Highland Park Doctors

Can an Alarplasty Be Done Under Local Anasthesia?

Im curious as to whether alarplasty can be done under local anasthesia? Can any rhinoplasty be done this way?

Local anesthesia is often used for smaller nasal procedures like alarplasty. I often give patients minimal oral sedation with Xanax or Valium to relax them prior to injecting their nose with local anesthesia that can sting and burn. Once the nose is numb and you are relaxed alarplasty can be done comfortably.

Laurie Casas, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

What is Minimum Recovery Time for Breast Lift with Augmentation?

I am planning a vacation to Aruba in June and wondering if 2 months is long enough time to recovery properly so I can enjoy myself. Also, I am working on losing my last 10 lbs before I schedule surgery. If I am 10 lbs from my goal weight will that make a huge difference?

Recovery following any surgery is at least 6 weeks but in reality it takes 6-9 months for scars to start to mature. I ask my patients to be careful for 2 weeks after this type of surgery and allow them to resume all normal activity 6 weeks after breast sugmentation and breast lift surgery.

Laurie Casas, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck Recovery While Being a Smoker, is This Okay?

Smoking leads to decreased blood flow to the skin, During a tummy tucky your excess skin is cut away and the remaining skin edges are sutured together. The belly button is released and reattached through a new opening in the skin flap that is pulled down. Both the belly button and the skin that is pulled down to create a tight tummy are at risk to have poor blood flow when you are a smoker. The belly button can actually necrose and the wounds can have very delayed healing. Quit smoking at least 3 months before any surgery and also for your general health.

Laurie Casas, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon