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> My Plastic Surgeon USA Home > Search for Plastic Surgeon > Gary P. Lawton, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Plastic Surgery FAQ Provided by Dr. Gary Lawton

Frequently Asked Questions

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Breast Augmentation

Breast augmentation can be used to improve the contours and size of the breasts. In people with small degrees of sagging, it can achieve a minor lift. Breast augmentation can also balance differences in breast size from right to left, correct a reduction in breast volume which has occurred after pregnancy, and improve the appearance of underdeveloped breasts.

Minimally Invasive (Endoscopic) Surgery

The most sophisticated approach to breast augmentation is through a small incision in the armpit using an endoscope, or surgical camera. This minimally invasive endoscopic approach provides significant advantages when compared with the other surgical options. The images from the endoscopic camera are displayed on a TV monitor, providing complete visualization of the surgical space. The space for the implant can therefore be carefully crafted to the desired dimensions. This results in the best cosmetic breast shape and position after surgery. Complete visualization of the space during surgery also allows for careful and meticulous control of bleeding, resulting in virtually no bruising and minimal swelling during the recovery period. Endoscopic breast augmentation results in smaller scars, better breast shape and position, less bleeding, bruising, and swelling, and a faster, less painful recovery.

Breast Augmentation Initial Evaluation

At the initial consultation, your health history will be reviewed and the procedures you are interested in will be explained in great detail. Any alternative procedures, as well as the risks and benefits of surgery will be discussed. You will view before and after photographs of Dr. Lawton's patients, and all of your questions will be answered.

During the examination, your breast width, height, and nipple position will be measured. Any differences in the breasts from left to right will be evaluated. You will have the opportunity to point out particular characteristics of your anatomy that you would like to improve or change.

After an extensive discussion, you and Dr. Lawton will arrive at the surgical plan that will best achieve your goals. It is our commitment that you leave this initial visit with a clear understanding of your surgical options, so you may make an informed decision. We are happy to answer any questions you may think of later by telephone, email, or at another private consultation. There is never an additional charge for these subsequent visits.

Size

Breast size is a personal choice. Implants come in a variety of sizes that can be tailored to meet your needs. The implants will be matched to your concept of the ideal breast. You will try on sizers at the time of the initial consultation to help you decide on implant size. We will measure the height and width of your breasts to determine which implants will fit best on your chest wall. In addition, we will discuss the characteristics of breast shape and contour that you find pleasing, while looking at before and after photographs of my patients who have undergone breast augmentation. Using all of these tools, together we will arrive at the implant size that will best fit your needs.

Implants

The breast implants are filled at the time of surgery with sterile saline, which is the same type of fluid that is used for your intravenous hydration. The volume of saline injected into the implants can be adjusted to achieve your desired shape characteristics, and to correct asymmetries in your breast size. The preferred implants are smooth and round. Because they have a smooth surface, the implants move naturally in the implant pocket, keeping them soft. The new and improved generation of implants appear to ripple much less than older style implants.

Implant Position

In the vast majority of cases, the implants are placed behind the pectoralis major (chest) muscle. This submuscular position allows the implants to look and feel more natural. In addition, this position results in less interference with mammography and breast feeding. Submuscular implants have less visible edges, and are associated with a lower incidence of capsular contracture, or tight scar.

Surgery

Breast augmentation is performed in our own private AAAASF Certified Class-C Outpatient Surgical Center. The minimally invasive breast augmentation procedure takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour. For this outpatient surgery, we utilize general intravenous anesthesia administered by an elite group of carefully selected, highly qualified, board certified anesthesiologists. The techniques employed are designed to provide a smooth, gentle anesthetic experience, and prevent postoperative nausea and eliminate postoperative pain.

Recovery

Rest is recommended after surgery. At home, you will have medications to ease the muscle spasm, and narcotic analgesics for the pain. We also prescribe antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. Surgical vitamins, arnica, and bromelain are used to reduce the swelling and bruising, and to speed your recovery.

We will see you in the office the day after surgery. By the fourth or fifth day, the discomfort should be significantly reduced. At one week, you will return for suture removal, and for instructions on how to massage the implants. By this time, you should be feeling well enough to be back to most of your normal activities. You should be back to work within this first week. Because it takes 6 weeks before the wounds reach 50% of their full strength, you will be able to return to vigorous activities only after this healing period.

