Lipstick & Lipo: Your Unfiltered Guide to Plastic Surgery

Join us, two Board-Certified female Plastic Surgeons, as we discuss all things plastic surgery, beauty, and wellness. No topic is off-limits. Our mission is to provide you with accurate information and educate in a real, approachable, and relatable way.

Dr. Smita R. Ramanadham is a double-board certified plastic surgeon in private solo practice in NJ and Dr. Ashley Amalfi is a board certified plastic surgeon in private practice in Rochester, NY.

We share a love and passion for plastic surgery, mentorship, women in surgery, and, fashion (of course!)! Our friendship has been so natural and organic that it only made sense that we would start this adventure together. We hope you enjoy these episodes as much as we enjoyed making them!

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Episodes

Breast lift Q&A

4 days ago

4 days ago

Over the past few months we have gotten several questions about breast lifts.
In this week's episode we will address three of the major questions: Will my results last? If I'm doing a lift will I need an implant? When would I actually need an implant?
If you're considering a breast lift or wondering whether you need an implant, this episode gives you the framework to have better conversations with your surgeon.
And if you're in Rochester, NY, or the NY/NJ metro area, we would love to assist you directly with a consultation.
What you'll learn:
What auto augmentation is and how it works.
How skin quality affects lift longevity.
Why adding weight with an implant can make sagging worse.
How aging and gravity continue after surgery.
What upper pole fullness means and why it matters.
When an implant is necessary for your goals.
Why you might go down slightly in size with a lift alone.
How to evaluate whether you need an implant or just a lift.
Thank you for asking these questions about breast lifts. It not only helps other people but allows us to know more about what you're looking to learn.
If this episode was helpful, share it with someone who might benefit from real information about this procedure. And make sure you're subscribed so you never miss the critical information that helps you make an educated decision.
Connect with Dr. Smita
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Connect with Dr. Amalfi
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Thursday Mar 26, 2026

You asked, we're answering. After our recent labiaplasty episodes, we received questions about recovery, swelling, and what to expect in the healing process. We're addressing the most common concerns patients have after surgery.
From asymmetric swelling in the first week to when bleeding should stop, we're giving you real answers about what's normal and what's not.
If you're considering labiaplasty or recently had the procedure, this episode answers the questions you might be too nervous to ask. Note: It's always best to consult your doctor.
What you'll learn:
Why swelling looks asymmetric in the first few weeks
When you should and shouldn't look at your results
How long it takes for full healing after labiaplasty
The difference between labia minora and labia majora procedures
Why everyone's anatomy is different in this area
Thank you for asking these questions about labiaplasty. It not only helps other people but allows us to know more about what your looking to learn. Make sure you're subscribed so you never miss the critical information that helps you make an educated decision.
Connect with Dr. Smita
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Connect with Dr. Amalfi
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Instagram
 
 

Thursday Mar 19, 2026

Is there an ideal weight for breast augmentation?
While this isn't discussed as much for body contouring procedures, it absolutely matters for your results and safety. Most breast augmentation patients naturally tend to be at a stable weight already, but understanding why timing matters can help you get the best possible outcome.
We're discussing why chasing a moving target with weight changes can affect your results, how BMI impacts surgical complications, and why getting to a healthy, stable weight before surgery sets you up for success.
What you'll learn:
How weight changes after breast augmentation affect your results.
The "never chase a moving target" principle for plastic surgery.
Why higher BMI increases surgical complications.
How breast tissue responds to weight fluctuations.
The role of GLP-1 medications in pre-surgery weight management.
How to prepare your body for the best possible results.
If you're considering breast augmentation, this episode helps you understand the timing. Share it with anyone preparing for surgery.
And make sure you're subscribed so you never miss the critical information that helps you make an educated decision.
Connect with Dr. Smita
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Connect with Dr. Amalfi
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Instagram

Thursday Mar 12, 2026

Anesthesia anxiety is one of the most common reasons people hesitate to move forward with plastic surgery. The fear is real, but the reality is very different from what you might imagine. We're addressing the biggest concerns about going under anesthesia and explaining why modern plastic surgery in accredited facilities is remarkably safe.
From what actually happens when you're under anesthesia to the credentials you should look for in your surgical team, we're breaking down everything you need to know. The truth is, if you're a healthy candidate going to an accredited surgery center or hospital with credentialed providers, the risks are incredibly low.
What you'll learn:
Why anesthesia anxiety is so common for elective surgery patients.
The actual safety statistics for anesthesia in plastic surgery.
What makes a surgery center "accredited" and why it matters.
The difference between hospital and surgery center anesthesia.
Who should be administering your anesthesia.
Red flags to watch for when choosing a surgical facility.
How closely you're monitored under anesthesia.
Why healthy candidates have extremely low risk.
The questions to ask about your anesthesia team.
If anesthesia anxiety has been holding you back from a consultation, this episode might give you the information you need. Make sure you're subscribed so you never miss the critical information that helps you make an educated decision.
Connect with Dr. Smita
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Connect with Dr. Amalfi
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Thursday Mar 05, 2026

Not all surgeons are the same, and the difference can impact your safety. The terms "plastic surgeon" and "cosmetic surgeon" sound similar, but they represent vastly different levels of training and expertise. One requires nearly a decade of specialized surgical training and rigorous board certification. The other might be a doctor who took a short course.
We're explaining what board certification actually means, why it matters for your safety, and the questions you need to ask before choosing a surgeon. Understanding these credentials could be one of the most important decisions you make.
What you'll learn:
The key differences between plastic surgeons and cosmetic surgeons.
What board certification actually requires and why it's so rigorous.
How many years of training plastic surgeons complete.
Why "cosmetic surgery" is not a recognized medical specialty.
The written and oral exam process for board certification.
How plastic surgeons handle complications versus others.
Why re-certification is required every 5-10 years.
The exact questions to ask your surgeon about credentials.
Red flags that indicate someone isn't properly qualified.
Why websites can be misleading about credentials.
If you're considering any cosmetic procedure, this episode gives you the questions to ask. Make sure you're subscribed so you never miss the critical information that helps you make an educated decision.
 
Connect with Dr. Smita
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Connect with Dr. Amalfi
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Thursday Feb 26, 2026

At 84, Martha Stewart doesn't look her age and she's not shy about saying that's intentional. She's been open about using some treatments while maintaining privacy about the specifics. Her incredibly active lifestyle and commitment to health are just as much a part of the equation as any procedure.
We're discussing what makes her different from the dramatic transformations we usually see in celebrity culture. Her philosophy combines healthy living with strategic treatments, creating results that look natural instead of overdone. This is what it looks like when someone ages beautifully without trying to look 30 years younger.
If you've ever wondered what "aging gracefully" actually means, Martha Stewart is showing us how it's done.
 
What you'll learn:
What makes Martha's approach different from other celebrities.
The real meaning of aging gracefully versus anti-aging.
Why lifestyle and procedures work together.
How to age beautifully without dramatic transformations.
The right balance between privacy and honesty.
Are you inspired by Martha's approach? Small changes over time really do make a difference. If you found this episode helpful, we would love for you to share it with someone who might be struggling with what it looks like to age gracefully.
Connect with Dr. Smita
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Connect with Dr. Amalfi
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Thursday Feb 19, 2026

This is probably the most common question we get asked: How often do breast implants need to be replaced?
A lot of advice says 10-15 years, but that's not actually true.
There's no expiration date on breast implants.
We explain why the timeline is different for everyone, what signs to watch for that indicate replacement might be needed, and how to think about imaging for both your implants and your breast tissue.
We also discuss the important distinction between replacing implants because they failed versus changing them because your breast itself has changed over time through weight fluctuations, pregnancy, or natural aging.
What you'll learn:
Why the 10-15 year replacement timeline is a myth.
The car tire analogy that explains replacement timing perfectly.
How to know if your implant has failed or ruptured.
What capsular contracture looks and feels like.
FDA imaging recommendations for silicone implants.
The difference between imaging for implants versus breast tissue.
When ultrasound and MRI are needed for implant evaluation.
Have you been putting off your mammogram or breast imaging? This is your reminder to schedule it. Taking care of your breast health matters, whether you have implants or not.
 
