Diane L. Gerber, MD (retired)

Your nipple-areolar complexes are low.  It appears that the right is lower than the left.  I think your breasts would be more symmetric, perkier, and more youthful, if you had a lift with your implants.  The lift would change the shape of your breasts, if done properly, to a more rounded contour.  I don't believe you would need a large implant to achieve a prettier shape and size, with a nice cleavage, if you had a lift.  There will be more scarring, but I believe in time, the scars would fade, and the tradeoff would be worth it.

The drains would normally be used for the tummy tuck portion of the procedure.  The length of time they need to remain in place varies.  Removal usually is determined by the amount and color of the drainage.  The color of the drainage should be a clear yellow or light pink.  The amount of drainage should be under a certain number of cc's.  I usually wait until there is less than 30cc's in each drain for a 24-hour period.  (This amount may be different for different physicians.)  Generally the amount of time, if everything goes smoothly, is less than 1 week.

 

 

Rhinoplasty and otoplasty can certainly be done at the same time.  If the nose is being revised, you may need the cartilage that is removed from the ear,  to achieve the best results on the nose.  Be sure that the cartilage from the ear is not wasted, should this be the case.

There are many qualified plastic surgeons in the Chicagoland area.  Be sure to check credentials and results.  You should go to a plastic surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  You can first check on the surgeon's website, and, if you like what you see, make an appointment for consultation.  Check the before and after pictures, carefully, and be sure that you and the doctor have a similar aesthetic taste.  

There are no other procedures that do what a facelift does, but there are many kinds of facelifts.  The most natural and longstanding results occur with full facelift, that includes a full lift of the internal structures, as well as the skin. A simple skin lift or a mini-lift do not last long, and can make it more difficult to do a full lift in the future. The usual age range for a facelift is 40 - 65.  The best results occur when the procedure is performed when you start to develop jowls and excess neck.  The nature of your skin is also important.  Sun damage and smoking seriously change the elasticity of the skin, so that the results will not be quite as good as they would be in someone with healthier skin.  I think 55 is better than 65 for your  lift.  Be sure to ask the surgeon for "before and after" pictures, so that you know that you are both on the same wavelength with respect to your aesthetic taste.