Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

2,848 topics in this forum

I know a few threads have gone up about this in the past, but I'm hoping to get suggestions of things to pick up to be prepared for surgery and recovery time. I'll be doing a tummy tuck with breast lift and some lipo. Any tips or thoughts on what to expect are also much appreciated!

Hi guys I'm new here. I had my procedure done 1 week ago and go in for follow up today with my surgeon. I did wonder about extra skin from weight loss. I have several co -workers that have done the lapband and so I have seen the good, bad, and ugly of it. I also have co-workers that use these wraps and have seen some awesome results as far as tightening and toning. Yes Water and eating healthy need to be done to see and continue seeing good results, So I'm going to try the wraps with my weight loss to try and help with my skin. I'm just curious if anyone else has done this? I originally wanted the 100 cal 14 Gram gluten free Protein shake from my coworker and was sold on …

Wondering has anyone ever heard anything negative about Dr. Sauceda in Monterrey? If so please post or message me privately. Thanks

Hey everyone, there's an awesome $500 giveaway contest being drawn, by Carnie Wilson, at the WLSFA (Weight Loss Surgery Foundation of America) event on Saturday night. Everyone can enter. The info's below in case you want to take part! There's only 5 more hours to enter, before the contest closes! RealSelf.com $500 WLSFA Giveaway On Saturday, 18th May, 2013 RealSelf.com will be giving away a $500 prize, to one lucky person who has entered the RealSelf/WLSFA giveaway. RealSelf will also match this amount, by donating $500 to the WLSFA. In order to enter, you simply have to write a review of your WLS journey, which will then be shared on RealSelf.com. You can do this b…

Help I'm in Atlanta!!!

i had a tt done on the 3rd and everything seems to be healing fine except last night i noticed that my belly button is ozing out white stuff and smelly plus it is burning this morning i am a worrier so i called last night to the surgeons office and he told me sometimes its harder to clean the belly button and to take a shower and then clean it with peroxide after my shower but i just wanted to know if anyone else thinks i should go in and get it checked out? does it sound like an infection?

I went to get a consultation with a surgeon this week. I was asking him for the Mommy Makeover -- first because of my stretched belly that never snapped back after pregnancy, got worse after gaining a hundred pounds and is now hopeless after gaining and losing a hundred pounds again. I also have a pectus carinatum -- this bone that protrudes from my upper chest. I have hated it my whole life and now this surgeon says that with a lift and implants he could make me look more like a normal woman. I can't begin to describe what these two things have done to my confidence over the years. When I was a girl it seemed like everyone pretended I didn't have the carinatum but I …

Omg I'm so excited and nervous for my doctors appointment on the 22nd. Been eating super healthy the past 3wks drinking tones of Water eating fruit an veggies Ect with not weight loss nor gain :/ hopping my doc apt will go perfect and everything will fall into place. Also have questions about lose skin, what's the best way to make sure lose skin doesn't happen. And if it does happen do insurances cover tummy tucks for lose skin caused by weight loss surgeries? Please tell me your story the good and the bad I wanna know everything.

I'm not sure how to say this, there is no not-awkward way ... I work out a lot, love to be physically active, so my muscles have grown strong in the 2 years since surgery. As I lose fat and strengthen my muscle tone, I can see the "real" shape of me emerging, I can see areas that were just hiding under fat and areas that are *genuinely* shaped a certain way, not just from fat. One of these areas is my um ... oh dear, I believe the medical term is for the entire region is "vulva". With drooping excess skin and stubborn fat, I cannot wear pants unless I wear a loose tunic shirt. It is just terrible and makes me feel so self-conscious, people meet me and their eyes in…

Well it's nearing my 3 month mark! Can't believe it! Just went and spent a crap-load of $$ at Victoria's Secret today! Finally starting to feel "normal" and enjoying my new self!

Can it be? Ok so here is my story... 6 months ago i thought about having the gastric sleeve, i walk in to the doctors office for the first time just to ask if the surgery is right for me, my doctor said i should get it and i was very happy but the doctor surprised me and asked if i can have the surgery next day because someone had cancelled due to family issues. So i did it, started thinking about sleeve on the 5th of november 2012 went to the doctor on the 6th of november 2012 at 5 pm and had surgery scheduled for the next morning at 7 am the 7th of nov. Now, six months and 78 pounds later (5 pounds to goal) i started thinking about tummy tuck last week after i tr…

WARNING - SEMI NUDE - GRAPHIC - EXTENDED TUMMY TUCK PICS Well just saw the doctor today and he took my binder off and checked my surgery and everything is healing up great. I am very pleased with the results and its only 5 days post op. Its gonna look smoking hot when everything heals up. Today is the first day I got to actually see the results. Its like a Christmas present being unwrapped. Its not as common to see pics of guys having a tummy tuck so this should be good to give you obesityhelp guys an idea of what to expect in results from and extended tummy tuck. Oh - And I got to say the scars look far more painful than they actually feel. Yes Im taking my pain meds s…

Wondering if anyone here can recommend a good surgeon for plastics. I'm interested in having an extended TT.

