Otoplasty, also known as ear reshaping surgery, is a cosmetic surgery procedure to correct the shape and size of the ears. During the pre-operative consultation, the surgeon will explain various aspects of otoplasty to the patient.

They may also show the patient before and after pictures of previous otoplasty patients to the new patient. The main concern of a committed surgeon will be to inform the patient about otoplasty surgery to allow them to make an enlightened decision.

Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides ear surgery to patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding communities.

 

Otoplasty Before and After Images

Otoplasty ‘before and after images’ are photos of previous patients who have successfully undergone ear surgery. These pictures include images taken prior to the procedure as well as after the surgery when the post-operative bruising and swelling have resolved, and the complete effects of the otoplasty are visible.  

The surgeon will acquire these pictures with the patient’s express consent and show them to new patients in a discreet manner.

As per standard norms, the identity of the patient will be kept private. The surgeon will only present these pictures to prospective patients to enable them to understand the potential outcomes of this plastic surgery.

 

Benefits

The ears are a prominent area of the body, and it is natural for patients to feel anxious about ear reshaping plastic surgery. The patient will understandably have concerns on how their face and ears will appear after ear reshaping surgery, and whether this procedure can help them achieve their aesthetic goals.

Some patients may require only minor ear pinning while others may need more extensive ear correction, such as the treatment of birth defects. Irrespective of the situation, the patient will be able to make the right decision when they see ear surgery before and after photos.

Dr. Hustak has no problem with being transparent. Her winning practice is based on honesty which is just one of the reasons she has so many satisfied patients.

 

Developing Realistic Expectations

Experienced surgeons understand that patients can achieve the highest levels of satisfaction from any surgical procedure when they have a positive outlook, concise cosmetic goals, and realistic expectations. For these reasons, surgeons typically prefer to showcase these pictures during the initial appointment with the patient.

Once the patient develops reasonable expectations from ear reshaping surgery, they can make a better informed decision. Such patients are likely to feel more satisfied with the results of the procedure as well as appreciate the outcomes a better way.

 

Digital Versions of Before and After Photos

The plastic surgeon can display otoplasty before and after photos on their practice website under a section titled “Photo Gallery” which is not done for this particular surgery – at least not now but that can change at any time.  Prospective patients can see the digital versions of these pictures and then decide on seeking a consultation with the ear surgeon and a consultation is mandatory anyway for many different reason.

 

Sharing Otoplasty Before and After Pictures on Social Media

Social media platforms enjoy near-universal appeal today. Sharing ‘before and after’ pictures on these forums can significantly increase public awareness on procedures such as ear reshaping surgery.

Leading image sharing platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Pinterest command billions of active users. Surgeons can harness the massive potential of these social channels to disseminate otoplasty pictures to their audiences.  

Female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and nearby areas for ear surgery.
For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board-certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.

Otoplasty, also called ear reshaping or ear pinning, is a cosmetic surgery procedure to improve the size and shape of the ears enabling them to appear more symmetrical and proportionate.

At the time of the pre-operative consultation, the surgeon will inform the patient on various aspects of the procedure, including its estimated costs. The patient should unhesitatingly ask the surgeon about the costs of the procedure to make a judicious choice.

The primary goal of a responsible surgeon will be to allow the patient to make an enlightened decision. They will provide the patient with the approximate costs depending on their specific surgical needs.

Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides ear surgery to patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations.

 

Cost Effectiveness

Oddly shaped ears can cause embarrassment or awkwardness for an adult or a child. Oversized ears can make a child feel distressed while negatively affecting the self-image of an adult. Otoplasty cosmetic surgery is a procedure that can effectively address these issues in a permanent way.

The patient will carefully evaluate the one-time expense on otoplasty in comparison to its long-term benefits. The cost of the procedure will be forgotten after a while. But the patient will enjoy the benefits of ear reshaping surgery for their entire lifetime.

It is vital for the patient to conduct an in-depth cost-benefit analysis prior to making a decision on proceeding with the surgery. This decision should not be influenced by external factors.

