Discussions with Dr. Ferguson, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Owner of Earl E. Ferguson MD Plastic Surgery – ‘The Guy to Know in Alamo Heights’ By Lori L. Ferguson

Questions were solicited from twenty-five different women of varying generations and backgrounds.

What is a “Mommy Makeover,” and does it merit the hype?
When is a good time to have this procedure done?
In spite of the name, mommy makeovers are not just for mommies. Mommy makeovers typically consist of a tummy tuck combined with a breast procedure to correct the effects of pregnancy, weight loss, or the natural laxity that occurs with age. The abdominal portion may also involve liposuction or other skin tightening procedures, whereas the breast portion is usually a lift, an augmentation, or both.

Timing of the procedure varies from person to person, but in general, we recommend waiting until you are done having children and are at least six months out from your most recent pregnancy or if, after weight loss, your weight has been stable for three to six months.

How should someone decide whether to see a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist for injectables? Are there advantages to seeing a plastic surgeon?
Seeing a plastic surgeon for procedures like these does offer certain advantages. Plastic surgeons know the underlying anatomy well as we see it both during and after surgery. As a result, we understand the subtle art of facial sculpting to a greater degree than dermatologists.

Are there specific things that one should look for when choosing a plastic surgeon?
Absolutely! Any plastic surgeon you consider should be board-certified by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). This licensure ensures that the individual is a general surgeon who has done a full plastic surgery fellowship with the accompanying necessary training. They are qualified to do all procedures on the face and body. Such qualifications set plastic surgeons apart from dermatologists and otolaryngologists (ear/nose/throat physicians).

Plastic surgeons receive many queries about breast implants; for example, what are the different types of implants? Will they ever sag? Can you offer some guidance?
Breast augmentation is among the most common types of plastic surgery performed today. There are two basic types of implants: saline and silicon. Most implants placed in the U.S. are silicon, but I work with the individual patient to determine what best suits them. With respect to sagging, any implant will sag over time, just like normal breast tissue, but most individuals will have their implants for 10 to 15 years before having any such issues.

Will liposuction improve flabby areas on my body, like my  chin, thighs, and belly? Will it last?
Liposuction is a terrific tool in a plastic surgeon’s toolbox and is popular for several reasons. It’s an outpatient procedure, meaning it can be done in the office, and it consistently yields positive results–patients are generally extremely happy with their outcomes. With respect to improving flabby areas, liposuction can help with minor skin laxity, but it is best used for body contouring and elimination of focal areas of fat. If the patient experiences no subsequent weight gain, the changes should be permanent.

What can be done about droopy eyelids and bags below the eyes?
Happily, addressing these issues no longer requires a trip to the operating room. Isolated upper eyelid treatment can be done in the office under local anesthesia. Undereye bags are more complicated. Treatment can be something as simple as fillers or more complex like a surgical treatment in the OR.

I am afraid to be placed under anesthesia and don’t want the expense of going to the hospital. What procedures can I getthat don’t require general anesthesia, and are they safe?
Happily, a good deal has changed in the world of plastic surgery over the years. Thanks to modern techniques and local anesthetics, we can now do far more in the office than we could in the past. Procedures that can be done outside the OR can range from liposuction and sculpting to earlobe repairs, scar revisions, and upper eyelid lifts.

I’m interested in having work done, but I’m worried it’s more than I can afford. How can I pay for procedures?
Medical credit can be obtained through companies such as CareCredit and Alphaeon. These companies offer plans that allow patients to pay for procedures over varying periods of time at interest-free rates.

Earl E. Ferguson MD Plastic Surgery
207 W Sunset Rd
San Antonio, TX 78209