Are there risks with abdominoplasty?

Every surgical procedure has risks, which is why it is so important to choose a qualified surgeon to reduce the risks involved and so that if an emergency complication arises the surgeon is able to react and control the situation in the proper manner.

What is the recovery period after an abdominoplasty?

Most patients will stay overnight following their abdominoplasty. The abdominoplasty patients will be able to move around immediately after the surgical procedure, but the drains will be left in place for about a week. Bruising, swelling, and discomfort should be expected and are normal for a few days after a liposuction.

Where is the procedure performed? (Outpatient facility or hospital)

Most often, the surgery can be performed at the surgery center. This is more private and more cost effective for the patient. Sometimes, however, due to increased medical needs of the patient, the doctor may insist that the procedure be done at the hospital. If he should require this, you can be certain that this is for your, the patient's, safety. The patient may also elect to have the procedure at the hospital. In the case of an insurance covered procedure, certain insurance companies may require that the procedure be done at a certain hospital that is a provider for them. Be sure to ask the doctor where he wants your surgery to be performed.

Where will the scars be after abdominoplasty and will they be thin or wide?

The incision site may vary with the amount of fat and skin to be removed and the need for muscle or wall repair. The standard incision in both cases runs from hip to hip, just above the pubic hairline. The scar is not visible under most undergarments or bathing suits. The other incision that is sometimes made runs from the umbilicus (belly button) down to the incision line just above the pubic bone. It looks like an inverted "T" after it is closed. This incision is used to visualize the abdominal wall belier and to allow fabrication of a belier defined waistline.

Many patients (some physicians, included) believe an incision, as described above, can heal without scarring. This is more readily believed if a plastic surgeon is performing the surgery. The fact is, however, any incision can scar, an abdominoplasty scar is more likely than others to result in a wide scar in any ethnic group.

The abdominoplasty, by definition, removes a portion of the lower abdominal skin. Closure of the defect places tension on the suture line, Tension will result in a scar that is wider than if there were no tension.

Will my insurance cover an abdominoplasty procedure?

If an abdominal hernia is present, then most insurance companies will cover that repair. However, if there is no abdominal hernia, the procedure is deemed strictly cosmetic and is therefore not an insurance covered procedure.

I want breast implants but I don't want them to look fake. How can we achieve this?

Breast augmentation to produce a natural result is the goal of this surgical procedure. This can be done through proper selection of implant material and proper selection of implant shape. There are many brands of saline filled breast implants, but all are not the same. Many implants give a softer, more natural feel than others and selecting a softer saline implant will certainly give it a softer feel and appearance to the breast. Selecting the proper size of implant, one which fits the patients body type, is also crucial. An implant which is too large or too small for the chest wall area of the patient will produce a sub optimal result. Also, in some patients a shaped or contoured implant is best. This is usually best for patients who have a long breast or who have had a laxity of the skin after childbirth or weight loss.

Is there ever a time where not having enough skin is a problem for the size of an implant?

The size of the implant, in some cases, can be limited by the amount of skin a patient has. Patients who are very small breasted with tight skin draped over the chest wall will be limited to some degree with the size of the implant which can be used. Still, most breast sizes can be attained with the use of breast implants in women with small breasts.

Will I have to stay overnight in a hospital for breast reduction surgery?

Each surgery is based upon your individual needs and what your surgeon feels will give you the best possible results. Some patients go home the same day as surgery; others have stayed for a 23-hour admission at the hospital. Please ask your surgeon before surgery about the potential for a hospital stay.

What risks can I expect from breast reduction surgery?

As with all procedures, there is always a possibility of certain risks and complications. Complications may include bleeding, infection or a reaction to anesthesia or medications. Small sores around the nipple area may develop and can be treated by antibiotic creams. You can reduce these risks by closely following your surgeon's instructions.

Will my insurance cover a breast reduction?

Some insurance companies will pay for a breast reduction when it is medically necessary. When trying to have your surgery covered by your insurance company, we will need to submit photos along with a predetermination letter. Your insurance company will determine whether your surgery is covered based on many reasons. Each insurance company has different policies.

Can I breastfeed after a reduction?

A breast reduction is not recommended for women who are planning on breastfeeding. Check with your surgeon for more information regarding your situation.

Can I drive myself home after surgery or may I take a cab?

Because of the medications during surgery, you may not drive for 24 hours. You also will not be able to take a cab because discharge instructions must be given to a responsible person and it is not felt to be safe to send someone home in a cab that may have no recollection of the ride home, even though they are awake and talking. Therefore, if you drive yourself, or don't make arrangements to have someone take you home, surgery will be cancelled.

How much fat can you remove utilizing Lipo Suction?

The amount of fat taken depends on the patient's amount of muscle mass, localized fat, type of anesthesia used (local or general), and if blood has been donated for transfusion. For extensive suctioning, hospitalization may be required to assure adequate recovery and stabilization. But, remember, this is not a method of weight reduction.

Will liposuction get rid of my cellulite?

Cellulite is superficial fat attached to the skin. Suction lipectomy removes the deep layer of fat, not the superficial layer and therefore will not get rid of cellulite. Is the Lipo Suction procedure done in the outpatient facility or the hospital? Liposuction is performed as an outpatient surgery. This means that it can be performed at either an outpatient facility or in a hospital, in their outpatient surgical unit. In the event a patient has large amounts of fat to be suctioned or extensive areas to be suctioned, it would be wise to inquire if an outpatient facility is setup to handle potential problems. With every 2800cc of fat suctioned, a unit (500 cc) of blood is lost. More than that may require a blood transfusion. Also, certain areas suctioned may bring more postoperative discomfort, such as the calves and ankles. In these cases, pain medication by injection may be required. Obviously, a hospital setting is able to handle the need for transfusion; however it is smart to inquire as to whether or not an outpatient facility is setup to handle transfusions. Typically, the patient is anesthetized with either IV sedation or a light general anesthesia and in most cases, may go home 30-60 minutes after surgery.