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<MODERATOR>Hello, Dr Katzen :) Thank you for joining us. Please let me know when you are ready.
<J. Katzen Timothy>Thank you! Yes, please begin.
<DONNA B>I am 2 yrs pos-op and lost 119 lbs wanting a TT but I have the old surgery from gallbaldder can a TT be done sucessfully?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Hi Donna, Yes.
<ROBYN>If you remove lets say 20 pounds of excess skin, does your body weight drop in relation to the exact amount of excess skin surgically removed?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Hi Robin, No. At first, you probably will weigh the same as you did at the beginning of surgery. This is because of fluid replacement. However, 2-3 weeks after surgery, you notice a weight reduction. With that weight loss you will increase physical activity and lose even more weight than what was surgically removed.
<MELANIE>Hello. How close to goal do you need to be before you should consider plastic surgery?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Melanie, close to goal would be nice. However, I usually wait until people plateau, 8-12 mos after their bariatric surgery.
<KIM>I have really bad bat wings and inner thigh excess skin. Are these two procedures that it is easy to get approval for?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Hi Kim. It depends on the severity and it depends on your insurance. Most PPO or POS plans will cover that procedure
<WENDY>How many drains are usually associated with a abdominalplasty?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Hi Wendy...Usually two drains with a tummy tuck and 4 drains with a body lift.
<DARLENE>How hard is it to get insurance approval to have repair work done on a tummy tuck that is not good? I was left with hideous dog ears from the surgeon that did mine....it has been two years now and really having an emotional effect on me and causing problems in my life....
<J. Katzen Timothy>Hi Darlene. It is difficult to get approval for "dog ears" . However, if you have any rashes associated it might be easier to get approval.
<MARCIA>I am down 111 lbs had gastric Bypass Jan 19th this year how long do I need to wait until I can have plastic sugery?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Marcia, Are you still losing weight?
<MARCIA>Yes. I need to lose another 30 lbs
<J. Katzen Timothy>Once you have stopped losing weight, which is usually 8-12 mos after bariatric surgery, we think about Plastic Surgery.
<KELLY E>Dr. I had a breast reduction before I had WLS. Now, my breasts are literally deflated balloons. If I had a breast augmentation, would a lift be needed as well?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Kelly, usually, yes. Breast augmentation and breast lift are needed.
<RON>I am 8 most post op from a panni and am looking into have my upper chest done. Am I ok to proceed with this now, or should I wait?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Hi Ron. Yes. You can go ahead and move forward with the chest surgery.
<KATHY>how long is the average patient off work after surgery?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Kathy, it depends which surgery is performed.
<JO>Dr. I am going for my initial consultation tomorrow, I am 49yr F, 254 # and 5'4, my skin is very loose already will excercise help tighten it, I've heard that fair skinned people don't have very good elasticity. Does insurance usually pay for plastic surgery?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Jo, exercise always helps. Insurance coverage depends on the severity of your skin problem and your insurance carrier.
<MORISSA>I have lost over 300 lbs and need to have a fully body lift. Do you perform that?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Yes. I have done many body lifts. Just did one today.
<BARB T>Is a Panni only done on the lower part of the abdomen or can the upper be done too?
<J. Katzen Timothy>By definition a panni only takes care of the lower abdomen. A tummy tuck would take care of lower and upper abdomen.
<ALLISON M>I would like to have my breast reduction (DDD to C) and removal of skin from my upper abs done at the same time. Is this possible? I have already had my Panniculectomy.-190lbs
<J. Katzen Timothy>Hi, Allison. Yes.
<JP>I think I am finally ready for plastics. What would you recommend for someone that has had three c sections and lap RNY, body lift or tummy tuck?
<J. Katzen Timothy>JP, probably a body lift, but come in and see me.
<Lyn@goal-253#> Hi doc, i had the bodylift, because the old gallbladder scar was too near new incision, tissue died, they cut it out and left a hole, healed over in nasty scar, about 4x6, seems adheard to abdominal wall, is that possible to revise into a nice scar line, still have loose skin to work with, scar is right under bellybutton, how would they go about fixing it
<J. Katzen Timothy>Hi Lyn...This is a very difficult and common problem, with a gall bladder scar. To fix this problem, without having examined you, I would guess that a revision tummy tuck could possibly get rid of the scar.
<KATHY B>Hi, Kathy again, A body lift, does that remove or tighten the skin on your back and under your arms?
<J. Katzen Timothy>The body lift takes care of skin and fat from the abdomen, lateral thighs and buttocks. But to get rid of the skin and fat around the arms, an arm lift would have to be performed.
<RITA>What procedures do you perform in your office?
<J. Katzen Timothy>I perform body lifts, tummy tucks, leg lifts, breast reconstruction, arm lifts and face and neck lifts...and much, much more.
<BABY Girl>Hi i had surgery almost seven months ago i need a tt and i was wondering how long i should wait and i have Blue shield do you know what there requirments are?
<J. Katzen Timothy>If your weight has plateaued, you should be ready for your tummy tuck. BS approves TT if there are associated rashes.
<STACEY>I will be having surgery in a week and half and I have a slight cold ...would I still be able to have surgery
<J. Katzen Timothy>I would advise against it. It is better to be a 100% for an elective surgery.
<SALLY>Does it help any for a neck exercise of you tilt your head back, open your mouth wide & release, and repeat. Will this help firm up your neck?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Sally, no. You need a neck lift.
<BEEJAY>Do you think 6 weeks before surgery is to late to quit smoking?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Quit now. The longer you allow nicotine to get out of your system, the better.
<HOLLY suessegger>if your needing to loose around 125 in pds do u think it is nessisary to have lipo for the excess skin after the weight loss
<J. Katzen Timothy>Holly, it sounds like with that kind of weight loss you would probably either need a tummy tuck or body lift.
<KAT>How long (in hours/min) does it take for arms/tummy & breasts to be done at the same time?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Kat, I think these procedures should be done separately. I do arms in about three hours. Tummy in three hours and breasts in about four hours.
<KATHY B>How many procedures can be done together, and is there a way to have the ins co pay for all of it?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Kathy, I usually do a body lift and medial thighs together. The second surgery is breast reconstruction. The third surgery is arms. Some insurance companies pay for a large majority of the fees.
<KAT 132#s - TWL>Hello Dr. Katzen - I will be meeting with you for my first consultation in February '05 for a mastoplexy with augmentation. Can you tell me why many breast lifts with augmentations look unnatural? I really want nicely rounded breasts again. Is it placement of the implant?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Kat, it is partially placement of the implant, type of implant and your own skin and existing breast tissue.
<VALISHA>is it possible to do enough weight lifting and toning so that you do not experience sagging skin?
<J. Katzen Timothy>It depends on how much weight you lose and the elasticity of your skin.
<BEEJAY>Do most people who have had previous abdominal surgery have sagging skin in their abdominal area after WLS?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Yes. Weight loss surgery usually leads to excess abdominal skin.
<T>Is there any way to "predict" how loose your skin will be after losing 100+lbs?
<J. Katzen Timothy>No.
<KAT 132#s - TWL>Also, do you suggest doing any exercises prior to surgery to build up the chest musculature ? does it help hold implants in place?
<J. Katzen Timothy>I would suggest anything that exercises the pectoralis muscle.
<MARCIA>What is the advantage of a lower body lift as compared to a tummy tuck.? what is the diffrence in recouperation time?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Marcia, the lower body lift takes care of the lateral leg and buttock area. The tummy tuck does not. Recoup time from body lift is about 4-5 days longer than a tummy tuck.
<KAT>What are the major complications for tummy/arm surgeries?
<J. Katzen Timothy>The major complications of tummy surgery include pulmonary emboli and infection. Complications from arm surgery are pulmonary emboli and seromas or collections of fluid.
<VALISHA>i have an 11 month old daughter who will turn 1 year old this Halloween. She weighs 28 pounds. How long after sugery will I be able to lift her?
<J. Katzen Timothy>If it is a tummy tuck, three weeks. If it is a arm lift four weeks.
<BEEJAY>What exactly is a breast lift? Is it similar to augmentation or just some sort of apparatus inserted to lift your breast? What if you had a breast reduction surgery before WLS?
<J. Katzen Timothy>A breast lift returns the nipple and breast to a more normal position. Breast augmentation fills in areas of tissue loss. If you have had a breast reduction surgery before wls, you may need a revision of breast, which may include a lift and augmentation.
<TERI>I'm one year out now, is it a good time to start the process for a TT or should I wait a little longer.
<J. Katzen Timothy>Teri, no one year is a good time for a tummy tuck.
<T>When doing a breast lift, are implants ALWAYS necessary to regain a full-looking breast? (even if smallish cup size, just a full shape)
<J. Katzen Timothy>No, implants are not always needed. It depends on your individual anatomy.
