Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

2,848 topics in this forum

Surgery went great! He said the Pilates really helped my abs and he had less work to do. Do Pilates it works

Just wanted to update you guys with some new pics and updates on my progress so far. Im 26 days post op now and doing quite well. My energy has pretty much returned to normal. I am able to stand up pretty straight now, however I still feel my skin pulled tight when I do. My leg pain has gone away which is a blessing. As far as sensation when I touch the skin goes, I still have many areas that have not returned back to normal yet. The bad news is I still have my drains in. I had a little drain dramma a couple of days ago. They started to pull out and lost suction. I had to make an emergency visit and prayed that the doctor would just take them out. He would not, because …

Hi all sleevers, I'm 4 months into my sleeve and have experienced good results so far but am certain that I will want a tummy tuck (this is from having a child and years of yoyo dieting) any Aussies out there who have had surgeries to correct the damage we have done to our bodies? Or any words of wisdom from anyone who has undergone plastics... How painful, and tummy tuck vs whole lift

Hello! I'm down 26 lbs and was wondering about my breats today. Do allaen need a breast lift? are there any exercises or tricks to prevent needing surgery? I know that insurance companies don't pay for plastic surgery.

I am seriously looking into getting a facelift. I went to a local surgeon (I am going to a few more) total cost was 14,000. yikes. Anyone have a face lift in Mexico? Dee

I get alot of comments on my posts that my skin "wasn't that bad". I guess the photos I was using as before plastics didn't quite show the extent of the damage that obesity did to my stomach so I am here to set the record straight with pictures. While I understand that there are much worse cases of excess skin, for me it was unacceptable for me to live the rest of my life looking like I did. I guess I set my standards high - some people can deal with their skin, but I could not so that is why I got my extended tummy tuck. I can now look in the mirror and smile and thats all that really matters. I don't have to hate my reflection and that is a priceless feeling. Heres the …

On Friday I am having a forehead lift and my upper and lower eyelids done. Since losing weight I kind of look like I have a permanent frown. Yep, my face has sagged. Since it's the only saggy bit I can't cover I thought I would start at the top and work my way down.

Long story short - my stinking drains are coming out on there own. The actual white part of the drain is exposed in both drain exits and the suction is gone from my drain bulbs. Of course the wound around the drain is leaking now since the bulbs cant do there job. Ive had these drains in for 3 weeks now and I honestly don't think I can take it anymore. I have to drive 1 1/2 hours to my doctor tommorow so he can do whatever he decides to do. I hope he takes them out, but Im still draining over 100cc per day in each drain. I think I might beg him to just take them out and take the gamble with the fluid buildup. Its been 3 stinking weeks. I honestly just want to cry. Im not …

I am currently on my 2 week pre op liquid diet and I noticed today i have a small lum on the side of my cheeks close to my mouth. It looks like something is poking out my cheeks. Don't know what it could be. Has anyone had this issue? Could it be from being on this diet?

Alright - my drain tubes exit out the back of my extended tummy tuck making it very hard to get comfortable when sleeping. I guess I slept on them wrong and they just hurt and ache. I looked at the wound and its not infected or anything. Is there any type of cream or technique or magic powers or pointers that can make this more pleasant. Tylenol is all Im allowed and quite frankly its a crummy pain reliver. Thanks for any help. I got to deal with this for two more weeks. But yes - I remind myself - its worth the sacrifice of comfort at the moment. Im gonna stay positive and be a trooper.

I am in desperate need of a doctor that will do a complete tummy tuck and have it completely covered under my insurance and isn't afraid to fight for it

I have lost 170 lbs (got my lapband 2 years ago) and I could not be happier! I was prepared for a lot of pain but it hasn't been bad at all. I still have a drain in and I have another month of wearing the compression garment. Having to try to stay still but I'm just dying to start trying on clothes! I had this done in Houston but I'm going to Mexico to do the breast lift in August.

