Keith C. Neaman, MD

Both infections and seromas are rare occurrences following a tummy tuck. Seromas can occur when the body isn’t able to handle the amount of fluid the body creates following surgery. Infections on the other hand can occur for a variety of reasons. Both this and infections are usually not a sign of poor surgical technique but a sign of poor patient selection.

Generally titanium markers are not a contraindication to undergoing a breast augmentation. They are traditionally used to mark suspicious lesions or areas of concern on mammography. Given that the implants are placed underneath the muscle in a majority of surgeries they should have no impact on the ability to visualize the markers during future mammography.

Melasma can be treated using a 4% hydroquinone and retinoid.  This works for a few months and then needs to be transitioned  to a non hydroquinone skin brightener with retinol. Best of luck.  

In our practice, we combine retinoids with Infini RF for better results.  Especially for someone wanting to improve their acne scars. We recommend a series of 5-6 for acne scarring.  I don't feel you need to stop your retinoid cream prior to your treatment.  It is always best to consult first with your treating provider if you are unsure.

We are seeing great success with Infini for acne scarring.  Our office recommends  at least five treatments spaced out every four weeks.  We recommend doing these treatments with topical retinoids.

It's best to wait at least two weeks from the time you had your laser treatment to do your chemical peel.  Any sooner than that and you could have potential complications from your peel.

Thank you for your pictures and question.  Your implants are riding very high, however, it has only been 10 days since surgery and significant settling will occur over the next 3-4 months.  I would recommend close and frequent follow up with your plastic surgeon for re-assurance.  If settling does not occur you may need a revision of the soft tissue envelope.  Good luck with your recovery.  

Thank you for your pictures.  Based on your pictures I would express extreme caution undergoing a breast augmentation with 700 cc breast implants.  This may result in secondary deformities that would be very challenging to correct.  Based on your first picture  you may need a lift as well to create the nice shape you would like in your "desired" outcome.  Make sure you consult with several board certified plastic surgeons in your area prior to proceeding with your breast augmentation. 

Thank you for your pictures and question.  There are a variety of procedures to shape the trunk that range from liposuction to a full body lift.  After weight loss excessive skin and rectus diastasis that results can not be treated by liposuction alone.  Looking at your pictures I think performing a circumferential abdominoplasty may provide you with a significant improvement in your truncal contour.  I do encourage patients to try and be closer to their goal weight to achieve the best cosmetic outcome.  Good luck with your wedding.   

Thank you for sharing your pictures and question.  A lift combined with a slight reduction would allow you to lift the nipple but also create a nice shape to the breast with minimal change in your breast size..  There are a variety of lifting techniques so be sure to carefully look at before and after pictures as well as seek consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon.