Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

2,848 topics in this forum

Just looking to see who on here has had surgery in Mexico at the CosMedClinic? I've heard a few good reports from people who have, but I am obviously apprehensive about surgery in any other country, but the savings is so significant that I figured it is worth checking out. Please let me know if you have and how your experience went, or if you considered it and didn't--why? Thanks!

Hey everyone! I have breast implants but got them very young. Now that I've gained all the extra weight they're larger and of course saggier. I am very curious to see what happens after I lose the weight. Will they be the way they were before? Will they shrink a little but still be a bit saggy? Anyone who has lost the weight and who had implants before surgery please let me know!

Still need to wear bandages over my belly button and a small opening over my scar ... How does it look ?

I am less that 12 hrs away from another drastic step in my life as I go under the knife once again to improve the fabulous results that the lapband and my hard work over the last 2 years afforded me. My tummy tuck and breast lift is all set. gone will be my Jello belly and frowning belly button. The girls are getting lifted and some air will go back in the tires... I have lost so much weight that they now resemble half inflated Water balloons... Those long ones....I don't want to look like a twenty year old..... Just a healthy 52 year old woman who isn't quite done having a good life. I received a call from the dr and the anesthologist which I though was pretty cool.…

Does anyone know if its ok to use nicotene Patches to quit smoking preop? My surgeon requires to quit 2 weeks before & after & I'm about to pull every hair in my head out! Please no bashing, I already know its a nasty unhealthy habit & I'm trying really hard to quit, but I'm also trying to preserve my sanity in the process!

Hi guys looking to get some work done TT BL with implants lipo and BBL so far I got a quote for $6800 is that about average ??

Is it normal for my scars to be really pink? I am almost 2 months out. My port incision has raised also. Will the color and scars fade?

I was banded nearly 3 months ago. I don't feel the need after losing all the weight for a tummy tuck or skin removal, but I would like a breast reduction. However, I would like it soon. I've always struggled with large breasts, no matter what my weight was or is. Even with 50lbs gone, they are still the same size, just droopier and heavier on my body. I considered this even before being banded. I just feel like at some point it could be a total burden on my back. I'm just wondering if anyone has had a reduction before getting to their goal? I don't want to be hunchback, not to sound silly, but it does run in my family.

Im looking to get a TT around August ( gotta build back FMLA hours since I stayed out a LONG time after VSG surgery) .... so Im thinking Im a lil late on starting to build a file that will encourage Aetna to pay for it.... So far Im down 70 pounds ( not quite 5 months post-op) with another 70 to go....Im thinking about getting TT at about 160 pounds which is about 45 pounds away....that will make me about 115 lbs down.... So my major questions are, What "ailments" do I need to be suffering from to get insurance approval or partial approval? rashes, etc... Do I need to see dermatologist?? PCP... will my own pics of these rashes suffice?? How much of a history of rashes …

Just out of curiosity, since I am looking into a tt, and reading like crazy over everyone's experiences..... I had 3 c-sections and an abdominal hysterectomy so am wondering how the pain is in comparison. My c-sections were super easy to heal from and little pain. However I know that the difference is in the righting of the muscles and the healing will be different. Any imput?

DO's and DONT's Advice for Having Cosmetic Surgery in Mexico (or other Foreign Country). DONT assume because you had the Sleeve in Mexico (or anywhere) and it was a breeze, your Cosmetic Surgery Procedure will be a breeze. DONT expect to have the same results as another person whose weight loss was 100 pounds less than yours or who heals and scars differently than you. DONT schedule a Cosmetic Surgery procedure with a surgeon without sending pictures and having him evaluate them but then DO realize once he does his second evaluation in person, his recommendation may change. DO, if possible, take the time and spend the money to go to a local Plastic surgeon for a c…

I'm pretty excited-- I just booked my surgery for March 11th, which seems so far away/yet so close! I'm doing a TT and breast lift (with no implants as of now). I also spoke with my surgeon about my upper arms and inner thighs, and we will be evaluating those again at my next appointment, as I am trying to get down about another 15lbs or so before then so things may change a little bit with additional loss. Right now its looking like I may do a little lipo on both and see if the skin adjusts, hopeful avoiding more surgery later and saving a bit now-- but we will see. He said I will have drains for about the first week, and I have two weeks off from work/school. Ver…

Hey everyone, A friend of mine is in the process of looking for a plastic surgeon in Mexico. Was hoping you nice folks could recommend some Mexican surgeons.

