1. Tell us about yourself and your practice.
- I have been a board certified plastic surgeon for the last 16 years. I have practiced in Rochester, NY at the Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery for the past 6 years. I am extremely interested in exercise and nutrition and am a licensed acupuncturist. My practice is devoted to cosmetic surgery and I spend many hours evaluating the latest advances in cosmetic treatments.
2. Please explain the primary procedures performed by your practice.
- I perform surgical modification of the breast and body including abdominoplasty (tummy tuck); liposuction; breast augmentation, reduction and lifting; arm, thigh and back lifts and labiaplasty. I also perform non-surgical facial procedures including Botox and facial fillers (Radiesse, Juvederm and Restylane). My partner, Dr. Vito Quatela, is a board certified facial plastic surgeon and performs face lifts, forehead lifts, eyelid surgery, hair transplantation and rhinoplasty.
3. Do you have multiple office locations within your community?
- We have one office location at the Lindsay House, 973 East Avenue, and our medical spa, Q the Medical Spa at Lindsay House, is located at the same address.
4. Are you certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery?
- Yes, I have been board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery since 1994.
5. How many procedures of this type have you performed?
- I perform about 20 cosmetic breast procedures and 15 cosmetic body procedures per month.
6. What is a tummy tuck?
- A "tummy tuck" or abdominoplasty is a procedure where the redundant skin and fat of the abdomen are surgically removed. The muscles of the abdomen are also tightened at the same time which results in a rejuvenated, tight abdomen. Women need a tummy tuck if they are not happy with the loose skin or flabbiness of the abdomen that occurs after pregnancy or significant weight loss. A mini-abdominplasty tightens only below the belly button and a full abdominoplasty tightens the entire abdominal wall. These procedures are often combined with liposuction to remove fatty bulges particularly found in the posterior hip area.
7. Who is an ideal candidate for a tummy tuck?
7. The ideal tummy tuck candidate is someone who is unhappy with the appearance of her abdomen, has completed her childbearing, is healthy, exercises regularly, eats a healthy diet and is at a stable weight.
8. How long does tummy tuck surgery take?
- Tummy tuck surgery usually takes 2 hours to complete and is done as a same day surgery.
9. What should one expect after the operation?
9. After the operation there is actually little pain due to my use of a pain pump that goes home with the patient. There will be some tightness and soreness in the abdomen and there will be a surgical drain in place. Most people return to work after 1 week as long as their job does not involve heavy lifting. There will be some restrictions for 6 weeks with regard to lifting. The patient wears a surgical garment for about 4 weeks after the procedure.
10. Are there risks and complications to a tummy tuck?
- Like any surgical procedure, there are possible complications from tummy tuck including bleeding, infection, fluid collections, poor healing, blood clots, etc. These complications are quite rare.
11. How long do the results of a tummy tuck last?
- A tummy tuck results in a rejuvenated abdomen with long lasting results. The abdomen will continue to age but as long as the patient keeps a stable weight and has no more children its very unusual to need another tummy tuck in your lifetime.
12. How much does a tummy tuck cost?
- The price for a tummy tuck ranges from $5000-$8000 which includes all costs.