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Susan E. Downey, M.D.
- Suite 800
321 North Larchmont Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90004 - Tel: Click for phone number
- Fax: 323-468-9762
- Send E-mail
- www.drdowney.com
Answered Questions
Q:
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I am a 30 year old female with three children and I have diabetes. I have excess abdominal fat and would like to get a tummy tuck. Since I am diabetic would it be safe to have this procedure?
A:
Patients with well controlled diabetes can safely undergo cosmetic procedures. That said, you will have to be carefully monitored during and after the surgery to make sure your sugars are in a good range. Talk to your diabetes doctor and he/she should be able to work with your Board Certified Plastic Surgeon to decide if plastic surgery is right for you.
Q:
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I am 67 years old and have very large breasts and severe back pain. My bra size is 44 DD. Would insurance or medicare cover the cost of breast reduction in my case?
A:
Breast reduction is usually covered by insurance when there is significant neck and shoulder pain and the breasts are reduced by at least two cup sizes. Some insurance companies have established requirements for the amount of breast tissue which they require to be removed based on the woman's height and weight. Have a consultation with a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon who is on your insurance plan and he/she will be able to help you find out if your procedure will be covered by your insurance. Reduction patients are among the happiest plastic surgery patients as they usually feel so much better after the excess breast weight is removed!
Q:
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I am going to have a tummy tuck. Will it be all right to smoke the day before the procedure? Would there be a problem if I smoked right after the surgery?
A:
Smoking is detrimental to healing either before or after a surgical procedure. Nicotine cuases constriction of the capillaries which can lead to problems with healing including even loss of skin and other tissue. Plastic surgery often involves moving tissue in such a way that the blood supply is stressed anyhow in the healing period so plastic surgical patients are especially vulnerable to the effects of smoking. Also smoking increases risks with anesthesia. Talk to your plastic surgeon about the minimum lenght of time to stop smoking before and after the procedure and consider delaying the plastic surgical procedure if you are not able to stop smoking at this time.