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Robert Whitfield, M.D., FACS
- 901 West 38th Street
Suite 410
Austin, TX 78705 - Tel: Click for phone number
- Fax: 512-533-9901
- Send E-mail
- www.breastandbodycenterofaustin.com
Answered Questions
Q:
Is a lower eyelid lift usually performed with a facelift?
I have been consulting with several plastic surgeons concerning a facelift. All are pretty much in agreement with the exception as to how to handle the area below my eyes. Some want to inject fat, others want to perform a lower eyelid lift, and one wants to do nothing to this area. There is some disagreement as to whether the skin will wrinkle underneath the eye as a result of the facelift if a lower eyelid lift is not done. I would appreciate other doctors' experience and advice.
A:
Really difficult without an examination. The most difficult area to control is the lower lid position in lowers lid blepharoplasty depending on how much work is necessary. If the face/me k is the major area of concern then that can be addressed as the primary focus.
R. Whitfield, MD
Q:
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What is the best age for a woman to have a facelift?
A:
It is an interesting question. In years past it would be the late 4th decade and beyond. In many instance there are less invasive procedure being performed that push this age for facelift further back. It is really best that you seek a consult from A Board Certifed plastic Surgeon to evaluate your desires and expectations.
Q:
Why is there so much variation in the cost of Liposuction for the same area of the body?
I'm 5'5" and 115 lbs, fairly thin but have a small belly pooch and love handles. I'd like to get these done with SmartLipo or something similar that requires only local anesthesia. I'm looking around for a surgeon - I see that some charge as low as $750 per area (of the body) and some start at $4,000 for the first area plus more for additional areas. What's the catch with the cheaper ones? I looked up the surgeon offering the $750 promotion and he is board certified since the 1980's so I don't know why there's such a huge difference in price. Can someone please explain this to me?
A:
When other providers or entities enter the market place they can be disruptive by having an incredibly low price point. Liposuction is not a simple procedure. It takes planning, execution in the operating room and adherence to the use of compression garments by the patient after the surgery has been completed. Although there are a number of methods used you should find a Board Certifed Pladtic Surgeon for a consult and appropriate pricing. This price should include 3 costs. Board Certifed plastic Surgeons as part of their commitment to patient safety only operate in in accredited facilities such as Quad A, CMS or Medicare Certified, or Jaco Certified.
Q:
What can be done to remove a large, ugly C-section scar after having 3 C-sections?
I've had three C-sections which have left me with a large stomach and a big C-section scar. What can be done to remove this ugly scar?
A:
The most important step is to be seen and examined by a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon. Scars are functions of genetics, closure technique and capacity to heal. There are significant differences in the ability of plastic surgeons to close wounds versus other surgeons. In terms of excess abdominal tissue, it is crucial to know how much of the abdominal size is the skin and fat and how much is related to the organs. That being said, there are multiple options to help remove this scar and excess tissue.
R.W. Whitfield, MD
Q:
What would be the best corrective surgery for Diastasis recti?
I have a pretty bad Diastasis recti that makes me look 5 months pregnant. It also gave me a distended navel, that hurts sometimes when I urinate, and when I wear shape wear that sucks everything in. I've read about the tummy tuck procedure (including having to get a new navel opening), and it seems horrific. My question is, is there another alternative to a tummy tuck, that would still give the same cosmetic improvement results?
A:
This situation can develop unfortunately after even one pregnancy. I have seen it more commonly after the 2nd pregnancy orc the delivery of twins. When the recti muscles cannot return to the midline you have a diastasis. There can be a number of factors at play in the process. Tightening the area as well as fixing the umbilical hernia can be adequate in most instances. I have seen in other cases after surgery especially of the lower abdomen where patients develop a weak EZs of bulge that has to be re-enforced. I suggest having a couple of opinions of board certified Plastic Sugeons with experience in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the abdominal wall.
R.W. Whitfield, MD