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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:
Am I able to have a tummy tuck after multiple abdominal surgeries?
I had 2 c-sections followed later on by a hysterectomy (using the same incision area as the c-sections). I had a kidney removed and seven years ago I had cancer resulting in part of my small intestine being removed. My stomach now hangs a lot and no matter what I do, I cannot tighten it. Would I be a candidate for a tummy tuck or would I be a high risk patient for the procedure.
A:
I have done several tummy tuck procedures in patients with difficult past surgical histories. It depends on the location of the previous incisions whether or not your tummy tuck incision can be kept in the traditional low hip to hip position. The surgeon in cooperation with the patient can elevate the incision to help in theses situations. In the situation where there is an existing midline incision the lower portion as long as it is below the belly-button can usually be almost completely excised. In some instance a small inverted T will be left below the belly button to eliminate excess tension on the point where the vertical and horizontal incisions meet. After an initial exam many of theses questions are answered.
Q:
How long will I have tingling in my face and ears after a facelift?
How long can I expect to have tingling from the nerves in my face and ears after having a facelift?
A:
Each person is different in terms of recovery. Provided you don't have other nervous system disorders or autoimmune problems that dispose you to nerve pain the standard answer is at least 12 months.
Q:
Should I try traditional weight loss or breast reduction?
I am 29 years of age, 5'3" with a 40 K bra size. I am 189 pounds (relatively overweight). I need to reduce my breast size. Would a breast reduction be the way to go or should I try to lose weight first and see where that gets me? I have a fear that once all of the weight is lost, my breasts will really sag. I have Tricare, but I do not believe they will approve the surgery (because of the weight). I need advice from a surgeon's point of view. Please help - thank you.
A:
Insurance companies would usually not process a claim for breast reduction without your having been in a supervised weight loss program for several months, physical therapy, and other conservative measures such as wearing two bras.
Q:
When having a capsulectomy and replacing implants, how much breast tissue is lost?
If you have silicone implants and are having a capsulectomy, also replacing the implants with new ones, how much if any breast tissue is taken out and how long does this surgery take? Would a mammogram tell if breast tissue has to be removed with the capsulectomy? I am already small breasted and have heard that sometimes breast tissue is removed during the procedure. Will a mammogram tell how much tissue would need to be removed? How much time will I be in the operating room for the surgery?
A:
It would be uncommon to remove very much breast issue with a capsulectomy. If there is a problem with capsular contracture and tissue is extremely adherent or the implants are ruptured and are being removed for that purpose, then there is more of a chance for removal of breast tissue with the capsulectomy.
Q:
What size will I be after breast reduction?
I want to have a breast reduction. I am presently a size E cup. My insurance has agreed to the removal of 500cc. What size will this bring me down to and will it give me relief from the pain of my large breasts? Is it worth getting the procedure?
A:
Breast reductions have shown improvement in back and neck pain. The reduction has to do more with your breast size and shape than the 500 grams the insurance wants to have removed. Many times with larger breasts I can get them to a full C with a reduction.