Dr. Robert Whitfield

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Breast augmentation: The procedure is safe and effective when performed by a board certified plastic surgeon in accredited facilities. After your consultation you should f... Read More

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5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 37-year-old member asked:

If i had breast cancer, mastectomy, and implant on left side, will mammograms be able to pick up new tumor in leftover tissue?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Breast: I agree with both of the answers posted. I would say that it is difficult because each breast is different and the fat plan decreases as you get close... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 44-year-old member asked:

Can you nurse with breast implants? if i get breat implants and then get pregnant, will i still be able to breast feed?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Breast implants: Breast feeding is still possible after breast augmentation. I many instances the technique used is through the fold or bottom of the breast. Also in... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Nela Cordero agrees1 doctor agrees

A 38-year-old female asked:

Breast reconstruction after breast cancer..why can't i find a doctor to take my medicade? i am trying to have breast reconstruction surgery after breast cancer.

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Breast cancer: I am very sorry to hear this. Each state is different. Please search locally for resources for breast cancer survivors. There may be funds or other r... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Andrew Turrisi and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 32-year-old female asked:

Good day my father has staphylococcus aureus and sever cellulites in his lower legs he is in his 60 and i want to know how we can treat it.

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Cellulitis: Cellulitis can represent a serious problem. If there is an issue with swelling in the lower legs this has to be addressed at the same time to make any... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 21-year-old female asked:

I'm 21 and have some cellulite. i'm considering taking a herbal supplement called gotu kola, 500mg once at bedtime, should i be cautious?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Cellulite: There is no supplement fda approved for the treatment of cellulite. Please seek out a board certified plastic surgeon and express concerns so they can... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 30-year-old female asked:

I have poland syndrome and wanted to know how much would it cost to get breast reconstructive surgery done?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Poland Syndrome: This is a breast reconstruction and I have been able to get this approved through insurance with appropriate coding and documentation. That being said... Read More

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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Otto Placik and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

4 thanks

A 29-year-old male asked:

How safe is ultrasound fat cavitation?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Liposuction: Have used ultrasound assisted liposuction since 2005 as primary means of fat removal. An experienced plastic surgeon should be able to use this techni... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 45-year-old female asked:

Since i have ra can i have a fat graft surgery?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Fat grafting: Fat grafting has been done for a number of years. It has been shown to be a safe and effective way to increase volume and improve contours all over th... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Christopher Guzik agrees1 doctor agrees

A 28-year-old member asked:

Which type of doctor should i see for a mastectomy?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Breast cancer: If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer you should be referred to a general should performs breast cancer surgery as part of their practice. Dep... Read More

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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Barry Rosen and 3 doctors agree4 doctors agree

A 28-year-old female asked:

Can i use the tummy tuck belt to burn fat on my butt?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Tummy tuck: Unfortunately it should've illegal to trade mark a name like but they have. Body contouring procedures would be best to prove the contours around your... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 37-year-old member asked:

Is there such a thing as a breast reconstruction surgeon?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Breast surgery: I think your question reects the change in general surgery. Since the mid 90's more and more general surgeons devote their full effort to breast surge... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Milroy Samuel agrees1 doctor agrees

A 43-year-old female asked:

I am 44 years old. i have a strong family history of ovarian/breast cancer and braca2 of unknown significance. i getvery painful menstrual cramps. could i have ovarian cancer?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Ovarian cancer: It is very hard to screen for ovarian cancer. If you are done having children it would be possible to consider having the ovaries removed. This should... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A male asked:

In breast augmentation, do surgeons use multiple sizied implants, swap out during surgery and then go with the one they like? the question i ask is because during pre-op we talked about sizes, told the dr we wanted a "d" (5'10: 140 lbs) start size was a "

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Breast augmentation: Typically the choices are made in the office ahead of time with measurements, implant sizers and photographs so that the majority of the time it is ve... Read More

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5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Thomas Fiala agrees1 doctor agrees

1 comment

A member asked:

Does radiation therapy affect having breast surgery? i would love to undergo breast reconstruction after my therapy, is that possible?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Breast cancer: Breast reconstruction after radiation in my practice is most commonly performed with a flap like a diep, tug, sgap. The reason is that skin must be a... Read More

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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Andrew Turrisi and 3 doctors agree4 doctors agree

1 comment

A 31-year-old member asked:

What are some future genetic ways that can treat and possibly cure breast cancer?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Breast Cancer: More and more genetic tests for mutations are becoming available all if the time. There have been several promising discoveries but each time a tumor ... Read More

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5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Ed Friedlander and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 33-year-old member asked:

Do you think i should skip certain aspects of gym class because of my lymphedema?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Lymphedema : Working with your lymphedema therapist and your physician they should be able to help you.

