Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

2,848 topics in this forum

I went for it and got a bit of botox between my eyebrows about three weeks ago and I freaking love it. It sort of gave me a tiny eyebrow lift, it cost me only $9/unit for a total of $108 bucks and was sooooo worth it. I look refreshed and the little furrow lines I had creeping in have relaxed and dissipated. I also had dermabrasion and an IPL (laser treatment) also known as a photo facial done to my skin and it is currently lightly flaking off the top layer of skin. It is not red or raw it just looks like I am maybe peeling from a slight sunburn (without the redness) and the skin underneath is revealing to be soft, with smaller pores and really even skin tone. Next …

I met with a plastic surgeon today about my remaining problem areas. I know I have a lot of loose skin on my upper abdomen with some fat and that my lower abdomen has some as well (what woman doesn't). I had seen some before and after photos of women who had liposuction and it really smoothed out the looks of the tummy. So, I made an appointment. I went in with high expectations. Well, today I learned that it's mostly skin & little can be done with liposuction. Yes, they can reduce the volume, but I may look even bumpier on my upper abdomen. And, my lower which is nice and smooth (while a little plump) could look like my upper once the remaining fat is remove…

Hi there - Has anyone investigated or used Zerona? It is laser fat removal procedure. Thanks. Cynthia

I just noticed this on one of the sponsor sites (Madison Ave PS). It's nice to know they are making improvements that allow reuse of the excised skin. Maybe, by the time I need PS, the techology will have made it to the wilds of Montana.... Can I donate my skin for burn victims and reconstruction? Yes. Until just recently, the removed skin was unsuitable for donation. However, new technology allows for the donation of your skin for reconstruction after cancer, accidents, and burns. Currently, we are the only physicians in New York performing this procedure.

I am rapidly loosing weight now that I have had the surgery. After I loose all the weight and maintain it for a year ( insurance requirement ) I am considering a tummy tuck. Now, the idea is that I want to wear a bikiny on the beach or feel sexy without my clothes on. I have two friends who have had tummy tucks - one complained that her surgeon butchered her giving her a scar that ges all the way around behind her love handles and she is very unhappy with it. She has it years ago but when she showed it to me it was rather unatracctive. My second friend is very satisfied with her tummy tuck. But when she showed it to me it looks no different from my other friend with…

Can anyone give me some names of great plastic surgeons in the Dallas Fort Worth Texas area? Also names of those that HELP with insurance paperwork getting them to pay for the surgeries. Thank you

My insurance didn't pay anything for my band..... Insurances states it will not pay for any weight loss related procedures. Insurances is BCBS high risk pool Texas How do you get insurances to pay? Many state their BCBS paid for their plastic surgery. Please tell me how! I NEED a TT but am still 50 lbs from goal. If I can get this figured out I can at least plan toward a TT when I lose more weight.

Hi - I have been referred to Dr Munteanu in Melbourne however have been advised she used to practice overseas - I am wondering if anyone here has had surgery done by her? Thanking you all in advance!

I just got approved from my insurance for my TT. YAY!!! But now is the scary part. I have no idea what to expect. How long do the drains stay in? When they remove the drains do they stitch up the holes where they were or do they let them heal from the inside out? What is the onQ pack/pouch? How long should I be out of work? (I sit at a desk all day) How far from goal should I be before surgery? I am 15 pounds from goal I dont want to have my TT then lose the other 15 pounds and have saggy stomach again. I know I can do this I have had 2 c-sections and my lap band so I am not to terribly worried about the pain. Any answers would be appreciated…

Before I lost 95lbs., I was a 38D. Now I am a 36C, with moderate sagging. I am getting implants on Dec. 14th, without a lift. Is there anyone who had moderate sagging and got implants without a lift?

Helllo!!!!!! I haven't received my surgery date yet, but I just have a question. Is there anyone that was 300 lbs or more pre surgery that didn't need cosmetic surgery post surgery? I am wondering because that was really one of the main reasons it took me so long to go through this process because I didn't want to loose all the weight then have to have a lot of reconstructive surgery done because of it.