 

Aspects Affecting the Cost

The costs of ear reshaping plastic surgery may vary between practices and even between two patients at the same practice. The aspects affecting the cost of the procedure are:

Geographical Location

The costs of living will usually be lower in smaller towns in the interiors in comparison to practices located in major urban centers along the coasts. This will affect the costs of various goods and services, including the cost of plastic surgery procedures such as ear reshaping surgery.

Surgeon’s Fee

The fees of the cosmetic surgeon will depend on their credentials, experience, and reputation in the field of ear and facial surgery. Ideally, patients should choose a surgeon who is an expert in facial procedures for their ear surgery.

The charges of an experienced surgeon may be higher than those of a relatively less trained surgeon. However, the patient can be assured of beautiful and safe outcomes.

Extent of Surgery

If the patient needs only a simple procedure to pin one or both ears, it may be less expensive than if they would require correction of birth defects or reconstruction of the ear(s). The surgeon will inform the patient about the estimated costs after evaluating the state of their ears.  

 

Insurance and Financing

If the patient requires otoplasty for the correction of birth defects, they may receive coverage from their insurer. But if they are not eligible for coverage, the patient can seek funding from professional medical care financing companies.

The surgeon’s team may be able to help and guide the patient on the various financing alternatives available to them. Female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and nearby areas for ear surgery.

For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board-certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.

The upper legs become an increasingly troublesome area for many people as they age. Others experience that the thighs remain stubbornly unresponsive to diet and exercise after significant weight loss.

Cellulite, fat cells, and excess skin can accumulate on the thighs, which can make a person appear older, heavier, and less fit than they really are.

Loose skin on the thighs can make a person appear self-conscious regarding their appearance. Vigorous exercise and a balanced diet may offer good results to some people. However, others may find it challenging or even impossible to tone their thighs.

Fortunately, cosmetic surgery offers an effective solution for this issue in the form of thigh lift. The surgeon will work with the patient to develop a customized surgical plan that suits their unique goals and needs.

Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides thigh lift to patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding communities.

 

Suitable Candidates

For people who experience sagging in the thighs, a thigh lift can offer a sleeker, more youthful appearance. Many people who wish to improve the appearance of their thighs are ideal candidates for thighplasty.

However, they will need to meet certain criteria to be eligible for this procedure. These requirements help keep the patient safe during the surgery and maximize their chances of accomplishing a more contoured thigh appearance.

In general, a person will be a suitable candidate for a thigh lift plastic surgery if they:

Have undesirable skin and soft tissue along their thighs

The cosmetic surgeon will be able to eliminate thin layers of stubborn fat during the procedure. However, thighplasty is not meant for this purpose and cannot replace proper exercise and diet.

Maintain a stable weight

If the patient has not achieved their weight loss goals, losing more weight could cause the thigh tissue to sag again. In addition, putting on a substantial amount of weight can also interfere with the outcomes. The surgeon may be able to work with the patient to determine their target weight for this surgery.

Are in good overall health

Chronic conditions such as uncontrolled diabetes could interfere with the patient’s ability to recover properly or safely go under the necessary anesthesia or sedation.

Do not smoke

Smoking can compromise the recovery process and increase the patient’s risk of complications. If the patient smokes, they may still be a candidate for thighplasty if they agree to quit smoking for prescribed duration before and after their procedure.  

Do not drink heavily

Excessive drinking can impede the healing process and increase the patient’s risk of developing complications.

Are psychologically healthy

Thigh lift cosmetic surgery can be physically as well as emotionally taxing.

Have reasonable expectations for the procedure

The surgeon will offer the patient more information on the potential outcomes.

Have the commitment to maintaining a healthy diet and exercise regimen after the thigh lift surgery to preserve the outcomes

The cosmetic surgeon will be able to assess the patient’s candidacy for thigh lift surgery by examining their body, reviewing their health records, and discussing their goals during the pre-op consultation.

