Reconstructive Surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   reconstructive surgery?
   I'm interested in getting an otoplasty which is the reconstructive ear surgery. The nearest clinic is Kurtis W. Martin Plastic Surgery Center in Cincinnati Ohio. Has anyone has surgery there or know someone that has? If so, how did the surgery go? And does anyone know how to do a check on the doctor? Thanks

   • ANSWER:
     Sorry I can't help you with the first part of your question because I never had plastic surgery, but you can check the credentials of the surgeons in USA online and by phone with the Plastic Surgery Associations (http://plasticsurgery.org/) and (http://surgery.org/).

     I think it is better to do some external research than only check your surgeon website (I mean, you can put whatever you want there anyhow).

     I wish you all the best in your surgery.

2. QUESTION:
   Reconstructive Surgery?
   Last summer I got attacked by some hood rats walking home from school. The result was a fractured nose. When it healed, my nose was crooked. At the time, my mom had health insurance and the reconstructive surgery would've been fully covered but I didn't want to be absent from school for too long so I planned to wait for the winter break. Unfortunately before break, my family moved to a new city and my mom got a new job but it did not come with the health benefits.

   Now over one year later, my nose is still crooked and I personally have health insurance benefits from my job at Jamba Juice.
   Now my question is.... how should I find out if a reconstructive surgery is covered by my health insurance?

   • ANSWER:
     Your new insurance will probably consider it a 'pre-existing condition'.

     But it certainly wouldn't hurt to look into it.

3. QUESTION:
   How long do you think a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery should take?
   Is it possible to arrive at 11 am, have a mastectomy and reconstructive surgery (to a full b cup from a AA cup) and leave by say 3:30 or 3:45?

   • ANSWER:
     No it isn't.

     After a mastectomy you will stay in hospital at least overnight; I was in for a week.

     And if you had reconstruction at the same time, you would be recovering for longer.

     Reconstruction is a major operation, much more so than mastectomy. It takes several hours, sometimes as long as 14 hours.

     And as you seem to be talking about either a double mastectomy and recon or enhancement of the unaffected breast, it will take longer.

4. QUESTION:
   How soon can you go swimming after reconstructive surgery?
   I had breast reconstructive surgery on the 19th of August. Tomorrow my family is going to a water park, and my younger cousins will want me to go on the water slides with them... Is it safe to go? How long do you have to wait before you can go swimming again? Thanks.
   My doctor is on vacation this week, that's why I'm asking this question on here, lol.

   • ANSWER:
     Your not going to be able to do this over the week-end. It way to soon. You still have stitches and scars that need to heal. And I know from my own experience, you still have some pain. Why push it and go backwards. Maybe in a few more weeks would be a better time. Take care of yourself, this is one rough surgery.

5. QUESTION:
   How long does it take to recover from ACL reconstructive surgery?
   I just had ACL reconstructive surgery. Is there anything I should and shouldn't do? How many times a day should I ice my knee down and for how long? Should I be walking on my leg even though it doesn't hurt? What will happen if I start walking around without my crutches? How long should it be before I attempt to drive a car or truck? How often can I take my pain killers? What else should I know? Thank You. I didn't ask my doctor any of these questions.

   • ANSWER:
     Everyone is different in how long it takes. I was back to living life (walking around normally) in about 6 weeks. I worked on strengthening my knee and the upper thigh for 8 months pretty steady. Was able to play basketball with my kids after that.

     It's not easy, but it was definitely worth it for me. I would recommend that you go to a physical therapist and receive instruction on how to build your knee back up. If cost is an issue explain that to them and have them show you what to do at home at the beginning, then what to add on later on.

     One of the best things I did was ride a bike uphill.

     Good luck!

6. QUESTION:
   what can I expect from orbital reconstructive surgery?
   I suffered a blownout orbital socket after being hit by a baseball, which will require reconstructive surgery and maybe even removal of my left eye. I have spoken to the doctor, but I was wondering if anyone else could give me some insight into what I can expect after the surgery, especially if they have to remove my eye. Like when will be up and around again, able to live my life like "normal". Thanks for any answers, and any info is appreciated.

