Columbia Doctors

I Have Decided To Go Forward With Lift w/ Implants, How Much Time Will This Add to Recovery?

I just want to say thank you to all who have responded to my first post. I was just in shock to hear that my breasts were that bad. until I took the pictures My partner and I were unaware just how asymetrical my breasts actually are. I have decided that I am going to go ahead with the lift, I just hope that I can achieve my look without a vertical scar. (I'm hoping he will be able to just lift around the areola?) how much longer will the lift add to my recovery. A MASSIVE THANK YOU to all that took time to help.

This should maybe add 1-1.5 hours to your breast augmentation, or less, depending on what your plastic surgeon needs to do. Please talk to your surgeon to get the most accurate answer, to assess duration of operation as well as which procedure would be best for your breast lift (i.e. if vertical scar necessary)

Michele A. Shermak, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

Getting Liposuction on Thighs and Flanks, Will I Regret Not Getting it on my Lower Abdomen?

I am currently scheduled to receive liposuction in my outer thighs an flanks at the same time as a BA, next month. My question is, since I seem to put on weight mostly in my thighs/flanks first, and my lower abdominals second, will I regret not also getting my lower abdominals done? I'm worried I will go through all the pain and work of recovery, only to gain my extra pounds strictly in my belly after recovery and still be uncomfortable in my body. Thoughts?

You should discuss this with your plastic surgeon. If your abdomen could stand improvement with liposuction, now would be a good time to do it - to make you look and feel better. You should not pursue liposuction of the abdomen to protect against future weight gain there. There is no data to support that areas that do not undergo liposuction will become heavier if other problem areas are suctioned.

Michele A. Shermak, MD

Baltimore Plastic Surgeon

Pregnancy Stretch Marks

When I was 8 months along in my pregnancy, I got PUPPP which created very severe stretch marks. I have these stretch marks little over a inch above my belly button, all over my lower tummy, and a little on my hips. I am 22 yrs old, 5'4", 148 lbs, and in the process of losing 38 lbs. I have one child but not planning on having any more. Will it get rid of the stretch marks? I have a C-section scar from geting an ovarian cyst removed when I was 16. Will the incision start from this scar?

Thanks for your question.

I agree with others here that it is good to be as close to your Ideal weight as possible eefore you proceed.  Ideal weight doesn't necessarily mean rail thin which may be unrealistic, but you should try to achieve a weight you are comfortalbe with.  If you starve yourself or use a fad died or medication you may fail to maintain your goals.

Being more slender helps the abdominal wall to stay flatter if your surgeon tightens the muscles that have stretched during your pregnancy.

As for the c-section and the stretch marks.  Most surgeons will make your tummy tuck incision at or below the c- section scar-- literally throwing the old scar away and trading it for the new one. 

Your surgeon will have to use judgement in removing the stretch marks. In most cases we can remove the tissue from the top of te belly button and below and sometimes more.  The goal is always to remove as many stretch marks as possible but to also be able to close the incision at surgery.

Hope this helps !

Adam Tattelbaum, MD

Washington DC Plastic Surgeon