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If you are considering breast augmentation, many of the most important decisions happen before surgery ever begins. Choices based on cup size, photos, or incomplete information can lead to results that do not feel balanced or appropriate for your body.

In this video, Dr. Dimitri Koumanis explains the most common breast augmentation mistakes he sees and what patients should understand before moving forward. He covers implant selection, anatomy, expectations, and recovery planning. The full video transcription is included below.

Video Transcription

If you’re thinking about breast augmentation, I want you to pause for a second because the biggest mistakes I see don’t happen in the operating room. They happen before surgery when women are choosing size, shape, and expectations based on the wrong information. In the next few minutes, I’m going to tell you what I wish every woman knew before breast augmentation so you feel confident, prepared, and excited about your decision.

I’m Dr. Dimitri Koumanis at Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery. I’ve cared for many women considering implants for the first time, revisions or augmentations with lifts.

First, forget cup size. Cup size isn’t a medical instrument. One brand’s C is another brand’s D. What actually matters is your proportions, your chest width, shoulder balance, rib cage shape, and the amount of natural tissue you already have. When you choose implants based on a number or a photo alone, you risk ending up too large, too wide, or not fitting your frame.

Second, your skin and tissue quality determine what’s possible. Some women are happier with an augmentation plus lift because the lift reshapes the breast envelope and the implant provides volume. So, the key takeaway line is that an implant adds volume. It doesn’t always fix the droop.

Natural is a design choice. Shape, profile, and placement matter. Natural results come from smart design. That design includes implant dimensions, profile, and sometimes placement over or under the muscle based on the goals in anatomy. Some women want a subtle athletic enhancement. Others want a fuller upper pole. Neither is right or wrong. What matters is making sure your surgical plan matches your aesthetic goals and your lifestyle.

If you’re very athletic, if you lift weights, if you’re lean, or if you have a smaller natural breast, these details can influence the plan. Recovery is usually easier than fear makes it. But plan it right. Most women are surprised by recovery in a good way. The first few days are the most uncomfortable, and then it tends to improve quickly.

So, you need to choose a surgeon for safety, planning, and honesty, not hype. The best surgeon isn’t the one promising perfection. It’s the one explaining trade-offs clearly. You want someone who prioritizes safety, listens to your goals, shows consistent results, and makes you feel supported through the entire process.

So, if you’re considering breast augmentation, my biggest advice is this. Don’t rush the decision. A great result comes from a personalized plan that fits your body and your goals.

For more information about breast augmentation procedures, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Koumanis, please contact Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery today. We’ll talk you through sizing, options, recovery, and what would look best on you so you can move forward with total confidence.

If you are unhappy with breast sagging or shape, you may be wondering whether a breast lift alone is enough or if implants are also needed. This is one of the most common and important questions patients face when exploring surgical options.

In this video, Dr. Dimitri Koumanis explains how to tell if you are a good candidate for a breast lift alone or if combining a breast lift with implants may produce a better result. He discusses the role of natural breast volume, anatomy, and expectations. A complete transcription of the video is included below for those who prefer to read along.

Video Transcription

If you’re unhappy with the position or shape of your breasts and you’ve been told you might need a breast lift or mastopexy, you may be wondering, am I actually a good candidate for this
procedure? Today, I want to walk you through how to tell if a Mastopexy alone is right for you.
And one very important factor that often gets overlooked is having enough natural breast volume to achieve a beautiful result.

I’m Dr. Dimitri Koumanis at Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery, and Mastopexy is one of the most rewarding procedures we perform, but only when it’s done on the right patient. Understanding
who benefits most helps prevent disappointment and ensures long-term satisfaction.

What does a Mastopexy actually do? A Mastopexy, or breast lift, reshapes the breast by removing excess skin and repositioning the nipple higher on the chest. It improves shape and position, making the breasts look firmer, perkier, and more youthful. What it does not do is add volume.

The ideal candidate is someone who has sagging breasts with adequate volume. You may be a
good candidate for a Mastopexy alone if your main concern is sagging, but you’re generally
happy with your breast size. These patients typically still have enough natural breast tissue to
create a nice full shape once the breast is lifted and tightened and shaped.

So the clear takeaway is a successful Mastopexy depends on having enough existing breast
volume to reshape. So why does the volume matter so much in a breast lift? This is one of the most important points. I wish every patient understood. If a woman has significant volume loss, especially in the upper breast, the lift alone can sometimes result in a breast that looks higher, smaller, or flatter than expected. In other words, the breast may be in a better position but still lack fullness. This isn’t a failure of surgery. It’s a matter of anatomy.

So, what are the signs you may not be an ideal candidate for mastopexy alone? You may
not be the best candidate for a lift if your breasts look deflated or empty on top, you’ve lost
significant volume after pregnancy or weight loss. You want more fullness or cleavage than you
currently have. In these cases, combining a mastopexy with implants often produces a much
more satisfying and balanced result.

So, combining a lift with implants is sometimes the better choice. When a patient has both
sagging and loss of volume, a lift alone corrects position but not fullness. Adding an implant
restores volume while the lift reshapes and supports the breast. If volume is lacking, combining
procedures may be the best path to a result you’ll truly love.

For more information about breast lift procedures, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Koumanis, please contact Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery today.

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.

For more information about breast surgery procedures, or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Koumanis, please contact Saratoga Springs Plastic Surgery today.

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