Fort Wayne Plastic Surgeons

Improving Minor Scar on Cheek?

Hi, I have a scar on my face, a cut that goes from my sideburn to cheek. It's a light red line on the surface only. (If I run my finger along my face, I can't feel it at all) It's been over a year now, while I realize it can't be removed completely, I want to improve it's appearance.

I went to a surgeon who advised me that it is too unnoticeable for surgery and most procedures he performs will only worsen it's appearance. Would you suggest any lasers, Microdermabrasions, Chemical peels, or any bleaching creams? Thanks.

Scars are apparent for two reasons: unevenness or irregularity of the tissue and the other is color mismatch.

The textural irregularities (which it sounds like you do not have) are primarily treated by dermabrasion or laser resurfacing to minimize the defect.

Color mismatch is generally red/pink from increased vascularity or blood flow to the area or from too much pigment (hyperpigmentation) or too little pigment (hypopigmentation).

The pinkness you describe sounds like it could be treated with a vascular laser to lessen the color. Your particular scar would need to be evaluated for the appropriate treatment. I would recommend a second opinion with a board certified plastic surgeon who has experience with multiple lasers, dermabrasion and surgical scar revision.

Brian J. Lee, MD

Fort Wayne Plastic Surgeon

Deep Neck Crease Solution?

I have 3 deep creases from one side of my neck to the other. They are the lines along which my neck bends when I move my head down. I am in my late 30's and seriously think the deep creases make me look unnecessarily older. I don't have a "turkey neck" or a "jowly jaw line", and for this reason I have not been able to find any clear information on possible solutions. My face is not wrinkly so I do not feel I need any work there, just in the neck area. I'm wondering what I should do? I am open to any option in any price range, so long as it has a high customer satisfaction rate. Thank you!

I agree that this is a difficult problem! Until the new fractional laser devices were developed, there was not much to offer. I feel the best approach for this is serial treatments with a deep fractional laser (many brands now available, but I would recommend one with a very narrow spot sixe for the deep tx of the neck). Because of the vascularity (blood supply)and skin texture of the neck is different than the face, we cannot be as aggressive with each treatment on the neck. Obviously, a personal evaluation of the status of the skin will be needed to evaluate the potential for success. Good Luck!

Brian J. Lee, MD

Fort Wayne Plastic Surgeon

Saline Implant Size Advice

I am 29 years old, 5'8'', 136 pounds, size 34B. I am going for 450 cc saline implants under the muscle. Will this size would be too big for me and might give an unnatural look? Would reducing the size to 400CC make a whole lot of difference in appearance? My surgery is only a week away so all quick responses are really appreciated. Thanks a lot.

Breast implant choice preoperatively is one of the anxiety provoking decision in breast augmentation. Being 5'8" the difference between a 400 and 450cc implant shouldn't be too much, but much depends on how much native breast tissue you have to begin.

I have found the Purlz breast sizing system to be very helpful in this situation. It allows you to wear "implants" during daily routine and determine which size fits your preference best. You can investigate this option at www.lwgatz.com. I do not have any financial interest in this company, but find it very helpful to take the guessing out of implant size.

Good luck.

Brian J. Lee, MD

Fort Wayne Plastic Surgeon