Question
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Anti-Aging facials other than ultherapy and thermage?
Stimulate Collegan
Apr 19, 2017
In my opinion a minimum invasive facial to help stimulate collagen would be micro-needling. After applying numbing cream, a licensed aesthetician passes a pen with micro-fine needles over the face to create microscopic channels. The reaction to the body from the punctures help stimulate growth factors that increase collagen and elastin deposition. You should look into it!
Does anyone know if you can still do a glycolic peel when you have a lot of blackheads?
Bye, bye blackheads!
Apr 19, 2017
Yes, you could get a glycolic peel with blackheads. It would actually help remove a layer of the skin to make it easier for the aesthetician to extract those blackheads.
Extended brachioplasty wound separation beginning in armpit of right arm. 12 days post op. Thoughts
wound healing after upper arm surgery
Apr 18, 2017
Thank you for your question. You seem to be doing very well in your recovery, with only a very small area where the skin has not completely closed. Based on your photos, this should heal with the wound care program you are currently following. A Band-Aid may be more convenient to dress the area, in case you are concerned about protecting your clothing. Good luck, your incisions will continue to improve in appearance over the next several months!
3 weeks post op arm lift wound separation concerns!
wound healing after upper arm surgery
Apr 18, 2017
Thank you for your question. This is not an uncommon occurrence after brachioplasty, as there is constant motion with your arms and upper body, which places tension on the skin incisions as they are healing. Based on your photos, your wound looks clean with healthy pink tissue, which will gradually shrink the wound over time. The white layer is most likely a protein exudate from the open surface area. You appear to be doing well with wound care with soap and...
Redness and itching?
itching and redness after breast lift
Apr 18, 2017
Thank you for your question. Patients tend to heal at different rates, and other issues such as tobacco use/smoking and other wound healing conditions may be slowing down your recovery. Also, the symptoms you are described may also depend on the type of sutures used to close your incisions. Drainage can also be a sign of a fluid collection or 'seroma' that can form after the surgery, even with the skin incisions completely healed. Please discuss your concerns with...
I'm concerned about my midline. Any suggestions?
appearance of sternum two months after breast augmentation
Apr 18, 2017
Thank you for your question. Every patient's postoperative course can be different; however, at two months after surgery most plastic surgeons would expect any residual edema or swelling to be improving and/or resolved. The 'uni-boob' you are concerned about may be symmastia, in which the normal sternal gap between the breasts has been narrowed or completely obliterated so that there is bridging skin present. If that is the case, your plastic surgeon may discuss...
The skin on my sternum has been lifted since I had the surgery. I'm now concerned about having symm
appearance of the sternal skin after augmentation
Apr 18, 2017
Thank you for your question. Since you just underwent breast augmentation several weeks ago, it is possible that there is some residual swelling or edema of the skin that is causing the appearance you describe. Taping that area to improve the contour lines can help, as well. Should this area persist, revision surgery for symmastia may be needed. I am sure you are still in contact with your plastic surgeon, and they should be able to address these issues during your...
Follow-up Question: Can I get a breast reduction after breast augmentation???
additional surgery after breast augmentation
Apr 18, 2017
Thank you for your question. I am sure you are still in contact with your plastic surgeon, so recently after your augmentation, and they of course can help you decide the timing of any additional surgery and your expected results. Typically larger implants can be used during breast augmentation to fill out the loose skin that is often present after weight loss or breast feeding. Immediately after surgery, up to several weeks to months later, the position of the implants are...
Do I need an arm lift or lipo of the arm?
options regarding arm lift vs liposuction
Apr 11, 2017
Thanks for your question! There are two issues to discuss with you regarding arm lift vs. liposuction: first, whether there is already loose skin present or just extra adipose tissue; and second, how elastic or resilient your skin is, which can be determined by the presence of stretch marks.
Younger people tend to have more elastic skin, so that if this is just extra adipose tissue, liposuction with postop compression garments may contour your arms to your desired goal. ...
Is arm reduction a possibility for me?
plastic surgery with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Apr 11, 2017
Thank you for your question. There are several different subtypes of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome that impacts your skin elasticity as well as how well your body can heal after surgery. People diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome are at higher risk of wound healing complications as well as hypertrophic, thickened scarring.
Unfortunately, surgical options will be limited for these reasons. However, topical treatments such as radiofrequency or cryotherapy may help you...
Weight gain after brachioplasty & lift with augmentation. How long until I return to my normal weig
weight changes after surgery
Apr 11, 2017
Congratulations on your surgery and your recovery! It will take some time for your body to return to your normal weight, as there is a period of edema and swelling at your surgical sites, which is a normal part of healing, as well as fluid retention and slow GI tract function that can transiently add to your weight. With brachioplasty, the weight of your excess skin is removed; however, remember that you also underwent augmentation, which will add the...
Tingling, prickling, pins and needles 5 1/2 years after plastic surgery. Is this normal?
tingling sensation after surgery
Apr 11, 2017
Thank you for your question. Whenever you undergo any procedure, there are risks that are discussed extensively, to better prepare you for what to expect after surgery and during your recovery period. Typically healing after surgery continues for up to one year as scar tissue softens and remodels, inflammation decreases, and any nerve/sensory disturbances gradually resolve. Several years later though is a little unusual; however, it sounds like you have sought medical...
What procedure would be best for my arms?
options for arm surgery after weight loss
Apr 11, 2017
Congratulations on your weight loss! Sometimes, as we get older, our skin loses its elasticity and its ability to 'shrink wrap' itself, which is evidenced by the appearance of stretch marks. Depending on the balance of redundant skin vs any residual adipose tissue, you may benefit from liposuction alone or arm lift surgery (brachioplasty) with liposuction. This usually addresses the skin and soft tissue in the triceps area.
A board certified plastic surgeon in your...
Fatty arms. What treatment can be done to improve my arms?
options for contouring arms
Apr 11, 2017
The appearance of your arms can be a source of frustration for many people, so first of all be assured that you are not alone with your concerns, especially when wearing short sleeves. Your options depend on several factors including the amount of extra skin vs adipose tissue that is present. In my practice, some patients benefit from liposuction alone, while others may need liposuction with an arm lift or brachioplasty. If you already have stretch marks, this may be a sign...
Recovery time for an arm lift vs extended arm lift: not sure what I need so I am asking for both.
Recovery period following brachioplasty
Apr 11, 2017
Thank you for your question. As you can imagine, you use your arms all day and all night, and even while you are sleeping. Brachioplasty involves removing extra skin and fat from the arms and sometimes chest wall (extended brachioplasty). Depending on the technique, drains may also need to be placed to reduce the risk of fluid collections (seromas) which can form with overuse.
With my patients, I recommend restricted activity until the drains are removed, which may...