How would I know if my lap band slipped? What should I look for? The dr. said if I throw up it could slip. Well, I got the band 3 years ago, and I throw up all the time.

Has anyone has Smartlipo done? And if so, were you happy with it? I am hearing reports that it is much better than regular lipo and it tightens your skin. I go next month for consultation with a local doctor who does it - Dr. Masters Mexico. I want multiple areas done - so not sure how much it would be. I'm also looking into having it done in Mexico by Dr. Lopez - Versalles Center - Board Certified Plastic Surgeons. I'm looking for anyone who has experience with Smartlipo and how this would affect us with the band.

I just want to know what I should expect once I start to loose weight. TIA

Finally, here are my before and after TT pics. I took the pic after a long day so I'm a little swollen - looks far better even swollen than I did before. For whatever reason, my husband could get a clear front photo, I'll try it again some other day.

Hi guys, I thought for sure there was a supply check list pinned on this forum but I don't see one. Anyone have suggestions for items I will need for my TT on the 16th? So far all I have is the dail soap I have to wash with before the surgery. I have a power leather recliner that should be here on saturday. I have bought a few nightgowns and Pj pants but Target didn't have any sweats so i'll go look for some later today. For entertainment I have netflix and a couple of books. Do I need a chair for the shower? A toliet extender (not sure what they really call it)? I think i've read on here something about a gel compression garment and bookmarked it on my old computer. …

I'm soooooooooooooo excited, but of course nervous. I don't remember my pin for my counter but I'm down 90lbs (around 170) with maybe 20lbs to lose. Since I"m training for a 5K I'm hoping to lose maybe 10 by the time surgery rolls around. This will be my second real surgery ever (lap-band being my first, unless you count having my wisdom teeth surgically removed) so I think I'm more nervous than most. If it goes well I hope to get my arms done next! I've read too many horror stories of plastic surgery so everyone think good thoughts! I like my surgeon but cosmetic surgery is so different from anything I've ever done or anything any other family member has done that I…

So..... I have a little hump back. Its not huge, just a kind of "bump" where my spine joins with the bottom of my neck. I always thought I was just stuck with this but then I saw some show on TV where this girls was talking about all the plastics she had done and she said she had "part of her back shaved" Is there a procedure that can fix this???? Stacey

I'm down to 178. I only have about 30 more pounds to lose. Should I wait until I'm at goal before doing my TT?? I've had 3 kids so belly is awfully flabby and stretched out. I'd like to have the smoothest flattest stomach possible:)

Has anyone with a band had any experience with a plastic surgeon in the Pittsburgh area for liposuction? Better yet if they are east of Pgh.

Can anyone recommend a protein powder specifically for PS healing? A surgeon I just saw (and decided not to use) Recommended one from bariatric advantage but they no longer make it. Any ideas?

I know it's too early to tell what my body will look like in the end, but I could use some advice. I am noticing that the part of my stomach below my below my belly button into my private parts is looking really good, nearly flat and smooth. The part from belly button up on the other hand is still bulging, i'm noticing my skin getting a little wrinkly. I still have a little over 100 more pounds to lose, what do you guys suggest I start doing to work that part of my tummy? It's always been where I carry the most weight and seems to be the part that's giving me issues now. I thought that once I reach goal, this part of my belly will definately go down, but what can I do n…

Hello, Though I've been told that I can stop wearing it, I can't seem to stop wearing the darn thing. I actually feel more comfortable with it - PS said that it wouldn't hurt to continue wearing it, so I hope to wean myself at some point - at least before the weather gets hot. Just curious, how long did you guys wear your garment? Did you experiece separation anxiety? Thanks in advance for your replies.

Hello fellow bandsters, I am contemplating plastic surgery. I want to eventually get a TT, arms, and maybe liposuction (when I hit the lottery OR do a little at a time). The only reservations I have about it is elasticity of the skin past 40. Anyone over 40 that has had any PS past 40 PLEASE respond. If I get it done, I want it to look good and last for a long while. I have lost 50 and want to lose 30 more and 8 months in. Suggestions are welcome. Thanks!!

