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Dana L. Heikes, MD (retired)

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
247 Calhoun St., Charleston, South Carolina
4 | 4 Reviews
14 Questions Answered
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Before and After Photos

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

Currently breastfeeding my 5 mth old and will be until 12 mths. Is it possible to have my implants removed and continue nursing?

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)

Hi! Removal of your implants during the breast feeding stage should not pose a problem especially if the removal is done under local or local with light sedation. If you have sedation, have your anesthesiologist touch bases with your pediatrician regarding the drugs to be used so they can discuss the appropriate time for you to resume breast feeding as opposed to continuing with your  banked milk. Hope this is useful.

provider-Dana L. Heikes, MD (retired)-photo

Dana L. Heikes, MD (retired)

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4 | 4 reviews

I’m getting my implants removed after 3 months. Would I be able to get en bloc capsulectomy?

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)

Hi! While you certainly have a capsule at three months and could have a capsulectomy simultaneously, it is unlikely to offer any long-term physical health advantages. However, if the thought of the capsule remaining will be emotionally stressful the capsules can be removed simultaneously with a modest increase in the duration of the surgery. Hope this is of help to you.

provider-Dana L. Heikes, MD (retired)-photo

Dana L. Heikes, MD (retired)

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4 | 4 reviews

2 weeks post op and still pretty sore with muscle spasms frequently, is that normal?

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)

Hi! It,s not uncommon to have persistent muscle spasms following a sub muscular procedure, especially in a "tight" chest. It will take many weeks for the muscular swelling to dissipate and the skin envelope to relax. Try to avoid intense upper body activities such such  tennis swimming pec-decks etc. Hope this is helpful. Also, when you do resume activities such as these emphasize range of motion over strength exercises.

provider-Dana L. Heikes, MD (retired)-photo

Dana L. Heikes, MD (retired)

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4 | 4 reviews

What can I do for rippling and indentation 3 weeks post-op? (Photos)

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)

Hi! Judging by your photos I don't see anything amiss at this stage in your recovery. Liposuction healing can progess over many weeks or months depending on the location and aggressiveness of the procedure. Be patient and optimistic! 

provider-Dana L. Heikes, MD (retired)-photo

Dana L. Heikes, MD (retired)

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4 | 4 reviews

Can I drastically shrink my arms and to stop sagging skin without a long scar from armpit to elbow? (Photos)

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)

In general the effectiveness of liposuction as an isolated procedure depends on good elasticity in the skin and adequate post-op garment support. Judging by your two photos it seems likely that a skin resection will be necessary. The longitudinal scar of a brachioplasty can often be shortened by the use of liposuction particularly around the elbow.This allows for more clothing options.In my opinion the short-scar transverse brachioplasty is in little use in most patients. Hope this is of use!

provider-Dana L. Heikes, MD (retired)-photo

Dana L. Heikes, MD (retired)

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4 | 4 reviews

Given that I’m having wound healing issues, will my nipples still be symmetrical after healing? (photos)

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)

At that time an evaluation by your surgeon and you will determine the best way forward. Happily, most areolar revisions can be accomplished under local anesthesia. Right now good wound care and patience are the watchwords! Hope this is of use...

provider-Dana L. Heikes, MD (retired)-photo

Dana L. Heikes, MD (retired)

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4 | 4 reviews

5 weeks post-op. Do I have the beginnings of symmastia? (photos)

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)

Hi! This does not appear to be symmastia  Your breasts are likely somewhat closer to each other due to the increased diameter of the larger implants. It is unlikely that the separation between your breasts will diminish any further. Your left breast appears somewhat higher and more lateral than in the pre-op photos. There are several possibilities that might contribute to this. I think it would be wise to see your surgeon and discuss your concerns. Keep the lines of communication open between you. Hope this helps...

provider-Dana L. Heikes, MD (retired)-photo

Dana L. Heikes, MD (retired)

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4 | 4 reviews

I have a bad cough at night. I'm scheduled for an explant and lift this week. Will my coughing hurt my stitches or recovery?

