Jeffrey S. Williams, DO, FACOS

2002-2004 were some of the years in which the safety of silicone implants was being studied in the United States.  So, some surgeons had access to silicone implants for research purposes in cosmetic breast augmentation.  Silicone implants were available for use in reconstructive breast surgery.

Thank you for the question.

As I remind patients, liposuction is for spot treatment of areas which you have difficulty losing fat.  A tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is performed to deal with excessive skin.  A combination of these two procedures is often done for better contouring.  It really depends on the areas which are problematic as well as your overall physical exam.  Pictures would help determine what the best treatment would be.

Thank you for the question.

Tattoo artists can do amazing things nowadays with 3-D tattoos, etc.  I agree with some of the other surgeons.  If the freckle is in an area where potential tightening would be performed, then allowing the tattoo to be removed with the tummy tuck may be the best option.

Thanks for the question.

As I tell folks, the bigger the implant the more that gravity will affect them.  While some folks would really like to have the full effect of 550cc, there are also newer implants such as overfilled implants which can give you fullness you may be seeking without the large volume.  It is important for you to discuss with your surgeon the aspects which you like of the 550cc implant and work together as a team to determine the best size and profile for you.

Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor and, as such, it blocks conversion of testosterone to the potent dihydrotestosterone (DHT).  DHT acts upon the follicle to cause thinning/loss.  Once you stop finasteride, you will lose that benefit and hair will resume thinning and/or loss.  While mostly anecdotal in their results, there are some products such as HairMedica, natural inhibitors (resihi mushroom, saw palmetto, green tea, alkalinization of the blood stream), and others which may help to inhibit the effect of 5-alpha-reductase.  Also mostly anecdotal in the results are treatments like Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections.  

Thank you for the question. PRP is indicated for restoring hairs that have thinned but not been lost. Generally speaking, PRP can’t rejuvenate a lost hair. So, if you are looking to invoke new hair growth, transplant would be your next option to replace the hairs that have been lost. 

It is difficult to get an exact idea of a patient's goals with pictures alone.  It is best to seek the trained eye of a board certified Plastic Surgeon.  From your description, the best option to achieve your goal would be a subdermal-type filler such as Sculptra.  Voluma would help in filling out the checkbones and malar areas, while Juvederm Ultra Plus would be good for the nasolabial fold area.  

The area will likely tan after full healing has taken place (which could be 6 months or more).  However, while I understand the appeal to darken one's skin, I generally advise my patients to avoid UV exposure.  As a Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeon who takes off skin cancers of the face, eyelids, nose, etc. on a daily basis, I recommend that my patients to exercise good UV protection.  I advocate for the use of spray tans or tanning moisturizers instead of tanning beds.  I also recommend daily use of sunscreen with a rating of SPF 35 or higher as well as UV protective clothing with a rating of UPF 30 or higher.

While it is difficult to give best answer without seeing pictures, generally speaking, cauliflower ears can be corrected with surgery.  However, the extent of correction attainable is dependent on the severity.  I recommend that you be evaluated by a Plastic Surgeon who has completed an additional fellowship in Craniofacial Surgery to see what options are available.  During my additional training and practice for example, I have corrected numerous ear deformities ranging from absence of an ear to birth defects to trauma.

Generally speaking, at 5 weeks postoperatively, the majority of the swelling and bruising has dissipated.  Some wrinkling may be noticed as the tissues settle.  However, it is important to note that full healing takes a year.  While some wrinkling may be normal in the healing process, the full effect of your surgery will take months to present.  That being said, if you have concerns regarding your postoperative course, it is always best to discuss this with your surgeon.