Ogden Plastic Surgeons

A Little over 3 Weeks Post-op Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift. My Surgeon Told Me to Do Scar Therapy.

He gave me a cream to apply to incisions two times a day. He said to massage cream into skin with enough pressure to pop stitches under skin. I have searched internet for this topic and found nothing. I have popped one it feels weird but dont hurt. I am nervous to do this because I have found no information on it. Is this normal standard procdure? Could I damage anything by popping stitches?

The quality of the scar after surgery has many factors 1) genetics, 2) technique, and 3) after care.  The most important in most cases is the genetics and patient factors.  Unfortunately, this we have no control over.

Techniques to avoid tension at the level of the skin and dermis can minimize scar formation.  Using internal suturing techniques without external "track marks" can improve the scar quality.

After care is the least important but the only part the patient has any ability to control.  I like to leave surgical tape in place for 3 weeks to limit tension and stretching on the scar, hydrate, and protect the scar.  Thereafte, I like Mederma for typical scars, stepping up to scar guard or silicone sheeting at the first sign of a raised scar.

"popping" the sutures with massage would only contribute to a wider scar in my opinion.

York Jay Yates, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon

Do Most Surgeons Charge a Consultation Fee for Breast Augmentation?

How much should I expect to pay for a breast augmentation consultation?

I mean that as a compliment.....some Plastic Surgeons consider the consultation an evaluation and recommendations session.  So, just like your attorney, whether you take their advice or not, you pay for their opinion and their time.  Perfectly appropriate and totally professional.

Your question was about cost, so I would have to agree with others in that you should expect to pay what plastic surgeons in your area are charging.  Unless you are not going to a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, you can expect that they will be held to some standard regarding their fees by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and usually also the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Again, as always, you should first focus on finding a quality Plastic Surgeon who you can trust and assume that the fees will reflect the value of the services rendered.

Brian K. Brzowski, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon

Breast Implant Removal Recovery

Recovery? Pain? I was told by my surgeon that he could remove them under straight local. They are not ruptured. Is this true? I'm 30 years old. I had silicone 400cc breast implants placed 3 years ago. I was a fuller A cup and went up to a DD (against my wishes, I wanted a C) I'm a very active person and have hated them ever since. I do not wish to have them replaced in fear of future surgery, problems, etc. It was an unfortunate circumstance that I just want erased from my history.

Breast implant removal under local anesthesia is a very simple procedure for the surgeon and the patient.  Virtually painless during and after.

Having had 400 cc implants for 3 years there will be stretch of the overlying tissue.  You may consider asking your plastic surgeon if you are a candidate for internally supporting and lifting the breast.  This involves suturing the implant pocket closed while lifting the nipple and breast.  This can be easily done with local anesthesia as well if you wish.

York J. Yates, MD - Utah.

York Jay Yates, MD

Salt Lake City Plastic Surgeon