Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

2,848 topics in this forum

I just realised its going to be in the same day range.im having the belt tummy tuck. I had totaly forgotten. Can we wear tampons or what can be done? Any one go through this? Since they are going to be working in that area..

After losing the needed weight to finally get into the normal weight category one would think life is good. But that is not always the case. For some of us we are not left with a body that we would want to be seen in a bathing suit. For many there is extra skin that needs to be removed which seems to be covered in length here, but I would like to address something else, a disproportioned body that is left after the weight loss. I was super thin on top but my lower body was still a mess. I had no idea that there was something else going on...my legs had fat pockets around the knee area that just would not come off and also saddle bags from hell...These things real…

Hi, I'm planning to get my breasts enlarged at the end of this year. I have already talked about this with the surgeon Dr. Asif Pirani in Toronto and he educated me on the dual plane breast implants procedure. In this technique, the upper two-thirds of the breast implant is covered by muscle and the lower third of the breast implant is covered by only glandular breast tissue which will finally results in a more natural appearing breast contour. I'm impressed hearing about the end results. I would like to know if anyone has heard about the same or underwent it and has got good results.

I am having some severe breathing problem for sometime now, I have been noticing it for long but thought it is quite common. My left nostril is open but I can barely breathe through the right nostril. A neighbour of mine has undergone a nose reconstruction surgery to correct her breathing problem. She says it was really effective for her. So I seriously consider undergoing a rhinoplasty in a clinic in Toronto. I hope to go for the consultation next week, before that I would like to read some of your experiences who have been through a similar situation.

I went to a surgeon today about getting skin removed an he said I have more then enough. Now I have to write a letter telling them why I need it but I have no idea where to start.

Is it rude to ask people how much they spent on plastic surgery? I'm not talking about out in public but in here. I'm not opposed to leaving my state if I need to when the time comes to get the best surgeon/price. I never know if it's acceptable or not to ask how much? I know most people want to know. I don't want to be rude I just want to start getting some ideas of what it would be. Obviously I would have to be seen to get an exact amount so I'm not expecting that since every procedure is different, just a figure. I know some states are cheaper than others ect...or I would consider Mexico IF I could hear from someone who has experience and good results with a particular…

Hello im going in for my 360 body lift on the 18th. Im excited no nurves im so ready for this. Does any one want to share pics. Also does anyone know what time of garments/or shapewear do you wear after the surgery? Thanks.

You've had weight loss surgery, reached your goal and went the extra step to achieve the body of your dreams by getting plastics! Post your before and after pics here and share your awesome transformation! Inspire us pre-plastic potentials!

I will be one year out in sept an have lost 140lb so far. Does anyone have any suggestions on what I should ask a plastic surgeon?

So, I knew that most of the plastics I will need/want aren't covered by insurance, but I never even considered that leave for surgery would not be covered under FMLA. Does anyone have experience with this? My entire department is being bought by a large national company in September and I am hoping to be able to have plastics done in the fall of 2016, but I can't take the chance that they will not hold my job for a month and that I won't be covered by insurance! I need to know some personal experiences with this please. I am trying to plan way ahead and know what to expect / battles that will need fighting. Thanks!

What do folks know about seromas? Mine is still present at week 9, and I have to get a drain put back in because of it. How long can these things last?! Thanks in advance for any light you can shed…

Has anyone with the Blue Cross Blue Shield Federal Employee Program been able to get them to pay for penniculectomy or abdominoplasty, after the plan paid for your lap band surgery? If so, what did they look for in order to approve it? The current policy manual doesn't really say anything about such things, other than saying they don't cover (purely?) "cosmetic" surgery.

Hello, I'm wondering if anyone has used a surgeon in DC or FL and was happy with the results since I'm in the hunt for a good plastic surgeon for a potential breast lift with augmentation, arm lift and thigh light........ I can use someone in DC/MD/VA (where I live) OR also use someone in South Florida since I have family there. I've researched some surgeons already but I'm not really too sure. Also, some are super expensive. Someone in DC is quoting me over 11k for just the breast...sigh... Thanks in advance for your help!!!

