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Susan D. Vasko, M.D., FACS
- 4971 Arlington Centre Blvd.
Columbus, OH 43220 - Tel: Click for phone number
- Fax: 614-246-6909
- Send E-mail
- www.columbusplasticsurgery.com
- 4030 Easton Station, Suite 260
Columbus, OH 43219 - Tel: Click for phone number
- Send E-mail
Answered Questions
Q:
Is it OK to have twilight anesthesia instead of general anesthesia for a facelift and eyelid surgery?
Will twilight anesthesia be OK for a 4+ hour facelift, along with upper and lower eyelid surgery?
A:
Twilight anesthesia can safely be done in this situation at an accredited facility with a board certified anesthesiologist. From the standpoint of the patient and surgeon, this may not be the best option for a procedure lasting that long. The safety of general anesthesia and twilight sedation are fairly equivalent for a healthy patient but the use of general anesthesia often can result in a much smoother procedure from a comfort standpoint for the patient and from an ease of flow for the surgeon. Discuss these options with your plastic surgeon.
Susan D. Vasko, MD, FACS
Q:
Is it normal to have pain twinges and a burning sensation in the abdomen two weeks after having a tummy tuck?
I had a tummy tuck on 8/23. I notice when I cough or sneeze, I have pain twinges and a burning sensation in the abdomen. It almost feels like my internal stitches have given away. Is this a normal feeling during the healing period?
A:
It is very common to have these type of sensations the first few weeks after a tummy tuck. Muscle spasms are also common. I would caution you to support your abdomen while you cough or sneeze for the first 6 weeks because the sutures joining your "six pack" muscles are allowing these muscles to heal together at the midline and the strength of this healing is optimal at six weeks.
Q:
Is it normal for the belly button area to still stick out ten weeks after having a tummy tuck?
I had a tummy tuck 10 weeks ago and I feel great. However, around the belly button area my stomach sticks out, almost making me look like I am pregnant. I'm still wearing the band but it doesn't seem to help. I went to the surgeon and he said I was still healing from the surgery. I'm experiencing no pain, however I still look like I'm pregnant. Help!
A:
During a typical tummy tuck the abdominal (six pack) muscles are tightened. Because of this, patients are often restricted from abdominal exercises for 6 to 8 weeks to allow healing. You may benefit from starting to do abdominal wall exercises to tone these muscles that may be relaxed from the period of restrictions. Also, often the naval area can retain some swelling for several weeks to a couple of months after surgery that will resolve over time.
Q:
Is there a surgery to correct a nose that is too short?
I feel my nose shows too much nostril (i.e. a "pig nose"). I see lots of information for correction of large noses or bumps but very few for my problem. Is there anything I can do?
A:
Yes, there are options available to lengthen the nose. The first step is to have a full evaluation by a board certified plastic surgeon. This will involve listening to the issues that are of concern to you along with an examination of your specific anatomy. The surgeon will review your series of nasal photographs and many times morphing can be done on the computer to evaluate how changes in your nasal contour will look on your individual face. Nose lengthening procedures often involve cartilage grafts so the recovery, although usually not very painful, may take several months for the final result to be complete.
Q:
Is it possible that I can use tissue from my daughter's breast reduction to enhance my breasts?
My daughter wants a breast reduction and I want a breast augmentation or implants. It seems that with today's technology it might be possible to transplant her breast tissue to my breasts. Is this a possibility?
A:
Although it would seem an easy thing to do, the reality is that your body would reject her tissue fairly quickly. From an immune system standpoint, your body would recognize that these were not your cells and would work to destroy those cells.