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Gary R. Culbertson, MD, FACS
- Iris Surgery Center
18 Miller Road
Sumter, SC 29150 - Tel: Click for phone number
- Fax: 803-773-6009
- Send E-mail
- www.garyculbertson.com
Answered Questions
Q:
After having a tummy tuck 11 weeks ago, my stomach isn't flat at all - will this resolve and my stomach eventually become flat?
I had a tummy tuck 11 weeks ago on January 9th and a hematoma surgically evacuated on January 29th. My stomach is not flat at all and it actually looks like a basketball. Should I have reason to be worried that my stomach is never going to be flat?
A:
Without an examination or some photographs it is a bit difficult to answer your question. Normally, after a Tummy Tuck the abdomen is much flatter and more appealing. If it is not and you are over 3 months post op then, first address your concerns with your surgeon. If you are not satisfied with the responses you receive request copies of your operative reports and seek a consult with a member of the ASAPS in your area. They are experts at correctional cosmetic surgery.
Best,
Gary R Culbertson, MD, FACS
Q:
Can anything be done to repair excess skin under the chin after having a lower facelift?
I had a lower facelift eight months ago which has left me with excess skin under my chin. After having Steroid injections and 5 IPL treatments by my surgeon, the excess skin is still there. It is at the sides of the chin scar and seems to be attached to reforming jowls. Can anything be done to repair this?
A:
I am so sorry your cosmetic surgery did not go well. Yes, there are several other options. Consider obtaining a copy of your operative report from your surgeon. This data and an examination would be essential to determine which options will work best in your case. Consider a consult with a member of the ASAPS in your local area. They are experts at correctional Cosmetic surgery.
Best,
Gary R Culbertson, MD, FACS
Q:
Will my insurance cover breast reduction for myself going from a DD size to a B cup?
I am 53 years old, 5'2" and weigh 145 pounds. I would like my DD breasts reduced to a B cup. My back has ached between my shoulder blades for years and the pressure of my bra straps is starting to cause serious problems with my neck. Will my insurance (Anthem BCBS) cover breast reduction for me?
A:
Your insurance carrier's (Anthem) policy will determine if they cover Breast Reduction surgery. Give them a call or check in with the Human Resource Dept. where you work.
Yes, you sound like a good candidate for a Breast Reduction. Consider thinking of your post operative result as proportional to body size or smaller than your body size rather than a specific cup size. The reason: There are no standard cup sizes within the bra industry. For example, a Victoria Secret C cup bra is often approximately the same size as a Playtex B cup bra.
Best,
Gary R Culbertson, MD, FACS
Q:
I want to know how to get rid of very dark circles under my eyes?
I'm very young and have had extreme dark circles under my eyes since I was 10. I have tried many types of makeup, but none have worked. I'm thinking of surgery to correct this although I don't know exactly which eye surgery would be best, also to help the most to look natural. Please advise.
A:
Dark circles around the eye can be an extremely complex issue. A history and physical examination would certainly be required to make the best determination of what treatment would be best for you. Ethnicity, medications, medical conditions, etc. can have a role in the cause and treatment of dark circles around the eyes. Consider a consult with one of the many members of the ASAPS in your area that specializes in laser treatments.
Best,
Gary R Culbertson, MD, FACS
Q:
Is it safe to have a breast lift and Brazilian butt lift in Brazil or do you recommend only having this done in the USA?
I am interested in having a few plastic surgery procedures (breast lift, Brazilian Butt Lift, etc.) done. Which country is the safest to undergo these procedures apart from the USA and UK? Would it be safe to have these surgeries performed in Brazil?
A:
The short answer to your question would be YES. Please make sure your are healthy enough to tolerate these types of surgical procedures and such a long anesthetic. Consider a visit to your primary care physician for pre-operative cardiopulmonary clearance BEFORE your surgery. For your own safety it would be best if you were monitored for at least 23 hours after such a combined cosmetic procedure. Extensive travel should include preventive treatment for possible post operative DVT/ PE.
Medical tourism is certainly on the rise mainly due to the cheaper costs overseas. Remember that the Medical-Legal systems in foreign countries often are entirely different than in the USA/ UK. Further, your surgeon should be theoretically responsible for you in the post operative period until you are completely stable/healed. Who is going to take care of you if you have an unfavorable outcome or untoward event? Most contractors do not like having to fix someone else's mistakes.
Best,
Gary R Culbertson, MD, FACS