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Getting Plastic Surgery During COVID-19

September 17th, 2020

Woman considering plastic surgery
Interest in virtually all cosmetic procedures, from
breast augmentation to gynecomastia surgery, is booming. That is because many people — particularly those who have minimal social obligations and may be working from home — are finding it convenient to schedule surgery.

The good news is that plastic surgery can be performed safely at this time if the right precautions are in place. Here are a few things to look for in a plastic surgeon and their clinic when seeking treatment during COVID-19.

Advanced Safety Protocols

First and foremost, you will want to find a plastic surgeon who has the highest standards of safety for their patients and staff. Brucato Plastic Surgery Center has adopted enhanced cleaning measures for our facility. We also take the temperature of patients and staff on arrival.

We are currently screening everyone for COVID-19 symptoms and risk factors. Additionally, we are limiting the number of patients in our office in accordance with social distancing guidelines.  

Brucato Plastic Surgery Center will continue to monitor and follow governmental and regulatory guidelines. This includes guidelines from the CDC and the state and county departments of health.

Proper Surgical Environments

It is also important to choose a surgeon who operates in proper surgical facilities. Some surgical procedures can be performed on-site at Brucato Plastic Surgery Center for your convenience. Performing surgery on-site gives us complete control over sanitization and sterilization.

If your surgical procedure requires anesthesia, it will be performed at a nearby accredited surgical facility. Accredited surgical facilities are committed to meeting high patient safety standards. These facilities are inspected regularly in order to retain accreditation.

Board-Certification

Now more than ever, it is crucial to visit a plastic surgeon who is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This certification shows that he or she is highly trained and is qualified to perform your procedure.

Dr. Gregory Brucato is board-certified and has over 25 years of experience performing plastic surgery right here in Ridgefield. He is committed to helping you achieve your cosmetic goals safely.

Schedule Your Complimentary Consultation

Call 203-431-7644 today to arrange your complimentary consultation at Brucato Plastic Surgery Center. Our practice serves patients in Ridgefield, Wilton, Danbury, and the surrounding areas of Connecticut.

How to Get Rid of Gynecomastia

August 20th, 2020

Gynecomastia surgery patient
Gynecomastia is a condition characterized by enlarged or excessive breast tissue in men. It often resolves itself over time without any interventions. However, treatment may become necessary if the condition persists and causes embarrassment, tenderness, or pain.

The first step in getting rid of gynecomastia is to figure out what is causing it. The condition is generally triggered by high or imbalanced male estrogen levels. Several things can upset the delicate balance of hormones in the body, including natural chemical changes, medications such as anabolic steroids, certain drugs, and alcohol consumption.

In some cases, an underlying health condition is to blame. That is why it important to consult a doctor who can determine the cause of your enlarged male breast tissue and suggest appropriate treatments.

Some men with gynecomastia find it beneficial to stay clear of drugs, cut back on alcohol consumption, and exercise regularly. Your doctor may also recommend that you adjust the medications that you are taking. If your male breasts are significantly enlarged or distressing and do not improve with initial treatments, surgery may be an excellent solution.

Surgical Options for Male Breast Reduction

Surgery to treat gynecomastia usually involves removing excess fat with liposuction. It is also common to remove glandular breast tissue and excess skin. No matter the techniques used, the goal of the procedure is to create a flatter and more masculine chest.

Men generally report increased self-confidence and a higher quality of life following gynecomastia surgery. This is particularly true for those who experienced emotional distress or low social confidence due to their enlarged male breasts.

Schedule Your Male Breast Reduction Consultation

Talk to board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory Brucato to learn more about gynecomastia surgery and your candidacy. He has over two decades of experience and is sensitive to the physical and emotional problems associated with gynecomastia.

Call 203-431-7644 today to schedule your complimentary consultation. We welcome patients from Ridgefield, Wilton, Danbury, and other areas in Connecticut.

Am I a Good Tummy Tuck Candidate?

August 13th, 2020

Tummy tuck patient
Tummy tuck surgery is a popular choice for individuals looking to improve their abdominal profile. Not only does the procedure remove excess fat and skin, but it also restores weakened abdominal muscles to help achieve a slimmer and tighter shape.