So my abdominoplasty and panniculectomy was approved and covered by my Highmark BCBS insurance, but they denied my brachioplasty (arm lift). I've got tons of medical notes documenting PCP doctor's visits, medications tried for the breakdown and irritation of skin, limitation of movement, my PCP wrote a very convincing letter about why this was a medical necessity and I submitted my surgeon's pictures. I was pretty certain the appeal would be approved. But it wasn't. I was pretty upset. So I'm gearing up to do what the denial letter suggested, and that is to take it to a third level appeal, which would be an outside party evaluating the request. Has anyone had ANY …

Hello Everyone!! Its been quite awhile since I've been on here but its been 14 months since my sleeve and Im ready for some plastics. I am at 151lbs and want to have a breast lift and augmentation and maybe a mommy makeover cause now Im super saggy and I went form a DD cup to barely a C. Anyone use him and what about cost and recovery time? Please help!!

I am hoping to get a panni / TT after the new year and need to begin looking for a plastic surgeon in the Philadelphia PA area?

Has anyone been approved?

Any suggestions or things you wish you would have asked prior to having panni /TT plastics?

Hi all. So I'm down over 110 lbs. so far and every additional pound at this point is a blessing. But we're heading into summer and my 46 yr. old legs look like they belong to an 80+ year old women (no offence) and I live in my bathing suit in the summertime. I'm a good year out from considering plastic surgery solutions and I work out six days a week. So......... does anyone out there have any feedback on the wrap product called "It Works"? I've seen lots of people promoting it on facebook, seems like it's all the rage, but also seems like a pyramid program too. I'm told it is for firming and toning loose skin, but I'm wondering if it would make a noticeable differe…

I live in Fl but had my sleeve surgery in Texas almost a year ago. I am almost at goal, within 10-20 pounds (my goal) probably closer to 10 but I am always over-zealous. I am not opposed to going out of state but prefer not to. After seeing results for Dr. Capella in NJ, I cant imagine much better results. I need tummy tuck, inner thigh lift, butt lift and neck lift, & least priority is boob lift. (Actually I am torn as to whether I should do face/neck first because it really bothers me). I'm looking at maybe the fall or winter time 2015. Where do I start? I do have Medicare but was selfpay for my sleeve. I dont put hope in medicare...still, I will be financing …

Hi guys, I had weight loss surgery about six months ago and have now lost over three stone, I only have 2 to go until I am at my ideal weight. I have heard about the fat transfer breast enhancements and wonder if anybody else has had this? Sounds like a great way to aid in my further weight loss as well as replenish my somewhat saggy boobs. Anyone had this done or had any other breast implants post surgery, and can you tell me if you have this done at your ideal weight or before? Many thanks you beautiful people!!

I am lookin into getting a tummy tuck which my insurance won't cover. I know I will need around $5000 so is it better to secure a loan before I see a surgeon? Thank you.

Hi All, For those of you who have had surgery can anyone give me a rough estimate of what I could expect to pay for a tummy tuck and breast lift in the US versus Mexico? Thanks!

About four weeks ago I had my brachioplasty and liposuction of the love handles with Dr. Yager in NY. I love my results and my scar. I'm at my goal weight of 170lbs since Feb 2015. My arms were the most important thing for me to do. However, it is a painful and slow recovery. I took off two weeks from work and that still was not enough. I recommend anyone who is getting it done to take more time off and to have a lot of help because you are going to need it. Here is the picture I have with me so far... later on today I will post my scar pictures and before and after. Update: 5/13/15 I uploaded pictures of my before, the scars and also a picture of now 4 weeks post …

So I was approved for my tummy tuck and panniculectomy in April of this year and had the surgery quickly after approval. At the same time they submitted for my brachioplasty, which was denied. I didn't stress too much because the TT was really my first priority, but while I was recovering from the TT I put together my appeal to send in to the insurance company, which ended up being 80 pages (lol....ooops). They received it on June 1 and told me I would have a decision via mail no later than 30 days later (which would be June 30). I am dying here. They are taking their good old time!!! I guess that is what I get for submitting an 80-page appeal. Waiting is the worst! …

I was just thinking about this. I've lost over 100 lbs so far and am planning on having plastics before the end of the year. No layman guessing please, I'm looking for yes I did it and it was ok or I did it and got called on the carpet by the IRS or I'm a CPA and ..... I was only able to find one tax court case, and they ruled in the woman's favor for the deduction.

Here is a recent NY Times article about someone who recently had skin removal surgery. http://mobile.nytimes.com/2015/06/15/nyregion/former-980-pound-man-adjusts-after-a-difficult-skin-operation.html?referrer=

Just had TT, Breast lift w augmentation (never in my life did I think I would need that!) and arm lift three days ago! Feeling surprisingly well, aside from swell hell in my midsection. Even the drains aren't bothering me too much. Hoping for 2-3 of them to come out tomorrow and the fourth on Wednesday if all goes well. Will take some after pix at some point in the near future, not quite yet though. Happy to answer any questions as things unfold!