I am only 3 weeks out, but I was wondering has anyone on this board acutally gotten insurance to pay for their plastic surgery. I know I am going to need a tummy tuck and a boob lift. I was self pay for the surgery but I have heard and read that if you go to the doctor and have it doumentated for rashes that they might pay. I was just wondering if anyone has actual experience with that working. If so I am going to start making appointments with my primary care doctor know because it is always a problem.

Hi All, I have several fat tumors some on my thighs a few on my stomach. I had hopped they would shrink along with the weight loss but they haven't and actually show more. Does anyone else have these? Is surgery the only way to get rid of them?

I've had some recommendations for Ft Laud and Miami but I'll be recovering alone and need someplace closer to home. Any suggestions?

Do any of you guys know if there is some type of laser or cosmetic treatment to help reduce the appearance of stretch marks. I am looking forward to being banded and losing weight, but I would also like to enjoy my new skin, stretch mark free.

I still have some weight to lose, but I have been told by a couple of local surgeons that I will have optimum results with a lower body lift. I still want to lose about 50 pounds but carry almost all my weight in my pannus. My upper abdomen has no excess flesh whatsoever. I have been told surgery will take off 25-30 pounds. Did anyone have a TT or LBL at a bit higher BMI?

Hello, Things have been going great! I stopped taking pain meds over 2 weeks ago. Still don't sleep comfortably, I guess that will happen in time. My problem is for the past few days my band is TIGHT; yes, I can get liquids down and must eat really slow to get foods down and I'm tired as hell. Is it normal for the band to tighten like this weeks after a TT? I was fine initially then out of the blue I'm in restriction hell. The Nausea seems to happen after lunch; as a result, I don't have dinner and have no desire to eat or drink after 1:00 or so every afternoon. I've called both PS and LB docs, waiting for a return call. Any words of advise, wisdom....?

Hello I'm Maria and I've just joined this forum. I haven't had a lap band op, but my arms and legs look like I've lost a huge amount of weight because the skin is covered in severe stretch marks and the fat is quite 'hangy'. When I was 15 I developed hideous and distressing stretch marks on my inner thighs. I also developed more 'normal' stretch marks on my arms and hips, but my legs are unbelievable: red, deep marks, covering my whole inner leg from the knee to the top of my legs. I'm now in my mid 40s and after living with these ugly scars for so long, I'm planning to go for a vertical thigh lift. Last year I had my first surgery: an arm lift and am delighted…

Hi All, Does anyone know anything about Final Inches? I like the idea of not being put under.

Dr. Latorre dedicates his practice to servicing Tampa Bay for surgery, liposuction, cosmetic surgery, laser surgery, plastic surgeon, rhinoplasty, cosmetic surgeon, eyelid surgery, facial surgery, blepharoplasty, snoring.

Came home yesterday, feeling sore and tired. Everything went well, my incision comes around toward my back - beyond hip to hip as I initially thought. PS moved my port and did lipo on the entire tummy area. My lapband doc came by to visit me at the hospital which was really nice. I'll touch base later as I'm a little loopy to say the least.

Hi. I am scheduled for a full tummy tuck on Dec 21, 2010. I was just wondering for those who have had a tummy tuck, can you see a "lump" where your port is placed? I had the Realize Band put in 6-2008. I'm thinking the Realize port was supposed to be a lower profile port. Any thoughts or comments? Thanks so much. Amber

SOMEWHERE on this board someone posted a home made recipe for skin cream that had some lovely oils in it that may help with skin elasticity so we don't end up with too much sagging skin. Does anyone know where that is? I've tried searching for it but cannot find it anywhere. I want to make some and see if it works! Thank you!

I think I am more afraid of plastic surgery than I was of lapband surgery. Maybe it's because of all the horror stories in the press over the years related to plastic surgeries gone wrong. I would like to find someone who has done many procedures on people who have had WLS. I don't want someone who has straightened many noses or given women with "A" cups big "D" orbs. I want to start with my arms. They are driving me crazy. The excess skin on my upper arms is very bad. If you have had excess skin removed in the Colorado Springs or Denver area, please tell me about your surgeon and the procedure ....... cost?, recovery time?, time off work?.............

