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Curtis S. F. Wong, M.D.
- 1950 Rosaline Avenue, Suite F
Redding, CA 96001 - Tel: Click for phone number
- Fax: 888-709-1015
- Send E-mail
- www.drcurtiswong.com
Answered Questions
Q:
Will a pacemaker interfere with plastic surgery of the breasts and arms?
Over the last year and a half, I had a midline reconstruction and leg reconstruction. I want to have my arms and breasts done. I had a pacemaker put in two months ago. Will the pacemaker in any way prevent or affect breast and arm surgery?
A:
A pacemaker doesn't preclude you from having cosmetic surgery but you should be discussing this with your surgeon and clearing it with your cardiologist. I am not sure what you mean by midline reconstruction but any scars between your breast will increase your risks for complications. Choose a reputable, board certified surgeon and he/she should be able to help you navigate the options that are available to you.
Q:
Will a breast lift after augmentation with saline implants 16 years ago be of benefit now?
I had breast augmentation with saline implants 16 years ago. Would a breast lift now be of benefit to me?
A:
Ms. Willis:
It depends... on what you wish to achieve. Your implants are aged and you would have to ask yourself if you're still desiring to have the extra volume from them or if you wish to change the size of your breasts by replacing your implants with new ones, possible even gel implants.
If your breasts have taken on a droopy appearance, then improvements in your overall appearance can be achieved with a lift, assuming that you are accepting of the scars and risks that come with it. You should discuss this with your chosen physician who can better appreciate your concerns and have the opportunity to also do an exam on you at the same time.
Best wishes,
Curtis Wong, MD
Q:
Will the State pay for my breast reduction (size 36F/G) if I'm under 18 years of age?
I'm 16 years old, and a size 36F/G. I have neck and back issues to be examined by a doctor soon. I heard somewhere that if you're under 18, and past a certain cup size, you're eligible for a breast reduction to be paid by the state. I was wondering if this is accurate.
A:
It could be accurate if you're on Medicaid (as for the state paying for it) and you have permission from your parents.
If you were in my office, factors that would have to be considered is your weight, impact on your lifestyle, and your desire to breast feed and have children. If you're overweight, you will have to lose weight before surgery would even be considered. If it impacts your life minimally, I personally would not recommend surgery. And if you wish to have the potential for breast feeding, you should have your children before having a reduction procedure as it WILL diminish or eliminate your ability to breast feed. On top of this, you and your parents/guardian will have to accept the many risks of surgery. You will probably need the documentation by your other doctor stating that your symptoms are caused from your breast size as well to get authorization and this may require several months of proof that your problems cannot be resolved with other non-surgical interventions.
Good luck!
Q:
What is the criteria for exercising after breast augmentation surgery?
I had breast augmentation nearly 3 months ago, and I'm doing fine (silicone, dual plane technique). Due to the passive post-op lifestyle, I lost muscle mass and gained some weight. I tend to jump into heavy exercises after a longer time of being passive and so far (before the operation) I did fine like this. I had some muscle pain after it, but nothing serious and recovered in a couple of days. Might this be different now or can I follow the same routine?
A:
My patients that have the dual plane technique are instructed to avoid strengthening the chest muscles as excessive, strenuous work outs with the chest muscle can displace your implant downwards and outwards. Toning is tolerated well. Ideally, you should check with your surgeon for his/her recommendations as everyone's experiences may be different. But if you have ever seen this phenomena occur, it does make a believer out of you as it has me.
My routine is to allow patients back to their pre-op activities 3 weeks after their surgery. They are asked to use a supportive sport bra AND avoid strengthening the chest muscles, but can do everything else that they wish to do.
Q:
Is it right to get a breast aug. with 500cc implants without a lift, when I am already a DD cup with saggy breasts?
I have saggy breasts, am already a DD cup, and I am getting 500cc implants without a lift. I am concerned if this is the right thing to do as I do not want my breasts to be huge. Please advise.
A:
If your nipples are below your inframammary fold, it is generally accepted that a breast lift will be needed to provide a satisfactory appearance. Augmenting saggy, large breasts will only create larger, saggy breasts (the rock in the sock look). You should discuss this further with your surgeon and if he/she is not an ASAPS member or Board Certified in Plastic Surgery, I would suggest you get a second opinion.