<TC>one of my breasts are larger then the other, would I need augmentation done to make them look normal instead of just a life?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Depends on the asymmetry, but a larger implant can be put on the smaller side.
<MARCIA>when doing the bat wings is it possible to tuck the scar in your armpit or will there be a long scar on the underside of you arm?
<J. Katzen Timothy>About a third of my arm lifts are placed in an incision in your arm pit.
<SALLY>Even my upper eye lids are sagging. I am half way through my weight loss. Lost 65#. Do I need to wait to have my eyes done?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Sally, no. Eyes can be done almost at any time. You won't lose a significant amount of fat from your eyes.
<BEEJAY>What is the advantage/disadvantage to Abdominoplasty vs Gastric Bypass?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Abdominalplasty is a shape surgery. Gastric bypass is a weight surgery. If the problem is weight, you should have gastric bypass. Gastric bypass surgery can improve your health.
<RNY140>I need to take Bextra 10 mg once a day for 4 weeks to reduce inflmmation in my lower back. Can I take it?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Yes, you can take it.
<SUSIE 9wks-74+>is the recovery rate and risk rate much higher if a plastic surgery patient is on coumadin?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Yes. Coumadin dramatically increases chances of bleeding.
<DOLLY>My question is: how long do I wait before I schedule a consultation? I still have 36 lbs to lose.
<J. Katzen Timothy>You can schedule a consultation anytime.
<MEG>I have heard of some sort of herbal medication (?arnica?) that is useful post surgery to decrease bruising and scarring. Is this correct? If not, is there a preparation that is useful post-op? I am planning on abdominoplasty w/mastoplexy next month, followed by butt/thigh lift 2-3 months later.
<J. Katzen Timothy>Hi Meg. Arnica and Bromeliene dramatically decrease bruising and swelling after surgery.
<SUSIE 9wks-74+>is it true that the infection risk is much higher when remodeling the thighs and if so are there alternatives?......i.e. lipo suction and or?
<J. Katzen Timothy>There is a equal chance of infection of medial thigh lift vs liposuction.
<ANNE>What is the criteria for a tummy tuck?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Anne, excess skin and fat, rashes, especially in the supra pubic area, or any presence of a hernia.
<SABRINA>Is there any way to get easy financing for this or are there grants out there for it?
<J. Katzen Timothy>There are two cosmetic financing companies, but it may be less expensive using a credit card with a low interest rate.
<SUNKISSED>after losing so much weight, my breast are like sacks of skin that just hang. Is there anything I can do to perk them up again without implants?
<J. Katzen Timothy>A breast lift would be a good start, if you do not want implants. The home run would be implants AND breast lift.
<JANA>My question is: I have 3 year old twins, and am assuming that I will need a abdomnioplasty eventually, as I have had 2 twin pregnancies as well as being MO. How long is the recovery period for such procedure, and will I be able to care for my children during that time? Is it similar in pain to a c-section?
<J. Katzen Timothy>The recovery from a tummy tuck is about 2 weeks and you will be able to take care of your kids three weeks after surgery. The pain is different than a c-section: For some patients it is less, some patients it is more.
<LOOKING>I am a year out, stopped losing at 4 months, lost a total of 70 lbs. doesn't look like i'm going to lose anymore. I need a TT in a bad way, should I wait longer just in case I do lose more, or go ahead and do it now?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Go ahead now.
<VANESSA>I've been turned down for my abdominalplasty, thigh & under arms surgery by my insurance; what could I do to help get the decision overturned?
<J. Katzen Timothy>In our office, we have a significantly high approval for post bariatric plastic surgery. We would love to help you seek an overturn of previous denial. Call Lieu at 888-Katzen0 or 866-839-8877
<DONNA B>I had a PS tell me it might not be successfull, can you tell me exactly what procedure could be done so that I can seek another opinion besides the PS I have already seen?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Donna, what procedure did the Plastic Surgeon tell you might not be successful?
<DONNA B>I wanted a TT but I have a old gallbladder scar.
<J. Katzen Timothy>Not having examined you, I think that your gall bladder scar could be removed by a vertical mid line incision rather than a horizontal tummy tuck incision.
<ANNE>How long after a tt cAn you resume ACTIVITIES LIKE BOWLING?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Anne, approximately three weeks
<SUNKISSED>What documentation would be helpful in getting an insurance approval for a breast lift/reduction?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Rashes underneath your breasts, neck pain, back pain, bra strap grooves, and difficulty performing monthly breast exams.