If the patient is not a candidate for thighplasty, the surgeon may be able to recommend another treatment option to enable them to improve the appearance of their thighs.

Female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and nearby areas for thigh lift.
For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board-certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.

Thigh lift plastic surgery is a major lower body sculpting procedure. At the time of the pre-operative consultation, the surgeon will inform the patient on various facets of the procedure.

Some surgeons may also choose to show the patient thigh lift cosmetic surgery before and after images during the consultation.

The primary goal of a dedicated surgeon should be to educate the patient about thigh lift and enable them to make a judicious choice. Before and after images can play an important role in this matter.

Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides thigh lift to patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations.

 

What are Thigh Lift Before and After Photos?

Thigh lift before and after images refer to a pair or group of pictures of previous patients who underwent the same surgery with effective outcomes. These pictures are taken before the surgery and after the procedure at a time when the post-operative inflammation and bruising have resolved, and the new thigh contours are fully visible.

The surgeon will ensure that the images are taken with the express consent of the patient and shown to new patients in a judicious and discreet manner.

The identity of the patient will be kept private, according to standard norms. The only goal of the surgeon in displaying these images is to educate new patients on the potential outcomes of thigh lift surgery.

 

Benefits

A thigh lift is a significant lower body sculpting cosmetic surgery. Patients are understandably anxious about how the procedure will impact their lower body contours and proportion, and whether it will actually help them meet their aesthetic goals. Some patients may only need an inner thigh lift, while others may require both lateral and medial thigh lift.

In some instances, thighplasty may have to be undertaken in combination with liposuction. Regardless of the case, the patient will be better positioned to make an appropriate decision upon viewing thigh lift before and after images.

These images can then be applied to the body of the patient and it’s much easier to do this because they are digital. Gone are the days when we have to rely on some ambiguous brochure with images that were faded and did not satisfy our need to know.

The consultation will satisfy you. Dr. Hustak wants you to be content if you agree to sign on the dotted line.

 

Keeping Realistic Expectations

Experienced surgeons understand the significance of before and after images in enabling new patients to develop realistic expectations about a procedure such as a thigh lift.

For this reason, in many cases, they may choose to showcase thigh lift before and after images during the initial appointment itself. The surgeon will encourage the patient to view these images carefully and then arrive at a final decision.

This simple initiative often ensures that the patient is better placed to appreciate the final outcomes. The risk of future disappointment from the procedure is reduced as well.

 

Online Photos

The surgeon may showcase thigh lift before and after images on the practice website, or even spread the pictures to a wider audience through social media platforms. This can create more awareness about body contouring surgery such as a thigh lift.

You certainly want to ask to see these images during the consultation if they are not on the site. This process is explained on the site but you can receive more salient details during the consultation. Dr. Hustak’s consultation are informative which is why she has a successful practice and she has so many patients that are impressed and happy with her work.

Female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and nearby areas for thigh lift.

For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board-certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.

Ear reshaping surgery, also known as otoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure that aims to correct the shape, size, and appearance of one or both ears to make them proportionate to the face and head.

 

The Fundamentals

Ear reshaping surgery is one of the few cosmetic procedures that can also be undertaken on children. But the child should have achieved complete ear development prior to receiving this surgery.

Ear shape deformities typically occur from birth and can be easily corrected with otoplasty.

The cosmetic surgeon will cautiously evaluate the shape and condition of the ear relative to the face and head structure and then recommend a suitable otoplasty surgery plan. The objective of the surgeon should be to accomplish the desired outcomes in the least invasive way possible.

Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides ear surgery to patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations.

 

Ideal Candidates

Any person who is in good overall health and is concerned about the appearance of large, misshaped, flapping, or asymmetrical ears can be an ideal candidate for otoplasty.

A child will misshapen, or deformed ears can also undergo this plastic surgery if they are at least five years of age, and the ear cartilage has developed fully and achieved stability.

