Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

Hey y’all, I had the sleeve surgery 2 years ago - lost 110 pounds (had lost 125 at my lowest weight). I got a few consultations last week for PS in Miami and felt the most confident is the surgeon who sounds like a perfectionist and is doing a lower body lift plus muscle repair, lipo, breast lift. I’m feeling like I want to be at my lowest again (~165 pounds) so that everything can be as tight as possible so I’m probably going to cut carbs for the next month and a half. Is that silly since he’s doing lipo? Does lipo end up actually impacting the scales? A few pounds of fat can be voluminous so I’m not expecting much. Also for people who traveled…

not sure where to post this or even if this has been asked before. Wondering if Kaiser would pay for a tummy tuck. I had gastric sleeve done by kaiser in 2018 and then a revision due to GERD in 2020. doing good now but need a tummy tuck desperately wondering if anyone has had it paid by Kaiser. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated

I’m just over a month away, trying to prepare. My surgeon is recommending pro-stat collagen protein and a vitamin regimen for prep and healing (floradix, folic acid, and vitamin C). I am planning 2 weeks off from work - I work a remote desk job so I’m hoping I can make that work. I will be flying to Miami and staying in a recovery house for a week. What are things you learned during this process? Anything you wish you did differently?

I'm 51 yo male, considering a full extended tummy tuck (loose skin from WLS) and chest lift w/ nipple grafting (gynecomastia). At what point (weeks/months) am I likely to be fully recovered, feel "good as new" / "back to normal"?

Has anyone come across a good treatment or procedure for cellulite?

I’ve lost 125 lbs since my RNY and am seeking advice about treating sagging skin on the face. It’s really bothering me so I know eventually I’ll have something done. I’m wondering what other WL patients have done to treat sagging skin on the face. I.e.: lower face lift? full face lift? Fillers? Radiofrequency treatment? Micro needling? Any advice would be most welcome and greatly appreciated!!!

Hey all, Tomorrow's the d-day for Abdominoplasty and brachioplasty. Looking forward to Abdominoplasty for sure given my abdominal area didn't flatten out with the weight loss. So LiPo plus reconstructive surgery will do decent job not to mention tighten up some of the loose skin. Not sure how I feel about brachioplasty for now. Scars definitely make me a bit uneasy. Plus it takes time to heal and scars to lighten and flatten out. But hopefully down the road, I'll be happy with the final result. Anyhow, do advise me how to look after myself and post-op recovery. First week will be the hardest I feel. Any suggestions?

Looking for recommendations to attempt to prevent as much facial wrinkling as possible. I have been overweight my whole life and honestly had enough cheeks to prevent wrinkles from showing. As I lose weight I notice that my skin is dry, pores are large and wrinkles are developing. I have also noted viewing success stories pictures that they appear older after losing weight, no offense to anyone. It is a small prices to pay for being healthier but just wondering what has helped or worked for others. Thanks!

Any idea of approx pricing for reasonable surgeon in Greater LA for post-WLS male full extended TT and buttocks lift? Suggested surgeons?

Hi all, I'm having a skin only tummy tuck end of May (my muscles are not separated). I want to get an extra compression garment and I'm wondering about sizing. According to the size charts my under bust, hips and thigh would be Medium and my waist is just barely into the Large range. Given the skin removal from the stomach, do you think a Med would work? Also, would you recommend the garment with legs or one that stops at the hips? Thanks for your thoughts! Lori

Had VSG surgery 4/2022, Lost 138 pounds. I have lots of loose skins. Looking for plastics recommendations, in Texas, Miami, or Mexico.

Has anyone tried laser tightening or any type of non invasive tightening? Did it work? Is it cheaper than actual surgery?

I lost my weight in 2020. Since then I’ve been struggling with my tummy mostly (I lost 120 and other areas could use a nip tuck). I have a pretty big belly it prevents me from tucking in and wearing a lot of things I would like to wear. I’m 56 years old and petrified of surgeries but especially this one. I know it will be very painful. And also the quote I got at the surgeons office was 15k for tummy and 15k for breast lift. I’m in Boston and this was in office not in hospital. In hospital was an extra 11k. My questions are 1. Does that price sound outrageous? Again it’s a good size job and I’m sure it’s more bc of that?? 2. Is there anything else I can do to re…

Hello I am looking for recommendations for a plastic surgeon in the Boston area for a tummy tuck and possibly a breast lift. Does anyone have anyone they loved or were happy with in this area. TIA!