Hey everyone! I would love see some of the BEST transformations. From before gastric sleeve to after completely healed from tummy tuck and breast reconstruction. I'm wondering if it's a completely unrealistic picture in my head to see myself looking great in a bikini with no loose tummy skin or saggy boobies. I KNOW plastics are in my future because I would hate to lose all the weight and STILL be self conscious from loose skin. Please post pics if you've lost all your weight, gotten a tummy tuck, and are completely healed from the surgeries. Thanks!!

Alright - my drain tubes exit out the back of my extended tummy tuck making it very hard to get comfortable when sleeping. I guess I slept on them wrong and they just hurt and ache. I looked at the wound and its not infected or anything. Is there any type of cream or technique or magic powers or pointers that can make this more pleasant. Tylenol is all Im allowed and quite frankly its a crummy pain reliver. Thanks for any help. I got to deal with this for two more weeks. But yes - I remind myself - its worth the sacrifice of comfort at the moment. Im gonna stay positive and be a trooper.

Alright - my drain tubes exit out the back of my extended tummy tuck making it very hard to get comfortable when sleeping. I guess I slept on them wrong and they just hurt and ache. I looked at the wound and its not infected or anything. Is there any type of cream or technique or magic powers or pointers that can make this more pleasant. Tylenol is all Im allowed and quite frankly its a crummy pain reliver. Thanks for any help. I got to deal with this for two more weeks. But yes - I remind myself - its worth the sacrifice of comfort at the moment. Im gonna stay positive and be a trooper.

I am only a month out of surgery, 25lbs down since then but my body is already changing and I have mixed feelings about it.. I obviously love the smaller figure already but my excess skin around my belly from carrying my two 9lb babies is getting wayyyy worse and my boobs have already went from a D to barely a C in just that small amount of weight loss. I'm almost not excited to lose more weight because I know my boobs will just get smaller and my stomach will just get worse. I can't afford any surgery right now because we are in the process of buying a new house so I am stuck being discouraged about my new body

Has anyone had lipo instead of a tummy tuck???? Why? I think i'd rather have lipo instead of the tummy tuck b/c it seems a little less invasive. Okay...ALOT less invasive! If you had lipo, did you have regular lipo or laser lipo..... Any idea how much (est.) it would cost to do thighs, stomach, back, lovehandles and arms? Just curious. Thanks in advance

I was doing pushups with no pants (dont ask...haha ) and looked down OMG..I had NO idea just how bad it is....shudder. Bring on the scars !!!!!!

Do they EVER go away? All the pics I've seen look really bad. I'm just asking.

Okay.. So I need to know of a good PS out of country that can give me the long vertical inner incision thigh lift...you know the one that extends all the way down to the knee. I always hear about the groin incision, but that only lifts the skin. I need skin REMOVAL as I have a lot of excess. Please please please chime in Thank you in advanced guys

First I will say that I'm trying to keep my eyes on the prize here, so no regrets so far! But this recovery is hell!! I had a tummy tuck, breast lift w/silicone implant, and mini-arm lift. Surgery went well, the dr said he removed 7 lbs of skin & fat w/ lipo, yay! However, the first couple days I was unable to keep down any of my meds?! I'm guessing just sensitivity from the anesthesia in addition to not eating a whole lot. But now that I can keep pain meds down, things are a bit more manageable... And thank God for my wonderful husband! I need help getting in and out of bed, he had to remove my catheter, he empties my jP drain /records it, makes sure I'm taking my me…

I just had my first consult (via phone) with Dr. Katzen in California to start the process of having a lower body lift! I had my sleeve surgery in Oct of 2011 and am down 125lbs now. I weight 194lbs and would like to get down another 25 before my body lift. I am planning for a November surgery date. This will be difficult to coordinate because I will have so much travel to get there. I live in a remote community in the Yukon (next door to Alaska). Already I am dreading the trip home after the surgery because I am sure I am going to be incredibly uncomfortable! But I am pretty sure this will all be worth it! Anyone else out there have surgery with Dr. Katzen? I…

Hi Guys has anybody got an any Work done with Dr Ricardo Vega in Tijuana if so please share your experience ...

