Q. I’ve exercised most of my 50+ years, but I still have fat around my hips and thighs. Am I too old for liposuction? 

A. Absolutely not! Women of all ages can benefit from liposuction. You may be a candidate for Ultrasonic liposuction that uses high-frequency sound waves to liquefy fat while minimizing bruising and blood loss. 

Q. What exactly is cellulite and can liposuction get rid of it?

A. Cellulite is fat trapped close to the skin between tight, fibrous bands. While liposuction can improve contour, it cannot eliminate cellulite. In some cases liposuction may lessen the appearance of the dimpling. 

Q. Can I expect to loose any weight after undergoing liposuction?

A. Liposuction is not meant for weight loss, but rather for reshaping the body by getting rid of stubborn and unappealing deposits of fat. The difference will be seen primarily in the way your clothes fit. You will, however, probably loose inches and look slimmer.

Q. Is there a way to keep fat from returning after liposuction?

A. The best way to maintain the results from liposuction is through proper health, nutrition and exercise. While fat cells won’t return once removed, they will increase in size if you gain weight after the procedure.

Q. I have always heard that fat won’t return to an area that has undergone liposuction, is this true?

A. The number of fat cells in the adult body is fairly constant. These cells swell or shrink depending on weight gain or loss. Once they are removed via liposuction they do not return, but the remaining fat cells can expand with a significant weight gain.

Q. What kind of anesthesia is generally used with liposuction?

A. They type of anesthesia that would best suit you, such as local, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia, depends on the area to be suctioned as well as your thoughts about the method used. As always, safety and comfort are critical goals in this decision making process. Our board certified anesthesiologists can help you with your final decision.

Q. It’s summertime but I refuse to wear sleeveless tops because of the jiggly fat on the back of my upper arms. Can liposuction improve this area? 

A. Thick or fatty upper arms can be a problematic area for many women. If diet and toning exercises have not helped, liposculpture can improve the contour of your upper arms. 

Q. What kind of anesthesia is generally used with liposuction?

A. They type of anesthesia that would best suit you, such as local, intravenous sedation, or general anesthesia, depends on the area to be suctioned as well as your thoughts about the method used. As always, safety and comfort are critical goals in this decision making process. Our board certified anesthesiologists can help you with your final decision.

Q. I recently lost some weight and want to reward myself with liposuction to tackle those areas that I could not minimize with diet and exercise. I am concerned about staying motivated and maintaining my new figure. Any suggestions?

A. At the Women’s Center we offer post-op incentives such as complimentary sessions with a personal trainer or nutritionist. This encourages our patients to live a healthy lifestyle, which will contribute to maintaining or even improving their surgical results.

Tummy Tuck

Q. My friend had liposuction performed on her stomach. Isn’t a tummy tuck the standard surgery for a “poochy” stomach? 

A. Liposuction alone is performed when the underlying abdominal muscles and skin are fairly taut. A tummy tuck however, which can be done in conjunction with liposuction, tightens the skin and repairs weakened abdominal muscles. 

Q. How soon can I have a tummy tuck after having a baby?

A. “Abdominoplasty” can be done as early as 6 weeks after pregnancy, but unless you have someone reliable to help with the baby, it’s best to wait 6 months to give your body time to recover from the pregnancy and delivery. 

Q. I have always wanted to wear a bikini, but am self-conscious about my “poochy” stomach. Is getting a tummy tuck the answer?

A. If diet and exercise have not helped flatten your stomach, a tummy tuck can dramatically reduce the appearance of a protruding abdomen, giving you flatter and firmer stomach.

Central Body Lift

Thigh Lift

Q. Is there a procedure to get rid of loose skin on my rear and thighs? 

A. A buttocks or thigh lift can eliminate excess skin but may leave long, visible scars. This is effective surgery, but should be used as a last resort after trying diet, exercise and even liposuction.

Q. Over the years I have lost and regained the same 25 pounds many times and now the skin on my thighs and buttocks has lost its tone and just “hangs”. Is there a procedure to correct this?

A. All tissue relaxes with time, and yo-yo dieting certainly contributes to this process. A Lower Body Lift will remove fat and tighten loose skin, which will result in more youthful contours. 

