Total Views: 8,414
Michael A. Epstein, M.D.
- Suite 211
1535 Lake Cook Road
Northbrook, IL 60062 - Tel: Click for phone number
- Fax: 847-205-9822
- Send E-mail
- maeplasticsurgery.com
Answered Questions
Q:
View this question
I had a breast reduction bringing me from a G cup down to a DDD. I have dense heavy breasts and have gained some weight making my breasts large again. What is the risk of having liposuction done? Will the scar tissue interfere from the previous reduction surgery?
A:
The quick answer is maybe. Breasts are made up of glandular tissue, fatty tissue and skin. If a significant portion of your DDD breasts are made up of fat then liposuction may be able to give you further reduction in size. The nice thing about reducing the size this way is that it can be done through smaller incisions. The fact that your breasts are dense may signify that they are mostly glandular and liposuction will probably not be that effective. The other thing to consider when having liposuction to reduce your breasts is in regards to the skin envelope and sagging. If there is too much skin or the skin is not very elastic, then you may still need a formal breast reduction. The fact that you had a previous reduction though, means that you already have incisional scars so you will not be adding scars to your breasts.
Q:
View this question
After having a facelift, what is the likelihood that skin necrosis will cause permanent scarring? The area affected is about 1/2 inch wide and about 1 1/4 inches long, just in front of the ear.
A:
Although it is very unusual, skin necrosis can occur as a complication of facelift surgery. This is usually as a result of excessive swelling which may be secondary to hematoma or infection but could happen naturally as a result of tissue response to trauma from the surgery itself. Skin necrosis will in turn, almost always, lead to permanent scarring. The resultant scar often depends on the severity of the necrosis in the first place. More superficial necrosis will usually leave less severe scarring. It is important to point out the problem to your surgeon early in the process, if he/she is not aware of it already, because your surgeon may be able to positively alter the course of the resultant scar.
Q:
View this question
What are some of the side effects of Botox?
A:
Although Botox is growing in popularity for its ability to temporarily diminish the appearance of wrinkles, there are some real albeit uncommon risks. Some of these associated risks are bleeding/bruising, dry eye problems, drooping of the eyelid (ptosis), double vision, or allergic type reactions. Side effects, like other results of Botox, are temporary. Botox use in cosmetic plastic surgery is largely to treat dynamic wrinkles (those caused by excessive muscle contraction) around the eyes, and in the forehead and neck. It can be used alone or in conjunction with a surgical procedure.
Q:
View this question
I can't find a satisfactory answer on why you can't resume a regular exercise program soon after (2 weeks) liposuction. Why is it dangerous for a relatively fit woman to do intense stretches, power yoga or push-ups? What are the specific medical reasons? Is the time frame the same for everyone?
A:
Although it may be different from patient to patient, and liposuction procedures can vary in their magnitude, a general rule for most surgical procedures is to refrain from heavy physical exercise or lifting for 2-3 weeks. During this timeframe, your body is recovering in the inflammatory phase of wound healing. That means that many of the small and medium sized blood vessels which were also traumatized during a surgical procedure are healing but may only be covered by fresh blood clot and inflamed soft tissue. The combination of increasing your heart rate and blood pressure, mixed with shear forces that may pull on these healing tissues, can possibly cause more bleeding and swelling. This in turn may affect your results long term. As stated above, it is possible that your surgeon may allow you to increase your activity level sooner or may ask you to refrain from heavy exercise for a longer time period depending on your specific procedure and his/her comfort level.