Q. What is the difference between a Partial abdominoplasty and a full abdominoplasty? My muscles are in pretty good shape. I just have extra skin and stretch marks left from two c-sections. Would I be a candidate for the partial abdominoplasty?

A. The difference simply relates to the amount of tissue that needs to be removed.

Q. What is it necessary to wear a compression garment after a tummy tuck and liposuction of the lower extremities... what is the benefit? Also, how many weeks do you have to wear it in either case.

A. The garment helps shape, control swelling after body contouring procedures. For most patients, the garment is worn about 23 hours a day for the first two weeks, then as much as possible for another 4 weeks or so.

Q. If I got liposuction, how long does it take for the skin to reattach to the body? I've read 5 weeks one place and another place i read 3 months.

A. Skin retractions is individualized based on your skin. The swelling after liposuction is mostly resolved by 4 to 6 weeks. But the final changes can take several months.

Q. Do you perform tumescent liposuction? If you do which method do you prefer? Also which one has the least side effects and what areas of the body do you like to perform tumescent on? I am interested in having my abdomen done.

A. Tumescent liposuction has been the standard for most who perform liposuction, including myself, for several years. Tumescence is not the procedure it is merely the use of fluids with the liposuction. It is used in nearly all areas I suction.

Q. I had one treatment of laser hair removal done in your office in January. It was very effective. All that is left is white grayish hair should I get another treatment in February, since I read laser treatment is not very effective on light hair?

A. Light hair does not respond. Only the dark hair.

Q. Does a breast reduction cause a lot of scaring?

A. Scaring is very dependant on the type of reduction and more importantly on the patients own healing abilities. There are several methods from scars only around the areola to those that also include scars below and under the breast.

Q. How long does it take to heal from breast implants?

A. Most patients are feeling well within a week and back at most activities in 2 to 3 weeks.

Q. Will I still be able to breast feed my baby if I were to get implants before having one and if so are there any risks involved?

A. There is no evidence that breast feeding is a significant problem with implants.

Q. I have heard that the majority of breast implants are placed under the muscle. When do you find it advantageous to place implants above the muscle as opposed to below the muscle?

A. Many times it is purely the patients preference. I feel that placing implants above the muscle may be to a patients advantage if there is some degree of sagging. But there must be adequate skin/fat coverage over the implant.

Q. I am 22 years old and i have deep acne scares from my youth. i wanted to know the best procedure to eliminate this problem permanently.

A. Acne scars can be difficult to deal with. Most patients require a combination of treatments. This may include surgical removal of the scar, chemical resurfacing and a quality skin care program. Each patients situation is different and needs to be evaluated as such

Q. When doing a breast reduction do you do the Free Nipple Graft? If you do the procedure how often is it performed? What reason is it needed to be done? How often does it cause sensation loss or loss of blood flow to the nipple causing you to lose your nipple?

A. I rarely use a free nipple graft. It is used mostly for women with extremely large breast, where there may be a concern over nipple blood supply. You do loose sensation with a free nipple graft. You may get some return over time but not fully recover.

Q. What exactly is a "thigh lift" and when would it be advised instead of liposuction on the inner and outer thigh areas to improve appearance?

A. A thigh lift may involve the outer thigh or inner thigh. It involves incisions in the groin area, allowing for removal of excess skin and fat. For patients who have excessive skin liposuction may not be appropriate, but rather a thigh lift.

Q. Can you please describe how a "concentric mastopexy" is done? Also, how visible are the scars, and what is the normal recovery time if done in conjunction with Breast Augmentation?

A. A concentric mastopexy is for patients who do not require a large amount of breast lift. The only incision is around the areola. This allows repositioning of the nipple/areola and lifting of the breast. Most women require a few days off light activity after the surgery. If done with a breast augmentation plan on about a week of light activity.

Q. What is they average cost for the surgical procedure correcting gynecomastia?

A. If that procedure is performed with liposuction, the fees can start at about $2500.

Q. What kind of surgery can I get that can remove dark areas on the elbows/knees? Is there a such thing as a "skin lightening laser?"

A. Laser might help, or possible chemical peel or bleaching agents.

Q. Approximately how much does it cost to have plastic surgery to pin back ears that stick out?

A. Otoplasty (ear pinning) starts at about $2500 for both ears.

Q. Do you perform the procedures in a hospital, in a surgery center, or in office?

A. I perform major surgery in Outpatient surgery centers. I also use hospitals and do smaller procedures in our office

Q. I have a tattoo that I would like removed. What types of procedures are available to me? What are the average costs involved? How many visits does it usually take?

A. There are several ways to help remove unwanted tattoos. Laser removal is usually the best. Cost can vary greatly depending on the size of the tattoo, number treatments necessary. It can take from 4 to 15 treatments.

Q. How much is tattoo removal

A. Depends on the method. Laser fees start at $250 per session and usually requires multiple treatment sessions.

Q. After tattoo removal is there significant scarring, do people seem to find the procedure painful.

A. There is usually no significant scar from laser tattoo removal. Patients tolerate the procedure fairly well.

Q. I am interested in Radiesse injections to fill both my lips and nasolabial folds. Have you had any experience with Radiance? What are you thoughts on it?

A. Radiesse can work very nicely to fill in lines or add volume to the lips.

Q. I have Roseaca with visible blood vessels on my face. Can you treat this condition... if so, what is the procedure you would use?

A. The vessels may be treatable with laser.

Q. What would the cost be for a fat transfer to the nasolabial folds and the lips? Also, do you remove enough fat to be frozen for future injections?

A. I do not freeze fat. I feel it destroys the cells and is of no long term value. The fees are start at about $1400 for fat transfers.

Financial

Q. What are your options to pay for the surgery?

A. All fees are due prior to surgery. We do have options to obtain financing. Including online applications for loans.

Q. Is it customary to tip the aesthetician that performs laser hair removal? I have had the procedure done before by a nurse and I didn't think it was necessary. It seems strange to tip a nurse, but I know it is customary to tip when getting areas waxed. If a procedure is done in a doctor's office, I think tipping is out of the question. What do you think?

A. Tipping is generally not excepted in my office.