Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

2,848 topics in this forum

Hello, I have 25-30 pound to lose before I consider having PS:thumbup:. My port is already visible when Im naked:thumbdown:, so I assume when I will have lost all my weight its gonna be worst... But after a tummy tuck and lipo, I didn't see ennyone here complain about there port sticking out:confused: where did it go lolll mine is under my left breast and I have asked my surgeon to change it to a low profile port when my tummy tuck will take place but I still have doubt:unsure: about the low profile, if it will still show or not? do you ladies have experience this? Thanks

So I am thinking that when I am closer to my goal I want plastic surgery. It started with a tummy tuck but then the more weight I lost I began to think whether or not to get a tummy tuck, breast lift ( no implants) arm lift and thigh lift. I already talked to my doctor about this and he talked me through the procedures some what but I am a little concerned about the recovery time and other things so I have a few questions for people who have already had any or all of these procedures How close were you to your goal when you had ps? What surgeries did you have? Did you get them all at the same time or at different times? How long after surgery did you stay at the …

If you have had PS and had your port moved... where was it to begin with and where did you have it moved? are you happy with it now? does it show? do you have any trouble with it in the new place? did you band Dr. do the move? if you didn't have it moved, and your port is on your lower left belly area, does it show (naked or in a swim suit?) i'm not worried about IN clothes. I'm a 'not telling i have had the band' and i don't want to answer questions about "what in the heck is that big bump sticking out on you?!" my PS said he could move it (and remove my scare for the port) but my band Dr. doesn't want me to have it moved by anyone but him incase of infect…

I was under the impression that a tummy tuck is never covered by insurance, I put the story below of how the topic came up, it was very random. Anyway has anyone had experience with their insurance paying for a tummy tuck? Would love to know. This is a LONG story, maybe TMI but oh well. I was getting a fill this week and mentioned to the nurse that my lower back was in pain (they always ask me, "are you in pain.")had my newborn baby with me (we are adopting him and he is gorgeous!) and the nurse went out to get the Plastic Surgeon consult/nurse practitioner because he'd also adopted an African American infant. We were chatting about adoption related stuff when in walke…

i had surgery dec 3rd and im starting to notice my hair thinning on top what to do!! anyone who can share any ideas with me would be helpful also what kind a dr should i see any spacial dr.

I have a bad flap and it's getting worse. Down to top of thights now. I'm suffering from almost constant yeast infections under the fold from side to side. Bad ones. So, I'm starting to think about surgery even though I'm still 30-40 pounds away. Does anyone know whether these constant infections make it the flap surgery and medical necessity? Any experience with this would be helpful to know. Thanks.

Hi, When did you guys starting to consult with PS? My band date was 4/24/09, starting at 231 lbs and right now I am at 155lbs. I have a lot of hanging skins and I know surgery is the only way to get rid of it. My goal is to be around 140lbs even if it is not a normal BMI (I am on 5’2”) but I think it is a healthy weight for me. When should I consult with the PS? I know the PS won’t operate on you until you can keep your weight off for 6 months. Thanks,

I had a consult I think back in May/June and it's finally here. Surgery is Thursday 11/12 and I can't believe it. I'm having a breast aug and extended tummy tuck. I went today for my un-fill. I'm a little worried because now I think my band may have a leak. I knew I had been able to eat a lot more since a fill in Aug (thankfully didn't gain, but didn't loose). I have my fills under flouro everytime and supposedly I was at 4cc (i have 4cc band) but NP was only able to pull out 1.6cc. I hope they just messed up at last fill. I won't know though until I can get fill again. Anyways back to PS. I'm super excited. Will be staying the night in hospital since having both proced…

I had lap band done in july 09 have lost 33 kilo just about at my goal weight but now have extra skin arms legs and tummy I know i wont be happy until that is gone so can any one help with the type of surgery i need to have cause i dont know what type is need. Also how long would i take to recover from this operation

Hi Everyone- Just wondering. My boobs are now in a completely different hemispere than they should be and my panni covers my pubic area; as a result, my lower back and upper back are always killing me and I can't stand for very long. When I do, I get pain in my pannus area. Have any of you had a breast reduction at the same time you had the pannilectomy (sp)? I just can't imagine the recuperation period or the pain, but would love to get everything done at the same time...your thoughts.... Marieze

