Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

2,848 topics in this forum

Have my first PS consult at 10am tomorrow. I'm feeling underprepared. What were your consult questions? What questions postop did you wish you'd asked preop? Everything goes. Really. Please.

Hey everyone, when you had your surgery what did you tell people? I've told my family what's happening but I am very hesitant to be truthful at work. I think there will be a lot of negative judgements and resentment aimed towards me, especially given the fact that I'll be out of work, then restricted, for a significant amount of time. Right now I've told them I'm having 'female' work done, being as vague as possible. I know administration frowns on having elective surgery done during the school year, but obviously you take it when you get it. Any thoughts? Suggestions?

Hi All, I am 4 weeks post surgery tomorrow from a full tummy tuck. The first drain was removed at about ten days because it really wasn't producing anything. Everything was fine for a few days then I rolled over in bed and reached for something on the floor and felt a distinct pop! When I saw my ps about a week later (snow storms delayed an earlier visit) he removed the second, and last, drain. At the time he said the first drain hole looked fine. Well, it's been almost ten days now and the only pain I have of any significance is from that first drain hole!! because of Christmas and new year my next appointment isn't scheduled till the 9th. After being so good in followi…

Did anyone have to have a lower port put in?

Today, I leave at 11:00 to go to the hospital. Surgery at 1:15. Getting panniculectomy AND tummy tuck. Would post before pics, but this page seems to be having issues. Will post before and after, when I can.

Hi All, I know I'm not going to do anything without talking to my doc first, but when where you all given the green light to at least start walking distances (2-3 miles). I can't remember what he said, I think it was week 4, but I may be way off base. I do know he said no sweat inducing exercise for a while. My next appointment isn't till January 9th because his schedule gets so busy during the holidays, otherwise it would have been due right before the new year. Thanks for your input. It is always wonderful. Ps- experiencing 3rd week stomach cramps, seems to be par for the course for what I'm reading.

Hi All, I had my lower body lift done on December 9th with Dr. Quiroz at the Cosmed Center in Tijuana, which included lipo on my arms and thighs. All I can say right now is OWWWWW. I was actually not feeling too bad the first few days after surgery, as the anesthesiologist had given me an epidural and it kept the incision pain at bay. The anesthesia is wearing off now in spots, and it hurts really badly when I do any action that pulls on the incisions where the anesthesia has worn off. I missed one of my pain pills last night so this morning was particularly painful ... seriously I almost started to cry. This is by far the worst surgery/pain I've ever experienced. I…

Does anyone know a good plastic surgeon in Arkansas? I live in Jonesboro, AR but will to travel to Little Rock or anywhere in Arkansas to a highly recommended dr. I have Blue Cross- Blue Advantage insurance. I've lost 150 lbs and about 15 pounds from my goal.

I Have MVP insurance, and was wondering if anyone has had experience with getting skin removal with MVP possibly paying for the insurance. I have chronic infection in my belly button and could use to get lower abdominal skin removal. I am going on 2 years post op.. Any advise in how to proceed is appreciated.

I'm creating this thread for my friend who had surgery a year before I did. She doesn't post so asked me to start this for her. She is scheduled three weeks for a panni only, no additional lipo or tummy tuck because insurance will only cover the panni. She has lost 180 pounds so has had rashes to make that part covered. Her question is if anyone else has had the panni only? And is there a significant difference between the panni area and the pooch that hasn't been touched over the belly button?

How long should one wait before having liposuction fat transfer to the butt?

Hi, I was wondering if anyone has had reconstructive surgery with Dr. Harris at Puget Sound Surgical Center in Washington? If so what was your experience like? Thanks all

Thanks for the insults. I forgot we are all perfect

Well, I laughed at the beginning of this when anyone mentioned plastic surgery after loosing my excess weight..... but, yeahhhhhh I'm gonna need it! Tummy is just extra skin hanging down, arms have "bat wings", and my lovely D boobies are deflated to a very small C. So, Dallas area peeps... I need some recommendations for a great plastics doc. THANKS! Stats: 5'1'' 197# starting, 188 on surgery date 1-30-13, today 127# Goal is 123#.

Hi All, I'm now one week post tt surgery. I thought I'd pass along some info while it's fresh in my mind. My doc suggested bandages for the first day or so then switch over to a clean white tee shirt under the binder. It has worked really well. It keeps the binder clean, and other than a couple spots the first day i had no drainage. I also pin the drainage bulbs to a lanyard that I wear around my neck when showering. I then hang the lanyard on the hook on the back of the door which frees me up to dry and carefully dress. Re underwear- I've decided commando is the only way to go for me. No matter what I tried granny vs bikini it all irritated the incision line. Diazepam …

Hi everyone, I've been so disgusted with how fat the top of my legs had become since taking it easy after surgery. Lamenting how fast they had gone to h*ll without running. Then I realized I simply hadn't seen that part of my legs in years! When I used my hands to cover up what used to be covered by my flab it was a miracle! They looked the same! Between learning that I don't need to wash under my belly and seeing parts of me I haven't seen in years this experience is certainly a learning one, in such a wonderful way,

Has anyone had insurance cover the TT and/or skin removal?

