Locations
Health Crave Medical Center
San Antonio, TX
Phone
Practice website
About
Bio
Dr. Earl E. Ferguson, M.D., is a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with nearly 20 years of surgical experience. During his tenure in the military, he has gained a reputation as a physician dedicated to the highest quality patient care with exceptional outcomes. A Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Dr. Ferguson's exceptional experience in his training and career as an attending surgeon make him an extraordinary asset to the Orthopaedic and Spine Institute. Dr. Ferguson received his commission in the United States Air Force in 1990 through the University of Illinois ROTC program, where he was a Distinguished Graduate. He graduated from Loyola Medical School inChicago, IL in 1994 and completed his residency in General Surgery at Wilford Hall Medical Center, Lackland Air Force Base, TX in 1999. After serving in Japan for three years as a general surgeon, Dr. Ferguson went on to complete his plastic surgery residency at Lahey Clinic in Boston, Massachusetts, in 2004. Upon arrival at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio in 2004, Dr. Ferguson was appointed Commander of the Plastic Surgery division, and over the course of the next six years, he steadily advanced as a leader in his field. In his remaining four years in the military, Dr. Ferguson led the Plastic Surgery Department at the Department of Defense's largest military medical center and served as the chief advisor to the Air Force Surgeon General in all matters concerning Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.
SpecialtiesDoctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Doctors may have more than one area of specialty interest. Board certification in a specialty area means the doctor has completed formal training and has practice experience in that specialty, and has passed the certification examination from the corresponding accredited medical specialty board.
Plastic Surgery
Doctor Q&A
73 Answers
14 Agrees
The number of answers this doctor has agreed with.
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
No: Definitely not. While it is theoretically possible that the trauma of the exam could cause temporary swelling, it would be very transient in nature.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Causes are the same: Cellulite is caused by the bulging of fat within spaces created by fibrous connections between the skin and deeper structures. Because the space is c... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Causes are the same: Cellulite is caused by the bulging of fat within spaces created by fibrous connections between the skin and deeper structures. Because the space is c... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Can be: Those at greatest risk will be people who have formed keloids elsewhere in the past. In general, darker complexions are at greater risk than the gene... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Physical exam: Cleft palate is a failure of fusion of the midline palate during fetal development. It can be readily diagnosed on physical exam by a doctor at any ti... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
No easy answer: Hypertrophic scarring involves a thickened scar that remains within the borders of the injury, unlike a keloid, which extends beyond the original marg... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 29-year-old female asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Depends: No one answer for everyone, but in general, sensory nerves can take anywhere from 3mos to a year to recover after surgery. Pins and needles are a comm... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
No: Breast implants cost the same no matter the size. The procedure to place them is the same, so there is no cost variation there either. Costs vary wi... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 22-year-old female asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Several options: There are many ways to treat varicose veins including sclerotherapy (injections of various chemicals) and laser. Choices are based on the underlying c... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Variable: It depends on the depth of the injury. A superficial injury involving only the skin can be expected to resolve in 10-15 days. Deeper tissue injury m... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Maybe: The age of the scar is less important than your skin color or the nature of the scar. Consult with an experienced plastic surgeon or dermatologist to ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
No: While there are several risks associated with Botox on which your plastic surgeon can educate you, lumps on the head is not one!
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 40-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Yes: In fact they are usually done at the same time. Cartilage taken from the septum is often used to reshape the nasal tip, straighten the nose, or open t... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed Oct 29, 2021
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Recommended: Discoloration of skin tags or other skin lesions can have many causes (trauma, sun exposure, etc.). Not all color changes are benign, however, so eva... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 49-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Steroids or revision: Generally the best ways to improve established scars are either with steroid injections or surgical revision. Sometimes a combination is required. S... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Can be done: As long as you have a surgeon qualified in each of those procedures, i would see no reason why not.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 52-year-old male asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
See dermatologist: Any lesion that is present for several months, especially in an area of heavy sun exposure, should be checked by your dermatologist. If it appears su... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Healthy habits: Cellulite is caused by the bulging of fat within spaces created by fibrous connections between the skin and deeper structures. Because the space is c... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 60-year-old male asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Not likely: Forehead wrinkles tend to be deep furrows rather than the superficial wrinkles for which laser is best suited. The only way to eliminate the furrow i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 24-year-old male asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Watch closely: If a sebaceous cyst, it will follow a vicious cycle of filling with sebum, becoming infected, draining, then starting over. If infected now, may requ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.8k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 38-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Be careful: While it may treat lesion, it's more likely to cause unfavorable scarring or color changes in skin than having them quickly and safely removed by your... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Really no limit: As long as you don't have other medical conditions which preclude surgery, there really is no time limit. I would encourage you to seek care from an ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A female asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Repeated trauma: The cause of skin tags is not entirely clear and some have a genetic predisposition. They are usually found in skin folds (neck, axilla, groin) and ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 41-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Surgery: First, congratulations on your weight loss! unfortunately the loose skin left behind can be a difficult problem. The good news is that plastic surge... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Yes: If small, may be able to accomplish under local anesthesia. If larger blood collection, best done in a formal procedure room with anesthesia.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 19-year-old female asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Surgical issue: Inversion of the nipple is due to tethering by fibrous bands on the back side of the nipple. Surgical release of those bands is the only way to achiev... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 34-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
