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Jeffrey M. Kenkel, M.D., FACS
- UT Southwestern Med. Center
1801 Inwood Road
Dallas, TX 75390-9132 - Tel: Click for phone number
- Fax: 214-645-3105
- Send E-mail
- www.drkenkel.com
Answered Questions
Q:
Will buttock implants reshape my bottom as well as augment it?
I would like to have a more fully rounded bottom. Do buttock implants involve and improve shaping as well as augmenting the buttock area. Currently my bottom is saggy - will implants take care of this? Also, would there be any cellulite issues to be concerned about? Can you give me an approximate cost of this procedure?
A:
We have three general options for buttock augmentation:
1. fat injections
2. implants
3. rearranging local tissues to augment the area
Depending on your body habitus, how much fat you have, and what your goals are, your ASAPS plastic surgeon can help you decide what is best for you. Implants will help take up some loose skin but if it is significant, you may require it to be surgically removed or cut out. Cellulite will not necessarily be changed unless directly addressed with fat grafting and release. Costs may range from $5-10K.
J.M. Kenkel, MD
Q:
After post bariatric surgery, how many procedures are needed to tighten skin on the arms/abdomen/thighs as well as breast aug.?
In August, 2008 I had gastric bypass surgery. Basically I have stayed the same weight since then except for putting on a few pounds after the birth of my son. I have skin hanging on my arms, my abdomen, and thighs. I would like to have all of this tightened up. I would also like to have my breasts enlarged to a full C cup and a buttock augmentation. How many procedures would this require and at approximately what cost?
A:
Congratulations on your weight loss and maintaining it! Most patients like yourself, that have multiple areas that need to be addressed require a minimum of 2 procedures and sometimes even 3 or 4 in my hands. Some other plastic surgeons may elect to perform these in 6 procedures. The most important thing is your safety. Seeing a board-certified plastic surgeon who is an ASAPS member helps reassure you that they have expertise in body contouring procedures. Cost is tricky but can run as high as $20-25K/ procedure depending on how much is done at one time.
I would recommend seeing a couple of plastic surgeons with expertise in this area. You will connect with at least one of them and they can help you look as great as you feel.
J.M. Kenkel, MD
Q:
How soon after giving birth is it safe to inject Botox to the face?
I just gave birth one month ago, and am no longer breast feeding. Is it safe to inject Botox to the face now?
A:
Even though botulinum injections are very safe and local injections, we are always concerned about the potential of affecting the newborn even through breast feeding.
If a patient chooses to breast feed I personally would not recommend such procedures until they are finished and then they can be resumed without any risk to the baby. I am not aware of any studies addressing this but the risk is simply not worth it.
J. M. Kenkel, MD
Q:
Is it more difficult to recover from a tummy tuck to be done now than from a breast reduction (performed five years ago)?
I had a breast reduction five years ago with an easy recovery. I am now scheduled for a tummy tuck and was wondering if I can expect the same type of recovery or will it be worse. I guess what I am asking - is it harder to recover from a tummy tuck vs a breast reduction?
A:
I think tummy tucks can be more challenging than many of the procedures we do in plastic surgery. A breast reduction, in my experience, is a fairly quick recovery with most patients transitioning off pain medicine in the first week. A tummy tuck is more invasive and requires more recovery and time to get back to normal activities. It involves some of the core muscles which slow your recovery. If you have any questions see your board certified plastic surgeon who is an ASAPS member.
J. M. Kenkel, MD
Q:
After a circumferential body lift four months ago I've experienced slow wound healing complications - is this normal?
I had a circumferential body lift four months ago and am experiencing slow wound healing complications. I had an area of tunneling at the incision line, packed daily, healed now. Not long after, two "new" tunnels appeared, one anterior at the incision line, and one located at the umbilicus. The tunnel at the umbilicus appeared to have "tissue" starting to protrude out which I've tried to pack back in. Could this tissue be umbilici? Is this normal - can it be repaired?
A:
Lower body lifts are very big procedures that stress our healing capacity. Combine this with patients that normally run malnourished and healing can be an issue. At 4 months, usually incisions should be pretty well healed. Reasons to still have issues may include poor nutrition, sutures spitting (some patients react more to sutures), and other medical problems. Things should continue to get better but on occasion minor issues like this can occur. See your surgeon and don't be afraid to ask him/her questions about what you can do to help get you healed. Plastic surgeons who are ASAPS members have expertise and experience dealing with cosmetic surgery.
J. M. Kenkel, MD