Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

2,848 topics in this forum

I know this is going to sound so dumb but in a way I'm nervous and I want dh to go with me but then again he's never really looked to closely at my post weight loss body and I don't want him to now either. He knows my stomach is saggy, but he doesn't know that my upper thighs are and I don't really want him to know, I don't know why but I just don't want him seeing it. He knows I need a tummy tuck and he's on board with it but I'm also considering getting my thighs lifted and he doesn't know anything about that. I guess I'm just feeling insecure about my looks. Do I take him or not?

hi, I am just starting my journey to undergo brachioplasty (this word sounds like a nosejob ro me lol!). Yesterday I went to see my PS that did my TT and breastlift. I asked him to look at my thighs and arms. No go for thighs. He said they are fine as is...He also felt my arms would look ok if I worked out. But i hate my batwings and i LOVE the way he did my first surgery. The scars are barely noticeable for my TT/Breastlift. So of course i want to get it done today. But we have quite a few trips planned this summer plus my stepdaughter is getting married in September. So my plan is to do it after the wedding. The Dr said he did my breastlift in a way that he can do the …

I want a breast reduction really bad. Should I wait until my body is finished losing or start now. I noticed today that I actually do slouch to compensate the weight pulling me forward. It hurts bad.

Hi Folks I have a question I would like to ask..I am 54 and feel I need a Breast Uplift should I wait to have the Operation post further weight loss its very SLOW or should I get it done now anyway.. its mainlly due to position of the nips.. I am only a Max 42 D min 36 C 3 pregnancies. I have an appointment in June with a Consultant..Breast Surgeon although I dont have to have it done straight away I can wait 1YR. What do you think..

If anyone can answer this it would be very helpful. I'm trying to calculate how much money I'll need to save after having my VSG.

Well, folks, this is the last book of the trilogy. Tomorrow, I'm headed home to Alabama for what I hope is my last round of plastic surgery. It's at least the last major round. In case you're new to the forum, my history is that I lost 200 + lbs in 18 months of being banded. I had a TT with BL in March 2007. After that time, much to my amazement, I lost 60 more lbs. I then had a lateral thigh lift (outer thighs) and brachioplasty just 6 weeks ago, in Novmber 2007. Tomorrow, I'm headed home for surgery on Thursday. We're doing the inner thighs (medial thigh lift), small breast implants (when I lost the extra 60, I really lost a lot of volume -- went from a mid-D to a s…

Hello Everyone: I am about 40lbs away from my goal. Thats about half way to my goal. I am researching liposculpture and I really want it done. There is a doctor locally which will do upper abs, lower abs and flanks for about $3k. Since I just had my plication three months ago, Im feeling like maybe I need to let my body recouperate before any other type of surgery, even liposculpture. However, with my slow weight loss, Im thinking that losing most of my ab fat almost instantly would really boost my spirits. Does anyone know how long a person should wait between surgery and plastics? Thanks

I am hoping to get my lap band ASAP but I am wondering if, as a 19 year old with about 60 pounds to lose, will my skin/boobs/stomach sag and require a tummy tuck/boob job? Is skin still elastic enough at this age, that it will not sag? Would love an answer so I know what to expect! THANKS!

Does anyone know if I will need to be unfilled before my TT and port move? I am not scheduled until the end of July and I want to get filled the week after next, but it almost seems wasteful if I will have to be unglued before

Has anyone had surgery in Mexico? How did it turn out? I hear that the cost is anywhere from 1/3 to 1/2 of what it costs here in the states. I still have about 30 lbs to go, but am looking for the right place at the right price to have a total body lift. Thanks for any input.

Finally got word that my panniculectomy will be on July 11th. I am thrilled!! It was originally scheduled for August 18th. But there were going to be issues with my department because someone is retiring at the end of August. Well, luckily I work for the hospital and my bosses pulled some strings and got it moved up so I could return to work before she retires!!! I am sooo excited and nervous at the same time!!!! It's like the final step of this long process!!!! Yay!!! Shawna

I'm planning to get a tummy tuck and breast implants. I want this so badly and I know people do this every day with no problems, but I have one person that I know that's making me feel horrible. She says people die from plastic surgery and since I'm a mom and have little ones at home I shouldn't be willing to take that risk. Part of me knows she is right, people can die from plastic surgery but then again, the risk is low. Do you worry about this? How do you put it in perspective?

