Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

2,848 topics in this forum

Hello everyone, I am still post-op but already have excess skin on my arms from the YoYo weight highs and lows! I was researching the arm lifts, but I REFUSE to have the traditional arm lift with the longggg scar. Today I came across this "short scar brachioplasty", where the scar is hidden under your armpits! There are a few before and afters on you tube and the results are fantastic. Has anyone had this procedure? Cost?

now I only have 7 more to go !

I've lost 170 lbs and just had my tummy tuck here in Houston. I was prepared for lots of pain but it hasn't been bad at all. I went back to work after 10 days (half days only). I still have a drain in and I'm having to try to take it easy. That's been the hardest part. I'm going to Mexico for the rest of my work but didn't want to risk getting the biggest part done so far from home. The tt has changed my life! I can now wear cute underwear for the first time since being a teenager! And omg, belts! I just bought a couple and can't wait to go shopping! Karen Sent from my iPad using LapBandTalk

Just wonderfing if anyone has had WLS and not had the need for plastic surgery. Does everyone have the saggy skin after weight loss or has anyone's skin drawn back up?

I am having a lower body lift, tummy tuck and breast lift on 06/14 and will also have some lipo along with it. If you've had lipo how bad was the drainage? They make it sound bad. They gave me puppy pee pads to put under me on the bed so I don't get the sheets messed up. That really grosses me out. LOL

Wow! I can't believe my surgery date is here. I am super excited and nervous all at the same time! My band has been super tight today. I guess my nerves have really tightened it. Wish me luck!

My surgery is next Thursday. I will spend this weekend doing a good deep cleaning and getting everything ready. I have done so much already but I want it to be as easy as possible and have everything that I need. I've spent over $600 in the past few days buying things that I think I will need. The doctor gave me a bad full of items that I will need but I bought extra just in case. I am nervous but the closer it gets the more excited that I get.

Hello... My name is Liz and I am 3 months into the approval process. I am currently scheduling all of my appointments with the nutritionist and psych dr to get approved by my insurance company. I am attending a seminar next week. I told my mom the other day... she was supportive yet oblivious. She doesnt understand why I would want to get banded. I weighed 320 lbs (size 24) at my highest. This was after a double pulmonary embolism at the age of 22 from an allergic reaction to birth controll pills. Ive lost about 60 lbs on my own, which brings me to where I am. I have always been heavy and I have always struggled with my weight, even thoiugh I am athletic. I have PCO…

I am considering a neck and arm lift. When I was MO, I had a lot of fat around my neck and in my upper arms. Now I have batwings and a sort of displeasing neckline. I've found lots of info on arm lifts, but not as much on neck lifts. Has anyone here had one or considered one? I have a waddle under my neck, and in profile it looks like my neck starts right under my chin and makes a 45 degree angle for the base of my neck. So instead of being a defined area that looks more like a 90 degree angle, I have this slooping neck. I've always been self conscious about it, and now that I've lost the weight I am even more so. I don't want to do anything to my face, so I do…

I am having a lower body lift and inner thigh lift at the same time in June. No one has mentioned about unfilling my band...Did any of you had to unfill before plastic surgery?? I in no means want to unfill!! Just curious....

After a long month of complications following my brachioplasty I finally got my sutures removed! Looking forward to being able to get in the gym again for sure. I have a lovely 17 lb weight gain to work off. Despite the complications, popped my running stitch & had major gaping, I'm so happy I did it. Looking forward to feeling comfortable wearing tank tops!

I am going in for a Lower Body Lift on the 25th of this month. I would greatly appreciate any tips or advice on how to prepare my home and mind for recovery. I've been hitting the gym and running like a madwoman because I'm determined to heal quickly and I want to be as fit as possible. I've had 3 abdominal surgeries before (2 C-sections and VSG) but I've never had anything done around my back before. My doctor does not believe in compression garments, but I will have 4 drains. He also does not want me in a shower for 3-4 weeks - sponge bath only. I'd love to hear about recovery tools, sleeping tips, healing aids, food/diet post and pre surgery tips, wound care (esp…

Hey everyone! I have seperated stomach muscles from my first pregnancy. I ended having a c-section and every since then I've suffered lower back pain. My doctor says this is because my core muscles no long support my back. From what I understand, they lace your muscles back together like a corset. I would like to have this repaired and would like to know of your experiences or any stories that you have heard about it to determine if its worth the hassle. THANKS!

