Ashley Thorburn, MD

Typically, plastic surgeons recommend waiting at least 6-12 months after skin removal surgery, such as a 360° body lift and arm lift, before getting a tattoo. While you are currently 6 weeks post-op, it's essential to remember that the body needs sufficient time to heal fully before undergoing any additional procedures like tattooing. Here are a few reasons why it's advisable to wait: 1. Healing process: Your body needs time to recover from the trauma of surgery. Tattooing involves puncturing the skin with needles, which can introduce bacteria and potentially cause infection. Waiting until your surgical incisions are fully healed reduces the risk of complications. 2. Scar maturation: Surgical scars undergo a process called scar maturation, during which they become less red, raised, and tender. Getting a tattoo over immature scars can interfere with this process and may result in unpredictable healing and changes to the appearance of the tattoo over time. 3. Skin changes: Your skin may undergo changes during the healing process, including changes in texture, thickness, and elasticity. Waiting several months after surgery allows your skin to stabilize, which can help ensure better tattoo results and longevity. 4. Consultation with your surgeon: Before getting a tattoo, it's a good idea to consult with your plastic surgeon. They can assess your healing progress, provide recommendations, and advise you on the best timing for getting a tattoo based on your individual circumstances. 5. Avoiding unnecessary risks: Getting a tattoo too soon after surgery increases the risk of complications such as infection, delayed wound healing, and changes to the appearance of the tattoo. Waiting until your plastic surgeon gives you the go-ahead minimizes these risks and helps ensure a successful outcome. It's important to prioritize your health and safety during the recovery process. While waiting for several months may seem like a long time, it's crucial to allow your body the necessary time to heal properly before undergoing any additional procedures like tattooing.

A thigh lift, also known as thighplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at reshaping the thighs by removing excess skin and fat, resulting in smoother contours and improved thigh appearance. While it can be a complex operation, the difficulty of the procedure depends on various factors, including the extent of correction needed, the patient's anatomy, and the surgeon's experience and skill. Here's an overview of how a thigh lift is typically performed: 1. Consultation: The process begins with a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon. During this consultation, the plastic surgeon evaluates the patient's concerns, medical history, and aesthetic goals. They also assess the quality and elasticity of the skin, as well as the amount of excess fat and skin present in the thighs. 2. Surgical planning: Based on the patient's anatomy and goals, the plastic surgeon develops a surgical plan. This plan may involve determining the type of thigh lift (e.g., inner thigh lift, outer thigh lift, bilateral thigh lift) and the specific techniques to be used. 3. Anesthesia: Thigh lift surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia to ensure the patient's comfort and safety during the procedure. 4. Incision placement: The plastic surgeon makes incisions in strategic locations, which may vary depending on the type of thigh lift being performed. Common incision patterns include along the inner thigh, extending from the groin crease to the knee, or in the groin crease and extending around the hip. 5. Tissue removal: Excess skin and fat are removed through the incisions, and the remaining tissue is reshaped and tightened to achieve the desired contour. Liposuction may be performed in conjunction with a thigh lift to remove excess fat and further sculpt the thighs. 6. Closure: Once the desired contour is achieved, the incisions are meticulously closed with sutures. The plastic surgeon may use techniques such as layered closure or deep sutures to minimize tension on the skin and promote optimal healing. 7. Recovery: After surgery, the patient is typically monitored in a recovery area before being discharged home. It's essential to follow the plastic surgeon's post-operative instructions, including wearing compression garments, taking prescribed medications, and avoiding strenuous activities during the initial recovery period. Thigh lift surgery can be associated with risks and complications, as with any surgical procedure. These may include bleeding, infection, poor wound healing, asymmetry, numbness, and unfavorable scarring. However, with careful patient selection, meticulous surgical technique, and proper post-operative care, many patients achieve significant improvements in thigh contour and appearance with thigh lift surgery.

