Cohn Plastic Surgery

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Answer:    Great question. You are correct tissue expanders can be overfilled up to twice the amount.   The tissue expander is made to be overfilled, however, over stretching the pocket may make the final implant be loose.  Consult with your plastic surgeon to see what your options for larger implants could be for your final results. 



Good luck with your reconstruction process.

A: Thank you for your question. The typical downtime is 1 to 2 weeks, you will want to refrain from doing arm stretches during this time. No lifting of anything over 8 -10 pounds for 4-6 weeks. A compressive garment helping to decrease swelling should be worn as much as possible for 4 - 6 weeks. The medial brachial groove incision (the part of the arm that is against the body with arms down side) is visible when you wave your arm or when arm is lifted up. The arm incisions aren't visible from the back, side or front. With good scar care these incisions will fade over time. Good luck with your decision. A board certified plastic surgeon experienced with these techniques can demonstrate scar location and help guide reasonable expectations.

A: Congratulations on completion of your procedure.  You are to be commended on being so compliant with wearing your compression garment. Our practice commonly hears patients remark regarding how they actually feel better when they are in their garment,  even several weeks after an abdominoplasty.  We recommend our post surgical patients wear their garment around the clock (except when showering and to wash and air dry garment) for 4-6 weeks after an abdominoplasty. It's possible that your feelings of anxiety and difficulty breathing when you remove the garment, is caused from lack of support provided by the compression binder.  If you find that you're consistently having problems breathing, despite use/disuse of the garment, contact your plastic surgeon so that an appropriate evaluation can occur.



Best wishes on your continued recovery.

A: Time plays a big factor in the improvement and appearance of scars. During the first 2-4 weeks after surgery, surgical tape is often used to help minimize stretching on the incision line. Each plastic surgeons recommendation varies based on the type of procedure performed. Always follow your surgeons guide lines as when to start your scar care, whether it be topical creams, or silicone sheets that you apply daily.  Many surgeons say the act of massage is important on helping scars improve.  Always remember to wear sunscreen, exposure to sunlight can make scars have hyperpigmentation, 30 SPF and above, is recommended. Follow up with your plastic surgeon to confirm that your scars are maturing as expected. Thank you for your question.

A: Fainting after any type of surgery is not a common side effect and may


be caused by a variety of reasons. It could be something easily
fixed by stopping medications, making sure your post-surgical diet is
healthy and supporting good hydration but always report issues such as
the ones your having directly to your plastic surgeon who would be the
best to advise you. It is appropriate to have soreness after breast
reduction surgery and recovery time averages 2-4 weeks, depending on
grams removed, if drains were placed, and the overall health of the
patient.

You do need to contact your plastic surgery and make them aware of you concerns.

Wishing you the best.