<CHRISTIE>I am scheduled for a Tummy tuck in two weeks, I have lost 96 pounds and near goal. My question is my lower belly still feels like fat not so much as sagging skin. Is fat as easy to cut away as skin?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Fat and skin are equally easy to cut away.
<MARY>Wwhat do you do for the upper stomach area above the belly button? I need some work on the lower but the upper bothers me more.
<J. Katzen Timothy>It sounds like you need a tummy tuck with the six pack muscles sewn together.
<MEG>Is there a procedure to help rid or minimize sagging back skin?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Yes. Some of the back skin will be gone with the circumferential body lift. If I am not able to remove enough back skin, I will make an incision from your arm pit to your hip on either side and remove skin and fat.
<DIANE>Do you except any insurance plans?
<J. Katzen Timothy>We accept most PPO and POS plans.
<MODERATOR>And the last question of the night goes to...
<MARY Hurley>What is the most importent question to ask a plastic sugeon?
<J. Katzen Timothy>Is he board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and how many of these procedures has he done in weight loss patients.
<MODERATOR>Thank you, Dr Katzen, for a wonderful chat! Thank you members for joining us, and if you would like more information on Dr Katzen please call 1-866-839-8877, fax 1-714-562-4003, or visit his website at www.bodybykatzen.com.
<J. Katzen Timothy>Thank you for allowing me to be here.
<MODERATOR>Hello Dr. Katzen. Are you ready to begin?
<DR. Katzen>Hello. Yes, we are ready.
<KELLY>WHen is the optimal time to have Plastic Surgery after WLS?
<DR. Katzen>Approximately 8-12 months after WLS.
<RONNIE>I had gastric bypass about 2.5 yrs ago. I have lost the majority of my weight, but still have a pad of fat in the groin area. Can liposuction take care of that or what would you suggest?
<DR. Katzen>A very common problem area. It depends how much fat there is. If it's a little fat, liposuction may be the answer; but more typically this area may need to be excised.
<KYMBER>What is the typical operating time for having a body lift and do you need to have a certain amt of excess skin to have the lift?
<DR. Katzen>Typically a body lift takes me 6-8 hours. You do not need to have a certain amount of excess skin excised.
<CRIS>Which plastic surgery is the most painful and why?
<DR. Katzen>Of all the procedures I perform, the medial thigh lift is the most painful. I believe it is most painful because of two reasons - first of all this is a very sensitive region and second, I suture the loose tissue of the medial thigh to the hard and firm pelvic bone.
<MELANIE>Are drains always a necessity when doing plastic surgery? I had drains for my wls and they scare me now. Are they painful when removed?
<DR. Katzen>Typically I use two drains for the tummy tuck and four drains for the body lift. I usually don't use drains elsewhere. The reason we use drains is to prevent fluid collection or seromas. These drains are necessary for these types of procedures. The drains hurt a little bit coming out.
<KRISTEN>I have bat wings very bad. I am wondering if plastic surgery is my ONLY option?
<DR. Katzen>Sounds like yes. Sometimes people can get by with pressure garments.
<RJ>Looking into plastic surgery and wondering what should I require of the surgeon I choose? Credentials, qualifications, experience, etc?
<DR. Katzen>Your plastic surgeon should be board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He or she should perform the surgeries you are looking for and have done at least 50 of the procedures. You should also ask which hospitals he or she has privileges in plastic surgery to admit patients. Also, ask on the Internet about your potential plastic surgeon. In addition, look for where your plastic surgeon trained, have you heard of any of the schools, is he or she fellowship trained.
<TIM>I have lost over 400 lbs and currently weigh in at 209 6 foot tall. I have surpassed any of my wildest expectations in getting to this goal, but I have such horrible excess skin. I don't want to have surgery on one body part at a time, but I understand this is probably what will happen. In your practice, what is the MOST surgery you will do at any one time?
<DR. Katzen>The most important thing is safety. The first surgery I usually perform is a circumferential body lift and medial thighs. The second surgery I usually perform breast reconstruction. The third surgery is the arm surgery. The first surgery takes 8-10 hours. The second surgery takes 6 hours. The third surgery takes 4 hours.
<CONNIE Sue>What is the best type of insurance to have to attempt to get PS covered? ie: PPO??
<DR. Katzen>PPO and POS are the best. HMOs are difficult to get anything covered.
<CONNIE Sue>How likely would it be to get PS covered if there are no real medical issues (BUT PLENTY OF SKIN SKIN SKIN!!)
<DR. Katzen>Depends on your insurance.
<KRISTINA>What is the typical time off work for a tummy tuck?
<DR. Katzen>Approximately 2 weeks for people with a desk job. 3 weeks for people with active professions.
<CONNIE Sue>I've seen your work Dr, and am so impressed.... ANYWAY... I live in Northern California, but only want to come to YOU! How long would I have to plan on spending locally?
<DR. Katzen>Thank you very much. For the circumferential body lift, I would like you in town for a week after you leave the hospital. For the breast & arm surgeries, I would like you in town for a week.
<LISA po mos 8 -119>Dr. Katzen what is the average recovery time for a 360 lower body lift?
<DR. Katzen>Approximately 3 weeks.
<RHONDA>Dr. Katzen, I had a breast reduction before wls and now have little to no breasts left. Would you suggest implants and since insurance will not cover those, what is the typical cost?
<DR. Katzen>Yes, I would suggest implants. Insurance MAY cover a portion of the breast reconstruction depending on your policy. The typical cost for the surgeon, anesthesia, OR and implants should be $6,500 or more depending on the specific patient's body.
<LISA>can you repair scars from laparoscpic surgery s/p cholecystectomy with a lateral incision above the navel that has keloid scar
<DR. Katzen>Probably, but please send pictures. This can either be done through a vertical or a horizontal tummy tuck incision.
<KIKI>What is a body circumference lift and what does it entail? How much hospitalization, recovery time, etc
<DR. Katzen>Circumferential body lift includes a tummy tuck, bilateral lateral leg lift and buttock lift. It should be done in a hospital and typically requires 2-3 days in the hospital after surgery. Patients usually return to work 3 weeks after their body lift.
<AMY>Dr Katzen--are hernias a common occurance after gastric bypass surgery?
<DR. Katzen>Yes. They are more common with open procedures. Extremely rare with laproscopic procedures.
<MISSY>I had a hernia repair about 7 mos ago. It has puched back out. If I have the hernia, will the insurance company approve plastic surgery?
<DR. Katzen>Not necessarily. Typically hernias are covered by insurance. However, that does not guarantee that they will cover the tummy tuck or body lift. I repair hernias at the same time as the tummy tuck or body lift and do not believe in unnecessary repeat surgery (hernia repair then tummy tuck).
<LISA>what types of plastic surgery is useful s/p large weight loss , can you get everything you want done in a one time or visit?
<DR. Katzen>Depending on how much weight you have lost, and what areas concern you will determine what plastic surgery you might need. You might need just a tummy tuck or a full body lift, medial thigh lift, breast reconstruction, arm lift, neck and face lift. These procedures should be staged.
<LISA>i have a large hanging stomach. What procedure would be best for me?
<DR. Katzen>Sounds like a tummy tuck at the least. If you have excess skin and fat over your hips, and a sagging buttock, you may need a circumferential body lift.
<TINA>Dr. Katzen, I plan on using you when I have surgery, but I wanted to ask you. What is the typical cost of a consultation at your office and how easy is it to get BCBS to pay for plastic surgery?
<DR. Katzen>Consultations through OH are free. If we decide to attempt insurance coverage, we will bill your insurance company for the consultation. BCBS is becoming more strict in coverage. It really depends on your body and medical conditions.
<LISA po mos 8 -119>What is your recomendation of how long after WLS we should wait to have plastics done?
<DR. Katzen>8-12 months or once your weight has stabilized. I don't believe in target weights.
<WILMA>Good evening sir: My question is does medicare help with the payment of the plastic surgeon after ones wls surgery?
<DR. Katzen>Depends on medical condition. If you have associated rashes or hernias, your chances of coverage are increased.
<AMY>does insurance typically cover a tummy tuck after a gastric bypass and in a patient with a hernia?
<DR. Katzen>It depends on the medical condition and your own insurance policy.
<LYNDA>I am interested in arm surgery--do you do consults long distance and how could it be handled so that only one west coast trip is necessary
<DR. Katzen>Please email digital pictures of your arms to my office at (You may click here to do so). We do long distance consultations all the time and one trip is not unreasonable.
<CONNIE>: I am 65 yrs old and in dire need of a tummy tuck. Given my advanced age, will insurance cover it?
<DR. Katzen>Age is not a restriction for plastic surgery. You should contact your insurance company to discuss the requirement and any policy restrictions; but age should not restrict approvals.
<JESSIKA>I have excessive skin on my thighs and calves. Is there a procedure that will take care of both areas?
<DR. Katzen>Yes. Depending on the medial thighs, this may require a lift in the groin region or an incision from the groin down to the knee. The calves are best addressed with liposuction.