Yes, it's possible to wear sleeveless shirts again after an arm lift (brachioplasty), but it's essential to understand that scarring is a natural part of the surgical process. The extent and visibility of the scars will depend on various factors, including your individual healing process, the surgical technique used, and how well you care for your scars postoperatively. Here are some considerations regarding arm lift scars and wearing sleeveless shirts: 1. Scar Placement: Your plastic surgeon will typically place the incisions for an arm lift on the inner side of the upper arm, where they can be less noticeable when your arms are at your sides. However, these scars may still be visible when wearing sleeveless clothing. 2. Scar Maturation: Initially, arm lift scars may appear red, raised, or prominent. Over time, they should fade and flatten as they mature. It's essential to follow your plastic surgeon's scar care instructions to optimize the healing process and minimize scar visibility. 3. Sun Protection: Sun exposure can darken scars and make them more noticeable. It's crucial to protect your scars from the sun by using sunscreen or wearing clothing that covers the area when outdoors. 4. Scar Treatments: Your plastic surgeon may recommend scar treatments such as silicone gel, silicone sheets, or scar massage to help improve the appearance of your arm lift scars over time. These treatments can promote better scar healing and minimize scar visibility. 5. Individual Healing: Everyone's body heals differently, and the appearance of arm lift scars can vary from person to person. Some individuals may have more visible scars than others, while some scars may fade more quickly than expected. 6. Clothing Choices: If you're concerned about the visibility of arm lift scars when wearing sleeveless shirts, you can choose tops with varying sleeve lengths or styles that provide some coverage while still allowing you to feel comfortable and confident. Ultimately, while arm lift scars may initially be noticeable, they should improve over time with proper care and scar management. Many people find that the benefits of an improved arm contour outweigh concerns about scarring, and they feel comfortable wearing sleeveless clothing again after recovery. If you have specific concerns about your arm lift scars or their impact on your clothing choices, it's best to discuss them with your plastic surgeon, who can provide guidance and recommendations based on your individual situation.

It's essential to consult with your plastic surgeon before taking any medication, including Meloxicam, after undergoing a mommy makeover or any surgical procedure. Meloxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used to reduce pain and inflammation. Your plastic surgeon will have specific instructions regarding pain management and medications following your mommy makeover surgery. They may recommend or prescribe certain pain medications to manage discomfort during the recovery period. It's crucial to follow their guidance closely and avoid taking any medications that could potentially interfere with the healing process or increase the risk of complications. NSAIDs like Meloxicam can have potential side effects and interactions with other medications. They may also affect the body's ability to heal properly after surgery, particularly in relation to wound healing and bleeding risks. Your plastic surgeon will consider these factors when providing recommendations for pain management after surgery. If you're considering taking Meloxicam or any other medication for pain relief after your mommy makeover, be sure to discuss it with your plastic surgeon first. They can provide guidance on whether it's safe and appropriate for you based on your individual health status and surgical recovery needs.

A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) typically results in a scar, which is necessary due to the incisions made during the procedure to remove excess skin and tighten the abdominal muscles. The appearance of the scar can vary depending on factors such as genetics, skin type, the skill of the plastic surgeon, and how well the patient follows post-operative care instructions. While the scar from a tummy tuck may fade over time, it is unlikely to completely disappear. Initially, the scar may appear red, raised, or prominent, but it will gradually mature and fade over the course of several months to a year. However, it's important to note that scars are a natural part of the healing process and may remain visible to some extent. There are steps you can take to help minimize the appearance of the scar and promote optimal healing: 1. Follow post-operative care instructions provided by your plastic surgeon, including proper wound care and scar management techniques. 2. Keep the incision site clean and moisturized as directed by your plastic surgeon. 3. Avoid exposing the scar to sunlight, as UV radiation can cause it to darken and become more noticeable. Use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher if the scar will be exposed to sunlight. 4. Massage the scar gently once it has fully healed to promote circulation and reduce scar tissue buildup. 5. Consider scar-reducing treatments such as silicone gel sheets, silicone gel, or topical creams recommended by your plastic surgeon. While the scar may not completely disappear, it will likely become less noticeable over time with proper care and as it continues to mature. If you have concerns about the appearance of your scar or experience any complications during the healing process, it's important to consult with your plastic surgeon for guidance and appropriate management.