Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

2,848 topics in this forum

Hi, I'm considering plastics, and looking for recommendations for a good surgeon in SE Michigan or NW Ohio. I need a lot of work done - lower body lift, breast lift with augmentation, butt lift, arms, and thighs. I'd like to find a great surgeon who has demonstrated great results. Anyone care to share your experience?Thanks!

Belt lift at 7:30am. All marked up and ready to go

realize that every situation is different, but I am wondering if anyone has had surgery who has been a similar height and weight who has needed (or has not needed skin removal surgery a year or two after surgery) I am 300 pounds and about 5'10! / I am also relatively young and I think I have that on my side in terms of skin elasticity and stuff. thanks in advance!

Counting down the days I can be free of this skin. I was sleeved march 6 2013. 150 lbs lost.

Have my consultation in Fresno weds. Anyone have plastics done there.

I had a plastics consult today. I like her. I trust her. She spent a lot of time with me. It was a informative meeting. Oh man! Lower body lift, breast lift and augmentation. One night in surgical center. Holy smokes. I have a lot to process. She told me not to lose anymore weight. I agree with her. She believes I will really like my results if I stop now. She also just thinks I don't have any more to lose. That's just weird. But I get it. She said WLS patients have a hard time because until the skin is removed we still see ourselves as fat. I don't unite feel fat. Lol. I feel that my body looks like I'm 85.

All through the preop. Talked with the surgicenter nurse. First case. 6:30 am. Scheduled for 3 hours. Dr said probably 2.5. Amazing. Lower body lift with breast lift and implants in 2.5 hours Getting through the weekend will be interesting. I'm too busy in the week to think about it. Eeeeeeaaaaappppp

I guess I'll start and keep this thread to monitor this portion of the new me journey. My first question(s) relate to compression garment. Not getting a lot of help from My Dr office. They have me vendors but no help on what kind of garment I'm "only" getting the panni.... Do I need the whole panty like snap between the legs thing or will the abdominal binder be enough? I weigh 145 pounds, size small (4) clothes so in guessing to get size small binder as well??

Just know that this surgery has a long recovery. I am feeling better, but I am not myself yet. I am hoping to feel like myself in the next couple weeks. I am super happy with my Surgeon and my results. Have a Bless Day!!!

Had a breast lift w/out implant 5 days ago. I love the fullness of the tops of my breast, but when I took off the bandages the bottom/underside of my breast look somewhat deformed. One side looks like a cone with a flat bottom and the other side is somewhat flattened as well. Is this from the compression bra and bandages?? Will they end up looking normal?? Is it normal to have some deformed looking shapes at first?? PLEASE if you can help answer this do so as soon as possible. I'm freaking out a little.

Im a 34 DDD and want to get to a C. My insurance just denied me because not enough to remove. Anyone have ideas how to get this changed? I have back pain, headaches, divets in my shoulders.

Ok I finally have my plastic surgery scheduled for June 24th! I'm going to be having a full tummy tuck, breast lift with augmentation( he's going to run the incision along the side of my boob as well because I used to have side fat which is now hanging skin) and also getting my arms done! I'm soo excited and can't wait till the day comes!! This was a shock as I didn't know how I would be able to afford it... My 5 year anniversary was Tuesday and my husband gave me a card with the exact amount of money for the procedure in it and said go get your surgery honey !!! I cried I was soo happy!!

I'm down a little over 100 pounds, and even though I still have over 60 to go until my goal, I'm wondering if its time to think about a panni. When I lay down, you can easily see my ribcage, and my stomach fat and panni just kind of sit in this...hole on top. Or everything flops to one side all loose. For those who have gone through plastics, have I lost enough to be considered for a panni? I don't want a tummy tuck because my muscles under the fat are fine and firm. Did anyone pay out of pocket, and if so, what was the cost?? I am really eager to get this thing removed. It started growing when I was about 12 years old and never really shrinks. It feels like th…

Hello! It's been ages since I've last logged-in...um the last time was when the site was still called VerticalSleeveTalk.com. So good to be back! I'm at the end of my weight loss journey, and now beginning the next phase: plastics. Over the coming years, the goal is to have excess skin removed from, well, pretty much EVERYWHERE. But I just had my first plastics consult, and the first plan of attack will be having the: Panniculectomy, Belt-Lipectomy/Lower-Body Lift, and Brachioplasty all done together. I'm well educated on the procedures, as far as research goes and asking questions of my surgeon. But... Questions. What am I actually getting myself into?…

I have 7000. Towards a tummy tuck. Anyone know if this is enough in ca?