Connect with Dr. Smita
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Connect with Dr. Amalfi
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Thursday Feb 12, 2026

Male cosmetic procedures are booming, especially in two specific industries: tech and finance.
We're seeing a surge of men in their 50s and 60s feeling pressure to look younger as 20 and 30-year-old workers enter their offices.
From Botox and skincare to facelifts and body contouring, men are embracing procedures they once avoided. We discuss why this demographic shift is happening now, how we approach male procedures differently to maintain masculinity, and why many male patients start their journey after watching their wives' positive experiences.
Whether it's facial rejuvenation to look powerful in boardrooms or body contouring for a more athletic appearance, the stigma around male plastic surgery is finally fading.
 
What you'll learn:
The key differences in approaching male versus female facial surgery
Why maintaining masculinity is critical in male procedures
Common male procedures: Botox, facelifts, eyelid surgery, liposuction, gynecomastia
How male eyebrow and jaw structure differs from female anatomy
Why many men start their plastic surgery journey through their wives
Why starting small with skincare leads to better aging over time
If you found this episode interesting, share it with someone who might benefit from hearing that plastic surgery isn't just for women anymore. Real expert advice makes all the difference.
 
Dr. Smita Ramanadham
Connect with Dr. Smita
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Connect with Dr. Amalfi
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Thursday Feb 05, 2026

Simone Biles has been incredibly transparent about her breast augmentation, sharing details about her surgery and her board certified female surgeon.
We applaud her openness and her choice of a qualified surgeon.
However, as board certified plastic surgeons who specialize in breast surgery, we have serious concerns about one specific aspect of her procedure: the placement of her implants under the muscle.
For an elite athlete with the strongest pec muscles you can imagine, cutting that muscle and placing implants underneath can possibly create long-term complications.
We explain why this placement may cause her implants to migrate laterally over time, what alternatives would have been better suited for her athletic lifestyle, and why customizing surgery to each patient's unique anatomy and goals matters so much.
What you'll learn:
Why Simone Biles' implant placement is problematic for elite athletes.
How pec muscle strength affects implant positioning over time.
When under-muscle placement makes sense versus when it doesn't.
The newer implant technology and techniques available today.
What alternatives exist for athletic patients.
Why there's no one-size-fits-all approach to breast augmentation.
The importance of matching surgical technique to lifestyle.
Are you loving these celebrity analysis episodes? Leave us a review on your podcast app it helps other people find evidence based plastic surgery information.
Connect with Dr. Smita
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Connect with Dr. Amalfi
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Thursday Jan 29, 2026

Viral beauty trends are everywhere on TikTok - from lip flips to buccal fat removal to slugging and face taping. We're discussing why chasing these trends is usually a waste of your time and money.
As board certified plastic surgeons, we discuss the good and bad of social media's impact on plastic surgery, how to spot BS advice from unqualified "experts," and why reading recovery horror stories online isn't giving you the full picture.
If something seems too cheap, too easy, or too good to be true it is. We explain how to invest your money wisely instead of wasting it on every new fad.
What you'll learn:
How to spot viral beauty BS on social media.
The difference between an expert and someone with an Amazon review.
Why recovery horror stories are usually extreme outliers.
How to read patient experiences with the right lens.
The good and bad impact of social media on plastic surgery.
Why trends like lip flips, buccal fat removal, and BBLs go viral.
How to invest vs. waste money on skincare and procedures.
What questions to ask board certified plastic surgeons.
We have amazing episodes coming up make sure you're subscribed so you never miss anything.
 
Connect with Dr. Smita
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Connect with Dr. Amalfi
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