Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

2,848 topics in this forum

In a perfect world, I would be a millionaire and I could afford every plastic surgery procedure I wanted... I definitely need a TT, brachioplasty, thigh lift, and breast lift and/or implants. I know it's a completely personal decision, but if you had to choose just one, which would it be?

Hi all its been long time since I posted (I think I'll give an updat on another forum) anyway... I thought I'd let you know I'm doing a laser skin tightening procedure called Velasmooth (I saw an add for velashape in the upper corner...same thing) Anyway...my upper arms are pretty bad... I have all these elephant looking folds around the inside of my elbow and the inner soft skin looks like I'm 105 all the way from elbow to arm pit... I lift weights 4x per week, vocusing heavily on that area. That being said, I'm 45 years old with a super fair complextion (red hair and freckels). I went to see a surgeon and he said that was the absolute worst skin type for this typ…

Seeing after losing over 100 lbs what I'm going to have to have done - My skin is actually bouncing back pretty good so far, but it won't after I lose another 100 lbs, I'm quite sure of that. So...my list for what's going to be done (hopefully all at the same time) 1. Put the "girls" back where they belong 2. Arms 3. Tummy tuck 4. Lower body lift I think all this combined is a "full" body lift. My insurance that i have now will pay for at least some of it - i know they pay for the "removal of excess skin after weight loss" and I know they pay for breast reductions, which I'll have along with the surgery (I don't ever gain or lose there - I've always had sizab…

Did your breasts maintain the shape you had after weight loss? I've been looking into a reduction with a lift, and I dont want to wait until goal (in about a year to year in a half.) I want to start the process maybe a few months after surgery after about 60 to 80 lbs. I want to hear from women that has had lifts/reductions in the recent past, that started their sleeve journey between 250-300 lbs and has lost 80 to 150 pounds. I want to know if you had major sagginess, etc. Do you see yourself needed another lift or are your boobs still in shape? I was reading about breast reduction and the two types of breast tissue, the fattier tissue, which weighs less than the mor…

So I am losing most of my weight from my middle as of yet and now I have rolls in the top of my stomach too it's like all my fats gone soft lol does anyone know a shaper that will just cover my stomach - I don't want one with legs or one that goes over the shoulders? (so maybe hips to ribs like an old fashioned corset type) ? I couldn't find any when I went shopping

Hi all, I've lost 213 pounds so far on the lap band. Started at 433 in Sept of 2008, lost most of this weight in the first 2 years. After a long plateau and a port replacement due to a leak, I'm back on track and losing again. I'm determined to get from my current weight of 220 to my goal of 180 (I'm 5' 9"). My reward to myself will be a lower body left with anchor incision. I had a panniculectomy after losing 80 pounds because my pannus was so bad. That was great but I definitely need the lower body lift. All my loose skin has pooled around my hips and I have folds vertically as well as horizontally (hence the anchor incision). I'm two sizes larger on bottom than on …

Ok, I know I've talked about this before but I'm desperate! I've tried milk of mag, miralax, fibercon, regular laxative , you name it. The only thing works for me is the MOM but it leaves me gassy and in pain for days afterward. I haven't had a normal bowel movement since surgery. I don't even look like I've lost 41 lbs because my stomach is always swollen with gas and constipation. Doctor says keep using MOM. Anybody have any other suggestions.

Ill be having my surgery July 9th and I'm so worried about loose skin!! I've seen people that have had the GBYpass and their skin is so loose it doesn't look good at all. I there anything I can do NOW to prevent or even minimize it???

Well.....my brachioplasty is scheduled for November 14th at 7AM!! WOOHOO! Getting nervous. I wanted to share the journey with you all. I am posting up today preop pix! Dr. Urquehart in Anniston, AL is doing my surgery. Total cost for me: $3400! Not too bad considering his standard cost is $3600!!! Oh and did I mention that I get 3 free laser treatments to my scars!!! WOOHOO!!!! This is what my arms look like now..... This is what he said they should look like after surgery...we shall see!!!!