We will see you in follow-up at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and every year thereafter. We will see you more frequently if necessary. There are never charges for follow-up visits.

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Breast Reduction

Breast reduction (reduction mammoplasty) is for the woman who is uncomfortable with her large, heavy breasts. The problems associated with large breasts can include back pain, neck pain, grooving and pain in the shoulders, a rash under the breasts, difficulty finding clothing that fits, and an inability to participate in sporting activities. Large, heavy breasts may also contribute to poor posture. Excessive breast size may also lead to a decreased sense of attractiveness and self-confidence. The goal of breast reduction is to create a more attractive breast contour, which is in proportion to the rest of the body.

Breast Reduction Initial Evaluation

At the initial consultation, your health history will be reviewed and the procedure you are interested in will be explained in great detail. Any alternative procedures, as well as the risks and benefits of surgery will be discussed. You will view before and after photographs of Dr. Lawton's patients, and all of your questions will be answered.

During the examination, your breast width, height, and nipple position will be measured. Any differences in the breasts from left to right will be evaluated. You will have the opportunity to point out particular characteristics of your anatomy that you would like to improve or change.

After an extensive discussion, you and Dr. Lawton will arrive at the surgical plan that will best achieve your goals. It is our commitment that you leave this initial visit with a clear understanding of your surgical options, so you may make an informed decision. We are happy to answer any questions you may think of later by telephone, email, or at another private consultation. There is never an additional charge for these subsequent visits.

Surgery

Breast reduction is performed in our own private AAAASF Certified Class-C Outpatient Surgical Center. The procedure takes between 2 and 3 hours.

During surgery, the excess breast tissue and skin is removed. The size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple, is reduced. The nipple, which stays attached to the breast throughout the procedure, is moved to a higher, more appropriate position. The skin is then brought together to reshape the breasts. Thus reduction and lift is achieved at the same time.

For this outpatient procedure, we utilize general intravenous anesthesia administered by an elite group of carefully selected, highly qualified, board certified anesthesiologists. The techniques employed are designed to provide a smooth, gentle anesthetic experience, and prevent postoperative nausea and eliminate postoperative pain.

Recovery

Rest is recommended after surgery. At home, you will have medications to ease the pain. We also prescribe antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. Surgical vitamins, arnica, and bromelain are used to reduce the swelling and bruising, and to speed your recovery.

We will see you in the office the day after surgery. By the fourth or fifth day, the discomfort should be significantly reduced. At one week, you will return for suture removal. By this time, you should be feeling well enough to be back to most of your normal activities. You should be back to work within this first week. Because it takes 6 weeks before the wounds reach 50% of their full strength, you will be able to return to vigorous activities only after this healing period.

We will see you in follow-up at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and every year thereafter. We will see you more frequently if necessary. There are never charges for follow-up visits.

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Breast Lift

Breast lift is used to relieve sagging (ptosis), which is a common consequence of breast-feeding, pregnancy, and the gravitational effects of aging. This operation restores the position of the breasts, and gives them a more youthful appearance.

Breast Lift Initial Evaluation

At your initial consultation, your health history will be reviewed and the procedure you are interested in will be explained in great detail. Any alternative procedures, as well as the risks and benefits of surgery will be discussed. You will view before and after photographs of Dr. Lawton's patients, and all of your questions will be answered.

During the examination, your breast width, height, and nipple position will be measured. Any differences in the breasts from left to right will be evaluated. You will have the opportunity to point out particular characteristics of your anatomy that you would like to improve or change.

After an extensive discussion, you and Dr. Lawton will arrive at the surgical plan that will best achieve your goals. It is our commitment that you leave this initial visit with a clear understanding of your surgical options, so you may make an informed decision. We are happy to answer any questions you may think of later by telephone, email, or at another private consultation. There is never an additional charge for these subsequent visits.

Surgery

Mastopexy is performed in our own private AAAASF Certified Class-C Outpatient Surgical Center. The procedure takes between 2 and 3 hours.

During surgery, the stretched, excess skin which allows the breast to droop is excised. The size of the areola, the darker skin surrounding the nipple, is reduced. The nipple, which stays attached to the breast throughout the procedure, is moved to a higher, more appropriate position. The skin is then brought together to reshape the breasts.

