Question 1

How does Dr. Parks treat laugh lines?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Parks recommends using a nice, soft filler that moves well with the body and muscles to address volume loss in the laugh line area. This treatment is performed easily in the office and helps restore youthfulness to the face.

Question 2

What is the role of self manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) in post-operative care?

Accepted Answer

Self manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) techniques can be performed at home to support recovery and maintain treatment results between sessions. It involves a very light and gentle touch, comparable to touching an infant's head, using the pads of your fingers. It's crucial not to use oil or glide, as the skin needs to be stretched with slow, deliberate motions, each lasting approximately 'one Mississippi'.

Question 3

What is 3D nipple tattooing and how does it help breast cancer survivors?

Accepted Answer

Dr. Parks, with 16 years of experience, provides 3D nipple tattooing as a 'finishing touch' for breast reconstruction patients. This technique uses highlighting and shadow to recreate a realistic nipple areola complex. It's described as having a profound emotional impact, restoring confidence and helping women move forward from their breast cancer journey, often evoking tears of completion.

Question 4

How can I perform self manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) for arm swelling?

Accepted Answer

For arm swelling, begin by lightly tapping the lymph nodes above the clavicle (venous angle) 5-7 times. Then, move to the axillary (armpit) lymph nodes, using the pads of your hands to push back, stretch the skin, and turn towards the armpit, repeating 5-7 times. For the elbow area, especially if swelling is on the outside of the arm, perform a stretch back followed by a directional movement, repeating 5-7 times with slow, 'one thousand, one thousand' counts. Continue this sequence for the medial part of the arm. If swelling extends to the lower arm, treat both sides with three hand placements (top, middle, above elbow), repeating 5-7 times from wrist to elbow. If the palm is swollen, repeat the motion 5-7 times on the palm. Conclude by reworking the entire arm, then the axillary lymph nodes, and finishing at the venous angle. The entire sequence can be repeated twice if desired.

Question 5

What does a neck lift involve and what are the recovery expectations?

Accepted Answer

A neck lift is designed to improve neck contour and remove excess skin. The surgery typically involves incisions around and behind the ear, extending into the hairline, as well as an incision under the chin (submental). These access points allow the surgeon to remove excess skin, tighten muscles, and resuspend deep underlying tissues. After surgery, swelling continues to improve for six to eight weeks, with results further refining as the skin tightens over time.

Question 6

What are the indications and recovery for breast reduction surgery, and is it covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

Breast reduction surgery is designed to reduce breast volume, effectively correcting neck, back, and shoulder pain, discomfort, and rashes often associated with excessively large breasts. It significantly improves a patient's overall quality of life. Recovery typically takes about six weeks, and patients can usually go home on the same day as the surgery. Insurance often covers breast reduction when there is a documented medical necessity.

Question 7

Why won't loose abdominal skin tighten with diet and exercise, and what are the surgical options?

Accepted Answer

After pregnancies and significant weight gain, excess skin and soft tissue in the abdominal area often will not correct with further diet and exercise alone. This is particularly true for skin folds associated with C-section scars or abdominal expansion. Surgical options are available to significantly improve the appearance of the anterior abdominal wall, but patients should be prepared to trade their current condition for a scar.

Question 8

What does a medial thigh lift involve, especially after significant weight loss?

Accepted Answer

For most patients who have lost a significant amount of weight, a full medial thigh lift is necessary to address excess skin and fat. The procedure involves an incision in the groin crease and extending further down the inner thigh, allowing the surgeon to pull and tighten the tissue. The goal of this specific incision placement is to minimize scar visibility when viewed straight on or from behind, with the scar often resembling the seam of pants.

Question 9

What are the key considerations for an arm lift (brachioplasty), especially after weight loss?

Accepted Answer

After significant weight loss, excess skin and fat in the arms, often extending to create an upper back roll, are primary concerns. Dr. Parks addresses this by releasing tight adhesive bands and fat on both sides to achieve a uniform arm. While incisions can be limited for localized skin excess, an L-type brachioplasty extends the incision to effectively pull and address the upper back. The incision is strategically placed on the inside of the arm to conceal the scar when the arm is at the side. Proper tension and pulling are crucial to fully address all excess tissue, with a focus on the arm's appearance from behind.

Question 10

Is it possible to have sensation after a mastectomy, and how is it restored?

Accepted Answer

Traditionally, patients undergoing mastectomy experienced a loss of sensation in the chest area. However, with advanced surgical techniques, including nerve preservation and reconstruction, it is now possible to help restore sensation. During the mastectomy, the nerve providing sensation to the nipple is identified, and a developed graft is used to connect it back to the nipple after breast tissue removal. While sensation may not be completely restored, it is significantly better than without nerve anastomosis, and restoration can occur over time.

Question 11

What about loose skin on the arms?

Accepted Answer

After significant weight loss, excess skin and fat in the arms, often extending to create an upper back roll, are primary concerns. Dr. Parks addresses this by releasing tight adhesive bands and fat on both sides to achieve a uniform arm. While incisions can be limited for localized skin excess, an L-type brachioplasty extends the incision to effectively pull and address the upper back. The incision is strategically placed on the inside of the arm to conceal the scar when the arm is at the side. Proper tension and pulling are crucial to fully address all excess tissue, with a focus on the arm's appearance from behind.

Question 12

Is it possible to have sensation after a double mastectomy?

Accepted Answer

Traditionally, patients undergoing mastectomy experienced a loss of sensation in the chest area. However, with advanced surgical techniques, including nerve preservation and reconstruction, it is now possible to help restore sensation. During the mastectomy, the nerve providing sensation to the nipple is identified, and a developed graft is used to connect it back to the nipple after breast tissue removal. While sensation may not be completely restored, it is significantly better than without nerve anastomosis, and restoration can occur over time.

Question 13

Does insurance cover breast reduction?

Accepted Answer

Breast reduction surgery is designed to reduce breast volume, effectively correcting neck, back, and shoulder pain, discomfort, and rashes often associated with excessively large breasts. It significantly improves a patient's overall quality of life. Recovery typically takes about six weeks, and patients can usually go home on the same day as the surgery. Insurance often covers breast reduction when there is a documented medical necessity.

Question 14

What does Dr. Parks say about their techniques?

Accepted Answer

There are a number of different surgical techniques we perform to remove the fat cells & tighten the excess skin of the stomach area.

Question 15

What does Dr. Parks say about what they specialize in?

Accepted Answer

Our plastic surgeons specialize in taking care of patients that have lost a significant amount of weight.

Question 16

What does Dr. Parks say about their training and credentials?

Accepted Answer

The doctor has 16 years of experience tattooing.

Question 17

What does Dr. Parks say about results?

Accepted Answer

We can significantly improve the overall appearance of your anterior abdominal wall.

Dr. Joseph Parks, MD

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