Arm Lift

Q. Even in the summer I refuse to wear sleeveless tops because of the fat on the back of my upper arms. Is there a procedure that will get rid of this? 

A. Thick or fatty upper arms can be a problematic area for many women. If diet and toning exercises have not helped, liposculpture can be performed to remove the fat on the upper arms. 

Breast Procedures

Q. Should I get a mammogram if I have breast implants?

A. Mammograms are critical in detecting cancer, and women over 40 with implants should have them yearly. Make sure your mammographer has experience imaging breasts with implants and knows the special views needed to screen for cancer. 

Q. What is the advantage of using a textured breast implant as opposed to a smooth one? 

A. Some studies show a decreased risk of scar tissue with textured implants. However, textured implants may increase the risk of visible rippling, particularly when implants are placed above the muscle or in women with very thin skin. 

Q. How will I know if my breast implant has ruptured? 

A. It is usually obvious when a saline implant ruptures because the breast will become smaller as the water in harmlessly absorbed. A ruptured silicone implant can be more difficult to detect and may require radiological tests, such as a sonogram or MRI. 

Breast Augmentation

Q. I’m worried about losing nipple sensation after Breast Augmentation.

A. While there is always a small risk of nipples becoming numb or oversensitive after breast surgery, usually any lost sensation is regained within 3 months. 

Q. I am considering breast implants but am concerned about Capsular Contracture. What causes this condition and how common is it? 

A. Virtually every body will respond to the presence of an implant by forming a capsule of scar tissue around the implant. In most cases the presence of this scar capsule is not detectable and the breasts look and feel very natural. In about 5 percent of patients, however, the capsule contracts around the implant causing the breast to feel hard and in some cases the shape of the breast will be distorted, often requiring additional surgery.

Q. I am considering a breast augmentation but am nervous about deciding on a flattering size and then conveying that decision to my doctor without any miscommunication. Any suggestions?

A. I suggest that my patients come to the office with photographs of the size breasts they wish to have, as well as pictures of breast sizes that they do not want. This helps eliminate all but a certain range of sizes and also give me a good visual idea of what my patient’s goals are for surgery.

Q. I am ready to schedule my breast augmentation, but am nervous about outpatient surgery. Is it safe?

A. It is important that the outpatient facility, including the physician’s office, is accredited to perform the type of surgery you are requesting. Ask for these credentials, including information about the person performing your anesthesia. At the Women’s Center, board certified anesthesiologists are involved with your surgical care. 

Q. I am interested in having a breast augmentation before my beach vacation in three weeks. Will this allow for enough recovery time?

A. You may be tired or sore but should be up and around within 24 hours. While recovery time varies from patient to patient and depends largely on pre-surgery health, you should be fine to travel three weeks after surgery. 

Q. Do breasts with implants experience sagging over time?

A. All breasts relax as time passes, because the weight stretches the skin, elasticity is lost with age and the amount of breast tissue often decreases as a woman get older. These factors mean that breasts can be expected to sag slightly whether or not there are implants present.

Breast Lift

Q. What can I do for sagging breasts?

A. An outpatient procedure called “mastopexy” can remove excess skin and tighten sagging skin on the lower half of the breasts. Sometimes an implant is used to fill out the lifted breast.

Q. Babies, breastfeeding and hitting the big 4-0 have taken a toll on my breasts. Is there a procedure that can reshape my sagging breasts? 

A. An outpatient procedure called “mastopexy” can remove excess skin and tighten sagging skin. Sometimes an implant is used to fill out the lifted breast.

Breast Reduction

Q. I am embarrassed by my extremely large breasts, but have heard that a breast reduction leaves bad scars. Is this true? 

A. Anchor-shaped incisions that follow the natural contour of the breast often remain visible for up to a year and then will fade with time. 

Q. My large, sagging breasts have always made me extremely self-conscious. Is breast reduction the answer? 

A The decision to have any cosmetic surgery is always a personal one and should be considered carefully. Breast Reduction can often provide relief to women who have endured physical discomfort as well as emotional distress due to oversized breasts. 

