Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

2,848 topics in this forum

Well, in just five weeks from today I'll be under the knife at this time. I am so nervous. I'll be getting a lower body lift and breast lift with augmentation. OUCH

This is a short 3 minute video that I put together about body contouring after weight loss. It is not a professional video by any means...but I think it is a nice compilation of before and after pictures. It shows all the procedures that have been discussed on this site...including the hard to find fleur-de-lis tummy tuck! Enjoy. [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G1w0ivEfdG8]watch the video[/ame]

I am having my abdominplasty in one week!!!!!!! Just wondering... truthfully... how long it will be before I can get back to the gym???? I am very nervous about what all this laying around and recovering is going to do to my body!!!! I know I have to heal and take it easy... just want to know when everyone else got back to their fitness routines?????? thanks for your posts!!!

Well today I had smartlipo done on my arms and it was so easy and completely painless. Now my arms are real swollen but the Dr said that this is the biggest they will be and it is downhill from here. I really could not believe how easy it was. I told the Dr why would anyone want the other lipo when this one is so easy. If anyone has any questions please feel free. I go back on the 20th for my abd and flanks and I can't wait!!

I had a lbl at the end of January and I am wearing the same size I know that they removed 15 pounds of skin, but its very frustrating to be in the same size. I was wondering if anyone else ha dthe same issue ( I will probably be the only one)? I am still wearing the binder for the next 3 weeks and there may be a bit of swelling but still I am sad. Hubby says well your butt is alot smaller and you dont have a pouch (he's very loving and encouraging) Please help. Thanks

Let the countdown begin...yesterday I scheduled my surgery for plastics. I'm getting a lower body lift and breast lift with augmentation. The big day is April 14, 2009...7:30 am...first surgery of the day. I am so excited, yet scared as hell. I know that I'm going to be in some serious pain but I figured it will all be worth it. I never thought that this day would come. I never thought that I would look the way that I do now and I can't wait to have an end result. Yesterday was my second consultation. I went to see how much it would be to add on a breast lift. Well...if I just did a lift...I would go from a C cup to an A. Oh...hell no!!! That goes to show you t…

Hi out there!! Just wondering if any of you experienced seepage from the belly button area??? I am two weeks out. Up until yesterday, my belly button was dry and healing. Now is is getting a little red and has a bit of drainage. I went to doc today and he says its normal. Told me not to treat it in any way. Most things I have read say the belly button should be healed in 2-3 weeks. I am so scared that is going to be a start of an infection.:w00t: Also... how long before your belly button went back to looking somewhat "normal??"

Dr Chris did my gastric band and I am very happy with it and him! I now need a tummy tuck and just wondered if anyone has had one with him? Im very keen to get some feedback. Thank you! Julia

I'm 6 weeks out from having a LBL and wanted to ask those who've BTDT: what could you NOT live without in the weeks after surgery? What should I be buying/hiring to ensure the most amount of comfort for myself in those first few weeks? How should I prepare DH? What should I be doing to prepare? Thanks in advance for any advice!!

Ok... so I just left my docs office from my one week post op visit. I am devistated to say the least. I realize that I am majorly swollen and my doc reminded me of that several hundred times. When they placed me in the mirror, my new belly button was WAY offcentered to the right side. By an inch or two I'd say of where a belly button would normally be. It's clearly not in the correct spot and its easy to tell that this is where it will be healing. I can't stop crying!!!:thumbup: Anyone else have this happen???? I can't even bare the thought of having to go through another surgery to have this corrected. My doc acted as if it was no big deal but I know he sees tha…

Wow... can't believe it is all said and done!!! It is quite a recovery...I don't know how some people do multiple areas at once. I think revovering in my tummy area alone is all I can take at one time. At first I was frustrated that my doc didn't want to do my breasts at the same time, but now I am grateful for that decision. I am very sore, but I am sticking to my pain meds faithfully. Usually after surgery I give them up about 1-2 days after.... but this time I think it will be at least a week before I give them up!!! I am very drowsy cuz of the meds so I have been doing lots of sleeping. Back pain and tummy muscles are much more sore than the incision itself.…