It all happened in such a rush.....I got all my paperwork and medical records together, had my consultation, got my approval days later, and surgery the next week. I feel like I didn't have enough time to prepare. I was NOT prepared for how difficult the recovery would be. I only took 2 weeks off work and I need another week for sure. Also the drainage tubes. Oh. My. Gosh. So uncomfortable and painful coming out. OUCH! And then....um.....the girl parts are a bit differently placed than they used to be. THAT was a little bit of a surprise. I'm 2.5 weeks out from surgery, and the first 2 weeks for super rough. I'm feeling better every day now. I do have a couple q…

Had my surgery on Friday! Feeling pretty good but I am still relying on the drugs! I had an Exparel shot that supposedly lasts 3 days so that should be wearing off and then I will just have the hydrocodon they gave me to take by mouth. I have my first follow up appointment on Tuesday so that will be the first time I get a chance to see anything. I was able to see that my backside is much tighter, no sag! Quick Thoughts: 1- Drains. Kind of a pain but not as bad as I thought they would be. That doesn't mean I don't want them gone now but they are tolerable 2- Pain. I think it is way to early to say considering the meds 3- Mobility- Toughest part is gettin…

I had my sleeve in Sept 2013. I have over 100lbs. I am about 20 lbs away from goal. Looking into plastics finally. I just can't wrap my head around recovery time. All the sites say something different. I feel like I have to get a lot done! Ugh. My first question is what was your recovery time for the following surgeries? Please tell me age and activity level. I feel that makes a difference. I am 46 female and moderately active. I work out. Recovery time for Tummy Tuck with muscle tightening? Recovery time for Thigh lift? Recovery time for Brazilian butt lift? Recovery time for arm lift? Recovery time for breat lift with implants? I am not sure if I will …

Hi ladies - I was on the Realself website last night (my latest obsession) and was reading through questions people had posted and surgeon responses. There were a few that I came across that I wanted to get your thoughts on. I wish I could have saved the links so you could refer to them for reference. Someone (in the states) had asked a question about getting multiple procedures done and twilight sedation used vs. traditional anastesea (spelling? My iPhone can't spell it either!) Specifically she wanted to know if she could have a tummy tuck and butt grafting (I think that was the procedure name - when they inject fat into your back side) at the same time. The Mexican …

So, I won't be ready for plastics for another 9months but I already have a turkey neck that is driving me crazy. I've tried several expensive creams...none work. Does anyone have any suggestions about how to fix it without surgery?

Hi! I have my date for my abdominalplasty! Could I get some ideas on what I might need? Garments, creams, things you wish you had or knew? Anything will help! Thanks!

I had the sleeve in OCT 2013 in Mexico. I went from 300lb to 180lb. I am 46 years old. I could not be happier with the weight loss but am border line depressed with the excess skin and flab. I started working out hard (weight training) four months ago. Sadly I don't see much of a difference. I always had a full face and now it is sagging. At this point I feel I need a tummy tuck, thigh lift, arm lift and breast lift with implants. I will probably have to go to Mexico again because I am self pay. My concerns and wishes: Recovery time? I had a friend yesterday get a consult for TT and they told her 10 days. On this board and realself.com it looks like 6-8 weeks. …

Where does everyone get their compression garments from?

Hi there, i am looking for scar makeup with SPF AND waterproof for my scars on my arms. I was told Mac waterproof, but wanted to see if anyone had any other suggestions. I am will be wearing my first sleeveless dress and its to my daughters wedding this summer. Help!!

After dramatic weight loss, we're faced with loose skin. If we're very fortunate, we can undergo surgery to remove the excess skin. But until then many of us have problems with excess skin. We're stuck with discomfort, chafing, rashes, infections. What hacks, home remedies, or inventive techniques have you used to manage this?