Looking for others that have had a botox and tummy tuck to see how the procedure felt after surgery and what it did

I found everyone's posts about which procedure and surgeon they went with to be really helpful when I was struggling to find the right surgeon so I thought I'd start a thread for mine too. I've lost over 170lbs total and am currently 16 months out from my surgery, and at a stable weight for over 3 months. I just scheduled an extended Tummy Tuck for this August with Dr. John YS Kim in Chicago at Northwestern Memorial Hospital. There will just be a single scar, and even though I do have a bunch of extra skin above the belly button too, he said I didn't need a Fluer de Lis which is great. I had also seen Dr. Shifrin who had recommended a circumferential lower body …

I would like to get extensive body contouring now that I've lost 170lbs and seem to be in a stable spot in my weight. What I'm most concerned about is how long I would need to take off from work though. I would like to get an arm lift, breast lift, tummy tuck and thigh lift, which I believe would be 3 separate surgeries (combining the arm lift with the breast lift). The recovery time sounds a LOT longer and rougher than the actual weight loss surgery so I'm having a hard time gauging how long I'll be needing lots of help at home, when I could go back to doing my WFH office job, and when I would actually feel better after surgery. I went to real self and they sai…

So, I’ve lost 125lbs, and my body feels like I’ve got about 25-35 to go. I have a ton of loose skin which I plan to have removed. My question is: what was your starting weight and how much did your excess skin end up weighing? Just trying to figure out where I’m “really at.” (Sorry if bad format, on mobile.)

Has anyone tried microneedling treatment on loose skin? Did it help?

Has anyone has any luck getting insurance to pay for (even partially) plastic surgery. I need a tummy tuck and a breast lift. I’ve lost 137lbs so it’s quite a bit of skin removal. I’ve gotten 2 quotes in the Boston area both for around 26k. Yikes! Does this seem high?

Has anyone used either of these non surgical techniques to deal with loose skin (or know someone who has)? Any insight / advice?

Hello, I reside in Atlanta, GA and looking for a good surgeon skilled in a breast lift and thigh lift. Any recommendations would greatly be appreciated.

Hello everyone!! I am one week post tummy tuck with muscle repair and they fixed a hernia while they were in there. I’m SHOOK !! I got to take the bandages off yesterday (completely) for the first time and I don’t remember the last time I looked down and seen the, my know what without the big apron of skin. anyway to those that are veterans how long did you stay swollen? My team said it varies so much with activity and wearing the binder ect…. Did anyone do the belly button training or will my cute little scabby mess turn out good with out it? i feel super self conscious showing this picture but I think we can all appreciate our “before and after”…

I am a 2x revision patient, starting with LapBand in 2011, followed by VSG in 2019 due to severe Lapband complications, and finally GBP in 2021 after even more complications with the VSG. I have been fighting the good fight for ELEVEN YEARS now, and trust me when I say I was so ready to give up many times during the process, but I am so glad that I never did! I am officially down 152 lbs, and have been maintaining within 3-4 lbs since Feb 2022. I am to the point that I am ready to start looking into plastics. After so many years of fighting to get to where I am, I love the way I look and feel.... when I'm fully dressed. But seeing all the loose skin is a hard men…

Has anyone gone to Dr. William in Miami at 305 plastic surgery? Any thoughts?

Had a brachioplasty, thigh lift, lower body lift with fleur de lis. I’m in ace bandages and abdominal binder until I get drains removed. Ace bandages on arms and thighs. Any tips on keeping the them up? I’m rewrapping constantly and really not getting any compression, which defeats the purpose. Thank you! T.

Holy moly friends. I survived the first night at home!!! This is kind of rough BUT I cannot wait to see results. They took 6 pounds of flesh off me!!! I mean holy moly is all I can say. It took two years to lose the 105 pounds so if your a slow loser have faith in the process. My hubby as VSG in june and I’m jealous because he is losing it so much faster than I did

I'm starting my plastics journey this week! Creating this thread as a place to gather my thoughts, and gather opinions as well. My priorities 1&2 - Tummy & Boobs 3 - Thighs 4&5 - Butt & Arms Specifics for each area Tummy - low & thin scar, natural looking belly button, and lipo/conturing to narrow my waist as much as possible Boobs - augmentation & lift, VERY important that my boobs look natural, thinking D cup with tear drop gummy bear implants Thighs - do not want a full thigh lift with long scars, so only a crescent lift, or as part of a lower body lift Butt - either a fat transfer (BBL) or buttock li…