Teenagers and adults are equally suitable candidates for ear reshaping cosmetic surgery.

 

Common Congenital Defects

• Cagot Ear: Absence of earlobe
• Cat’s Ear: The ear edges are folded forward
• Lop Ear: The ear sharply curves inward
• Scroll Ear: The ear is curled forward
• Wildermuth’s Ear: The top curve of the ear is reversed
• Stahl’s Ear Deformity: Abnormal folding of the ear
• Cleft Earlobe: An indent within in the earlobe

At times, skin cancer and malignant melanoma patients require ear surgery to eliminate cancer and then reconstruct the remaining tissue.

 

Surgical Procedure

Otoplasty is undertaken with mild general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation. In case the ears are quite protuberant, the surgeon may augment or enhance the anti-helical fold inside the rim of the ear. They will simultaneously reduce the enlarged conchal cavity.

The surgeon will usually place the incisions behind the ears so that the scars remain discreet. Some patients may require ear reshaping on the front side. But even then, the incisions will be made within the ear folds. The newly shaped cartilage will then be sutured into the desired position.

The incisions will be sealed with external sutures once the procedure is complete. In the hands of an experienced and skilled plastic surgeon, otoplasty can create natural-looking and beautiful outcomes. Generally, the results of this procedure are permanent.

 

Recovery

The recovery duration can differ between two patients, depending on the extent of the procedure and whether one or both ears have been operated upon. Most patients will be able to resume their regular routine or return to work in a week.

The patient may need to use pain meds during the initial few days after the procedure to remain comfortable. From the second week onwards, bruising and inflammation will subside considerably.

The surgeon will usually remove external sutures at the time of the first post-operative appointment at the end of the first week.

Female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and nearby areas for ear surgery.
For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board-certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.

A thigh lift is a customized cosmetic surgery procedure planned and performed according to the patient’s unique preferences, medical needs, and the area of the thigh it treats. Therefore, the costs of the procedure may differ widely.

Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides thigh lift to patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding communities.  

 

Cost Factors

The factors that usually influence thigh lift surgery costs are as follows:

 

Amount and Location of Excess Skin, Fat, and Tissue

This will influence the incision type and surgical techniques used during the procedure, which impacts the cost. In general, smaller incisions with simpler tissue removal will cost less than extended incisions and more intricate surgical processes.

 

Surgeon’s Credentials

The charges of an experienced and trained surgeon specializing in this type of surgery are likely to be higher.

But working with a skilled doctor can help the patient save discomfort, money, and inconvenience in the long-run as an experienced surgeon is more likely to develop beautiful outcomes without complications or the requirement for revision procedures.

 

Practice Location

The average income, cost of living, and taxes may vary between different areas, which will impact the cost of surgical procedures such as thigh lift as well. Additionally, plastic surgeons operating out of hospitals typically have higher facility fees in comparison to those who undertake procedures in medical centers or independent clinics.

 

Anesthesia Type or Sedation

Certain surgeons may use general anesthesia while others may administer local anesthesia along with IV sedation for thigh lift plastic surgery. The type and amount of anesthesia or sedation used will impact the cost of the thighplasty.

 

Other Procedures along with Thighplasty

Many patients choose to combine liposuction with thighplasty for more complete outcomes. This procedure can also be combined with other body contouring procedures, such as tummy tucks (abdominoplasty), or non-surgical treatments like dermal filler injectables.

 

Insurance Coverage

Thigh lift surgery is considered an elective surgical procedure. Therefore, most patients will likely not receive insurance coverage for this procedure.

But patients who have lost extreme amounts of weight and experience sagging skin around their thighs which prevents them from moving properly or cause skin infections may be able to receive full or partial insurance coverage.

The plastic surgeon will discuss the cost factors associated with the patient’s specific case during the pre-operative consultation.

 

Payment

A majority of thigh lift patients feel that the cost of the procedure is a worthy investment in their attractiveness, comfort, confidence, and health. Many cosmetic surgeons offer financing, either through their own practice or with an outside lender, to make their thigh lift more affordable.

