FAQs

Breast Augmentation

• How soon after a Breast Augmentation can I go swimming in the ocean?
  
  • 4 weeks because of arm movement for swimming will affect the incision.
    3 weeks for Jacuzzi.
• How soon after a Breast Augmentation can I “Roll”?
  
  • Yes we have been asked this question. I do not condone “rolling”, but a similar question that can be used here would be, how soon after surgery can I drink alcohol?
  • The answer would be as soon as you are off the prescribed medications I have given you.
• When can I go back to work after a Breast Augmentation?
  
  • Whenever you are off your pain medication. You will have restricted activities for a couple of weeks. Generally, patients have the procedure on a Thursday and go back to work on a Monday, for example.
• When can I wear an under-wire bra after a Breast Augmentation?
  
  • If the procedure is a first time Breast Augmentation, then we recommend 6-8 weeks to allow time to “drop and fluff”. If the procedure is an Implant Exchange, we want you to start wearing an under wire bra right away.

Facelift

• Can I color my hair before a Face lift?
  
  • Yes, please do. Do not cut your hair. You can color your hair at least one week prior, and then at least two weeks after the surgery.
• How long until swelling is 100% gone from a facelift?
  
  • 6 months, however, the majority of swelling is gone after the first 3 months.
• Is 40 too young to get a facelift?
  
  • Facial rejuvenation is individually independent. One 40 year old doesn’t look the same as any other 40 year old. So no it is not too young, it has to be taken as a face by face basis. Fillers are so good these days that you can save some time and money and use fillers and Botox until you are truly ready for a facelift. Usually when your neck starts bothering you in appearance is a good time to research and consider a facelift/necklift.
• How to avoid bruising after a facelift?
  
  • Avoidance of NSAID’s, medications which cause bruising, fish oil, control of blood pressure, and understanding realistic expectations of post op activity restrictions.

Eyelid Surgery

• Will a Blepharoplasty damage my lash extensions?
  
  • For an Upper Blepharoplasty (Upper Eyelid Surgery), no.
  • For a Lower Blepharoplasty (Lower Eyelid Surgery), yes, they could potentially get in the way.

  Part B- How soon after a Blepharoplasty can I get lash extensions?

  • At least 10 days after.

Breast Implants

• A patient came in for a consult for an implant exchange and asked us, “Why do my breasts look so granny like?”
  
  • We discovered that she had Mentor Smooth Round Moderate Classic Profile Gel Implants that are 16.5 cm in diameter and 640cc. So our answer is because the implants your surgeon used are too flat and wide for your body frame.
• How long will my drains be in after an implant exchange?
  
  • Depends on the output. We need under 25cc in a 24 hour period.
• How does strattice help with capsular contracture?
  
  • Strattice interferes with the round thickening of the scar membrane, hence, helping not form a thick capsule.
• Which implant feels more real: Gummy Bear, Silicone, or Saline?
  
  • Silicone tends to feel more real than saline. The difference between Silicone and Gummy Bear is negligible. However, it depends on your definition of natural breasts, as well as how much natural breast tissue you have. Saline implants can still feel natural and look natural when there is a reasonable amount of natural breast tissue.
• How long do I wear my compression bra after a Breast Implant Explantation?
  
  • Normally you will wear the compression bra day and night for about 2 weeks, except while bathing. This allows your breast tissue to shrink back, while preventing a seroma, and help with comfort. Any additional time wearing a compression bra after 2 weeks is added bonus time.
• Will gummy bear implants last longer than regular silicone gel implants?
  
  • Gummy bear implants have a lower percentage chance for capsular contracture, which would be the only reason to get the implants replaced besides if you dislike the look or size. Since gummy bear implants don’t leak and are very unlikely to rip or tear, then overall yes they last longer.
• If a Shaped Implant (Gummy Bear Implant) can’t leak, then what could happen?
  