I went in today to talk with my PS regarding the look of my left side versus my right side - lower back. A little history, I had TT w/MR and Lipo in December; since then, the PS has given me additional lipo on my right side due to a dog ear, approximately a month after the lipo he took about 3 inches off the right side to remedy the problem. Well, 3 weeks later I called him and went in today to show him that my right side still isn't the same as my left. Yes, the dog ear is long gone; however, I seem to be a little fleshy (lack of a better word) on the right side still. I told him I'd pay for him to remedy this for me and he said don't worry, I'm not going to charg…

Would love to hear stories from those who have had complete lower body lift. I am 2 years since getting the band, down 60 wish it was more but my weight is really stable. Work out with trainer 3 times a week and 1 time myself. I have talked to a number of Plastic surgeons, One in particular has done a lot of these procedures and when I later asked by DR. who they would recommend. My meeting with each was good and they all told me that their was not too much fat in the area but a lot of skin and no amount of exercise would help. I know that it is big surgery and a long recovery just want to hear from some of you that have done this and how you feel now. The cost …

I'm super excited to say that I have a date for my cosmetic surgery. On November 8th I will be having a Circumferential lift and Brachioplasty (arms). Insurance is not covering any of it but this will be money well spent!! If anyone is curious the total is just a tad over 10.000.00.

Anyone have any exercise tips to help provide assitance with the tightening of skin during weight loss? I am in hopes that I can keep the skin under control as I move through this journey. I do know that some of it will be the amount of weight loss, and genetics, but i would like to know if anyone has found a secret in this process? Thanks, Denise

Has anyone out there used the Perfection Medical Spa in Cancun, Mexico for any plastic surgeries? I am considering a tummy tuck and Arm lifts there. I would love input from anyone with knowledge of the place....positive or negative. Thanks in advance! DRP

This is a follow-up e-mail I got this morning! The request for your Panniculectomy has been approved as meeting our medical criteria for coverage; therefore, you and your provider will be receiving a letter shortly regarding the outcome of your provider's request. If you need further assistance, let us know. YAY! Now just waiting for the Dr.'s office to open!

I'm wanting a Tummy tuck and breast lift/implants. Depending on the recovery time I can do it either in January 2012 or in May 2012. I still have 20 pounds or so to lose first but when should I start the process of finding a surgeon? I need to know what all is involved in the procedures, recovery and costs. Should I start now or wait a few more months?

i have an HMO that states they will cover any procedure an MD requests. that is how i got my lap band paid in full with a BMI of 35.so I have wanted to remove the excess skin around my belly , b/c I am pretty small under all the skin and have to wear spanx to fit in to clothes. so I called the PCP and got the referral to the PS office and called the PS this am and the receptionist said "Oh no one ever gets there TT covered. Even when your insurance says they cover it we will not submit unless you have skin hanging below your pubic hair." so now I am sad, cause I dont think the skin hangs that low. Can anyone give me some advice or help on how to handle this?? thanks. lov…

I do have some excess abdominal skin after substantial LB loss and would love to tighten this area up. I know the full TT is not covered by my blue cross plan and have been told I need medical documentation for any PS coverage either by PLas. surgeon or bar. surgeon for any kind of PS coverage. Is there any medical reason that I can get documented for abdom. work done if there is not an excessive flap of skin hanging? Has anyone gotten ins. coverage for loose tummy skin that was not excessive or hanging?

So I had a mini tummy tuck which then turned into a super extended tummy tuck. My belly button was moved and my doc cut off a lot of skin almost 365 degrees around my body (did not have my muscles touched). I am now 10 weeks post op a revision on my front and 3 weeks post op the extension on my back. Anyways I am starting back at the gym and tried to do some sit ups. I got to about 15 ( full sit up, lie down not crunches) and my lower stomach hurt. It felt like I was really stretching the skin near the scar. I actually stopped and didnt try to do more. My question is, has anyone had any problems doing sit ups after a tummy tuck? Im so excited to be back at the gym …

I live kinda half way between Birmingham AL and Atlanta GA. Just wondering if there were any recommendations for plastic surgeons near these areas. I am looking to definitely have brachioplasty done in prob Sept/Oct. I want to also have a thigh lift and probably a little tightening of my sagging neck. Please send me any info you have. If you have pix you wanna share too that would be GREAT!!! Thanks!!! Kanina

1. Does it get rid of the stretch marks? I have had horrible stretch marks since I was a teenager) 2. Does it get rid of our incision scars? ( I have 3 extra from my gall bladder 10 years ago) 3. Would it decrease or cover up my horrible appendix scar? (It was 1957 and clamps were the latest and greatest thing...........it is probably 8" X 4") 4. Can I opt to have the hair on my belly and chest removed? (This is not vanity or the man grooming crap!!! I am a heart patient and when they have pulled off the leads....it is like you cut something off from a child's teddy bear and IT HURTS!!!!!!) I am going to try and find the money for a Gynecomastia as well. Like ma…

I just got home after my Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and Panniculectomy (removal of excessive skin of the abdomen). Brutal surgery, I'm exhausted and in a lot of pain. I knew this before surgery, so I'm trying to get a lot of rest and take my pain pills around the clock. First, I know I did this for myself, not for anyone else. Only I knew how I felt carrying around that extra flab of skin hanging off my stomach. I did this for my comfort, and not for "vanity". Even if I did do it for vanity, what business is it of anyone else? Don't we dye our hair when grays come in, wear make-up, nice clothes, pluck eye brows and have hair removal waxes? I don't feel my age, …

How soon after a tummy tuck or body lift can you take a shower, I don't know how long I could go without a shower?

