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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:
What is your opinion of the Zerona treatment and does it work?
What is your opinion of the Zerona treatment and does it work? Thank you.
A:
My personal opinion of Zerona, based upon data presented at our national meetings, is that it is not worth your time or expense.
Best,
Gary R. Culbertson, MD, FACS
Q:
Can you explain the difference between SmartLipo and traditional Liposuction?
I'm a healthy 48 year old male with "love handles" and belly fat. I have never been overweight and stay in the range of 175 to 180 pounds. I exercise and watch my diet. Would liposuction be the procedure necessary to get rid of the love handles and belly fat? What is the difference between SmartLipo and traditional liposuction? Thank you.
A:
Yes, since you have tried diet and exercise without resolution of these love handles, liposuction should help. We have found patients that lose some weight before a liposuction procedure tend to do much better long term than those who do not. I believe it is a motivational issue to keep their weight stable.
Laser assisted liposuction is an adjuvant to liposuction. There are many such assistants, including water assisted, ultrasound assisted, radio frequency assisted, etc., to name but a few. They all make claims to improve the liposuction experience/technique. Consult with a member of ASAPS to see which method would be best in your case and for your concerns.
Best,
Gary R. Culbertson, MD, FACS
Q:
Is it safe to have Rhinoplasty following Botox injections?
I am scheduled to have reconstructive rhinoplasty, but have received Botox injections covering the usual areas including my nose to treat "bunny lines." Is it safe or advisable to have surgery on my nose following the Botox?
A:
The administration of the Botox should not affect your Rhinoplasty procedure.
Best,
Gary R. Culbertson, MD, FACS
Q:
How important are before and after patient photos of the procedure one is considering to have?
I have narrowed my search to two plastic surgeons. One has 20 before and after photos of my procedure. Her patients are all photographed from 3 to 5 different angles. Her results are amazing. The other surgeon also has good results, but not as many photos and demonstrating only one to two angles. The surgeon with the better photos is double the price. Is it important to have photos from so many angles? If a surgeon is a perfectionist with photos, will they be a perfectionist in the operating room? My surgery will be an eye lift.
A:
Before and after pictures are important. They give the patient a good idea of the surgeon's work, ability and outcomes. Unfortunately, many plastic surgeons including myself do not put enough effort into this arena of practice. Some surgeons have a devoted photographer or a photography room. This is obviously a much more professional approach. As you mentioned there is often a cost associated with such a business practice.
You should be able to look at individual patient's pictures and make your own determination on which plastic surgeon would be right for you. Use the results of the pictures as a guide. The actual quality and number of the photographs per patient is less important in my opinion.
Best,
Gary R. Culbertson, MD, FACS
Q:
What procedure would be best, a tummy tuck or liposuction for a 47 year old male with love handles and belly fat?
I'm a healthy 47 year old male in really good shape with the exception of my love handles and belly fat. I weigh between 175 and 180 pounds. What would be your suggestion for me - a tummy tuck or liposuction? Thank you.
A:
Unfortunately, I cannot answer your question without more data. Most male patients are best served with Liposuction alone. However, a history of previous abdominal surgery or a weakness of the abdominal wall (diastasis) could make you require a tightening of the abdominal wall like a tummy tuck. Massive weight loss patients are also often best served with contouring procedures. Please consider consulting one of the members of ASAPS regarding your concerns.
Best.
Gary R. Culbertson, MD, FACS