Lipstick & Lipo: Your Unfiltered Guide to Plastic Surgery

Lipo Recovery: Why It's Different for Everyone

This week on Lipstick and Lipo we're answering one of your questions about lipo recovery. As our name states, we use lipo consistently in our practices.
Now, there are differing opinions about healing, and like many things, it's super personal. Every person has a different pain tolerance, and that's something that's really hard to compare.
Even though the incisions are small, lipo is still something major don't assume you'll be back at work the next day. We're going through what recovery actually looks like, what affects it, and how we set our patients up to heal well.
Highlights:
The misconception small incisions create: this isn't a "lunchtime" procedure.
Why bruising and swelling are completely normal no matter who your surgeon is.
Pain tolerance is personal why some patients bounce back fast and others need more time.
The supplements that can make your bruising worse.
How anxiety plays into what you feel during recovery.
Why good skin quality matters for your final result.
This episode came straight from your comments keep the questions coming! Send us a DM on Instagram on what you want us to cover and make sure you subscribe so you don't miss a brand new episode of Lipstick and Lipo every week.
Dr. Smita Ramanadham
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Celebrities Rejecting Plastic Surgery - The Anti-Botox Movement

Some celebrities like Kate Winslet and Sarah Jessica Parker are publicly rejecting plastic surgery and swearing off Botox and fillers. Some are still getting it done. What's really happening in Hollywood, and does it matter for you?
Board certified plastic surgeons discuss the growing divide among celebrities, why some are rejecting procedures, and why neither choice should be judged. Your decision about plastic surgery is personal and it shouldn't be influenced by what anyone else is doing.
What you'll learn:
The misconception about what plastic surgery actually does.
How Hollywood pressure to chase youth affects treatment trends.
Why you don't have to pick a camp and stick with it forever.
The importance of making your own decision, not following celebrities.
How to approach plastic surgery safely without judgment.
Why both choices - doing something or doing nothing are equally valid.
This is your decision and nobody else's business. Talk to your doctors, figure out what's right for you, and remember you can change your mind anytime. Make sure you're subscribed so you get real information and current trends.
Dr. Smita Ramanadham
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Breast implants under or over the muscle? Will you have a choice?

We recently received a comment from a viewer who had breast implants placed without being given a choice or explanation about placement options.
This sparked an important conversation about patient communication. We discuss why placement matters, the differences between over and under the muscle, how the industry has evolved, and why your surgeon needs to explain your options before surgery. You need to understand the why behind every decision before you go into surgery.
What you'll learn:
The difference between implants over the muscle and under the muscle.
How implant technology has changed surgeon approaches.
Why some surgeons only do one technique versus offering options.
How new implant companies are changing the industry.
When it's appropriate to switch placement (and when it's not).
Why communication with your surgeon matters before surgery.
Questions you should be asking before implant surgery.
Surgery is a big deal and you have every right to know what's going on. Do your research, ask questions, and make sure your surgeon is explaining your options. If they're not willing to discuss this with you, you have every right to go somewhere else.
Dr. Smita Ramanadham
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Vampire facials and salmon DNA - Are they worth the hype?

Vampire facials and salmon DNA facials are trending, with celebrity endorsements and expensive price tags. But are they actually worth the money, and do board certified plastic surgeons recommend them?
We're discussing what these treatments actually do, what the science shows, and whether you're better off sticking to the basics like retinol, sunscreen, and proven treatments like microneedling and lasers.
What you'll learn:
What vampire facials and salmon DNA facials actually are.
Why these treatments are so expensive and if they're worth the money.
The verdict from board certified surgeons.
What actually works.
Where to go if you do want to try them.
Make sure you're subscribed so you don't waste money on treatments that aren't worth it. 
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What you want vs what's possible with a breast lift

A lot of patients come in wanting a breast lift thinking they'll get a rounded, full breast. But a breast lift and a breast augmentation are two very different procedures, and understanding the difference is crucial before you book surgery.
We're discussing what a breast lift actually does, why a natural breast is a teardrop shape  and when you might need an implant to achieve the fullness you're looking for. Understanding your real goals and what's actually possible helps you make the right decision for your body.
What you'll learn:
The difference between a breast lift and a breast augmentation.
Why natural breasts are teardrop-shaped, not round and full at the top.
What a breast lift actually accomplishes.
Why you can't achieve upper pole fullness without an implant.
How to communicate your goals.
How modern implant technology has evolved and improved.
Make sure to follow us so you're always getting the truth about what's actually possible with plastic surgery.
Dr. Smita Ramanadham
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Ballerina breast augmentation explained | #1 googled breast procedure