I have been presented with these options. My backside isnt bad, but I could wear fitted clothes without the skin roll after LBL Curious how you decided to go for the LBL??? Doc said recovery isnt much worse than tummy tuck. Scar is bigger of course....

Hello. I am getting close to my goal and am considering a lower body lift when i get to goal. I understand there is numbness after a lower body lift and i am wondering how much and how it affects you. Any info you have would be most appreciated. Also, how much weight did you lose after the body lift? Thanks!

I am getting close to my goal weight (only 35-40lbs) and am doing a lot of researching and know I have to wait until my weight stabilizes, but need to save up:) I personally will need a tummy tuck or lower body lift, inner thigh lift, and probably a breast lift or implants. so I would like to know what dr they used, the website if possible, the costs (including extra costs while getting surgery.... Hospital, accommodations, medications, transportation, ext. ). Anyone have a great dr that was cheep enough for a single mom to afford.. Lol. I don't mind traveling out of country as I had my VSG in Mexico:)

can bariatric doctor get insurance approval to have tt or lipo?

Ok when does the hairloss stop?! Mine started about 6-8 weeks out, it has been 6 months since my surgery and still lots of loss. Why is this? Im not buying the protein bit. Any insight?

I'm having a hard time with heart burn I seem to not want to eat because it gets so bad can someone tell me some good meals I can prepare or what can help with the heartburn

as some of y'all know I live in New Orleans and right now it's Mardi Gras season for the first time in a long time I really had fun in my tube top with no bra and tight tummy even dancing to the different bands. I finally feel good about my body and even feel a bit sexy :wub: . now I know the scar isn't perfect on the tummy and Im going to have a scar revision after im a year post-op if it doesn't improve.

Im only 6mths out snd and can't have mu pannie removed until 18mths but I'm wondering what is the differnce between these procedures? Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I317 using VST

For several months now I have been getting rashes where the skin hangs around my stomach area. I talked to my primary doctor and he referred me to a plastic surgeon. (We are military so we have Tricare for insurance.) I go in to see the surgeon and she says she never has problem with Tricare approving panniculectomy surgery after weightloss if 1. The patient has lost 100 pounds or more or 2. is getting rashes due to the hanging and sagging skin so she felt I was a shoe in for the surgery approval especially since we are able to get photos of the rash to submit to insurance as well. Today I get the letter in the mail that Tricare has denied my surgery. That they did not de…

I am a grad student and don't have the kind of money it takes to have some of the surges I want and will need since I started at 388, I am now 319, and my goal is 175-200, I'm going to have excess skin, and I'm young and want children down the road, it's just so frustrating...

Does anyone have any recommendations for a great breast lift surgeon in or around Nashville? So far Dr Maxwell seems top notch, but I would love other suggestions or opinions.

How long does it take to fade? Or are you simply stuck with a yucky, ugly scar forever??

i'm wondering what my options will be for breast surgery after I lose my weight????? i'm a D now, and i anticipate that I will lose MOST of my cup size after i lose weight. i do NOT want implants...i would be VERY happy remaining small, as I anticipate being about 130 lbs eventually. so what options are there? i'm hoping there have been lots of gals who have gone through similar and can give me some ideas. thanks!

Has anyone used, or know of anyone who has used Dr Salas for plastic surgery? I am considering going to see him March 2013 and thought I would see if anyone could offer some insight. thank you

Good afternoon from blizzard Boston. Has anyone had or know of some one who had a Life Style Lift? as seen on tv. I know it is faster and much cheaper than a full face lift. When I pull back my cheeks I look so much better. I still have more weight to lose before I would do this procedure. Thanks for the help.