   • ANSWER:
     If you do have to get your eye removed you will probably never be able to drive again, as you use both eyes for depth perception.
     Not knowing much about your case, I can't help too much, but as long as your nerves weren't too damaged you should be able to still have your vision. Like I just went to the eye doctor and they told me I had a scar on my eye (the back inside of the eye) and basically said its due to trauma (I have absolutely no idea what I did) but they also said since it was scarred over it now creates a "blind spot". However this is a small issue, not even noticeable.
     If you just have to get your obit reconstructed, it shouldn't affect your vision too bad, however your eyes will never both look the same ever again. Even with extensive plastic surgery.

     Sorry bud!! That sucks!
     Email me if you got another ???'s

7. QUESTION:
   ok im having blood work done 2mrw at 12 noon to see if i am healthy to have ACL reconstructive surgery next th?
   ok im having blood work done 2mrw at 12 noon to see if i am healthy to have ACL reconstructive surgery next thursday , but i am planning on going out tonight and drinking alcohol, basically.. will the alcohol show up in my system & if soo can it delay my surgery ( note im 17 but i understand there is a dr & patient confidentiality ? please helpp?

   • ANSWER:
     If they do liver function tests, the alcohol will mess that up.

     Why on earth are they doing blood work on a 17 yr old for an ACL? Unless you have some other chronic conditions, it's unnecessary.

8. QUESTION:
   Are artificial limbs part of the topic of reconstructive surgery?
   I'm supposed to research a topic which interests me about reconstructive/plastic surgery, so if I researched artificial limbs would that count?

   • ANSWER:
     Sure.
     Amputees sometimes have reconstruction done to their stumps in order to allow for a better fitting prosthetic limb. Children born with congenital amputations or shortened or limb differences may have reconstruction surgery to allow for them to wear a prosthetic limb.

     Some arm amputees may undergo surgery to bring muscles or nerves closer to the surface to have a better fitting myoelectric arm.

     Kids with cancer may have amputations or van ness rotations.

     You can always do the limb salvage vs amputation debate.

     The length of the limb will impact what type of prosthetic feet or knees can be used. I had to have my stump shortened to make my knees equal and facilitate better walking.

     You could look at bone anchored limbs and the pros and cons.

     You could look at limb transplants vs prosthetic arms.

     Artificial limbs totally count.

9. QUESTION:
   web site of plastic and reconstructive surgery college oll over the world?
   my wife is a doctor,she wish to get high degree and qualification in plastic and reconstructive surgery in europe,uk,or usa.thank you.

   • ANSWER:
     Some information is below.

10. QUESTION:
    are there any sites where people will donate to my reconstructive surgery?
    or where can i set up an account to get donations? the surgery for reconstructive surgery on my face is so expensive and i just cant come up with the money on my own.

    • ANSWER:
      no idea good luck

11. QUESTION:
    How long is the recovery from reconstructive surgery on ACL, PCL, MCL or any combination of the three?
    I am having reconstructive surgery on my ACL, PCL in my left knee. I am very active in sports and athletics. Has anybody in similar circumstances really struggled in the longterm to get back to 100 percent? Or is it something that I can overcome and bounce back with hard work?

    • ANSWER:
      Basically the rehab goes like this:
      -Within the first 2 wks you will be able walk without crutches
      -Within the first 3-4 months you will be able to run
      -In 6 moths you should be able to get back to sports and at about 80% of pre-injury status
      -In 2 yrs you will be 100%
      All of this assumes that YOU put max effort into your rehab and that you continue to strengthen your leg after finishing physical therapy.

12. QUESTION:
    If you have reconstructive surgery does the tissue still behave the same?
    I you have reconstructive breast surgery after a mastectomy with tissue from you stomach does the flesh still behave like stomach tissue and put on more weight than breast tissue would?

    • ANSWER:
      I decided not to have reconstruction, but a self adhesive prosthesis. However I did do a lot of research before hand. All sites said it behaved exactly like breast tissue even after many years.

      All the best. feel free to contact me.

13. QUESTION:
    what do i need to know for reconstructive ankle surgery?
    well couple months ago i tore my ligaments in my ankle and now i have to get reconstructive surgery. i'm only 16 and i never had this done...what do i need to know? has anyone gone through this? how long is recovery? will i be in a cast or boot or both? things like that... please help.

    • ANSWER:
      Ive never had this personally happen to me but one of my good friends tore two ligaments in her left ankle. she had sugury March 1st she had a hard cast on for about 4 weeks then she had a walking boot for about 5. She was in PT for 6 months. She torn the ligiments a year ago. She now has full use of her ankle but she some times still has to wear a brace. she is a competive dancer so she really beats up her body but she made a full recovery and she is expecting to be able to compeat full force again this year.

14. QUESTION:
    Reconstructive surgery?
    Three plastic surgeons were boasting about their skills in the operating theater.

    #1 said - I had an 54 year old woman on my table after she suffered burns to her whole body and crushed her face in a car accident. Last month she won the Miss America pageant! Try to top that.

    #2 said - Ten years ago I had Lance Armstrong on my table for six days after he was hit by a runaway dump truck. And he just won the Tour de France.

    #3 said - I can top both of you. I had a drunken cowboy from Texas that got all whacked up on cocaine and rode his horse head on into an Amtrak train doing 120 MPH. All I had left to work with was a ten gallon hat and a horses A S S. He's been president of these here Unites States for eight years now.

    • ANSWER:
      omg.....very funny
      excellent...awesome..........good job......keep up the good jokes.....made me laugh...

15. QUESTION:
    Upcoming reconstructive knee surgery for chronic kneecap dislocations, anyone had it before?
    I am having reconstructive surgery on my knee after 3 patellar dislocations in just over 2 years. I want to know who has experienced this before, and what to expect in surgery anf afterwards. Thank you

    • ANSWER:
      What knee surgery are you having? There are numerous surgeries to fix patellar instability.

      10 months ago, I had surgery to stabilize my kneecap. I had a lateral release and medial reefing. I was on crutches for 2.5 weeks, it was outpatient surgery, in an immobilizer for 5 weeks then another brace for around 2 months, and I started hardcore physical therapy at 6 weeks post-op. Before surgery, you will see your surgeon and the anesthesiologist. The nurse who is assigned to you care will start your IV and you will be wheeled the OR awake and be put under general anesthesia there. You will wake up in recovery and may feel sick and tired. The nurse will help keep your pain controlled so will often ask you how bad it is hurting. Your leg will most likely have bandages, ace wraps, and an immobilizing brace on it. You will lose muscle rather quickly due to the shut down from the trauma of the surgery and your knee will become very stiff and lose range of motion due to immobilization. The pain is pretty bad the first several days so make sure you ice and take your pain meds regularly.

      That particular surgery did not work for me. I still have my kneecap shifting to the outside, lots of pain, and functionally limited. But don't be alarmed, it does work for most that are selected carefully for the procedure. Now, they are talking about doing another one called a Fulkerson distal realignment, that involves cutting and moving the tibia tubercle to better align the extensor mechanism.

      However, before I get another surgery, I'm making sure I'm exhausting all conservative treatment options. I have had cortisone injection, done lots of physical and pool therapy, NSAIDs and other meds, orthotics, bracing, strengthening, stretching, NMES, but still no dramatic improvement for me.

      I have also seen 3 different orthopedic surgeons to get different opinions and to ensure I'm making the right choices.

      Good Luck

16. QUESTION:
    What is the total cost for HRT with genital and chest reconstructive surgery? (FTM)?
    Hey guys. I was wondering what the total cost of hormone replacement therapy, genital reconstructive surgery, and chest reconstructive surgery for an FTM transgendered person would be. Also, if you could list the individual prices and the estimated total, that would be great. Thanks.

    • ANSWER:
      You can ask more guys directly here:

      http://www.Susans.org/forums click "transsexual talk" guys are on top.

      More resources:

      http://www.DrBecky.com/therapists.html

      http://www.TheTransitionalMale.com

      http://www.FtMGuide.org

      http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Becoming-a-Visible-Man/Jamison-Green/e/9780826514578/?itm=1&usri=becoming+a+visible+man

      Inspiration http://ai.eecs.umich.edu/people/conway/TSsuccesses/TransMen.html

      http://men.ftmcommunity.com/

      Hope this helps.

17. QUESTION:
    How can I change this without reconstructive surgery?
    My mother asked a stupid question about who people on YA thought looked better, me or her. And I already had very low self esteem...and she showed me the answers...and Im so upset!

    Apparently I'm:
    fat (even though Im so active everyone thinks I look obese! Im 5' and 93 pounds. I thought I was ok)
    I have an odd shaped face
    a big nose
    creepy eyes
    apparently I dress like trailor trash (dont know how dressing from forever 21 made me look like trailor trash)
    my eyes are creepy
    my hair is awfull
    and my forehead is too long

    I just feel like dying now, and my mother is just going "see? see? what did I tell you?" Im practically bawling.

    how can I change all of that (I know I can change some of it without it) without reconstructive surgery??? I want to be pretty so badly.