So I decided when I get to goal weight I'm going to get height surgery where they break my legs and reset them so I can be 5'8 instead of 5'6. And I'm going to get my fingers elongated as well. So they'll break my fingers and set them! I can't weight! I mean I can't wait!

I want this disgusting skin gone!!! Wasnt even that big to begin with but because I've been so big in the past it's all hanging there reminding me of what I've been through!! I wanna be hot for my fiancé but don't feel like that will happen until I have PS... Any advice???

I have only been banded since May 2012 so my loose skin situation is not really bad...yet. An acquaintance told me about something she heard happened at some hospitals, where some plastic surgeons do post weight loss surgery in exchange for the donated skin. The skin would be used for grafts and burn patients etc. I don't trust this person implicitly because she is very jealous of my ability to get the lapband. So I I thought I'd mention it here before I made an ass of myself calling surgeons and hospitals. Has anyone heard of this?

I have my date March 1st. I'm excited and nervous. There is a light at the end of the tunnel. I lost a total of 110 LBS and I am in a size 6. I don't even think I was born this size lol. I had to show my photo ID the other day and the girl asked if I had another ID, since the picture was not mine! Guess I need a new Drivers license now. Anyway I went to many different DR's and heard may different opinions and tales but I found a dr who I'm comfortable with and has been doing this for 30 years.

Do you think it is possible to lose all the weight without having to have the skin removal? What I mean is, is there a way not to have excess skin after all the weight loss?

Does anyone know if Medi-Cal covers tummy tucks or the reconstructive surgery for post-op sleevers? I live in California, and don't know if it's covered...

I am in the middle of my weight loss but know I will be working somewhere new by the time I'm ready for plastics? Has anyone gotten their band with one insurance but had their plastics done with another insurance because it changed?

Tell me about your cosmetic surgery; did you get it done in the US or MEXICO? Did insurance cover if in the US? If so ; on what grounds? And are you satisfied with the results?

Does anyone know any info on her about plastics???

I have been researching and came upon a Dr. Mario Diana he's having a great Valentines special for breast augementation has anyone ever gone to himor know of anyone who has? His pric is the same as mexico 3600. Really excited about the responses to come please share.

Was wondering who was given a binder the day of surgery and who got one at the post-op visit?

Anyone know of a nurse I can hire for a couple days post op in TJ? Where do I look for one, etc? I do not want to stay in a recovery house, I don't like hospitals, and I just like to be left alone for the most part after surgeries. Although Im not going alone, I think it will be better if I hire a nurse for the first couple days until my companion and I are comfortable with drains, moving, etc. Any suggestions?

Is my belly button gonna stay this way ?

Okay I'm still new to the site and I'm trying to gather all the info I can. Did anyone have significant hair loss/thinning? I have thick hair and the thought of losing it scares me! Thanks

Need suggestions on where to stay in TJ or san diego. I am scheduled with dr fuentes on Jan 24, so need to get my reservations done asap! Thanks in advance!

I'm 7 months out, 33 lbs from goal of half my body weight (155) . I'm looking at having plastics in early 2014 so hopefully I would have the funds & slow time at work to take off 2 weeks. Unless we get insurance at work, I'm probably going back to Mexico. Anyways, I've had quite a few stomach surgeries: c-sections in '00 & '01, tubal in '01 during 2nd c-section, appendix & gallbladder removal 3 months apart 3 years ago, and sleeve 5/12. The top half of my stomach looks like Freddy Krueger attacked a wrinkled old lady and the bottom half, though much smoother and scar-free in appearance hangs LOW and hopefully the last of my weight comes off here. I've los…

How long is the recovery time for a tummy tuck and a breast lift? I'm only 4 months out from vsg, but I'm assuming I'm going to need these.

I want and need a plastic surgeon that would do my whole tummy covered and submitted under my medical insurance properly it would be great if they could get my breast covered too

I lost 50 lb 3 yrs ago. Had a tummy tuck. Since, I have gained all the weight back. Does anyone know if you can have lapband AFTER a tummy tuck?

Has anyone did arm lifts in Mexico? How much did it costs? Who was the DR?