  • Even though a Shaped Implant can’t technically leak, it is still an implant, which still has the small percentage of capsular contracture. Shaped Implants are a certain style as well. So I guess you can say that they could give you not what you want. If you want more of a round look with a round upper pole, or squishy breasts, or implants that will change with you over time as you age, then maybe a round silicone implant is more your style. Trying on implants at your consultation and being sized for your body is a huge benefit at our complimentary consultations.
• Can a Shaped Implant (Gummy Bear Implant) tip/rotate?
  
  • There is a learning curve that comes with using Shaped Implants. This is something Dr. Chong has been thoroughly trained on and is extremely experienced in. This is why she recommends is to use the IMF incision to place the Shaped Implants to make sure they are placed in the correct position, and in a tight pocket so there is no chance of rotation. Shaped Implants are designed to have a line at the center of the base to mark the placement of the implant on the chest correctly.
• Do you still need an MRI every 10 years if you have a Shaped Implants (Gummy Bear Implants)?
  
  • No because they have nothing to detect since there will be no leaking with Shaped Implants.

Injectables

• Is there an age limit for injectables?
  
  • I don’t believe it is ethical to do cosmetic injectables on patients under 18. A treatment plan must be agreed upon between the patient and doctor. As an adult getting injectables, we want healthy the patient to be healthy, with realistic expectations.

Tummy Tuck

• When can I have sex after a Tummy Tuck?
  
  • There are ways to be intimate without going all the way. We recommend to wait about 4-6 weeks, just like after a pregnancy.
• Will a tummy tuck fix my stretch marks?
  
  • In many respects many stretch marks will be removed, but not all are located in areas that will be accessed for removal.
• How long before you can stand up straight after a tummy tuck?
  
  • 2-4 weeks. If extensive muscle repair was done, it will be closer to 4 weeks.
• Is removing the fat in the upper pubic area part of a tummy tuck?
  
  • Yes. Dr. Chong’s preferred technique is direct incision to remove the extra skin and fat because liposuction in that area can be traumatic.
• When can I start sleeping on my stomach?
  
  • In general, the minimum is three weeks. Always ask your doctor once it gets past that point to get clearance. Tummy Tucks and Facelifts would take longer.
• Do you always have to move a belly button with a Tummy Tuck?
  
  • Yes. When you pull down the skin during a tummy tuck, it moves your belly button significantly further down.
• Do I need drains with a short scar tummy tuck?
  
  • Yes, because even though the scar is shorter, everything being done underneath is the same.
• When can I resume core workout after a tummy tuck?
  
  • 8 weeks, but always get clearance from your plastic surgeon.
• Can I get a tattoo over my tummy tuck scar?
  
  • Yes, but wait at least 3-6 months.
• What is the average time for drains to stay in after a Tummy Tuck?
  
  • 7-10 days
• How long should I wait to get a tummy tuck after pregnancy?
  
  • Once you have lost the baby fat, found proper care for your children for the allotted recover time, and are emotionally prepared, then you can consider a tummy tuck. It is a minimum of 3 months post pregnancy. Remember you can not be breastfeeding after a tummy tuck because of the medications given to you during surgery and during your post operative care to monitor pain.

CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing

• Will CO2 help with deep wrinkles?
  
  • It depends how willing you are to retreat. Most will need to retreat for deep wrinkles. Often it is required and best to add in fillers with the treatment for deep wrinkles.
• When can you repeat your CO2 treatment?
  
  • We usually recommend about two years, to allow for full healing from the first treatment.

Liposuction

• How long do I wear a full body compression garment for Liposuction?
  
  • 2-4 weeks. Depends on the quality and amount of skin you have.
• After 2 weeks post liposuction, what exercises can I do?
  
  • Walking and light jogging. At the 4 week mark you can start adding in weights and doing abdominal work again.

Lip Augmentation

• How big can I go with a Lip Augmentation?
  
  • Lips have to compliment your face. It is best when thinking about a lip augmentation, whether surgical or nonsurgical, to just enhance your lips to have a prettier version of what you already have. The other factor is cost. The bigger the lips, the bigger the cost.
• How long do lip fillers last?
  
