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Daniel C. Mills, II, M.D., FACS
- Suite 401
31852 Pacific Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA 92651-3291 - Tel: Click for phone number
- Fax: 949-499-9590
- Send E-mail
- www.danmillsmd.com
Answered Questions
Q:
Will I lose any feeling/sensation in my nipples after I have my breast augmentation?
Concerned about losing feeling/sensation in my breasts/nipples after surgery.
A:
There are changes in sensation that are frequent because of stretch to the tissues which include the nerves, but these changes are usually transient and the sensation becomes normal after about 6 months. More rarely, you can loose sensation to the nipple with an augmentation if the nerve is cut. The closer you are to that nerve with the incision, the more often this happens, with the periareolar incision being highest. This is a complication that does not happen very often.
Q:
Is there any surgical solution to make my calves and ankles thicker and curvier?
I have extremely thin and undefined legs. They're knock-kneed, my calves appear too small and high, and most of all, it's difficult to walk in heels. When I'm in heels it never appears like my legs are straight, and when they are it's awkward for me. The way they look are undefined, as if I'm struggling to stand up straight all the time. I've tried everything short of surgery, including strenuous exercise, but nothing works, it just defines the thinness of them. What surgery can be done for this?
A:
Calf implants have been a good alternative for giving more shape and size to the calf, and can possibly be an alternative for your situation. If your legs are very thin, it does not sound like any liposuction or fat grafts would be an option.
Q:
Capsular Contracture...again
7/2011 had BA. 9/2011 diagnosed with CC. Revision and replacement of saline implants in March 2012, using textured saline implants. During revision, surgeon noticed milk in breasts - and believes my prolactinoma (although medicated for it) still produces just enough lactose in breast tissue to cause CC. I was just informed that I'll need my implants removed. I have to believe there is another option. I just can't emotionally deal with going back to an A cup.
A:
You have a complicated case that does not have an easy answer. It sounds like your implants are on top of the muscle, because of the involvement with milk production. It may be worthwhile trying to place the implants under the muscle. Usually if one approach didn't work well, then don't do the same thing next time. That sounds like what your surgeon is trying to do by taking out the implants for a while, and let the tissues heal without a foreign body (implant) in the area. Other options may include the use of acellular dermal matrix (ADM) with or without the use of form stable implants. It may be helpful for you to seek out another opinion as there are too many variables to go through in this question and answer venue without the benefit of a physical exam.
Q:
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I thought a Board Certified Reconstructive Surgeon was ‘it’ when it came to credentials. Yet a surgeon I know with these credentials is not on the ASAPS site. What is the distinction?
A:
There are 24 Board recognized by the Board of Medical Specialties (such as Neurosurgery, Pediatrics, OBGYN, and Plastic Surgery is one of them). Not all Board Certified Plastic Surgeons have an interest in Aesthetic (Cosmetic) Surgery. Some do mostly hand surgery, or microsurgery, or craniofacial surgery. There are also many people who call themselves Plastic Surgeons who have not had any training. Mostly this group calls themselves cosmetic surgeons.
Of the 7 thousand Board certified Plastic Surgeons, there are only about 2 thousand that are members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS). All of the members of ASAPS have to be Board Certified in Plastic Surgery, and they have to be well recognized by their peers as being recommended for the society, and they have to do a large portion of their practice in Aesthetic (cosmetic) surgery.
So if you are looking for the best of the Aesthetic Surgeons, you should find someone that is listed in the roster for ASAPS and you KNOW that they are also board certified and they do a lot of cosmetic surgery.
Q:
I'm size 34ddd and my surgeon is planning on removing 800gr. of breast tissue; what will that bring my bra size down to?
I am having a Breast Reduction. I am currently a size 34DDD. My surgeon is planning on removing 800 grams of tissue from my breasts. What will that bring my bra size down to?
A:
This is a difficult answer as there are many variables. Bra manufacturers are not regulated and have different sizes. Victoria Secret makes all their bras one size bigger for marketing purposes. So a D for Victoria Secret is a C for most other bras. Another point is that drooping (which you are sure to have if he is taking 800cc away) adds at least a cup size because of the fulcrum effect. But these things being said, 800cc removed would be about 3 cup sizes, and the fulcrum effect may take it down another size. A physical exam would be much more helpful to determine. Ask your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon his thoughts.
Dan Mills, MD FACS