Breasts come in all shapes and sizes, but sometimes large breasts can interfere with your lifestyle goals and daily activities or cause you to feel self-conscious. If you can relate, a breast reduction might help manage symptoms resulting from large breasts.
Good breast reduction candidates are those who are in good health and are confident in wanting to reduce their breast size. Some signs that you may benefit from a breast reduction include:
Breast reduction surgery involves removing skin and breast tissue, then reshaping and lifting the breast to achieve a smaller, more proportional size. The amount of tissue removed depends on many factors, such as your initial breast size and blood supply to your nipple. It’s been estimated that for every 100 – 300 grams of tissue removed, your breast will decrease approximately one bra cup size. A board-certified surgeon will be able to determine the amount of tissue that can be removed safely while helping you achieve your goals.
It is recommended to wait until the breasts are fully developed before undergoing this procedure. In teenage patients with significant symptoms, consultations are done with both the patient and the patient’s parents/guardians to determine the best steps. Some women may opt to wait until they are done having children, as well.
Breast sensation can sometimes be decreased (numbness) or increased (more sensitivity) following surgery. As with breastfeeding, certain reduction techniques may better preserve nipple sensation. During your consultation, you can discuss with your surgeon about what your expected sensory outcome might be.
After surgery, you’ll go home with dressings over your breasts and possibly small drains in the incisions. You will also be given a surgical bra which helps minimize swelling as the breasts heal. Swelling will decrease over the first few weeks; at that time, you will be able to see the final result of your procedure. The incision line may take longer to heal, and it’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions on proper wound care. Scars from the procedure may appear redder in the beginning and fade over time, healing over the course of a year or so.
If you think you may benefit from the results of a breast reduction, schedule a consultation with Dr. Poulter today or call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll Free at (888) 841-4108.
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Dr. Jeffrey Poulter →
An experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Poulter is committed to your beautiful results with minimal discomfort and downtime.
Timing is crucial for many aspects of life, including when to schedule your plastic surgery. In the Midwest, winter and early spring are traditionally the times many patients choose to have cosmetic surgery. If you have decided breast enhancement is something that will give you more confidence, planning ahead is essential.
Thanks to modern technology, patients are experiencing faster recovery times. With the multimodal pain therapy Dr. Poulter offers (including Exparel, a local anesthetic that keep you numb for up to three days), your early discomfort is minimal. However, your recovery 24 hours post-surgery is much different from your full recovery.
You may be able to walk around and perform simple tasks – even drive – just a few days after surgery, but you are not fully recovered. Incisions require 2-3 weeks to heal. You will be able to walk as far as you like without sweating in 7-10 days and use an elliptical machine without arms in 3 weeks. At 4-6 weeks, you will be released to full activity, so this is how much time you should allow for healing before any beach vacations or time in the hot tub. By allowing yourself enough time to recover from the expected side effects (such as bruising and swelling), you will be able to get your fun in with those warmer temperatures.
It is important to note that breast augmentation patients will want to avoid soaker baths, hot tubs, or swimming until the incisions have completely healed. Water sports and physical activities with high impact on the body such as workouts and running will require longer for the deeper tissue to heal. Taking the time to heal after a significant procedure will enhance the result of your surgery and help minimize the already low risk of complications such as post-surgical infections.
If you’ve been thinking about breast augmentation, schedule a consultation with Dr. Poulter today or call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll Free at (888) 841-4108.
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Dr. Jeffrey Poulter →
An experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Poulter is committed to your beautiful results with minimal discomfort and downtime.
Breast enhancement is a widely sought-after cosmetic surgery procedure, offering various options to achieve the desired results. Among the most popular procedures are breast augmentation/enlargement and breast lift. Each procedure comes with its own advantages, so it’s important to understand their differences.
If you desire larger breasts, breast augmentation is the ideal procedure for you. There are several factors to consider, such as incision location, implant placement above or below the muscle, and the type of implant (saline or silicone, round or shaped). Your plastic surgeon will guide you through the advantages and disadvantages of each option. It’s essential to discuss your desired size and shape, as well as your lifestyle and job requirements, to ensure the best selection for your breast enhancement. Experienced surgeons consider all these factors to ensure your satisfaction with the final outcome.