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)

hello! Your night cough is unlikely to have much impact on your explantation incision as there should be minimal tension on the incision closure. However, it would be advisable to seek medical attention regarding the origen of your cough especially if it is of long duration. If it is of recent onset you should mention it to your surgeon and/or the anesthetist if sedation or general anesthesia is to be employed. Hope this is of use

provider-Dana L. Heikes, MD (retired)-photo

Dana L. Heikes, MD (retired)

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4 | 4 reviews

I'm a 32A, mother of 2 and I want something discreet and natural looking. Torn between 325cc and 350cc. Thoughts? (photos)

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)

Hello! After reviewing your photos and your goals I believe that either implant size will give you the very reasonable look you desire. The dimensional differences between the implants is extremely small and will not be of significance. Please be aware that any right-left differences such as nipple position and laterality of the breasts with  respect to the chest will remain after the augmentation. Hope this information is of use.

provider-Dana L. Heikes, MD (retired)-photo

Dana L. Heikes, MD (retired)

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4 | 4 reviews

How much fat can liposuction remove safely in one session?

Asked By:AnonymousANSWERS (1)

Each state medical board sets the standards for recommended maximum volume per procedure.  In my state of South Carolina the figure  is 5 litres of fat. Some studies have noticed an increase in fat emboli to the lungs in volumes greater than this which could have adverse respiratory effects. thanks for your question.

provider-Dana L. Heikes, MD (retired)-photo

Dana L. Heikes, MD (retired)

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4 | 4 reviews

Dana L. Heikes, MD (retired) reviews

Dana L. Heikes, MD (retired)

RATING DETAILS

4.0
4 reviews

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$6,234Mini Tummy Tuck

nrosen65

47 Years of Waiting. Love my New Look. - Charleston, SC

47 years with a flabby tummy. Motivated me. Love my new tummy. Not much pain, sleeping on my back was the worst part. Lipo to muffin top was the most uncomfortable. 8 weeks I am back to normal exerciseing, spinning, weights, running. I was in excellent health and condition before the procedure. Weight stays the same for years. I had Lipo and muscle repair.

$4,800Breast Implant Revision

Jewelslou

Extremely Happy with my More Youthful Figure - Charleston, SC

Had saline breast implants done 15 years ago. They held up pretty good, however the past few years they started to loose the nice shape and perkiness. Dr Dana Heikes did a wonderful job of replacing them with new gel ones. He restored their shape and gave me a much more youthful silhouette. I would definitely recommend Dr Heikes and his kind and friendly staff.