Any guys having plastics? I am still preop but I know from previous weight loses I look like a empty sack of potatoes when I am down. My clothes do not fit right, and exercising is annoying and embarrassing. Feels like i am still flapping and jiggling unless I wear a tight undershirt. Anybody's insurance pay for procedures around the abdomen? I really don't care about scarring. I take pride in all my scars. How bad did it hurt? Any other alternative than plastics? Thanks

I contacted the office of the doctor that came highly recomended by my daughter's peds group (they use them for reconstructive surgery when needed) and made an appt to see them on wed. I have a huge packet to fill out and they suggested that I make a list of questions and bring that with me, and also to call my insurance and get their requirements for coverage. I did, and they directed me to a medical article on their website. It has a list of requirements, and I think I meet them all. But I'm not sure. Here is the exact wording: Indications and Limitations of Coverage Coverage for cosmetic services is determined according to individual or group customer benefits…

I am wondering this question: I am big busted now (pre-op) and don't necessarily want to have implants done after my weight loss. I know I will require both ab work and some revision to the tata's...is possible for the plastic surgeon to just reduce and reshape??? I know many ladies lose their weight and then have implants, but I have never liked being a large-busted woman and I look forward to being a small cup size...

I'm hope that someone can help answer this question. Can the plastic surgeon determine what your weight should be when you have surgery or maybe by looking at you that you don't need to lose any more weight? I have read a post somewhere on here that the surgeon wanted them to be at a certain fat %. It may have been because they wanted procedures to transfer fat to another location though. The procedures I want are a neck lift, breast lift, arms, and tummy tuck (or LBL, not sure yet). I'm 5'11" and 181. I did a body analysis and my lean body weight is 133. The lowest I can remember ever being was 155. My goal weight is 175, but it was just an arbitrary number I decided on,…

I want a full tummy tuck. I'm assuming with muscle repair because I've had two kids. Leaving boobs alone for now. What did you pay for tt anyone?

So I have my first plastics consult next Monday... I have no idea what questions I should be asking the surgeon? I have never had any plastic surgery before and frankly don't know anything about it. I would like to get a breast lift and augmentation, arms, possibly a tummy tuck and maybe lower body lift. So if anyone can help me compile a list of questions or concerns I should bring up please help!!!

Trying to find some. I don't want to watch videos. The vids on YouTube are SO long, I just want to see pics of the different lower body options. Surgeon's sites are so limited. Thanks!

I am wanting to get a full tummy tuck next year, but I'm hearing more about the Panni procedure,and that insurance may pay for it. What is the difference? Does the Panni flatten your stomach or just remove excess skin? I feel like I'm wearing a fat skin suit Because my skin is loose and hangs down, especially my stomach. I want a mommy makeover but if I have to self pay I'm going to do a TT first & breast implants later on. Any suggestions or advice?

i am 60 years YOUNG - looking into a facelift have to admit i already had a few wrinkles searched plastics, couldn't find topic on this if someone messes up on a tummy tuck or something, well thats terrible............ but this is my face that everyone sees - can't hide if a goof is made hopefully there wouldn't be any issues i would be having it done in the states i feel and look great now after losing 105 lbs but i know if i had the face lift i would feel better, and look cute as a button any info would be great thoughts, opinions???? holding my head and chins up high kathy

My tummy tuck was completed on Thursday and I feel great! I had very little pain and was up and moving in no time. I was able to shower on Saturday and remove the bandages, and I cried when I saw my stomach. I am so glad I had this done, and I would choose to do it over and over again if it would go as well as it did this time. There is still some swelling and I still have my drains in, but neither are too bothersome for me right now. I go back on Thursday afternoon for my week follow-up, so I hope to get some good news then! For anyone thinking about having it done, I HIGHLY recommend it!

just scheduled my panni for june 25!!!! any suggestions on helping prepare, this is a miracle surgery because i have not lost all my weight and insurance originally denied it both the doctors office and i got a surprise. i am just thankful because this is my last year with good insurance!!!!!

Considering plastic surgery in Mexico. Any recommendations, and comments would be greatly appreciated.

