Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

2,848 topics in this forum

I have been reading the comments about people not being sure about having cosmetic surgery because they had the sleeve for their health and not for vanity reasons. I have a little experience with all of this. I was not always heavy. About 3 years ago I was 150 lbs and had just lost 40 pounds (took about one year). I had liposuction to get rid of the saddle bags and love handles. My surgeon did such an amazing job that I started to work for him. I am a registered nurse and I now do all of his private nursing. It is so awesome to see women empowered to fix little things that bother them about their bodies. And they range in age from their 30's to their 70's. Having face wor…

I'm having a tummy tuck Oct 25th any tips and supplies any of you have.

Hey everybody, There is some stuff called lipo foam on the website contour md. It goes under you compression garment. First it makes it WAY more comfortable but it also makes a huge difference in the bruising. I attached a picture to show you. You can see where the foam was and where it did not cover. Btw, I don't work for the company. I had my surgery on 9/20 and the picture is of me. Sent from my iPhone using VST

Got my meeting with consultant today to discuss breast reduction. Apart from obvious stuff like recovery time, possible size etc, is there anything I should be asking that u wished u had? Thanks

Hi all, new to this particular forum but hope to get some input....so I reached my goal but not done yet I was banded in 2009. I sought out cosmetic surgery, pannectomy, tt, breast lift with minimal reduction, arm lift. I have Aetna insurance I was denied, BUT today my surgeon had a "peer to peer" phone conference I am praying now for good news, none of the above procedures are for looks, they are necessity each one...has anyone experienced this has anyone been approved after the peer to peer conference?? I also have Medicare but can't seem to get any input on how they can help ... Any input from anyone would be greatly appreciated ... I am sad frustrated and feel near t…

Hi there. I'm 38 years old and had lap band surgery in 2000. Pretty much always been overweight and very unhappy with my body. I was placed on the elective surgery waiting list in Melbourne(VIC, Australia) over 8 years ago for arm lift, breast reduction and tummy tuck. I had my breast lift and arm lift done 12 months ago (Aug 2012). I am so very happy with my breasts, I love them now. However, I am really upset at the way my arms turned out as they are still very heavy and saggy. They were terrible before surgery (surgeon took 12cm off each arm). I borrowed $5600.00 to have liposuction on my arms before the arm lift as the surgeon said there was too much fat in them…

has anyone used the Scar Fx Silicone Scar Sheet from makemeheal.com if so what has been your results does it help? just ordered it for for TT 6weeks ago since i scar very badly.. and this far my scar is not that bad in the middle but the hip bone areas look horrible jagged and not straight still swollen doctor says the scar will look better after this awful swelling.. please share thanks.

Few facts; I am at 183 lbs with a goal of 140. I recently discovered that my insurance will cover a panni (looked it up on a whim less than a week after my 6 month check up, so no planned time to talk to my surgeon for 3 months). However, I am not sure that I would be satisfied with just a panni and would hate to pursue a TT down the line after having a panni. And of course I have a ways to go until goal. Here's my big question. I didn't think there was any possibility of my insurance covering the panni, so I haven't done any documentation or complaining. Should I schedule an appointment soon to start the process, realizing I may not follow through if my heart is set o…

My surgery isn't until the 12th of this month and I've been hearing you'll have so much extra skin and your stretch marks will stay the same... Is there anything besides coco butter that will help and the extra skin I know excersise but anything else to help with the elasticity.. thanks all and good luck

Hello. Is there anyone out there who started at about 280 or more that didn't need excess skin removal?

Two weeks post-op. Can't stand up straight yet (PS tells me by week 4). Still quite a bit of swelling around the incision site, upper-inner thighs and pubic area. Pre-surgery weight 128, I'm 5'5". This morning 133.8. Still about 5 lbs. of fluid and etc. Should be able to start running again next Saturday- I cannot wait. Talk about restless legs syndrome!!!

As of two days ago I found out my insurance is covering ALL of my plastics!!! I am getting a tummy tuck, lipo, breast lift w implants!!! All I had to pay was a 250 deductible. I am beyond shocked, I feel as if I hit the lotto Anyone have these procedures at the same time?? How long were u out of work?

Anyone out there that has done an arm lift and upper leg lift? Should I do them together because of the anesthesia? I had a breast lift, probably should have had it all done while I was out! Queen of Crop

Can anyone tell me what they paid for a breast augmentation? I don't think my insurance will pay and the girls will need picked up and augmented after weight loss.

