Providence Doctors

Sagging Skin After Weight-loss at 21. Is a Facelift my Only Option? (photo)

I’m 21 and I’ve been overweight most of my life. I’ve recently dropped 55 lbs over the course of a year. (180, now 125 at 5’2”) I’ve noticed sagging or loose skin and I’m definitely concerned about my face. The sagging became noticeable when my face started slimming about 5 months ago. Should I lose more and my face will firm? Should I look into a facelift or are there other non-surgical ways? Does my skin just need more time and/or a specific care regimen? Facial exercises? Glycolic Peels?

Now that surgical weight loss procedures are more common there is more attention being paid to the changes associated with this weight loss.

With significant weight loss fat is lost everywhere. There are some areas that are more diet resistant than others but we loose fat everywhere. 

I think you can expect some skin contraction over time. Maybe up to a year or so. Personally I would be reluctant to perform a facelift now because of your age and because your weight is not really stable.

You are most likely healthier at your new lower weight. I would concentrate on maintaining that weight loss with a good diet and exercise.

Locall skin care and avoidance of too much UV exposure is important. There are several no surgical skin tightening modalities that may be effective but again don't overdo it. Fillers like Juviderm may help but I think fat grafting may be something to consider in your case.

There are a lot of options, talk to a good Plastic Surgeon and develop a relationship with him.  It would be nice to monitor your progress with the weight loss and address your concerns along the way as a work in progress.

Thomas R. Walek, MD

Providence Plastic Surgeon

Can I Find a Doctor for Breast Augmentation with Sillicon Implants in NJ, NY, Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn for $6000?

Your breast implants will be something you will likely live with for the rest of your life. In many markets cut rate breast augmentation is advertised for very low prices. Often the procedures are performed by physicians  in an unaccredited office setting without an anesthetist under local anesthesia.

Most plastic surgeons I know feel that proper dissection of the pocket for placement of the implants require general anesthesia or at least monitored sedation. This will increase the cost but provide an adequate safety profile.

Know what is involved and what you are getting for your money. Nobody wants to pay more than they need to but know that you will have to live with your decision for a long time

Thomas R. Walek, MD

Providence Plastic Surgeon

How Long Does Pain Last After Tummy Tuck Surgery if No Muscles Needed to Be Tightened

I had tummy tuck surgery two days ago. the doc told me that all he had to do was remove access skin. he said that my muscles were really toned and did not have to touch them. how long should i expect pain to last if this is the case.

Abdominoplasty is not a single operation. It must be individualized. In my opinion the complexity of what need to be done is often underestimated. Limitations on what is done are frequently imposed by the anesthesia options and operating suite and recovery options.  

Generally i see few if any patients that do not require repair of the abdominal wall. Even in men who are having a procedure to remove skin after weight loss some plication is necessary to improve contour.

The important thing is to discuss options with your surgeon and clearly understand the tradeoff. I frequently modify my procedure to accommodate a particular patient's needs. 

Thomas R. Walek, MD

Providence Plastic Surgeon