What patients say
Dr. Benjamin Mandel has received overwhelmingly positive reviews for his expertise in various plastic surgeries, including

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Benjamin Mandel, MD, is board-certified in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Prior to his career in medicine, he studied art and worked at the Met Museum in NYC. Dr. Mandel applies his artistic skills to de
Asked By: qxy2014
ANSWER
Thanks for your question and congratulations on your abdominoplasty! You are still in the very early post-operative period. It can take up to one year for scar tissue to fully mature and settle; during this time, the scar appearance can change dramatically. Recommendations for scar management will vary from surgeon to surgeon. I generally suggest application of a good petroleum moisturizer (such as Eucerin or Aquaphor) to the scars on a twice daily basis, silicone gel or sheets, scar massage to any areas that are thickened or ropey, and complete avoidance of all UV radiation ( no tanning booths or sun exposure). I also recommend holding off on any final judgments for the first 12 months. You should discuss your concerns with your physician and review his or her scar management protocol. Best of luck!
Asked By: Graceful2659
ANSWER
Thanks for your questions, and congratulations on your operation! You are still in the very early post operative timeframe. It can take up to 6 months for breast tissue and implants to fully settle after augmentation mammoplasty; often times this process will differ for each breast. That being said, I recommend that you meet with your plastic surgeon for a formal physical examination and to discuss your concerns; breast fullness, tightness and pain 4 days post-operatively could be indicative of bleeding (hematoma). In regards to a bra, all plastic surgeons have their own post-operative regimens. I generally suggest that my patients wear a surgical bra for 2 weeks, then transition to a supportive compressive sports bra without an underwire for another 4 weeks. Recommendations will vary widely from provider to provider. Again, best to discuss your concerns with you surgeon. Best of luck!
Asked By: givmemo
ANSWER
Thank you for your questions and congratulations on your weight loss! It is possible that removing the excess skin and soft tissue from your abdomen, and breast reduction, could help alleviate your back pain to some degree. You are, however, likely to continue to have some ongoing pain given your herniated disc. How much of your symptoms are due to your spinal pathology versus your excess skin and soft tissue is impossible to know. Regarding cost, insurance is unlikely to cover formal abdominoplasty (tummy-tuck, which addresses both the upper and lower abdomen), however may cover panniculectomy (removal of the lower abdominal apron of skin only). Similarly, insurance will not cover breast lift, but may cover breast reduction (which requires removal of a certain weight of tissue). I suggest that you meet with a board certified plastic surgeon for a dedicated history and physical examination and to discuss your goals and concerns. At that visit, you can review whether panniculectomy and breast reduction are safe and reasonable options. Best of luck!
Asked By: Forceful8782
ANSWER
Thanks for your question. I generally use a dual plane pocket for placement of breast implants during augmentation mammoplasty, and I do not charge more for this approach. You will likely find that prices will vary from provider to provider, but not necessarily with specifics of technique. I suggest that you discuss your concerns with one or more board certified plastic surgeons. Given your breast asymmetry and nipple position concerns, a formal history and physical examination, in addition to a frank discussion of your goals, will be critical to formulating a definitive assessment and plan.
Asked By: PRRanch
ANSWER
Thanks for your question. It is certainly possible to undergo a breast lift leaving your current implant in place. That being said, the implants are now over 10 years old; there may be reasons to replace the implants while you are under general anesthetic. Physical exam findings, and possibly imaging, will help guide optimal management. I suggest that you meet with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns. Best of luck!
Asked By: missmommy3
ANSWER
Thanks for your question. Implant massage is currently a topic of debate within Plastic Surgery. Review of literature suggests limited benefits at this time; I do not recommend implant massage for my patients. That being said, opinions vary strongly from provider to provider. Best of luck!
Asked By: Nicole1235
ANSWER
Thanks for your question. I generally recommend that patients wait at least 3-6 months after breastfeeding prior to proceeding with placement of implants. This approach can help achieve a more predictable result, as breast size and shape can change dramatically with breastfeeding and weaning. Hope this helps, and best of luck!
Asked By: elliott2015
ANSWER
Thanks for your question. Unfortunately, it is impossible to offer an accurate assessment and plan without performing a formal history and physical examination. That being said, in rare cases, patients do require a small vertical incision with abdominoplasty. Patients with a short torso, high umbilicus and minimal excess skin are more likely require this type of closure, especially with low placement of the horizontal incision; this vertical scar can reside anywhere between the horizontal segment and the umbilicus. Best of luck!
Asked By: pebbles2bambam
ANSWER
Unfortunately, it is impossible to give an accurate assessment and plan without performing a full physical examination. Bruising and pain can be common after liposuction, however, can also be indicative of a hematoma. Hopefully you have contacted your physician (or an on-call covering doctor). If not, I suggest you meet with your surgeon (or whomever is covering) to discuss your concerns.
Asked By: Newknockers19
ANSWER
Thanks for your questions. Opting between breast augmentation alone versus with a lift can be difficult. Ultimately, the decision is based on physical exam findings and patient goals. Unfortunately, it is impossible to give you an accurate assessment and plan without performing a formal history and physical examination; this consultation should also address your specific hopes regarding results. I recommend that you meet with one or more board certified plastic surgeons to discuss your concerns. Best of luck!
Dr. Benjamin Mandel has received overwhelmingly positive reviews for his expertise in various plastic surgeries, including