Perhaps you have been thinking about breast enhancement or body contouring surgery for some time now, but you are afraid to take the next step. We have compiled a list of commonly asked questions and posed them to our expert, Dr. Quang Tu. He feels that if you become informed and educated about the surgical options, you will be empowered to help make the decisions about which procedures will be best for you.
Q: What is plastic surgery?
Dr. Tu: Plastic surgery is a specialty dedicated to the enhancement of the form and function of the face and body. For those who wish to improve their appearance, cosmetic surgical procedures offer patients the opportunity to reshape physical features and improve their self-esteem.
Q: Is pain a reason people avoid plastic surgery?
Dr.Tu: All people tolerate post operative pain differently. Most of the procedures do not cause severe pain. After any procedure, appropriate pain medications, which minimize discomfort, will be prescribed for postoperative pain relief. In many situations, muscle relaxants may also be given for added relief.
Q: Who is a good candidate for breast augmentation?
Dr.Tu: Breast augmentation surgery is a great opportunity for a woman to enhance the volume of her breasts. Whether she wants to enlarge small breasts or just restore the volume that was lost after pregnancy or weight loss, breast implants can improve both her look and self-esteem.
Q: Once a woman chooses a breast enhancement, how does she determine the right size?
Dr.Tu: During the initial consultation, I make measurements of the position and size of the natural breasts, as well as the width. Then I help the patient choose the implant which will give them the final size and projection that they desire. This allows her to see what to anticipate after surgery.
Q: Which implants are better: saline or silicone?
Dr. Tu: Both saline and silicone implants come in a variety of sizes and shapes. Silicone implants are softer, and so may ultimately provide a more natural feeling breast. Saline implants, however, are easier for fine tuning adjustments in volume. During the consultation, I can help you decide which style will be best.
Q: What can women do about sagging breasts?
Dr. Tu: If the sagging is not severe, a nipple lift can be performed. The excess skin is removed after making an incision around the outside of the areola (the pigmented skin around the nipple). The resulting scar is confined to the area where the pigmented skin meets the normal skin at the edge of the areola. In cases of more severe sagging, a more extensive lift may be performed by removing skin to tighten the breasts,and the result is a more youthful shape. Breast lifting is an excellent alternative to breast implants for many patients. Implants can be added to either of these procedures to enhance breast size and fill in volume at the top of the breasts. This will further improve breast "perkiness".
Q: What can be done for women who cannot seem to lose excess skin and tummy fat despite diet and exercise?
Dr. Tu: Sometimes, all the dieting and exercise in the world can’t help attain that youthful taut tummy. Pregnancy, massive weight loss, genetics and age are all factors in making this problem occur. Don’t worry! Liposuction can remove unwanted fat pockets that won’t seem to go away. A full or mini tummy tuck can remove excess skin and stretch marks, along with tightening the abdominal muscles. Frequently, a combination of both tummy tuck and liposuction is necessary for total rejuvenation. I can further explain the specifics of these procedures during a consultation and help determine which one(s) may be best.
Q: Is it possible to achieve a natural look after surgery?
Dr. Tu: The techniques I use are geared toward providing a natural,“non-surgical” appearance. Every effort is made to improve a woman’s appearance without sacrificing her natural look.
Q: Following surgery, how long before a patient can return to work?
Dr. Tu: The length of time for recuperation after plastic surgery varies depending on the procedure. Most patients will require assistance for a day or so, and then will be able to care for themselves. I use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible to allow patients to return to work fairly soon following surgery.Typically, women can go back to sedentary jobs in two to five days following breast surgery or liposuction. After a tummy tuck, she will likely need two to four weeks.
Q: Is plastic surgery affordable?
Dr. Tu: Although insurance does not typically cover cosmetic procedures, people are surprised to find out how affordable plastic surgery can be. In fact, with our low interest financing, many patients can have payments as low as $89.00. It is no longer considered an experience only for the rich and famous. Most find that it is well within their budgets to be able to benefit from all the splendors of plastic surgery. My staff and I will explain all of the financial aspects of each surgery and offer various financing options as well.
Explaining every option and translating goals and desires into a unique, personalized surgical plan are an integral part of the initial consultation. Dr. Tu will listen to you describe your concerns, and he'll take the time to make sure all issues are addressed. His patients are thrilled to reveal their new shapes, and they have a vibrant, new sense of self-confidence.