$6,500Tummy Tuck
Mitsypris

Mitsypris

My CG ripped :-(

Well I have my surgery on Nov.8 !!! I'm very nervous, anxious and very excited!!! I feel the way a lot of y'all do why am I spending so much money on myself instead of my kids!!! Well I'm 37 yr old hairdresser , single mother of 2 girls ages 6 and 8. I've lost 72 pounds since January and I guess I kinda think I deserve it !!! Is that wrong!!!!! So far i have not been released from my physician yet due to high blood pressure but I goMonday to get it checked again for my go ahead . All my blood work came back good so I'm pretty much in the clear!!! I only took off 19 days of work I really hope that is enough time because I really can't afford to take off anymore!!! So please pray for me :-) on a quick healthy recovery and getting my sexy back lol!!!!! I'm staying at a suite at the ps office night before surgery and night after which I thought was awsome !!!! But I am 2 hours away from home, that is a concern a little but my ps is one of the best so he is worth the drive!!!! 6 more days nerves are antsy !!!!! Wish me luck post more soon !!! Probably sooner than later cuz I always forget to say something lol!!!!! Also I need hints on what I need to have at home for my surgery like bandages and stuff!!!!! Updated on 3 Nov 2012: Well I've got 4 more days till my surgery very excited and nervous any suggestions on any thing I will take any advice and tis much needed!!!!Updated on 4 Nov 2012:Well 3 more days till i leave for my surgery !!! i am so nervous !!! I will take any advice pls tell me anything you think i should know!!!Updated on 5 Nov 2012:Well 3 more days!!! Getting excited !! Got cleared with my physician !!! So excited !!!Updated on 6 Nov 2012:OMG 2 more days till my surgery!! I called them this morning they are so sweet and kind I'm thankful for that !!! I'm do ready and scared at same time!!!Updated on 6 Nov 2012:Well tomorrow I travel to Charleston for my TT ! I'm so nervous and excited not sure on what to take as far as clothes any suggestions ? Nov 8 8:15 I have to get marked up lol!!!! I'm so freaking out !!! My anxiety is up !!!! So pls any suggestion quic would be helpful!!!!Updated on 7 Nov 2012:Well tomorrow morning is my surgery I am officially creaking out now !!!! But I know everything is gonna be great!!!!! Still need input on like what I need to take to wear ?Updated on 7 Nov 2012:Omg it's almost my turn less than 12 hours so nervous and excited!!!! Drove 2 1/2 hours it's going to be so worth it I will update my pics probably Friday because my iPad won't up load :-( anyway if their is any last minute advice let me know!!!!Updated on 7 Nov 2012:Can't sleep kinda nervous !!! But I'm gonna be alright!!! I gonna try and sleep its 2:35 am plas say a little prayer for me and hope everyone is feeling ok !!!!! TT time soon :-) update soon!!!!!Updated on 8 Nov 2012:Ok all not to much longer I'm so excited!!!! I can't wait to be done and awake already anticipation is crazy for me right now!!!! So everyone pls say a little prayer for me and also someone else I met on here she is actually getting marked up now and her surgery is at 7!!!! Much prayers needed and wanted!!!!Updated on 8 Nov 2012:I guess this will be last post !!!!! Until then I will see you on the Flatside wahoooo!!!! Prayers prayers!!!!Updated on 8 Nov 2012:Well just got back to my room!!! I feel like I did a thousand sit-ups but mind is good!!!!!!!! They said everything went really good!!!!;Updated on 8 Nov 2012:Do y'all have problems still using your muscles gettin up even with help? Pls let me know what I need to do different!!! I have a small bladder I know I have gotten up like 4 times since 2 pm and wondering if I'm over doing it !! I don't want to mess anything up!!!!!Updated on 9 Nov 2012:Nurses just came in and said I was doin great I have t had a pain pill since 10 lastnight I'm feeling pretty good!!! They redid my dressing I stiil look as big if not bigger than before!!!! I hope it's going to be the change I was expecting and I don't think he cut me from hip to hip I don't know if the a good thing or not?Updated on 9 Nov 2012:TMI I know I have gas so bad and it won't come out cant use the muscles to push lol !! HELP LOL!!!!! The car ride home almost killed me my driver slammed on brakes one time felt like it ripped me apart am so sore !!!! But other than that I feel ok few sharp pain I guess it's from the gas!!!! I get to take a shower Sunday I will take more pics then!!!! But scared I'm not going to look flat like I want :-( but I hope so !!!!Updated on 9 Nov 2012:Also how tight is y'all garments ? Mine don't seem tight enough but I guess he put the right