This body contouring solution is particularly sought-after following pregnancy and massive weight loss. However, it can be appropriate for virtually anyone seeking to correct a flabby abdomen and weak muscles.

The best candidates for tummy tuck surgery are physically healthy and at or near their ideal body weight. They are also nonsmokers who have realistic expectations for what the procedure can achieve. That said, speaking with a skilled plastic surgeon is the best way to know if this surgery is right for your specific situation.

Common Reasons to Get a Tummy Tuck

There are many reasons to consider having a tummy tuck. These reasons can vary from one patient to the next. The following are just some of the motivations you may have for pursuing a tummy tuck:

  • You have excess fat in your abdominal region that does not improve with diet and exercise.
  • You are bothered by hanging or sagging skin on your midsection.
  • You are interested in the possibility of removing stretch marks on your lower abdomen.
  • You have protruding, weakened, or separated abdominal muscles.
  • You want to look better in swimwear and clothing.
  • You want your pants to fit more comfortably.
  • You are interested in having a flatter tummy and a more youthful-looking physique.
  • You are finished having children, as future pregnancy can impact your results.
  • Your weight is stable, as significant fluctuations can impact your results.

Schedule Your Ridgefield Tummy Tuck Consultation

Learn about your tummy tuck candidacy during a confidential visit with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory Brucato. He will discuss your goals, evaluate the nature of your concerns, and determine if this is the appropriate procedure for you.

Call 203-431-7644 today to arrange your complimentary consultation at Brucato Plastic Surgery Center. Our practice provides exceptional care and outstanding results to patients in Ridgefield, Wilton, Danbury, and the surrounding areas of Connecticut.

Breast Lift Recovery

March 24th, 2020

Tired young woman lying on cozy couch take nap daydreaming in living room, peaceful girl relax on comfortable sofa with eyes closed sleeping resting at home, female feel fatigue fall asleep
Women in their 30s and beyond are the most frequent
breast lift patients. In your 30s, 40s, 50s and later in life, you likely have a lot of commitments. That could include children and other family duties. Work, volunteering, running a household, traveling, etc. We understand that fitting in a breast lift procedure may feel like a big commitment to add to your schedule. We are here to help you plan the process and find the time to get this breast procedure you desire.

The recovery phase is what many women are curious about when considering a breast lift. How long before you can lift your child? How long before you can resume all of your career duties? For how long will you need help with childcare, shopping, meal prep, chores, etc.? These are great questions and we’ll make sure you know the answers for your particular schedule and responsibilities. Here are a few general requirements:

  • The first 24 to 48 hours – make sure a spouse or another adult stays with you in case you need anything. You’ll have previously arranged to have someone help with the kids. Take this time to rest. You should take at least a few days to a week off from work.
  • First week – return to regular walking for exercise. If your job duties are not physically demanding, return to work at this time. Avoid any lifting. Make sure you have help with your kids and meal preparation for this entire week.
  • Three to four weeks – resume your normal exercise routine, but skip any workouts that strain the chest muscles or require you to twist your chest.
  • Six weeks – Your recovery should be completed. You’ll be back to all of your normal activities. 

Part of what we do at our practice is help you plan for all phases of a breast lift, including the recovery and how it will temporarily impact your life.

Learn More About the Breast Lift Process

As a busy modern adult, you want to make sure you have the time and space to commit to a procedure like a breast lift. We get that. If you are interested in mastopexy to rejuvenate your breasts, we recommend discussing the surgical timeline and your candidacy with Dr. Brucato. To schedule a consultation at our Ridgefield, CT, practice, please call our team at 203-431-7644.

How Long Do Breast Implants Last?

February 19th, 2020

For the most part, no one should plan for their breast implants to last a lifetime. Most breast implants can be expected to perform satisfactorily for anywhere from 10-25 years. Outside of issues of wear-and-tear and performance, you may decide to replace your breast implants for cosmetic reasons, like increasing size.

