Stephen Kay, MD

Scar minimization should be part of any plastic surgery procedure, and should be discussed before the surgery.  The key step in minimizing scars after tummy tuck is the performance of the procedure to reduce tension on the skin closure.  Substituting wound closure tapes at the end of the procedure, or at the first office visit, for skin sutures can help.  For patients who tend to form noticeable scars even from minor injuries, the early use of occlusion (such as silicone gel sheeting, or gel topicals) and tension-reducing taping will usually help as well. Discuss these options with your doctor.

Swelling is normal and will last for more than 30 days; in some cases swelling may not be gone for 6 months or more.  The color of the healing incisions is a good indicator of the progress of recovery.  If incision sites are red or pink, healing continues both outside and inside.

When you're ready and cleared by your doctor, progressively resume your exercise program.  Combined with some massage, exercise is the best way to restore circulation which will help to reduce swelling. Exercise in the most fitted garment you can tolerate.  Some continued compression will help.

In any medical discipline, training and experience are key.  You can find out easily if your doctor is board certified in plastic surgery or ophthalmology.  Both specialties are qualified and many plastic surgeons do additional fellowship training in oculoplastic surgery.

No specialty has a "lock" on any procedure.  For example, excellent back surgery can be done by both neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons both of whom are back specialists.

You seem to have had a good experience with the plastic surgeon you are considering.  Frankly discuss your concerns and your doctor's experience in detail.  Ask to speak with another patient who has had a similar procedure.

Finally, be satisfied that the doctor you choose will customize the procedure for you, and that you both agree on the goal.

Swelling is normal after most surface laser treatments, including tattoo removal.  If there was no swelling at all, the energy level used in treatment might not be adequate.

Swelling can be controlled by elevating the part treated and applying cool compresses (but not ice directly on the skin).  Swelling should begin to resolve in 2 or 3 days.  If the area becomes increasingly swollen or red after that, let your doctor know as it might be a sign of early infection.

Though you might think you have too much skin, it's the bone and cartilage structure creating the foundation that requires adjustment.  Cosmetic improvement almost never requires removal of excess skin.

Appropriate adjustment of the nasal tip will require strengthening the cartilage to achieve the improved contour you seek.  Sometimes this can be achieved by reworking the tip cartilages; often a cartilage graft will be needed.

You may not need the hump you describe removed.  As you correctly observed, repositioning the tip my mask the hump, and in some cases a graft to the bridge of the nose provides better overall balance than hump removal.

Finally, it's tough to provide a cost estimate without an in-person evaluation.  Many experienced plastic surgeons will, as we do, provide a free initial consultation to examine you, recommend an approach and answer your questions.