Breast Reconstruction

Q. What is considered the best placement for breast implants, above or below the muscle?

A. Although once exclusively placed over the chest muscle, many doctors today prefer the “submuscular” approach. Where the implants are placed depends largely on the amount of existing breast tissue, breast shape, type of implant used and the desired end result. 

Q.  I am ready to schedule plastic surgery, but am nervous about
outpatient surgery.  Is it safe?

A.  It is important that the outpatient facility, including the physician’s office, is  accredited to perform the type of surgery you are requesting.  Ask for these credentials, including information  about the person performing your anesthesia.

Botox and Fillers

Q. I’ve recently heard about improving frown lines and wrinkles with injections of the Botulism virus. Is this dangerous?

A. The protein from the Botulism toxin, not the toxin itself, is used so there is no chance of developing the disease from the procedure. The BOTOX injections temporarily weaken the action of muscles and is an effective treatment for deep frown lines.

Q. Is there a non-surgical procedure to improve the appearance of deep wrinkles on my forehead and around my eyes?

A. Botox injections have proven highly effective in eliminating expression lines by temporarily relaxing the action of the facial muscles. These benefits usually last between three to five months, and can be repeated as needed. 

Q. I am in my thirties and would like to minimize the wrinkles around my eyes and on my forehead without surgery. What are my options? 

A. Botox injections are effective in eliminating expression lines by temporarily relaxing the action of the facial muscles. Benefits last three to five months, and can be repeated. 

Q. My family is coming to visit for Thanksgiving and I want to look my best. Are there any facial procedures that don’t require recovery time? 

A. Botox injections can eliminate crows feet and expression lines while a superficial chemical peel can give skin a youthful, glowing appearance. 

Q. My twenty-year High School reunion is coming up and I want to look my best. Are there any facial procedures that don’t require recovery time? 

A. Botox injections can eliminate crow’s feet and unwanted expression lines while a superficial chemical peel can give skin a youthful, glowing appearance. 

Q. I am only 26 years old but have a deep furrow between my eyes from squinting. Am I too young for Botox?

A. Everyone’s skin ages at a different rate, depending on skin tone, heredity, and sun exposure. Botox injections temporarily weaken the action of the muscles and are an effective, non-surgical treatment for deep expression lines.

Q. Restylane is being touted in the news as the newest wrinkle eraser. What exactly is this substance and is it for real?

A. Restylane is a long-lasting clear gel that is injected under to skin to add volume to lips, facial wrinkles and facial folds. Because it consists of hyaluronic acid, a natural substance already present in the skin, there is little chance of an adverse affect. FDA approval is expected in the upcoming months though is has been used with great success in Europe for years.

Eye Lift

Q. My eyelids have a droopy appearance that makes me look older. Will eyelid surgery help?

A. Patients desiring a more youthful, rested appearance usually see great results with aesthetic eyelid surgery, and it’s one of the easiest facial procedures to recover from.

Q. I’m only 32 but have always had "heavy" eyelids that have gotten worse
with age. Am I too young for an eye lift?

A. Often heavy, droopy lids are genetic and have nothing to do with age. Patients desiring a more youthful, rested appearance usually see great results with aesthetic eyelid surgery, and it’s one of the easiest facial procedures to recover from.

Brow Lift

Face and Neck Lift

Q. I am considering a facelift but am concerned about the scarring. Will they be noticeable?

A. Every effort is made to keep scars as minimal as possible by hiding them in the natural lines and creases of the skin. As with most procedures, scars fade over time and become much less visible.

Q. I am having facelift surgery. Will this improve the texture of my skin? 

A. Facial surgery will improve the appearance of deeper wrinkles by tightening the skin. The texture of skin and fine lines will improve with products that increase collagen production. To get the best results from facial surgery, it should be combined with a good skin care program.

Q. When would I have laser surgery to remove wrinkles as opposed to a face-lift?

A. A lot depends on your skin elasticity and underlying muscle-tone. After an examination, you and your doctor will decide on the best procedure to achieve the results you desire. 

Ear Tuck

Q. What does "otoplasty" mean?

A. The term "otoplasty" literally means "reshaping or reforming ears." Most commonly the procedure is performed to correct prominent ears by setting them back closer to the head. Ears come in all shapes and sizes, however, and "otoplasty" may refer to correction of a number of different ear deformities.

Q. Who is a candidate for otoplasty?

A. The procedure can be performed on either children (as young as 2 years of age) or adults.

Q. What is the best age in children?

A. In children with severely prominent ears, the procedure is done early in life between ages 2-5 years. In children with more minor deformities, the family may wish to wait until the child can participate in the decision at approx age 7-10.

Nasal Reshaping

Q. I'm not sure what I need to have done, I just know I don't like my nose!

A. Some patients know how they want their nose to look, but other rhinoplasty patients just know they don't like their nose, and just want someone to help them! We understand this and will take the time to work with you to help you have a satisfactory outcome.

Q. How do I know if I am a candidate for rhinoplasty?

A. If you do not like the way your nose looks and are willing to undergo a surgical procedure, and if you are in good physical and mental health, then you are eligible for a rhinoplasty consultation. The next step is to meet with the surgeon to see if surgery can meet your expectations. After Dr. Rohrich examines you he will be able to convey his realistic expectations for your surgery an let you know if he thinks you are a good candidate.

Additional Facial Treatments

Q. Years of smoking has caused deep lines around my lips and left my skin looking dry and dull. Now that I have quit, I would like to improve my appearance. What would you suggest?

A. Laser skin resurfacing can gently “paint” away lines and skin imperfections while stimulating the regeneration of deeper, healthier layers of skin. 

Q. I have a fatty pouch under my chin that is only getting worse with age. Is there anything I can do, short of wearing turtlenecks year-round? 

A. This is a common problem that can be greatly improved with liposuction or liposculpture. Those with very loose skin will require a skin tightening procedure. 

Q. I have a friend who is getting a series of microdermabrasion treatments for wrinkles and sun damage. Do these really work?

A. Microdermabrasion has been proven effective on fine lines and minor skin discoloration. To achieve optimum results, 6 to ten treatments are required with continuing maintenance every 4 to 6 months.

Q. The blotchy, brown areas of skin discoloration I developed around my mouth and on my cheeks during pregnancy have not faded. Are they here to stay?

A. Known as Melasma, those areas of increased pigmentation are fairly common, especially in women of childbearing age. A new FDA-approved cream called Tri-Luna combines three previously separate treatments—a lightening agent, a retinoid, and a steroid—in one tube. The prescription cream is used nightly for eight weeks and has proven very effective in fading or even eliminating dark spots.

Q. When I was younger I did not use sunscreen and now in my early thirties have visible sun damage. What can I do to improve my skin?

A. A good skin care program combined with a skin resurfacing procedure can reverse signs of aging caused by sun damage. I recommend Aesthessense skin care products, combined with Retin-A and a series of Microdermabrasion treatments to improve skin tone and texture while imparting a healthy glow.

Skin Care

Q. I am confused about my skin type and what products I need to be using, and also have some questions about skin care that I would like addressed. Where can I find this information?

A. It’s no wonder you are confused with all the skin care advice available today.

Q. What can I do about the blotchy brown areas on my skin caused by sun damage? 

A. A skin care program using Retin-A and products containing alpha hydroxy acids often help to reduce the look of sun damage. If sun damage is severe, laser resurfacing or chemical peels may bring the best results. 

Q. I am in my mid-twenties and want to begin a skin care regime that will keep my skin looking its best throughout my life. What should I use? 

A. Products such as Aesthessence, a skin care line I developed, which contain sunscreens, alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) to stimulate cell rejuvenation and botanical ingredients to moisturize and clarify the complexion, will keep your skin looking its best as you age. 

Q. What exactly is 'healthy beauty"?

A. The staff at the Women’s Center promotes a philosophy of overall health and vitality referred to as “Healthy Beauty”. Our patients are encouraged to live a healthy lifestyle, which will contribute to maintaining or even improving their surgical results. We offer
post-operative incentives such as complimentary sessions with a personal trainer or nutritionist, as well as pre-operative mammograms before breast surgery.