Breast Implants Tend To Last 10+ Years

Photo of a patient before and after breast augmentation in Connecticut
There is no way to predetermine the expiration date of your breast implants because there really isn’t an expiration date. The implants could last for many, many years – even decades – without your needing to revise or replace them. Having said that, most breast implant manufacturers provide a 10-year warranty, which is why a decade is often the rule of thumb many people rely on. But it’s certainly possible that you may want to revise your implants before the decade-mark or after; it’s completely individual.

Reasons to Replace or Remove Breast Implants

How long your breast implants last really depends on a number of factors. First of all, if and when some issue related to the function, form or safety of the implants arises, that issue must be corrected. Then, if there is some cosmetic or appearance-related reason you voluntarily elect to replace your breast implants. For the most part, breast implant replacement may be recommended:

  • To change the size of the implants and breasts (increase or decrease)
  • To correct capsular contracture or another complication
  • To replace ruptured breast implants
  • To replace breast implants that are visibly rippled
  • To revise results once asymmetry appears with age
  • To revise breast implants that have rotated or become mal-positioned

There are other possible reasons. Working with Dr. Brucato, you’ll be able to monitor your breast augmentation results and follow up should you have any questions about revision.

Saline vs. Silicone: Is There a Difference in Longevity?

There is no inherent reason why one type of breast implant would last longer than the other. There’s no evidence that silicone fill is longer-lasting than saline, or vice versa. One way they do differ is in the detectability of a rupture or leak, which is a situation requiring removal and replacement.

It is visibly obvious when a saline implant leaks because the breast will deflate. It will look very different from the other breast containing an intact saline implant. A silicone implant that ruptures maintains its shape because the silicone gel maintains its shape, so you are unlikely to see that anything is amiss. Ruptures should be addressed immediately.  

While they differ in this way, one is not more likely to rupture than the other. As you compare breast implant options, know that either type is likely to last around 10-25 years, but then you may need to replace them before that time or wait until after that time.

Talk to an Experienced Plastic Surgeon about Breast Implants

Dr. Gregory Brucato first listens to your goals so that he can make recommendations for breast surgery that will achieve those goals. If you and he decide that breast augmentation is the best choice, he’ll discuss all of your breast implant options with you, including saline vs. silicone, shape, size and texture.

If you are interested in breast augmentation or breast implant revision in Ridgefield, CT, please arrange a consultation with Dr. Brucato by calling our team at 203-431-7644.

Is Breast Augmentation Worth It?

October 2nd, 2019

Slender woman in brown bra and panties seated on the floor and posing with her hair down
The fact that
breast augmentation has been the most popular cosmetic surgery procedure in the U.S. since 2006 is significant and telling. This procedure has overall high rates of satisfaction among the women who elect it, but it’s really important to make sure it’s right for you. Just because breast enhancement is very popular does not mean it is right for every woman seeking to enlarge her bustline.

Having practiced plastic surgery for 25 years, Dr. Gregory Brucato believes in matching the patient with the best procedure for their individual goals and body. To find out if breast augmentation will be satisfying to you as an individual, please call our practice to arrange a consultation with Dr. Brucato in Ridgefield: 203-431-7644.

High Rates of Patient Satisfaction

Anecdotal and empirical evidence tells us many women are happy with breast augmentation results. It is possible to experience side effects, complications and dissatisfaction with results, which is the case with any cosmetic procedure; however, most women have no adverse issues with breast implants. Dr. Brucato’s goal is to increase the likelihood of patient satisfaction by carefully vetting the candidacy of each procedure. Call us now to arrange your one-on-one consultation!

Please see our before-and-after gallery of breast augmentation.

Back to the numbers for a moment: Perhaps one of the most informative studies was completed in 2013. It found that 98 percent of women who underwent breast enlargement were satisfied with the procedure. These patients said the procedure either met or exceeded their expectations. The study included 225 women and was published in the medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

These patients also reported improvement to their quality of life following this breast procedure. In fact, 92 percent said their self-esteem improved. Before surgery, 86 percent reported feeling self-conscious about their breasts. After surgery, only 13 percent reported still feeling self-conscious about their breasts.