    • ANSWER:
      that is soooooooooooooooooo mean of your mom!!!!! she should love you for who you are and not have people compare the both of you against eachother!

18. QUESTION:
    Why is my knee swollen 6 months after ACL reconstructive surgery?
    I had ACL reconstructive surgery in December 2008 after I tore it in a soccer game. I recently just started playing a week ago and the day after my first game back it was swollen and seems to be filled with fluid. I had been running and doing physical therapy before so I am hoping it is nothing serious. Provide as much information as you can
    I was doing mostly soccer related exercises in physical therapy to prepare for games but I am not wearing a brace at the time. I did not ice it either which was a mistake

    • ANSWER:

19. QUESTION:
    Do they allow a 2nd tissue expander to continue expanding breast area for reconstructive surgery?
    They were not able to expand my tissue to be as large as my other breast and I would prefer not to have to have a drastic reduction. Can a 2nd expander be used to create a larger breast cavity before completing reconstructive surgery with implant? This would necessitate an additional surgery, however, and I wanted to know if there was any history of this having been accepted. If anyone else experienced this and found a solution besides a drastic breast reduction on the other side, I'd be greatly appreciative to find out any other options? Because I have Fibromyalgia, which is a conntective tissue disease, I can't do any of the "flaps". I can only use saline implants after having been expanded. Thanks...
    Yes they put in the tissue expander after a radical mastectomy. I think my original Plastic Surgeon (who was a man) wasn't concerned about my feelings or input (hense my "original Plastic Surgeon"), and didn't expand it as much as he should have prior to my radiation treatments; which caused a lot of scar tissue so it wasn't able to be expanded as much afterward. 3 times I was given 100 cc's of saline prior to the radiation; but I had plenty of time and opportunity to do more, I just wasn't aware that I should have. My new PS was only able to get 2 fillings of 50 cc's each time afterward; which were quite painful, but now everything is fine and my muscles and tendons, etc. have no problem. But she now says I will need a breast reduction on my left side, as well as a lift, to match the right side, because I am over expanded at this time. And, even at the expantion that I have now, once the expander is removed, the tissues actually shrink a bit and I'll be smaller yet. Any suggestions?

    • ANSWER:
      Hi,

      Sorry that you are having so many problems after surgery; while I am a man, had a couple of things - i understand this is a HUGE issue after surgery (have a couple of friends who have gone through it)

      as becky said - how about an inplant over the muscle?

      if that isn't going to work, there are a lot of prostetics out there that could be fitted so both breast match. when i was "young", a good friend of mine worked in this business - local company that specilized in "after surgery bras" etc. fitted correctly, you could not tell the difference.

      one link

      http://www.parkmastectomy.com/

      this doesn "help", if you are "sans clothes" but any person who loves you will not care if they are not "a set" [ and btw i have never seen a set that were 100% identical anyway]. If they do care, probably not someone you want to be with anyway.

      hope it was of some help, you might calll the local ACS to get more information:

      www.cancer.org

      Jewells
      29 months and still here

20. QUESTION:
    I'm trying to remember this movie about a nazi doctor who has facial reconstructive surgery?
    Before his camp is run over by the allies, he has facial reconstructive surgery to avoid being captured. He pretends to be a Jew and eventually moves to Israel and helps fight in their War of Independence. He lives his life as an Israeli, has children. Eventually his son realizes who he really is because the son looks so much like the nazi doctor. Please, someone out there, tell me you know the name of this movie!!!

    • ANSWER:
      Marley & Me

21. QUESTION:
    How do I get reconstructive surgery on my breast?
    I suffered a mastectomy through no fault of my own last year, i have been advised that I will not get the surgery due to my weight but i do not think my weight is very bad and I am now made to feel like a freak. I just wish to get back to leading a normal active life, swimming etc which i do not feel confident enough to do. I hardly venture out of the house now as I feel everyone must know I have had surgery.

    • ANSWER:
      hey ive had a little look on breast reconstruction and i found some quite useful information that i think might help you with what your looking for good luck anyway frm jayne

22. QUESTION:
    Is a catheter inserted during reconstructive surgery?
    I had heart surgery long ago, and it basically cut my chest muscle in half, its pretty f***in deformed. I am thinking about having it corrected with surgery, but if the operation requires a Foley catheter, screw it.