This has been... just a whole crazy crazy adventure. Highest weight 402, currently around 200-210. Had my surgery at 325lbs 2018-01-22, will have my TT on 2021-06-04 over 3 long years. I am happy I am stable (weight shifting a bit up and down but never too major) and i was approved for a panni. But with my weight loss and how my skin hangs, the surgeon suggested a fleur de lys since my upper stomach have what I call my second set of boobs. I am excited and scared of this new adventure but I will say my self confidence took a big hit with how my body now is first two is the current me, and the last one probably at my highest. I hate showing my stomach…

I am getting a fleur de lis tummy tuck, arm lift, and breast lift (no augmentation). Paying 24k out of pocket in Portland, Oregon. I’ll update as I get closer to the day of surgery!

Hi all! I'm looking at possibly going to Tijuana to get all my PS done in several rounds, including face/necklift, arm lift, lower body lift, thigh lift, breast lift with implants & finally (pending on my feelings of the results of LBL) Brazilian butt lift. Has anyone gone through the experience of having a face and/or neck lift in Tijuana? If so, did you use the same surgeon as who did your body? Does anyone know a good website of top face/neck lift surgeons specifically in Tijuana? If this is covered in another thread please paste the link. Thanks for reading this!!

I've heard that some plastic surgeons are booked a year in advance. Does anyone have any recommendations for plastic surgeons near Austin that specialize in tummy tucks and breast lifts?

Hey everyone I’m considering my next PS which will be a thigh lift. Just in research mode. Prob a year at least out from that. I’m curious for those who have had thigh lifts if it left your calves loose looking-like thigh is all tight now but calves loose looking. how far down did your surgeon go down the leg? To the knee or was it much higher? Also, looking for pics bc honestly that would be one scar that would be hard to hide and I don’t scar well. Anyone with experience that wouldn’t mind sharing that would be appreciated! Thank you!

I'm scheduled for a lower body lift with fleur de lis /arms/ thighs next month. Can anyone please send me some pics and/or links to the abdominal binders and compression garments they've used and liked? There are so many choices! Very confusing! Thank you! Tinde

So I just has bypass on 10/20. I can already tell I'll need plastics (especially tummy and breast lift). I'm just concerned that I'm too old at 38. I guess I'm kind of feeling like I'm not young anymore, so why bother. Sent from my SM-S205DL using BariatricPal mobile app

Has anyone had flesh colored tattoos done post PS to cover your scars? I’m considering it and would love to see your results.

I’m really struggling with whether to have a panniculectomy. I keep hearing and reading that this isn’t a cosmetic surgery, which I understand, but does that mean I should expect a hack job? The doctor is the weight loss surgeon, not a plastic surgeon. I’m still overweight and I’m not expecting a perfect body, but the fact that I keep hearing it’s NOT cosmetic is making me wonder if I’m going to look lumpy or something afterwards. He mentioned potential “dog ears.” Any experience you can share? Would you do this? Recovery is long! I just retired and want to live my life! But I sure would love to be rid of this thing.

Well, I've officially scheduled an extended arm lift as well as breast lift with replacement of my implants (going down from DD to C) at the end of July. This is likely step 1 as at some point I think I'll want a tummy tuck and maybe thigh lift, but my arms bug me the most, and my chest just feels out of sync with the rest of my body now that I'm down (not to mention they have a TON of extra skin). Very excited but also very nervous! For those that had these surgeries, recommendations? I know I'll need a couple good garments that cover me from elbow to waist but open to additional feedback too! Lori

I am a long time lap bander and flipped to a sleeve in 2016. In there I lost and gained weight and am back around my goal weight where I have been for a while. I recently moved to the St Petersburg area and am looking at plastic surgeons in the area. I want one who understands weight loss patient skin is different, more damaged than a standard patient. I am looking at arm lifts, thigh lift, some abdominal lips, breast lift and reduction and because I am feeling saggy maybe a small face lift. I did a tummy tuck and breast lift 20 years ago and the boobs took the hit on the weight regain I had the tummy tuck held up well. There are a ton of options in t…

Have any of you Done medical tourism For your plastic surgery? If so do you mind sharing where you went, your thoughts, cost anything you feel like sharing. I thought bariatric pal had a relationship for plastic surgeons in Mexico for after you lost all your weight but I’m not finding the link.