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 24-year-old female asked:

I got ultrasonic cavitation yesterday, i now have red itchy bumps on the location where it was performed. what could this be?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Liposuction: It would be best let your board certified plastic surgeon know your condition first and foremost. They will best know the sutures used at closure if a... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 33-year-old female asked:

I have estrogen+ breast cancer going thru chemo i am trying to find a protein powder that doesn't have soy. any ideas or does it make a difference?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Breast Cancer: I don't know how much it wil matter for you but there are egg protein powders. They are sold at while foods.

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.2k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 44-year-old member asked:

Can you suggest how to get botox for terapeutic treatment?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Botox: Initially approved for conditions like blepharospasm. Botox is jndicsted for spasticity as well as chronic migraines. Please see the appropriate physi... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 43-year-old member asked:

Will breast reconstruction leave scars on other areas of my body from borrowed tissue?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Breast Cancer: There is a way to use fat from liposuction for breast reconstruction. The first stage is performed at the time of mastectomy. About 200cc of fat can ... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Christopher Marek agrees1 doctor agrees

A 48-year-old member asked:

My mum has been diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer, what can i do/say to help?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Breast Cancer: Inflammatory breast cancer is first treated with chemotherapy followed by surgery. Your mother will need your support. This can be difficult to treat.... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Milroy Samuel and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 45-year-old member asked:

I am about 80 lbs overweight and do not have high bp or any health concerns. is it possible to still have plastic surgery?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Overweight : Your surgeon can best help you with this but you increase the rate of complications with several types of procedures with a bmi over 34. For an electi... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Alan Ali agrees1 doctor agrees

A 42-year-old female asked:

Is it normal for dissolvable stiches after a septoplasty to feel very tight.

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Nose surgery: Suture placed anywhere in the body after surgery will result in swelling in conjunction with whatever procedure was performed. Your bodies natural tec... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 37-year-old female asked:

Labs came back lipase level is 59 im having some pain on my left side. i don't drink and don't have a galbladder. what could it be?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Pain: Pain in the abdomen and back can be very difficult to figure out but looking at urine, your blood work like your lipase and if needed certain x-rays ... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 27-year-old female asked:

Why breasts have gone from 34b to 38c in the past 5 years.

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Breast : You need to evaluate any new medicines, as well as changes in sleep patterns, hot or cold feelings as well as overt weight gain to help you figure thi... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler agrees1 doctor agrees

4 thanks

A 20-year-old female asked:

My keloid is getting bigger. they can't get me in at ku until sept. i can't wait that long. what can i do in the mean time to prevent it from growing mo?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Scars: Moisturizing scars with hypoallergenic lotion is a great way to start. You can also gently rub the scar. This increased amount of pressure can help wi... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Alan Ali agrees1 doctor agrees

A 22-year-old female asked:

Can "bust-boom" (breast enlargement pills sold in amazon that do work) cause breast cancer? the ingredients include herbs working as phytoestrogens.

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Breast Cancer: To my knowledge the only therapy that enlarges breasts is the brava which has to be used in conjunction with fat grafting. The use of unregulated herb... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Regina Hampton and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 27-year-old female asked:

Does inflammatory breast cancer look like dermatitis? or it is just swollen and red, like mastitis?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Breast cancer: If you have dimpling like the surface of an orange. If you have this you have to be seen by a breast surgeon and a medical oncologist.

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. J Ricardo Loret De Mola and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 27-year-old female asked:

Would breast cancer grow in 4 months? tiny nodule been the same for months. biopsy benign.

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Breast cancer: Tumors can grow very quickly at times some 4 months is adequate to show change. Please see a breast surgeon appropriate evaluation and treatment recom... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 32-year-old male asked:

My mum diagnosed with breast cancer stage 2, doctor recommended. surgery to remove whole breast completely. is it possible for her to complete cured?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Breast cancer: Until her surgery is complete and her lymph nodes and breast tissue are examined you will not know her true stage of disease. Please be patient and m... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 40-year-old member asked:

Please tell me how long it takes for to recover from acl reconstructive surgery?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Recovery: This should be discussed with your orthopaedic surgeon and would be determined by what was found at the time of surgery. Meaning that you may need mor... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 42-year-old member asked:

What can i do to naturally increase my bust size without gaining weight?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Breast augmentation: The only way to do this is to use the brava and then have your own fat removed from your abdomen, hips and thighs and place in to the breast in the fo... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.1k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Heidi Fowler and 2 doctors agree3 doctors agree

A 23-year-old female asked:

For excess rolls of back fat how common is it for plastic surgeons to perform a back lift?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Body lift: Usually body lifts arm performed for circumferential excess skin an fat. I recommend a consult with board certified plastic surgeon.

