Plastic Surgeon in Chicago Says Spring Brings Higher Demand for Breast Augmentation

CHICAGO, IL--(Marketwire - Apr 26, 2012) - The summer months of warm weather and swimsuits are rapidly approaching and, as many people start hitting the gym in anticipation of lighter, more revealing clothing, Chicago plastic surgeon Dr. Brian Braithwaite says he has also noticed an influx of patients at his practice as well. While diet, exercise, and time in the sun can help patients feel more comfortable and confident in their skin, Dr. Braithwaite says many of his patients are not satisfied with these results alone and want to improve the overall appearance of their body. Because of the approaching warmer weather, he says spring is the most popular time of year for breast augmentation in Chicago, a trend he has noticed over the past few years as patients look for fuller breasts and higher self-esteem as they prepare for swimsuit season.

As the most popular cosmetic surgical procedure performed by plastic surgeons since 2010, breast augmentation surgeries are up 4% in the past year according to the latest statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), a number Dr. Braithwaite only expects to rise as developments in technique and implant manufacturing continue to emerge. He says a large percentage of the breast augmentations he performs occur during the months between February and June as patients get ready to enjoy the sunnier climate. "We see a large increase in breast augmentation procedures at this time of year, as patients prepare for the warmer weather," says Dr. Braithwaite.

At his center for plastic surgery in Chicago, Dr. Braithwaite says his patients often find that a breast augmentation can help them fit their swimsuits better and improve their appearance in lighter clothing. He says while the procedure has been often associated with high-profile enhancement, most of his patients are simply looking for a natural result that will proportionally accentuate their figure. Also, because there is a smaller window of hot weather in Chicago than in more tropical regions, Dr. Braithwaite says a large number of his patients request their breast augmentation in the spring so they will have plenty of time to recover before the season starts.

"I think that patients are driven to procedures such as breast augmentation as we move into warmer weather because they want to look their best in lighter, warm-weather clothing. Also, because we cherish the warmer weather here in Chicago, patients tend to want to get the surgery behind them in the spring so they don't have to endure any down time once the consistently warm summer weather hits," he says.

Regardless of what time of year patients are looking for breast implants in Chicago, Dr. Braithwaite stresses the importance of consulting with an experienced and qualified plastic surgeon before undergoing any procedure. He says he encourages all patients to take the time to extensively research their practice and surgeon so as to ensure the safety and effectiveness of their results. Through partnership with a dedicated practice, Dr. Braithwaite says patients can achieve their aesthetic goals and feel confident in their bodies during the warmer weather months.

"My advice for patients considering breast augmentation is the same any time of year: Arrange a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who will have the patient's utmost safety in mind, and one who will spend sufficient time with them to help select an appropriate implant that the patient's tissues can handle for years and years to come," he says.

About Brian M. Braithwaite, MD, FACS

A graduate of the University of Chicago, Dr. Brian Braithwaite earned his medical degree from the University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. He completed his general surgery residency at Keesler Medical Center, Keesler Air Force Base after a tour with the Marines and completed his plastic surgery training at the University of Louisville. Dr. Braithwaite served as Chief of Plastic Surgery at Bethesda Naval Medical Center during his last years on active duty. He has also been named Assistant Professor at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. He is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Located at 601 West Randolph Street in Chicago, IL, Dr. Braithwaite's practice can be reached at (312) 361-8108. He can also be contacted online via the website drbraithwaite.com or the Aesthetic Institute of Chicago Facebook page.