Hi my name is Bonnie I'm 23 years old and I've been struggling with my weight all my life. I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was held back in the first grade, from there they put me on Adderall and I was gaining 10 pounds every month, I didn't understand because I wouldn't eat breakfast or lunch at school because the medication it would make me nauseous. By the time I would get home it would be dinner time and I would be hungry. This continued through my high school years where I couldn't even stand to be in the lunch room I would just go to the library and hang out til' lunch was over. I was still active and try to keep up the best I could with all my friends that were th…

Hi ,I need a bit of advice and am not up to date on surgery tech terms. I am more or less at my goal weight having lost 9 stone. I had a TT last year with amazing results!!!! The problem area I now have is my knees. when I am sat down I have beautiful slim legs but when I stand up it all seems to drop to my knees which look so large compared to the rest on my slim self. I can literally pull up my skin to the top of my legs. Short of attatching suspenders to the loose skin to hold it up (lol) I am at a loss as to what to do. I am guessing there is surgery that can be done but do not know what this type of surgery is called to research it. If anyone could help or…

Does anyone have any before and after plastic surgery photos? I'm far from getting a surgery but thinking about it as well as doing plenty of research. I want a boob lift and a lower body lift..maybe. If I can't get my arms in better shape,,I'll be getting them fixed too.

Want to have just my port removed. I've lost 170 lbs and it was sticking out a lot. It makes exercising (and everything else) very uncomfortable. I had to have a complete unfill because I got an ulcer in my little pouch from taking antibiotics. I recently had a abdominoplasty and it's even worse. I'm having a breast lift in a month and with that tightening of the skin I'm sure it will be even worse. I'd like to have it done here in the US but I think I can have it done cheaper in Mexico (where I'm having the breast lift). Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

Any recommendations on a good plastic surgeon near Columbus Ohio ?

I was told that you couldn't have a full tummy tuck if you have a scar from an open gall bladder removal. It was said that there's a possibility of poor healing. Was anyone else told this or has anyone had a TT that has that scar?

Hey everyone!! While I'm not at the point that I'm ready to schedule any lifts, tucks, or other skin-removing surgeries, I am finding myself very concerned about how noticeable the scarring from these procedures will be once I'm prepared to look into them more. I'd eventually be interested in a tummy tuck, lower body lift, breast lift (with possible reduction), and probably arm, back, and thigh procedures. To anyone who has had any of these surgeries: how noticeable are the scars that are left behind once everything has healed? Do you find yourself more or less preoccupied with how the scars look compared to what you thought about how you looked when you had the excess…

Know that most of yall on here are ladies. Ladies are always looming for perfection. I am in the learning phase of plastics. This is what I am looking for and links to go with it. Little or no scaring please 1.Tummy tuck procedures 2.Breast implants 3.Butt implants 4.Rhinoplasty-looking for a good doc for a flawless nose job No they are all not for me lol. If I wanted to be a TV it would but I am not. I am just researching for my wife and I. Thanks. Any point in the right direction would be helpfull.

Hi everyone! I had surgery in Aug of last year and have lost 101 lbs. I wanna know where do I start as far as looking into plastics? My PCP has it documented about the itching and rash under my tummy that hangs. I also have back pain maybe due to my breast sagging. I am trying to get my insurance company to cover this however I don't know if they will. I have Aetna ***. Is the first step getting a refferal to a plastic surgeon to see what he says? Also do you have to be at your "goal" weight to get plastic surgery. Its just that this skin hanging is soooooooo irritating!

Greetings! I am over 10 years post op. I have lost a total of 130 pounds. Its time for a little upgrade on the body - tummy tuck, arms and thighs. I am on Whidbey Island, WA. Is there anyone that has recommendations for doctors in the Seattle or Bellingham area? Thank you!

I was sleeved March 20, 2012 after getting approval from Cigna. I know that they would have covered medically necessary reconstructive surgery but I just started a new job with new insurance. I now have UMR and was wondering if anyone has ever gone from one insurance carrier that approved and covered the sleeve to a different insurance company for the reconstructive surgery?

Dear All, I have undergone lost 77 pounds last year, but, as most in my situation, I am left with folds of hanging skin. I have decided to undergo surgery and have heard about Dr. Al Aly (Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery Institute - UC Irvine Medical Center), apparently "world authority on body contouring". Have any of you heard of him or the Institute? I am very very nervous. This is a crucial step for me and I would like to chose the best doctor possible. Thank you!

Has anyone ever done lipo post surgery? What were your experiences? I am 4 months out and I am thinking about it for the future.