    • ANSWER:
      It would depend on whether general anesthesia was being used or not. It would also depend on how long the procedure is going to be for.

      However, I would recommend checking with your surgeon as well as the anesthesiologist of the hospital where you would be having your surgery to see what they say.

23. QUESTION:
    Can I still go into the army reserves after ACL lateral meniscus reconstructive surgery?
    I already had this surgery and I am planning on having it again since it is messing up. I am going to be a senior next year and hoping to get into The Citadel. Can I still go into the army as airborne or reserves?

    • ANSWER:

24. QUESTION:
    Question re reconstructive surgery after mastectomy?
    My sister had a mastectomy following breast cancer several years ago and has recently decided to have reconstructive surgery.

    She knows that they are going to use muscle from her back to create the new breast but after this surgery she has to go back later for them to create the nipple.

    She didn't ask how they do this so I was wondering if anyone out there has had this done and can tell me what they do to make the nipple?
    Thank you all for your replies. It's been really helpful.

    • ANSWER:
      a flap of skin taken from another suitable area of the body may be used, usually from the inner thigh where the skin is usually darker. i was once told that a bit could be cut from the vaginal lips as that skin is more like the colour and texture of the nipple. if the skin colour doesnt exactly match then it could be tattooed to look the same.

      i hope the op goes well for your sister.

      have a look at this site it may give you some more answers.

      http://www.cancerbackup.org.uk/Treatments/Surgery/Breastreconstruction/reconstructingthenipple

25. QUESTION:
    What does having reconstructive surgery for the ligaments in your wrist involve?
    Last January I developed pain in my wrist. The athletic trainer at my school said it was a sprain, so I didn’t worry about it; I taped it and did the necessary precaution. But now it is July and it still has not gotten better. I went to an orthopedic doctor and he told me that there is a 95% percent chance I tore my ligaments in my wrist, and since it hasn't gotten better, I need surgery. What do they do in the surgery?

    • ANSWER:
      I had surgery on my shoulder back in December. All they will do is make an incision on your wrist and they will stich the ligaments back together but since its reconstructing they could do differnt things like with my shoulder they had to reatch cartilodge back to the bone and stich some ligaments back together so it wil prorbably be the same as they did to my shoulder. It could take awhile or a few minutes. Just after surgery take the doctors advice and keep it in a safe position. Good luck.

26. QUESTION:
    how long does it take to recover from acl reconstructive surgery?
    I tore my ACL and lateral meniscus playing basketball and just had surgery to replace my ACL with hamstring muscles, to shave my meniscus, and to have arthritis cleaned out. Im an average athletic 21 year old male and was wondering how soon ill be walking, running, and playing sports.

    • ANSWER:

27. QUESTION:
    Is it normal to have a lump forming on my hand after reconstructive surgery?
    I have 2 titanium screws & a wire in my left hand. Its the ring finger bone that broke but its the one connected in the back of my hand & not the finger itself. There is now a large lump forming. The surgery was in June. I can move my fingers around fine, plus I play guitar. But the lump looks like another whole finger is about to pop up.

    • ANSWER:
      I am by no means a doctor, but this sounds like something that happened to me a few months ago: a large lump started to form on the back of my right hand, and it seemed to be getting slightly bigger each day. It didn't hurt and it didn't affect my motor skills, but it really worried me!

      So, I went to the doctor and he immediately diagnosed it as a "ganglion cyst". He said it was completely harmless and didn't need medical attention... it might go away on its own, or I COULD have it drained if it was annoying me.

      He then let me know that doctors used to get rid of them by simply dropping a heavy book onto the patient's hand (no joke!!), which would break up the fluid inside and cause the cyst to go away. I thanked him, went home, and... dropped a very heavy book onto the back of my hand. (It didn't hurt that much.) By the next day, the lump was significantly smaller... and soon it was gone altogether.

      Now, again, I AM NOT A DOCTOR, AND WHAT YOU HAVE MAY BE SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT... but this is the best I can tell you with the limited knowledge that I have! Good luck!

28. QUESTION:
    How effective is reconstructive surgery after a double mastectomy ?
    I was wondering because Christina Applegate did this, and she thinks she'll have cute boobs for the rest of her life.