  • Since there is a high amount of blood flow in the lips, the filler tends to be “washed out” in that area rather quickly. Over time however, you will start to build up collagen which will allow for injectables to be spaced out throughout the year more.
    On average:
    4 treatments per year, first year
    3 treatments per year, second year
    2 treatments per year, third year
• Where is the scar when getting a lip augmentation with a lip implant?
  
  • It is in the corners of the mouth.
• What should I be aware of with a lip augmentation, surgical and nonsurgical?
  
  • You should be aware if you tend to have cold sores. They can flare up when having lip treatments. We will prescribe Valtrex to pre-treat if that is the case. Dr. Chong will also look at your bone and teeth structure to determine your options when enhancing your lips.

Rhinoplasty

• What is the revision rate for a rhinoplasty?
  
  • First time rhinoplasty revision rate is about 25%. The way to lower this percentage is to communicate clearly with your plastic surgeon on your wants and needs for your rhinoplasty outcome. Morphing is Dr. Chong’s way of communication. She is able to take a set of photos of your current nose and morph them into what she can do for you.
• What if I sneeze with the splint on my nose?
  
  • It is okay to sneeze with a splint, but sneeze carefully. The splint is protecting the surgical resetting of your nose and you don’t want to grab your nose when you sneeze. Okay to wipe your nose gently.

Implant Removals

• When can I Jacuzzi after a simple implant removal?
  
  • Wait 4 weeks.
• When can I swim in the pool after a simple implant removal?
  
  • Wait 4 weeks.
• When will I see the final outcome from implant removal?
  
  • Usually at the 3 month mark.
• When can I start doing abdominal exercises after implant removal?
  
  • After 3 weeks, however, always consult with your doctor to get clearance on exercising.
• Why don’t you always take out a capsul when removing implants?
  
  • If your capsul is soft and causing no pain there really is no need to touch it. Once the implants are out, your body will naturally deal with capsul.
• Do you take out breast tissue with implant removal?
  
  • No.
• Will the capsul get hard & painful when not taken out after implant removal?
  
  • Once the implants are taken out, the capsul has no driving force to get hard and compress. There is a chance for inflammation which may take you longer for softness to reestablish, but no need for a capsulectomy in the future.
• What is an unfavorable implant removal outcome?
  
  • When a patient with implants has very little natural breast tissue and has a capsul that needs to be taken out as well as removing the implants, it can conform in unfavorable manner with depression of the nipple areolar complex (NAC).

Miscellaneous

• If surgery is in the afternoon with anesthesia but I have to take certain medication, i.e. Thyroid medication, in the morning when I wake up, can I still do that even though I can’t eat or drink 8 hrs prior to surgery?
  
  • Yes, just with a small sip of water, just enough to get the pill down. However, make sure all medications are approved by Dr. Chong.
• Can I drink alcohol on the night before my surgery?
  
  • No. It will dehydrate you, and it is not recommended for surgery. Please call us if you feel nervous before surgery and we can prescribe a Valium. We just ask that you do not take the Valium before speaking to the Anesthesiologist that will be calling you the night before.
• Can I be on my period during surgery?
  
  • Yes. However, the risk of nausea and vomiting is higher because 1. You are a female, and 2. You are having BREAST surgery. Both corresponding with the monthly cycle. Sometimes we say to schedule the procedure not while you are on your period because then you will not be reaching for Advil or Motrin, which are not compatible with surgery.
• Can I go to work with drains?
  
  • Of course! Just be creative with your wardrobe.
• Will there be a scar where the drains are?
  
  • There will be a small 3mm line, similar to a scratch, but the drain incision will be placed in an inconspicuous location.
• What are the benefits of using drains?
  
  • a. comfort
  • b. prevents seroma (collection of fluid)
  • c. decreases risk of recurrent capsular contracture
• What are the benefits of a female plastic surgeon?
  