Please be sensitive ... I have been on threads where people have made negative comments about any number of things. It took a lot of courage for me to put these pics up here. I had my TT done 13 days ago and still swollen a bit. I am feeling pretty well, just tired mostly. I have added the pre-op pics .... I will warn you, they are NOT pretty! I am not perfect but I am on my journey..... Thanks, Katie

I am two weeks post op on vacation. Can I have a glass of wine?

I guess I have been on a losing and gaining roller coaster for the past couple of years. I have sagging skin in my lower abdomen already and I haven't even had the VSG yet! I also have the horrible extra skin under my chin, I've had it for years and I'm only 38. I hope that when I lose weight it diminishes or disappears I hate it, I am very self conscious about it, it makes me feel old. Anyway, I know there will be a lot more loose skin in my lower abdomen after surgery, and I know it will be a problem for my back. Even now I have lower back pain when I walk too much...I don't get why insurance (Medicare and Medicaid) doesn't cover this excess skin removal since i…

Im so nervous about getting bypass for weight loss that I I've missed a couple of nutrition visits. I have three left so I need to get it together! The state is suppose to pay for the work being done, and the after work too idk but that's what my surgeon says too me. Is it possible that after I do all the steps to get approved that I get denied the gastic bypass surgery? I'm also having bad dreams that I won't loss weight or I look crazy after loading to much its crazy. I'm 25 and the doctor believes I will do great! I really need a lot of support not to many people around me like the idea and I've lost friends because of it too. They said I would be too confident in mys…

Has anyone else done anything as stupid as I did as spenidng almost 10,000 just to turn around and have the lap band which will make me lose weight (yeah!) but make my tummy not look so good... just wondered? xoxoxo Opehia

I had a TT and LBL about 7 years ago, and then got fatter. My skin is tight though. Wondering if this will effect my surgery in any way.

Thinking about the TT and asked my PS about switching to the low profile port because mine looks like a half a golf ball under my skin! He said there isnt that much difference and it might not be worth it because there would still be a bump. Not sure If I want to spend 7K and still have a weird lump! Anyone have this issue ? Thanks all!

I currently weigh close to 15 stones. I'm 5'5 and have a BMI of approximately 34. I think I have a very big tummy. There are white stretch marks on it (which I'm not that bothered about) but I am scared of having loose skin. It looks like I am pregnant after I eat or drink anything. My tummy tends to protrude right out (like a pregnant woman) but there is also a slight overhang. Will people with overhangs almost definitely get loose skin if they were going to lose approximately 7 stones? I am hoping to get a gastric band but have yet to see the surgeon. I have heard that gradual weight loss, toning exercises and rubbing various scrubs into skin, as well as moistur…

For those who finally reached their goal weight, and been enjoying the outcome of that so far. Are u considering going for a cosematic procedure? and do you think its necessary?

Those of you that have had a TT, what have you done about the scar? Mine is 11 mon. Old and very dark and raised. Has anyone done any laser treatment, creams,etc. that worked? Im also considering a flesh colored tattoo. Please let me know what has or hasn't worked for you. Thanks!

4 1/2 years later, I finally had my tummy tuck done on Oct 12th. I knew that eventually I would have a tummy tuck but I did not want to have it done until I was closer to my goal weight. The last 25lbs were the hardest to lose, but I made it! I am so happy with my tummy tuck results! I hope the pics post okay. Happy and Healing! :success1:

Hey all, what are the different types of scar treatments have you tried? I know the silicon strips are supposed to work well, but it seems really expensive. (Although I just found out they aren't one-time use haha) Any cheap things that helped you heal up faster and with minimal scarring?

Question to those who have had a Panniculectomy, TT, or Abdominoplasty procedure. In the hospital what was the feeling you had once you knew your abdomen was no longer hanging, sticking out, or having loose skin? Also, after you went home while recovering, what were your family and friends reactions? And how often did you look in the mirror? How many sizes did you go down and/or inches did you lose? As my day approaches, I keep going on in my mind, wondering to myself, will I cry, or smile ear to ear, or do I just want to jump and go running to scream it to the world. Krys

I have read online and seen on youtube people who claim msm has helped them a lot with sagging skin and stretch marks. Has anyone here tried the soaps or lotions or made there own from the powder? Anyone ingest tablets or powder? Notice a difference? Is it worth it? It isn't particularly expensive. I would love to know your thoughts.

