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Michael S. Beckenstein, M.D.
- Suite 610
800 St. Vincent's Drive
Birmingham, AL 35205 - Tel: Click for phone number
- Fax: 205-939-3353
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- www.msbmd.com
Answered Questions
Q:
Breast lift and tummy tuck - reasonable results?
I had a mastopexy and tummy tuck 11 weeks ago. I am very happy with my results, for the most part. I do have two questions that I don't want to "overly offend" my plastic surgeon with by harping on them. There is a "ring"- only way I know how to describe it - around my belly button that I am concerned with which will be obvious during swim suit season. The ring is a very fine but red line where the scarring from the new hole was created. It is obviously well outside the circumference of the belly button itself. Will it fade a good deal more? Also, my left breast was a full DD while my right was a small D. While they are MUCH perkier, my left is still bigger than the right and the shape is a little different than the other. Is it reasonable to expect the breasts to still be dissimilar? The left is still a tad bit bigger than the right and spills out over my bra cup somewhat. I go back to my plastic surgeon in May. What do you advise?
A:
The redness around the umbilicus (belly button) is normal for 11 weeks; it should improve over time. It takes a year or so for scars to mature. There are various agents that can improve scarring that you can apply as well as massaging them.
Your breasts were uneven before surgery and most likely will be now; exact symmetry is not a reality. You need to contact your surgeon to discuss your concerns. I am sure if you call the office he/she would be glad to see you.
Q:
Scarring and smaller nipple in one breast
I originally discussed with my doctor getting a breast uplift but I wasn't keen on the scarring. He suggested a breast lift and also getting small implants, as the technique he suggested of cutting around the areola would leave minimal scarring. Everything originally went fine except about a week after surgery, the stitches around my right breast opened and I was left with a gaping wound. I had two options, get it re-stitched or leave it to heal itself. We decided to leave it to heal itself; however, something happened with the healing process around the incision around the areola. The scarring is very red and thick around this breast. My other breast is perfect. It has been six months since the operation and it is slightly better. Instead of looking as if I have drawn a bright red circle around my areola, it now looks as if I have drawn a loud pink circle. It is very unsightly. Also, the nipple on this breast is smaller than the left one and is quite noticeable. I don't know what I can do now to correct this. Please advise.
A:
You need to wait awhile longer. It takes at least a year for scars to mature and to see the "final" appearance. At that point a discussion on what might be done to improve the appearance can be conducted. Usually a scar revision can be done, which is a relatively straightforward procedure. There are some scar treatments you can put on the scar that can be helpful. Ask your surgeon about these.
Q:
Is it safe to do two different procedures at the same time to save on cost?
I had a consult in May 2009 for a breast augmentation and was happy with the doctor I chose. I want to have the augmentation as well as a procedure called a smooth tuck to help with a 40 pound past weight loss. I saw this on "The Doctors" TV show; the smooth tuck is different but similar to a tummy tuck. It is where fat from the stomach and abdominal areas are liposuctioned, loose skin is pulled down and removed, and the bellybutton is repositioned. The abdominal muscles are not tightened. I've never had children and don't intend to so I don't think I would need an actual tummy tuck. Would having these two procedures at the same time be safe, or would it be best to do one first, then the second at a later time? Thank you.
A:
If you are healthy and the surgery would not last over 4 or 5 hours, it can be safely accomplished in one surgery. You need to make sure your surgeon can complete these procedures within the safe timeline. After 6 hours, the frequency of certain complications increases.
Q:
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My left eye droops badly when I get tired, but is fine most other times. Is it possible to correct since it isn't a problem all the time? If so, what type of procedure would be performed?
A:
You need an evaluation to make sure there are no medical conditions causing this. An ophthalmologist is a good start. After an evaluation and diagnosis, the appropriate treatment can be recommended.
Q:
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My insurance company agreed to pay for my breast reduction but only if they remove one pound from each breast. My question is how much is a pound in cup size? I wear a size 36 DD. What size would I be after the surgery?
A:
It is difficult to answer this because the weight is effected by the composition of your breast tissue. The more fatty tissue in the breast, the lighter the tissue; therefore, more tissue would have to be removed to obtain the weight. The more true breast tissue, it is heavier, and less volume would have to be removed. You should visit with your surgeon and request he/she to show you in front of a mirror the size that may result by removing the 500 grams (one pound). This can give you a reasonable idea of resulting size. Remember cup size should never be promised - different bra companies sizes all vary!