Body Contouring FAQs in Savannah, GA

Muscle Repair for Hernia Prevention

Question: I am suffering a hernia and will have an operation to patch it. I was curious if a tummy tuck with muscle repair could prevent more hernias in the future.

Answer: Yes, having an abdominoplasty with diastasis repair (muscle repair) can most certainly prevent future hernias. Please give our office a call at (912)351-5050 to schedule a consultation.

Answered by: Dr. E.D. DeLoach

Male Breast Reduction Cost/Time

Question: I am not overweight, but still have enlarged nipples. I do not believe I would need liposuction. How much would this procedure cost to flatten the nipple? How much time before getting back on the golf course?

Answer: One does not need to be overweight to have enlarged breast tissue whether present under nipples only or extruding further out. Whether to remove this tissue with liposuction or direct excision is best determined by your surgeon at the consult. Total costs usually do not exceed $4000.00 even if substantial amount of tissue is removed so yours could be less. Golf should only be interrupted for about a week.

Answered by: Dr. Scott Vann

Belly Button Surgery

Question: Dear Doctor: I have had 2 children and now my belly button does not go in anymore, but does not protrude either. It is basically flat and even with my skin. I have some loose skin in this area too. I have been told I have an umbilical hernia. Would a mini-tummy tuck fix these problems? Can my belly button be re-done to go back in possibly? Thanks!

Answer: Yes, a tummy tuck, whether full, intermediate, or mini, along with an umbilical hernia repair would take care of your problems. Yes, you can have an "inny" belly button again. Call for a consult and we can give you all the details and show you exactly what I would do. To set up your appointment, call my patient coordinator, Susan (ext. 129) at (912) 351-5050. Thanks, I look forward to speaking with you soon!

Scott W. Vann, M.D.

Stretch Marks

Question: Will a tummy tuck really help remove post-pregnancy stretch marks and how much would it cost?

Do you recommend any topical creams to lighten or gradually fade stretch marks such as the new product StriVectin? Does laser surgery for stretch marks lighten them some?

Answer: A tummy tuck will help remove stretch marks located on the abdomen (tummy).

There is no cream or medicine to lighten stretch marks. The pink color will fade with the use of laser treatment but that means treating them early after delivery of your baby. Even so, this does not erase the stretch mark. You still have the wrinkled streaks which are actually breaks in the deep part of the skin. Research is ongoing to stimulate collagen formation using lasers but to date nothing has shown that it can do this to an extent necessary to fill in and repair stretch marks. StriVectin is but the latest in a long line of non-FDA approved preparations touted for stretch marks. Beware of things that appear too good to be true. Some day a non-surgical answer will be developed for stretch marks, but alas, not today.

Pregnancy after Tummy Tuck

Question: I had a tummy tuck done approximately 2.5 years ago. My new husband and I are planning on conceiving sometime this Summer. Can you advise any concerns with becoming pregnant after a tummy tuck? More pain with the stretching of muscle/skin or anything I can do to make this pregancy go well? I'm still very tight within the stomach muscles and wasn't sure how or what to expect during the "growth/expanding" of my stomach. Thank you for your time.

Answer: Your area of surgery should now be well healed, and your pregnancy should be uneventful from the abdominal view, but as you said will probably stretch again as the pregnancy progresses. You may desire a new tummy tuck when child-bearing is completed. Thanks for your question!

Scott W. Vann, M.D.