For this outpatient procedure, we utilize general intravenous anesthesia administered by an elite group of carefully selected, highly qualified, board certified anesthesiologists. The techniques employed are designed to provide a smooth, gentle anesthetic experience, and prevent postoperative nausea and eliminate postoperative pain.

Recovery

Rest is recommended after surgery. At home, you will have medications to ease the pain. We also prescribe antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. Surgical vitamins, arnica, and bromelain are used to reduce the swelling and bruising, and to speed your recovery.

We will see you in the office the day after surgery. By the fourth or fifth day, the discomfort should be significantly reduced. At one week, you will return for suture removal. By this time, you should be feeling well enough to be back to most of your normal activities. You should be back to work within this first week. Because it takes 6 weeks before the wounds reach 50% of their full strength, you will be able to return to vigorous activities only after this healing period.

We will see you in follow-up at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and every year thereafter. We will see you more frequently if necessary. There are never charges for follow-up visits.

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Breast Revision

Patients who have undergone breast augmentation and are unhappy with the appearance of their breasts may be candidates for revision. The goals of revision may be to release a tight scar (capsular contracture), increase or decrease the size of the breast, replace a ruptured or leaking implant, change the breast shape, or improve the implant position.

Breast Revision Initial Evaluation

At the initial consultation, your health history will be reviewed and the procedures you are interested in will be explained in great detail. Any alternative procedures, as well as the risks and benefits of surgery will be discussed. You will view before and after photographs of Dr. Lawton's patients, and all of your questions will be answered.

During the examination, your breast width, height, and nipple position will be measured. Any differences in the breasts from left to right will be evaluated. You will have the opportunity to point out particular characteristics of your anatomy that you would like to improve or change.

After an extensive discussion, you and Dr. Lawton will arrive at the surgical plan that will best achieve your goals. It is our commitment that you leave this initial visit with a clear understanding of your surgical options, so you may make an informed decision. We are happy to answer any questions you may think of later by telephone, email, or at another private consultation. There is never an additional charge for these subsequent visits.

Size

Breast size is a personal choice. Implants come in a variety of sizes that can be tailored to meet your needs. The implants will be matched to your concept of the ideal breast. We will measure the height and width of your breasts to determine which implants will fit best on your chest wall. In addition, we will discuss the characteristics of breast shape and contour that you find pleasing. Using all of these tools, together we will arrive at the implant size that will best fit your needs.

Implants

The breast implants are filled at the time of surgery with sterile saline, which is the same type of fluid that is used for your intravenous hydration. The volume of saline injected into the implants can be adjusted to achieve your desired shape characteristics, and to correct asymmetries in your breast size. The preferred implants are smooth and round. Because they have a smooth surface, the implants move naturally in the implant pocket, keeping them soft. The new and improved generation of implants appear to ripple much less than older style implants.

Surgery

Breast revision is performed in our own private AAAASF Certified Class-C Outpatient Surgical Center. The length of the procedure depends on the extent of the revision. For this outpatient surgery, we utilize general intravenous anesthesia administered by an elite group of carefully selected, highly qualified, board certified anesthesiologists. The techniques employed are designed to provide a smooth, gentle anesthetic experience, and prevent postoperative nausea and eliminate postoperative pain.

Recovery

Rest is recommended after surgery. At home, you will have medications to ease the muscle spasm, and narcotic analgesics for the pain. We also prescribe antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. Surgical vitamins, arnica, and bromelain are used to reduce the swelling and bruising, and to speed your recovery.

We will see you in the office the day after surgery. By the fourth or fifth day, the discomfort should be significantly reduced. At 5 days, you will return for drain removal. By this time, you should be feeling well enough to be back to most of your normal activities. You should be back to work within this first week. Because it takes 6 weeks before the wounds reach 50% of their full strength, you will be able to return to vigorous activities only after this healing period.

We will see you in follow-up at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and every year thereafter. We will see you more frequently if necessary. There are never charges for follow-up visits.

