Doctor Q&A

I'm just about 44 and had two surgeries to repair diastasis recti. The first was a laparoscopic mesh repair in June 2024, which caused lasting damage and led to greater ab separation and bulging than before the surgery. The next was a mini tummy tuck in June 2025 to repair the damage from the previous surgery. My muscles are now together and much stronger, but I still have muscle bulging (probably from the mesh) and a large amount of swelling just over the incision line (abdominal shelf). The surgeon says it will go down, but it hasn't wavered since the surgery regardless of what I do. Can anyone tell from the photos if this is lymphatic swelling or scar tissue? If so, is there a way to lessen it? Besides that it's not aesthetically pleasing, it's hard on my back to have any unnecessary bulging, as I have fairly significant scoliosis.

I’ve had several consults but drastically different opinions. Some same I don’t have enough skin for a tummy tuck and recommmed a reverse or umbilical float where as others have said I have too much upper laxity and would end up with an abnormally low belly button and recommend a full. I have spent over 10k on noninvasive abd nothings helped much.

I had a rhinoplasty two years ago and have developed a lump on my columella - I’m unsure if this is scar tissue or cartiledge. I’m interested to know if there‘s anything that can be done to reduce the lump without undergoing revision surgery.

I have a family history of blood clots, so I had a blood work done to test for a blood clotting disorder before my planned lipo 360/BBL. Everything was normal except pretty elevated Factor 8 & Factor 5. I met with a hematologist, who recommended prophylactic blood thinners either before or after surgery. He is coordinating with my surgeon about the timing. I’m now very worried about developing a DVT or PE. Does elevated Factor 8 mean I’m likely to develop a blood clot from this surgery, or is it simply an additional risk factor that can be managed with appropriate clot-prevention measures? Would this finding make you advise against elective lipo 360/BBL altogether?

13 months post op bbl lipo 360 and on the right side where I had a right hip replacement 7 years ago has drooped. Can it be fixed?

Two years later and I ve been experience pain in my hips and certain parts of my Butt. At first is was on one side and I also noticed that a huge dip on my hip/side butt had appeared last year by the time of my 1 year post op appointment. I've expressed that concern to the surgeon who at that time, advised me to get hip dip filler to correct the dip. I never got he filler because Im nervous about it migrating. However fast forward to now and the other side of my hop is also aching. I don't know what is going on. My surgeon also has stated he doesn't know. if anyone has any information about the please advise what is causing it to hurt after two years. I feel it more when I sit or lay on my butt/ sides.

I am 35 y/o, 5'7", 140lbs and have one 11 year old boy. I am your typical makeover patient, lost volume in my breasts, abdominal stretch marks, and unhappy being naked. My makeover will consist of a Benelli Mastoplexy (donut lift), silicone implants, and a full tummy tuck. Is there any benefit to working out prior to my procedures? Will wokring out deminish the recovery time? I currently do not work out and blessed with good genes.

Wondering if it’s possible to have a partial hysterectomy and abdominoplasty at the same day?

I am struggling to explain what I am wanting during my consultations. I am currently a DD and would prefer to be a C cup. However, I would also like fullness in the upper breast and don’t want to have to rely on a bra for cleavage. So, I want to be approximately a C—but I don’t want the deflated upper-pole appearance I see in many reductions. I want noticeable upper-pole fullness and projection, while still having a natural breast position and contour. I don’t want them sitting excessively high or looking large or obviously implanted. Is this even a possibility? Many consults have told me that a lift with implants defeats the purpose and I 100% understand that too. I am 49 yo, healthy female. Please help!

I have two consultations for breast reduction scheduled for next month. I have large breasts (40J) and know breast reduction would be beneficial. Insurance won't cover it, so I'll pay out of pocket. Surgeon 1 is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has only a few pictures on his website, but they're all of patients with smaller breasts than mine. Surgeon 2 is certified by the American Board of Cosmetic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery; he also has multiple pictures of his work on his website with patients who look similar in size to me. My question is: What is the difference between these certifications? Should one be considered over the other for a breast reduction on larger breasts? Thanks in advance for taking the time to answer this question!

The LT side of my face is embarrassingly different. Head on is not that obvious but from any other angle, I look like two different people. I am no expert but I’ve palpated the muscles around my face and LT side is larger, tighter, and more tender. I’ve read into Botox to fix facial asymmetry but have not found case studies with similar situations to mine. It appears I have more than one muscle involved. I don’t suspect underlying bone differences, however I only saw an XR of my skull in the regular anatomical position so it is hard to tell. Please advise thank you

I’m a 30-year-old woman, and I’ve always had an awkward-looking soft smile that happens naturally when I’m not paying attention. When I give a relaxed/soft smile, my upper lip rises and exposes the upper part of my top teeth and gum line. But if I give a full smile, it looks fine. How can I fix the issue without losing my full smile that I love

My facial anatomy paired with recent weight loss have resulted in some series bulging beside my nose when i smile. I don’t want my nasolabial folds filled, and I want to know whether it’s coming from my levator muscles and whether conservative neuromodulator treatment is appropriate. Im open to suggestions, and really appreciate the help! (PS i just got my lips done, dont mind the bruising)

I am 24years old, currently breastfeeding. I am 5feet and 145lbs very nice shape and i have a naturally big butt. I want to have implants that are big but look natural, would 600ccs be a good size for me.

I only got my silicone breast implants 5 days ago, so know they shouldn't have dropped yet, but the right one is misshapen at the top. Will that change into a more normal shape? Thanks!

I have had at least 6 consultations with different surgeons. I now am between two, however one wants to use a galaflex mesh “internal bra” and the other says that’s unnecessary. I am very worried about sagging in the long run, as the lack of sagging is one of the only thinks I really like about my small breasts. I have done a ton of research; and have come out the other end more confused. Is the mesh worth the possible additional complications? With two equally qualified surgeons telling me two different things, I don’t know how to decide.

My weight of 112 lbs has always been stable. I have thick, oily skin without fine lines/wrinkles. I have always had fat pads in a location which is too low on my face and deep nasolabials. I just tried Restylane to the pyriform fossa, no improvement. My goals are to restore a smooth transition from the cheek to the lower lids, to reduce the heaviness of the cheek tissue, and in general to lift a descended central facial structure, from the lower eyes to the perioral area. Thanks in advance for recommendations.

I am 56, 5'6 & 114lb. Very fit and I eat healthy. I feel very young on the inside and just want my outside to match! Am I good candidate for a facelift and how much would that cost?

I had lipo over 15 years ago. I had a revision with fat transfer shortly after, but I still have irregularities that I am very self-conscious about. I’d like to finally address it once and for all. Is a tummy tuck my only option (if it even is an option)?

Hi, I’m 36 years old and had 3 kids. I’m about 185pds and 5”5. I mostly just want to remove the fat in my abdomen And have less downtime but scared I may have loose skin , should I get tummy tuck or lipo?