Patrick Proffer, MD

Every surgeon has their own protocol for recovery.  Our goal is to get you back to normal daily activities as quickly as possible -- usually within 24 hours.  We have set limitations for heart rate, exercising, lifting, etc. during the first two weeks but by 6 weeks you are back to doing any type of strenuous activities.

Thank you for your question- it's one that many patients have.  The ultimate results from your surgery depend on more than just the implant chosen.  Your anatomy can have a big influence as well, specifically how close to the middle of your chest the fibers of your chest muscles insert.  If your implant is placed under the muscle, your surgeon will likely place it as far to the middle as possible without disrupting the origin of the muscle on your breast bone.  If these fibers are released in the middle, you risk having a synmastia, or "uni-boob".  Clarifying your expectations with your surgeon with pre and post surgical photos can put your mind at ease.

Congratulations on your weight loss, first and foremost.  It's the most important move you could make in fighting the effects of PCOS and IGT.  From a breast surgery standpoint, your options would include a breast lift alone versus combination breast implant and lift.  New techniques and technologies have made both choices better and more predictable, especially for someone who has lost so much weight.  Visiting with your surgeon about pros and cons of the two should lead you to a great decision.

Thank you for your question.  It's unlikely that the fullness will get better 2 years after surgery.  Liposuction is usually a very good option but, at times, direct excision of some of the deeper fat in the mons is helpful.  

Thanks for your question.  With the changes from your pregnancies, you appear to be a great candidate for a Mommy Makeover, which usually involves a combination of tummy and breast surgery. New advances in tummy tucks combined with liposuction can dramatically tighten and re-shape your body.  In addition, new options are also available for lifting and supporting your breasts without the use of implants. Congratulations and good luck on your procedures.  You should expect very nice results.

Thank you for your question--one that many, many patients ask. New fat grafting techniques allow much higher volume transfers to be performed in a faster and safer manner.  I prefer the SAFElipo technique for doing this. While your pictures are helpful, an exam by your surgeon will help both of you get a better idea of the amount of fat available for transfer. You appear to be very good candidate.    Good luck on your procedure!

Thanks for your question.  Based on your photos, a lift would be advisable to correct the drooping of your nipple and the loose skin of your breast.  A dual plane augmentation can help correct minor drooping but when the nipple drops to or below the fold under the breast, a formal lift is usually required to get the desired outcome.  Make sure to ask your surgeon which type of lift technique he or she will be using as well as the type of implant (smooth versus textured).Best of luck on your surgery. 

Thats a great question, and in fact, one of the most frequently asked.  There is always a risk of nipple and areola sensation changes with breast surgery whether an implant is used or not.  Make sure to ask your surgeon which technique will be used for your lift and what his/her personal risk percentages are.  It's important to remember that a change in sensation can involve more sensitivity, less sensitivity, or numbness.  Best of luck on your procedure,

Thank you for your question. In general, muscle does not need to be cut for repair of your umbilical hernia.  The right technique for correcting the problem is important, however.  I approach umbilical hernias through the fascia (muscle coverings) below the stalk of the belly button.  This allows me to maintain the blood supply to the umbilicus from the abdominal muscles.  Cutting through the base of the umbilical stalk will risk inadequate blood supply and can jeopardize healing.  Best of luck in your upcoming surgery!

Nicotine plays a significant role in wound healing and in many cosmetic surgeries.  It can effect the small blood vessels' ability to function properly but comes into play in some surgeries more than others (facelift, breast lift, tummy tuck, etc.). Four weeks of absolute smoking cessation should be adequate for straightforward breast augmentation without lift. It sounds like you're a great candidate for quitting altogether.