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CLAIM YOUR PROFILEBased on your history you should get the genetic testing. If you are positive for the gene than you have a very high chance of getting breast cancer. In that case, bilateral mastectomies with reconstruction would be the way to go. Insurance should absolutely cover this.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Based on the pictures you posted I would agree that submuscular implants would be a better choice for you but you will need a lift. Your breast tissue has to be lifted so that it is sitting on top of the muscle so it looks natural and pretty.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
This can be overwhelming with many different opinions. Remember though that the opinion a doctor gives is also based on what the doctor can do. If a doctor is not comfortable with nipple sparing surgery or if the reconstructive doctor is not comfortable with using your own tissue for reconstruction then these doctors will not offer these options. Since you do not have breast cancer, nipple sparing may be an option but your anatomy may not be favorable. Also the type of reconstruction you have will also be related to your anatomy. If you want implant reconstruction, direct to implant will be based on how large you are now and what size you want to be. If you want to use your own tissue then you should see someone who specializes in this surgery.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
You can absolutly have a tummy tuck without muscle repair. However some of the pouch you may have is not just fat and skin but a loose abdominal wall. If that is the case then you may not get the best result without the muscle repair. A board certified plastic surgeon will be able to let you know what is best for you.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Congrats on losing the weight. That is so wonderful. You would need to be examined you could be told wether you were a candiidate for surgery. I totally understand the desire for a better body considering all you have achieved.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
The pictures you send were not detailed enough to give you an accurate answer. It is best to go for a consultaion where someone can really examine you and determine what operation is for you. Based on what you sen,t I think Lipo is out. Lipo is really more for countouring, not weight resuction or loss.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
This is not a simple problem to fix. I agree that there are two problems but they are related. Without movement you have a double bubble which is that your fold was lowered too much and you see the old fold and the new fold. This leads to the deformity with movement. Your muscle is higher then your implants and when you move the muscle it pushes on the implant. This is also because you have a capsule that attaches the muscle to your implant. So instead of your muscle moving over the implant the implant moves with the muscle. So the question is how to fix this. One way is to place over the muscle. Another way is to use an acellular dermis like Alloderm to reattach the muscle and correctly place the fold. This should help with the capsule problem as well. I would guess that your breasts were asymmetric to begin with and will take more work to get them similar but they may never be exactly the same.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
If you want future reconstruction the extra skin will be a large help in giving you a more cosmetically pleasing reconstruction. You can choose many different types of reconstruction bases on your medical problems, body type and need for radiation treatment. You may choose to do tissue expanders with implants or use your own tissue for reconstruction ( like your tummy). If you do not want reconstruction then you will most likely want another surgery to remove the extra skin from your chest.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
I do not know of any data that demonstrates dissovable stitches vs glue being better. We do know that a no tension closure and no outside stitches will aide in the healing of the tummy tuck scar.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
With excess skin and a diastasis rectus (the separation in yoru muscles down the middle) you sound like an excellent candidate for abdominoplasty. Yes, not only will the abdominoplasty improve your apearance, but by placing the muscles back where they should be, it will strengthen your core. Good Luck.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
I came to Dr. Colen after experiencing multiple complications with my breast expander surgeries. At first, I was hesitant to change doctors, but ultimately I felt I needed a new start, especially since two other doctors mentioned trying a major surgery that seemed too invasive to continue with my reconstruction process. I felt Dr. Colen understood me and agreed that I did not need more cuts and invasive procedures after all that I had already been through. We decided to proceed with an expander for the third time. Yes, minor complications came up, but the way she approached them helped me stay calm and positive. Every time I saw her during the expander filling period, she made me feel that, even though there were some issues, it was not a huge deal, and we continued forward. I felt supported, heard, and that I had a voice in the process since day one. Her nice and caring staff was a plus, especially her nurse Michele. What a difference from my two other previous experiences! Dr. Colen knew not only what to do every time something would arise with my expander, but what to say in a confident manner and with no rush to finish up the appointment. Her patience and empathy helped ease my apprehension of going through surgery yet again. Needles to say, we succeeded! 100% knowledge, 100% bed manners. Best plastic surgeon ever!
Dr Colen is a compassionate , brilliant surgeon who completely changed my life. She calmly reassured me throughout the entire process of having a lipoma removed, and her staff was there every step of the way to answer questions big or small. My physical recovery was swift, and emotionally I have never been happier with the transformative shape of my body. This exceptional doctor has magic hands and I am extremely grateful to have been in her care.
I could not be happier with my experiences at Kari's office. I got a breast reduction and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made, but that's all thanks to Dr. Colen! Dr. Colen and her staff always made me feel at home, care-free, and comfortable. They also were there to answer any and all of my questions!
My experience with Dr. Colen was perfect. Before my mastectomy, she was patient and informative of my options and walked me through every phase. I am totally satisfied with the results. Her staff was professional and especially kind and gentle, as these procedures are very scary.
Dr. Kari did a fantastic job with my breast reconstruction surgery after another doctor botched it up. She is a great and talented surgeon. My breast look and feel amazing. Her office is easily accessible and the staff is amazing.
Dr. Colen is an excellent surgeon. She performed the first phase of my breast reconstruction following my mastectomy. I had my reconstruction done in January and my recovery for both procedures was excellent. I still can’t believe what I have gone through because I was back to normal in no time. She explains things so clearly that it’s easy to understand. Dr. Colen is honest and will advise you accordingly. She knows exactly what she’s doing and I trust her completely. Her entire staff is excellent and I’m going to miss going there! Thank you Dr. Colen, Maria and Michelle!
Dr Colen was given the challening job of fixing a bad surgeery done at NYU by Nolan Karp. She exceeded my expectations because many surgeons told me it could not be corrected because Dr Karp,made such a mess, She did a fantastic reconstruction and my breast look wonderful . It was such a great experince and her staff and beside manner is also exceptional. I recommend Dr Kari Colen because she is an excellent surgeon and a true professional.
I had some obstacles with my breasts due to benign fiber-adenomas and was unsure if that would affect the process. Dr. Colen assured me that this would not be a problem. It started with my phone call to make my consultation appt. in which I spoke to Maria, who was the FRIENDLIEST nurse I have ever dealt with- I knew it would be a positive experience. I then went for my consultation, booked my surgery, and now have the MOST natural breasts I could ever hope for! Dr. Colen and her staff described every step of the process to a t. Truly the best!
All staff and physician I met were wonderful, professional and dedicated people. Had surgery and was thankful i was able to return home after a couple of hours. Hospital room was in a quiet and relaxing area with caring nurses. There was never a wait in her office during my visits and surgery consults.
Dr. Kari Colen is a powerful doctor. She has so much charisma and energy. She finds out what you want and helps you immediately. She's so passionate about her work as a surgeon. I was nervous about doing the big DIEP flap breast procedure and Dr. Colen and her staff in her Hackensack office walked me through every step making me feel better, making me smile. On surgery day she was right there in her zone, Dr. Colen focused on making me comfortable and doing a detailed fantastic job. With her energy she amazes everyone around her. Bravo Dr. Colen! I'm a month out and I feel great and my results are wonderful natural looking breasts. They feel normal too! Thank you Dr. Colen!
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