Just wondering if anyone has lost 100+ pounds and not needed plastics. I can't imagine being able to afford plastics but I also can't imagine my skin shrinking back into place. I guess we will see as I lose the weight .

I've lost 90 pounds and at my goal weight so now it is time to get my body looking better. I am so excited but also very scared. Sometimes I find myself second guessing my decision. I have feeling that is very normal. Did those of you that had this type of surgery have your band unfilled? If so, did you have it completely unfilled? My band is very loose right now because I had an issue with reflux and I can eat anything with no issues. I gained 8 pounds but I got my eating under control and I lost 4 of those pounds. I am thinking that my band is loose enough. I will contact my band doctor but I like to hear directly from those that have lived it. Any tips on …

I have decided I'm definitely getting a breast lift and a TT. I did the first consult last summer to get an idea of the cost ($11,000 if I do them both at the same time, or $6000 each if I do them at different times- I'm in Alabama, so things are apparently cheaper here). At the time, I was sure I wasn't done losing weight, but I have been at 158 for a solid year now, so my dreams of losing 20 more are pretty much dead in the Water and that is no longer a reason to put it off. My husband and I originally agreed that the best time for this would be at the end of next summer. First, it will take me until then to save the full amount in cash and second and probably mo…

I'm going to Mexico soon to get a mommy makeover surgery!!! Does anybody want to go I'm getting a group rate so we can get it cheaper than they usually do??? My sister and her friends have had work done there. They all look awesome they say dr. Laura is the best:) email me sherryrhine4ever@yahoo.com or on here hope to hear from you soon!!!

Well i am now 3 days out of surgery. The surgery took 11 hours i ended up with a catheter, 8 drainage tubes and a whole 24 hours in the high dependency unit. It was more uncomfortable and sore rather than lots of pain, today i have had my pressure garments changed and my arm drains out tomorrow i should have my abdomen drains out and finish with them yay lol i am sitting out in a chair today looking at a nice sunny day ty all for your caring words and concerns .. i am not expecting miracles at my age but it certainly is looking good from what iu can see they took 9lbs of skin away

Hello Everyone, it has been a while since I posted. I am scheduled for TT and Lipo next month. I am still about 20 lbs. from goal. Any words of wisdom? Any must take to surgery. I am planning to go back to work 2 weeks after. Hope this is realistic. Take care all.

So I'm 8 days post op brachioplasty. I noticed some gaping in my arm pits a couple of days ago. Talked to the nurse she said it was normal. So now my left arm pit is gaping huge! I'm talking an inch and a half long by almost half an inch wide! On top of that is got puss and drainage. My right arm pit is doing fair its a very small gap. I'm in agony! It hurts super bad I'm planning on calling the doc in the am. Hopefully he'll do something despite it being a Sat!

Hey guys. I am nowhere near my goal probably like 70 pounds away lol but would definitely consider getting this procedure done. I hear they freeze away the fat and it doesn't involve surgery or downtime. They call it "lunchtime lipo". Definitely an option once I get to my goal weight. Anyone do this procedure?

Anyone had it?

So here is some pics of my arms. I'm 3 days post op... I'm really bruised and really swollen. I'm hoping they shrink down quite a bit in the upcoming weeks...

When I hit my weight lose goal I plan to get the girls a make over. What does someone get done after losing 100 pounds? I just want B/C cup. What is the procedure called? Sorry I want to start researching and saving $$.

I took the micropore tape off today to change it and dared a look at the scar. So pleased with it, it is lovely and neat - you see so many scars that a very uneven and lack symmetry online. Its a very straight scar due to the lack of skin I had to work with, and again, i say that pics dont do it justice! My tummy is so much neater than it was, even though I am not a lot smaller. Given that I heal up well and my scars tend to lose their colour very quickly and stay flat, I dont think the height of this scar is going to be a big problem. Still quite significantly swollen too, so I am anticipating a lot more improvement in terms of muscle definition and slimness.

