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Robert T. Buchanan, M.D.
- Suite 202
209 Hospital Drive
Highlands, NC 28741 - Tel: Click for phone number
- Fax: 828-526-9730
- Send E-mail
- www.plasticsurgerytoday.com
Answered Questions
Q:
How long is it safe to be under general anesthesia for a Breast Aug/Breast Lift along with a Tummy Tuck?
I recently heard on the news of a person having a Breast Augmentation/Breast Lift, and a Tummy Tuck along with Liposuction of the neck and passing away a few days later. It has not deterred me from having surgery, but from having them done together. I do see that people having these procedures done together outweighs the death occurrences that do occur. I also feel that before I plan on doing this surgery that I will get a full physical. I do believe that I am healthy enough for surgery but wonder if anything longer than 2-3 hours of anesthesia is too much.
A:
Breast lift/augmentation, tummy tuck and liposuction are frequently done together. However, to be safe the patient should stay overnight in a certified facility because of the length of the surgery and the extent of the surgery. When this is done and other precautions are taken the procedures are as safe as doing them separately. There are, however, many physicians who are not board certified plastic surgeons doing these procedures who do not have access to certified facilities that require certain qualifications of the surgeons that practice there. Make sure your surgeon is qualified and the facility is certified.
R.T. Buchanan, MD
Q:
How long a period of time should be set aside for effective skin resurfacing acne treatments done in the United States?
I am a 27 year-old woman living in Asia. Can you tell me how much time I should plan for effective skin resurfacing acne treatments to be performed in the United States?
A:
Laser resurfacing for acne scarring is a complex process. The actual down time and initial healing is relatively rapid, 1 to 2 weeks. The preoperative preparation is what takes the longest. I require a minimal of 6 weeks of skin prep with hydroquinone and Retin-A in people of northern European descent and prefer 12 weeks in people who have a significant propensity to hyperpigment or have darker skin. I generally use the Obagi system, but other methods also work. Additionally, you must have your acne under total control if it is still active. Post procedure you will be quite red for a month or so. This can be covered with a camouflage make-up. In short, this is not something you can just go somewhere and have done and go home. It has to be planned and the prep started months in advance.
R.T. Buchanan, MD
Q:
How can you tell the difference between breast hardening from augmentation or cancer?
I've had my implants since I was 23; I'm now 36. My right breast is starting to feel more firm than the left one. I don't notice it so much when I'm leaning forward but lying on my back is when it feels much firmer. I can't tell whether this would be a capsular problem or firmness of the breast caused by cancer. Please advise.
A:
Both breast cancer and implant capsular contracture feel firm. The trick is to determine if the firmness is round and smooth like an implant would be and in the proper place. The normal breast tissue can usually be felt above this. Inflammatory breast cancer, however, can also be smooth and round. Therefore, you need an expert examining your breasts and possibly a mammogram or MRI to tell if this is a peri-implant capsular contracture or a breast cancer. Make an appointment with a plastic surgeon immediately.
R. T. Buchanan, MD
Q:
Can large volume liposuction help with a weight loss situation in a 6'4" male weighing 330 pounds?
I'm 6'4" and the last time I weighed myself I was 330 pounds. I dropped to that weight from 350 pounds during football season and weightlifting, but I feel like I've hit a stop (plateau). I drank only water, I ate right, small portions, etc. I just can't lose any more weight and it makes me feel bad about myself. It's been a few months now since I did this. I was wondering if liposuction would be a good idea to help me with this weight loss situation.
A:
Liposuction is NO substitute for weight loss. Although there is some data to suggest that it can jump start further weight loss, the risks of surgery are too great to do this. A better alternative is a procedure like Zerona or CoolSculpting, non-invasive methods of fat reduction (I prefer Zerona since it is totally painless). They, together with a diet, can kick start the weight loss again. However, the main thing you need to do is change your diet by reducing total calories and carbs, making those carbohydrates you do eat as unprocessed as possible and making sure that good fat and protein each make up at least 30% to 35% of your caloric intake.
R.T. Buchanan, MD
Q:
How do I know when my breasts are fully mature for a breast augmentation?
I am 19 years old turning 20 in a couple of months. How do I know if my breasts are fully mature for a breast augmentation?
A:
Maturity of the Breasts for Augmentation:
At your age, if your breasts have been unchanged for at least 6 months, there is very little likelihood that they will grow more and you could proceed to have breast implants.
R.T. Buchanan, MD