Marietta Plastic Surgeons

Is There Such Thing As a Non-invasive Minor Breast Reduction For Asymmetry?

I am having difficulty finding a good fitting bra. My band size is 40. One breast fits nicely in a D cup while the other spills out. I go up to a DD cup and then I have one breast that fits nicely and the other has gaps. I was wondering if there is a non-invasive procedure that could reduce the size of the DD breast down to a D so that I can find a bra that actually fits, something like breast liposuction?

The situation you have described is very common and a popular technique for small volume breast reduction is liposuction.  Although there is no such thing as scarless surgery, the scars from liposuction are minimal and can be placed in very inconspicuous areas.  Liposuction works by removing the voume from an area, but it depends on the skin in that area to tighten following the procedure.  If you are young and/or have good elasticity in your skin, you might be a candidate.  The only downside with this method of breast reduction is that the tissue removed cannot be evaluated for cancerous or pre-cancerous lesion.  You should have a discussion with you plastic surgeon about any family history of breast cancer or personal history of breast atypia.  This information will be extremely important when evaluating you as a surgical candidate for this type of procedure.

Marcus Crawford, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Will I Be Able to Do Ab Exercises, Etc. After Tummy Tuck Heals?

I have diastasis recti and lots of wrinkly loose skin from having 3 large babies. Before the kids I did extremely taxing ab routines of 40-60 minutes of various exercises working all the ab muscles. I also do six or more hours of cardio per week and weight train. If I get a full tummy tuck and repair the diastasis will I eventually be able to resume all of these exercises? I've heard some women are instructed never to do things like pushups etc. Will the stitching be like cheesewire on my abs?

After you receive Tummy Tuck surgery and diastasis recti repair, you will eventually be able to return to full and unrestricted physical activity.  Many surgeons ask patients to wait at least 6 weeks before returning to vigorous exercise.  This time period allows your body to heal enough so that the scar tissue and wounds will reach their maximum post operative strength.  Since the Tummy Tuck procedure does not injure your muscles, there is no reason that your muscles won't function after surgery.  After you have surgery and are cleared for vigorous activity by your surgeon, I would start slow and not overdo it at first.  Your body will very quickly tell you if you are "doing too much."  After the tissue on your abdominal wall has healed, it is unlikely that you will cheesewire through your abdominal wall.  I hope this helps.

Marcus Crawford, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Who Pays for the Cost of Emergency Room After Surgery if It Becomes Necessary?

If something goes wrong and I end up in an ER as a result of a breast augmentation surgery, who will pay for the ER's cost? I asked my insurance company, and they said because it's cosmetic surgery based reason, they don't cover the cost. I called my surgeon's office and the receptionist said if insurance doesn't cover, it would be on me. Really? Then how much I need to be prepare myself for this worst scenario?

Complications following cosmetic plastic surgery is extremely rare when performed by a Board certified Plastic Surgeon. Most health insurance companies will not cover the cost of ER visits from cosmetic surgery. We offer all our patients CosmetAssure to give everyone the peace of mind about their cosmetic surgery. However, if you are considering cosmetic surgery, make sure that your Plastic Surgeon is a “real Plastic surgeon”. There is a huge difference between Plastic Surgeons and Cosmetic Surgeons. Do your homework you sign the contract. 

Stanley Okoro, MD

Atlanta Plastic Surgeon