As a double board-certified plastic surgeon of over 25 years, it’s been amazing to see the impact that the internet has had on cosmetic surgery patients. Thanks to readily-available online information, patients come to their plastic surgery consultations more informed than ever before. Doing research and asking questions is an essential part of the plastic surgery process. After all, the more time and energy you spend in preparation of your surgery, the more likely you are to find the exact procedure to help you reach your aesthetic goals. In the spirit of patient education, I have taken some time to answer questions on a few common cosmetic surgery topics including male breast enlargement, 3D Imaging technology, and breast lift surgery.
Dear Dr. Whiteman,
I have suffered from gynecomastia for years and am seriously considering male breast reduction surgery. How much scarring can I expect after my surgery?
Sincerely,
“J”
The amount of visible scarring you experience after male breast reduction surgery depends on several factors and varies from patient to patient. The amount of breast tissue, excess skin and fat that is removed during the procedure, as well as the health of your skin can all determine how much scarring you may have. However, it’s important to remember that scarring after male breast reduction is typically minor. I try to make the smallest incisions possible in hard to see areas during the procedure to help minimize the visibility of post-procedure scarring. Also, even more visible scars will fade as time goes on.
Dear Dr. Whiteman,
Is there an accurate way to predict what the final results of my plastic surgery procedure will be before my surgery has taken place?
Sincerely,
“A”
It’s natural for patients to be a bit anxious or curious about what they will look like after their plastic surgery procedure. This is why I offer my patients the chance to use Crisalix 3D Imaging Technology during their cosmetic surgery consultation. Crisalix 3D Imaging uses virtual reality to create a projection of the potential results of a patient’s plastic surgery procedure based on their current appearance and the specifics of their prospective surgery. The software can be used to predict results for a large variety of procedures including cosmetic breast surgery, tummy tucks, liposuction, facelifts, eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, and more.
Dear Dr. Whiteman,
Will a breast lift help me alter the size of my breasts?
Sincerely,
“R”
Breast lift surgery is not intended to affect the size of the breasts. Patients who opt for a breast lift typically want to improve the positioning and firmness of the breasts, not their size or volume. While it’s true that removing excess skin during a breast lift can slightly reduce breast volume, this difference is typically marginal. I commonly recommend combining a breast lift with either breast augmentation or breast reduction surgery for patients who wish to increase or decrease the size of their breasts in addition to the benefits of their breast lift. Combining cosmetic breast procedures is typically very safe when the surgery is performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon.
I hope you found these answers helpful. There is a seamlessly never-ending supply of information on plastic surgery procedures available today, but sometimes it helps to hear from a professional who has been performing plastic surgery procedures for over 25 years. If you have any questions of your own or would like to know more about any of the cosmetic surgery procedures I perform, please contact me, Dr. David Whiteman, at Southern Plastic Surgery today by phone at (770) 622-9100. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Google+ for additional plastic surgery tips, videos, news, and more.