for your body.

I’m Dr. Dimitri Koumanis at Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, and this is one of the most common conversations I have in consultation. Once patients understand what each procedure actually does, the decision becomes much easier.

Breast implants are designed to add volume. They increase fullness and can enhance cleavage. However, implants do not lift the breast tissue or reposition the nipple. If your breasts sit higher on the chest and you mainly want more size or fullness, implants alone may be all you need.

What a breast lift actually does is a breast lift is a mastopexy, which reshapes the breast by removing excess skin and repositioning the nipple higher on the chest. A lift improves shape and position not size. It can make the breasts look perkier and more youthful, but it does not add volume unless combined with an implant.

So, how do you tell which one you might need? A simple way to think about it is this. If your main concern is size, implants may be enough. If your main concern is sagging, drooping, or nipples pointing downward, a lift is likely needed. If you want both more volume and a higher perkier shape, then the lift with breast implants is often the best solution.

Why implants alone sometimes disappoint patients. One of the most common reasons patients are unhappy after surgery is when implants are used to mask sagging. While an implant can fill loose skin, it doesn’t correct the underlying droop, and over time, gravity can make the result worse. In these cases, combining a lift with an implant creates a more stable and longer-lasting result.

So, why do some women not need an implant at all? Not every patient wants to be larger. Some women are happy with their volume, but want their breasts to look firmer, higher, and more youthful. For those patients, a breast lift alone can be incredibly transformative.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Your anatomy, skin quality, lifestyle, and goals all matter. A good consultation focuses on evaluating your breast position, tissue support, and expectations, not just implant size.

So, if you are considering breast augmentation, please come and see me at Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery. I’m Dr. Dimitri Koumanis, and our number is 518-583-4019 or saratogaspringsplasticsurgery.com.

I will retire from active practice as a specialist in cosmetic medicine and plastic surgery on July 31, 2025. I feel a deep sense of fulfillment for the over three decades I’ve spent caring for patients. If you are a patient of mine, I thank you vehemently for choosing me to help you. I am still available for injectable treatments until the end of July.

Dr. Dimitri J. Koumanis joined our practice on July 3rd. Upon my retirement, Dr. Koumanis will take over as president, chief medical officer and as an experienced plastic surgeon at Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC. I have known Dr. Koumanis as a respected colleague and friend for over 15 years. Dr. Koumanis is a highly skilled and compassionate board-certified plastic surgeon with 20 years of experience in the field. After spending five years as a staff plastic surgeon at Albany Medical Center, he entered private practice in Glens Falls, NY for 15 years. I have full confidence in his abilities and believe he will provide the same exceptional level of quality service and care that you have come to expect from me and my staff. He shares my commitment to personalized, high-quality service. I know he will be a wonderful addition to your healthcare journey. Like me, Dr. Koumanis is an “Expert Injector” and does all of his own patients’ injectable treatments.

Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC will remain at our current location, 7 Wells Street, Suite 303, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, and the phone number will be the same: (518) 583-4019. If you have any questions or concerns about your care or the transition, please don’t hesitate to call our office anytime.

For those who I have helped to look and feel their best over the last 36 years, I thank you for trusting me with your care. It has truly been an honor to be a part of your life and health journey. I am grateful for the relationships we have built. Whether you are one of my patients or someone else looking for a plastic surgeon who specializes in cosmetic medicine and surgery, I know Dr. Koumanis will provide you with excellent care and attention. Wishing you all the best in health and happiness.

Warmly,
Steven Yarinsky, MD, FACS

When it comes to non-surgical facial rejuvenation, there are several treatments available that can help you achieve a more youthful appearance. With options like microneedling, BOTOX^® injections, injectable dermal fillers, chemical peels, and laser skin resurfacing, understanding how each works and what they’re best suited for can help guide your decision. In this post, we’ll take a closer look at two popular choices — microneedling and BOTOX^® Cosmetic— to help you determine which may be a better fit for your cosmetic goals.

Microneedling vs. BOTOX^® Cosmetic

Microneedling and BOTOX^® Cosmetic are two distinct types of treatments that address different aspects of facial aging, yet both can help create a more youthful appearance.

• Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is ideal for those looking to improve skin texture, reduce fine lines, and treat acne scars. The procedure involves creating tiny, controlled injuries to the skin, stimulating the body’s natural healing response to promote collagen and elastin production. Over time, this can result in a smoother, firmer, and more youthful complexion. We also offer Secret™ RF, which is microneedling combined with radiofrequency energy. This combined treatment can provide more noticeable improvements in skin texture and tone than microneedling alone.
• BOTOX^® Cosmetic is a neuromodulator that relaxes muscles and targets dynamic or active wrinkles — lines caused by repetitive muscle movements, such as frowning or squinting. By temporarily relaxing these facial muscles, BOTOX^® injections can smooth out wrinkles and even prevent new ones from forming. It’s most commonly used on areas like the forehead, between the eyebrows (frown lines), around the eyes (crow’s feet), and neck muscle bands.

Which Treatment Is Right for You?

The choice between microneedling and BOTOX^®injections depends on your specific cosmetic goals. If you’re primarily concerned with wrinkle prevention or smoothing active expression lines, BOTOX^® Cosmetic may be the better option. However, if you want to rejuvenate your overall skin quality or address deeper textural issues, microneedling with or without radiofrequency energy application could be the right choice.

Can You Combine Microneedling and BOTOX^® Cosmetic?

For some patients, combining these treatments may provide the best results. An experienced plastic surgeon, like Dr. Koumanis, can assess your skin and recommend a customized plan to help you achieve your desired outcome. Ultimately, neither treatment is necessarily “better” than the other since the results of the two treatments complement each other to provide you with beautiful, healthy skin and a more youthful appearance.

If you’re unsure which treatment is right for you, scheduling a consultation with a skilled provider is the best way to get personalized recommendations. Dr. Dimitri Koumanis is the only Albany and Capital District-area “Expert Injector™” certified by NewBeauty^® Magazine, a designation that recognizes his advanced training and extensive experience in administering injectable treatments. With his expertise, you can feel confident in achieving safe, natural-looking results that align with your unique aesthetic goals. Contact our office today to book your consultation and learn more about how microneedling, Secret™ RF, BOTOX^® Cosmetic, or a combination of these treatments can enhance your appearance!

After pregnancy, even with a healthy diet and regular exercise regimen, most women can’t restore their pre-pregnancy body shape. Most mothers have a protruding abdomen caused by factors like loose skin, stretched muscles, and excess fat deposits. Their post-pregnancy prominent tummy frustrates them and is impossible to correct without cosmetic surgery.

Our board-certified plastic surgeon, Dimitri Koumanis, MD, recommends two cosmetic surgery options to help women flatten their stomach after having children.

Tummy Tuck

The effects of pregnancy often leads to stretched or weakened abdominal muscles and loose or sagging skin in the midsection. These changes can’t be reversed with diet and exercise. A tummy tuck, known medically as an abdominoplasty, is designed to restore the stomach and waistline with a smoother, more toned appearance. A tummy tuck repairs the stretched envelope (or lining) around the muscles of the anterior abdominal wall and tightens the overlying loose skin creating a flatter stomach.

Tummy tuck patients should be close to their goal body weight for the best results. Depending on the patient, there are various surgical techniques that can be utilized for a tummy tuck. However, a standard abdominoplasty is the most common approach to get a flatter tummy after pregnancy.

Liposuction

For women who have pockets of fat resistant to diet and exercise that linger after pregnancy,  liposuction on its own or combined with a tummy tuck can achieve a slimmer, sculpted waistline. The procedure uses a short incision (usually less than half an inch) to insert a tiny tube or “cannula” and then suction out excess fat cells. Although virtually any area of the body can be treated, after pregnancy women often choose to treat their abdomen and additional areas like the hips, thighs, and buttocks to address problem areas.

Liposuction doesn’t work well on those who are obese or grossly overweight and should not be considered a weight loss solution. Certain advanced liposuction techniques, such as LipoPerfection utilized by Dr. Yarinsky, may provide more even fat removal and also tighten the overlying skin to enhance the outcome.

For more information about abdominal contouring procedures, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Yarinsky, please contact Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC today.

Dr. Steven Yarinsky has been named Best Plastic Surgeon by Saratoga TODAY™, and his Saratoga Springs MediSpa and massage therapy services were named Best for the third year straight.