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Tummy Tuck

A protuberant abdomen can be the result of excess fat, weak abdominal muscles, or loose skin. Often these conditions do not respond to diet and exercise. Abdominoplasty is performed to correct the protuberant abdomen which is caused by skin excess and muscle weakness. The stretch marks, loose skin, and fatty deposits which are located between the umbilicus (belly button) and the pubic hairline are removed during abdominoplasty. The muscles of the abdominal wall are plicated, giving the body a tighter contour.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) Initial Evaluation

At the initial consultation, your health history will be reviewed and the procedure you are interested in will be explained in great detail. Any alternative procedures, as well as the risks and benefits of surgery will be discussed. You will view before and after photographs of Dr. Lawton's patients, and all of your questions will be answered.

During the examination, your abdominal wall contours including skin excess, fatty deposits, and muscular tone will be evaluated. You will have the opportunity to point out particular characteristics of your anatomy that you would like to improve or change.

After an extensive discussion, you and Dr. Lawton will arrive at the surgical plan that will best achieve your goals. It is our commitment that you leave this initial visit with a clear understanding of your surgical options, so you may make an informed decision. We are happy to answer any questions you may think of later by telephone, email, or at another private consultation. There is never an additional charge for these subsequent visits.

Surgery

Abdominoplasty is performed in our own private AAAASF Certified Class-C Outpatient Surgical Center. The procedure takes about 2 hours. During surgery, excess skin and fat are removed. The muscles of the abdominal wall are tightened. For this outpatient procedure, we utilize general intravenous anesthesia administered by an elite group of carefully selected, highly qualified, board certified anesthesiologists. The techniques employed are designed to provide a smooth, gentle anesthetic experience, and prevent postoperative nausea and eliminate postoperative pain.

Recovery

Rest is recommended after surgery. At home, you will have medications to ease the pain and treat the abdominal muscle spasm. We also prescribe antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. Surgical vitamins, arnica, and bromelain are used to reduce the swelling and bruising, and to speed your recovery.

We will see you in the office the day after surgery. By the fourth or fifth day, the discomfort should be significantly reduced. At one week, you will return for drain removal. By this time, you should be feeling well enough to be back to some of your normal activities. You should be back to work by the second week. Because it takes 6 weeks before the wounds reach 50% of their full strength, you will be able to return to vigorous activities only after this healing period.

We will see you in follow-up at 1 day, several times in the first 2 weeks, and then at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and every year thereafter. We will see you more frequently if necessary. There are never charges for follow-up visits.

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Liposuction

Liposuction is ideal for people with areas of stubborn fat that do not respond to diet and exercise. These contour deformities can be sculpted to match the surrounding body by suctioning unwanted fat cells. Liposuction results in permanent removal of fatty tissue. The most common areas treated by liposuction are the abdomen, hips, thighs, love handles, back, knees, upper arms, and chin.

Liposuction Initial Evaluation

At the initial consultation, your health history will be reviewed and the procedure you are interested in will be explained in great detail. Any alternative procedures, as well as the risks and benefits of surgery will be discussed. You will view before and after photographs of Dr. Lawton's patients, and all of your questions will be answered.

During the examination, your body contours including skin excess, fatty deposits, and muscular tone will be evaluated. You will have the opportunity to point out particular characteristics of your anatomy that you would like to improve or change.

After an extensive discussion, you and Dr. Lawton will arrive at the surgical plan that will best achieve your goals. It is our commitment that you leave this initial visit with a clear understanding of your surgical options, so you may make an informed decision. We are happy to answer any questions you may think of later by telephone, email, or at another private consultation. There is never an additional charge for these subsequent visits.

Surgical Plan

It is common to perform liposuction of the abdomen, hips, and thighs together. This treats the body as one aesthetic unit, giving the best overall results. Of course this depends on your anatomy. It is possible that only parts of the body require treatment. If these areas are small, it may be possible to do arms, knees, or under the chin at the same time. If the contours are large, it may not be possible to do more than just one area. The surgery is personalized for your goals and anatomy.

Surgery (Tumescent technique)

Liposuction is performed in our own private AAAASF Certified Class-C Outpatient Surgical Center. The procedure takes about 1 hour per area to be treated. The tumescent technique is used for liposuction. The tumescent fluid contains epinephrine to decrease the risks of bleeding and bruising, and lidocaine to decrease the amount of anesthesia needed during surgery. The lidocaine also provides pain relief after surgery.