This is to those of you how have done this already. I'll give hard numbers so it makes sense I hope. My surgery was two weeks ago tomorrow. The morning I went in I weighed 143. I don't know how much he took (I'd guess 6 pounds, I forgot to ask). Today I weight 144! I know I'm getting NO exercise, obviously, but I'm also being very careful about what I eat. I'm eating less than pre surgery to try to balance the lack of calorie use. I know once I can start even walking things will get back on track, but is this normal? Is this fluid? I have one drain still in, but it has finally stopped much output so it will be removed Tuesday. FYI, I feel like the weight is going to my th…

:w00t: I am so excited...I saw Dr. Burns in Victoria, Texas and I am scheduled for a tummy tuck and arm lift Jan 6th, 2009. WhooHoo! I saw him again today about a possible face lift, but we decided to wait until spring for that. I just know the next few months are going to go by waaay toooo sloooow! thanx for listening, Joanie :redface:)

I thought I'd need a tummy tuck, but it's starting to look like my tummy is tightening itself and I will not need surgery! Now...for my boobs and butt, different story - they are gone and I want them replaced. I will do what I can in terms of exercising to get things pumped back up, but if that doesn't work I'm already doing my research on the procedures I'd like. Lucky me, my boyfriend says I'm fine the way I am...but he said that before the lap band, too. I guess I'll just take comfort in his response "I'm not going to love you any less either way, you are just right to me but if you're not happy then that's another story."

Hi All, I am planning on having inner (medial) thigh surgery sometime within the next month or so (probably). I have already had a TT, BL, BA and a buttocks/lateral thigh lift, so I have very few concerns at this point about undergoing surgery. What I am concerned about, however, are the results and the scars left from this procedure. I have scoured the web and my (unscientific) observation is that far more people are dissatisfied with the results of their inner thigh surgery than almost any other body-contouring procedure. Some have gone so far as to say that it was a total waste of time and money. I was therefore hoping to get some feedback from othe…

I am going to hit my two year mark in January and I am considering doing a tummy tuck. I carried my weight all over but definitely in the stomach. It's not bad, but I am still in an L-XL top because of it. I can fit into a Medimum but it doesn't look good lol. Has anyone regretted doing one?

Hi All, I got my surgery date, Monday December 2! Knowing everyone is different I'm wondering how long people here have taken off from work. I will talk to my doc when i have my pre-surgery visit but wonder what real experiences say. I am a para-educator in a high school with no lifting, but some walking. I am able to take it easy if need be. I'm hoping to take off 2 weeks, then work two weeks and then have Christmas vacation. My thinking is even if things are much worse than I think I'll still have Xmas added on. What do you all think? Ann

Hi everyone, now that I am on the recuperative end of my tummy tuck I am trying to get an idea of how to eat till I can start exercising again. I'm drinking a lot of broth and lemon tea, but don't want to go too heavy on the meat end since I won't be burning many calories right away. I certainly don't want to come out of this weighing more than I did going in! How did all of you handle it? Ann

Hi Everyone, just got home from my full tummy tuck. Glad to have been given Valium to help control the muscle spasm in the top half.

As wondering if anyone here has used Dr. Sauceda....what was your experience like? Results?

Facelift A facelift is used to correct creases, sags and loose fat in the facial area. Liposuction Used commonly on the thighs, hips, buttocks, abdomen and waist, liposuction reshapes areas of the body... that have accumulated fat deposits. Rhinoplasty This surgery is used to alter the size, width and profile of your nose. Rhinoplasty can also change the appearance of your nasal tip and nostrils. Tummy Tuck When pregnancy and the lack of exercise have affected the appearance of your abdomen, you can opt for a tummy tuck, This surgery entails removing excess fat, thus resulting in a slimmer, flatter abdomen.

Has anyone had either of these plastics done? Any advice and should I have them done together or separately? Healing time? Pain? I had a breast lift last March and it was a piece of cake.

I just wanted to know if anyone on the forum has used Dr.Yanez in Tiajuana? If so how did Your surgery go are you pleased with the results? If you have before and Afters can you share Them with me. I am ready to do the reconstruction phase, and I want to gather as much information as I can. Thanks ahead of time for your help.

Has anyone had a full body lift?

Hey all! I already wrote this and thought I posted it, but I guess it didn't work! Hate it when that happens! So I had the surgery this morning at 7 am. It took 4 hours. My implant size was 457 cc's . That sounds like a lot, but they ended up being only slightly bigger then my original ones. They are so full! Pain is minimal compared to what my tummy tuck pain was like. They are so perky! I am so thankful for Percocet!!! Well if there is anyone out there who needs/ wants to know anything just message me! Good luck to you all! Hope everyone can come out of their surgeries as well as I have!