So, I am 26 and have lost 120 pounds with the lap band. I have kept the weight off for years and work out 6-7 days a week for 1- 2 hours very high intense work outs. I have not had kids and i will be having a tummy tuck in 3 weeks. I am nervous for 1 reason alone and that is when i decide to have kids one day. but i can not live with this on my body anymore. It is a sagging apron in front of my body and its keeping me from getting intimate with any guy yet alone start a relationship. I also would love to here anyones stories and how the recovering process went. My doctor said that i probably wont need my muscles tightened. Any stories would be appreciated. if you are y…

Hi everyone, So I had a TT, an arm lift and lipo of the flanks on 12/21/12. I was told by my surgeon to wear the binder around my abdomen, but I am finding that I am becoming very itchy in the flank region, where he did the lipo. As I'm still bruised and mostly numb in that lower back area, scratching really either makes it itch more or it does nothing. Has anyone else experienced this? And if you did, what did you do that either helped, or took the itch away? Any help or advice would be appreciated! Thanks, Jana

Had my TUMMY TUCK Dec 12, wanted to know opinions on what type of workout should I start on ?

Well, I met with a surgeon yesterday and I really liked her. I am a bit unusual - I am only 7 months post VSG but am already headed for plastics. Due to my life circumstances this is the chance that I have to do this (financially, also ability to take recovery time). When I met with the surgeon she felt the timing was just fine - I know that most people here believe in waiting. I am not looking for input on the timing as my only two options are to not have the procedures at any point or to have them in the near future. Back to the more exciting aspects! I am starting on New Year's Eve with a brow lift and lower eyelid lift. I am thrilled to ring in the New Year with …

Hello, I have heard so many people say they start treating their wounds/scars almost immediately. I've also read it on many medical websites. I'm a week out of brachioplasty and tissue excision under both arms. I called my physicians office yesterday to ask if I could put any creams or ointments on and was told not until I go back in a week to get the stitches out. I had just begun putting triple antibiotic pain cream on after showering, so last 3 days. Please tell me what you all are doing that works for you. Thanks.

I just can't seem to wrap my brain around it. The time has come in my journey for my tummy tuck adventure to begin. Excited! Nervous! Anxious! I am scheduled for 12/20 at 7am with Dr. Straka in Humble / Kingwood, TX. I was banded Nov "09. The most I had lost was 111 pounds. I am up about 15 pounds, more comfortable at this weight. I will post updates for those of you who would like to follow along with me with my adventure.

Hi all, I'm sure this thread exists somewhere but I'm hoping to get your thoughts on any plastic surgeons in the New England area, and also an idea of cost for the procedures. I am hoping to lose another 25 by march, and to have a tt and a breast lift/ augmentation then. My arms and thighs are also on the list but will likely wait a year or so to see how those bounce back since I am young and have been working out. I will likely be paying for this myself, so just trying to get an idea of the various costs for each. Any help is appreciated!

I know that the sleeve surgery helps get rid of diabetes but what other health problems will it help with and what can it make worse please tell me thank you! gonna get skinny WHAT! using VST.

I am very excited just booked two plastic surgery procedures with Dr Salas in Mexico. I am having the procedures done on January 10th, 2013. He has a great price and many years experience. Looking forward to the starting the process for my new body!!

Just curious... does insurance cover any excess skin removal due to massive weightloss?

I'm finally on my way to my surgery. I thought this day was never going to come. I'm not nervous but very emotional for some reason. Can't wait to get this started!!!

Any advice on what to use to minimize the appearance of scars? I haven't had surgery yet but just thinking about what u all have done? Any creams or methods that you've used to minimize them? Also do u have pictures?

Hello, anybody that has had brachioplasty, please tell me what compression shirt you used that orked well and found reasonably priced ($50 or less). Thanks

Had a tt last thurs 12/13/12. Thought all was well and was released to go.home saturday morning. I remember only bits and pieces from saturday afternoon til tues evening. Apparantly the pain meds gave me a ileus (my bowels became paralyzed) and I swelled up so much I was popping stitches and it put so mich pressure on my insides and lungs that I couldnt breathe. I was told that if I would not have went to hospital when I did that I may have not made it. I spent several days in ICU with an ng tube to get everything out. This is not the norm but curious if anyone else had complications similiar to it.

Had my pre-surgery appt today and doc agrees that in addition to the scheduled flank/back lipo I need to address mons area. He's including lipo and lift of the mons area at no additional cost - yippee! I will finally be able to wear fitted dresses and skirts w/o looking as if I'm wearing a jock strap. Not an attractive look on a woman - soon... goodbye Ken Doll look.

I'm getting my tummy tuck in one month ... Do I have to unfil my band?

Hi all, My insurance will cover part of a tummy tuck to remove extra skin after I have surgery. My surgery is next month. However, I don't has kids yet! And one day I want to have kids. Would it be wise to get a tummy tuck if one day it will get stretched out again?