Questions & Answers
Recent answers posted by Marisa Lawrence, MD on RealSelf.com


Q: Breast lift without implants?
I'm happy with the size of my breasts, but they could definitely be perkier. Can I get a breast lift without implants?

A: Breast Lift can absolutely be performed without implants!
Mastopexy, or breast lift, can be performed to reposition the nipples, elevate the breast mount on the chest, and tailor the skin to tighten with minimal scarring. The procdure takes about 1-2 hours and is done typically in an outpatient surgery center.


Q: Sagging breasts: How to perk things up?
After babies and i guess aging :( my breasts sag more than i'd like. is breast lift or plastic surgery my only option for getting them perked up again?

A: Mommy Makeover.
If you are happy with your breast size a lift would be your best option. the nipple is repositioned higher on the breast and the skin is tightened. If you would like volume added to the breast, an implant can be added to increase the breast size and improve the shape. Sometimes both procedures are needed to lift the breast, add volum, and improve shape. A consultation with a plastic surgeon experienced in breast rejuvenation should help you make the proper choice for your body.


Q: How do I choose the best breast implant for me?
I dont know whether to go big or medium, saline breast implants or silicone breast implants, under or over muscle. help!

A: Seek a Plastic Surgeon who will spend time with you.
It can be overwhelning to research the options in breast implant surgery. One helpful website is www.breastimplantsafety.com. Meet with your plastic surgeon and your physical examination and expectations as to the results should help guide you to the right decision for your body.


Q: How to get rid of sagging skin after gastric bypass and weight loss? I had gastric bypass and my skin sags now. Where it folds (abdomen, thighs, arms), I get infections and painful rashses, and I'm looking for ways to stop this.

What type of treatment or surgery is available to get rid of all the extra skin? Could the sagging skin be fixed all at once or would it require me to have lots of things done over a long time?

A: Body contouring is an option.
After massive wieght loss patients typically undergo procedures to remove the skin that remains. Arms can be tightened with the brachioplasty procedure and a body lift or belt lipectomy is performed to remove the extra skin on the trunk and to tighten the skin on the upper thighs and back. Usually we can accomplish the bodylift and brachioplasty in one procedure. The thighs are addressed in a second procedure performed 3-6 months later.


Q: Procedures to tighten loose skin from massive weight loss?
I'm a male 23 years old. I was 300 lbs. and now I'm 185 lbs. The problem is I have excess skin just above the penis area and around my stomach. Is there any exercise I can do to get rid of it? I work out a lot. What procedures are available to get rid of this? It’s really upsetting me. Please can you help and tell me how I can tighten this area?

A: Abdominoplasty with Pubic Lift.
Yours is a common problem after losing a large amount of weight. An abdominoplasty will remove the extra skin and tighten the abdominal wall mucles. In your case I would also remove the extra skin and fat from above the pubis so that you would have a smooth tight look to the abdomen and groin.


Q: How long do arm lift results last?
If I get an arm lift, how long would the results of the surgery last? Would there be anything that could happen that would make the saggy skin on my arms come back after the arm lift?

A: Arm Lift results lasts for a long time!
With an arm lift, or brachioplasty, fat is liposuction and excess skin is removed. Over time the skin will lose elasticity as it does with aging. However, if you maintain your weight, the results should be longlasting.


Q: How do I find the best breast augmentation surgeon?
Considering breast augmentation. who does the best quality cosmetic surgery?

A: The best breast surgeon.
Aside from credentials, years in practice, and hospital pictures, look at the surgeon's photo gallery of before and after results. Also ask to speak to patients in the practice. Alot of doctors perform breast augmentations but choose one who will spend time with you discussing your goals. There is alot of information to review for this procedure and you want to have everything you need to make the right decision for yourself.


Q: Slim lipo vs. Smart lipo: which is best?
There is a lot of great information on this site about smart lipo (thank u!). what about another lipo laser treatment called "slim lipo" is it better, same, or worse than smart lipo?

A: SlimLipo is definitely smarter.
After using both lasers over the past few years, my patients definitely are happier with the results from the SlimLipo. We have gotten excellent skin tightening and uniform fat removal with much less bruising and pain. We see results immediately and have noticed continued skin tightening for up to 6 months after the procedure.


Q: Will I have visible scars from a tummy tuck?
I imagine that you have them hidden below your underpants but is this true? can i wear a bikini after tummy tuck?

A: Abdominoplasty scarring.
There will be a visible scar along the lower abdomen and belly button after an abdominoplasty. The goal of the plastic surgeon is to create a scar that is as least conspicuous as possible. Suture techniques as well as careful scar management post-operatively yield very acceptable scars in most of my patients. My patients tell me that they would trade the improvement in the contour of their abdomen and the ability to wear clothing without pantygirdles for a thin pale scar anyday!


Q: Liposuction vs. tummy tuck - what's the difference?
I've had 3 kids and definitely need some help in my stomach area, but I'm not sure if I would need liposuction, a tummy tuck, or both to get the pre-baby look I want
.

A: Mommy Makeover.
After 3 children, most of my patients prefer the results of an abdominoplasty to liposuction. The abdominal wall has been stretched and muscle tightening and removal of extra skin can only be performed with an abdominoplasty. Although the new Slim Lipo machine does tighten skin as well as remove fat, the abdominal contour will not be flat without tightening the abdominal muscles.


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Dr. Lawrence realizes that improved appearance can be a major factor in developing a more confident, positive self-image. In fact, she and her staff members have undergone several cosmetic procedures themselves and can discuss their surgeries with patients using first-hand knowledge! They are dedicated to helping patients achieve their personal goals using state-of-the-art techniques, always making safety and satisfaction their priority.

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Marisa Lawrence, M.D., Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
960 Johnson Ferry Road NE - Suite 120 | Atlanta, Ga 30342 | Phone: 404-303-7004