I had a failed breast implant surgery from another surgeon. The breasts devolved capsular contracture and one side traveled upward resulting in one high riding breast and one regular. This made my chest look disfigured. The other surgeon did not follow up with me or care. I went several years with my breasts this way before consulting with Beautologie. I was extremely nervous but after going through a breast implant replacement and having the scar tissue scraped out with Dr. Knoetgen , the breast healed better than expected. There were several follow up appointments to monitor the healing process. Every three months for the next year. My next appointment is soon and if I’m not completely happy or need anything else then Dr. Knoetgen is willing to go back in and do anything else that can help. Overall they look much much better and I am so relieved and happy I didn’t wind up botched. Dr. Knoetgen is really good at what he does. When you go into beautologie, you can see all his awards on the hallway wall including an award for being the most caring/compassionate. The awards are impressive and grateful to have found a surgeon that was knew what to do and how to do it. Scraping scar tissue and replacing implants gone wrong is no easy task. Thank you Dr. Knoetgen! As an incentive for posting a review, this reviewer received an entry into RealSelf’s monthly $500 gift card giveaway.
Dr Knoetgen was a phenomenal surgeon! The whole process of my breast augmentation and tummy tuck was top notch! He listened to what I wanted, and was honest and realistic with me. He didn't try to push me to make certain decisions, but gave me the information to make my own informed decisions. He did an excellent job on my surgery and I couldn't be happier with my results! I have and would continue to refer all of my friends and family to him for anything they might want done. As an incentive for posting a review, this reviewer received an entry into RealSelf’s monthly $500 gift card giveaway.
Amazing experience from start to finish. All the staff made me feel comfortable. Highly recommend Dr. James Knoetgen. He did a phenomenal job. Very clean inside. Surgery recovery wasn’t bad at all!
I have been so excited to post my review for this office. I have to say #1, my coordinator Ginger was the absolutely sweetest and down to earth soul. She truly made me feel at home. Her knowledge was out of this world. Karol was my nurse towards the end for pre-labs and also my post op care. She is freaking amazing and sweet. Love her. The receptionist is by far adorable. She immediately greets you and is super quick with check in. Everyone in the office is perfect. Okay now to the amazing Dr.Knoetgen, I am just so utterly grateful. After losing over 70lbs on my own I had so much skin and no boobs. Lol. My 5 kids took not just milk but it all. From the very beginning before surgery he made me feel so comfortable and not nervous at all. He explained everything well and was superhonest.I had a Mommy Make Over with 450cc saline implants. The morning of surgery was honestly fast. His staff day of surgery was amazing and kind and his anesthesiologist was absolutely amazing and sweet. My recovery went smooth, painless and fast. My scar for tummytuck is low and straight, My belly button looks natural and amazing and boobs are freaking perky and plump. Im so obsessed with the overall experience and look. No complications. No pain. Back to being a nail tech at 3weeks post op.I'm currently 1month post op and feel and look amazing. Skinny and not boxy at all. . Dr.Knoetgen is the G.O.A.T of it all. He's an artist.Book with him you will regret it if you go elsewhere
The best in California!!! If you are far or close just choose Dr.Knoetgen. he is the best. 5 kids later and losing 70+lbs I needed his magic. He snatched me up. The best! pain free and fast recovery. . Updated on 11 Sep 2023: I have been so excited to post my review for this office. I have to say #1, my coordinator Ginger was the absolutely sweetest and down to earth soul. She truly made me feel at home. Her knowledge was out of this world. Karol was my nurse towards the end for pre-labs and also my post op care. She is freaking amazing and sweet. Love her. The receptionist is by far adorable. She immediately greets you and is super quick with check in. Everyone in the office is perfect. Okay now to the amazing Dr.Knoetgen, I am just so utterly grateful. After losing over 70lbs on my own I had so much skin and no boobs. Lol. My 5 kids took not just milk but it all. From the very beginning before surgery he made me feel so comfortable and not nervous at all. He explained everything well and was superhonest. I had a Mommy Make Over with 450cc saline implants. The morning of surgery was honestly fast. His staff day of surgery was amazing and kind and his anesthesiologist was absolutely amazing and sweet. My recovery went smooth, painless and fast. My scar for tummytuck is low and straight, My belly button looks natural and amazing and boobs are freaking perky and plump. Im so obsessed with the overall experience and look. No complications. No pain. Back to being a nail tech at 3weeks post op. I'm currently 1month post op and feel and look amazing. Skinny and not boxy at all. . Dr.Knoetgen is the G.O.A.T of it all. He's an artist. Follow my Instagram for thr pre-surgery and post at @marisachavez4. Book with him you will regret it if you go elsewhere