A breast lift, on the other hand, can address drooping caused by loss of breast volume, which may occur due to aging, weight fluctuations, or childbirth. Different techniques are available for breast lifts, and the most suitable one depends on the amount of breast volume, tissue, and the level of droop you experience.
Both breast augmentation and breast lifts have their own unique advantages and disadvantages. However, patients with a modest amount of drooping may correct it with just an implant placed in the breast pocket, utilizing a technique that fills the lower portion of the breast more effectively. Additionally, larger implants may require less lift for the desired results. Combining a breast lift with augmentation can restore a more youthful position and increase volume.
When it comes to your appearance, it’s crucial to trust the expertise of a skilled professional. Dr. Jeffrey Poulter is a board-certified plastic surgeon with over 30 years of experience, specializing in a wide range of cosmetic procedures. With his extensive training and proven skill, he can provide solutions to help you look and feel your best.
To start your journey towards looking and feeling your best, schedule a consultation with Dr. Poulter today. Contact our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll-Free at (888) 841-4108.
We’re excited to share with you some amazing results from our body contouring patients. We have featured four incredible body contouring outcomes and the remarkable transformations. If you have been considering body contouring and how it can help you achieve the body shape you desire, schedule a consultation today. Get ready to be inspired by the possibilities of sculpting your ideal physique!
This patient came to us after losing breast tissue post-breastfeeding and childbearing and wanted to restore her pre-pregnancy fullness. She had 325cc Natrelle full projection gummy bear implants placed in the subfascial plane. This plane is below the covering of the muscle, but above the pectoralis muscle which equates to more strength and less soreness in the post-operative period. She is 39 years old, 5’ 7” and weighs 156 pounds. These photos are her 6 week result.
This patient lost breast tissue following nursing, childbearing and massive weight loss of 70 pounds. She had a lot of droop to her breast, but plenty of native breast tissue. A mastopexy, or breast lift, was completed on this patient which gave her a fantastic size and shape of her breast without placing an implant. She is 46 years old, 5’4” and weighs 156 pounds. These photos are her 6 week result and she still has some residual swelling of her nipples.
This patient came to us after losing 60 pounds post childbearing. She had 3 C-sections that forced her skin to fold over her scar in addition to excess skin resulting from weight loss. She underwent a lower body lift which addresses the front and back during the same procedure. She also had liposuction done to her hips and lateral thighs at this time which helped to give her a skin a smoother, tighter appearance in combination with the lift. She is 29 years old, 5’ 3” and weighs 134 pounds. These are her 6 week results. The reddened scar will fade to white as it matures.
This patient came to us after losing over 90 pounds through medication and lifestyle changes. Her first procedure was an extended abdominoplasty, or tummy tuck, that includes a vertical incision called a Fleur-de-Lis to help remove as much excess skin as possible. She also had liposuction done to her hips at this time. Her second procedure helped to address the excess skin in her back, as well as the severe asymmetry of her breast. She had a torsoplasty (removes excess back skin), mastopexy (breast lift) and an augmentation. To account for asymmetry, her right breast had 450cc Natrelle full projection gummy bear implant and her left a 325 cc gummy bear implant both in the subfascial plane. As she continues to lose weight, her most recent procedure was a brachioplasty. A brachioplasty removes the skin flaps that hang down from the arms or “bat wings.” She is 52 years old, 5’ 5” and weighed 163 pounds when she started with us and is now down to 144 pounds. These photos are her 6 month results from her back and breasts, and 6 weeks post brachioplasty.
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Dr. Jeffrey Poulter →
An experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Poulter is committed to your beautiful results with minimal discomfort and downtime.
When it comes to your appearance, it’s best to keep in mind that you get what you pay for. No matter how much of a ‘deal’ you may think you’re getting, you must consider if you’re willing to take a risk by using a non-certified practitioner. Confirming that your surgeon is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery helps serve as a warranty for the type of training they have received.
Did you know that any licensed physician can legally perform cosmetic procedures and call themselves a cosmetic surgeon, regardless of their training? Or they may present themselves as board certified, but are they board certified in the services they are offering? Surprisingly, there are no laws against a doctor treating someone outside the medical and surgical training they received to obtain their board certification.