Hello everyone, I still have quite a bit more lbs. to drop but I'm already in research mode for a plastic surgeon. I'm intrigued by the use of twilight instead of general anesthesia for multiple plastic surgery procedures. I've read that Drs. Gutierrez and Sauceda utilize this method. Are there any others that you know of? I have a consult scheduled with Sauceda in Tyler, TX on 6/26. I want to meet the man that everyone gushes over. But I'm still holding out for Alex and crew to provide the promised updates regarding the all-inclusive Plastic Surgery packages too. I'm in Florida, so the DR is much closer, but...... the reviews are so mixed that I just gave up on s…

Hello my lovely BP community. I'm nearing my 1 year WLS anniversary date this month. At 5'7", I was 241 pounds at my all time high and 226 the day of surgery. I weighed 150.5 this morning. My surgeon's goal for me was 160 and my personal goal was between 140-150 pounds. I would be okay staying where I am but am shooing for 145 at this point and building more muscle mass. So here are my questions - and please, can I kindly request that this post be focused on the questions I ask. I know posts about procedures in Mexico can sometime generate a heated discussion on Mexico vs. USA. The purpose of this post is to EDUCATE myself so I can make an informed decision. I have dec…

So anyone from Beaumont or Houston have good experiences with surgeons there? I have lost 142 pounds and now I am starting to research plastic surgery. I had a consultation with Dr Lyos in Houston but I am looking for other frame of reference so i would like to get a few other consolations to see what my options are. My insurance won't cover anything this will all will be self pay. I am a little overwhelmed in the quote I got for a tummy tuck and thigh lift but you do what ya gotta do I guess. I am also thinking I'd be more satisfied with a lower body lift instead of just at tummy tuck. I would like to find something a little cheaper but I understand you get what y…

Started 390 ,240 today Well was sleeved Feb 3 2014, Dr office called and asked if I was interested in a tummy tuck. What the hell went in and had my surgery yesterday with Dr Dinick in Michigan. Lost 140 total ,he took 7 lbs of skin, thought it would hurt more but surprisingly it doesn't. I do have a high pain tolerance. Now to relax and get ready for vacation in may!

I go for consultation for a panni... Crossing fingers.

http://www.hefty.co/love-your-body/

I'm returning to work tomorrow (just half days til next week) after my panni & abdominoplasty. I'm so not ready for this, but I guess I have to eventually. I can't say there's still pain per se......maybe a little incision pain on my hips, but a tightness & soreness in my muscles that were repaired that is hardest. I just remember how drained I was at the end of the day when I went back after the sleeve. I only took 2 weeks then and probably could have used 3. For this I took 3 weeks and could have used 4. lol. Anyway. Me=Super Nervous. Any tips for returning to work after this for those who had it done? I'm open to any and all advice!!

I had gastric sleeve surgery in August, 2013. I've told five friends and one family member (and no one at work) about it. I had the surgery on a Thursday and I was back at work the next Monday. I've been extremely happy about the decision to have the surgery and also the desicion to tell only a few people. It has required only minimal effort to keep the sleeve surgery a secret. I often see threads on the forum about people deciding to keep their weight-loss surgery a secret. I haven't seen threads discussing keeping any follow-up plastic surgery a secret. I had an extended Fleur-De-Lis abdominoplasty on the Friday just over a week ago. My intent is to return to wo…

I'm 1-1/2 years out from vsg surgery and I lost 57 lbs and went under my goal. I've gained 9 lbs, but am quite pleased with my current weight. I'm 66 years old and lower weight was not my friend. I find I'm stuck with the dreaded spare tire that just won't go away and am considering plastics. Has anyone had this type of problem fixed, and if so, what did you have done? Thanks for reading!

I put in approval for both panni+abdominoplasty and a brachioplasty at the same time. The TT was approved and done, but the Brachioplasty was denied. They did the peer to peer review and I don't think anything came of it. I think at this point I have to write an appeal letter. Do you all have any recommendations or tips for getting appeals approved?

Has anyone else noticed weight gain after having a skin removal surgery? When I had my first surgery which was three procedures at once, a lower face/neck lift, a arm lift and a breast lift with implant, I was in such pain that I babied myself with food during recovery. Eating what sounded good and not really noticing fat or carbs, then after recovery I found myself up 10 lbs. rather than being down some weight which I was expecting. Then last year when I had my lower body lift, I told myself I wasn't going to let that happen again, but low and behold that 10 lbs. came back. I have heard there is swelling and that could be part of it. But shouldn't the removed skin take c…

I am a planner. All the what to bring lists/posts and "trip reports" helped me so much through my WLS. I have plastics scheduled for June 11th--abdominoplasty, mastopexy w/augmentation and brachioplasty (tummy, boobs and arms). What helped you all get through it? What should I do or have ready before I go? What helped you? I'm not traveling far--about a 90 minute drive so I will do two nights at a hotel, but other than that its outpatient. Thanks everyone for sharing your tips!