Obesity Surgery, 16, 673 Correspondence Body Contouring after Weight Loss in Morbid Obesity: Gain in Health and Leap in Psychosocial Functioning To the Editor: The importance of an unsatisfactory body image in causing psychological distress in obese patients has been recently investigated.1 This psychological distress encompasses lack of self-esteem, depression, and tendency to avoid social and sexual relationships. Body contouring following a significant weight loss can re-establish a good psychosocial functioning because of the perception of improved body image. A 31-year-old morbidly obese man presented to my plastic surgery clinic for body contourin…

I realize this is different for everyone. I was banded on 8/24/09 (4 months) and needed to lose about 200 lbs total. To date I have lost almost 80 lbs. (WooHoo for me!!) Realizing I still have a whole lot of extra weight on my body I have not noticed anything that could be called loose skin yet. (I'm not unhappy about this.) But I'm wondering at what point I can likely expect to see this becoming an issue? I'm doing a lot of exercise which I hope helps a little. And while I am 48 y.o. I actually think my skin is pretty good to begin with. But eventually I have to think I will see this becoming something I need to deal with. So I was hoping those with experience m…

Hi all... Can anyone recommend a plastic surgeon in Manhattan? After nearly 2 years and plenty of hard work, I'm down a little more than 100 pounds and thinking it's time to consider an abdominoplasty and perhaps an inner thigh lift. For better or worse, there are plenty of plastic surgeons to choose from in New York City. The problem: which one to choose. I'm aware of local surgeons like Dr. Schulman who specialize in treating weight loss patients. But I do think it's important to consult with multiple doctors and compare their techniques and patients' outcomes. If you've had a procedure done and have a recommendation, please let me know. Thanks in advance for yo…

Hi, I've recently had my lapband surgery. From all the weight I have gained over the years, I have a ton of stretch marks. Does anyone have any recommendations for how to treat these? I'm looking for something a little more advanced than topical creams (unless someone has had experience with a great one). Topical creams seem to be more geared towards preventing stretch marks than in removing or minimizing ones that have already been there awhile. I'm wondering what kind of doctors deal with this or what kind of treatments are available that are more advanced than creams, like lasers or something. I've had trouble finding online some really good recommendations of treatm…

Well Im far away from plastic surgery but I will need it all done cuz I have 300 lbs to lose (Ive lost 100 of it already) Im wondering how they do lypo and an inner thigh lift when a person has huge bulging vericose veins. I mean what if they hit one while doing lypo?

I was pretty well prepared for my panniculectomy and everything has gone smoothly. But one thing that I am still surprised at, a little over 3 weeks post surgery, is the amount of swelling I still have. I feel bloated all over and lately the scale shows me gaining weight even though I have had a re-fill on my lap band weeks ago and I have continued to eat pretty well (with a few exceptions here and there). I am certainly not pigging out which the scale would suggest. So I think it is swelling. Ladies (and gents, too) who have had plastic surgery, what has been your experiece with swelling after plastic surgery? When did it peak? When did it subside? Do you have an…

i was just wondering if insurance will cover tummy tucks and if not how much is it , and can you have a baby after a tummy tuck ?

Hi all, I'm so excited, I just found out that my appeal of the denial of my panniculectomy was successful, and now my procedure is approved as medically necessary! This is important for me because even though I am only 1/3 of the way to my final goal, my pannus was already quite extended before my surgery, and my weight loss has only exacerbated it - with rashes, back problems, etc. I know I will still need cosmetic surgery when I get to my goal weight, probably a lower body lift, but this will make it a lot easier to exercise and improve my health while I am getting there. Has anyone on this list had a panniculectory while they were still quite far from their goal we…

Hey everyone, So I have been banded since Jan. 12, 2009 and have lost a total so far of 91lbs (from 275 lbs.) I was a size 26 and am now somewhere between a 12 and 14. I hadn't really considered PS before, but my stomach is well... disgusting! I can still not see my belly button because the skin did not return to normal and still hangs over, and below that I have an "overhang" as I refer to it. I can see the skin folding and when I take a close look, I just know it is not going to go back to normal. Now, because of this skin issue, I am afraid to lose more weight and make it look worse, if that is possible so now I am considering PS. I need advice though. I have ready a…