one on me lol!!!Updated on 9 Nov 2012:Please any one have any suggestionsUpdated on 10 Nov 2012:The binder I have is a 2 x and I wear a size 8 does that mean my binder is,to big cuz I don't want it to loose it messes up my TT let me know how y'all's fits ?Updated on 10 Nov 2012:When I'm in my recliner I feel normal like nothing has been one but when the gas starts rolling around I want o scram it hurts o bad. When I stand up to go potty and to walk around its not so bad and I'm not taking the pain med like every 7 hours or so I really was expecting it to be worse!!! Maybe it's to soon for the real pain !!! PO day 2Updated on 11 Nov 2012:Today Is PO 3 I'm going to take a shower for the first time !! I'm nervous about this taking the garment off and putting it back on seeing the incision for first time and seeing where the drain tubes are !!!! Also any ideas how to heal quicker?Updated on 11 Nov 2012:I'm goin to post after pics today before and after my shower!!!Updated on 11 Nov 2012:Is it normal after 3 days of surgery you can stand up straight almost?Updated on 11 Nov 2012:Took my shower it wasnt to bad!!! i took some pics of me out of the binder i sure hope i look totally different than these pics if i dont im going to cry!!!!Updated on 12 Nov 2012:Just got off phone with nurse I get my drains out tomorrow !!!! Wahoo I'm so excited to get them out!! I hope it doesn't hurt when they pull them out!!!! I think they are going to give me a new binder!!!!! I'm excited!!!!! Yay!!!!Updated on 13 Nov 2012:On my way to Charleston to get my drains out and hopefully get a tighter binder I sure hope it doesn't hurt for them to take them out!!!Updated on 13 Nov 2012:Ok just got my drains out a smaller garment !!! I feel 100% better I'm not taking no pain meds til night time just to help me sleep!!! I'm standing up better!!! And I can sit up more straight now !!! Yay!!Updated on 13 Nov 2012:This new binder is my best friend the ride of 3 hours back from the dr thousand times better !!! So if your binder isn't tight make them give u a tight one !!! Bumps on the road isn't even bad and no pain meds today what so ever!!!Updated on 14 Nov 2012:Got my drains out yesterday !! Wow what a difference on how it makes you feel!!!! The smaller garment I got made even a bigger difference I feel like I'm secure all wrapped up!!! I almost totally standing up straight except when I stand up at the the beginning but overall I'm feeling really good!!!!Updated on 14 Nov 2012:Added 2 new pics swellen has went down a little but took a [RS bleep] afterwaeds and think i swolled back up a little!!! Is this going to be a roller coaster skinny one day and swolled the next!!!!!Updated on 16 Nov 2012:I see a lot of people on here after a few day of surgery and they look super skinny and flat already compared to their before I still have a swollen pooch and look like I'm 5 mths pregnant from my side profile !!! I so ready to see how I am goin to look :-) !!!!Updated on 16 Nov 2012:Goin shopping for new binder today please I need any suggestions on which is good!!! Do y'all think the SPANX binder is a good one!!!Updated on 17 Nov 2012:OMG i hope i am ok i am so swollen !!! Can my binder be to tigh? I gained 6 pounds is that possible?Updated on 18 Nov 2012:Thank you all for youe concerns !!!Im still swollen not as bad though im gonna post another pic in a minute !!!! Im praying they wont have to go in a drain me anymore and hope it went down enough so they dont have to!!! I have had 2 garments on with padding in the midde for gextra compress !!!! i had the spanx and the garment the PS gave me when i went back to get my drains out!!!!Updated on 19 Nov 2012:Just left PS they checked me for extra fluid but their was none yay!!!!! I scheduled my next procedure if everything goes as planned!!!! Wahooo!!! But still swollen can't wait for that to be gone lol!!!!Updated on 20 Nov 2012:Swelling goin down a little yay!!! Hope it continues!!! But I keen wear 2 CG with paddin in between for extra compress I hope I don't have to do this all the time to just get the swelling down!!! Pls pray !!! As my prayers go out to all of you as wellUpdated on 20 Nov 2012:Still swollen but I put my size 8 on my pre surgery jeans and they are loose and not fat hangover the sides or anything so I was so happy about that but the swelling in the lower belly I wish would go away but I have faith in time it will!!!' I'm just so excited my pants are loose I have a feeling when this swelling goes down I will be hopefully 2 size smaller that's what I'm hoping!!!Updated on 21 Nov 2012:Still wearing 2 CG with extra padding !! Still swole but not as bad i feel i look a little