I'm having a panniculectomy (and brachioplasty) very soon, and I'd like to see some before and after pics of other men that show the area just above the penis and under the line where the belly would start to hang over—but every picture I can find here and elsewhere stops 6-8 inches above the penis or includes underwear covering that area. Not really looking to see penises, but want to have some idea what to expect in the area directly above it—so it doesn't matter to me if the penis is not pictured or blurred. Can anyone help me out with a link or otherwise? And did I say penis enough?

I am considering a possible tummy tuck and/or arm lift. I’m not sure if I really want to move forward but I am considering talking to some doctors. I would likely need a fleur de loa tummy tuck due to a lot of upper stomach laxity. Does any one have any recommendations in the Pacific Northwest? Pdx, Seattle, etc? Anyone to stay away from? Is it even possible to combine an arm loft with a tummy tuck or am I looking at two surgeries? Any thoughts would be appreciated. Thanks!

Last week I had breast reduction and panniculectomy surgery, which all seems to have gone well. However… I was a 42H and my surgeon promised me a DD cup. I know that I can’t really see where I’m going to end up because it’s so soon, but I look like a B or C cup, and I think it looks ridiculous on my still heavy figure. (My daughter took one look and joked that I’ll need implants!) I have hated my breasts since the day they grew in looking down at my feet, and I was SO excited to have breasts I would finally feel good about. I primarily did it because of neck and back pain, but I just can’t believe how bad I look. Added to that, now that the belly is gone my thighs loo…

18 years ago, I had a RNY. I lost 124 lbs. I kept most of it off until the last 3 years when I gained about 45 pounds. I have been successful in losing weight that additional weight and am back with 5 pounds of my lowest weight! I did not have plastic surgery 18 years ago and it's my biggest regret. Now that I am stable in weight, I'm looking at plastic surgery. I've talked to 2 Docs. And I'm confused and torn. Doc#1 says Fleur. He says that I don't have much back skin/fat. He can pull the skin forward and tighten it. I have a pronounced belly that hangs quite low and I get heat rashes/yeast infections frequently. Doc#1 says that Fleur should be a great so…

Hi! Has anyone had a panniculectomy while still being quite overweight? I was sleeved in 2012. I was 368 lbs when I had my surgery and have maintained a 130 pound loss. In spite of trying relentlessly I was never able to get even close to my goal weight (menopause, knee replacement, etc.). But my life is about 10,000 times better!! I have lots of skin and have been approved for a breast reduction and panniculectomy, but in between those two areas I have that damn menopausal spare tire. I never had that even at 368! I tried to get a plastic surgeon to do an abdominoplasty but my BMI is too high. So I’m kind of freaking out, imagining that I’m going to hav…

I paid out of pocket for a tummy tuck and breast lift in 2017. I need my arms and legs done. Has anyone had Blue Cross pay? Sent from my LGLS991 using BariatricPal mobile app

Anyone have any recommendations for plastic surgeons in the Delaware area? Also, for those who had surgery, about how long did it take you to get on the schedule for surgery? Thanks! Terri

Hello everyone, I’m a little more than 3 years post VGS. I lost 125 pounds. Went from a size 24 to size 6 and have managed to maintain within a 5-8 pound window for the past 2 years. I’m a health care worker, so needless to say I’ve been a bit busy for the last 2 years. I’ve managed to save up for the plastics I want since my VGS ( 2 straight years of all the overtime I could work helped) and I’m now about 6 weeks away from the magic date. Me and my PS have decided on a TT with flank lipo, and a thigh lift. I’m a bit nervous about doing all of this at once, but I’ve only got one shot at getting the time off of work so it all has to be one surgery. I’m 5’…

Hi all, I'm looking for reliable recommendations for a plastic surgeon near the San Francisco Bay Area in California. I want to start comparing costs so I know about how much I will need for a tummy tuck, thigh lift and a breast lift. Thanks in advance

Hi there - what is the situation with the muscle tightening aspect of abdominoplasty and why do WLS patients typically require this (I understand why they'd have loose skin of course)? When I tense my abdominal muscles they seem to be slightly convex or pushed outwards - why is this and is this something abdominoplasty would solve? Thanks!