Articles

Cosmetic Surgery

Plain answers from Dr. Tina Jenq, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, on surgery, recovery, costs and skin.

Cosmetic Surgery

Liposuction Before and After: Where Results Show Fastest

Liposuction results show at different speeds by area: the back can show results within 4 to 6 weeks, flanks by about 8 weeks, arms within 6 to 8 weeks, and the abdomen often takes 3 to 4 months because swelling lasts longer there. Results are about 60 to 70 percent visible at 6 to 8 weeks and close to final at 3 months. Dr. Jenq considers 6 months the final result, once swelling has fully resolved and the skin has contracted.

Mommy Makeover: Combining Procedures Safely

A mommy makeover combines a tummy tuck, a breast lift or augmentation, and liposuction in one surgery. Planned carefully, combining procedures means one anesthesia, one recovery and shared fees. Most patients return to light daily activity within two weeks, and the price is set at your consultation because it depends on the procedures you combine.

Refresh Your Glow: My Honest Take on CO2 Lasers and Peptides

CO2 laser resurfacing removes damaged layers of skin and stimulates new collagen, improving tone and texture, fine lines and wrinkles, scars and age spots. Dr. Jenq does not recommend injecting peptides because the industry is largely unregulated and human data are lacking, but she has seen good results with daily topical peptides such as HydroPeptide Power Serum and Power Lift.

Laser Facial vs. Laser Resurfacing: Which Is Right for You?

A laser facial treats pigment, dullness, rough texture and fine lines with a quicker recovery, while deeper laser resurfacing targets deeper wrinkles, sun damage and mild skin looseness with a stronger healing response. Recovery is typically 2 to 5 days depending on the intensity, and many patients see the best results after a series of treatments.

Nipple Retraction: What It Is and How I Treat It

Nipple retraction is usually caused by tight bands or shortened ducts beneath the nipple. Dr. Jenq first recommends a gentle suction device to stretch the band; if that is not enough, she corrects it with an in-clinic procedure under numbing that takes about an hour. Most people return to work after one day off, shower after 3 days, and return to cardio after 4 days.

Breast Shape and Weight in Breast Reduction

Very heavy breasts can stretch the skin along the sides of the chest, making the breasts look wide and sometimes reaching toward the armpits. In breast reduction, Dr. Jenq removes excess tissue or fat from the side of the chest wall and moves the skin forward to reshape the breast. She also uses quilting sutures to help minimize swelling and lower the risk of fluid buildup.

Why Emsculpt and CoolSculpting Have Dropped in Popularity

CoolSculpting can reduce some fat by cooling and injuring fat cells, which the body slowly absorbs over several weeks, but results are often mild and some patients need multiple sessions. A rare complication called paradoxical adipose hyperplasia (PAH) can make treated fat larger and firmer instead. Dr. Jenq notes these treatments can sometimes give modest improvement but do not replace healthy habits.

Panniculectomy vs. Tummy Tuck: Which Is Right for You?

A panniculectomy removes the hanging skin and fat of the lower abdomen for comfort and health, without tightening the muscles, and may be covered by insurance when it causes rashes, infections or trouble walking. A tummy tuck is cosmetic: it removes skin, tightens weakened muscles, repositions the belly button and is generally not covered.