Ear Surgery (Otoplasty) Questions and Answers

Question:

What are the actual risk factors of any given cosmetic surgery?

Answer:

Dear Danni, The risk factors depend upon what is being performed, where and on whom. Any surgery has the risk of bleeding and infection but there are specific risks for each given procedure. Also, some individuals are at higher risk than others for a given procedure. I would discuss the specific procedure and any health problems frankly with a plastic surgeon.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

On April 9,2001 I was at work and a burning torch that I was using blew up in my face.I suffere from 2nd degree burns on my face neck and chin.Since then I have developed some blisters and as of right now I feel like there will be some scars left behind and some skin discoloration as well. Before this I had no scars in my face and I was quite proud of that but now I will bare scars so I want them removed. Can you give me any advise?

Answer:

Dear Aretha, You should visit with a burn surgeon who will be able to tell you at this point if there is any permanent scarring. If there is, there are a great many things that can be done from surgery through to laser treatments in order to make the scars better.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

Hello, I am a 34years old female. I would like to do plastic surgery or liposuction. I do not know the difference of this. Kindly explain this. How much the cost take this surgery. I want to do hip & stomach portion. thanks.

Answer:

Dear Meena, Liposuction is a type of plastic surgery. I think that what you are asking is if you need liposuction or a tummy tuck. The factors which enter into that decision are the amount of fat present, the condition of your skin and the condition of the muscle supporting the abdomen. You should visit with a plastic surgeon in order to determine if liposuction is a good procedure for you or if you need the more extensive surgery. Liposuction costs about $2000 per paired area of the body (like the outer thighs) and a tummy tuck can cost from $4000 to $8000 depending upon what is required to be performed.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

I am nearsighted and over forty. I am going to have LASIK surgery on one eye only to preserve my ability to read without glasses. I have worn a contact occasionally, but always put it in the right eye. Today I was told that my left eye is dominant. Should it be the one operated on for nearsightedness, or should I stick with the right eye?

Answer 1:

Although monovision is most commonly performed with the dominant eye for distance, many people actually prefer it the other way. You should test it both ways with your contact lenses before making a choice, and then choose whichever feels more visually comfortable to you. Andrew Caster, MD Caster Eye Center Beverly Hills, CA www.castervision.com

Answer 2:

Donna, Recent studies have determined that eye dominance is not as big of a factor for choosing an eye for monovision. My gut instinct would lead me to suggest that you should choose your right eye as this is the eye you have used for distance in the past, but you may want to try a contact on the otherr eye to see if you prefer it the other way. David Cano, M.D. Jupiter, W. Palm Beach, Boca Raton, FL

Question:

What is the youngest age that sergions do breast implants on? What are the age limits for getting breast implants? Is there a limit?

Answer:

Dear Jordan, Although I have heard of the procedure being done during puberty, I would suggest waiting until about 18 to 20 years of age so that the development of the breasts is complete and not interfered with by the surgery. Breasts may also grow and change shape during that time and it may be that the procedure could be avoided altogether. I have performed this procedure on women well into their 70's and, although a lift is usually necessary, the results have been very gratifying. Given good health, there is no contraindication to the surgery even at advanced age.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

I am considering some cosmetic surgery: probably a face lift and some liposuction, and perhaps laser resurfacing. How can I find out how to get prices and compare? Also, how do I find the most reputable cosmetic surgeons in my area? Is there a physician's referral service available? Thank you

Answer:

Dear Mary Ann, I would suggest that you visit either the ASAPS (American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons') web site first. From that point you should seek advice from several in your area. You may chose to have the different procedures performed by different surgeons. I would also suggest that once you decide on your surgeon, make certain that he/she has privileges to perform the procedures that you desire done at a local hospital - they check credentials and save you the trouble.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

after removal of a melanoma, the surgery area will not heal. one month has past and the incission is still open at the end. why is it not healing?

Answer:

Dear Sharon, I would suggest that you visit with the surgeon that treated you. It must be made certain that all of the melanoma has been removed locally and that your general condition is sufficient for good wound healing. The initial closure may simply have been too tight and requires a revision.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

Hi, I'm a 17 year old single mother of a 6 month old son. During my pregnancy I developed horrible strech marks that completely cover my stomach and go in circles around my belly button. I was wondering what type of surgery would best get rid of my battle scars and an approximate price. I would love to show off my stomach in a bikini again!

Answer 1:

Dear Julie, If you have a lot of excess skin in addition to the stretch marks and plan on having no further children, a tummy tuck is still the best option. Despite the long, low scar, it is the best means of removing the stretch marks if a tummy tuck is needed for other reasons. If your skin is not loose and the muscle are still tight, successful treatment options are limited. Many have tried laser and microdermabrasion treatments with very limited success. New non-resurfacing lasers which stimulate collagen production may be useful but they have not yet been extensively tested.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Answer 2:

Dear Julie, An abdominoplasty ( cost about $5000 total) is by far the best means to take care of your problem. However, should you get pregnant again you might need to do it all over again. Best of luck Dr. Korman

Question:

I have been using restylane and botox for 6 months with good results.I am considering a facelift.Do the botox and restylane interfere with the surgery?Thank you.

Answer:

Dear Lainie, I would suggest that you consider a brow lift so that you no longer require the botox injections. These should have no interference with face or brow lift procedures. The restylane is a different story. As long as a large amount been injected for a long time, there should be little problem as long as the surgeon stays very deep to the plane where it is present in your skin. There can be problems with infection and extrusion after the procedure with areas so treated. I thought that Restylane was only available in Canada so far?? Where did you have the injections performed.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

Question:

I need to find a doctor that does laser surgery for a keloid that is located on the ear. Have already tried injection, but don't want to get it cut off. Can anyone help?

Answer:

Dear Lisa, Some keloid scars are well treated with laser resurfacing and others not. I would suggest that you visit with a plastic surgeon in your area and one that is also board-certified in laser surgery and a member of the wound healing society. If you could find an individual with all three credentials, that would be the best.

Gregory Caputy, MD, Chief Surgeon
Honolulu, HI

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