This time of year, many of our patients return from summer travels and share their adventures abroad. Italy is a frequent favorite—and it is no wonder. Just hearing about these trips brings back memories of our own wonderful Italian experiences. The food! The people! The scenery! The weather! It is easy to fall in love with the long, relaxed meals, abundant wine, and joyful company.

We recall lavish feasts with our Italian friends—multi-course meals featuring fresh antipasti, handmade pasta or risotto, followed by fish or meat, and, of course, a sweet finale of tiramisu or gelato, and frequently an espresso. Everything tastes better in Italy, and it is hard not to overindulge! I certainly have many a time in Italy. Yet oddly enough, despite the richness of Italian cuisine, you rarely see obese Italians.

It is not that they don’t enjoy cookies for breakfast or creamy ravioli at dinner. And they certainly don’t shy away from cheese, charcuterie, focaccia, or wine. So what’s their secret?

In our opinion, it’s all about portion control and freshness. Meals may be multi-course, but the portions are modest. Italians savor each bite. Vegetables and legumes are generously featured, while red meat is used sparingly. Fish is common, as are healthy fats like olive oil. Processed foods are rare compared to the U.S.—meals are built around fresh, seasonal ingredients, and even desserts are served in petite portions.

Statistics support this lifestyle difference. In 2022, Italy’s adult obesity rate was 17 percent, compared to 42 percent in the United States, according to the U.N. Food and Agriculture Organization.

There’s a lesson here. The Mediterranean diet, with its emphasis on balance, variety, and quality over quantity, is a model worth adopting. So even if we can’t live in Tuscany, we can take a page from the Italian playbook: eat mindfully, enjoy fresh food, and keep portions small.

Your body—and your waistline—will thank you. Buon appetito!

Linguini with mussels and clams in Gallipoli (coastal town on the “heel” of Italy on the Ionian Sea) – note much more mussels and clams than pasta!

Shrimp and potato/tomato dish in Roma – delicious to die for!

Caprese salad in San Quirico d’Orcia in Tuscany.

Breast augmentation continues to be one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the United States—and in our own practice. But like everything in plastic surgery, the options, techniques, and patient priorities continue to evolve. If you are considering breast augmentation, here’s what’s hot in 2025—and what experienced plastic surgeons like us want you to know.

Smaller, More Natural-Looking Implants
Today’s patients are gravitating toward a more natural aesthetic. Gone are the days of overly large, high-profile implants. Many of our patients now request modest volume increases, aiming to enhance their figure without looking “done.” And may patients who had huge implants placed years ago are now asking us to put smaller implants in for them. We help each patient choose an implant size and shape that fits their frame, lifestyle and expectations.

Improved Implant Technology
The implants themselves have improved significantly. The latest generation of cohesive silicone gel (“gummy bear”) implants offer a more natural feel, hold their shape better, and have a low rupture rate. Saline implants are still available—but silicone continues to be the most popular choice for its realistic texture and longevity.

Fat Transfer as an Option
Some patients are choosing to skip implants entirely. Fat transfer, which involves harvesting fat from one area of the body (such as the abdomen or thighs) and injecting it into the breasts, is growing in popularity. While this option typically results in a minor enhancement, it provides a natural feel and avoids introducing any foreign material into the body.

Safety First: FDA Guidelines and Long-Term Follow-Up
We always emphasize the importance of safety. Patients should be aware that implants are not lifetime devices. We offer each breast implant patient lifelong follow-up at no additional cost to the patient. The FDA recommends annual follow-up and imaging to monitor implant integrity. We educate every patient about potential long-term issues such as capsular contracture, rupture, and discuss the pros and cons honestly.

Personalized Planning
In our practice, we use personalized implant sizing to help patients visualize their results before surgery. A thorough consultation ensures the plan aligns with your anatomy, goals, and expectations. Whether you are looking for a subtle enhancement or a dramatic transformation, the most satisfying results come from a highly individualized approach.

If you’ve been thinking about breast augmentation, now is a great time to schedule a consultation. Let’s talk about what’s right for you.

Interested in improving an issue of concern?

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Ekstrom today!

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