F.A.Q.S

Abdominoplasty

How long does it take to recover from an abdominoplasty?

Depending on the scope of the procedure, most patients can return to most of their normal daily activities in two to four weeks.

Can I combine my abdominoplasty with other surgical procedures?

Yes. Many patients take the opportunity to address other problem areas and undergo procedures such as Breast Augmentation, Mastopexy, or Breast Reduction at the time of their Abdominoplasty in order to minimize down-time or time away from work.

When can I start exercising again?

My patients are encouraged to progressively increase their level of physical exercise as rapidly as their comfort level will permit after Abdominoplasty. Patients are asked to refrain from abdominal “crunch” type of exercises for the first six weeks after surgery.

Can a tummy tuck be performed with a tubal ligation?

Yes. There is usually no problem combining an abdominoplasty with other common non-cosmetic procedures.

Blepharoplasty

How soon can I return to work after Blepharoplasty?

Most patients require approximately 7 to 10 days for post-operative bruising to resolve. Patients are actually functional within 2-3 days and able to perform most daily tasks.

Are most patients’ good candidates for Blepharoplasty?

A: Yes. All patients considering Blepharoplasty are individually interviewed and examined. If determined during the initial examination, patients are referred to an ophthalmologist prior to surgery to assure they are good surgical candidates. Problems such as significant pre-operative dry eye issues can often be a contraindication for Blepharoplasty.

Are the scars visible?

The skin around the eye is very thin and fine in character and yields superior cosmetic scars. The classic incisions for Blepharoplasty procedures are carefully placed to fall within natural skin folds around the eye making them appear as natural anatomical lines.

Breast Augmentation

Can I combine cosmetic procedures?

Yes. Patients often combine procedures such as breast augmentation or breast lifts with liposuction or facial cosmetic procedures.

Do breast implants ever have to be replaced?

Breast implants like any other man made product can wear out and may require replacement. Whether the implants are filled with saline or silicone gel, they are designed to last for many years, possibly decades.

Are silicone breast implants “better”?

For many patients who are thin or have only a small amount of breast tissue the answer is yes. In such patients silicone implants can officer a much more natural feel and appearance.

Breast Reduction

Is Breast Reduction covered by my insurance policy?

Breast hypertrophy can be an extremely debilitating problem that is covered by most insurance policies. Policy exclusions and restrictions can occur. My secretarial staff is always more than glad to assist patients in obtaining insurance coverage for this procedure when it is available.

Are my nipples removed during the surgery?

No. The removal of nipples or “free nipple grafting” is performed only in the most extreme, severe cases of breast hypertrophy. My reduction technique relies on maintaining the nipples full sensation by keeping them attached to the preserved breast tissue pedicle that is lifted to make the new breast.

Can I have additional procedures performed at the time of my breast reduction?

Yes. Many patients desire to take full advantage of their trip to surgery and use the opportunity to treat other problem areas. Procedures such as liposuction, abdominoplasty or facial cosmetic procedures are frequently performed in combination with breast reduction.

Will my breast be attractive after the surgery?

Yes. Many patients find their large, saggy breast relatively unattractive. Most post-operative breast reduction patients not only find great relief from their daily discomfort, but also enjoy a more youthful and attractive breast.

Body Contouring (Liposuction)

Is there much bruising after liposuction?

Some bruising does occur. With the proper use of post-operative compression garments, bruising is usually minimized.

Will the excess fat ever return?

The fat cells that are removed are not replaced by the body to any significant degree. If patients undergo any significant weight gain after liposuction, the fat cells that remain will absorb this new fat volume and some of the results achieved through liposuction can be lost.

Will further exercise and dieting improve my results after liposuction surgery?

Yes! My best liposuction patient results have come in patients who continued to “do their part” even after the surgery. Liposuction removes the excess fat to reveal the body below, the better the underlying body, the more beautiful the result.

Will liposuction create any problems with “loose skin” after the surgery?

Candidates for liposuction and the areas to be liposuctioned are carefully chosen. Liposuction usually creates no problem with post-operative skin laxity in patients with good pre-operative skin elasticity.

Buttocks Augmentation by Fat Transfer

Does the buttocks augmentation last?

Yes although the result can vary from patient to patient, it is estimated that approximately 70% of the transferred fat survives long term. Some patients do require a second transfer procedure at a future time interval to obtain their optimal desired result.

Is the buttocks augmentation procedure uncomfortable to have performed?

Most patients describe the treated buttocks areas as having temporary muscle soreness. The body sites liposuctioned to obtain the fat for transfer have temporary mild to moderate temporary discomfort typical for any liposuction procedure.

Is everyone a good candidate for this procedure?

Not everyone. Patients with minimal body fat or marked skin laxity in the buttock area are not ideal candidates.

Mastopexy

When do I know that I need a breast lift and not just a Breast Augmentation?

Every patient’s situation needs to be individually evaluated by her surgeon. In general if a patient’s nipple has descended below the level of the fold beneath her breast she probably will require a Mastopexy (or lift) and not simply a breast augmentation.

Do Mastopexy or Mastopexy/Augmentations require a longer recovery time?

Yes, but only a few additional days before most daily activities can be required.

Will I lose any sensation to my breast or nipple with a mastopexy?

Although sensory change can occur with any form of breast surgery, most patients have excellent preservation of sensation and many patients actually experience a transient period of hypersensitivity.

Rhytidectomy (Facelift)

Are facelifts painful?

Most patients are pleasantly surprised at the ease with which they go through the post-operative period. Patients do mention sensations of tightness and some soreness that progressively resolve over the first one to two weeks.

Do patients ever undergo a secondary facelift at a later date?

Yes. Most patients have such a wonderful improvement in their appearance with their first procedure, when the time comes, the majority of patients feel a secondary procedure is certainly worth the investment. Also, if a secondary procedure is performed; the results usually seem to be even longer lasting than the first procedure.

How long are the results of a facelift expected to last?

Aging changes continue to occur in everyone’s life. Most patients begin to notice some recurrence of skin laxity and aging changes within five to ten years after a facelift. Although some degree of loss of benefit from a facelift inevitably occurs, patient’s who have undergone a facelift rarely ever look as aged as their peers who had not chosen to undergo a cosmetic procedure.

How long do I need to be away from work?

Patients like to plan two weeks away from their typical daily jobs. However, many patients are comfortable returning sooner to lighter activities.

Sclerotherapy (Spider Veins)

Will the spider veins come back?

If the spider veins are properly treated, very few should ever return. Patients can develop new spider veins over time that may require treatment at a later date.

Is the treatment painful?

Patients often feel a brief stinging sensation from the injection that disappears in seconds. Most patients tolerate the sclerotherapy sessions very well.

Is the treatment safe?

Yes. The varicose veins that are treated are not contributing to the work of the venous system to return blood to the heart. Treating the varicosities actually improves the efficiency of the circulatory system.

Do I have to wear the support hose?

The hose appear to significantly improve the efficiency of the vein treatment, but the treatment certainly will still work without the hose.