Montclair Doctors

I Had my Full TT w/ Lipo of Upper Belly 3 Weeks Ago, Normal To Be Bigger 3 Weeks PO?

When I look at myself with the compression garnment off, I dont think that I am badly swollen any more as the fat gut is gone and also the excess skin, and my belly . But I cannot close and zip up all my OLD pants which used to fit me before the tummy tuck (when I was supposedly bigger). Is this normal after 3 weeks? I thought that with 4 pounds of skin/fatty tissue and almost 2 litres of fat gone, my old pants would be way too loose, so I am a bit gutted at the moment.... Thanks for your advice

After a full tummy tuck you may find yourself bigger because of swelling. This is normal. Don't worry, the swelling will gradually go away and reveal your new shape. It is important to wear a binder or compressive garment as this reduces swelling. I also encourage my patient to watch their calorie intake so that don't gain weight during this period after surgery when the can not return to full exercise routine.

Sheila Bond, MD

Montclair Plastic Surgeon

Do Scars from Breast Augmentation Ever Fade Completely?

Are there ways to get rid of the appearance of scars? I'm just wondering if this surgery will inevitably leave me with permanent scarring, or if there are ways to prevent this. Thanks in advance for your help!

Scars after any surgery do fade with time. I try to put scars in locations that make them more hidden. Also in my practice, patients start a scar control program after all types of surgery. Some patients heal with raised scars or keloid scars, we try to prevent this with the scar control program and see out patient frequently to check the healing.

Sheila Bond, MD

Montclair Plastic Surgeon

Botox and Potential Dangers of Platysmal Band Injections?

I'm a 45 year old woman considering botox for platysmal bands but very concerned about swallowing/breathing difficulties reported. However unlikely. I have googled any number of key words, but not been able to find what kind of dosage level the people had who had trouble? And would it be a sensible strategy to have the dosage in two batches - say 20 units one week with another20 the next? To establish that placement of the 1st ok and neither dosage of itself big enough to paralyse esophagus?

Botox injections of platysmal bands can greatly reduce the appearance of vertical neck lines. To decrease the risk of side effects from platysmal band injection with Botox, very small amounts of Botox should be injected per site - approximately 1-2 units every 2 cm of the band.

I would not suggest repeating the injections in a week as full action of Botox may not fully manifest until 2 weeks after injection.

The most important point is that you have the injections performed by a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon with training and experience in Botox injections.

Emily Altman, MD

Short Hills Dermatologic Surgeon