Saratoga Springs, NY – Dr. Steven Yarinsky, a board-certified plastic surgeon in the Albany and Saratoga Springs area, along with his team at Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC and MediSpa are celebrating another year of top ratings from the Saratoga TODAY™ regional awards. Resulting from polls of local voters in Upstate New York, the awards recognize the most reputable, high-quality doctors, healthcare professionals, and businesses for prospective and current clients to entrust in their services.

Dr. Yarinsky and his skilled Saratoga Springs MediSpa team are honored to receive the following acknowledgements from the 2024 “Best of the Saratoga Region” awards:

“Best Plastic Surgeon” – Every year since 2013, Dr. Yarinsky’s Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC has been distinguished as the top plastic surgery practice by Saratoga TODAY™, and he is grateful to have received this achievement for 2024. Dr. Yarinsky says he is proud to be viewed as a premier provider and standout surgeon for the Saratoga and Albany/Capital District areas, demonstrating the highest standards of cosmetic surgical care and results to his patients and the community.

“Best Spa” – This is the third consecutive year that Dr. Yarinsky’s Saratoga Springs MediSpa has been recognized for this title, reflecting the MediSpa team’s commitment and top-level skills for providing best-in-class treatment solutions—including skin laser therapies for smoothing the complexion, cosmetic injectables, Ultherapy^® non-surgical “face lifts”, TruSculpt^® iD fat reduction and advanced medical-grade skin care treatments—to address a wide range of aesthetic concerns.

“Best Massage” – Saratoga Springs MediSpa’s talented massage therapists are thrilled to receive this title for the third year in a row for bringing enhanced health and wellness to their clients with a wide variety of massage therapy options. From Swedish to relaxation to deep tissue, the benefits of massage from their licensed, highly trained therapists can reduce stress, muscle pain, and improve circulation and immunity, helping clients to look and feel their best.

Dr. Yarinsky states that receiving three of the “Best of the Saratoga Region” awards reinforces the commitment he and his team have for practicing a high level of patient care, communication, and excellence across all of their offerings. He emphasizes that each surgical and non-surgical procedure option is carefully selected for his patients based on thorough consultation evaluations and discussions with patients to ensure they will provide the most beneficial, expected and effective results, with safety first in mind.

Dr. Yarinsky reflects with gratitude on the titles of Best Plastic Surgeon, Best Spa, and Best Massage in saying it is a true testament to the dedication his staff has strived to provide to their patients in the Albany, Upstate New York, Vermont, western Massachusetts, and Saratoga Springs areas for over 30 years.

To learn more about the cosmetic procedures and aesthetic treatments offered at Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC and at the Saratoga Springs MediSpa, Dr. Yarinsky invites prospective patients to schedule a personalized consultation and treatment. Cosmetic surgery consultation appointments can be in-person or virtual, as he frequently provides for his patients who live outside of Saratoga Springs.

About Steven Yarinsky, MD, FACS
Dr. Steven Yarinsky is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience in performing breast surgery, body contouring, and facial enhancement. He also is the only Albany and Capital District region “Expert Injector” to be recognized by New Beauty Magazine for treatments like BOTOX^® Cosmetic, face fillers like JUVÉDERM^®, and Sculptra^® Aesthetic and he is certified to use Ultra-Pulse Laser Skin Resurfacing for advanced facial rejuvenation techniques. Each of the past 15 consecutive years, he has been recognized as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor^®, which has been awarded to less than six percent of plastic surgeons in the region. He is an alumnus of Dartmouth College and SUNY Upstate Medical Center, Syracuse, and completed his residencies at Ohio State University Hospital in Columbus, Marshall University Medical School, and the Medical College of Ohio in Toledo. Dr. Yarinsky has continued his medical education throughout his career to stay current on the latest technology and available treatments by completing over 150 hours of training and medical education every three years and has received the Aesthetic Society Certificate of Advanced Education in Cosmetic Surgery. He is a Diplomate of The American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc., a Fellow of The American College of Surgeons, and holds memberships to many specialty organizations, including The Aesthetic Society (formerly the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery – ASAPS) and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Dr. Yarinsky is available for interview upon request.

To learn more about Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC, visit yarinsky.com, facebook.com/DrYarinsky, and instagram.com/saratogaspringsplasticsurgery.

Contact:

Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC
7 Wells Street
Suite 303
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 583-4019

Rosemont Media
(858) 200-0044
www.rosemontmedia.com

Dr. Steven Yarinsky, Medical Director of Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, offers medical, lifestyle, and recovery tips to prepare for Mommy Makeover cosmetic surgery.

Saratoga Springs, NY – Dr. Steven Yarinsky, a board-certified plastic surgeon in the Saratoga Springs and Albany area, takes pride in performing Mommy Makeover procedures to help mothers again feel confident and comfortable with their bodies. Restoring their pre-baby figure is a positive physical and emotional transformation for women after pregnancy and breastfeeding. After pregnancy and with significant weight loss, cosmetic surgery can improve physical changes in the body that occur to the waistline, breasts, buttocks, thighs, arms, and other regions. If a woman would like to enhance two or more areas of their body, their procedure is referred to as a Mommy Makeover.

Dr. Yarinsky has had extensive experience for over 30 years doing every procedure that may be part of a Mommy Makeover including breast augmentation, breast lift, tummy tuck, liposuction body contouring, rejuvenation of intimate areas, cosmetic injectables, and more. For women interested in pursuing this positively life-changing enhancement, Dr. Yarinsky suggests the following guidelines to help them prepare for their Mommy Makeover to have the best experience and achieve optimal results:

• Choose a plastic surgeon with care: Dr. Yarinsky emphasizes the importance of choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon who is trained and experienced with doing Mommy Makeovers, who also is a member of The Aesthetic Society, the group of plastic surgeons who specialize in cosmetic surgery who hold to the highest surgical and safety standards. Patients should do their homework. Get referrals to a cosmetic plastic surgeon from friends, family members and one’s primary care physician or gynecologist. Visit the website of the surgeon(s) being chosen and see the Mommy Makeover patients’ before and after photos that they have posted. Read their Google reviews and patient testimonials. At the consultation visit, patients should be able to communicate and have a good rapport and feel comfortable with their plastic surgeon and their office staff. Dr. Yarinsky adds that the best cosmetic surgeons should provide thorough, detailed written and verbal pre-operative and post-operative instructions to assist with a successful recovery. That way patients are prepared with the information they need to achieve the best experience and outcome for their Mommy Makeover.
• Complete a medical evaluation: Prior to having cosmetic plastic surgery, a medical evaluation and lab tests may be required to rule out any serious health conditions or issues that may interfere with anesthesia and compromise one’s surgical result and safe recovery. Depending upon the patient’s age and medical history, this may include getting chest x-rays, an EKG, and a letter of medical clearance from their primary medical provider.
• Adjust medications and supplements: Dr. Yarinsky recommends eliminating the use of anti-inflammatory drugs, like aspirin and ibuprofen, and certain herbal supplements that can cause blood thinning and, therefore, increase the risk of bleeding complications. Weight loss medications such as semaglutides like Wegovy^® should be stopped a month before cosmetic surgery.
• Reach a healthy, stable weight: Dr. Yarinsky warns that significant weight fluctuations of more than 5-10 pounds following a Mommy Makeover can alter or destroy one’s results. For that reason he says prior to surgery it is best for patients to eat a balanced nutrient-rich diet, maintain a consistent exercise routine, and reach their long-term stable body weight.
• Stop smoking and limit alcohol: Dr. Yarinsky requires his patients to quit smoking and vaping at least four weeks before and after surgery because the effects of tobacco compromise the wound healing process. Do not cheat with exposure to secondhand smoke. Additionally, patients should abstain from alcohol at least one week before surgery to prevent dehydration, permit proper blood clotting, and to avoid negative interactions with anesthesia, prescribed painkillers, and other medicines.
• Find a trusted caregiver to help: Recovery after a Mommy Makeover can take several weeks during which time patients may have difficulty doing some of their regular activities. It is essential for them to arrange for help from family members, friends, or others who will assist them with meals and dressing, child and pet care, household tasks, lifting, driving, and cleaning. Having a caregiver’s help is necessary and extremely beneficial for the patient’s comfort and safe recovery and allows them to get adequate rest while recuperating.
• Create a recovery area at home: Taking the time to prepare a comfortable and well-stocked recovery environment at home before having cosmetic surgery can support and hasten one’s recuperation and reduce potential physical strain.

About Steven Yarinsky, MD, FACS
Dr. Steven Yarinsky is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience who has helped thousands of people to look and feel their best with breast augmentations and lifts, body contouring with liposuction and tummy tucks, and facial rejuvenation. Specializing in both non-surgical and cosmetic surgery options, he is one of the only plastic surgeons located between Albany and Montreal who is a member of The Aesthetic Society, the world’s leading organization for cosmetic medicine and aesthetic plastic surgery of the face and body. He is also a Diplomate of The American Board of Plastic Surgery, Inc. and a Fellow of The American College of Surgeons. Staying up to date on the latest techniques in cosmetic medicine, he dedicates over 150 hours every three years to continuing ongoing medical education. His commitment to the field of plastic surgery has earned Dr. Yarinsky numerous awards, including the honor of being chosen by his peers as a Castle Connolly Top Doctor^® for 15 consecutive years—a designation earned by less than 6 percent of all board-certified plastic surgeons in the Upstate New York region. He has also been chosen by Saratoga Today readers for each of the last 11 years as the “Best Plastic Surgeon in the Saratoga Region.” Dr. Yarinsky is available for interview upon request.

To learn more about Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC, visit yarinsky.com, facebook.com/DrYarinsky, and on Instagram @saratogaspringsplasticsurgery.

Contact:

Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, PC
7 Wells Street
Suite 303
Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
(518) 583-4019

Rosemont Media
(858) 200-0044
www.rosemontmedia.com

If you have McGhan-, Inamed-, or Allergan-branded textured gel or saline-filled breast implants that were recalled in July 2019 due to FDA recommendations, this blog is essential reading. The McGhan Corporation previously sold the recalled implants. Allergan purchased McGhan’s parent company Inamed in 2006. Recent developments have shed light on the risks associated with these implants, particularly the ones identified as having “Biocell texture.” The FDA initially advised against removal in 2019, but new findings from scientific research studies published in 2023 suggest a reconsideration is in order.

Increased Risks and Latest Research: The latest research indicates a more than threefold increase in the risk of developing breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) with the recalled implants compared to the data available in 2019. This alarming revelation emphasizes the importance of staying informed and taking proactive measures to address potential health risks.

Factors Influencing Risk: Certain factors contribute to an elevated risk of BIA-ALCL, including age greater than 46, more than 6 years since breast augmentation, and the presence of breast cancer genetic markers. Understanding these risk factors is crucial for making informed decisions about your health and well-being.

Recommendation for Action: Considering the updated information, it is highly recommended that individuals with the mentioned implants seek a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon such as Dimitri Koumanis, MD, who specializes in cosmetic surgery and breast augmentation. This will provide an opportunity for you to discuss the latest developments and address any concerns you may have.

Procedure Details: Implant removal, with or without replacement, is a much more comfortable process than the initial augmentation. The procedure is safely and usually performed in the office operating room facility at Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery using local anesthesia and oral sedation, eliminating the preoperative medical screening  (such as chest x-ray and EKG) needed for general anesthesia, and the added expense. However, general anesthesia is available at an added cost for those patients who choose to be completely asleep. The recovery process is described by most women as swift, with minimal pain compared to their original augmentation.

Insurance Coverage: It’s important to note that insurance does not typically cover this procedure. You will receive a fee quote during your consultation, and financing options if needed, allowing you to make informed decisions about the financial aspects of the recommended procedure.

In conclusion, staying informed about the latest developments regarding recalled breast implants is crucial for your health and well-being. If you have the mentioned implants, it’s recommended to schedule a consultation to discuss the updated information and address any concerns. Taking proactive steps now can contribute to your overall long-term safety and peace of mind. To schedule an appointment, call (518) 583-4019 on weekdays. Your health is of the utmost importance.

Read more about this update: Breast Implant Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (BIA-ALCL) December 1, 2023, Update and Treatment Recommendations for Women Who Have Allergan (McGhan, Inamed) Biocell Textured Breast Implants