As a board-certified plastic surgeon, part of my job is helping educate my patients about the various cosmetic procedures that I perform. Patient education is an integral part of the plastic surgery process. That’s why I’m always happy to answer any questions my patients have about various cosmetic surgery procedures and treatments available at Southern Plastic Surgery. By sharing certain questions I have received, my goal is to both inform and encourage others not to be shy if they have questions of their own. This week I’m fielding questions about some of my most in-demand cosmetic procedures: male breast reduction, mommy makeovers, facelifts & mini facelifts.
Dear Dr. Whiteman,
I’m a guy who has been dealing with the embarrassment of enlarged breasts for years. After recently hearing about it for the first time, I am very interested in male breast reduction. My question is: if I undergo this procedure, can my man boobs grow back down the road?
Sincerely,
“D”
Dear “D”,
Enlarged breasts in men, known as gynecomastia, is often caused by a hormonal issue that leads to excess breast tissue. Instead of attacking the symptoms, male breast reduction treats the root cause of gynecomastia by surgically removing the extra breast tissue. Because of this, results from male breast reduction can last a lifetime. However, it’s vital that you follow your surgeon’s post-surgery recommendations closely in order to maintain your male breast reduction results. Gynecomastia can reoccur as a result of steroid use, abuse of recreational drugs, certain medical conditions, or even considerable weight gain.
Dear Dr. Whiteman,
In your opinion, when is the right time to undergo a mommy makeover? Do I have to be a mommy first?
Sincerely,
“R”
Dear “R”,
You do not have to be a mommy to undergo a mommy makeover, but there are other considerations to be aware of before having your surgery. For starters, it’s important to remember that a mommy makeover consists of three body contouring procedures (a tummy tuck using my Scarpa fascia waist enhancement technique, liposuction, and a cosmetic breast surgery) and patients should not expect considerable weight loss after a mommy makeover. I advise my patients reach their goal weight before undergoing their procedure. Additionally, you should not consider a mommy makeover if you plan to become pregnant in the future, as pregnancy can negatively affect or even reverse the results of your procedure.
Dear Dr. Whiteman,
I have begun to do some preliminary research about facelifts. Can you detail the difference between a full facelift and a mini facelift?
Sincerely,
“B”
Dear “B”,
Both a full facelift and a mini facelift (known as a rapid recovery lift) can help rejuvenate your appearance by tightening and smoothing facial skin. They differ in the degree to which they treat facial aging. Full facelifts are intended to provide more comprehensive rejuvenation to multiple areas of the face, whereas the mini facelift is specifically intended for patients who are showing early signs of aging in the lower third part of the face (including the neck, mid-face area, and jowls). During a consultation, I will explain the differences between these procedures in detail, including their respective recovery times required, to help determine which procedure is best for you.
I hope you found this helpful and informative. If you have a question of your own, don’t hesitate to contact me, Dr. David Whiteman at Southern Plastic Surgery today. At Southern Plastic Surgery, we offer complimentary plastic surgery consultations for patients seeking guidance on how cosmetic surgery can help them achieve their aesthetic goals. You can also follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Instagram for additional news, photos, videos, and updates.