Pomona Doctors

Are my Areola Incision Scars Healing Well? (photo)

I am an African American 8 months post op (breast aug) and I am very worried about how my scars are healing. They often appear bright pink or red. Also I can feel the scars over my shirt this worries me that they aren’t healing flat enough. I have not used anything to aid in the healing of the scars and wonder if I should use some of the suggested silicone strips, scar cream or vitamin E.

If you have a thick scar 8 months after a breast augmentation it still may go down and soften.  If it does not cortisone is an option but it may blanche the scar and make it more visible, also it may thin it out too much as well.  This would make the scar indented instead of raised.  Silicone gel sheeting is the only proven treatment other than cortisone injection which has been shown to improve scar thickness.  If  the color of the scar does not improve surgical revision is a good option.

Dev Wali, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Can I Get Large Implants to Avoid Lift? (photo)

Hi, I'm wanting to end up in the 34f range. Ive breast fed 2 children so I'm pretty saggy/deflated/very sad looking. Is there a way to avoid the lift using a large implant or does that not matter? Also is it customary for the surgeon to place the implants first then do the lift? I think I'm just paranoid my nipples will end up in some strange position. thanks!

Using a large implant to treat sagging breasts does not usually work.  One way to check for yourself is to see where the bottom of your breast attaches to the chest wall.  if the breast or if the nipple hang below this point then most likely you will need a lift.  This is mainly because the implant usually cannot be placed below the fold of the breast.  So, if you simply put an implant and do not do a lift then the drooping tissue will likely be hanging lower than where the implant is on the chest. 

Dev Wali, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Drain Fell out 3 Days Post TT w/ Lipo, Should I Worry?

3 days post op from TT with lipo, feel pretty good* and I am limiting my pain meds. Then whoppsee one of drains fell out. Yes the drains were draining good. Am I in trouble? 2nd drain has continued to drain well.

If there is another drain there it should be OK.  As long as no fluid accumulates and forms a seroma there should not be any long term problems.  You must see your surgeon and be evaluated.  Usually the second drain can compensate for the loss of the other drain.

Dev Wali, MD

Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon