Dr. Chatson is an outstanding surgeon. From start to finish he is with you all the way. I felt listened to and taken care of by him and his wonderful staff. I highly recommend. Plus I am so happy with my results!
Last week Dr. Chatson removed my silicone implants and capsules, which I believe played a major role in my health decline over the last few years, which has been coined "Breast Implant Illness". Sadly, this term isn't officially recognized by so many doctors, but thankfully Dr. Chatson does and is very compassionate about how it can negatively impact some people's health. At my first post-op appointment he showed me pictures of my explanted implants and capsules, per my request. I was thrilled to see he was able to get 100% of my capsules out, (which can cause further health complications if they're not fully removed). Additionally, I also got a lift. I snuck a peak under my compression wrap for the first time yesterday, and I have to admit I'm thrilled with the results! They came out even better than I was expecting! He's definitely a highly skilled surgeon and so worth the wait!
I got gel implants placed under the muscle in my 20s in 2014. Since then, they served me well but any time I saw an article about breast implant illness it made me uneasy, but I would just avoid reading them and move on. Fast forward to having a baby in 2019 and nursing, and for some reason I became consumed with having my implants removed. I was aware of them all the time, it felt like they were burning and I couldn’t stop thinking about my health if I didn’t remove them. (I wasn’t experiencing any symptoms that I could definitively say worsened after implants, but just the thought of foreign objects lying on top of my lungs freaked me out). I made an appointment with Dr Chatson in Massachusetts and he had me go for an MRI to check for rupture (there was none). But we scheduled my en bloc capsulectomy surgery ASAP because elective surgeries in MA were closing down due to covid. The day of I wasn’t really nervous, I just wanted to get it over with. I don’t remember much about my recovery in the PACU I was pretty out of it. When I got home- the pain was much worse than the initial implantation. I felt pain, burning, intense discomfort.. I assume there was some scraping of my ribs and sternum going on because man was I sore! But I used homeopathy for pain relief and I didn’t need to touch my oxycodone. They also gave me a dose of tramadol before I left the pacu but that did absolutely nothing. 24 hours post op i feel really good and the only soreness I feel is at the drain sites. I feel like my eyes are brighter and my face is glowing already. Also, I breastfed my 14 month old that night! I didn’t do a lift so my nipples were fine. I had so many questions about this procedure while nursing but I was able to do it! If anyone has questions please reach out.
I went to Dr. Chatson in March 2018 to have my saline implants removed due to severe Breast Implant Illness (BII) symptoms I was experiencing. (Another surgeon had put them in 18 years ago.) I was very concerned about how I would look after surgery and was worried that I would need a lift. This was a very emotionally traumatic experience for me, but Dr. Chatson and his staff put me at ease from the first phone call until my last follow-up appointment. Dr. Chatson assured me that I did not need a lift and was realistic about how I would look after the surgery. (My results turned out even better than I expected.) Dr. Chatson is simply the best at what he does. He performed an en bloc removal (which is highly recommended for patients suffering from BII) and the results were fabulous. I am happy to report that within days, I started to regain my health and within a few months, much of my breast tissue has returned to what I looked like before implants. I sometimes miss the old "look" of my implants, but nothing compares to the amazing feeling of having my health back and being extremely satisfied with the outcome of the surgery thanks to Dr. Chatson's skilled work. He is the best at what he does, and I highly recommend him to anyone considering an explant surgery.
Excellent service. Made me feel very calm about the entire procedure. Would recommend to anyone. Smooth process from the first day I walked in to my final follow up appointment. If you are in question of where to go, look no further!
Going to Dr. Chatson for an abdominoplasty and hernia repair was one of the best decisions I ever made! After 2 big babies, I had a bad case of diastasis recti, making me still look pregnant. I was determined to get rid of diastasis recti the “natural” way. I exercised regularly, ate extremely healthfully, and went to physical therapy to close the gap, but nothing worked. Multiple doctors told me there was “no medical reason” to fix diastasis recti, and said insurance wouldn’t cover any surgery. But then I developed an epigastric hernia, and I was referred to Dr. George Chatson. He explained that in addition to fixing my hernia, he could perform an abdominoplasty to prevent future hernias, and it would look more aesthetically pleasing. At first, I feared this surgery would make me weaker in the core, and that I would be LESS able to lift my kids or heavy things. However, he assured me that within 6 weeks after the surgery I’d be able to do everything I could do BEFORE the surgery. I am so glad I went thru with this surgery! It is now almost 2 years after the surgery, and my abs are stronger than ever. Before the surgery, it was depressing to work out regularly and yet be unable to fix my completely-stretched out stomach. After surgery (I waited a couple months), I was so excited by the results that I started going hard-core on planking and weights in addition to cardio, and I have a better six pack than before kids. I can wear everything I wore before kids. And I am absolutely still able to lift my kids, much easier than before! I am not 100% of what I was before kids – I still have a few slightly visible stretch marks – but I am 95% back and very happy with the results. Thank you, Dr. Chatson!
Although many people (family & friend) don’t know about my upcoming procedure, I wanted to be able to share this experience with others because of the lack of thorough reviews we find online. I intend to be completely honest & share my experience with you all in hopes that it helps the next person on their journey. This is my initial post & my procedure is in 2 weeks so this may be a little lengthy so tune in :) I have always been skinny. I recall having to GAIN WEIGHT to join the Army. After I had my daughter in 2008, I just knew I would keep some of the weight; definitely gained 80 pounds! But nope, it all shed off within weeks. I was even down to 112 in 2011. For some reason, in 2013 I stared to picked up weight. My body started to change & I felt I was “boxy”. Love handles came with a vengeance and my stomach started to get a little bulge. No matter how much I worked out or which waist trainer I used (I swear I have like 5) I could never get it to be flatter. Here I am now weighing 142, the most I’ve ever weighed (not being pregnant) and my stomach makes me cringe. Everyone thinks I’m delusion & “sees nothing wrong” but I DO & I hate it. It’s easy to hide behind clothes & tummy control spanx (I’m sure most of you know exactly what I mean) but I was not 100% happy with my body. My research for a BBL started back in 2014. It was either money or timing that prevented the procedure from happening. I initially had a consultation in Columbia, SC & this particular surgeon wanted to do implants. He basically insisted that I didn’t have enough fat to harvest so that was my best bet. Nope. Not what I wanted AT ALL! So I continued my research and found a place in NC. I loved their reviews and results but I could NEVER get in for a consultation. Fast forward to April of this year. I accepted a contract position to work in New Hampshire. I knew I would be working here for at least half a year so my research started day ONE! By June, I had paid for & scheduled my consultation with Dr. Chatson. (The $75 fee went toward the surgery.) July 6 I visited his office in Nashua, NH. We discussed all my goals. Once the gown was off, we discussed all areas to lipo and the dream booty I wanted. He was thorough and honest. He mentioned my need for a mini tummy tuck because my lower abdomen skin is loose. I’m not sure if I will have more children so I walked away with two quotes, one including the mini TT ($12295) and one without ($8600). The initial areas of lipo included inner & outer thighs, with abdomen and both sides of “love” handles. On Aug. 16, I paid my $500 deposit (also applied to the surgery fee) and secured my spot for Oct. 30. At this time, I also decided to not include my inner thighs for lipo and the total dropped to $7525. My pre-op appointment was on Oct. 5. It was a very thorough visit that included consents for smartlipo, lots of before pictures & measurements for the two garments they will provide me with afterwards (one is for immediately after surgery & the other I will transition into by week two post-op). I also got m prescriptions for pain meds and antibiotics. I paid my surgeon’s fees on Oct. 2 and the remaining fees on Oct. 6....PAID IN FULL!!!Updated on 16 Oct 2017: *not pictured* Happy Booty Pillow, pill blister of laxatives & a 16 bottle case of Ensure EnliveUpdated on 20 Oct 2017: OMG! This seems so surreal to me! The surgical center called me yesterday while I was sleeping (I work 3rd shift) to remind me to be NPO after midnight & to make sure I bring the required material & a designated driver. I have to be at the facility at 7am. One thing I am kinda freaking out about is my piercings. I have 4 others besides my ears ???? Im mostly worried about my nips. The other two I’ve had out for at least 4 hours with no issues getting them back in. I told my friend, who is flying from MD to help me out, that her first task was to get them all back in no matter what ???? P.S. Here are a few wish pics ????Updated on 25 Oct 2017: Well.... I work my last shift (before sx) tomorrow night. Afterwards, I don’t go back until Nov 7, unless I pick up a weekend shift (my unit stays busy). Money calls LOL & I’m already missing a week for the sx. I was able to get sanitary pads (I didn’t realize I may need them until I read a couple reviews recently), Hibaclens, and extra chux pads from work...the joys of working in a hospital! I’ll check in with more before pictures the night before :)Updated on 29 Oct 2017: Not happy with what I’m seeing.....that’ll all be changing in about 11 hours :)Updated on 30 Oct 2017: So today is the day BUT there was a bad storm last night soooo guess what?! I get a call like 20 min before I’m going to leave the hotel & I’ve been delayed because the surgery center has no power!!! :( They are currently running off generators but no surgeries can be performed until the power is back up and running. I’m staying calm, staying patient it’s not even 7am yet ....please say a prayer for me :/Updated on 30 Oct 2017: Hi RS dolls! So the power was restored fairly quickly so when they called we jumped right in the car. I got there right at 8. I’m only a couple hours post-op....sore & a little nauseous :/ Updated on 30 Oct 2017: about 10 hours post op Updated on 31 Oct 2017: So yesterday wasn’t TOO bad. I got to the surgery center around 8. I was called back within 5 minutes. I had to provide urine to prove I wasn’t pregnant. PASSED (as if I had a doubt lol) ! I was sent back to a pod & was told to change into the gown (leaving my underwear on). They kinda “tag teamed” me the whole time but they were extremely pleasant & efficient. I do think one of them felt uncomfortable with my nakedness when it was time for markings but I’m like you probably see all body parts on a daily basis, chill LOL! They got my vitals, then I signed my consent for general anesthesia. Dr. Chatson came in with my garments. They ordered a large and a medium. The medium was the best fit so now they owe me a small to transition into. He asked if I would sign consents for pictures & vides. He was elated that I agreed. Apparently most of his patients decline. Hey, I don’t mind being your walking billboard ;) Now the pressure is really on for him to do a great job! LOL! While the nurse was placing my IV the anesthesiologist talked to me about the process including which meds he wold be giving me. I was really impressed with the staff overall. My nurse came in and I was wheeled back to the OR. I was freezing so they kept layering warm blankets for me. The student nurse introduced herself to me & Dr Chatson’s PA (who I met at my consultation) came in as well. I remember the nurse putting the oxygen mask on me and saying “we’ll take good care of you”. Before I went into lala land I remember saying “make sure he gives me curves like Kylie Jenner!” LOL I don’t even like the Kardashian’s/Jenner’s so idk why I blurted that out. He was pushing the propofol & I was OUT! We got back to the hotel around 1p. By 3p I was hurting! Mostly my lower back & around to the bottom of my belly. Imagine a tire around my waist...all that circumference HURT! I only had broth, V8 and ginger ale but I needed to take the pain meds so I just took one. The pain eased up but I was still hurting so I took a second one within an hour. That did the trick. I knew I had to get up & walk around but it was so difficult ...not from the pain but the nausea! I got zofran before and afterwards. She gave me a scopalomine patch before he case as well. Then right before I left the facility I felt bad again so she gave me benedryl IV. That was “all she could give me”. But it allowed me to stand to get in the wheelchair, make it in the car and ride without having to puke. Back in the room, could only walk short distances before the waves hit me & I was dry heaving on my way back to bed. At some point I started to itch a little (I’ve read all the horror stories) so I took a benedryl. Idk why I didn’t think to take it sooner because it helped calm the nausea too. A blonde moment indeed. LOL! I started taking the bromelin and arnicore to help with the soreness/bruising & to keep me from having to take the percocet as much. I napped on & off all day. My friend made sure I kept something in my system to keep me comfortable. She also forced me to drink more V8 & water. I only had a couple pieces of pineapple before I was down for bed. I woke like 12 times to pee...okay maybe I’m exaggerating lol but I did get up A LOT! It was like as soon as I got comfortable I had to pee. Ugh! Thankful for the Go Girl! We changed my gauze & added one sheet of lipo foam before bed. This morning we changed the gauze again & added a second lipo foam so I could wrap them around my sides to connect at my abdomen. The swelling is real & I’ve only only seen bruising on my thighs. Today I’m moving around slow but it’s not pain it’s soreness. Still taking my meds around the clock. Still struggling to lay on my stomach constantly. Taking it easy! Gonna finally watch Stranger Things :)Updated on 1 Nov 2017: Last night I tossed & turned. I may have gotten a whole four hours of sleep. So I’ve started taking something for pain every 6 hours to keep me comfortable. Sleeping on my belly is sooo hard...my poor neck is super sore. I finally have a appetite so I’m eating small meals here & there. I passed gas today (TMI) yay! Nervous about having a BM tho. How am I supposed to sit??? I’m gonna shower tonight so I’ll have pics later :) Updated on 2 Nov 2017: Still haven’t gotten a good night of sleep but the naps throughout the day are helpful. I showered this morning & I could see how swollen I still am. I don’t want it to discourage me because I know it’s a process but the curves aren’t just there yet. :/ I had my first post-op appointment today as well. His PA showed me the videos :) it was exciting to see myself in the process. They took out a total of 1200cc and distributed 450 to one cheek & 480 to the other (I can’t remember which cheek got which amount). Since I kinda already had a tear drop booty, the fullness was added to the top. My stitches won’t come out until next Thursday. And TMI but I just pooped...I was so nervous about that but it was easy breezy LOL!