Morning all! I had my survey Jan. 28th this yr and within the last month I've been experiencing leg and back spasms/cramping. Anyone else??? I have a follow up appointment next Mon and I'm gonna see my primary care as well. Hope they can shed some light as to why and help me stop them.

Hey guys I'm looking for some advice.i am 4 1/2 months after my gastric sleeve and I'm at a complete stop I've only lost about 45 pounds 20 of which were from the first month and after that very slow weight loss a couple of pounds at a time and then I just stalled and I can't figure out why my body doesn't want to lose anymore of the weight ? I have been very stressed out Leavy so I'm guessing it's the stress but does anybody have any ideas of good ways to go about getting over this stall? Any advice is appreciated I'm going crazy trying to figure out why its so hard to get over this stall .what it is I work out here and there maybe I need to be working out a lot more b…

I'm addicted to Zumba and I'm planning on having a Tummy Tuck, face and neck lift, Breast Augmentation, butt and thigh lift and a brachioplasty. I'm not sure how many procedures they'll do at the same time, but how long after surgery can you resume activity such as Zumba

Laying in the cubicle waiting for everything to get started. My body looks like a colored road map. Black line bottom cut, green line top cut, blue lines vertical guide lines.

Say you want a couple procedures, say mm. Would it be easier activity and pain to do it all at once or all at once? Prob be easier to pay for it surg by surg.

Hello! I'm a little over halfway to my goal, and now is the time I want to start thinking about the possibility of plastics in the future. I am looking for recommendations for plastic surgeons in the Bergen County NJ/NYC/Westchester area that you have had good experience with. I will be looking for a panni (no tummy tuck, just skin/fat removal), maybe a little bit of lipo on my legs, breast lift/reshape (no implants), and possibly a thigh lift. I'd also like to get a lower eyelid lift to get rid of my dark circles, but that's optional. Also, not to be TMI but is lipo on the pubic mound a thing?? If so, I might consider that also. I am starting to look now because …

So im almost 4 months out from surgery and almost to my personal goal. I see my body changing in ways I dont like. I really want a TT, breast lift , my arms done and Brazilian butt lift. When do you start checking into this? I am young and have not had children yet, would you wait?

So I have been far past my goal weight since 9 months post op. I have been at a steady weight for about 3 months now. I am only 13 months post op, and am not planning on having plastic surgery until February or March of next year. My question is when should I start looking into this? When should I start trying to find a surgeon? Should I wait until almost time to book my consults with different surgeons to find the one who suites me ? I feel so lost...

I have a lap band and am going for an arm lift and eyelid surgery in 2 weeks. Has anyone with the band who have had cosmetic surgeryndeflate the band prior to surgery?

I had a Fleur De Lis Tummy Tuck last Tuesday, and I have to say this last week was one of the most difficult of my life. I am no baby when it comes to pain. My discomfort was manageable. It was the fact that I didn't feel in control of my body and had to rely on others, hard to do when you are a hard headed independent woman like me. Oxycodone and morphine suppositories made me feel awful. Between feeling blazing hot then freezing cold to not wanting to eat, move or be able to have a poop, to horrible hallucinogenic dreams I had enough of the narcotics pretty damn fast. i have had surgeries before, but this one really was the hardest. Emotional support was so so important…

Anybody have blue cross cover a panni . I'm 4 years out and has been getting rashes under belly and the insides of my way upper thighs.

I started my journey June 6, 2012 with the sleeve at 230 pounds, today 4 weeks after plastics with my Artist Dr. Victor Gutierrez. I couldn't been happier! I am loving my new body:) Before and after pictures below.

I'm looking to do a tummy tuck and breast argumentation. I'm almost at my goal weight but I'm looking for doctor referrals. How much did it cost? How long where you out of work? What was the worst part of doing the TT AND BA? Where you satisfied with your results? Every day I have to wear some kind of girdle to hold my extra skin and I feel less prettier now than when I was obese. My kids and hubby support me on having the surgery. However, I was telling my sister and she acted like I was going to crazy. I'm scare of the pain but I survive having a baby and having the sleeve.

