Plastic Surgery Questions Atlanta
Q: I’m happy with the size of my breasts, but they could definitely be perkier. Can I get a breast lift without implants?
A: Yes, a breast lift can be performed without implants! A mastopexy, or breast lift, can be performed to reposition the nipples, elevate the breast mound on the chest, and tighten the skin with minimal scarring. The procedure takes about 1–2 hours and is done typically in an outpatient surgery center.
Q: My breasts have gotten saggy and smaller after breast-feeding. How can I restore their appearance?
A: If you are happy with your breast size, a breast lift would be your best option. In this procedure, nipples are repositioned higher on the breast and the breast skin is tightened. If you would like volume added to the breast, an implant can be added to increase the breast size and improve the shape. A consultation with Dr. Lawrence, with her extensive experience in breast rejuvenation, should help you make the proper choice for your body.
Q: How do I choose the best breast implant for me?
A: Women today interested in breast augmentation have many choices. Both silicone and saline implants are now FDA-approved for safety. In addition, shaped implants have recently returned to the market. Implants come in textured and smooth surfaces, as well as in different projections. At your consultation with Dr. Lawrence, she will examine you and take measurements that will help determine which type of implant will meet your expected goals. She has samples of each implant for you to see, feel, and place in sizing bras. With over 20 years’ experience, Dr. Lawrence has a nearly 100% satisfaction rate with her breast augmentation patients!
Q: I have lost over 100 pounds following gastric bypass surgery. The extra skin is causing problems with rashes and it don’t like the way I look. What are my options?
A: After massive weight loss patients typically undergo surgical procedures to remove the skin that remains. This sagging skin commonly develops around the face, neck, upper arms, breast, abdomen, buttocks, and thighs and can make the body contour appear irregular and misshapen. There are procedures to address each one of these areas of concern. Based on the nutritional and general health of the patient, procedures may be combined to allow for fewer recovery periods. Through recent advances in all types of body contouring surgery, it is now possible for patients to have a more proportionate body, better body image, and more self-confidence. Dr. Lawrence can design a personalized plan for each patient to attain their goals.
Q: I’m a male who is 23-years old. I was 300 lbs. and now I’m 185 lbs. The problem is I have excess skin just above the penis area and around my stomach. What procedures are available to get correct this?
A: Yours is a common problem after losing a large amount of weight. Extra skin above the pubis can occur in both men and women. An abdominoplasty with public lift will remove the extra skin and restore a smooth contour to this region.
Q: How long do arm lift results last?
A: With an arm lift, or brachioplasty, fat is liposuctioned and excess skin is removed. Scars may be hidden in the underarm region, or extend down the inner arm if there is a lot of skin to be removed. Over time the skin may loosen slightly as it elasticity changes with aging. However, at a stable weight, the results should be long-lasting.
Q: How do I find the best breast augmentation surgeon?
A: Research the credentials, years in practice, and hospital affiliation of each doctor. He or she should be board-certified in plastic surgery and have many years’ experience with the procedure. In addition, hospital credentialing assures that the doctor is qualified to perform surgery. Next, look at the surgeon’s photo gallery of before and after results. Surgeons with extensive experience in performing breast augmentation should have a large volume of results to show you. Finally, make sure your doctor spends time with you discussing the size, shape and appearance of your breasts that you desire after surgery. Communication is the key to success in this surgery.
What is the difference between SmartLipo and SlimLipo?
A: SlimLipo is definitely smarter! After using both lasers over the past years, my patients definitely are happier with the results from the SlimLipo procedure. Patients notice excellent skin tightening and uniform fat removal with much less bruising and pain. The laser wave lengths produced with the SlimLipo device specifically target the fat cells to melt them and provide the correct amount of heat to tighten the skin without damage. Results are noticed immediately with continued skin tightening for up to 6 months after the procedure.
Q: Will I be able to wear a bikini after a “tummy-tuck?”
A: A flat and well-toned abdomen is something many of us strive for through exercise and weight control. Sometimes these methods cannot achieve our goals. An abdominoplasty, or “tummy tuck” involves the removal of excess skin and fat from the lower abdomen with tightening of the abdominal wall muscles, repositioning of the umbilicus and lifting of the pubis to create an abdominal profile that is smoother and firmer. A full abdominoplasty requires a scar along the lower abdomen and around the belly button. The goal of the plastic surgeon is to create a scar that is as inconspicuous as possible. Suture techniques as well as careful scar management post-operatively yield very acceptable scars, allowing the wearing of a bikini in most of patients.
Q: I’ve had 3 children and definitely need some help in my stomach area, but I’m not sure if I would need liposuction, a tummy tuck, or both to get the pre-baby look I want.
A: After 3 children, most of my patients prefer the results of an abdominoplasty to liposuction. The abdominal wall has been stretched with each pregnancy and muscle tightening with removal of extra skin can only be performed with an abdominoplasty.
Q: How do I care for my drains?