The initial pain when they first woke me was an 11 on a scale of 1 to 10. That lasted less than a half hour. It's been 30 hours or so and I haven't felt an ounce of pain since. I was estimating they'd remove 10 - 20 pounds and it only turned out to be a little less than 7 pounds. I feel great now but I have to walk hunched over like a 90 year old man. The surgeon says they have lots of pictures during surgery. I will post them when I get my hands on them.

On Tuesday I was picked up from the SanDeigo airport by Dr. Juan Luque's driver. We drove for about 2 hours to Mexicali. I had a bunch of lab tests, ekg and chest x ray, and then I had to meet with an internal medicine doctor to be sure I could have surgery. then I met with dr. Luque and he drew pictures and was so patient and sweet about answering all my questions. Wednesday morning, I had my face lift Everything went well. I stayed in the hospital for one day but I was so bored, that Dr. Luque released me to my friend Michelle or AKA WasA Bubble Butt's house where she could take care of me. She has been a nurse for over 25 years. I have to admit it's much more co…

I am thinking of having some smart lipo under local anesthetic done to my arms. Really dont want to have the skin removed, but the consulting plastic said smart lip would definately help.....anybody have this done for arms and what was your experience? did you have good results.....Do you remember the cost? thanks....

Approximately how many inches did it take off your waist line?

It's been 3 years since my lap-band surgery, I've maintained my weight loss, so now I think it's time to get rid of the excess skin on my stomach. It's so bad I feel like I'm pregnant. It hangs/sits on my thighs. I found a great plastic surgeon, she advised the Tummy tuck with the Panniculectomy - I'd see better results. Since insurance is covering the Panni, I was OK with paying for the Tummy Tuck ($2,000). Anyway, I'm NERVOUS. Not about having surgery itself, just what kind of pain I'll experience after. I know there's lots of information in this forum about this, but I'm getting confused reading it all, so anyone that doesn't mind sharing information on some …

I think I'm going to pay for part of mine in cash and use CareCredit for the rest. I do hate to pay interest but I've lived with all this weight and extra skin for so long. I'm ready to complete the new me and I don't mind paying a monthly payment to do that. How will or how did you pay for yours?

I am 30 years old and will be having plastic surgery this June. Never had a surgery in my life. I am considering getting a tummy tuck, breast lift and aug and lipo on my lower back and thighs. Is this too much to do at one time? I have heard that a lot of doctors do not like to do the lift and augmentation at the same time. What are your thoughts? :)

Well, I'm all set with my "first" round of plastic surgery: Arm Lift Boob Lift (no need for implants...... whew!) extra consideration to skin hanging "between" boobs and arms Tummy Tuck with muscle tightening (and a bit of a vag lift? who knew they did such things?!) My insurance blows chunks, so they're not paying anything. My bill for this will be about $17,600 (if I opt for the $400 overnight stay..... probably will) My surgery is scheduled for June 17th. My surgeon said I needed to be within 20 pounds of goal, and I am totally THERE. I'm super sensitive to most all narcotics, save Vicodin (thank GOD...) I'm taking 3 weeks off of work...... is that en…

have anyone had smartlipo done or know someone who had it done? if so, what body part and what were the results? i'm a pearshape and want to make my thighs a little bit more proportion to my top (it will always be bigger but that's genetics, oh well). i don't want lipo cause of scarring. look forward to your input

Has anyone had laser skin tightening after getting to goal? Did it make much a difference? I'm pretty convinced I would have to be really bad to undergo plastic surgery (except for my breast maybe), but I was wondering how well laser tightening worked. Anyone have any input?