Certification in Plastic Surgery can only be awarded by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This distinction is given only after the surgeon finishes a formal residency in Plastic Surgery and passes both a written and oral examination and their practice is reviewed after two years of actually working in their practice. Once a surgeon achieves Board Certification, they must participate in continuing education programs in order to maintain that status. Selecting a board-certified surgeon helps ensure that your doctor is dedicated to staying up-to-date on the latest technologies and changes.
Knowledge and experience are just a few of the reasons Dr. Poulter has earned the trust of thousands of patients. He is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery (General). He recertifies every two years in Advanced Cardiac Life Support, and has earned the Advanced Education in Cosmetic Surgery Certificate. In addition to those certifications, Dr. Poulter also has advanced professional training in courses like the Masters Injectors Course, and the SkinMedica Product Science Course. He also has hospital accessibility at OSF St. Joseph Medical Center and Carle-Bromenn Medical Center, a privilege reserved to plastic surgeons who have board certification.
In addition to an experienced doctor and an accredited surgical suite, our staff members are also here to guide you through your procedure, providing all the necessary information and answering your questions and concerns. We pride ourselves on providing great service using our extensive experience at all points along the way to help alleviate any of your concerns.
When it comes to your plastic surgery, it’s best to do your research to make sure you’re in the best hands, in the best environment. If you’ve been thinking about plastic surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr. Poulter today or call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll-Free at (888) 841-4108.
Get to Know
Dr. Jeffrey Poulter →
An experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Poulter is committed to your beautiful results with minimal discomfort and downtime.
Dr. Poulter has been practicing for over 30 years and thousands of patients have entrusted him with their care. Read on for more about why he chose a career in medicine and plastic surgery, what he enjoys most about his work, and what he enjoys outside of work!
Q: What first sparked your interest in medicine/surgery?
A: I first considered it during my senior year biology class with Mrs. Hove – I like tracking how food was digested and where the nutrients were absorbed in the body. I also had a parent with significant medical problems that left me wanting to be able to help, and I got a job as an ER aide and an EKG tech at the local hospital. In college, I majored in bio-pre med (as I figured I could transfer to something less rigorous if I decided I didn’t like medicine).
I was one of the first male orderlies at Carle Hospital (between my junior and senior years at University of Illinois). When I started medical school, I wanted to be the “Love Boat” doctor, taking care of all illnesses. However, I was paired with a plastic surgeon as an advisor and fell in love with that specialty. I took multiple plastic electives as I went to medical school year-round for four years, with no breaks.
Q: Why did you choose plastic surgery over other specialties?
A: As a medical student, my advisor gave me opportunities to observe and participate in clinics and surgery and the electives he was in charge of. I really liked the ability of the plastic surgeon to improve a patient’s confidence and self-esteem by correcting a congenital deformity, repairing areas of the body brutalized by trauma, reconstructing a breast following cancer, revising a scar that triggers bad memories, and correcting the changes motherhood and weight loss have delivered.
Q: How have you seen plastic surgery change throughout your career?
A: Breast implant options have come and gone and returned with the continued close surveillance on outcomes. The introduction of Botox and fillers completely changed facial rejuvenation. Breast reconstruction options have improved greatly. Surgical procedures for body contouring for massive weight loss patients help make incredible figures accompany the incredible improvement in health.
On the downside, more people are being injured by travel out of the country for surgical procedures, with many patients not returning or significantly harmed by the less controlled environments that of course are less expensive (remember, you get what you pay for!)
Q: What is the best advice you could give to potential patients or those considering surgery?
A: Work at becoming the healthiest patient you can be before plastic surgery and you will recover quicker, heal better, and have improved long lasting results. You might not even need the surgery once you adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Do your homework, get several consultations if needed. Make sure your surgeon is a board-certified plastic surgeon trained in residency to perform the procedure you are interested in and has hospital privileges to perform it as well. Not all cosmetic surgeons are plastic surgeons.
Q: What is your favorite part of what you do?
