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Some questions answered by Dr. FG
Do you have a list of items you'd recommend patients to travel
with?
ANSWER: Karel should've sent you the Pre-op Guideline by now. If not, let me know. It mentions everything that we've seen our patients like to include in their stock.
Post op--
Multivitamins
Arnica pills.
Bromelain pills.
Any other supplements you suggest?
ANSWER: Iron (300mg) and Vit C (1000 mg)
When should I stop taking them?
ANSWER: Vit. C 2 weeks before the surgery.
I have a bottle full of Percocets that were prescribed for my
breast lift in November which I never used. Should I bring these w
me?
ANSWER: Yes, there is no percocet here, and I combine it with another pain killer here which together work pretty good.
What meds are a no no post op right?
TT scar.... Aftercare. What are the so called "dog ears"?
ANSWER: Scars that are sutured by either really bad or non plastic surgeons. It's called like that because the excess skin left in the corners of the incision have the shape of a dog ear. Don't mind this.
Lipo of back--is there a certain limit of fat you retrieve? Or do
you decide during surgery?
ANSWER: The only thing that could keep me from doing a very good liposuction would be having a not so good haemoglobin. Above 12.7 is considered pretty good.
BBL- although we both agreed I don't need a bigger butt (yuk)
ideally I would like a more rounded shape. Is that even achievable
with out making it bigger?
ANSWER: Logically, if we put volume it will grow a little. It may be very little to be perceived, but it will be bigger, otherwise it's not physically possible to inject an area without it having more volume.
Also can something be done to
camouflage the cellulite dimples in this area?
ANSWER: Fat grafting helps in part, but to eliminate completely is impossible (for now at least). Whoever finds the solution to cellulite will be a billionaire along with whoever makes Men hair really grow again.
Regarding fluid retention & being swollen: how do I know when I
should worry?
ANSWER: You will get swollen. It's normal, because the faja compresses your abdomen, thus your vena cava, which makes your legs and feet get swollen. I show you a couple of tips to decrease swelling in person. Not something that causes patients to worry.
What areas tend to retain most fluids.
ANSWER: Legs and feet.
Although I've
decided to limit my visits to post surgery blogs, I have read
about TT patients feeling liquid under their skin in the lower
abdomen -- liquid under skin soft to touch. One even had to visit
primary care physician to have liquid drained. How common is that?
ANSWER: That is called a seroma. It's very uncommon (I've only had one and it was because the patient lied about her drainage debit to have it removed, she confessed later on). I use a technique that I close the dissected space in your abdomen so that there is no room for the liquid to accumulate. That plus the use of 2 drains is my secret to not having seromas (shh, don't tell anyone).
Is that the right step to follow?
ANSWER: If you are doubtful about having a seroma or not, the first step is to have an abdominal ultrasound. The technician will let you know if you have an accumulation more than 20 cc. If so, that is a seroma and the best approach is to drain it, yes.
What are the facts about having surgery over seas & being denied
care back in states when an emergency arises? Myth?
ANSWER: I've never had any inconvenience (but I am friend with many doctors in the US). For your case specifically, my brother in law is an orthopaedic surgeon in Westchester Hospital, so he'd see you in case of anything. Never had to use anyone though, that's why I ask for at least 14 days. You normally see that in patients that fly back after 5 days or less of post-op with their drains still on, and have no aftercare.
Will my
general doctor take care of me post op if needed?
ANSWER: Now, you'd need to ask him that. But I guess he would. I'd never deny my services to anyone, but I can't speak on behalf of others.
Compression stockings: Should I buy a pair of thigh high ones?
ANSWER: I believe the clinic includes a pair, but if you were to buy your own they're thigh height.
When will I be wearing them? How long? Do I need them on flight
back?
ANSWER: 7 days after surgery and they are placed before going into the OR. It's a good idea to put them on again for the flight, yes.
Lipo foam for faja? Your thoughts.
ANSWER: Very good, it's included in your quote. They are a must on important liposuction.
Flight home--warning signs? Don't / Do list?
ANSWER:
- Stang up every hour for at least 5 minutes and walk around the plane (go to the bathroom and back so they don't think you're crazy).
- We give you a letter so you don't have to walk across the airport, and so that the airline helps you with a wheelchair (sometimes even works for a business class upgrade).
- Use your compression stockings (as you already mentioned).
- Try to raise your legs every a couple of times while waiting for your flight.
- Don't carry any weight over 5-10 pounds for longer than 5 min
with?
ANSWER: Karel should've sent you the Pre-op Guideline by now. If not, let me know. It mentions everything that we've seen our patients like to include in their stock.
Post op--
Multivitamins
Arnica pills.
Bromelain pills.
Any other supplements you suggest?
ANSWER: Iron (300mg) and Vit C (1000 mg)
When should I stop taking them?
ANSWER: Vit. C 2 weeks before the surgery.
I have a bottle full of Percocets that were prescribed for my
breast lift in November which I never used. Should I bring these w
me?
ANSWER: Yes, there is no percocet here, and I combine it with another pain killer here which together work pretty good.
What meds are a no no post op right?
TT scar.... Aftercare. What are the so called "dog ears"?
ANSWER: Scars that are sutured by either really bad or non plastic surgeons. It's called like that because the excess skin left in the corners of the incision have the shape of a dog ear. Don't mind this.
Lipo of back--is there a certain limit of fat you retrieve? Or do
you decide during surgery?
ANSWER: The only thing that could keep me from doing a very good liposuction would be having a not so good haemoglobin. Above 12.7 is considered pretty good.
BBL- although we both agreed I don't need a bigger butt (yuk)
ideally I would like a more rounded shape. Is that even achievable
with out making it bigger?
ANSWER: Logically, if we put volume it will grow a little. It may be very little to be perceived, but it will be bigger, otherwise it's not physically possible to inject an area without it having more volume.
Also can something be done to
camouflage the cellulite dimples in this area?
ANSWER: Fat grafting helps in part, but to eliminate completely is impossible (for now at least). Whoever finds the solution to cellulite will be a billionaire along with whoever makes Men hair really grow again.
Regarding fluid retention & being swollen: how do I know when I
should worry?
ANSWER: You will get swollen. It's normal, because the faja compresses your abdomen, thus your vena cava, which makes your legs and feet get swollen. I show you a couple of tips to decrease swelling in person. Not something that causes patients to worry.
What areas tend to retain most fluids.
ANSWER: Legs and feet.
Although I've
decided to limit my visits to post surgery blogs, I have read
about TT patients feeling liquid under their skin in the lower
abdomen -- liquid under skin soft to touch. One even had to visit
primary care physician to have liquid drained. How common is that?
ANSWER: That is called a seroma. It's very uncommon (I've only had one and it was because the patient lied about her drainage debit to have it removed, she confessed later on). I use a technique that I close the dissected space in your abdomen so that there is no room for the liquid to accumulate. That plus the use of 2 drains is my secret to not having seromas (shh, don't tell anyone).
Is that the right step to follow?
ANSWER: If you are doubtful about having a seroma or not, the first step is to have an abdominal ultrasound. The technician will let you know if you have an accumulation more than 20 cc. If so, that is a seroma and the best approach is to drain it, yes.
What are the facts about having surgery over seas & being denied
care back in states when an emergency arises? Myth?
ANSWER: I've never had any inconvenience (but I am friend with many doctors in the US). For your case specifically, my brother in law is an orthopaedic surgeon in Westchester Hospital, so he'd see you in case of anything. Never had to use anyone though, that's why I ask for at least 14 days. You normally see that in patients that fly back after 5 days or less of post-op with their drains still on, and have no aftercare.
Will my
general doctor take care of me post op if needed?
ANSWER: Now, you'd need to ask him that. But I guess he would. I'd never deny my services to anyone, but I can't speak on behalf of others.
Compression stockings: Should I buy a pair of thigh high ones?
ANSWER: I believe the clinic includes a pair, but if you were to buy your own they're thigh height.
When will I be wearing them? How long? Do I need them on flight
back?
ANSWER: 7 days after surgery and they are placed before going into the OR. It's a good idea to put them on again for the flight, yes.
Lipo foam for faja? Your thoughts.
ANSWER: Very good, it's included in your quote. They are a must on important liposuction.
Flight home--warning signs? Don't / Do list?
ANSWER:
- Stang up every hour for at least 5 minutes and walk around the plane (go to the bathroom and back so they don't think you're crazy).
- We give you a letter so you don't have to walk across the airport, and so that the airline helps you with a wheelchair (sometimes even works for a business class upgrade).
- Use your compression stockings (as you already mentioned).
- Try to raise your legs every a couple of times while waiting for your flight.
- Don't carry any weight over 5-10 pounds for longer than 5 min
My pre-op stomach
Originally I didn't think I needed TT but here goesssssss!
Slowing purchasing items..
Look what I found!! Drain holders! They are designed to securely hold all sizes of drainage bulbs. It can be positioned on the chest, waist, abdomen or thigh. Promotes maximum drain function and prevents accidental dislodgment. Allows patients to move more freely and comfortably. Can be worn in the shower. Soft, adjustable fabric with sewn on hook and loop fasteners for a pin free, tape free application. Accommodates up to four drainage bulbs. Universal size. Latex free. Decreases complications and improves outcomes. Hmmmmmm!! I think I'm purchasing this!
Provider Review
Plastic Surgeon
Calle Socrates Nolasco 4, Santo Domingo, Distrito Nacional