  • A key benefit of a female plastic surgeon for a female patient is that a female plastic surgeon understands the female body and similar issues. A female plastic surgeon, such as myself, has experienced similar emotions and life events. I believe the empathy a female plastic surgeon can offer to a patient is a major factor in the choice of a plastic surgeon.
• How long do I have to stay in bed after my surgery?
  
  • We encourage walking the day of your surgery to ensure good circulation and breathing. If you lay in bed too long and too often after a surgery, it may cause constipation, depression, and/or bed sores.
• Why does my drain site have pus coming out of it?
  
  • It is a foreign body that is creating inflammation which then causes pus.
    Nothing to worry about.
• What happens if a patient stops breathing in the operation room?
  
  • Our OR has protocols for support in order for all our staff to know their positions in case of an emergency. We carry the right equipment to support patients and have the ability to transfer to a higher level of care if necessary.
• I am worried about anesthesia, what do I do to calm myself the night before the surgery?
  
  • First, inform yourself and get all your questions answered. Then do things that help you sleep well, like running, going on a long walk, or taking a hot bath.
  • Usually try and do an activity that you will be restricted from for a few weeks after surgery. After speaking to your anesthesiologist the night before you can take a sleeping aid (i.e. Ambien, Valium, Tylenol PM).
• What credentials do the surgeon’s assistants have?
  
  • They have a national certification from The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. It is a 4 year certification with 60 hours of continuing education. In addition, they are required to maintain a membership with the Association of Surgical Technologists (AST) and stay current with our Basic Life Support (BLS), and CPR Certifications.
• How long do I wear the compression socks from surgery? Why?
  
  • Compression socks are used to ensure circulation in legs during surgeries that exceed 3 hours. We wish that you would wear them for a couple of days to allow for full circulation to be back.
• How common are asymmetric breasts?
  
  • Very common. Most women have one breasts bigger than the other. However, sometimes there is quite a big difference, like 2 cup sizes. Asymmetric breasts are when one breasts has less natural breast tissue, usually less muscle, and the skin envelope is tighter. When getting a Breast Augmentation to fix the difference, the smaller breast will need more time to settle into the pocket and stretch out the muscle, tissue, and skin.
• What are tubular breasts?
  
  • Tubular breasts are characterized by small breast volume, long skin envelope, and big nipples with the breast tissue sagging, and usually a higher than normal breast fold.
• Do you have to bathe in something special before surgery?
  
  • It depends. Our skin helps prevent infection, monitors temperature, and absorbs vitamin D. Our skin can also be a source of bacteria. If the patient has body acne we usually recommend bathing in chlorhexidine soap a few days prior. We also take a nasal swab at your pre-op that will help us determine any bacteria present.
• When can I start using scar creams?
  
  • The best regimen is to wait one week before the steri-strips come off. Then use bio-oil on your scars for one week. This oil will help to remove any crust or glue. Then start using biocorneum after the 2 week mark. The silicone and SPF protection are some amazing benefits of this serum.
• At what age do your breasts stop developing?
  
  • They never stop developing. They go through changes at every stage in a woman’s life.
• What happens if you get sick with a cough or cold before a surgery?
  
  • Make sure to communicate with your plastic surgeon’s office if you become sick so they can clear you on any medications you may need. It is important to monitor your health before surgery. The anesthesiologist will want to make sure your airway can handle the amount of time you need for your procedure.
• When should I purchase sports bras to wear after a breast surgery?
  
  • For any breast procedure, we will be putting you in a clip front closure compression bra. For most breast procedures we recommend staying in this bra for the first 2 weeks. After that you can look for a front zip sports bra to wear for the next 2-4 weeks. Usually around the 4-6 week mark, Dr. Chong will give you the clearance to go into normal bras and underwire bras. We usually recommend to wait on purchasing any bras till after the surgery unless you have a clear idea of what size you will be. Once the swelling has gone down and you feel comfortable to try on some different sizes, that will be a better time to purchase new bras.