I received a quote for $20,385.00 Here is the itemization. HOW ON EARTH CAN ONE AFFORD THIS??? DO YOU PUT IT ON A CREDIT CARD? Breast lift, LeJour $4500.00 Liposuction, other $1200.00 Abdominoplasty - extended $5600.00 Liposuction, hips $1200.00 Thigh lift, Outer $3200.00 Anesthesia $ 1670.00 O.R. Fee $ 3020.00 Overnight Stay $ 990.00 History and Physical, Labs $ 75.00 Garments $ 150.00 Pain Pump $350.00 SUBTOTAL $21955.00 LESS 10% DISCOUNT OFF SURGEONS FEES $ 1570.00 TOTAL $ 20385.00

How much do you pay? My co worker had her tummy tuck done in Nashville about a month ago. The surgeon did a very good job on her. Eventhough I am not at where I should be yet (I am about 20 lbs away), I would like to consult with a doctor. Well, he charged $150 per consultation. I am planning to go to several before I pick one and if all of them charge that much, I don't know if I can afford it. Thanks,

If you want to see my before and after pics of my TT, I have them in a private folder. Friend request me if you want to see them!!:rolleyes2: Tiffany

So my question is how is your neck holding up with your weight loss? I am getting these vertical lines in my neck right under my chin (about 4 of them) it looks like I got a lousy lipo job done.. I am hoping with more weight loss it becomes less and less noticeable.. Right now, not very pretty. Can anybody relate to this and did any one have a good outcome?

hi, i've been reading everyone's journey on their plastic surgeries and have gotten alot of good information for use in mine. since i've gotten so much great help from everyone, i've decided to journey my own upcoming process. i'm scared to death but will not let it stop me. my biggest fear is developing blood clots. this has been my fear since my lapband surgery which was minimal compared to the one i have coming up. just 2 days ago my boyfriend's aunt passed away as a result of one....she was old and had lots of health issues which caused it....but i was spooked a bit by it...was it a sign? luckily dr schulman just posted about this subject and it made me feel…

Can anyone recommend a GREAT plastic surgeon in the Dalals/Fort Worth area? If you have used him/her, please tell me what procedure you had and if you're pleased with the results. If you're not pleased, explain why.

Hey all ya happy thin ppl! I am going to complete this journey I have been on to Thin Land with some Plastic surgery! Can't wait! Just wondering if anyone has had any PS done in Paducah KY? I am going to have a body lift, breast lift, and my arms done! Be ready for summer! whoo hoo! Also, wondering about how some of you healed up and how long it tooK! Hope everyone is having a great day!

Hi Everyone, Thank you to all of you who have gone before me and shared your expirences. Now I am excited to begin my own journey. I was approved today from my insurance company for a panniculectomy, mons lift. I am going to pay out of pocket for an upper abdominalplasty. I will be staying 1 night in the hospital. I was also lucky enough to be able to schedule my surgery as well. So the count down to Friday November 6, 2009 begins. My pre-op will be on October 20, 2009. So my question to everyone out there is do you think that I will be able to go back to work after 4 weeks? I mainly have a desk job and where can you rent a lift chair?

I am interested in having brachioplasty done..everything else I want to wait til after I have kids...I only have about 20lbs left that I want to lose...should I wait to lose that 20lbs before I have brachioplasty or will it make any difference? My arms have always been big and I really want to have this done my husband says maybe I should wait...wanted to get an opinion. Thanks!!!

I am getting a Tummy Tuck, Breast lift with Implants and lipo of the thighs on November 19. I am really starting to worry about the pain. How much pain can I expect? Also was there any things that helped you besides pain meds example pillows? etc? Any and all help would be appreciated! Less than 2 weeks now!

