Plastic surgery is a specialty dedicated to the enhancement of the face and body.  For those who wish to improve their appearance, cosmetic surgical procedures offer patients the opportunity to reshape physical features and improve their self-esteem.

Patients experience postoperative discomfort differently.  Appropriate pain medications are used to minimize this discomfort.  For some, Tylenol alone is enough; others require stronger medications.  Dr. Kunkel and his staff are very much attuned to this and work with each person's needs individually.

There is no precise answer to this question.  Aging is largely a combination of genetics and exposure to the environment.  Cosmetic surgery does not stop the process, but rather "turns back the clock".  It can help you appear more youthful and rested while improving undesirable contours.

Dr. Kunkel performs surgery under most types of anesthesia:  local anesthesia, intravenous sedation ("twilight"), general anesthesia and regional anesthesia (nerve blocks).  The method of anesthesia used is based on the patient and surgeon's preference, as well as the anesthesiologist's recommendations for patent comfort and safety.   

Yes.  Breast augmentation should not affect your ability to breast feed. 

Every surgical procedure entails some risk.  Those associated with this type of surgery are infection, changes in the sensitivity of the breast, and scar contracture.  These and other complications rarely occur and can usually be avoided.  Thousands of women undergo breast augmentation successfully each year and are very satisfied with their outcome.

The saline implants (filled with sterile saline solution) used for breast augmentation surgery are available in both round and teardrop shapes.  They also come in both smooth and textured styles.  Dr. Kunkel will discuss which implant type would best give you the results you are seeking.

Some women have had saline-filled implants for twenty years.  As long as there are no problems with the implants they should not have to be replaced.  

Today's saline implants are more durable than ever. If a saline implant should rupture, the implant deflates as your body absorbs the saline.  Saline is a very safe substance.  If you have ever had surgery you may have had an IV placed, and chances are good that saline was going into the IV during your surgery.  A ruptured saline implant can be easily replaced with minimal discomfort.  The companies that make the implants have excellent warranties.  In most cases the companies will give you a new implant free of charge and, depending on the case, may provide money to help cover other costs.  

Botox is a chemical produced by medically grown bacteria.  It temporarily blocks nerve conduction to muscle with which it has contact.  Because many of the  unwanted lines on a person's face are actually caused by the muscles beneath them, Botox works great to eliminate those lines.  Botox can eliminate unwanted furrows between the eyebrows as well as deep forehead lines.  It also works well on "crow's feet".  The procedure has almost no down time and is easily performed in the office. 

Dr. Kunkel strives to create a natural, non-surgical appearance.  Every effort is made to enhance your appearance without giving you an "operated-on" look.

The length of time for recuperation after plastic surgery varies depending on the procedure.  Most patients will require assistance for a day or so and then will be able to care for themselves.  We will discuss with you in detail your postoperative care and recovery instructions.  The techniques offered today allow patients to return to work fairly soon following surgery.

The procedure performed determines when a patient may resume exercise.  Patients are encouraged to begin walking the day of surgery.  However, strenuous activity should not be done until discussing this with Dr. Kunkel.