New Canaan Doctors

I Am Still Experiencing Quite a Bit of Pain Since my Breast Augmentation 3 Months Ago, is This Normal?

I had my surgery on October 18th 2012 and I am still experiencing tenderness on my breasts. Particularly in the nipples. My scars are also still bumpy and my breasts haven't fully dropped and still look a little funny. Is this normal after more than 3 months after surgery? Thank you for your help.

It can be common to have persistent tenderness and sensitivity to the nipples several months after surgery, particularly if the incision is around the areola.  There is a nerve responsible for sensation in this area that comes from the side where your ribs are located.  This nerve can become stretched as a result of the larger implants, injured or bruised or even cut.  I would continue to be patient, continue to be reevaluated by your surgeon periodically, and massage the implant and your torso near the outside edge of your implant near your rib cage in an effort to desensitize the nerves.  Good luck!

Tito Vasquez, MD

Southport Plastic Surgeon

What is the Best Scar Fading Cream for Dark Skinned Black Women After Tummy Tuck?

What is the Best Scar Fading Cream for Dark Skinned Black Women After Tummy Tuck?

The scar regimen that is proven time and time again in the literature is silicone sheeting.  Thus this seems to be my preferred recommendation for those patients at high risk for scar or developing hypertrophic scars, especially for tummy tucks.  It is more difficult to recommend this for the face since the sheets can be seen as unsightly to some people.  However at the waist, it seems to be much better tolerated.  Try a product such as NewGel which comes in clear and beige sheets that are precut to different scars.   One sheet could last several weeks and should be continued for several months.

Tito Vasquez, MD

Southport Plastic Surgeon

Xray Detected Possible Rupture with Capsular Contracture 4 Years Post Op, Should I Worry?

Hi I had silicone Allergan textured implants fitted about four years ago, with my elasticity being very poor and only feeling the lumps and bumps of the implant whilst axamining myself I decided to go to the doctors for help. I also have capsular contracture in the right breast and my doctor agreed it was difficult to examine so sent me for a scan. Im now worried as they want to send me for an MRI scan as they think the right breast which has capsular contracure has ruptured. Should I be worried

MRI is the recommended method to detect a rupture in a breast implant.  If there is any suspicion, you should discuss this with your surgeon so that he can examine you and order the MRI if necessary.  Since your implant is only 4 years old, it is produced with very strict standards and the quality is very good.  Recent-generation implants are much less likely to "ooze" into the tissues compared to older-generation implants.  The implant manufacturer should also provide you with replacement implants in the event of an implant failure.  I would not become too anxious about a rupture until you are certain about the results of the MRI.  The worst case scenario is that you would need another surgery to replace the implants and make any corrections to your breast asymmetry or sagging which has developed since your 1st surgery.

Tito Vasquez, MD

Southport Plastic Surgeon