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 45-year-old member asked:

Can plastic surgeron fix facial paralysis condition?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Facial paralysis: Yes. Please look into the plastic Surgery groups at Johns Hopkins or the university if Maryland.

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

4k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Patrick Williams agrees1 doctor agrees

A 38-year-old member asked:

Should i wait between a tummy tuck and breast surgery?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Mommy makeover: If you are in good health these are commonly done. If you want to compare the procedures that are done with breast reconstruction for the diep flap th... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 87-year-old female asked:

The scar from my carpal tunnel surgery has healed, but suddenly there is a nickel sized hard knob beside the scar?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Scat: There can be suture material in the wound that is not dissolved depending in the time frame after surgery. You should return to your carpal tunnel sur... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 34-year-old member asked:

Are there any home remedies that will help me get rid of rosacea?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Rosacea: I am not aware of home remedies to alive this problem. There are laser treatments that can be recommended by a dermatologist or plastic surgeon.

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Richard Mallia agrees1 doctor agrees

A 48-year-old member asked:

What are the cons of having mastopexy surgery?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Mastopexy: A mastopexy or breast lift can done in a number of patterns or stencils if you will depending the level of the nipple relative to the breast fold at t... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Alan Ali and another doctor agree2 doctors agree

A 19-year-old male asked:

How long should i wait to get a chemical peel or ipl after stopping accutane?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Chemical peel: This should be asked directly to your dermatologist who prescribed you the accutane. The long and short is the time gram depends on how long it takes ... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 27-year-old female asked:

How often do pathologists miss melanoma? i have a mole that grew back and although the pathology was normal, i still want the regrowth removed. but it would require excision which is a bit excessive.

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Melanoma: In general pathologists do an excellent job with an entire specimen. Please have it re-excised with an adequate margin. If there is concern over the s... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Raja Abusharr agrees1 doctor agrees

A member asked:

Hi doc, i have many scar on my legs how to erase. quickly...

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Scar: What is the scar from? If it is healed use sunscreen to prevent the scar from potentially getting brighter or darker. Scar massage helps flatten sca... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Otto Placik agrees1 doctor agrees

A 40-year-old member asked:

When should you consider breast reconstruction?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Timing : Timing is everything. I attend meeting every week with breast specialists to discuss options. If you are having a mastectomy you should see a plastic ... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.3k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 41-year-old member asked:

Are there different types of breast reconstruction surgery?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Reconstruction: If you are entertaining flap reconstruction then research the plastic surgeons in your area who focus on techniques like the diep flap, tug/tmg flap, ... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Jeff Livingston agrees1 doctor agrees

A female asked:

Does the same surgeon who does the mastectomy also do the breast reconstruction? i got a referral to an excellent surgeon for my mastectomy, and during the consult, he told me i should think about whether i want an immediate breast reconstruction. it didn

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Breast cancer: Typically the breast surgeon has a relationship with a plastic surgeon(s) to perform reconstruction. It is important to be seen and evaluated for all ... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Milroy Samuel agrees1 doctor agrees

A 28-year-old male asked:

What is the definition or description of: breast reconstruction?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Breast surgery: A skin sparing mastectomy is most commonly performed in immediate reconstruction that i perform. I help patient decide on using fat graft, implants, o... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

4.4k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 51-year-old female asked:

Discovered large mass in upper neck front just left of throat. 2 time invasive breast cancer survivor occasionally get choked what do you think this?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Breast cancer: Get seen and examined to identify whether this represents a lymph node or potentially your thyroid.

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 40-year-old member asked:

Whats the risk of the barbie plastic surgery?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery : A board certified plastic surgeon will listen to your interests and combined with your own examination and medical history a plan will created that po... Read More

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4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago

Dr. Louis Gallia and 2 doctors agree3 doctors agree

A 26-year-old female asked:

My hair is falling out not sure why blood tests came back normal. i was taking a diet pill 4 months ago could that be the reason isthis going to stop?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Hair: There are several reasons for increased hair loss like stress. Diet pills should be evaluated for side effects. Every substance that has a prescriptio... Read More

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago

A 23-year-old female asked:

I was told and read that scars can take up to 24 months to fully fade for a younger person, drs on here have said 6-12 months which is true?

Specializes in Plastic Surgery

Scars: Usually a year is a good rule of thumb but depends on your own ability to scar, uv exposure, where the scar is going to be placed.

Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.

5.1k viewsAnswered >2 years ago