This enables the patient to spread their payments out, typically over a span of six months to one year. However, the interest accrued will increase the total cost of the procedure.

If the patient does not choose a financing option, the complete payment for their thigh lift surgery will usually be due on or before the day of their procedure. Some practices offer rebates to patients who pay upfront.

Female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and nearby areas for thigh lift.
For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board-certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.

The choice of a plastic surgeon for breast reconstruction surgery is a decision that will affect a patient’s life for many years to come, if not her entire lifetime.

The patient can benefit significantly from a successful breast reconstruction procedure, as long as it is performed by a skilled and experienced surgeon.

On the other hand, in the hands of an inexperienced or less qualified plastic surgeon, the chances of poor results increase. This may mean additional expense, time, and disappointment for the patient. Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides breast reconstruction to patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations.

 

Why Choose an ABPS Board Certified Plastic Surgeon?

Ideally, patients should work with an American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) certified plastic surgeon for their breast reconstruction procedure.

Many people hold a misconception that state medical boards provide a credible indication of the skills and training of the surgeon on the procedures that they promote.

In reality, however, surgeons are not required by law to be trained in the specific surgical procedures that they offer to patients. This makes it even more vital for the patient to work with an ABPS certified surgeon for their breast reconstruction procedure.

A doctor must undertake a minimum number of years of surgical training after medical school to receive this prestigious certification. In addition, they must undergo plastic surgery residency training for at least three years and clear a written and oral exam as well.

After completing their training, the surgeon will need to submit documentation on the cases that they take on to the board. The board also requires surgeons to take renewal exams every ten years to retain their certification.

The patient should choose a plastic surgeon whose cosmetic sensibilities appeal to them.

It is important to accomplish natural looking outcomes in breast reconstruction. Apart from relying on recommendations and the cosmetic surgeon’s experience, the patient should also see pictures of previous breast reconstruction patients who have undergone this procedure with the surgeon and understand how these relate to their own aesthetic sense.

 

A Patient’s Predilection

Reviewing breast reconstruction before and after pictures of previous patients will help the patient understand the breast surgeon’s artistic sensibilities. They should assess whether the results appeal to them.

They should pay close attention to previous patients who look similar to them, especially in terms of torso and breast shape.

The patient should also check the results of the surgeon’s previous breast reconstruction patients for consistency and understand if they find the outcomes appealing.

It is important that the patient feels at ease and relaxed with the plastic surgeon and their staff. Working with a plastic surgeon with whom the patient feels comfortable is vital for a significant procedure such as breast reconstruction surgery.

 

Questions to Ask

When identifying a suitable plastic surgeon, the patient should ask themselves the following questions:

• Am I comfortable in the company of this surgeon?
• Do I trust that this surgeon will recommend safe and appropriate procedures to me?
• Is the surgeon friendly and approachable? Will I be able to ask them any questions that I may have during the surgical process?
• Will I be able to comfortably reveal my entire medical history and lifestyle behaviors to this surgeon?

 

Do Your Research

The decision to undergo breast reconstruction plastic surgery is a significant one. Along with committing time to the surgical process, the patient should also set aside enough time to perform thorough research on the procedure and the surgeon.

The patient should be upfront and well-informed. Undergoing breast reconstruction surgery can be life-altering for the patient. Therefore, she should try to get the most from her consultation with a plastic surgeon to ensure that this decision is the right one.

Female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and nearby areas for breast reconstruction.

For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board-certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.

The upper legs become an increasingly troublesome area for some women as they age. Some others may have thighs that remain unresponsive to diet and exercise after massive weight loss.

The thighs can accumulate fat cells, excess skin, and cellulite, making an individual look older, heavier, and less fit than they actually are.

Loose skin on the thighs can make a person feel self-conscious about their appearance. Some people may be able to accomplish good results with an aggressive diet and exercise regimen, others may find it challenging or even impossible to tone their upper legs.