I'm getting a breast reduction/lift and I am looking for photos or a link to photos of women that are plus size about size 2x/16 with a C/D cup, 40 C/D to be exact. So if anyone knows a blogger, or perhaps you are or were a 38-40 C or D cup, please post. Im trying to see what a C or D cup might look like on my structure. Also if anyone in here has had a breast reduction in the past, please share your story. Thanks.

I am currently consulting with surgeons about a tummy tuck and I'm curious what your experiences have been with the port. The very very very well ranked and reviewed surgeon I consulted with yesterday says he won't touch the port, so that limits a bit how much of the excess skin I have on my upper abdomen that he can get to (basically, he'll only work below it). This seems off to me. My port is located right about where my problem area starts, so I have this freaky horror image of a flat(ter) lower stomach with a bulge under my boobs. I have two more consults in the works. Any experiences you care to share? Just to share my story-- I had my lapband placed exactly …

I thought I would just give a recap of the past 3 weeks for me. I had am Arm Lift & breast Lift (no implants) 3 weeks ago today. Over all, if I had to do it all again I would not change a thing. The first week was a little bit or a blur, drains, pain pills and LOTS of ice and pillows!! But in the 1st week I really did feel ok considering. The 2nd week - was a lot of figuring things out. How to get dressed, shower, bathroom. Brush hair!! But I was still feeling good and off of pain meds and I was driving and started doing little chores. Now week 3 got a little tricky - I had a doctors appointment - it was great. Was cleared to stop wearing the sleeves that made me feel…

Good morning all! As promised here is my recap from my plastic surgery on July 2, 2013! I'll try to be as brief as possible because nobody wants to read a six page recap, but they want the dirty details March 2010-Bariatric Surgery-Gastric Sleeve started at 265 lbs 5'5" tall May 2013 down to 185 lbs (80 lbs down) could have dropped about 15 more but I've been around 160 and with my body frame I look too skinny less than 160 and I knew I'd lost about 15 lbs for sure with PS so I wanted to cap it off somewhere were I wouldn't be unhappy. March 2013 I start the Plastic Surgeon search and since my insurance will be covering the Abdominoplasty, I started with those in…

It has been great getting all the informtaion from everyone who has had PS, what I am curious about is how the scars are doing and how long it takes for them to fade? I am looking at having a LBL, BL, and an arm lift but I am worried about how I will look with all the scars. I would love to see some pictures of how well they fade or how long does it take for them to start fading? Thanks

Hello everyone My tummy tuck is tomorrow! So excited but nervous! I had some lipo on the waste and tummy area already! But tomorrow is my tummy tuck surgery! Below is my picture for before and after lipo! Ill post photos after the tummy tuck! Keep me in your prayers

I now have a lot of skin on my upper arms. And if I didn't have the inner tube around my hips, I could be in a size 8 by now. Why do I have to wait if I have the money to get it done now??

I need everyone's honest opinion and any other advice or information you can share. I went to a plastic surgeon to discuss the procedures I need. Long story short, with insurance and every discount that they are willing to give me the surgeries come out to 14,000. My predicament is I don't have that kind of money. So, I now have an opportunity to make at least 8,000 dollars by donating my eggs My husband is not keen on the idea but is leaving it up to me. I truly feel fine going forth, but a few friends are saying no definitely not. I worked so hard to get healthy, now at 31 I want my body to look good. I'm beyond conflicted.....

New to this community and am planning to be sleeved 9/30..... My insurance is fully covering vgs but will not cover much in plastics.... I know the prices vary by what you have done, but would anybody mind sharing how much your reconstructions costs in other countries you have traveled to? TIA!

So, I'm sure this question has been asked a million times, but has anyone gotten a Tummy Tuck that has been covered by their insurance after weight loss surgery and if so.....how long after did you get it done, how much weight did you have to lose, and what was the process to qualify. I had a lengthy 11 month process to get banded but it was totally worth it as I got a free lap-band (completely covered by my insurance) and I was hoping to go the same route for a TT. I have heard that It can happen but I was wondering if anyone had any specific story. Thank you in advance!!

Anyone here have plastics done with bad credit and got financed approved?? I don't have insurance and I did go to MX for my sleeve, but can't afford the out of pocket for plastics in MX. I need a breast lift and a lower body lift. Any input is appreciated.