    • ANSWER:
      In my case NO it was not effective. I was in the hospital 9 times in 9 months. The doctors tried Reconstruction 3 times and my chest looks nasty ... I was told I had the best doctor in town, and all I can do is pray that she has better luck then I did. One of my Implants has now moved under my arm, and I have to go back in again and get cut on again.. add more scares and I will have to accept the fact that I will have to go another 6 months without being able to pick up anything and add more to the fact that my cat can cut my chest and I can not feel anything...all of my chest area is died no feeling at all, not to hot not to cold.. No feeling at all.. So maybe seeing she has really good money she will have the cute little boob, in my case Bad insurance coverages I got butchered

29. QUESTION:
    After ACL reconstructive surgery, how long before you can be running again?
    I had my surgery on May 29th, and before surgery I was told that it was going to be able to run cross country. However, afterward, the surgeon informed my parents there was no way. My physical therapist informed me that I won't be able to, but that I will be feeling like I can. My question is, how bad would it be if I did start running (it would be a little over two months after), and what would the possible consequences be?

    • ANSWER:
      First, always listen to your doctor and therapist, they know what your leg looks like. That said, I had ACL reconstructive about 15 months ago. My doctor said that generally, running (such as cross country) is ok after three months, and running agility drills with quick turns (such as most sports) is ok after six months. But remember, those are just guidelines. Less than six months after my surgery, I passed a Navy physical fitness test, so it is possible!

30. QUESTION:
    Would you ever date a partner who has had plastic (not reconstructive) surgery? why or why not?
    I personally wouldn't because I would prefer someone with the confidence to live with the appearance G-d gave them.

    would you ever date a partner who has had plastic (not reconstructive) surgery? why or why not?

    How do you feel most of the gay community would say?

    • ANSWER:
      I'd date them if they satisfied two conditions (with respects to their plastic surgery):
      1. The surgery doesn't make them look inhuman
      2. They are now comfortable with their body now that they've had their surgery.

      Of course, they'd still have to have good personality, have a sense of humor, blah blah blah..

31. QUESTION:
    What are the benefits to having vaginal reconstructive surgery ?
    I want to have this done so my husband can take my virginity, but Im afraid to end up looking like Frankencooter with all the scaring .

    Has anyone else had this done ?
    If so ,What do you think about the before and after of it

    • ANSWER:
      I would have it done in a heartbeat... if the courts would let me..

      I'd have it done so the pubic region looks like an ATM machine so my partner could come into money....

32. QUESTION:
    Has anyone ever undergone vaginal reconstructive surgery or know of anyone who has?
    I want to feel like a virgin again!
    I know of the kegels exercises but that takes too long. I just want to know if there is anything else and how well it works.

    • ANSWER:
      Ugh, that's a really bad idea. Don't mess with that area! It's delicate, and has a lot of nerves.

33. QUESTION:
    What is the easiest way to shower after ACL reconstructive surgery?
    my post op rules say i cannot get my leg wet for 5 to 6 days. I heard it is not a good idea to bag it but idk. does anyone have any past experience with this?

    • ANSWER:

34. QUESTION:
    How would you know if you were a born hermaphrodite who underwent reconstructive surgery?
    I realize this is a strange question to ask. I don't believe I personally am, as there is no evidence of it. I feel like a female. I don't have an overly enlarged clitoris or anything like that. But I've heard of people who are sexually reassigned when they're babies to either male or female. After living a life as one or the other is there one sure way to tell? How would these people know?

    • ANSWER:
      That surgery is done when a baby has both male and female genitalia. Usually the doctor will reconstruct it to make it a vagina or penis. They might do tests to see what hormones the baby has-either male or female to help make the right choice. They cannot simply look for a uterus and ovaries because the baby could have grown those by mistake too.
      Sometimes too, it's too early and the hormones aren't high enough to tell the sex of the baby. Sometimes the parents might choose to wait until the baby grows a little to tell if it will be a boy or girl.
      Sometimes the doctor makes the wrong choice. There was a case a while back when twin boys were born. One was fine, the other had an accident in birth and suffered injuries to his penis. The doctor then turned it into a vagina. She always knew she wasn't really a girl, got depressed and committed suicide.
      If the doctor made the right choice, the only way to find out would be in the medical records and you may see them at any time.
      If the doctor made the wrong choice, someone might live their life feeling like their body's characteristics doesn't match what their brain is telling them.

