Luis M. Rios Jr., MD

It’s great that you’re thinking ahead about your belly button healing, that’s an important part of tummy tuck recovery. Since you’re prone to keloids, it’s smart to consider how your belly button might heal. Many patients find that while tummy tuck scars can sometimes form keloids, the belly button can often be shaped in a way that any scar is subtle and well-hidden. If a keloid does form, there are several approaches besides laser, including silicone treatmentss, steroid injections, or other scar management techniques your surgeon can recommend. The key is close monitoring during healing to intervene early if needed. If you’d like, we can discuss strategies to help minimize keloid formation around your belly button during your next visit. We’d be glad to review your skin type and incision plan with you in a consultation to discuss ways to reduce scarring. Good luck.

That’s a great question and it’s clear you’re a very well-informed patient. Getting a CT scan is one of the best diagnostic steps you can take. From what you described, your muscle repair looks intact, which is excellent news. The small space seen around your belly button could be normal or it could indicate something that needs closer evaluation. The key next step is to combine the CT findings with a physical exam. I recommend returning to your plastic surgeon so they can examine you in person and check if there’s any sign of a small hernia or separation that could explain your discomfort. If something is found, it can usually be corrected sometimes by your plastic surgeon, or in certain cases, with input from a general surgeon. — Dr. Rios, Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Edinburg TX

A hanging columella is actually one of the easier things to correct in rhinoplasty. It’s not a difficult procedure. In most cases, I can fix it through a small incision on the inside of the nose meaning there are no external scars. What we typically do is remove a small amount of the cartilage that’s pushing the columella downward, then place a few precise stitches to secure it in a better position. The procedure usually takes about 20 to 30 minutes, and recovery is generally quick. It’s a great question and yes, it’s absolutely possible to improve the look of a hanging columella safely and effectively.

Thanks for the question.Your incisions seem to be healing fine. There does not appear to be any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling and drainage. Expect a dramatic improvement in the scars for the next six weeks. I think you will be very happy with the results.At the end of six weeks, ask your plastic surgeon for instructions on scar management. Silicon gel pads work very well in flattening and improving the scar over time.Good Luck.

Thanks for the question. Votiva is a non surgical option to address some of the issues regarding vaginal rejuvenation. It can improve looseness, dryness, appearance and mild urinary incontinence. Some patients will get relief of some, if not all the symptoms. Votiva is an outpatient procedure. Patients can drive themselves home from the appointment. Numbing cream and Nitronox, a form of laughing gas,  can be used to make the procedure more comfortable. Normal relations with a partner can begin in 3 days. 3 treatments are usually recommended spread a month apart. Some women experience improvement after the first treatment. Some patients may experience a somewhat long lasting result. Some patients may want to repeat the treatment once a year to maintain results.

Thanks for the question.Votiva is an outpatient procedure. Patients can drive themselves home from the appointment. Numbing cream and Nitronox, a form of laughing gas,  can be used to make the procedure more comfortable. Normal relations with a partner can begin in 3 days. Patients find no or very little discomfort a few days after the treatment. There might be mild spotting, but that resolves quickly.

Thanks for the question.Votiva is an outpatient procedure. Patients can drive themselves home from the appointment. Numbing cream and Nitronox, a form of laughing gas,  can be used to make the procedure more comfortable. Normal relations with a partner can begin in 3 days.

Thanks for the question. It is always good to check with your plastic surgeon before making changes in the postop routine. Here are a few thoughts:

1. The reason to use a recliner is to bend at the knees and hips in order to relieve tension on your skin and muscle repair.
2. A recliner is not the only way to accomplish this.
3. You can sleep on your sides and curl up in a “fetal” position.
4. You can lay on your back with pillows below your shoulders and knees.
5. You will need help getting out of bed in order to protect your muscle repair.

Thanks for the photo and question.I understand the feelings you are having. I always tell my patients that eyelid surgery looks bad at first, but in a months time, looks fantastic.Here are a few thoughts:1) Five days is too early to judge the final result.2) In eyelid surgery, the incisions initially wrinkle, and then flatten out gradually the month after the sutures are removed.3) Most upper eyelid incisions are in the natural crease, so they cannot be seen after a few months.4) The asymmetry you are seeing is due to the fact that you were probably asymmetric before surgery. Take a look at your before photos and you will probably see the asymmetry. Your right eye and orbit are larger- this is normal by the way.5) The goal of surgery is to remove enough skin and fat, but not too much. If you were asymmetric before surgery, you will be asymmetric after surgery. Your differences are in a normal range.6) Give yourself 6 weeks before you make your final judgement. Evaluate your before pictures as much as you are evaluating your after pictures. You will probably notice that the asymmetry was present before. Your results look like they should at 5 days after surgery.Good luck!

Thanks for the question.Although liposuction is performed through small incisions, the surgery causes swelling and inflammation over a large area. Swelling can take several months to resolve as your body goes through the stages of inflammation. Here are a few thoughts for you:1) Different areas of the body recuperate quicker than other areas. The waist usually takes 6 weeks, the abdomen and upper back can take longer.2) In the first month or two after surgery, the more active you get, the more swollen you will be at the end of the day.3) In the first month or two, patients can have temporary swelling after exercise due to increased blood flow during the workout. However, this shouldn't discourage patients from working out.4) Salty food like pizza and movie popcorn can add pounds of water weight overnight.5) Wearing compression can keep the swelling in check.6) Lymphatic massage can reduce swelling. Ask your plastic surgeon to refer you to a good therapist. The therapist can even recommend home activities to reduce swelling.Continue to maintain a healthy diet and physical activity. Swelling is temporary.Good Luck!