Hi All, Hard to believe it's been almost 3 years since I had my sleeve gastrectomy! My lower body lift surgery is scheduled for Monday, December 9th. I'm going to Cosmed Clinic in Tijuana with Dr. Quiroz as my surgeon. I am having a lower body lift (includes brazilian butt lift) plus lipo in my arms and thighs. I will be staying at the recovery hotel boutique in the Cosmed facility for 8 days following surgery so that I'll be well taken care of by round the clock nursing staff. Part of me is excited and the other part is filled with dread over having to undergo another major surgery (I had a breast reduction done on July 1st, which to tell the truth was WAY more …

Had a tummy tuck today, lipo of the flanks and a breast lift w implant. The worst part is the heartburn!! I have taken my prescription heartburn med and nothing. I have taken easily 20 tums and barely any relief. Now I took another heartburn pill and I'm hoping for this to work. Anyone know why? I have only had applesauce, canned peaches and crackers. Should I call the doc?

Plastic surgeon in Kc area anyone know a good one??? Or have any input?

I have skin tags everywhere my skin rubs together. As this weight comes off, I'd like to get these removed. Is this something you can do yourself, or is it a procedure?

Hello All, I would like to contact people who have had reconstructive surgery at the Ariel Center in Mexico. THANK YOU

Please let me know how much you paid for your MMO in Tijuana and which doctor you used. Are you happy with the results? I am looking to schedule a MMO and really value your input. Cost is a big issue right now so honest feedback would be really appreciated! Also, I am wanting information/prices for the "gummy" implants. Thank you so much for your help!

I know im not readyfor one yet since i just started my journey but how was it? Lots of recovery pain?? How were your results..how much skin was taken off? Do you still have a muffin top/loose skin pouch?? Or do you feel like you will need a tummy tuck in the future?

I already have low hanging fruit (wings) so I know that I will need something to tone it up after WLS, however; I don't want the upper arm surgery that leaves a long scar. Has anyone experienced with the laser/lipo surgery for this?

Has anyone experimented or have knowledge of "dry brushing" to help with skin elasticity/cellulite? I have some, but not terrible, loose skin and would like to avoid surgery, if possible. I've read that "dry brushing" can help and it's certainly easy and inexpensive. The question is, is it effective?

I'm not in the position to be able to have plastic surgery but I wanted to see if anybody happen to have any tips or tricks when it comes to caring for your body after surgery. I want to try to get the best elasticity out of my skin – I'm not as young as I used to be but I'm not that old either. 31 going on 32. Like different lotions and things like that but I just thought I would put it out there and see if anybody had any suggestions. So far, I've noticed wrinkling when he comes to my skin – where I've lost weight… I just thought maybe we could share ideas and while it may not get us to where we want to be completely, it could be a resource for those of us that can't af…

I just recently found out about cool sculpting and wondered if anyone here had tried it. I have always had large thighs and would really rather not have surgery on them. This sounds like it might be a solution that has shown great results.

Before surgery, I said to myself that I didn't think I would want plastics. Now, I know I need it. I really need a tummy tuck and breast lift so badly. I'm so envious looking at pics of people that have had this done and how much it has changed their appearance. It would be such a blessing to have breast and a tummy that doesn't sag. The front of my body looks so wrinkled and deflated. I use to think it was about envy and vanity. But now I know it is a very important part of this journey. I'm still very happy with what I've accomplished but just wish I could have this surgery. Some are having this done at a lot less weight loss than me and with a 128 pound loss you can ju…

Can anyone tell me what the surgeries roughly cost without insurance for arms, tummy tuck, butt lift, body lift and whatever other kind of lift or tuck you can think of

So as of Feb 2014 it will be my 1 yr anniversary of my gastric bypass... I do have the skin folds on my stomach area but idt they will meet what is needed for the instance company to pay for a tummy tuck... I was wondering what is the soonest anyone has had plastic surgery after their bypass with no insurance approval. If I was getting it covered by my insurance I would have to wait 18 months, but I don't see that happening. Should I still wait the 18 months. I have about 40 more pounds to lose and I want to lose it before my year anniversary...

Hi everyone Im a 30yr old, just got my panniculectomy approved through Kaiser here in So. Cal. I have a lot of excess skin in the stomach area. I went from weighing as much as 409lbs 3yrs ago to now a 215lbs. Seen my plastic surgeon 1st week of May & yesterday (9/23) i finally got the call to setup up my surgery day. Feeling nervous & anxious all at the same time. Was wondering if anyone has had this procedure performed? and if yes i want to hear hoe the progress is going? Thanks.

So I'm only 6 months in but 123 lbs down and I can tell I'm going to need surgery on my stomach area, and possibly legs. What can I do now to get the best shot at insurance covering it? My doctor hinted that I should keep telling him I have rashes in any area I want work on and he'll document it. For people who got the surgery what do they look for when you got yours covered so I can make sure I hit all the right check boxes to give me the best chance. Do they actually send photos to the insurance company or is it just on what the doc has down?

Let me know.

Get a tummy tuck.. I hear people say wait 18 months.

Hi! I'm three months out from surgery and even though I'm doing a lot of exercise I've started noticing that I'm stating to get loose. I already plan on having my arms, stomach and breasts done. But how long after you get to goal is it best to wait? Should I do tummy and breasts before or after having children. My arms will be the first to go! Any advice. Xx