I had a mommy make over back in October by Dr knoetgen, he is amazing and made my experience so easy, nothing of what I thought it would be base of experiences of people I know who had plastic surgery in the past … my experience was so easy …. Ginger was my coordinator and answer all of my questions she went above and beyond to make me feel comfortable, help me with all the million questions I had… Maribel was my nurse she was so helpful, I was going back and forth with my implants size she let me try the sizers over and over again and told me if I wasn’t sure yet I don’t have to make my decision right away and I can always choose later on on the road since my implants are going to be saline so that make me feel I wasn’t in a rush to choose and want to make the right choice and not to regret it later… My consultation was in the end of July 2022 and my surgery was scheduled for August 30th 2022… the day before surgery I test positive for COVID so my surgery was postpone for October 20th 2022 my dr was making sure I was in good health to proceed with my surgery and my health was good … the only thing that sucks about that it’s that I had to redo all my lab work and pay for it ($460 ) since my insurance won’t cover:/ The day of surgery I was so nervous I don’t know why I thought I was prepared for it since I had 4 previous c sections !! But all the staff at the surgery center were so professional and make me feel comfortable especially my admission nurse and the anesthesiologist he was my favorite!!!! He make sure I was calm and relax, he star a conversation with me while the nurses help me getting into the surgery bed and all I remember is him putting the mask on my face and I was out … when I open my eye again I was in the recovery room looked at my ride (my mom ) receiving instructions …. The staff ask me how I feel and I remember ask how many pounds of skin the dr Take of me ( I know weird :/) and if I could drink my coffee because that morning I didn’t have one lol … My first 2 weeks went by fast no pain at all in my tummy or my liposuction areas only on my breast they hurt until my 1 month , right now I’m 6 week post op and feel no pain at all , my boobs are healing good and getting on their place slowly but surely:) my incisions are looking good except for one of my liposuction hole that one it’s not healing fast enough.! I’m still bloated and just wasn’t for my next appointment I need to ask Dr knoetgen if this still normal? Before getting my surgery I always wonder if the tummy tuck hurts more that a c section and I guess that’s one of the main question a lot of women have and let me tell you tummy tuck it’s nothing in compares with a c section , c section hurts the most well that’s on my opinion, I think the pain pump made I so easy for me I didn’t have any pain in my tummy area … what it hurts the most are the drains and if they stay longer than 10 day ( in my case one was out in 7 days the second one at 2 weeks ) Overall my whole experience is excellent so far :)
I got my mommy makeover September 22, 2021 I have been so excited to get this done and I’m so glad I did. I’m three weeks out and I’m finally starting to feel back to normal. Every recovery is different. I’m so happy w my breast size and my new tummy. I went with high profile 400cc Mentor gummy.
Hoping to provide an honest, thorough review. I had my first consult in nov. 2020 virtually due to COVID. I decided I wanted an in person consult before making my decision. I was asked to pay $100 or put down a deposit, so put down my deposit. Attended in person and respectfully, DR recommended I lose weight prior to procedure. Fast forward a few months and 20 pounds down, ( thanks for the motivation, Dr. K) He agreed I was ready for surgery. I am now 9 days post op and I feel amazing!!!! I had the TT, lipo flanks, lipo mons. I only had one drain that was removed yesterday. THE DRAIN WAS MY ONLY COMPLAINT, BE PREPARED FOR IT! It stings and throbs like crazy. It Kept me up at night. thankfully, I only had one and it was removed fairly early as I really didn’t have a lot of fluid I guess. I think my swelling has substantially subsided as my tummy is quite flat. The side where my drain was is a little lumpy in my opinion, but I think it’s due to not wearing compression garment low enough over drain site due to pain. I’m now wearing it lower and a little tighter and have noticed an improvement. Not flawless like the other side, but I’m monitoring it. My incision is very low, pretty straight so I’m happy about that. I dress pretty modest in public, so no one will ever see my TT scar, however, my belly button is depressing. I was not prepared for the shock I am in over it. I’ve done some research and found that it’s common to look wild initially, so I will give it some time, 9-12 months before I decide if I want a revision. It looks big, stretched out, and just ugly. I try not to look at it. Time heals all things! Staff were great, nurses, scheduling coordinator, and even anesthesiologist was super cool. I REALLY liked Heather as well. Dr. Knoetgen is a very laid back kind of dr who I thought was real easy to talk to. Beautologie was the 4th place I had a consultation with, and I have no regrets at all!!! Will post pics soon and updates.