Can anyone tell me how much to do a tummy tuck? I know that there are probably alot of variables, but maybe a ballpark figure. Also, does anyone know of somewhere that offers cheap but safe surgeries? I researched a surgeon for my lapband and found Dr. Kirshenbaum on this site and I flew to Denver in July. He was wonderful. Now I would like to start searching for plastic surgeons. I have lost 70 pounds and still have about 60 to lose but I want to start looking now. Thanks.

Hi, I am almost 8 months out and getting closer and closer to goal. I am starting to look at getting some plastic surgery. I would love a lower body lift and some new "girls". lol. I am a self pay bandster and I assume I will be a self pay plastic surgery patient and was wondering what are the costs? I am willing to travel since I live in CT and my band cost $18,500 I am hoping to go somewhere where it is cheaper but just as safe! I appreciate your help and wanted to do a poll but am not that computer savvy as of yet! LOL.. So please let me know where you are from and how much plastics cost you and what you had done! I appreciate your help!!

Does anybody know if they move your port for a tummy tuck? My port is to the upper right of my navel and I know they will have to make a new hole for the navel, but what about the port site??? I am just starting out on my weight loss journey, so it will be at least a year before I have this done. I have already had my breast down sized about 20 years ago and love them:thumbup:. I was a size triple D :ohmy:when I had this done. In high school I was a double D and weighed 99lbs!!! I know, I know what happeded with the weight, LONG STORY, but I gained over 100lbs so now it has to come off!

Last year I had the lap band put in. I have recently lost all my weight and am down to 135lbs however I still have fat around my mid section that I want GONE. I am interested in SmartLipo as its not as invasive and costly, however I would like to know if this would interfere with my lap band or lap band port? Does anyone know of a good…great doctor that offers the service. P.S. I am open to (in fact I would prefer) a doctor abroad ei, Mexico, costa rica etc. and a travel buddy I can go with. Thanks! Ladeda

Ok, I finally have a date, so I thought I would start a thread about my plastic surgery!! I will have an extended tummy tuck, thigh lift and mons lift on October 24th. I am having my tubes tied at that time as well. My emotions are all over the place allready and i am usually not like that at all. Will I really have a flat tummy?? Are my expectations too high?? Will I be happy with my body after the surgery or will I continue to find every flaw?? It's like a whirlwind of questions going through my mind. Those of you who have allready done this, did you experience these same feelings. Here's the other thing....Since I set the date, I am having the hardest time…

I haven't even got my lap band as of yet . I have been searching these forums for some answers and cant find any. I have about 250 pounds to lose and know I will need major PS but what kinds specifically?A Full body lift inner thigh lift arm lift breast lift ? The reason I ask this is I cant find anyone who has lost more than 100 pounds and got plastic surgery. Also Ive read where people have got tummy tucks and got there ab muscles tightened. Why? Do the muscles in the stomach get screwed up because of all the weight? Sorry for all the ? I just have no clue. Does anyone know how much a body lift even costs?

I had a tummy tuck last Monday & only overnight did I really get some back pains. I woke up in tears because trying to turn or lean or even face a different direction is causing me horrible pain. A nurse at the hospital was the only person who said anything about back pain. Since its Sunday, there is like no Dr office open & I doubt they'd want to do anything with me in this condition anyway. What should I do about the pain? I took some more pain meds & my mom is getting me a heating pad. We tried ice at first but thought that was a bad idea. I go back to the Dr tomorrow to get the last two drains taken out so I guess I can ask him for muscle relaxers if …

Hi everyone, I have lost 82lbs so far and I have another 22-ish to go. My graduation present to myself would be to get a circumferential tummy tuck and a breast lift with implants. I am 24 and I want to live life to the fullest. I wan't to enjoy my body at the beach and just...well....LIVE! I have a lot of hanging skin on me from having my son 6 yrs ago and there's no denying that it will need to be removed. It all sounds grand right? Well, I also want to have more kids later on in life...perhaps after 30 or so. Should I wait until after I have children or should I just do the PS in 2010 as planned?? Please...any feedback would be appreciated.