I am so happy I can not believe I am getting a Tummy Tuck on May 10th. I have lost 145 lbs in a year and a half with the band and now this is the next stop in my life. I am so scared and freaking out about it. I hope people who had it done please talk to me and help me

3 weeks ago I went in to the PS office to have lipo on my right side (at the end of the TT incision) due to dog ear. I went in today for my follow up and there's still some swelling and the dog ear is smaller but still there. Well the current game plan is to wait another 2 weeks allowing additional swelling to go down. If the area isn't as smooth and pretty as the left side, the PS will remove the skin in his office using a local - the area is approximately 2 1/2- 3" long. Note: it's barely visible but I'm striving for perfection - at least as far as the TT is concerned. With all this said, has anyone else had revisions made due to dog ear(s)? Yes, I'm still VER…

Believe it or not, it's not a TT or panni removal. It's not even to get rid of those pesky batwings. I am having surgery on my upper eyelids. I have a condition called Xantholasma. Basically it means I have "fat pads" on my eyelid. It's a cholesterol issue. You can see the "bumps" in the pic below. When my eyes are open, expecially when I am being expressive, they pop out and show more. They have also started to interfere with my vision. As a medicall condition, insurance pays for the removal, but that would leave my 54 yr old eyelids tight where they were removed but still wrinkly with excess skin everywhere else. So, for $3,500. I cover the difference to h…

Hello! I still experience some back pain towards the end of the day and still have some trouble sleeping comfortably. Do I have any regrets - HELL NO! I'm so very pleased with the way my clothes fit. I feel great and actually think that I look really good - this is a milestone for me as I haven't felt good about my appearance in over 20 years. I walk back straight (don't have a choice with this girdle ) and head high. My husband is very pleased too as I'm a lot more frisky these days. I'm 49 and have big plans to wear a 2 piece bathing suit this summer - perhaps in the privacy of my backyard; in the recent past, I wouldn't have considered this as an option no m…

Hello, I'm consulting w/ plastic surgeons now and would like to know if any of you have had the panniculectomy done w/o the tummy tuck? Did you like the results? Probably stupid question... did you see noticipable results? I believe that I'd be happy with the panni removed, as I told one surgeon, I'm not 20 any more and don't have visions of wearing low rise jeans and tube top (yes, clearly telling my age). I believe I have realistic expectations. All I want is to not have this thing sitting on top of my pubic area any longer. Thanks in advance for your response.

Hi guys - I'm 2.5 weeks out from a tummy tuck and bilateral arm lifts. I got 4 drains from the TT (out of the butt, which is not comfortable) and was able to get rid of 2 of them at 2 weeks. But I still have two and they are collecting up a lot of Fluid, which makes me concerned that the doctor won't remove them on Tuesday. I know this is an important part of healing, but I can't help but wonder: Is there something I can/should be doing to help move the fluid along and out of me? Change what I eat or how I move? I could really use any advice before I go crazy. Thanks in advance!

I am to be banded in 2 weeks. I also just found out my breast implants have to be removed and replaced. Just wondering if anyone had breast implants soon after banding? And if so how long did you wait after being banded? I need to get my implants replaced pretty quickly due to probably leak.

I know it's far too early to even be thinking about this, but I know I will need a breast lift and possibly implants after I reach my goal weight. Has anyone in my area had this procedure? Can you recommend your surgeon? How were the results? Thanks in advance!

Okay I am 2 weeks Post TT. I am overall so much happier with how I look. I can't wait to get my drains out next week. (I hope) My biggest concern at this point is a pudgy pubic area. I am not tiny. I carry my weight well but still am in the 180's I am (before surgery) a size 12 for the most part. I was worried about how pudgy my pubic area was before surgery but my doc said that would improve after. I feel like he could have done a better job spreading out the area under my surgical suture line. Am I worrying over nothing? Is this swelling that will get better? Is this something I have to live with or get fixed later? Can you share your experience with this? Thank you!…

So...I have thought about getting a boob job done when I am done losing weight. That will be a little while. Anyway, I am just scared I will lost sensation in the nipple area. Does this happen? Thanks for the info.

I still have a ways to go, but I wad curious as to cost of the surgery. I have always promised myself when I lose weight I will fix my boobs. They lie flat against my chest. So I definitely need a lift, not sure if they can fix them without putting in implants or not. Also I am working out a lot but I have a feeling the skin on my lower abdomen is still going to hang. Those are the 2 things that I probably will get done. So how much wlll that cost about? Ive read you can sometimes get the lower abdomen covered by insurance if you have rashes or something. But let's say I have to pay out of pocket, what would it cost?

today i went to GNC to get my protein shakes and i got to talking to the sales guy. And i told him I was having weight loss surgery....he told me down the line to try Strivectin to tighten my skin....anyone here tried it?

Sag or scars? discuss.......

Well, now that I have lost 30 lbs and am back to my pre-pregnancy weight of 155, my boobies are back to being deflated flatties. Before having my 3 babies in 3 years and nursing them each for a year (is that possible?????), I was a B cup. With all the weight I had gained, they were measuring a DD - which I liked. Now that I'm seeing my boobies revert back to a their former selves, just longer, I'm considering a boob job. I'd like to lose about 20 more lbs and am wondering if I should just go ahead and book something now for March (that's when I anticipate I can take the time off of work and get it worked out with the kids) or if I should wait to see where my weight sett…