Well I am ready to step over to the other side. I have scheduled my plastic surgery for October 23rd at 7:00am!!!:thumbup: On the menu for that day is a Fleur-De-Lis tummy tuck. In english it is basically an extended tummy tuck with anchor incision. Also a mons lift and breast implants. After consulting with 4 PS's and the one I choose twice we determined I didn't really need a lift, sure it would help a little but in the end I am not really as droopy as I think I am and that with the implants I should be very happy. (I'm just deflated it seems) He estimated 7-9 pounds to be removed during surgery from the tummy, Ddng that' alot of flabby skin just hanging around. …

Tonight at 5pm "Tonight's special guest is TLC's Big Medicine Plastic Surgeon Dr. John LoMonaco. A talk show created with all band patients (LAP-BAND & REALIZE Band) in mind. Be sure to tune in every Monday to hear from experts and or patients as they share their wisdom/experiences. We want you to have the best band journey ever. " The Band Banter Talk Show 10/19/2009 - Coach Cher & Krys on Blog Talk Radio

I know most everyone gets a total defill with any abdominal surgeries, but I'm wondering if anyone got a TT and DIDN'T get their band defilled, and what the consequences were? My clinic says I would be way too tight because of the swelling and therefore would get easily dehydrated. Any feedback?

I saw Dr. John Lomonoco on BIG MEDICINE. Has anyone had plastic surgery by Dr. John Lomonoco in Houston, TX? If so, please share what procedure and your thoughts about the results.

I've finally gotten myself to a place where I think I'm ready for plastic surgery. I'm still not totally sure what I want done and also expect it will be entirely self pay. Problem? The plastic surgeon my lap-band surgeon recommended is scheduling a simple consult for FEBRUARY!! Issue? Yes. I just want to know what the possibilities are, how much money I'll have to save, and when I can expect to get this done. I don't want to wait that long! I would expect that the consultation could be scheduled now, even if surgery can't be til early next year....am I crazy? Can anyone recommend a plastic surgeon in MA with whom they've had good luck? Thanks for any advice!! …

Now that I have my pre-op pics from the doctor I thought I'd start this thread. I have learned so much watching Julie and Puddin I wanted to follow their example and share my journey as well. I am posting my surgical pre-op photos below but am leaving my before/current photos of my clothed self off this thread for now. Somehow that makes me feel just a little more exposed on this thread. Silly I know since my photos are already on several other threads.

I am ready to have my "mommy makeover" done, but I have no idea about how to find a good PS. I live near Auburn, WA in South King County. Anybody know a good DR?

I havn't been on here in quite some time. It seems like forever ago that I had my band surgery. I've lost, gained, and lost again (and my body sure shows it). I've finally scheduled my "mommy makeover" (Lower Body Lift and Breast Lift) for November 4, 2009. I'm excited and terrified all at the same time. My PS has to move my port to a new location because he's gona try to take that scar off too!! I'm considering getting a low profile port, but I'm not sure how much of a difference it will make. I havn't taken any before pictures yet, but will post them when I do. Started at Size 22/24 - now in a Size 12 - hope to be in a Size 8 soon!! (or at least 9/10)

I was banded in Edinburgh, Scotland on 02.02.08. To date I've lost 115lbs! Tomorrow is the start of the PS journey at long last. I'm starting off with a mastopexy. I'm being admitted at 7.30am tomorrow and should be out on Wednesday at 10.30am. No drains will be used either, great! At the biggest I was a size 44 G/H, now I'm a 36E but I've lost a lot a of breast tissue and the Plastic Surgeon reckons I'll be either a 36B/C. I'm not bothered about implants, been there with the big chest, don't want them again! DH is more of a butt man anyway! I'm sure he would rather I was having butt implants as this has disappeared too. Anyway, I can't wait until tomorrow and hopefu…

I had my surgery yesterday. It lasted 6 1/2 hours. I had a circuferential tt with fleur de lis, lipo, muscle repair and hernia repair. I ended up having 3 hernias instead of just one. That is where the majority of my pain is. The incisions don't hurt too bad. I went home around 4 in the afternoon and when my husband got me into the house, I fainted! It was pretty scary. I was cold and clammy and turned white as a ghost. I have a pain pump that wasn't working last night because it was clamped off. Once I figured that out, I unclamped it and it is working now. I've been up and moving around the house a little today because I'm paranoid of blood clots. Other than that…

Hi All, I am scheduled for a lower body lift Sept. 21st. I am so excited and starting to get a little nervous. So many others have been so gracious in sharing their stories and experience so I thought I would try and and add what I can from my journey. I have had my pre-op appointment Aug. 25th and go to see my family Doctor on the 8th to review all my blood tests. Other than that I have lots to do at work, organizing things so I can take 4 weeks off. I have bought all the after care items and filled my "happy drug" prescription from my PS surgeon. Now it's just the wait. I keep dreaming about it. I will keep you all posted if folks are interested. Barb

Did anyone see the Dr.G autopsy show recently? She had a case of a woman who died while recovering from "TUMMY TUCK" surgery. The surgery itself went well, but it unleashed a blood clot that traveled up to her lungs and killed her. That scared the hell out of me!!! I wouldnt risk my life just to get rid of some flabby skin.