YIKES! I am embarrassed by my BEFORE picture...but without posting it you could not see the awesome results I have gotten over the last 9 months. Every month since surgery, my face has gotten better and better. I was told real FINAL results will take a year.

Hey everyone! I am just starting to look into plastics so I'm sure I will have a million questions over the next few months. My main question at this point is how much is too much for one surgery date? I basically need surgery from the knees to the neck (thighs, tummy, breast lift (plus possible implant), and arms). Since I am a college student, I basically would need to have surgery over a summer break due to lifting restrictions and such. What I'm wondering is if all the stuff I listed could be done in one surgery date or if you think a surgeon would want to split it into multiple surgery dates. Thank you for any responses!

I am approved by insurance for a Tummy tuck, lipo and panniculectomy!!! I NEVER in a million years expected insurance would approve, even the nurse at the dr.'s office was surprised! And....it was approved the FIRST time!! I at least thought I would have to appeal. I think it helped that I got a referral from my pain management dr, due to the back/neck issues. Plus, I wrote about how many medical problems are resolved, since the weight loss and how important exercise is in keeping it off. Also put that I am limited in my exercise options, due to other problems, and riding the recumbant bike, is pretty much my only option now, but....the pannis sits on top of my thighs mak…

I had arm surgery Wed 9/11 . About how long do they keep stitches in and when do u start to wear the compression shirts? I have been told to keep my arm wrapped but it don't seem to want to stayed and a big hassle taking on and off to get a shower

So, I went home with a special surgical bra. Closing in the front with Velcro straps. Super comfy. I was told I could switch to a support non underwire bra after one week. I have a Sports bra but I would like to have a better look and support. Any recommendations? What did you wear. What did you sleep in? I still have swelling on my boobs and under my arms (from the lipo) still so I am not sure what my real size is yet. Thanks!!

At first I thought it was just some weird BO smell since I can't wear deodorant, but I don't smell it when I get completely naked. Then I started sniffing around my condo and smelled the clothes I've worn since coming home from the surgery center, the bandages they used, and the post-surgical bra they put me in, and they all have this strange smell! I've washed them all at least 3 times and it's getting more faint, but I can still smell it. Maybe it's the surgical scrub they used that's rubbed off on everything? Does anyone have any idea what this is and how I can make it go away?It's driving me crazy! I might try to take my second full shower today to make sure I've go…

This has been rough between 6 days in icu to this recovery is no joke but overall once I'm back to 100% it will all be worth it still have some swelling and pain just where the remaining drain is (left is out) right is still in and bleeding around 40-70 ml a day Overall I'm so excited went from almost 400 pounds in 4/5x shirts down to and XL and slimming I can wait to get rid of my tummy once I am approved to get into the gym no turning back now

T-minus 14 days and I'm starting to freak out a bit! I apologize in advance if this thread gets a bit graphic. I plan to regularly post post-op pics to show the good, the bad and the ugly! There aren't as many pre and post-op pictures of black people showing scarring, bruising, etc, so I hope others will find these useful. Pre-pics are a bit low res b/c they're from a webcam, but hopefully my surgeon will provide his copies afterwards. I finally worked up the courage to schedule a brachioplasty and mastopexy. It's been dreadfully hot and humid in the DC area this summer and I'm tired of being too self-conscious to even wear short sleeves, much less the sleeveless ens…

I was banded in September 2008 and have lost about 240 pounds since then, from 433 to 190. I'm finally serious about getting cosmetic surgery. I met with my plastic surgeon yesterday, and I am scheduled for my first of two surgeries on July 24! I am going to have a tummy tuck with anchor (vertical) incision, breast lift with augmentation, arm lift, and lipo on the thighs. The second surgery (date TBD) will include the backside to make it a full lower body lift and a medial thigh lift. I am so excited! I know it's a lot of surgical procedures all at once, so I'm sure the recovery will be tough. But I want to get this done and out of the way! To give you an idea of what m…

I'm planning on having the sleeve in a week. One of my concerns – grant it, a very small concern compared to the surgery and weight-loss process is my skin. Does anyone have any lotions or products in that realm of things that they've tried when it comes to nourishing your scan with the hopes that it will try to rebound as best as possible? I predict coconut oil does amazing things but, there's a wide variety of levels of products as well as different ones with different ingredients. I'm trying to find the purest form possible without spending an arm and a leg. I'm open to any and all ideas and suggestions… Thanks a bunch

How much can they cost?