A: I love the first post-op visit when a patient says “this is just what I wanted to look like!” and “I had so little discomfort; thanks for taking the extra effort to make this happen.” I really enjoy helping brides and family members look their best for the big day. There have been more than a few tears from patients who have lost weight and complete their body contouring journey with surgery and are now able to wear regular sized clothing and not hide in a baggy shirt.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: I enjoy outdoor activities with my wife, like cycling, golfing, kayaking, and walking. I also like playing drums with the praise band on occasion, traveling, relaxing in our back yard with mature plantings, listening to the morning cardinals and watching hummingbirds at the feeders.
Q: What is your favorite type of music?
A: Although classic rock will always win, I have allowed others in the OR to have a turn picking the music as well, which has opened my tastes to the whole gamut of available music. My children live in Texas and there are not any other radio stations there other than country, so I’m being trained well for when we relocate upon retirement!
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Dr. Jeffrey Poulter →
An experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Poulter is committed to your beautiful results with minimal discomfort and downtime.
Your eyes are one of the first things people notice about you – especially in the age of masks! Droopy upper eyelids, sagging lower eyelids, or dark under-eye circles can all make you look older than you really are.
Whether you want to improve your appearance or are experiencing functional problems with your eyelids, eyelid surgery can help rejuvenate your eye area. Surgery can be performed on the upper lids, lower lids, or both.
Eyelid surgery can treat a number of issues. It can help with loose or sagging skin that creates folds or disturbs the natural contour of the eyelid (sometimes impairing vision), fatty deposits that appear as puffiness in the eyelids, bags underneath the eyes, drooping lower eyelids (that reveal white below the iris), or excess skin and fine wrinkles of the lower eyelid. The results can provide a more rested and youthful appearance, which can lead to more self-confidence.
If you have a low eyebrow, a brow lift may also be recommended to help complete the improvement of the upper lids. A brow lift lifts the eyebrows and reduces lines and furrows on the forehead by treating the brow muscles and forehead. The use of injectables such as Botox or Juvederm can also be used to enhance your surgical result.
Dr. Poulter specializes in procedures such as eyelid surgery, combining his surgeon’s skill with an artful eye to create beautiful, natural looking results. He is very conscientious of where incisions are placed. For an upper eyelid surgery, the incision goes in the eyelid crease (so you do not see it at all when the eye is open). The lower lid incision is well-hidden, just below the lashes.
If you’re considering a blepharoplasty or other procedures for around the eye, schedule a consultation with Dr. Poulter today or call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll Free at (888) 841-4108.
Get to Know
Dr. Jeffrey Poulter →
An experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Poulter is committed to your beautiful results with minimal discomfort and downtime.
Your face naturally loses volume as you age – in fact, the average person loses a teaspoon of volume in their face every year. Minimally invasive cosmetic procedures are a fantastic way to look rejuvenated and brighten up your look with minimal to no downtime.
Dermal fillers sit under the skin to provide volume and fullness. Fillers can be used to treat various signs of aging, such as plumping thinning lips, filling in shallow areas on the face, decreasing wrinkles under the eyes, and more. They can be used to treat multiple areas of the face, ears, and neck, and many last for up to two years.
Juvederm is one example of these injectables, which can be used to treat various signs of aging, such as plumping thinning lips, filling in shallow areas on the face, decreasing the shadow or wrinkles under the eyes, and more. Some fillers lift and smooth out the folds and wrinkles in targeted areas by adding a subtle amount of volume, while Voluma acts as structural support to help lift the entire cheek and minimize the need for individual wrinkle treatment. Volbella can be used to provide subtle volume and is used for filling vertical lip lines as well as soft hydration. It can be used to smooth undereye hollows and add subtle volume the delicate area below the eye.
Who is doing your injections is just as important as what product is being injected. Dr. Poulter holds the Master Injector designation from Allergan and has over 30 years of filler and 20 years of Botox experience. As a surgeon injector, meaning he can not only inject the areas of concern but has also operated on those muscles. This allows him to better understand the variations in muscle anatomy and take the time to evaluate the function this variation produces so your injections are individualized to your specific needs. He can also advise when injections may not be the best answer for your concerns.