For this outpatient procedure, we utilize general intravenous anesthesia administered by an elite group of carefully selected, highly qualified, board certified anesthesiologists. The techniques employed are designed to provide a smooth, gentle anesthetic experience, and prevent postoperative nausea and eliminate postoperative pain. This type of anesthesia allows me to feather the areas that are being treated, creating a smooth transition into the surrounding contours, without causing you any pain.

The liposuction cannulae are 3.7 mm, 4 mm, 4.6 mm, and 5 mm in diameter. Which ones are used depends on the amount of fat, the condition of the skin, the area being suctioned, the character of the fat, and the amount of fibrous tissue. The wounds are just large enough to allow passage of the cannulae. The incisions are hidden in areas that are inconspicuous.

Recovery

Rest is recommended after surgery. At home, you will have medications to ease the pain. We also prescribe antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. A special compression garment, surgical vitamins, arnica, and bromelain are used to reduce the swelling and bruising, and to speed your recovery.

We will see you in the office the day after surgery. By the fourth or fifth day, the discomfort should be significantly reduced. At one week, you will return for suture removal. By this time, you should be feeling well enough to be back to most of your normal activities. You should be back to work within the first week. Because it takes 6 weeks before the wounds reach 50% of their full strength, you will be able to return to vigorous activities only after this healing period.

We will see you in follow-up at 1 day, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and every year thereafter. We will see you more frequently if necessary. There are never charges for follow-up visits.

Outcome

The success of liposuction is measured by changes in contour. You may also lose some weight and get into smaller size clothing, although this varies based on your anatomy. The fat removal is permanent. You must have healthy eating and exercise habits to maintain your results. If you do gain weight after liposuction, the localized fat deposits that existed prior to surgery should not grow out of proportion to the surrounding areas.

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Arm Lift

Loose skin of the arms can often result from extreme weight loss. This condition does not respond to diet and exercise. Brachioplasty is performed to correct the skin excess and improve the contours of the arms.

Brachioplasty (Arm Lift) Initial Evaluation

At the initial consultation, your health history will be reviewed and the procedure you are interested in will be explained in great detail. Any alternative procedures, as well as the risks and benefits of surgery will be discussed. You will view before and after photographs of Dr. Lawton's patients, and all of your questions will be answered.

During the examination, your arm contours including skin excess, fatty deposits, and muscular tone will be evaluated. You will have the opportunity to point out particular characteristics of your anatomy that you would like to improve or change.

After an extensive discussion, you and Dr. Lawton will arrive at the surgical plan that will best achieve your goals. It is our commitment that you leave this initial visit with a clear understanding of your surgical options, so you may make an informed decision. We are happy to answer any questions you may think of later by telephone, email, or at another private consultation. There is never an additional charge for these subsequent visits.

Surgery

Brachioplasty is performed in our own private AAAASF Certified Class-C Outpatient Surgical Center. The procedure takes between 1 and 2 hours. During surgery, excess skin and fat are removed. For this outpatient procedure, we utilize general intravenous anesthesia administered by an elite group of carefully selected, highly qualified, board certified anesthesiologists. The techniques employed are designed to provide a smooth, gentle anesthetic experience, and prevent postoperative nausea and eliminate postoperative pain.

Recovery

Rest is recommended after surgery. At home, you will have medications to ease the pain. We also prescribe antibiotics to reduce the risk of infection. Surgical vitamins, arnica, and bromelain are used to reduce the swelling and bruising, and to speed your recovery.

We will see you in the office the day after surgery. By the fourth or fifth day, the discomfort should be significantly reduced. At one week, you will return for drain removal. By this time, you should be feeling well enough to be back to some of your normal activities. You should be back to work by the second week. Because it takes 6 weeks before the wounds reach 50% of their full strength, you will be able to return to vigorous activities only after this healing period.

We will see you in follow-up at 1 day, several times in the first 2 weeks, and then at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and every year thereafter. We will see you more frequently if necessary. There are never charges for follow-up visits.

Email Dr. Lawton

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Gary P. Lawton, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Aesthetic Enhancement Cosmetic and Laser Center
Office Address:
525 Oak Centre
Suite 260
San Antonio, TX 78258
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Dr. Lawton has 26 patients available for view in the Before and After Photo Gallery. Click here to visit.
   

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