Des Moines Plastic Surgeons

Normal To Have Severe Pain Post CoolSculpt? How Long Will It Last?

I had Cool Sculpt of abdomen, 5 months post lipo, as well as flanks. My flanks was mildly sore. I am two weeks post Cool Sculpt and am wearing Lidoderm patches for severe nerve pain in the ab area. Seems to be radiating out from near the belly button. I have tried Steroid Shot, 3 days neurotin 300mg 3x day, Toradol - on day 3/5. I have a rx to pick up in the am for Dose Pack steroids. Any idea how long to resolve? My dr has not seen this in other patients. Will this resolve?

Most people experience some mild discomfort after CoolSculpting to the abdomen, it may last several weeks, but it is always temporary and will eventually resolve.  I have found topical anesthetic cream spread over the area of discomfort several times a day to help control the pain. 

CoolSculpting is still considered a new and novel method to non-surgically reduce fat deposits and tighten the skin.  Therefore, we don't know how each person will react to the freezing.  I have had several people complain of rather severe pain that you have described, always in the abdomen and in fairly thin patients with loose skin.  What I believe is happening is that some abdominal muscles are pulled into the applicator head and bruised or "beat up" during the treatment.  The pain is similar to a muscle strain or sprain and it takes several weeks for the muscle to heal itself.  It is self limiting and in the long term, the muscles are fine. 

I have experienced this discomfort after my second treatment on my abdomen and it did resovle.  By the way, my tummy looks great now, so it was well worth it!!!!

David Finkle, MD

Omaha Plastic Surgeon

Tummy Tuck Recovery

What is tummy tuck recovery generally like? If I get it done, what can I expect post-op care, checkups, pain? How long does complete recovery from a tummy tuck take?

A tummy tuck which is also referred to as an abdominoplasty is a procedure to enhance the appearance of the abdomen.  It consists of 3 basic steps:

1. Skin removal and tightening
2. Subcuataneous fat removal
3. Muscle tightening

The recovery is very similar to a C-Section or Hysterectomy recovery.  The first week lifting is limited to 15 lbs maximum and the patients usually walk slowly and bend over.  The second week the weight limitaion is increased to 30 pounds and more normal walking.  After the second week many patients return to work if it is more sedentary, active work jobs and heavy lifting, pulling or straining are still difficult for another 2 weeks.  Most women need help with small children for the first week.

Vigorous physical activity and contact sports are limited for 4-6 weeks.  Everyone's recovery is different, and everyone's tummy tuck is different, the recovery time will vary from individual to individual.

This is a wonderfull operation that will make the tummy flat FOREVER, WITHOUT SIT-UPS!!  But, you have to be willing to trade the appearance for the scar, which is long, but well placed, and hidden in all clothing and bathing suits.

David Finkle, MD

Omaha Plastic Surgeon

800cc Breast Implant Replacement Possible for Second Surgery?

I had Breast Augmentation surgery in Aug'09 and went from 36A to a 36D, silicone, under the muscle. I have 550 cc's in left & 500 in right breast. I also had tuberous breasts & had a mastopexy done. I would like to go bigger and would like to get 800cc implants. Is this possible for me? My doc said that 500 cc is the biggest that I could have b/c I had minimal breast tissue (No kids). Is it possible for me to get 800cc after skin is stretched from the first surgery & how long do I wait?

There are 4 basic questions that need to be answered when deciding on breast implant surgery:

1. Type of implant (Saline vs Silicone, textured vs smooth, low profile vs high profile)
2. Location of incision (under the breast, in the armpit, in the belly button, in the color change between the areola and the breast skin)
3. PLacement above or below the muscle
4. Size of implant

Of these 4 choices the most diffcult decision to make is the size of the implant.  This decision is based on the patient's body build, chest wall configuration, existing breast tissue, expectations and the skill and experience of the Plastic Surgeon.  Looking at hundreds of before and after pictures of other women who have had breast implants that are SIMILAR IN BODY BUILD AND SHAPE  is very helpful.  Also, trying on breast implant sizers in different bras and tops with input from the plastic surgeon will help in making the correct decision.

Even with taking all of these precautions about 10% of the women will undergo remove and replace surgery, mostly to go bigger in size.  Once the implants are in place the skin stretches and the women adjust to their new size and many wished they had gone bigger in size to help balance their figure.  Also, the muscle/skin/breast tissue "flatten" the implant more than most people anticipate.

It is not unusual to go from 500cc to 800cc, based on your body build.  I would suggest a consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon who performs remove and replacement surgery frequently to determine if this is the right choice for you.

David Finkle, MD

Omaha Plastic Surgeon