<JACKIE>I have lost 95 lbs so far and have a very big apron of skin. I have rashes and am seeing a dermatologist. What is the best way to start looking into having the excess skin removed?
<DR. Katzen>Come to my office for a consultation.
<JANET>When you do the tummy tucks, do you tighen all muscles or just the center ones?
<DR. Katzen>The only muscles that need to be tightened are the six-pack or rectus abdominus muscles. By just tightening these muscles, all the other muscles get tightened: Like a Chinese finger trap.
<JOANIE>When you do a brachioplasty, are the scars long and visible?
<DR. Katzen>It depends. Sometimes I do a crescent incision in the armpit. The other type of incision is from the armpit to the elbow. This incision at first is red, but they all fade over 6-8 months.
<MANDY>I am on TPN, but have been for the last 7 months but my weight is stable. Not sure when I will be able to come off it, if no other health issues, could I still have plastics done while on tpn?
<DR. Katzen>I would need to consult with your internist and my nutritionist.
<TAMMY Keck>I'm not sure how to phrase this question but is there surgery to remove excess skin in the vaginal areas
<DR. Katzen>Yes. Either with liposuction or excision.
<ALEXIS>Are there any excercises I should do after weight loss surgery and prior to plastic surgery?
<DR. Katzen>Yes, everyone should exercise at all times in their life. To prepare for tummy tucks and body lifts, I suggest running, sit-ups, and elliptical trainers. These exercises increase muscle mass which your body will rely on to recover from your plastic surgery.
<MARTHA>I just had WLS two months ago and know I'm going to need a thigh lift and tummy tuck. Is there anything I can be doing at this stage in the game to increase my chances of getting insurance to cover it?
<DR. Katzen>Document all medical conditions like rashes, chafing, any creams that you are applying. Go to your internist or dermatologist or even emergency room whenever you have a rash so that there is medical documentation that you have real rashes. Later these can be sent to your insurance company for optimal insurance coverage.
<KIMBERLY>I am scheduled for a LBL on 3/22...will this help my medial thighs to any degree?
<DR. Katzen>The way I do the lower body lift only the lateral thigh is elevated. I usually perform a medial thigh lift at the same time as the LBL. But the LBL does not typically elevate the medial thigh.
<GREG>I have lost a lot of weight and now have skin hanging form my neck. Can this be removed
<DR. Katzen>Yes. Typically this would require a neck lift done through a hidden face lift incision.
<BECOMING Me>I am 14 weeks post op, so too soon to be considering plastic surgery. My main question is this: Do we have a chance of not really needing plastics, can some of us regain skin elasticity on our own?
<DR. Katzen>Possibly. Let's see once you have lost your weight in about 8-12 months.
<LYNDA>How much laxity can be removed with the minimal incision arm lift? modified minimal incision?
<DR. Katzen>Good question. Approximately 4-6 inches. Pinch from your armpit to your lower inner arm and see how much can be pinched. This usually works well for the proximal one half of the arm. It doesn't really help skin and fat around the elbow. The better but longer incision will get your arms nice and skinny. Remember the longer the incision, the better the results.
<WILMA>I had a breast reduction for medical reasons 3 years ago. Can I have another one once I loose the weight?
<DR. Katzen>It is unlikely that you will need a breast reduction. After weight loss, most pts lose a significant amount of fat from their breasts and require breast lift and implants to reconstruct the breast. I have several pts who had breast reduction surgery before gastric bypass and then required implants for breast reconstruction after weight loss.
<MARNIE>I have fat rolls or pads above my breasts and to the side of my arm. Would a breast lift or a arm lift take care of that?
<DR. Katzen>It sounds like you may need both.
<MODERATOR>Last question of the evening goes to...
<THINNERME>Hello Dr. Katzen. What are the complications that one might look for after a tummy tuck?
<DR. Katzen>The most common complications are complications resulting from smoking. Please quit smoking. Other complications which are much more rare include infection, and wound breakdown. Ways to minimize complications include quitting smoking, exercising, taking your vitamins, and iron.
<MODERATOR>Excellent chat, Dr. Katzen. Thank you for joining us this evening. We appreicate you taking time out of your schedule to be here and answer questions. Dr. Katzen's phone number is 1-888-KATZEN-0 (1-888-528-9360). His website is www.bodybykatzen.com.
<DR. Katzen>Thank you very much. Look forward to the next one.
<MODERATOR>Members, you all have a great evening as well and we hope you will join us for the next chat. Thank you.
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