Thankfully, cosmetic surgery offers a potentially optimal solution in the form of thigh lift surgery. A thigh lift is an optimal procedure to achieve tauter and more appealing thighs.

This surgical procedure is particularly helpful for people who struggle with sagging, excess skin resulting from significant weight loss. A thigh lift (thighplasty) involves removing excess fat, tissue, and skin to tone and sculpt the thighs.

There are various techniques available to cosmetic surgeons which enable them to individualize the thigh lift procedure to the exact needs of each individual patient. The surgeon will work with the patient to develop a customized surgical plan tailored to their unique goals and desires to enable them to enjoy more appealing legs.

Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides thigh lift to patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations.

 

Inner Thigh Lift

As the name suggests, this type of thigh lift treats the inner thigh. This procedure is helpful for individuals who have problems in removing excess fat from this body area through diet and exercise. An inner thighplasty may also be used to correct reduced skin elasticity which may occur due to extreme weight loss or the aging process.

In an inner thigh lift procedure, the plastic surgeon will place an incision in the area where the thigh connects to the pubic region. This allows them to access the underlying tissue while making the incision as inconspicuous as possible.

Any resulting scars can be easily concealed by underwear. The plastic surgeon will then remove a wedge of skin and possibly fat from the area and tighten the skin that remains to enhance the leg contours.

 

Bilateral Thigh Lift

The bilateral thigh lift plastic surgery procedure is also known as the “outer thigh lift.” This procedure is meant to tighten the skin on the front and outside of the leg.

In the bilateral thigh lift, the surgeon will place an incision at the top of the leg, where the lower edge of a pair of underwear or bikini bottom would lie, creating a “V” shape.

This incision may wrap around the patient’s hip or butt area, depending on their needs. The surgeon will then eliminate a specific amount of skin, and pull the remaining skin up and attach it to the same region so that it is smooth.

In this manner, a bilateral thigh lift tightens skin along the right as well as the left side of the leg.  

This procedure is particularly effective for those people who have excess skin after massive weight loss as it can be used to eliminate more substantial amounts of tissue in comparison to other techniques. This procedure can also help lift the posterior along with the thighs.

Female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and nearby areas for thigh lift.
For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board-certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.

Both physical and emotional aspects are a part of the recovery process for breast reconstruction plastic surgery. The time taken to physically recover from the plastic surgery depends on the surgical technique used to perform the reconstruction procedure.

Flap reconstruction often involves more recovery time than implant reconstruction as there will be healing in two areas of the body in the former.

 

Some Key Considerations

Patients can typically expect to recover fully within six weeks following surgery. But the recovery may be prolonged in case post-operative complications occur or if the patient chooses to undergo another procedure, such as nipple reconstruction.

Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides breast reconstruction patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations.

 

Immediately After the Surgery

For the first few days after breast reconstruction surgery, patients usually feel tired and experience soreness in the treated areas. Some patients may have to stay in the hospital for a day or two for monitoring in the initial recovery.

The surgeon will often insert drain pipes in the incision sites beneath the skin to eliminate excess fluid from the surgery area. These drains and any sutures will remain in place for one to two weeks. Patients can expect the following symptoms during their initial recovery period:

• Inflammation
• Bruising
• Scarring
• Soreness at the surgical site
• Numbness or sensation loss

To help the patient remain comfortable in the initial breast reconstruction surgery phase, the surgeon may prescribe her pain medication. After she is released from the hospital, the patient should follow the surgeon’s post-surgical guidelines carefully. This can ensure a speedier and safer recovery.

The surgeon may recommend the following to the patient for a safer and faster recovery:

• Do not perform strenuous activities such as lifting objects overhead, engaging in sexual activity, or participating in sports for a few days
• Clean all wounds properly
• Change bandages often
• Gently massage the skin and scars when the incisions have healed
• Wear a firm, supportive bra without underwires

 

Post-Operative Scarring

Patients can expect to have scarring in one or multiple locations depending on the breast reconstruction technique chose. The areas where scars develop are the breast, abdomen, nipple, back, navel, buttocks, or another site from where tissues were taken to develop a breast mound.