Long-Term Value and Lasting Results

If you’re asking yourself if breast enhancement is “worth it,” you’re probably thinking about cost, the surgery itself, and how long the results will last. These factors are best weighed with the guidance of our experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Brucato provides you with clear and straightforward information so you can make a decision. Here are a few things to note:

  • Breasts implants can last for many years, even decades, without needing replacement
  • You will receive a complete cost quote at the time of your consultation
  • Financing options through CareCredit are available

Every woman considering breast augmentation must make this choice herself – will the procedure pay off in terms of improved self-confidence, better quality of life and greater personal satisfaction? Dr. Brucato has seen first-hand how rewarding this procedure can be, but he wants to help you decide if it’s right for you.

Learn More About Benefits Specific to You and Your Life

At Brucato Plastic Surgery Center in Ridgefield, Connecticut, your one-on-one consultation with Dr. Brucato takes place at our comfortable and state-of-the-art cosmetic practice. Women visit us from across the surrounding region, including Danbury and Wilton. Dr. Brucato will first want to listen to and understand your goals and the changes you’d like to make, then he can recommend breast augmentation or another procedure that is a good match for you. To arrange your consultation, please call us at 203-431-7644.

Considering Breast Augmentation?

August 20th, 2019

Woman in a white bra smiling and showing off her breast augmentation results
Breast augmentation has been the Number 1 cosmetic procedure in the United States since the year 2006, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. This highly versatile procedure makes it possible to have the breast size, shape and overall appearance you’ve always wanted. If you’ve been considering this procedure for yourself, the next step is to find out if you’re a good candidate. Basic candidacy factors are discussed below, but you will need an in-person consultation with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Gregory Brucato. To arrange your visit to our Ridgefield practice, please call
203-431-7644.

Will Breast Augmentation Meet Your Expectations?

Breast enlargement may be right for you if you’d like to change any of the following:

  • Small breasts
  • Breasts that do not match in size, shape or position (asymmetry)
  • Breasts lacking fullness near the top
  • Breasts that are not as round or big as you’d like
  • Breasts lacking volume

To see examples of results, please visit Dr. Brucato’s before-and-after gallery.

Breast lift surgery – or “mastopexy” – is another popular option for women seeking to rejuvenate their breasts. This procedure lifts and re-shapes breasts that are sagging and deflated. Breast lift surgery addresses stretched areolas, lack of upper-breast fullness, and nipples that have descended below the breast crease. In most instances, breast lift surgery cannot increase fullness on its own; however, it can be combined with the placement of implants if you wish to increase size and eliminate sagging tissue.

How Your Health Influences Breast Augmentation Candidacy

You and Dr. Brucato will discuss your medical history and current health, including:

  • Whether you smoke or use any tobacco products
  • Your current overall health
  • Whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • Your age, specifically whether your breasts and body have reached full maturity (usually age 18-22)

We make sure your body is in good shape to undergo a cosmetic procedure, which will include anesthesia and a period of recovery in the days following. Our staff provides complete pre-op and aftercare instructions to set you up for success during this experience. Breast augmentation has the power to lift your spirits and change the way you carry yourself; Dr. Brucato wants you to love your new look, and he makes sure this procedure is a great match.

Cost and Financing

Being a good candidate for breast enlargement includes financial preparedness for the procedure. At the time of your consultation, after you have discussed a plan with Dr. Brucato, we provide you with the cost estimate for your procedure. Because breast augmentation is a cosmetic procedure, it is not typically covered by health insurance policies. For that reason, many patients are interested to know their financing and payment options, both of which we will explain in full.

At Brucato Plastic Surgery Center, we do accept financing plans through CareCredit. The way it works is you apply for one of the CareCredit plans we accept, some of which offer 0% APR or low APR. Then you use your CareCredit account just like a credit card for breast surgery. Ask our staff for more information.

Find Out If You’re a Candidate in Ridgefield

Dr. Brucato is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. If you live in or nearby Ridgefield, CT, and would like to meet with Dr. Brucato to discuss your breast enhancement candidacy, please call Brucato Plastic Surgery Center at 203-431-7644. Dr. Brucato listens to your concerns and determines the breast surgery that is right for your goals.

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