During your consultation, Dr. Poulter may assess your midface and eye area, looking for volume characteristics such as deficits (valleys) or excess (hills), along with characteristics such as color, texture and elasticity to determine the best approach for your goals. The amount of filler necessary to make a difference varies from person to person depending on your unique characteristics and the look you’re looking to achieve.
Patients can get a more complete facial rejuvenation when filling all the areas in need at once rather than by adding a syringe at a time. The fillers last up to two years so the results are longer lasting than most patients are aware of. Dr. Poulter offers a multi-syringe discount using a cannula; with this, patients have less discomfort and are done more quickly with less bruising and risk of injury to vessels and nerves. Dr. Poulter will choose what fillers to include, optioning for the longer lasting fillers when appropriate and all of them have local anesthetic in them.
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Poulter to discuss what’s best for you! Call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll Free at (888) 841-4108 and freshen up your look in 2023!
Get to Know
Dr. Jeffrey Poulter →
An experienced plastic surgeon. Dr. Poulter is committed to your beautiful results with minimal discomfort and downtime.
As we enter 2023, you may have made one or two New Year’s Resolutions. Maybe you want to read more or take better care of yourself. Most people want to put their best face forward and make sure their outer appearance matches how they feel inside. If you’ve been thinking about cosmetic surgery, make this your year!
There are many reasons why this is an ideal time to undergo just about any type of procedure. For example, the cooler temperatures make it easier to stay indoors, allowing your body plenty of time to recover. Getting a sufficient amount of rest is essential to a safe and successful recovery process. Additionally, post-surgery dressings or bandages can be easily covered with sweaters or layers of clothes. Getting your procedures done when it’s cooler may also mean avoiding the warmth of the compression garments and less swelling than you may have in the summer.
By the time summer comes around, the results of your procedures will be fully realized, allowing you to enjoy the warm weather with increased self-confidence.
The first and most important choice in plastic surgery is selecting a board-certified surgeon you trust. Board-certified plastic surgeons are extensively trained and have a comprehensive education to ensure a patient’s safety. The extensive training provides technical skills, as well as the aesthetic judgment needed to provide the best care and results. Dr. Poulter has been in practice in central Illinois for over 30 years and is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS). He was also board-certified by the American Board of Surgery (General Surgery). He also holds certification in Advanced Education in Cosmetic Surgery and the Platinum Practice Designation by Allergan.
Thinking about making the ultimate New Year’s resolution this year? Schedule a consultation with Dr. Poulter today or call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll-Free at (888) 841-4108, and get on the road to a new year, new you!
Although it’s cold outside now, you may be thinking of warmer weather activities like fun at the beach or the pool. Planning ahead now can help you be recovered – and look great – in time for spring and can help motivate you to head into the new year with new goals and a fresh start.
Winter is an ideal time to undergo just about any type of cosmetic surgery. During warm weather, most people want to enjoy the sunshine, making it tough to sit home and stay indoors. Winter is a great time to plan a ‘stay-cation’ to recover from your surgery. With colder weather, you’ll likely be mainly indoors and looking to take it easier. Many people take time off during November and December for the holiday season. Scheduling plastic surgery during this time provides you with a unique opportunity to minimize vacation days during your recovery.
And while many of us dislike that there are fewer sunny days in winter, this is actually a good thing for your recovery. Patients are generally advised to avoid direct sun exposure after their procedure, and having the sun safely hidden behind the clouds makes that easier. Plus, warmer, bulkier clothes make it easier to conceal changes.
Body contouring and breast augmentation can both take a few months to recover fully. Many procedures require you to avoid swimming, soaker baths and hot tubs until your incisions have healed. Giving yourself plenty of recovery time can help ensure that you’re ready for warmer temperatures – and spring break fun.
While many patients are back to work and other activities within a few weeks after surgery, it might take longer for the full results of your procedure to take effect. Scheduling your procedure soon will give you plenty of time to heal. As next spring and summer draw closer, an increasing number of people may be looking to get their procedures done in time to be ready for the beach. By planning ahead and having your procedure during the winter months, you can avoid the early spring rush.
Looking and feeling your best can make a new year all the more fulfilling, as not only do you have a clean slate from the previous year, but you have a brand-new look as well. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Poulter today or call our office at (309) 663-1222 or Toll Free at (888) 841-4108.
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