Ok.... so of course I am starting to get VERY nervous about the whole thing. I have done my homework and I am sure I am prepared for what is going to happen. Any last minute advice on things you might have not felt prepared for??? Before?? During??? After surgery??? Thanks in advance for taking your time to post!!:w00t:

Hi can anyone help? I have lost 65 lbs. in 17 months. I am very proud of myself it was hard work. The problem is my butt. It is still huge :cursing:. My thighs are also large compared to the rest of my body. I am the typical pear shape and only 5 ft 1 in. All of my pants are too large in the waist and tummy area to fit over my butt. I am seriously considering liposuction. I have a consult 01/30/09 with Dr. Michell Jones in Fishers Indiana. Does anyone know her or have any of you had lipo? Thanks for any info.

Hi all! I am 37 pounds from goal and determined to get there. I have been at the same weight for 18 mos. I had my lap band 3 years ago. I will definitely be getting a LBL & Breast work done. After going to a surgeon yesterday I am somewhat discouraged by cost. Is anyone willing to share general ballpark for this? I have seen a few answers in other threads. I am in Oregon but am thinking of going to Texas for surgery. I am guessing things would be cheaper there but maybe I am wrong. The Portland surgeon's quote was over $19000 for the LBL and around $10000 for breast lift/reduction. Thanks to everyone who share their PS stories and pics, it is SO helpful!

I had a chat with DH last night, as I know that after my body lift, I will have some obvious (and sizeable) scars, even if they do fade after some time. I wondered if they would be off-putting to DH and whether he would find me attractive anymore. He reassured me that he would find me attractive no matter what, but I can't help feeling he's not quite prepared for the extent of the scarring, and how different I'll look. So I was hoping to hear from those who have BTDT - how did your spouse react to your scars?

Hey everyone: I haven't posted on here in forever, but I thought some of you may be interested in my plastic surgery journey. I am basically having a total body lift, but instead of doing it in one surgery, I am doing in 2 stages. Dec. 3rd I had a lower body lift (tummy tuck, thigh lift, buttock lift) which means I have a scar that goes all the way around me. I also had brachioplasty (arm lift) with lipo. Stage 2 will happen in mid May: Breast lift/augmentation, bra-line back lift (gets rid of the fat along the sides of your breasts under your arms and lifts the back), stomach lipo, lipo of inner/outer thighs and medial thigh lift. Believe it or not, the first…

Last year I had the lap band put in. I have recently lost all my weight and am down to 135lbs however I still have fat around my mid section that I want GONE. I am interested in SmartLipo as its not as invasive and costly, however I would like to know if this would interfere with my lap band or lap band port?. Does anyone know of a good…great doctor that offers this service? P.S. I am open to (in fact I would prefer) a doctor abroad ei, Mexico, costa rica etc. and a travel buddy I can go with. Thanks! Ladeda

I'm still on my weight loss journey, but I'm starting to see the skin on my legs and arms get very loose. I was wondering if there was something I might do to tighten the loose skin without actually going into surgery... I've heard weight bearing exercise might do the trick...anyone had any success with this approach? Harvest

Hello everyone!! I have a question concerning smartlipo. has anyone heard on this or had it done? I have a consultation on Thursday for my arms and belly fat and I wanted to know if anyone else has gone this route for sculpting. I am still about 20 lbs form my goal but my whole body is shrinking except for those pesky arms. My belly still has fat too but at least it is shrinking. Can't wait to hear from you all!!