Hello, has anyone had to deal with fluid building up in arms and having it aspirated? I went for my 2 week checkup on Thursday, and my PS drew 10ccs from one arm and 15ccs from the other. It feels like they need more taken out because I have really hard, large spots on both, my left s more prominent.

Here are some before pics I'll will post pics after a week of recovery ... Keep me in prayers ... Thanks ... And by the way this very hard to show .. cake.bmp JAN271.bmp JAN272.bmp ... This is after loosing a 100 plus pounds ... Thanks

I'm so nervous about having LOOSE SKIN! >_< Ew! People say I'm young and I don't have to worry etc etc! But I'm like that has nothing to do with anything loose skin can happen to anyone! I've been in this process for about 2/3 yrs kinda and I've been doin nothing but using creams to increase the elasticity in my skin because I already have stretch marks (sad face) at a young age and I don't wanna get any more or when I loose my weight I don't want my skin to be saggy so I've been drinking tons of water and using the creams to hopefully prevent this from happening!!!! I cannot afford a tummy tuck or skin removal.

It's coming along ... Using dermatix ultra for my scar ...

ok so ive gone to see the skin removal surgeon and im not yet at my goal but close to it but when i went to see him he said that medicare doesnt let them know until after the surgery is done if it has been approved or not im just wondering if this has held true to anyone else and what was the outcome??? im not sure if i can take the chance of not knowing and then get a huge bill in the mail later and not be able to afford it!

I have an appointment to see my surgeon tomorrow for my one year follow up. At this appt I will be given a referral for plastics. I need a thigh, butt, arm and boob lift. I am wondering if anyone has had these things done and if your insurance covered any of it. I live in CA and they do have different rules about plastics here after massive weight loss it can be considered reconstructive surgery instead of plastic surgery. I was just curious if anybody might have some insight. I am a little scared of the scaring from the thigh and arm lift. Does anybody regret it?

Along with other reconstructive surgery Momma's gonna have to get some new boobs cause I use to have bigger boobs but I don't have no boobs no more and its sad cause I use to be purky and im 33 yrs old and there's no purk here anymore more like 80 yr old woman and it really bothers me bad really bad ! My husband doesnt care but when I mention i'm gonna get some new boobs he likes the idea lol ! But between my arms , stomach , hips legs and boobs has anyone ever had all of that done or getting it all done ?????? It's not so much my stomach that bothers me but its my legs, arms and boobs that really bother me because ive got my stomach covered up!!!!!

I would like to know if anyone has had laser skin tightening on the inner thigh area or any other area of the body ? I am considering this procedure and would appreciate the comments and opinions form someone who has had this procedure done. I really want to know DOES IT WORK?? or is it a waste of money? Thanks : )

Has anyone had warps, thermage, laser treatments or any other procedures and how was your results?

Im wanting to see how tummy tuck and other surgery look on me. Esp. The scars.

Anybody have any experience with Federal Blue Cross and plastic surgery after weight loss? Do they pay? I hear that they do pay for quite a bit of it but I'd really like to know from someone who had it rather than from third party sources... I know I'm getting waaaaaaaay ahead of myself here since I haven't even had my surgery yet but I really think knowing I can finally look normal (for the first time in my life) would be a huge motivator to me. When I lost 160lbs( I've gained back 60) 12 years ago I was sagging skin everywhere--EVERYWHERE! I was very disappointed that I was still disfigured. I hate to admit this but my husband has never seem me naked with th…

Hi all, I am scheduled for a tummy tuck, liposuction of my flanks and an arm lift for December 21st. I was banded in 2010 and have lost about 70 lbs. Although my surgery is still 2 months away, I'm trying to get as much advice as possible prior to surgery. I'm so excited, yet so nervous as well. I'll be having my procedure done as an outpatient procedure (not overnight) and all three things will be done during the same surgery. Any advice or tips will be helpful and appreciated!