35. QUESTION:
    Anyone had or know someone who had ACL Reconstructive Surgery?
    My wife fell and tore her ACL and Meniscus. Now we are getting advice on both sides that she should get surgery and others say she shouldnt. She is 50 and mildly active. Anyone can share their experiences with this issue. If you don't mind giving your age that would be relevant. Thank you.

    • ANSWER:

36. QUESTION:
    Should I get reconstructive surgery to look like a potato?
    My life goal is to speak at the World Potato Congress and I think this might help.

    Serious answers only, please.

    • ANSWER:
      I think you should get reconstructive surgery to look like the world, so you will be prepared for any number of Congresseseses.

37. QUESTION:
    If the wife has vaginal reconstructive surgery does that make her a virgin again?
    You know , like an engine rebuild is the equivalent of a new engine ?
    @ Guy ,,, Any good catalogs for aftermarket parts ?

    • ANSWER:

38. QUESTION:
    I tore my ACL in my knee years ago. What are the pros and cons of reconstructive surgery?
    If you had the surgery, any regrets? Has the surgery stabilized your knee? Any helpful insight appreciated.

    • ANSWER:
      i've had mine done twice. the first one ripped back off because the doctor left the screw out and the grooves torn it off again. however, that doesn't usually happen. most people do great, and i did the 2nd time.
      they can do one of 2 ways..
      1 being with a donor ligament, and healing time can be a little faster. usually used when it can effect you if you have a tendon taken from your thigh.
      2. by using a tendon from another part of you. "grafting" in either case.
      you're usually in the hospital for 24 hr. observation and can go home. good to have the pain pump for the pain too!
      you will have a continuous motion machine on your knee to keep it moving, which helps cut down on recovery time. believe me, it does help.
      you need to ice it really well the first few days or so after surgery, and they start you on physical therapy pretty fast too.

      one thing i suggest not doing is watching anything on acl surgery on one of those surgery channels or anywhere prior to going in. it scared me to death, and wasn't all that horrible.

      good luck to u and take care

39. QUESTION:
    I had ACL reconstructive surgery, and now I am unable to straighten my leg out completely- any advice?
    My surgery was in late July- and I did physical therapy for a while- but from the beginning I had problems getting full extension. Can anyone else relate, or have any ideas or advice on how to get my leg straight? It's only slightly bent, but it's still noticeable.

    • ANSWER:
      One cannot tell if it is scar tissue or just simply shortened tissue without actually going into your knee and looking around. Return to doing quad sets with some overpressure from your hand 10 repetitions 3-4 x a day for the first day, and if you have no pain after that, increase to every 2 hours (about 7 x a day). There should be some discomfort while you do it, but it should subside within a minute or two of doing the exercise...otherwise you are pressing too hard. It will take several weeks or months to restore motion.

40. QUESTION:
    How can I convince my obese wife to have reconstructive surgery without hurting her self-esteem?
    My wife is obese. I don't find her body attractive (though I am attracted to her on the whole). I am worried about her health. How can I convince her to undergo gastric-bypass surgery, liposuction, etc. without crushing her. She knows that she is overweight but doesn't believe that there is anything that can be done. She is resigned to her size and doesn't consider it a major problem.

    • ANSWER:
      Do all the research and take the facts to her. Tell her it can give her a new lease on life. Tell her she means the world to you, and you thought by doing this surgery, it would improve her health and keep her around alot longer. Tell her you are willing to go for walks with her, whatever she wants. Tell her you really won't take no for an answer. Tell her it's a gift to her from you. Best of luck to you & your wife.

41. QUESTION:
    Has anyone had an umbilicoplasty or any reconstructive surgery to their belly button?
    I am schedule to get mine done Friday. They say it's very easy to do, merely painless and safe, and should take just an hour. With no recovery time. Just wondering if anyone has had it done, and how their results turned out...

    • ANSWER:
      My boyfriend has had his belly button worked on a few times since he was young. But it was not for aesthetic reasons, he had constant pains in his belly button region. It is a medical mystery and doctors do not know how to help.

42. QUESTION:
    If you were to conduct a survey about cosmetic surgery (not reconstructive), what questions would you ask?
    Please help me generate a questionnaire about the ethics of plastic/cosmetic surgery (not reconstructive). I need to know which types of questions the community could answer comfortably and honestly.