It's my first consult with the plastic surgeon my bariatric surgeon has recommended. I am nervous and a little excited! I was initially unsure that I really needed this surgery, but lately I am 100% certain I want to do this. I hate that despite losing over 80% of my excess weight, and being only 10lbs from goal, I still look big in the belly area due to all the excess skin. You can see my ribs when I'm naked, but the bottom half of body looks like it's a horrible melted mess! Plus in hot weather, I develop angry, sore welts in between the folds. The only thing I worry about is that he'll want me to be stable for longer before he'll do the surgery. I don't really wa…

I have been looking into this Dr. for a few months and I want to know if anyone went to her for ps. I feel very comfortable with what them so far(through e-mails and talking on the phone) but I would love to talk to a patient.

Hi everyone, after 3.5years of being banded I have shed about 75Kg, I was 165Kg and now around 88Kg and goal is 85Kg. I am 179Cm and pretty active going to the gym about 4 times a week for the past year, despite that I can't see that any amount of exercise will get rid of the excess skin, that losing 75Kg+ has left me with. I was in Malaysia recently and visited a surgeon from Gorgous Getaways who advised me I would need 4 operations, Tummy tuck, male chest reduction, Thigh lift and buttock lift, the excess skin would reduce my weight about 3-4kg as well and could all be done in one operation, overnight stay in hospital, 2 week stay in Kuala Lumpur for dressings to be ch…

I am heading towards making my goal weight this summer but we are not in the financial place to pay for surgery, I'm working P/T to save enough $. I am hoping for a combined tummy tuck and breast lift (implants if needed). My parents live in rural Wyoming, we are in New York. Due to DH's busy career and having small children my mom has offered to care for me post surgery. I don't see any other way. How do I pick a good surgeon w/o being from the area? Do I schedule consults via phone with photos? Is that even possible? Should I go for consults this summer when I am visiting my family, this would be one year ahead of scheduling a surgery? I am not sure how long a …

Does anyone have any reccomendation for Mexican plastic surgeons, or anyone I should stay away from?

I am considering a second surgery. I had a lower body lift in September and am thrilled with my results. My arms and breasts really need skin removal/lift. I am concerned about the scars on my arms. Also concerned about the costs - I would need to borrow the money from my parents which makes me feel awful considering the current economy. Does anyone have any thoughts/experience about the arm scars? I don't know what exactly I am asking since I know there will be scars there. MY ps said that I heal well (so far) but that the scars will still be visable. What do you think?

Especially with today's economy, I thought I'd share a few items we discuss with our patients who have financial obstacles to overcome before they can move ahead with their PS. Remember the value of what you are getting and what you are risking. This isn't a car your buying...it's your health, and your body...you have come a long way to get where you are ! Using price alone to chose your surgeon does not make sense. Consider financing. Companies like CareCredit have various programs that may help. If your credit is shot, enlist the help of a reputable repair agency. It works. Also, your doc may be willing to finance a portion of the surgery through a promissory note w…

Does it cover it for us? :S If not, what did people have to pay? Is private better for it?

I am just 3 months out from lap band surgery and will surely need a tummy tuck when I get to my goal. I am just beginning to research plastic surgeons in Austin. Does anyone know of a good one? I know I'm a long way from that decision but I believe in research, research, research. If anyone can help, I would surely appreciate it.

I have good insurance, and I am sure I can get a breast reduction after I am done losing weight, but what about the rest? How can I get insurance to pay for plastic surgery?