Ballerina breast augmentation" is the #1 most searched breast topic on Google right now. But what does it actually mean, and does it deliver the results patients are expecting?
We're discussing this viral trend and explaining what patients are really asking for when they mention ballerina breasts. It's smaller, natural-looking augmentations that enhance without being obvious. We also talk about why this aesthetic aligns with where breast augmentation has been heading for years and why natural results should always be the goal.
What you'll learn:
What ballerina breast augmentation actually means.
The difference between trend terminology and medical goals.
How modern implant options make imperceptible augmentation possible. 
Why bringing reference photos is more helpful than using viral terminology.
Make sure to subscribe so you stay updated on the newest trends and what plastic surgeons actually think about them.
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Tummy tuck recovery - What's actually true vs the scary stories

You've probably seen scary stories online about tummy tuck recovery people needing walkers, recliners, commodes. While some of these stories exist, they're usually the result of people going into surgery unprepared or with underlying health issues that weren't optimized.
As board certified plastic surgeons, we're here to tell you that with proper preparation, tummy tuck recovery doesn't have to be complicated. In this episode, we break down what you actually need to prepare, what realistic recovery looks like, and how to set yourself up for success. From pre-surgery optimization to what you actually need to buy, we're giving you the honest truth.
What you'll learn:
How to optimize your health before surgery for the best outcome.
Why stopping smoking, marijuana, and GLP-1s matters for healing.
The ultra marathon analogy why recovery requires real preparation.
What recovery equipment you actually need (spoiler: not much).
Why early movement is crucial and walkers are unnecessary.
The minimal shopping list: protein shakes, hydration, stool softeners, pillows.
Why narcotics should be minimal and short-term.
How nerve blocks can reduce your need for pain medication.
We so appreciate you being with us every week. If you haven't already subscribed, we would appreciate it if you do. This helps more people find us and get true medical information.
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Addressing the sunscreen and retinol myth | Board certified surgeons explain the science

Recently, a skincare expert claimed that SPF and retinol are harmful and should be avoided. As board certified plastic surgeons, we're respectfully disagreeing and breaking down the science behind why these two ingredients are non-negotiable for skin health.
We discuss why sunscreen is your best defense against skin cancer and premature aging, how to wear it correctly, and why retinol is the only clinically proven ingredient that actually prevents and corrects wrinkles. Understanding the real science helps you make informed decisions about your skincare routine.
What you'll learn:
Why SPF is non-negotiable for skin cancer prevention.
How much sunscreen you actually need to apply (and how often to reapply).
Why UVA and UVB rays damage skin even on cloudy days.
What retinol actually does (and doesn't do) to your skin.
How retinol builds collagen instead of thinning skin.
The difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens.
Why prevention is better than chasing damage with procedures.
How to use retinol safely without irritation.
We so appreciate you being with us every week. If you haven't already subscribed, we would appreciate it if you do. This helps more people find us and get true medical information.
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Neck aging - What board certified plastic surgeons recommend

Your neck is one of the first places to show aging, and most people start noticing changes in their 30s and 40s. From tech neck to vertical neck bands to loose skin, we're discussing why your neck ages faster than other parts of your body and what you can actually do about it.
We cover the anatomy of why necks age first, what causes those vertical bands and horizontal lines, and the full spectrum of treatment options from preventive skincare to Botox to surgical neck lifts.
Whether you're just starting to notice changes or you're ready to explore treatment options, this episode helps you understand what's happening and what works at different stages of aging.
What you'll learn:
Why your neck ages before your face (thinnest skin on your body).
What tech neck is and how phone use accelerates aging.
What causes vertical neck bands (those muscle lines people see).
Non-surgical options that work: Botox, fillers, radiofrequency, ultrasound therapy.
When you've reached the point where only surgery will work.
If you haven't already subscribed, we would appreciate it if you do. This helps more people find us and get true medical information.
 
Dr. Smita Ramanadham
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Denise Richards' facelift - Are facelifts the new Botox?

Denise Richards has been very open about her recent facelift. This week we are posing the question: are facelifts the new Botox?
The fear about getting surgery has been slowly diminishing with the openness of Hollywood. And the honest truth is this is the best way to go if you want to see measurable results as you age. Fillers and Botox still have their place, but facelifts are the only way to see the results most people were trying to achieve with filler alone.
This episode is for you if you have considered a facelift but have been a bit nervous or were told that someone could give you filler with similar results.
What you'll learn:
The reason that many injectors never offered surgery. Hint: they only have so much they can do.
How the facelift landscape has changed - modern results are natural, not wind-blown.
Why facelifts vs. injectables.
Why you only want a board certified plastic surgeon doing this procedure.
Where is the place for Botox and fillers.
We so appreciate you being with us every week. If you haven't already subscribed, we would appreciate it if you do. This helps more people find us and get true medical information.
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