Has anyone used the silicone sheets for their scars after plastic surgery? How well do they work? Any feed back would be great. I am trying to get everything I would need so that I'm ready for improving post op:)

So I had my tummy-tuck, breast-lift, and mini brachioplasty on January 8. Everything healed great, but then I wanted to get my legs "fixed", so I did on Thursday, may 9. It's fairly uncomfortable, but definitely nothing compared to my surgery in January! I will try to get some before & after pics posted soon! I know you can't see too much there, once I can take the bulky pads off and put on panties I will share a better one! If anybody has experience with this surgery and have any helpful suggestions and tips, please share with me! Thank you all!

I love my results but still suffering from loose skin cellulite and stretch marks :-(

Been talking to my doctor about a tummy tuck heard it was painful recovery , anyone have pics just want to see what a final result looks like

Im considering having a panni. Im about 10 months post op and my surgeon suggested i see his partner for a consult. My insurance requires me to see a nurse practitioner for 3 consecutive months. My 3rd appt is May 15. My boyfriend and I have been considering having a baby sometime in the near future. I would probably have to have a repeat c-section. So would it be smarter to have a baby then the panni? Im going to ask the nurse practitioner in May but Id like to get opinions before then.

Has anyone made this work? When I get to goal I want a mommy makeover. Or at least a lower body lift. I have small children though and I'll probably have to have a mommy helper. How long will I need the help? (Aproximately, I know everyone is different)

Anyone here had plastics in Costa Rica? If so, who did you use, what procedures did you have done, and how was your experience overall? Thanks!

I had my surgery at the same hospital that he works. I just want to get some feedback on your results. I know the price is right and he is recommended by my doctor but would love to hear what you all have to say. Thank you so much for your help and advice! Denise

I'm wonder all my Tt bandster that used insurance how long was the process? Meaning for submitting pics all the way until approval?? I took pics today and they said to give 3 weeks for approval... I'm so stocked and hope to hear good news soon...

Has anyone gotten approved for a panni or reduction post sleeve with United Healthcare? If so, how was the process?

I've been hitting the weights since my 6 month pre op diet & I think it has paid off in my arms. I may be able to avoid plastics there! Although it I unavoidable for my stomach & my breasts. Going to reserve judgement on my thighs for a little while longer. Sleeve date: 5-18-12 Corset Trunkplasty scheduled: 5-28-13 Please ignore my wet hair in this picture! Kristie

ugh! am thinking about having a tummy tuck veryy sooon (like one month from now) I am almost 6 months post op and 10 pounds away from my goal weight, and they say afte a tummy tuck i can lose up to 25 pounds and it wont effect my new belly at all. But am very scared and i beg those of you who have enough info. about this surgery to answer my questions. SInce am doing this over seas i dont trust the doctors cause even though he is a very reputable doctor and very well known, sometimes he talks too fast and doesnt answer my questions to my full understanding. I am going in today for my pre op appointment and to set up a real date. Here are my questions please answer th…

How far out were you guys from the sleeve operation when you had your cosmetic surgery? What did you have done? How painful? Cost? Did insurance cover anything? I need a breast reduction, lift, arm lift, & some work done on my thighs. Just wondering about others experiences.

As anyone gotten eyelid surgery? It seems that my eyelids are drooping after having lost 45 pounds? Comments?

Ive had a C Section birth 4 years ago and it created a pouch. Can this be fixed after I lose the weight in my midsection? My trainer told me that it will be very difficult to firm that area because of all the damage that may have been done to my muscles during the c section. Is this true?

I am scheduled in May... so the time is nearly upon me to finalize some things and I need help!!! Okay, I have never been the kind of person who ever thought I would have plastic surgery and I think at times I ask myself if I am just caught up in the hype. But, the reality of it is, I have lost 150+ and just like tossing those huge 3X sweatpants, I want and need to get rid of some excess skin. Here is the deal, I have 4 areas that could benefit from improvement, but there is a certain diminishing return. I am trying to decide if it is worth the money and pain and suffering to do what i am planning. I picked a surgeon with a good reputation who is also very conserva…

Thanks to the magic of my extended tummy tuck I was able to slip on a pair of Size 34 Waist Slim Old Navy Jeans paired with a size MEDIUM Florida Tourist shirt - My smallest outfit yet! The gentleman to the right is wearing Size "TENT" shorts along with size "TENT" Shirt. Depending on the clothing I am a size 34 or a 36 but either way I am pleased with my new size. I must say it is such a wonderful feeling to not have to deal with a muffin top anymore. I had to wear at least a large shirt and a 38 jeans before my tummy tuck to allow my muffin top room to breathe. I just thought to myself today what an awesome feeling it is to be able to find clothes in ANY store now. Gone…

haven't been on here in awhile, was wondering if someone could help answer some of my questions...i had surgery on august 9 2012 and i was wondering how soon can i have any plastics done? i have medicaid and was wondering if they would pay for it. i've spoken to someone already and she said after a year they would remove the panniculectomy because its very heavy and uncomfortable. so my question is how soon? does medicaid pay if so what are the requirments? ready for this hanging stomach to go!!! it's digusting to look at myself naked

Hello all does anyone suggest some kind of shirt to hold in the spare tire look until I could afford to get a tummy tuck? Please I don't like how it looks

My doc told me to wait about year and half to have reconstructive surgery. Anyone know why??

