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Curtis S. F. Wong, M.D.
- Suite 200
2440 Sister Mary Columba Dr.
Red Bluff, CA 96080 - Tel: Click for phone number
- Fax: 530-690-2426
- Send E-mail
- www.drcurtiswong.com
Answered Questions
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.
Q:
Can a tummy tuck and breast reduction surgery be done at same time?
Can both a tummy tuck and a breast reduction procedure be done at the same time?
A:
Technically the answer is yes... but the techniques selected will have an influence on the potential complications. Less incisions and less cutting theoretically will provide the least risks and this would include the vertical reduction technique and lipo-abdominoplasty over the traditional anchor scar and standard tummy tuck. In the ideal world, I prefer to do one procedure first and use the second procedure as an opportunity to revise the results from the first procedure but some do not have the luxury of having two recovery periods.
Your surgeon you've chosen should be able to give you his/her experience and if you're willing to accept the risks (which can sometimes be devastating with skin loss), then it can certainly be done.
Q:
Is it normal for the belly button area to still stick out ten weeks after having a tummy tuck?
I had a tummy tuck 10 weeks ago and I feel great. However, around the belly button area my stomach sticks out, almost making me look like I am pregnant. I'm still wearing the band but it doesn't seem to help. I went to the surgeon and he said I was still healing from the surgery. I'm experiencing no pain, however I still look like I'm pregnant. Help!
A:
In my experience, it is not normal for this to happen. As mentioned, there can be many reasons and you should follow up with your surgeon about your concerns. "Sticking out" can mean many things so your surgeon will need to hear your concerns before he/she can come up with a plan to address it. Regardless, it should not be a permanent problem for you as long as you are willing to undergo revisions.