It may: Keloid scars are very difficult to treat. If good response from steroid injection, result may be permanent. Unfortunately keloids occasionally recur... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 33-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Once healed: Once the wound has completely epithelialized and no drainage or scabs are present, it should be safe. Your best bet is to ask your surgeon. He or she ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Causes are the same: Cellulite is caused by the bulging of fat within spaces created by fibrous connections between the skin and deeper structures. Because the space is c... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 42-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Could be: What you are describing certainly sounds like it could be the result of a fractured septum. If happened recently, may be due to swelling, but either ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Varies by surgeon: Some plastic surgeons have made liposuction an integral part of their abdominoplasties, while others do none at all. Speak with your surgeon ahead of... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 37-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Not totally: A septoplasty is generally intended to alleviate symptoms such as nasal airway obstruction or deviation after a fracture. Correction of a droopy tip ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Doubtful: If very early in its course, it's possible. If you have reason to believe it could be, seek treatment from your pcm early so that appropriate referra... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
No: Skin cancers do not develop that quickly, however sometimes trauma to an area or bleeding can draw attention to a previously unnoticed lesion. If any ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years agoMerged
A 44-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Have it excised: If a sebaceous cyst, it will follow a vicious cycle of filling with sebum, becoming infected, draining, then starting over. If infected now, may requ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Varies: The majority of swelling will be gone in about six weeks, but complete resolution may take several months.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 46-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Probably: Someone with obesity will have less favorable results than those with smaller amounts of localized fat, but small improvements can be made. Weight lo... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 35-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Probably not: Not aware of any actual data on this, but more importantly, there is a clear link between early smoking and later development of breast cancer (as wel... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 48-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Yes: 'jock itch' is actually a fungal infection and can be found in any warm, moist area. Keeping the area clean and dry and applying topical antifungals ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Usually: Most plastic surgeons charge a fee (usually in the $50-100 range) for an evaluation. Most will credit that towards any surgical procedures resulting ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
May help: Massage of any scar may help, but less likely to be of significant benefit in a keloid scar.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 25-year-old female asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Yes: Because nausea acts by the same mechanism in many cases, the same drugs may be beneficial.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 32-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
7-10 days: If redness or tenderness not resolved with antibiotics in about a week, see your doctor for drainage of probable abscess. If worsens at any time whil... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 39-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Depends: It depends on the amount of weight loss and the age of the person. The most favorable results are in the young due to increased skin elasticity and i... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 18-year-old male asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Probable keloid: Not sure what you mean by 'clot like growth', but it sounds like you have a thick scar that may be either hypertrophic or a keloid. Either way, it ma... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Unlikely: A double chin is usually due to a combination of factors to include fat deposits, lax skin and lax muscle. The muscle, which one would assume would ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 45-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Contact recruiter: Your local recruiter should have a list of disqualifying conditions. These conditions may vary between services, so if not acceptable to one branch, ... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 21-year-old female asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Highly variable: Cash pay costs vary widely from surgeon to surgeon, even in the same part of the country, so i would encourage you to see a surgeon locally for an est... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.7k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
A 30-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Should stop: If adequately drained by the rupture, it should no longer smell. If smell persists, the abscess is probably not completely drained. See your doctor f... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
A 36-year-old member asked:
Dr. Earl Fergusonanswered
29 years experience
Depends on work: It depends on the nature of your work, but if it involves any strenuous activity, i would plan on two weeks with limited activity for six weeks post-o... Read More
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
4.9k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
TestimonialsRecommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
Recommendations and Thank you notes are endorsements given from patients or other doctors.
2
Recommendations
95
Thank you notes
HealthTap member
Mar 30, 2015
Dr. Ferguson is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Mar 31, 2015
Dr. Ferguson is an amazing doctor! #nationaldoctorsday2015 #virtualflower1
HealthTap member
Thanks for your quick reply! Droopy eyelids with botox so full face lift. Bye!
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful!
HealthTap member
Thank you, your answer was very helpful!
Education & Training
Medical/Graduate school
Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, IL
Graduated 1994MD
Residency
Wilford Hall USAF Medical Center
Affiliations
American Society of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery
American College of Surgeons
Publications
Innovations in military handling of facial trauma
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