    • ANSWER:
      Maybe this can help you: http://best-cosmetic-surgeries.com/

43. QUESTION:
    How reliable is reconstructive surgery for Scheuermann’s kyphosis in the case of a grown adult?

    • ANSWER:
      Depends what you mean by "reliable". Surgery can definitely straighten the kyphosis but it is a big surgery and there are certainly substantial risks.

      You will need to weigh the risk-benefits of surgery and should get some help doing so. In general, once you are fully grown the progression of the kyphosis will slow/stop. Surgery is indicated if there is neurologic compromise but that is usually only with extraordinary degrees of kyphosis. If it is interfering with your function or associated with a lot of pain you may also wish to consider surgery.

      It is extremely important that you find a top surgeon if considering this type of surgery both for balanced discussion of the risk-benefits and for performance if you choose to go ahead. A top surgeon in this area would be someone who does a lot of complicated spinal deformity surgery (esp. scoliosis and kyphosis).

      One place to start is to search members of the Scoliosis Research Society. This is a relatively small society which includes almost all serious spinal deformity surgeons. I would also tend to try to look at major university centers though this does not guarantee quality and you may well find a highly-qualified surgeon at a major non-university hospital. Finally, ask if the surgeon has a high-quality intraoperative neuromonitoring team that uses transcranial motor evoked potentials...if the answer is "no" or "that's not necessary" dump him and find someone else.

44. QUESTION:
    Plastic surgeons? If a person went through female circumcision can they have reconstructive surgery to fix it?
    My friend grew up in Africa, and underwent female circumcision. She is now grown up and is wondering if she can have it fixed, and whether or not it will be functional. She went through total FGM. I know they can get flesh from another body part and attach it to the part that was cut off, but would this part function like a regular one that had not been cut off?

    If anyone has had experience with this I would appreciate your input too.
    Sorry I tried to make this question as G-rated as I could.

    • ANSWER:
      It's possible that they could give her genitals the appearance of normal genitalia through plastic surgery, but she likely won't have the sensitivity it should have, in fact she may not feel that flesh at all (or it wouldn't be "functional" as you called it). It is also highly unlikely that any kind of re constructive surgery would allow her to have a healthy, normal sex life. It really depends on the extent of the mutilation, and what areas were removed (total FGM can mean anything from only cutting off the clitoris to removing all labia, inner and outer, and all other external genitalia).

45. QUESTION:
    How Old Do You Have To Be To Get Vaginal Reconstructive Surgery?
    Its A Major Consern Of Mine.
    not a day goes by when i dont stress over it. im only young
    but its like ruining my life. i cant wear bathing suits, tight jeans, some shorts, and likw undies in front of people.

    im so embarassed of the way i look. plz answer!
    i live in south west florida and im 16.

    • ANSWER:
      i think you would have to be over 18 to get something like that done....

46. QUESTION:
    has anyone had forefoot reconstructive surgery of any kind?
    Did you have bunions, hammertoes, tailor bunions removed? Did you have your second toe shortened via the second metatarsal? How did it work for you, are you satisfied? Are you athletic? Any specific details would be greatly, greatly appreciated.

    • ANSWER:
      I've never had anything done. My feet have always been fine.

47. QUESTION:
    How much does it cost to do plastic reconstructive surgery for head?

    • ANSWER:
      It depends on what has to be done and the plastic surgeon that you use. Hopefully you have insurance and you need to contact a doctor first to refer you to a good plastic surgeon.

48. QUESTION:
    How loing after gastric bypass surgery can you get reconstructive surgery?

    • ANSWER:
      I assume you are talking about the exess skin removal, breast augmentation or body lift. You need to wait until you lose at least 100 pounds. Most surgeons won't do it until you are about 20 pounds from your goal weight.

49. QUESTION:
    How much do those hair line reconstructive surgery cost?
    My hair line is kicking back and I'm 22 and won't have it. How much does it cost? Any testimonials?

    • ANSWER:
      Mine did too. They took hair from the back....
      It costs about 2,000 dollars a graft. Each place
      varies in price. For a solid hairline back, you
      are looking at around 30,000 dollars...
      Good Luck.....

50. QUESTION:
    Where is the best centers for plastic & reconstructive surgery TRAINING in Germany plz e-ml atillabas@yahoo?
    I've finished general surgery ,I want to continue my training in plastic &reconstructive Sx , I heard a lot about gernmay. thanks

    • ANSWER:
      try to check on this site it's help you a lot
      http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=surgery%20traning%20on%20germany