Lapband friends, I am so torn right now. I have scheduled brachioplasty for July 2. I have care credit to pay for it. However, my house is up for sale and my divorce is pending the sell of our house. We both live in the house as neither of us can afford it alone. My parents gave me money for a divorce lawyer that I will pay over the next 4 months. I work a full time job and two part-time jobs. Fortunately, when I have wanted to have surgery, I have been able to secure a third part time job to help fund it via adjunct instructor. My parents do not like surgery unless it's life saving. I had a TT last summer and stayed ith them the first week, they were great. Owing my p…

Do insurance companies ever approve a breast augmentation after the sleeve?

I saw the doc today. The nurse that has been coming to my house thought the swelling had not gone down enough on my abdomen. He said it looks good and may be a little more swollen than he would like but he is not concerned. He put me on steroids to help. My stitches look amazing. I think I am healing really well. I will try to take pics tomorrow.

Has anyone heard of this freezing fat which is non surgical. Let me know your thoughts, just heard about it a few days ago.

Anyone had it?

Has anyone had insurance cover a tummy tuck or breast reduction/lift? If so, what are the requirements and what insurance do you have?

Okay, so I had the surgery 4 weeks ago and I still have a drain in. My incisions have healed beautifully and the Fluid is pretty clear with no odor. I went back to work after a week and I've been way too active since day one (moving around, getting up and down, driving, shopping, etc). I keep trying to quit but I can't. I get nuts. My mother died recently and my grown son isn't speaking to me and I'm feeling very depressed. I cry a lot and I'm not a cryer. I just don't feel mentally strong enough to go thru the nicotine withdrawal. The doctor is blaming me still having the tube on my smoking. I think it's more my moving around too much. Is 4 weeks really a long time? Ha…

Tomorrow will be my two year anniversary of my VSG. I'm still doing very well but have gained a few pounds back from snacking on candy. I'm working on getting that under control. I will be having Plastic surgery on Feb 1st. I'm pretty nervous but excited too. I'll be having a tummy tuck, arm lift and breast lift with augmentation. I'll post before and after pictures once I've recovered some. Best wishing to all on this journey! Barb

I've been really waffling on the issue of boobs lately, mine are still a DD (albeit 32), but they are very flat when they are not in a bra. They are not so bad that my nipples are pointing downwards or anything, but they are certainly saggy, and while they are decent when I'm standing up, they look awful when I bend down. I've trolled the web for info, but I really don't want to get a breast lift. I don't want the scars, and I don't want the extra risks associated with a 2-part operation and extra skin being cut, especially since I may choose to have children and breastfeed in the future. Has anyone here gotten JUST implants and no lift? Or has anyone here gone to a pla…

This may sound silly but when I weighd 330 I didn't have Moobs but now that I am at 250 I got Moobs!! Is there reduction surgery for men?

I am so excited and a little nervous! Breast lift, lower body lift and tummy tuck!

so.... I need to do something about the extra sking on my arms. It is all pooled around the top of my elbo and it looks like a rhinoceros' knee. Now... I do have batwings... but here's the thing. I think I can live with that. They are not horrible and I've had them my whole life so I guess I'm used to them. It seems like a trade off.... batwings or a big scar from armpit to elbow. six one half dozen the other in my book. Anyway... I feel like I just need a little tuck under the arm to pull up the rhino skin. Is there a name for this procedure? Is this a common procedure? I would probably have it done in Mexico so I need to be specific about what I want befo…

Hi my fellow banders....I am really considering an arm lift and I need help and recommodations on plastic surgeons in the Colorado area?? any input would be appreciated =)

My Consultation is on Monday and I'm hopeful I will be able to schedule for September 1st. I already know which Dr. I want to use as I've seen his work first hand and it's really really good. He also does reconstructive surgery for weight loss patients. I might want to get many consults at that point, and most likely might choose another Dr. for my Total Body Lift. However, that won't be for a few years from now. I am still considering doing the arm lift but will wait to see how time heals that. Attached are my pre-op photos. Right now my breasts are a 34C, however I bet if I wanted to fit in a B cup I probably could. My breasts totally flattened out in the las…