It was amazing! I was so extremely happy with my results. I have gotten my boobs done here and I tell all my friends to come here for theirs. Love it! Everyone is so nice and they always answered my questions. Thank you!
About a year ago I was asked about my pregnancy for the last time. I haven’t been pregnant for 8.5 years, but I looked it, apparently. Dr Knoetgen gave me his honest and expert recommendation (which is more than I can say of his local competitor) so I trusted him. He even worked with me on price to try to match the competitor, but in the end I was willing to pay a little extra for his care. I started 5’6” and 157 lbs. I am now about 159 pounds. I have only done spin classes for exercise, so I know know I need to focus more on strengthening my core to improve my results. That will be my next step so that I Can gain the most out of this surgery. I hope my pics and recommendation help you with your decision! Updated on 10 Aug 2019: I’ve started working out and again, doing boot camp for the past 8 weeks. Not one person has asked if I’m pregnant. Scar is not much better, but I don’t mind. Clothes fit so much better. I have not lost any weight over this year, in fact I’ve gained a couple pounds but I wear smaller shirts and my pants fit more at my natural waist where they used to sit lower below my belly. And I feel stronger! :)
A mini arm lift (also called a limited incision brachioplasty) may slightly improve the appearance of stretch marks, but it’s not a reliable or complete solution if your primary concern is stretch marks alone. Here's a breakdown based on your situation: What a Mini Arm Lift Does • Tightens mild to moderate skin laxity in the upper arm, often through an incision hidden in the armpit • Removes excess, sagging skin, typically near the upper inner arm • May slightly smooth and reposition the skin, which can reduce the visibility of stretch marks in that localized area Will It Help with Stretch Marks? Yes, a mini arm lift might reduce the appearance of stretch marks near the top of your arms but only where skin is actually excised or tightened. However • Stretch marks lower on the arm won't be affected, since a mini lift doesn't remove or significantly tighten that area. • Stretch marks are in the dermis, not just on loose skin so even with skin removal, they often remain visible, just sometimes stretched or flattened. Considerations • If your skin laxity is only in the upper third of your arms, and the stretch marks are mostly there too, you may benefit. • If your stretch marks extend well below the armpit area, a full arm lift may be more effective but that comes with longer scars. • Other treatments for stretch marks (microneedling, RF microneedling, fractional lasers, scar camouflage tattooing) might be better primary or complementary options.
Here’s what you need to consider when planning singing gigs after lower abdominal liposuction, especially since you're performing actively and have a prior tummy tuck scar: General Recovery Timeline After Abdomen Lipo • Days 1–7: Swelling, soreness, compression garments. Light walking only. No gigs. • Week 2: Some light daily activity OK, but still healing. Singing likely uncomfortable, especially due to core use. • Weeks 3–4: Most people resume non-strenuous work. Singing might still feel tight or fatiguing depending on how much core engagement your style needs. • Weeks 5–6+: Most swelling down, energy returns, singing/moving on stage usually OK. High-energy or long gigs may still tire you out. Specific Considerations for Singers Singing uses core muscles and diaphragm control, which can be affected even with minor liposuction: • Liposuction above a tummy tuck scar may cause tugging or tightness in healing tissues, which could restrict breath support early on. • Compression garments (usually worn for 4–6 weeks) might feel restrictive for performance singing. • Long sets (like your 4-hour gigs) are taxing even when healthy post-lipo, you may fatigue faster. Conservative Recommendation To be safe: • Avoid scheduling gigs for 4–6 weeks post-lipo, especially if they involve long singing sets and moving around. • You may feel OK to ease back in after 3–4 weeks, but full 4-hour gigs are better pushed to week 6 or later for stamina, breath control, and comfort. • Start with light rehearsals or short sets first. Since you’re otherwise fit and only doing a small area, 4–6 weeks off from full performances is a conservative and safe window. Avoid booking gigs before week 5, ideally week 6+, especially to give your breathing and movement full comfort.
