Q: Is it common there is a dent and the implant is not filling out this space? (Photos)
Hi there, Certainly in your 1 week post op photo you can see the dent/step in the lower inner aspect of your left breast. It is nothing to be overly concerned about at this early stage, however you should bring it to your surgeons’ attention. They may have some information about what was done intra operatively and what exactly to expect in the weeks and months to come. If this does last beyond 6 months, then likely some sort of revision will at least need to be discussed. Here’s to a speedy recovery! Dr Nodwell
Q: I’m 20 days post op is it possible my left boob has almost completely dropped and fluffed? (Photos)
Good afternoon, While it looks pretty clear that the left implant is settling a little faster than the right, I would suggest that neither is in it’s final position yet (only three weeks). Keep following your result via photos and with your surgeon and you should continue to see slow incremental change. Your surgical team might have some advice for you regarding how to accelerate your recovery. Remember this whole process could take six months! Take care. Dr Nodwell
Q: How long does it take to see results from liposuction? (Photo)
Good morning, I know it must be difficult to wait but ... patience is really important with liposuction. Generally it takes 2-4 weeks just for the bruising to resolve. At 6 weeks you start to get a sense of the result - clothes start to fit differently, but there is still a lot of swelling, numbness, stiffness, firmness and even some irregularities. By 3 months you and your surgeon can have an intelligent discussion about the results. By then, even though there is still more maturation to happen, it is clear if the treated areas are responding normally or if there are regions of concern. Final evaluation usually takes place between 6 and 12 months post op. By then the response to treatment is clear and any shortcomings and management options can be clarified. In short - be patient, follow your surgical teams' advice and follow up with your surgeon according to their schedule. Take care. Dr. Nodwell
Q: How to fix all of this after muscle flex deformity revision? (Photo)
Good morning, Thank you for the photos provided. In summary it sounds like you are having trouble with - animation/muscle flex deformity, rippling, bottoming out and pain. Sorry to hear that. If you chose to do something, then surgery will be needed. You and your surgeon will have to balance your new goals with some very real limitations. Regarding animation - likely the necessary muscle release has been done at your revision surgery. Other options to help limit that would be a pocket change to subglandular or insertion of an Alloderm sling with the possibility of fat grafting. These differing procedures have their own set of limitations and draw backs that you will need to discuss. Rippling could be improved (never eliminated) with the Alloderm and/or fat grafting but is likely to worsen with a sub glandular placement. Some different implant types show greater and lesser rates of rippling. The bottoming out with the extra tissue distance on the left, may be stable now or may still be progressing. It can be addressed at the same time as the other issues with the same techniques mentioned above. Pain is likely the most difficult issue to quantify and address. There are no specific techniques to address pain directly. Sometimes revision surgery makes it better, sometimes worse. Thankfully, pain usually subsides in time. Another option to consider and discuss with your surgeon is a staged approach with temporary removal of the implants and later replacement using some of the techniques listed above. Overall downsizing of the implants could also help with many of your concerns. Though it may not be "the look" you were after. From the pictures provided I don't think that a breast lift is needed in your case. Take care and best of luck on your journey. Dr. Nodwell
Q: Left breast sitting higher than right breast, 9 months post-op (Photo)
Hi Rodella, Sorry to hear you're having issues with your result. Regarding your concerns I think enough time has passed for you to discuss this with your surgeon. After any surgery it takes months for things to settle and balance out. I think that 9 months is plenty of time for you to have such a discussion. An in person exam should help clarify what exactly is going on - is the right side descending/bottoming out and/or is the left side contracting? Management options will depend on the exact process. I think it is likely that some sort of revision will be in order. Best of luck. Dr. Nodwell