I have lost almost 90 pounds and just scheduled my tummy tuck for the end of may. It's gonna run $6350 I thought it would be more. Nervous about it and really nervous about what to expect look wise once healed. Would love to hear others that have had it and their experiences- tips:)

Hey folks. Had my TT today. They removed 6 pounds of skin. 2 giant pieces like the one on the picture. I'll get some photos of me posted as soon as I'm able, but wanted to let everyone know it all went well. I'm in the hospital tonight and I'll go home tomorrow. I've got 3 drains....how in the world do you folks walk around in public with these things? The doc came in earlier and opened up the binder for a second to take a look....holy crap! I don't recognize myself. It's so unbelievable. Now let the recovery begin. Btw not much pain right now, morphine is awesome!!!! So this is half of what they cut out.

I am almost 4 months out, and have discovered I am not aging as well as I originally thought! I am going to be 33 in a few weeks, and i don't mind a couples crow's feet, not an issue. But JEEZ! Over the last couple weeks, I am getting very deep lines under my eyes and the crow's feet are MUCH more pronounced around my eyes. I mean the major hair loss I was prepared to deal with, and I am also currently experiencing. I only had about 60 pounds to lose, and I have lost around 40 thus far. Does anyone use any sort of eye and face cream that ACTUALLY works? I have been looking up reviews for some stuff, but I am always leary of putting out the money to try something new. …

I am supposed to be getting a panni, even though i have not lost all my weight. after going back and forth with insurance somehow it was approved even though i havent had the lapband for 18 months. I still have to quit smoking again, and i am supposed to be starting school in may, i can put that off but i dont know how much i should lose before surgery so that it wont look horrible. I am getting the surgery now because i lose my insurance next year. i dont even know what to ask my doctor because he wanted to do the surgery almost right away. can anybody help me?

I know I am still early for planning plastics, but I am just trying to plan and understand what I need to save. I was wondering if anyone had recommendations on Surgeons in the Chicago area that specialize in Plastics after major weight loss. I would really like to get a LBL, Breast Lift and Thigh Lift all in one surgery if possible. Two recoveries will be very tough for me. I need to travel for work, so I'd rather be able to take the time off to recover just once. Thank you for any recommendations!

I was sleeved 12-20-2013. I lost 135 pounds in a year and have maintained a range of 152-159 for three months now. I scheduled my breast lift with augmentation on april-29-14. I wanted to get tips from you all out there that have been through it already. How did you prepare for it ? what helped you stay comfortable? what do you wish you knew before you went threw the surgery? any tips are appreciated. Im planning on getting a full anchor lift and 400 cc moderate plus implant.(im not sure about the size yet I might go smaller) thank you

Hi all, I am 9 months out and 12 pounds from my first goal...normal bmi. Although my body has faired pretty well so far (pics below), I definitely have a wish list of what I would like fixed. I always thought I would need lifts and tucks but I saw these pics of full body lipo and started thinking since I don't have hanging skin anywhere maybe full body lipo is all I need. Anyone had this done or researched it? Anyone know of good doctors and pricing.I only live a couple of hours from the Cali/Mexico border so Mexico is definitely on the table. Cost is a huge factor since I will be saving my pennies over the next year to save up. Please share any knowledge, experience…

Hello everyone I need some bp regarding a penni. I was sleeved on 6/18/13 and so far I have lost a little over 100lbs. However, I've lost 145lbs since my first visit with my surgeon. My issue is I still have 140 lbs to go until goal. My penni is now getting in the way and affecting my everyday life. It sticks to my thighs, hurts underneath because skin is being pulled, still cannot lay on My back and so on so on. I have BcBS od CA and i was wondering if anyone has any experience with having this done prior to goal and if they will pay for it.

Wow! It's been a big day and a long time since I've updated here- but I still read posts weekly. I'm scheduled for Panniculectomy in April. I was planning on reviewing options next year but I've had some serious problems with my hip and leg that have made it necessary to address right now. Went in for consult and scheduling today. I have a lot to do in the next few weeks and want to read up here so that I can be prepared. Hope everyone has been doing well!

Hello my name is samantha I am 22, my heaviest weight was around 450 pounds I weighed in at 398 pounds on my surgery date i had gastric bypass on September 20th 2012. I'm down to 230 but my surgeon says my goal is around 200 I can not seem to get under my current weight, I'm getting very frustrated with this. What should I do some of my family and friends think i should get reconstructive surgery to finsh and get the rest of the weight I need off. But from what I understood you have to have excess skin away from fat and muscle in order to remove it right? I have what I call fat sacks of skin that just hang around it prevents me from doing things I'd like to do. I get rash…