Yes, a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) typically does involve a horizontal scar across the lower abdomen, usually from hip to hip. However, the length and visibility of the scar can vary depending on the type of tummy tuck you’re a candidate for and your specific anatomy and goals. Options That May Involve a Shorter Scar 1. Mini Tummy Tuck • Best for: People with mild skin laxity and muscle separation below the belly button. • Scar: Shorter than a full tummy tuck, often similar to a C-section scar. • Limits: Doesn’t address skin or muscle laxity above the belly button. 2. Modified or “Limited” Tummy Tuck • Sometimes a surgeon can tailor the technique to create a shorter incision, depending on your skin elasticity and how much correction you need. • Less common, and results must be carefully considered trade-off might be less dramatic tightening. 3. Endoscopic Abdominoplasty • Very small incisions, but only tightens muscles, does not remove loose skin. • Not appropriate if you have excess skin or significant sagging. Alternative or Complementary Non-Surgical Options (for mild skin laxity) • Radiofrequency (e.g. Morpheus8, BodyTite) • Ultrasound-based skin tightening (e.g. Ultherapy) • Laser skin tightening (e.g. CO2) • Microneedling with RF • Targeted exercise (core strengthening) – won’t tighten skin, but can improve muscle tone These non-surgical options can improve mild laxity but won’t replace a tummy tuck if there's significant excess skin or diastasis recti. What You Can Do Now • Consult a board-certified plastic surgeon they’ll assess whether you’re a candidate for a mini tummy tuck or need a full one. • Discuss scar placement (usually hidden below the bikini line) and healing options (like silicone scar therapy, laser treatments, or steroid injections to minimize scarring).
You’ve clearly put a lot of thought into this, and your reasoning is very valid especially with the demands of caring for young children and trying to time recovery around that. Here's a breakdown to help you think through this with safety and outcomes in mind: Doing the Mommy Makeover Before Scoliosis Surgery: Possible Pros • Shorter recovery period: Mommy makeovers typically have a 6–8 weeks active recovery phase, whereas scoliosis surgery often requires 6+ months of modified activity. • Easier to care for kids sooner after the mommy makeover, compared to scoliosis surgery. • Improves self-confidence sooner, which can be motivating and helpful emotionally. But Consider These Medical Factors 1. Spinal Alignment Post-Makeover • If your scoliosis surgery will adjust your posture or torso length/tilt (even subtly), it could alter how tummy tuck or breast results appear afterward especially with muscle tightening or implants. 2. Anesthesia and Surgical Load • Two major surgeries within a short time (especially within a year) can stress your body. Your surgical team would want to space them appropriately to allow for full healing and to avoid complications. 3. Surgeon Collaboration • It’s very important to communicate this plan with both your plastic surgeon and scoliosis surgeon so they can coordinate. Your plastic surgeon may be able to adjust the surgical plan knowing spinal alignment may change later. Recommendations: • Yes, it can be safe to do a mommy makeover before scoliosis surgery, especially if: o Your spinal curve is not severe or rapidly progressing. o Your spine surgeon agrees it’s okay to delay correction for several months or a year. o Your plastic surgeon is aware of your future spinal plans and adjusts accordingly. • Plan proper timing: o Allow at least 6 months between surgeries if possible, to let your body fully recover and stabilize. o Ensure your core strength and mobility are restored before starting the scoliosis recovery. If your scoliosis is stable and mainly cosmetic, and the functional burden is lower than what your mommy makeover-related issues are (like muscle laxity, skin excess, or self-esteem impacts), it’s reasonable to prioritize the mommy makeover as long as your spine surgeon signs off.
Thank you for sharing your story in such detail. This is a really thoughtful and important set of questions. 1. Can you correct the appearance without moving the areola/nipple? Yes, this is often possible. If your nipples and areolas are too high because the lower part of your breast has stretched or “bottomed out,” a procedure focusing on the lower pole (the lower half of your breast) can sometimes fix the proportion without needing to reposition the nipple. 2. What if you want to add volume? If you want fuller breasts again, especially in the upper pole, breast implants would be your best option. Implant Considerations • Implant Placement a. Subglandular (above the muscle) would likely suit your goals best: More natural hang Less upper pole fullness (not overly perky or “stuck on” look) Can blend with your natural breast tissue better Less animation deformity (distortion when flexing chest muscles) b. Submuscular (under the muscle) tends to give a higher, rounder, perkier look and is usually better for thin patients or those needing more coverage — but you seem to want a more natural, lower-sitting breast. • Incisions o Most likely through an inframammary fold incision (under the breast) since you’ve already had previous surgery, and it gives the surgeon the best access while minimizing trauma to the nipple area. o Depending on your current skin and breast tissue, the surgeon may be able to avoid revising the vertical or periareolar scars. • Implant Type & Shape o Moderate-profile implants would probably align with your goal — they provide natural-looking projection without excessive roundness. o Smooth, round implants are common for this look. o You may also ask about fat grafting in combination for a softer contour, but fat alone usually doesn’t provide enough volume increase if you want a significant size change. It’s key to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in revision breast surgery. Revision cases require nuance.