I'm only almost half way thru in my weight loss journey. People are noticing and clothes are fitting better BUT my tummy is in the way. I can't wear anything besides frumpy if I want to cover it. I know when I'm done losing I will need a tummy tuck but do any of you know of any treatments at any of these med spas that actually work? I've seen body wraps and lipo injections etc.

I had a brachioplasty done three weeks ago. I am concerned about the puckering at the incision sites. My doctor says it will go away as my scars smooth out but i'm just feeling down and wanted to know if anyone has had this experience and did it go away?!? If so, how long did it take?

I was wanting to see if anyone knew fo any Good doctors to use for a tummy tuck and boob job/ breast lift that arent outrageous. Looking for someone qaulified but not over priced. Preferrably in georgia or North Fl

Would you consider Mexico for breast augmentation and what is the average price there??!!

Question: Do you have to be below a specific BMI or lose a specific amount of weight before being approved by surgeon and insurance for a panni or TT? I have only lost 30lbs, but definitely want to start the process of seeing the doctor to get this extra skin removed. I am a 35BMI now, started out at a 39. My extra skin is mainly from having very large children, biggest one was 11lbs. I believe my muscles may be separated also, I'm sure they'll check. I just want to know if it will be a waste of time now and to wait until I hit a normal BMI. Of course, I know the more weight I lose between now and then, the better the outcome. I guess the surgeon will probably…

I had brachioplasty yest and let me tell ya this is rather painful! I think it might just be more uncomfortable than my band surgery was. I also had my chest wall reduced, the fat pad next to my breast (I call it the 3rd and 4th boob), and this is probably the most painful part. I can not put my arms down next to my body so I kind of have to walk around like a zombie, lol. Tomorrow, well today now, I go back to my doctor and have my ace wraps removed and change to a compression dressing. My plastic surgeon said that I am to stay away from caffine and chocolate, because it causes vasoconstriction, has anyone ever heard of this? I don't usually eat chocolate much but d…

Hey everyone I am looking to get a TT done but don't know how it all works. Can some one kindly educate me on what I need and how much am I expected to spend and or will insurance cover it without having the rashes?

Today I officially hit a 70 lb weight loss - I have 12 more lbs to lose before hitting the top of a normal weight range and BMI for my height. I am SO happy with my progress and I look so much better in clothes....I'm in a size 10! And my boobs look OK in a bra; BUT without the bra they are really sagging. I haven't done any research on this yet.....but does anyone know how to either perk them up or do I have to have breast reduction done? I'm a 34B which I like; but they are so droopy...... Can anyone point me to others who have had this problem?

So my surgery is just over 36 hours away On Thursday I will be having brachioplasty with chest wall reduction and lipo... Just wanted to let people what my lap band doc said about Fluid in my band. My lap band doctor strongly encouraged me to have my band loosened because if I didn't I would be at great risk of aspiration, where the stomach contents come up and go into your lungs, and as you can imagine this would be very bad. Not to mention I need to get more Protein and calories in to heal. So as hard as it was for me to accept I did have 1.5 ml removed today. It was bitter sweet as I hit 120 lbs lost today! When I told my doc I'd prob be back in a month or t…

So, I think that in most respects, I'm aging pretty gracefully. I'd like to think that despite being 41 (going on 42), I could pass for a man in my mid-to-early 30's except for ONE thing: the stupid crease between my brows. I'll attach a picture so you can see, but I'm curious if people know of anything that can be done about that. Botox? Makeup? I'm only... sort of kidding. I know that getting older happens, and you can only hold it off for so long. But now that my body is FINALLY starting to look GOOD, I'd like to keep my face looking good for a few more years, at least, so that I can enjoy it!

I have so much excess skin I'm starting to consider plastics. I'm 9lbs away from goal and I'm in size 8 jeans but I know without my tummy I'd be in a 6 or 4. That is how much extra skin I have. It's really getting on my nerves and I HATE wearing a shaper every single day. What scares me is all the complications I read about on Obesity Help's plastics forum. Has anyone on here had a TT? How long did it take to get back to normal? Would you do it again? How much was it? When could you go back to work? What would you change if you could do it over again? Are you happy that you had it done?

