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Sometimes surgical procedures such an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) or mastopexy (breast lift) are the best option to obtain the body and self-confidence you deserve.

“Breast lifts and tummy tucks are some of the most common cosmetic procedures I perform,” says Dr. Rigo Mendoza with The Bassin Center for Plastic Surgery. “In many cases, a lot of women seek to have one or both of these procedures done following pregnancy. We call it the ‘mommy makeover’ because pregnancy can significantly change a women’s midsection and breasts.”

However, it’s not just for postpartum women. During the 15 years Dr. Mendoza has been a boardcertified plastic surgeon, he says he has performed tummy tucks and breast lifts on women of all ages.

“With so many options available, it’s easy for women in all stage of life to fi nd what will work for the results they are trying to achieve,” says Dr. Mendoza.

Each appointment starts with a consultation where a course of action is decided. Some women may require more invasive treatments while other women may attain her desired look with noninvasive treatments. In the case of tummy tucks, options vary.

“Some women may only have a little tummy pouch that can be fi xed with a mini tummy tuck, which can achieve excellent, long-lasting results that should be well-maintained with proper diet and exercise,” says Dr. Mendoza. “However, there will be women who may require a full tummy tuck, which is more invasive but nowhere near as intrusive as a C-section. We simply cut away excess skin and fat to get down to the muscle, which is tightened and restored to its normal position.”

There are various options for breast lifts, as well.

“If you have enough tissue but have lost volume in your breasts, we can insert a small implant to improve their balance and symmetry,” says Dr. Mendoza. “Another popular option is to do a little liposuction and use that fat in the breast for a more natural appearance.”

With so many choices, Dr. Mendoza advises the best approach to any potential cosmetic surgery is to consult with a surgeon who can help you decide on the procedure that will work best for you.

At The Bassin Center for Plastic Surgery, which has offices in The Villages, patient care and consultation is just as important as employing the latest, cutting-edge technology. It is why people from all over the country seek out Dr. Mendoza.

“Overall, we have an extremely high satisfaction rate. I have established patients from Chicago that make the trip to Florida to see me,” he says. “I believe that alone speaks volumes about the kind of work we do at The Bassin Center. We try to offer state-of-the-art tools that best benefit the individuals we aim to serve and please.”

I recently needed to have several dental procedures and elected to have the anxietyfree treatment offered by Dr. Murrell. This enabled me to have five hours of dental work done in one visit. I felt no anxiety, pain or discomfort of any kind during the visit and felt completely normal the next day. Dr. Murrell and his staff could not have been more gentle, caring and professional. The anxiety free treatment they provide is priceless for the many of us that avoid or delay seeing a dentist due to the fear of pain or discomfort.”

— Beverly Pires