Hi: I had a tummy tuck back in May 2009. I think I'm getting a dog ear on one side. I'm just wondering if anyone knows if this can be corrected in the plastic surgeon's office or not? Also, does the plastic surgeon usually charge extra for this if you already paid for the tummy tuck? How do they fix it? Please share your experience with me if you've had a dog ear and had it corrected. Thanks. Sue

Hi everyone! Well, I am scheduled for my full tummy tuck this coming Wednesday. Nervous/excited/nervous/excited! I have created a photo album on make me heal. I was inspired by Laura P. to include pics of me wearing my "goal pants" Just about fainted trying to zip them up, but hopefully I'll fit into them eventually. Feel free to look at my pics if you'd like. I'll be updating them as I go along. Plastic Surgery Pictures, Videos, Photos, Pics, Before, After, Cosmetic Surgery. password: goobgone

Does anyone have a recommendation? I'm not at goal yet but I expect to be there soon. I would like a surgeon who will do a lift and tuck at the same time with lipo, I'm having a difficult time finding one in my area.

Well I did it. After much searching and studing, I took a deep breath and made the call. I have an appointment for a consultation for a tummy tuck on Feb 9th. I am excited and nervous both at the same time. I am working on my insurance to help pay for a portion at least, we shall see. When I spoke with the PS office they infomed me that they deal with weight loss patients alot, and have worked to get insurance to at least pay some of the cost. I have been reading the post on all of you who have been where I am at now. THANKS for the info. I will be counting on your further help and wisdom to get me through this process. Laura

Hi, I have only remotely considered PS since I assumed I couldn't get approved by ins and I don't have major overlapping skin. I've lost 78 pounds and although I have lots of saggy skin and some bulges I'd love to live without, I haven't had any problems with rashes, etc. until now. I'm getting the rash that we all know well. It's only in my bellybutton. I know how to get rid of it and I have the proper cream, but I'm asking myself if I should see a doctor to start documenting for possible PS in the future. Two questions, could this small rash qualify me for a TT? If so, can I see my GP for it? We have a derm shortage where I live and it takes MONTHS to get an …

I'm 2 years out, my weight has been stable since May. I'm ready to find a plastic surgeon. I'm thinking lower body lift or mons lift and tummy tuck. I'm debating the inner thighs and am willing to hold off on those for a while. My insurance isn't going to cover any of it, which really sucks. But it's something I want to do for me. So which docotrs should I consult? Any recommendations? Thanks- Leena

Hello fellow bandsters, Well even though I am only about 1/3 of the way to my final weight loss goal I am thinking ahead to the future plastic surgery that I will certainly need. My question is about breast surgery. My breasts were very stretched out even before my lap band surgery, and since the lap band I seem to be losing weight on my breasts more aggressively than anywhere else, LOL! This, of course, makes the breast sagging even worse and now my nipples point straight down. In spite of all this I love my breasts because my nipples are wonderfully sensitive, much to the delight of my husband and myself! So I'm really reluctant to undergo any kind of breast lif…

How many of you who are in your twenties have had a tummy tuck? I am just starting out on this thing, the band was placed only a few weeks ago, but I am just wondering. I was under the impression that most younger people would not need this if they exercised regularly. I understand that everyone loses at their own pace/rate/etc, so I guess I am wondering the odds of exercising regularly and still needing a tummy tuck.

Hey ladies I'm pretty close to goal right now. I'm at 153 and my goals 145. I'm gonna try with exercise but I've had 3 kids and just don't see me getting it into any reasonable shape with exercise alone. Right now I hate my stomach. If it's not being too nosey do any of you mind sharing what you paid for your procedure? I'd like to get an idea of how much I'm gonna need to save. Also how long was your recovery process and how long were you off work? Thanks!!