better yay!!!! Alo what is a good scar creme?Updated on 22 Nov 2012:Happy Thanksgiving to all the TT ladie hope y'all have a great day!!! Don't eat to much we paid to much money to get a belly back lol!!!Updated on 23 Nov 2012:Hope everyone had a great thanksgiving and didn't eat to much!!!! I'm still swole still trying different CG wish I could find the perfect one!!! I want one to suck me in really tight!!! Any suggestions!!!Updated on 25 Nov 2012:Well 17 days since surgery !!! I'm wondering if I will ever see flat!!! I been reading alot of people post saying that after 3yrs they still swell alot !!! Omg I hope that it won't be the case for me!!! One of the people who recommended me to my dr is perfectly fine no swelling or nothing bit she had hers June !!! But she wasn't as big as me or had lipo with hers !!! I'm wondering if lipo at the same time makes it more harsh!!! Wondering if it should be done in 2 phased instead at one time!! Or maybe I'm jumping the gun it's only been 17 days but it stinks when I wake up its down a little and through the day just moving around or just sittin instead of layed back I swell up a little !!!! I just want to see flat one time lol to see my results to see what I'm I store for lol!!! That would be Awsome just to know instead of wonder if and when it will get their!!!! Ok I'll quit blabbing hope everyone is doin well!!!Updated on 26 Nov 2012:Does anyone have a problem with their belly smoothing near their belly button mine creases like I'm pushing my skin together I'm getting worried its gonna stay like that!!! Do you think my CG could be to tight!!!Updated on 28 Nov 2012:Headed back to work pray I have a no. Swell day!!! I'm still swelling got 2 garment on for work!!! Hope everybody has a great day!!!!Updated on 29 Nov 2012:Well been 3 weeks since my surgery!!! Went back to work I swelled some ans still swelling I hope this is just a part if the healing process !! I'm a hairdresser all I did was colored and cut clients hair yesturday my assistant did the shampooing for me thank goodness I sat as much as possible but I still was very exhausted when I got home!!! I hope today will be better!!!!Updated on 6 Dec 2012:Is anyone having problems with their incisions closing and healing propey at the end of my scar I can open it and see stitches and one is poking out I'm scared I'm goin to get an infection !! What should I do I just noticed it tonight!!! Anybody else having this problem!!!Updated on 10 Dec 2012:Well everybody 9 more days till my next procedure boobs and a little lipo on the back side !!! Getting excited all over again!!!! I'm feeling really good from my TT still swell some but that's to be expected !!! But I feel like I'm gonna be a new woman by summers !!! Fingers crossed!!! Anyway hope everyone is doing well!!!!Updated on 16 Dec 2012:Well I'm goin down but I haven't seen flat yet !!! But it's getting closer and closer but I'm loving my curves that I have from the front so far!!! But I can't wait till my pooch goes down looking at me from my side profile !!!! I'm have in my next surgery wed on my breast I'm getting excited about that!!!! Hope everyone is doin well!!!Updated on 19 Dec 2012:Everyone pray for me!!! I'm excited and also my tummy is looking better it is down alot when I wake up but after I shower I swell again but not as bad but it's slowly but surely getting their!!!Updated on 19 Dec 2012:Well I'm 5 hours out of surgery they said it went well !! I haven't had any pain meds yet but thinking about taking one soon they starting to feel like their burning!!!! But I'm goin to eat something first they said but over all I feel really good!!!! I ended up using the Gel implants with 400 in each breastUpdated on 21 Dec 2012:OMG I hope my boobs are going to be ok when they are healed Im worried they are not going to look right !!!Updated on 24 Dec 2012:I'm so sad my CG ripped :-( but I have a spate thank goodness I hope my PS will give me a new one!!! I hope everyone is doing well and have a very Merry Christmas!!!

$10,000Mini Tummy Tuck

jlrobertson

Unprofessional and rude

Unprofessional. Was having mini tummy tuck and lipo - while under anesthesia told me he wasn't going to "tack" muscles and didn't - No aftercare instructions given until in car and had sister sign paperwork and gave instructions while we were in car leaving building - had her sign them on windshield - told him at check up that the anesthesiologist's hands were shaking so badly he missed the vein in my hand. He said, "You woke up didn't you!" and turned his back on me. Very unprofessional and misleading...would not recommend him to anyone that wants to get what you pay for.