Summer body: Be confident in your body for bikini season.
Warmer weather is fast approaching, which means it’s time to start shedding those extra layers of clothing and start showing some skin! For some men and women, the summer season can mean uncovering parts of their body that they feel are less flattering. Now is an ideal time to rediscover your confidence by having the cosmetic procedures you’ve been thinking about all winter. There are many ways to enhance, lift and tighten your physique in time for swimsuit season. Summer body, here you come!
One-size does not fit all
At Clinique K, getting summer-ready is never a one-size-fits-all approach. Dr. Karl Schwarz, Clinique K founder and lead surgeon explains, “During our initial consultation, I ask each patient how they feel about their body. We talk about the areas they would like to improve. Patients are invited to bring aspirational photos, but we always remain realistic. Each body is unique and we are honest about what can be achieved.” He continues, “We will never give a patient a laundry list of what procedures they need to have done. It is a more organic and collaborative experience, with the ultimate objective of achieving a natural-looking result.”
Body contouring and liposuction
During your initial consultation, the Clinique K team will walk you through the possibilities. Is looking great in a swimsuit one of your goals? Popular pre-summer procedures include body contouring, which can include liposuction of the abdomen, inner and outer thighs, love handles, back and arms. In conjunction with a liposuction procedure, patients with excess skin due to fat/weight loss might consider a tummy tuck, thigh lift, arm lift or circumferential body lift. Men often visit the clinic for body contouring and liposuction to deal with stubborn fat on the abdomen and love handles.
Breast augmentation
Another popular pre-summer procedure for women is breast augmentation surgery. Many women wish to fill out their bikini tops while maintaining a natural silhouette. Breast augmentation can be paired with a lift for those who have lost elasticity in the chest area. Some women are self-conscious about having large breasts and have shied away from wearing certain styles of bathing suits in the past. A breast reduction surgery is the best option to maintain shape but lessen the size and weight of the breasts.
Brazilian butt lift
Are you preoccupied with your backside? A Brazilian butt lift is a popular option for those who are less endowed in the buttock area. A higher, rounder backside can create a shapelier silhouette. A Brazilian butt lift is carried out by injecting fat into the buttock and carefully reshaping the area. The fat used for this lift is most often from a patient’s own liposuction procedure.
Prepping for and recovering from surgery
Recovery time is less than one might think. For liposuction procedures, Dr. Schwarz recommends waiting 2 to 3 weeks before booking a beach visit. Breast augmentation requires at least 4 weeks before resuming exercising and other summer activities. A tummy tuck requires at least 6-8 weeks for a recovery and full resumption of regular activities.
When it comes to prepping for your surgery, Dr. Schwarz continues to share one main piece of advice with all of his patients, “Consistent exercise and a balanced diet will help to prepare your body for any type of cosmetic surgery. Not only will a procedure like a breast augmentation, liposuction or tummy tuck yield better results on a body with more muscle tone, recovery times on more toned bodies are known to be reduced.” He adds, “Choose a healthy lifestyle routine that you can realistically sustain after you’ve healed from your surgery.”
Complementary treatments for a summer glow
Leading up to the warmer months, many patients book appointments for injections on the face, facial treatments like micro-needling and laser photorejuvenation, and body laser treatments to lessen the appearance of spider veins. For men and women with persistent cellulite, Dr. Schwarz recommends a cellulite reduction treatment called Cellfina®. Patients are invited to book a consultation to find out if they are candidate for this targeted and effective cellulite treatment.
Other tips for looking your best this summer
“It has already become more common practice, but wearing sunscreen is the most effective way to protect the skin and maintain a healthy summer glow,” shares Dr. Schwarz. On the subject of preparation for the summer months, he adds, “It is important for you to feel good in your own body, in your own skin. The philosophy at Clinique K is centered on enhancement while maintaining a natural appearance. For summer and all year round, our objective is to reveal the best version of yourself.”