Flap reconstruction leads to a bit more scarring than the implant reconstruction technique. This happens as the former involves two incision areas. While surgical scars will fade away over time, they are not likely to disappear completely.

 

Restoration of Normal Life

The breast reconstruction recovery phase differs for each patient. The patient should slowly return to her regular routine at her own pace. She should also be in touch with the surgeon’s office as well as attend all follow-up appointments.

The patient can gradually start her daily chores such as shopping, housework, or driving as the incisions heal. Patients who undergo breast reconstruction using the flap technique may need a little more downtime as this technique can weaken the abdominal or arm muscles.

 

Emotional Recovery

Many patients may require time to adapt emotionally to having a reconstructed breast. Breast reconstruction can restore the cosmetic appearance of the breast. However, the breast will not appear or feel exactly the same as the natural breast.

Patients usually find it reassuring to speak with other women who have undergone breast reconstruction or to a mental heal professional. Female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and nearby areas for breast reconstruction.
For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board-certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.

Breast reconstruction plastic surgery can be undertaken using various techniques. Depending on the technique chosen and if the surgery is performed along with a mastectomy or later, the steps of the plastic surgery procedure will vary.

During the pre-operative consultation, the surgeon will discuss the procedure steps to inform and reassure the patient on what the surgery process will involve.

Board certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak provides breast reconstruction patients in Houston, Texas, and surrounding locations.

 

Anesthesia

Breast reconstruction surgery is a significant procedure and is typically performed with the patient under general anesthesia. During the surgery, the patient will not be awake and will not feel any pain or have any memory of the surgery regaining consciousness.

The patient’s health condition and history of drug allergies will also be reviewed before she is deemed fit to receive anesthesia.

 

Incisions

Once the anesthesia takes effect, the surgeon will initiate the reconstructive plastic surgery procedure by placing the incisions in a targeted and inconspicuous manner. The surgical techniques used will determine the size and location of the incisions.

The flap technique involves a greater number of incisions as tissue relocation between areas is involved. The implant method will require fewer incisions. The type of technique chosen and the size and number of incisions will impact the time taken to recover as well as the level of scarring.

 

Developing New Breast

As decided during the surgical planning stage, the surgeon will develop the breast mound using either the implant or flap method.

Implant Reconstruction

This procedure takes place in various stages. At the outset, the surgeon will place an expander beneath the skin and chest muscle to expand the area.

After that, they will add liquid to the expander over the next few weeks and months to stretch the skin enough to hold the implant. Saline or silicone implants will be placed when the skin has stretched appropriately.

Sometimes, the surgeon may perform both these steps simultaneously. To eliminate the need for the second stage of the procedure, permanent skin expanders may be used as implants. The surgeon will develop the optimal treatment approach in close discussion with the patient.

Flap Reconstruction

In this technique, the surgeon will remove excess tissue from a donor area and relocate it to the breast region. The blood vessels in the tissue that has been relocated will be re-attached to new ones in the breast. The surgeon will use the new tissue to create the breast mound. In certain cases of flap reconstruction, an implant may also be placed.

 

Bandages and Sutures

After the surgeon creates a natural and symmetrical looking breast mound, they will seal the incisions using sutures and dress them with bandages. The surgeon will provide them with comprehensive guidelines for sutures and bandages to reduce the possibility of infection development.

The patient should avoid putting any strain in the incision sites for six weeks after the surgery to enjoy a safe and rapid recovery. In the case of conventional sutures, the surgeon will remove them in around a week to 10 days after the surgery.

Female cosmetic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak receives patients from Houston, Texas, and nearby areas for breast reconstruction.
For more information on procedures and treatments provided by board-certified female plastic surgeon Dr. Kristi Hustak please call us to schedule a consultation at 713.322.7265 or click here. Offices in Houston, Texas.