Anyone after surgery that did not have a stomach flap. I've been heavy most of my life, since I was 5 and always have had a belly. I'm just worried that there is no elasticity left even though i'm only 25. I won't have money for plastics probably til later in life, just didnt know if anyone else didn't have a problem with this or if everyone does.

Hey all. I am coming up on my 2 year bandiversary this December. I went from 283 to my current 176. My goal is 150 so I still have a good deal to lose but I am looking into getting breast implants for next summer. In losing weight I went from a full D cup to barely a B (probably an A but I can't make myself put an A on, my B bras have room). I want to cry whenever I look down. It's like I have wrinkly deflated balloons where breasts should be. They lay as flat as a pancake and I have to lift them and stuff the wrinkly skin into my bra. I'm just so unhappy with them. Is it something I should go for now? Should I wait until I'm ready for a tumny tuck (which I will need t…

so i was some what under the impression that by having the band you lose weight slowly enough that you shouldn't need reconstructive surgery.. judging by the posts here more than a few of you have under gone some sort of surgery.. is there any one that has not had to do this?

I just put a deposit down for an extended TT with Dr. Carmina Cardenas in TJ, MX. I'm looking for anyone who has any knowledge or opinions, good or bad. Please PM me, if necessary. I guess I should have asked this before I booked my date for Sept. Thanks in advance for any info

This stresses me more then anything - like, I want to look GOOD but I don't want to have my boobs become the thing everybody notices about me first. I want to have a nice overall figure, not like someone who had implants. Only reason i am getting implants is because with the weight loss, I am pretty much left with skin. The lift will remove some excess skin and then I will be like an A cup...lol anyway, I intend to tell the good doctor Sauceda that I want full Cs/small Ds, but my fear is that I wind up with something I am not comfortable with. It is not an exact science since even bras are all sized differently....

im 5 weeks out had TT with lipo recovery has been slow for me im happy with my new belly button and i dont mind the scare but concerned with iswelling and severe numbness will this go away? doct zd it will but when ? can anyone relate?

I'm only 8 weeks out, but I know tummy skin will be a problem. I'm only 23, but had 2 kids only 2 years apart (both csections). After already losing 51lbs, I can already see my tummy getting saggy. So my questions are What's recovery like? Was it covered by insurance? Wats the pain in comparison to a csection? Thanks!

How much are we really talking about here? I know that a person will look dramatically different/thinner, obviously, but can a person lose a decent amount of blubber via plastics? I still have a LOT of weight to lose, and I realize that I cannot substitute plastics for the work, but walk with me while I daydream ... If a person had total body contouring, TT, lipo, arm lift & lipo, thigh lift & lipo, etc. etc. etc. - could they concievably *lose* 20 lbs? 40?

Im looking for a great cosmetic surgeon in the Atlanta area. Feedback wanted

My highest weight was 405 lbs and I still have a ways to go before I hit goal, my current weight is 298 lbs... Buuuuuuuut..... I'm thinking about plastics and planning accordingly now. I will definitely need tummy, thighs, arms, and breasts nipped and tucked. Maybe the double chin. Anyone know how much can safely be done at once? I don't want to do too much at once but I don't want to live in a constant surgery/recovery state of mind. Tummy, thighs, and arms are my biggest priority. They will be the ugliest and "I Can't Believe They're Not Mine" bras will pick up the slack for awhile. All feedback, especially personal experiences, very welcome. I may be a "med…

I'm looking into getting a TT and wondering if its in Mexico who could fill out my fmla form and what will they put down so it does not say cosmetic surgery. I don't think my vsg Surgeon is the person for that. Not sure if my regular doctor will. He was not totally agreeable with the wls. But he did sign. Needless to say I haven't needed to see him since pre op or before. Can anyone chime in what they did for fmla. Thanks

Just wondering because I have read so many different things. I thought you need to be at goal for a certain amount of time to let your body settle before getting into plastic surgery. Just interested on everyone's experience and thoughts!

I"ve heard from a few people that Dr Mueller is a good surgeon and is reasonably priced. I am interested in a tummy tuck and breast lift with augmentation. If anyone knows any specifics, I would love to hear them. Thx!

How long did your surgeons say to wait before considering any sort of nip/tuck such as panniculectomy, tummy tuck, breast lift and augmentation, arm tuck and inner thigh reduction.