I am thinking about plastic surgery. I need a tummy tuck and breast lift. I was referred to a Doc in Chattanooga TN and wanted to see if anyone on here has used this doc...Dr. Christopher W. Chase? Any info. on him would be great!

hi, I was wondering if any of you have had your port replaced with the low profile port?? Mine really sticks out, and I'm not done losing...was wondering what anyone's experiences were with the procedure, and is it worth it? thanks!

My tummytuck is in 6 days. I'm suppose to start my period anytime. What happens if I'm on my period ??? Has this happen to anyone out there????

Hello out there... I'm 40 pounds from my personal goal. I've already spoke with a plastic surgeon about a body lift. Here are my questions: I was told that the extra fat that's still on me is "good" because it's easier for him to cut it off and to transplant it elsewhere, like my bum. Has anyone heard that it's better to be in my situation (not at goal) compared to being at or below goal before platic surgery? Any bit of insight would help me greatly! Thanks, Rebecca

Over a month ago I received a letter from the insurance stating that I was approved. However, I received a call from the PS office 2 days ago that they only received approval of the panniculectomy CPT code 15830. After 2 sleepless nights and nothing resolved, I called my insurance company again today and spoke w/ a knowledgable rep who informed me that both the abdominoplasty CPT code 15830 and panniculectomy CPT Code 15847 have been approved. Yes, I obtained the authorization/confirmatin numbers. That was one heck of a scare, with less than 2 weeks before the scheduled procedure. I'm back to being a happy camper again.

HELP!! my DR. is recommending a 'fleur de lys' (vertical) abdominoplasty. Has anyone had one? Or have any info/advise, I've looked it up on google but not a whole lot of info on it. Doesn't seem too popular, I have a lypoma on my upper stomach, that will be removed at the same time (its starting to stick out). Thats the reason for this style of surgery, sounds kind of hard core though? :wub:

HI, I'm very new in the lap band process so I'm not even close to deciding whether or not I need a Tummy Tuck. But, I was curious of those who have had one. How many more inches do you typically loose from your waist? Is it a significant amount or is it more just removing the skin?

Any ideas how get rid of this cold? I'm drinking lots and lots of fluids and have been taking sudafed to eliminate the congestion. I'm thinking that I should be fine and they won't postpone my procedure since it's not a chest cold. Any thoughts, suggestions, remedies...?

I had my panniculectomy done 2 weeks ago I just got the EOB in the mail today I thought everything was all set (at least that is what the surgeon's office told me) They did not pay the surgeon saying that was not a payable benefit and the hospital claim is pending waiting for them to send the operative report. I am freaking out because I thought everything was all set. I have lost over a 100 lbs and have kept it off over 2 years. Anybody ever had anything like this happen.

Hello! I'm a week away from my TT w/ lipo and MR... Do you have any suggestions to promte successful healing? I will follow Dr's orders to the letter and have already given up smoking (I'm now 15 days smoke free) to eliminate smoking related complications, such as: • Poor and/or delayed wound healing • Increased risk of infection • Longer bruising period • Skin loss • Hypertrophic or keloid scarring • Increased risk of pulmonary problems • Flap necrosis (as with "flap" procedures) or tissue breakdown Do you have any insider tips? Thanks in advance for any and all suggestions.

I see on here that a few have gotten their tummy tucks paid for by insurance. I was wondering if anyone has had BCBS IL (PPO) approve a tummy tuck? Thanks in advance Dore

3d simulator Go ahead try out some boobs you know you wana!

Hello everyone Nicole Rose checking in! started out at 365.5 was banded june 3 of 2008 now at 250ish ]: was lower (235) but slipped some how on to the good news now ... i think I'm happy to announce that I will be going in for plastic surgery December 8th 2010 for an abdiminoplasty (spelling excused please) and a panniectomy and possible brachoplasty of my arms 2nd stage is supposed to be my thighs once I heal up from the 1st stage of operation. I am beyond nervous and looking for insight in how people reacted to these surgeries. I'm 22 years old now and I'm 5'6 1/2 I'm going to be at the University of Chicago Bernard Mitchell center for at least 2-3 days after …