Hackensack Doctors

Extra Skin Left After Prophylactic BM? What Are My Options For Reconstruction? (photo)

I'm 1 mo. post-prophylactic bilateral simple mastectomy; no nodes removed. Prior to surgery, I was a 38DD. I expected to have a flat chest post surgery, but what I ended up w/ was flatness above the incisions & rather large "ridges" of skin below the incisions. Will these ridges flatten out any over time or is this the look a surgeon typically gives women who are undecided about future recon? I also have an extra, fat flap near rt. underarm. Will it flatten out? Exploring possible recon.

If you want future reconstruction the extra skin will be a large help in giving you a more cosmetically pleasing reconstruction.  You can choose many different types of reconstruction bases on your medical problems, body type and need for radiation treatment.  You may choose to do tissue expanders with implants or use your own tissue for reconstruction ( like your tummy).  If you do not want reconstruction then you will most likely want another surgery to remove the extra skin from your chest.

Kari L. Colen, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

What Helps a Tummy Tuck Scar Result- Stitches on the Outer Layer or Glue?

I am going to have a tummy tuck and I know their will be a scar I was just wondering...as far as the best results when it comes to the outcome of your scar which is better for the outer layer of skin stitches or glue?

I do not know of any data that demonstrates dissovable stitches vs glue being better.  We do know that a no tension closure and no outside stitches will aide in the healing of the tummy tuck scar. 

Kari L. Colen, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

Will a TT with Muscle Repair Help Strengthen Stomach Muscles After C Section?

I have had two C-sections and since my second c-section I have had great difficulty building the strength back up in my abs. I have a large separation down the middle of my stomach and excess skin. I am a very active person and I am very frustrated that I cannot strengthen my core. I am considering a tummy tuck to correct the stomach muscles. Will this make a difference in me being able to strengthen my stomach msucles?

With excess skin and a diastasis rectus (the separation in yoru muscles down the middle) you sound like an excellent candidate for abdominoplasty.  Yes, not only will the abdominoplasty improve your apearance, but by placing the muscles back where they should be, it will strengthen your core.  Good Luck.

Kari L. Colen, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon