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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:
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.
Q:
Would post bariatric surgery help prevent gaining back weight that was lost and will insurance cover the surgery?
I lost a lot of weight and have since gained some back. I was wondering if post bariatric surgery could help prevent gaining back all the weight that I lost. Would insurance pay for the surgery and would they pay for other problems caused by redundant tissue, like rashes? What would be the total recovery time as I work at a physically demanding job requiring me to regularly lift 50 pounds.
A:
Post Bariatric Surgery (I am assuming you mean lifting procedures and panniculectomies) will NOT prevent weight gains. If your caloric intake exceeds your output, you will gain weight.
Some insurance companies do cover these procedures if you have medical problems that develop from them such as rashes but you usually have to provide documentation that medical management has not resolved them.
As for work restrictions, it really depends on what you do but for straightforward skin excisions without complications, you should be able to return to work in 3 weeks without restrictions.
Q:
What is the best brow lift approach, subperiosteal or subcutaneous?
My doctor offered me two options for a brow lift - subperiosteal or subcutaneos. Both would be with incisions back and close to the hairline. Which would be the best approach for this surgery?
A:
There is no best way as each person has different results from each procedure. I prefer the subcutaneous technique because it's simple, effective, predictable, and easy to redo if it doesn't hold up satisfactorily as admittedly, many do not. But it is much more durable the second time around. Subperiosteal lifts require an operating room and when done right, are durable but you have the probability of losing sensation over the top of the head, posterior to the incision and if it isn't right, you have to go back to the operating room which adds considerably to cost.
Bottom line, both will elevate your brow. Ask your surgeon which one he is better at and consider going with that one.
C.S. Wong, MD
Q:
My mother wants me to have a breast reduction in my larger breast but I want a breast augmentation of both breasts.
I am 16 years old. I have one breast that is larger than the other. My mother said that she would get me a breast reduction of the bigger breast. I want a breast augmentation of both breasts because of sagging when I get older. What is your opinion?
A:
Unless you are truly deformed because of your asymmetry, you should wait until your development is complete. If you are "deformed", then it comes down to what your goals are and what risks you are willing to accept such as the inability to breast feed or loss of nipple sensation. In general, unless your situation is extreme, most surgeons will not agree to augment you at this time.