I lost 110 lbs & 5"5. Now a size 8/38dd. I am waiting to be approved for a boob reduction & lift. Scared to have a tummy tuck & dont have the cash. I was self pay for the lapband & TT would be the same. Anyone have lipo in the stomach & upper legs? Does it work? Or I may just need a TT and will have to save.

Im worry about loose skin. Doesn't it happened to everyone? I'm 27 and hoping with help from the gym my body will bounce back a little better than someone double my age Iv talked to.

I lost almost 100 pounds with the lapband (2010) and my body is completely saggy, I feel like my body is 90 yrs old and my arms are very saggy as well not to mention my inner tighs. I want to do all the package but I am very concerned because I have a history of DVT blood clots in my legs, this happened in 2001. Has anybody done a body lift and other PS with blood clot history. Thanks

I am wondering if anyone knows the CPT code for just the panniculectomy covered by insurance. I have an appoinent with a plastic surgeon next week and I would really like to go in knowing what code she needs to submit to tri-care for approval. Thanks everyone

Ok, so I have made it to my goal of 173lbs!! Losing a total of 253lbs!!! Now I have lose skin, and I am wondering if a tummy tuck would be my answer. The thing is my soon to be husband and I want to have kids in the next 3 years. Would it make sense to wait or to get it done first?

I am just two months out and will wait a long time..but thinking I may need to start saving now..wondering how much if I have to self pay. I am in Michigan.thanks

I am looking at having extended abdominalplasty, inner thigh lift, brachioplasty, outer thigh, hip, and buttock lift I was given a cost of $30,000 this includes operating room and anesthesia The Dr.'s aid said he gave me a discount as he charges more for patients who have not had wieght loss surgury. I have been trying to do research and it seems like he is telling me the truth, but I wanted others opinions who have gotten cost analysis in Sacramento. Thanks for your input Sherri

Hi, looking for a plastic surgeon, that is highly recommended, out of USA. I need to start researching my possibilites. Thank you

What is the best lotion to reduce and prevent stretch marks and loose skin

I am 90 pounds down and still have a bit to go, but already I can see the need for some cosmetic work. Flabby arms that will not tone up even with working out consistantly and I cant explain it but my thighs are very saggy... still dimpled with some cellulite, but just seem to hang like elephant skin. Honestly when I look in the mirror, Im thrilled with the weight loss, but my whole body needs some work, but scared to DEATH of the pain and scars of a whole body lift. I always swore I would just be happy with the weight loss.. but I am embarrassed of my thighs.. so I only wear capri's and skirts with my swimsuit... and try never to wear sleeveless anything unless Im force…

Well I'm at a hotel in San Diego and will be having my arm lipo with tightening procedure in the morning. Can't wait. Has anyone had this done and can share? Below is where I am going. http://www.pacificlipo.com/

I am 4 weeks out from an insurance approved Panni. I have a 12 inch cut across my stomach and 4 inches up the middle. I will likely need one slight repair in a few months. The very top of the incision up the middle has tucked in, so when I sit up it looks like I have two belly buttons. Creepy. My actual belly button is healing nicely, thank goodness because I have heard of many that had theirs die off. ICK! SO my long experience (and I really need to make a new update video on youtube). Went in for surgery expecting just the side to side incision but my surgeon warned me that I might need the cut up the middle. Once they got me prepped and started to cut they re…

omg, it bought tears to my eyes. I did cop a little bit of holier than thou judgement from several people, not least my usually lovely lapband surgeon, because i didnt have a big flappy tummy. The before pics i took were on my phone and dont really show clearly what a mess my belly was, but oh, my, has it been cleaned up!!! I feel like the evidence of my brush with cancer has been erased, gone are the hernias, the ileostomy scar, the misshapen almost hernia behind the ileostomy, the ruined bellybutton, the adsortment of at least a dozen scars and punctures, the weird curtain of skin on my upper belly. The flatness of my new tummy is a bonus, at present with swelling, im a…

I've been thinking about having this done. I don't want to go crazy dramatic, just a nice fuller lip I would be happy with. I'm looking into just a filler at this point, just to get an idea if I might be interested in something more permanent down the line. If I were to do that, most likely I'd do fat transfer. I don't think I'd want implants as I've heard they can cause scarring and I'd be too afraid I could permanently screw up my lips! Anyhow any and all feedback is welcome! Especially pricing... thanks!!