5 more days til surgery and im worried my lifestyle wont permit all of the prepackaged meals.

I am finally ready to set my date for plastics. I have decided that I'm going for a lower body lift, inner thigh lift and am thinking of a breast lift with augmentation. Sooo..... What do I need to get ahead of time? I am planning for July of this year and want to start getting things together. Any lists of must haves or should haves, even could haves would be great. I don't know anyone personally that has had these procedures so have no idea what to expect. Lol.

I was wondering if anyone has tried any skin tightening/cellulite reducing laser treatments post weight loss. I am looking for a more affordable alternative to plastics after surgery and weight loss, as my insurance does not cover it and I will never have tens of thousands to spend on pastic surgery. There is a spa in my area that does these kinds of laser treatments, but its about $2000 for the treatment. Before I even invest this much I was wondering if anyone has had this done? Thanks!

I had my bariatric lap banding done in 2011. I did really well with it but have had other complicationsthat have kind of stalled my weight loss. I had a Bilateral Double Mastectomy in September of 2012. My original reconctruction did not work. I have the option now to have a DIEP Flap, which is using the fat and tissue from my stomach to reconstruct the breasts. Basically a tummy tuck. I am wondering if there is anyone on this forum that has had this surgery? I would really like to chat with you. Thanks

Does anybody know any ways to get insurance to help pay for TT and breast lifts???

I am having abdominoplasty surgery on 2-5. Any insite or tips would be greatly appreciated. My Mom in law is here to help with my 3 kids while i recover. So my biggest question is how long will I be down?

My upper arms are disgusting. I lost 60 lbs at 6 months post op but my arms are something else. My PA said surgery is painful and disfiguring with a huge scar. Do they ever get any better? I do light weights and water exercises to tone the muscle to no avail. Any suggestions?

And know if they cover plastics?

Going in 2moro for my 3 week post op tummy tuck. I feel really good. Swelling is going down well. Although recovery was very tough for me the first 5 days it was well worth it. It feels amazing. I would recommend it to everyone with lose skin in the tummy.

Wonder if BCBSTX will cover TT or panni, and what qualifications would I need? I've had lots of skin irritation, but doctor didn't take any pics of it. I've had two c-sections and WLS. Any thoughts?

Just had my 6 month follow up with my sleeve surgeon and he suggested i see his partner for a panni. Has anyone else had a doc do this so soon? I thought I would have to wait for at least a year

My loose skin is in my face, not on my abdomen. I have fat cheeks, new lines when I smile, and a line of skin hanging from my neck. I am a 49 year old man, is it too early for a facelift and necklift? Would I look like a space alien after getting one? Or should I just let the skin hang and shake however it wants to do so? Is recovery from a facelift and necklift painful? For those of you who have had one, are you glad you had it? Did you have any complications? How about scarring?

So I want to get plastics in the future, at least an arm lift. Right now it looks like I have utters hanging from my upper and and, yeah, I know that skin's not going anywhere. Is self pay plastics just like other medical bills where you have to pay a bill for the surgeon, the hospital, and the anesthesiologist? Or is there an all inclusive fee?

I went in to the doctors office the other day for a consult on a Tummy Tuck. I had my lapband surgery in August 2011 and i have lost 85 lbs, i have this apron of sagging skin that i just want removed. After talking with the doctor it was decided that i am going to get a Tummy Tuck, lipo around the sides and a breast lift. I would really like to have my hips lipo but maybe next time. Doctor said it would take about 3 hrs and i would be out of work 1 - 2 weeks. They are doing a special now with financing so i can get this all completed for about $7500. I thought that was pretty good. What does everyone one else think? I have not schedule this yet but my husband says if i wa…

Ok did you ever hear the saying be careful what you wish for it just may come true? Well I have been wising for a tummy tuck for the past few years and the day has finally come and I'm scared out of my mind. I am not afraid of the pain I'm afraid of not waking up or getting an infection. I don't know why I am all of a sudden freaking out but just am. I decided to go for it all,TT, lipo, breast lift and let's not forget breadt augmentation, 5,5 hour surgery. I always thought after I got my lap band and lost the weight I would be content. However after losing 75 lbs I now how sagging breasts that were basically deflated and all this extra skin. I have exercised throughout m…

Friday I had my TT. Was not bad and I believe doing Pilates 3 days a week is why. So today I was able to take all the bandages off and shower with the special soap he gave me. All I could do was stand there and stare at myself in the mirror. My stomach is Flat, I know it's suppose to be but I just guess I wasn't really believing it was going to be flat. I have a new belly button that's kind of cute lol. I'm swollen in the legs but that will go down. I just can't stop smiling. I've never had a flat tummy and to think it only took me 54 years! I'm thank all of you for your advice, it really helped with the journey. My dr doesn't use drains and the nurse had me get max…

Belly buttons definitely do change during your weight loss journey. Just wanted to share mine in pictures.