Bradley Bengtson, MD, FACS

It is super important to be up and walking every two hours following Tummy Tuck and one week after the drain is out (average 1 week), so starting about week two when I have patients beginning to walk for exercise and then gradually increasing activity to full impact activity at 6 weeks.  I do not recommend formal sit ups except in yoga etc and tell patients there is nothing that will improve the look of your tummy that you can do, more than what we do in surgery.All my BestBrad Bengtson, MD FACS

My garment routine is to wear a binder 24/7 for the first week and then with major activity for the first 2-3 weeks.  After one week patients can switch over to lighter compression like a Spanx type garment for routine activity and can also place the binder over the Spanx.I also recommend patients wear a underamour or at least a T-shirt to avoid chaffing.BestBrad Bengtson, MD FACS

It is always best to be done having babies before have major body contouring procedures and get your body to : "This is as good as I can get" or your ideal weight. however I have performed Mini tummy tucks and scar revisions and occasionally non muscle tightening - plication tummy tucks.  This allows the muscle and fascia to stretch with the baby.  I have had patients have a baby after a full tummy tuck successfully so "nature finds a way" but it is not best or planned.  Also you will have a much higher revision rate following another pregnancy and stretching event of the skin and tissues.  A Full Tummy Tuck is a procedure you just want to have one time.All my BestBrad Bengtson MD FACS

Cost depends upon what type of tummy tuck you are having.  A small scar revision of your C-Sx scar or a "Mini" TTuck take an hour or so but usually we add on liposuction and perform additional procedures at the same time.  Next is a "Modified" TTuck which may be skin only with no muscle tightening or a much larger skin removal.  we usually do liposuction here as well.Finally a Full TTuck involves removing all of the skin from your belly button to your suprapubic area just above the top of your pubic bone and we tighten muscle and perform liposuction.  This procedure ranges from 2-3 1/2 hours depending on how much skin and fat we are removing.Including anesthesia and the facility with surgeons fee our prices range from $5-12,000.  You must be seen by us or a plastic surgeon to see the scope and develop and plan and discuss with you the entire informed consent process and help determine your goals and which procedure is best for you.All my BestBrad Bengtson MD FACS

Adding tumescent fluid with has a dilute epinephrine into the fatty tissue of the areas we treat like the tummy and flanks in Tummy Tuck - Abdominoplasty has absolutely transformed this procedure.  with less bleeding there is less swelling, less bruising and less pain.  However surgical areas draw fluid into them, the areas where we operate, and the tissue immediately begin to swell.  I tell patients it is like putting a dry sponge in the sink as it draws the fluid in, it swells.  In my experience it goes down 10-15% per month with most of the change happening early within the first 3-6 months.  You will immediately see an improvement but must be very patient...it's a month at a time improvement not days to weeks, and 9-12 months before your full final result.  Your part is to contiue to watch your carb intake and build up your cardio after you have healed...All my Best! Bradley Bengtson MD FACS

Fraxel is a laser tool used to improve texture and tone of the skin.  It is often used in conjunction with IPL laser for pigment improvement. Acne scarring should be approached via a multi-factorial strategy.  Appropriate medical grade skin care, microneedling and laser such as IPL and FRAX are excellent options to improve complexion and scarring.

Restylane is FDA cleared to last up to about 12 months however the placement (amount, location, technique) of filler can significantly impact longevity.  For example, injection in cheek may last 12 months which filler around the mouth may last 6 months.  A patient’s metabolism can also impact longevity.  Speak to your provider about the best hyaluronic acid filler to help achieve your desired outcome. 

Filler to the tear troughs are among the most challenging injection as scrupulous technique and follow up are routinely required.  For this reason, I suggest evaluation and treatment by a provider well versed in injectables and with extensive experience in facial anatomy and treatments.  Follow up 2-4 weeks after tear trough injection is my standard protocol.  I suggest that you follow up with your provider to discuss the best next step to reach our optimal outcome.  Best of luck!

Swelling after any injection, particularly lip injections is within normal limits.  The swelling tends to be the most dramatic in the first 24-48 hours.  Using ice or an antihistamine as directed by your provider may help minimize this swelling.  If you feel that your swelling is concerning I suggest contacting your provider who should be glad to offer advice and/or examine your progress if needed! Best of luck.

Ulthera is a nonsurgical treatment FDA cleared to  lift and tighten tissue to the face, neck and décolleté.  The treatment stimulates the body’s own collagen synthesis and results are observed gradually.  Optimal results are typically seen approximately 4-6 months post treatment.  Obtaining three dimensional photos before and after treatment offers the patient and provider an excellent tool to measure progress objectively.  Treatment by a highly trained provider as well as appropriate patient selection are imperative for optimal outcomes.