Dr. Steven Svehlak, MD

Hair transplant surgery is invasive. Most would call it minimally invasive depending on the way the procedure in performed. It is usually done under a mild sedation. At first the scalp has to be anesthetized with injections. This can be a little painful, but then it becomes numb. A strip of hair is then surgically removed from the back of the head (this is where the most resilient hair is found). It can also be removed by a techniques that removes individual follicular units (this will leave minimal scar). The follicular hairs are then separated, and carefully placed within the area of the scalp for transplantation. This is done with small punctures to the scalp. These are then allowed to heal, being very gentle with the scalp for a week or so. New hairs typically do not start to grow for 3-4 months after. This hair growth can last for many years. However, you still can experience some hair loss over time.

Old scar can be problematic and unsightly. Plastic surgery, which involves cutting out the old scar and meticulously stitching the edges together in layers, can help improve the way the scar looks and feels. No surgery or laser can permanently remove a scar. They can only improve it.

Plastic surgery is a common way to remove birthmarks. If it is small in size, a simple procedure of excision and stitching can remove it completely. If it is a very large birthmark, removal may require multiple staged smaller excisions with the possibility of tissue expansion done between the excision procedures. This is done to help preserve vital facial structures and for cosmetic reasons. Please consult with a board certified plastic or facial surgeon before having such a treatment done.

It is very uncommon to get an infection after nose surgery. What is important is to follow your surgeons instructions to avoid any complications. It is likely that you will take antibiotics. It is important that you do not stick anything in your nose after surgery until your surgeons instructs that it is ok to do so. If you smoke, you should definitely stop prior to and for several weeks after. If you have pets, you should keep them away from your face after surgery for several weeks. And in general, you should keep your face clean with a gentle facial cleanser.

It is important to follow your surgeons post-op instructions. Usually this requires gentle cleaning daily with a mild facial cleanser. You may also have a dressing or tape to change. For most, stitches are removed no later than 7 days. Many surgeons will prescribe a silicone scar gel or bandage for long term healing. This will give the best healing and least visible scar. Please discuss this with your surgeon.

Birth marks are generally treated with plastic surgery, but can also be treated with lasers. It usually depends on the type and size of the birthmark. If it is of a relatively small size, a simple excision of the lesion with closure using multiple layered stitches will do. This can be done under a local anesthesia. If it is a much larger birth mark, then it may require multiple staged excisions and closures, with tissue expansion in between each procedure. This may require general anesthesia for best comfort and control during the surgery. Please consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your goals and for full evaluation.

Liposuction can be done on diabetics of both type I and type II. This I have done. It can be safe and without complications. Diabetes can however, increase your risk of complications such as infection and wound healing problems. Also, because of the stress from surgery, your glucose levels can be more difficult to control while your are healing. It is very important that you discuss your medical history with your plastic surgeon and get a full evaluation with your primary care doctor prior to having your procedure done.

Most plastic and facial surgeons are well trained to remove birthmarks from your face. They can place incisions to remove the birth mark in such ways to create the most natural look with minimal scar. Please be sure to consult with a plastic and/or facial plastic surgeon prior to having your procedure done.

Liposuction can be permanent. It removes the excess fat in the area being treated and can help sculpt and improve contours. This is best when abdominal muscles are tight and skin is firm with good elasticity. It is NOT a permanent solution to a tummy tuck. A tummy tuck is a completely different operation that is focused on addressing loose skin and loose muscle of the abdominal wall. This occurs frequently in mothers after pregnancy or even in those who have lost a significant amount of weight. It is best for you to consult with a board certified plastic surgeon for a full evaluation, and to discuss your goals and expectations.

Burn scars can be very disfiguring and this can cause anxiety and depression. These can sometimes be corrected or improved with additional treatments such as scar excisions and skin grafts. It is best that you consult with a burn specialist surgeon (a burn center) for a full evaluation and to be sure you are getting the best advice for treatment.

Even though fat removal by liposuction can reduce your weight, liposuction is not meant as a weight loss treatment nor does it tighten skin. Liposuction is best for those who are near their ideal weight who have stubborn areas of fat excess. Liposuction can then be used to remove that excess and to sculpt and contour those areas to create a better looking figure.

My practice does not have the Cool Sculpting device but I have had many of my patients have the treatment done. Cool Sculpting can give some improvements in areas treated that can be permanent. However, many areas have to be treated more than once. The results and changes seen are usually small. It is not a substitute for a liposuction procedure and having several treatments can be very costly. Liposuction is still the "Gold Standard" for fat reduction, removal, and true body sculpting. Your body contouring is usually completed with one treatment. Please see a board certified plastic surgeon for a full evaluation to address your needs. Thanks for the question

A butt lift is a surgical procedure. There are various types of butt lifts, but the most common one is a Brazilian Butt Lift. This is done by removing fat from one or more areas of your body with liposuction. The fat is then prepared and re-injected into the buttocks using blunt fat grafting cannulas. This is a surgical procedure and does have risks associated with it. I would recommend you consult with a board certified plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns and for an evaluation. The plastic surgery societies keep their members up to date with all of the latest in techniques, advisories, and warnings concerning plastic surgery.