Dr. Chatson was through on his pre-op consultations. He took his time and answered all of my questions and gave me realistic expectations on what to expect from the surgery as well as the results. Dr. Chatson exceeded my expectations. The post surgery care was also excellent. His office staff is efficient and friendly. I could not be happier with the results. I would definitely recommend Dr Chatson for any plastic surgery, but especially for a facelift.
can't say enough good things about Dr. Chatson. He took me from looking like gonzo from the mupets to looking normal again. Friends and family could not believe the transformation. He and His staff were friendly and professional simply the best. I was not aware of what could be done and could not wait for the procedure . Would recommend Dr. Chatson to anyone needing plastic surgery.
My previous implants done by a different surgeon had only an OK outcome. My left breast had what appeared to be a dent beneath the nipple that went across the entire breast. After having these implants for almost 15 years I discovered they were also leaking and had to be removed. Dr Chatson was referred to me by a Leahy breast specialist and came highly recommended. After my initial consultation with Dr. Chatson I felt confident that he was the surgeon for the procedure! Due to the current status of my left breast Dr Chatson had additional work to perform on that side to ensure I had bilateral symmetry and a result I would be pleased with. The procedure went very well and I am so pleased with the outcome! Such an improvement from where I was. The leaking implants were successfully removed and my breast are symmetrical. Thank you Dr. Chatson!
A pimple, or pustule, on a scar can mean one of two things. If it is very small and superficial, it is likely a milia that does not contain any foreign material underneath it. These milia can be unroofed and then the scar will heal over. On the other hand, an area of scab formation, breakdown, or non-healing in a scar usually is caused by underlying suture material that was intended to stay under healed skin. This suture material is usually of the absorbable variety - but in certain instances it can be permanent suture material. I any case, that material usually needs to be removed by your surgeon in the office using simple instruments. Sometimes the scar result is not as ideal in the location of the wound that had the opening or delayed healing. Scar revision can be considered and your surgeon will recommend whether or not that scar area is amenable to revision in the future.Best wishes,Dr. Chatson
I have been using Smartlipo for many years and I have personally seen that the results with this technology are better than the results that I was seeing with traditional liposuction alone. The steps that I use are to infuse wetting solution (tumescent solution) into an area to be treated. This is followed by Smartlipo laser treatment to the subcutaneous fat. Then I perform power-assisted liposuction using small caliber cannulas. This sequence is more time-consuming that traditional liposuction alone, but the results that I have seen have been very good and certainly better than just traditional liposuction. The main benefit that I have seen for my patients who undergo Smartlipo is that the laser treatment to the fat produces a more liquefied aspirate and the area can be contoured more thoroughly and with less force. The Smartlipo laser energy, if used to excess, can cause problems to the skin and to the subcutaneous tissues. I have found that use of the laser on low energy settings is safe and effective. Any surgical instrument or technology has the potential to cause harm, and patients should consider the qualifications, board certification, and experience of their plastic surgeon before undergoing a procedure. Best wishes,Dr. Chatson
The opening of your belly button is indeed small. This can occur after abdominoplasty if some of the belly button skin becomes ischemic (lack of skin circulation) and then scabs and heals in a delayed manner. In addition to producing a smaller opening, the scar at the edge of the belly button can be thick and this appears to be the case in your photo. Thick scar that is present eight months postop can be treated with steroid injection. This is usually successful in flattening the scar - but scar widening can also occur after steroid injection to a hypertrophic scar. You also mentioned that you had swelling around your incision on the right side. It would be unusual for swelling to still be present at this point in your recovery. One possibility is that you have uneven amounts of fat in the lateral part of your abdomen. Another possibility is that you have excess skin at the end of the scar. This is called a dog-ear. Treating some excess subcutaneous fat or treating a dog-ear is usually straightforward and can be done in the office under local anesthesia. Best wishes,Dr. Chatson