Has anyone out there experienced the "tired face" after being banded? I was banded in December of 2004 and I am very happy with my size. I have a lot of extra skin but clothes hide it well. What I can't hide are my deep nasolabial lines in my face. I'm only 32 but I feel these lines make me look older. My husband says I'm crazy but I do see it. Plastic surgery is out of my budget. I've been looking into fillers such as Juvederm and Restylane. I'm even considering making an appointment with someone to check out my options. Has anyone else gone through this?:thumbup:

I've decided to start a thread about my upcoming panniculectomy. I'm nervous as a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs! It's strange what mixed emotions I'm having. I fought hard to get my insurance to cover this and I'm still amazed that they finally did but on the other hand, the surgery is scary. I sometimes look at myself in the mirror and can't even imagine what I'll look like after the fat apron is removed. My thighs will still be a mess but at least my stomach won't be hanging down nearly to my knees. I can hopefully throw away all my industrial strength girdles! I had hoped to hear from someone that had this procedure done but so far I haven't. …

I am so excited to finally be posting here! I just got off the phone from scheduling my surgery! I will be having an extended tummy tuck on December 17! I have struggled with this decision..having lots of guilt issues mostly. Spending this kind of money on myself when I have 6 children, it's right before Christmas, etc. But when I look at myself in the mirror I don't feel like a person who has lost 113 pounds because of this big belly still there making me still look like an almost 300 pound person in my head anyway. I've worked so hard and I still have a little more to lose. .hopefully will get very close to goal before my surgery. My bandiversary is a couple weeks away …

I had my consult with the plastic surgeon today. He recommended a tummy tuck with the anchor incision, plus a breast lift. I so want to get this done! He showed me what he could do and I was amazed at the possibilities. But anyway, I was telling my father about it and he's curious as to how many stitches I would have, both internal and external, for the tummy tuck. He had a lower body lift a couple years ago and was unprepared for the horrible pain and hundreds and hundreds of internal and external stitches he had. From what my surgeon said, the procedure I'd have is a walk in the park compared to his. But, he's still fixated on the number! So, anyone know a…

Does anyone know if you have to have a unfil when you get cosmetic surgery? I had a breast reduction & lift prior to lapband and what was left of the girls are slowly disapearing so I'm already planning to get inplants and was just wondering about the fill. Thx in advance for your help.

Just wondering what techniques ppl have been using to tuck it, flatten it, smush it, and pretty much make the extra skin less noticeable without plastic surgery..... I do plan on having some surgery done, but Im not quite at goal yet........but in the mean time I still am having the hardest time buying clothes.... I need bigger pants to fit my pooch, and then they are swarming on the rest of me.....longer tops to cover the same area, but then my upper body and shoulders looks like im wearing clothes from 65lbs ago... its so frustrating........any suggestions would be a great help:thumbup: Thanks Wendy:thumbup:

Does Insurance ever pay for any ps?

I am 3 weeks out from a LBL in Mexico. I am excited but terrified that the down time and boredom will kill me. I am extremely active and I am hoping that I can start walking miles after a few weeks. Does anyone have any advice or info that they may want to share with me?

Hi Everyone, I am pretty new here, and I think its simply amazing. I appreciate so much the information that everyone is sharing! I am 5'2 currently, 240-245 depending..... you know how it is.....non-banded, just starting my research, though I have an appt at Tufts-NEMC in Boston in Dec. So here is what I am wondering....in a perfect world, I'd lose about 100 lbs. In reality, Id be really happy with 70-80. I am wondering if I would need to have any PS. I ask because I have heard with the band that there is less need for PS because you lose the weight slower and your body can reabsorb some of the skin. To tell you a little about my body type.....I carry a lot …

I am just wondering if most of you were at goal or pretty close to it before having your plastic surgeries. I am approximately 30 pounds away from my goal. I desperately need a tummy tuck. I have had 3 plastic surgery consults and really want to have the surgery late February or early March because I want to be healed in time for summer. (My kids and I spend a lot of time in the pool). If I don't have it done by then, I would have to wait until September to do it when the kids are back in school. I have been told that I have about 12-15 pounds of loose skin that will be removed with lipo and surgery. That would put me about 15 pounds from my goal. I really want to get…

As I Celebrate loosing weight I'm starting to wonder how much ps might cost me if my insurance doesn't pay for it... Has anyone out there paid for their own ps? What did you have done and how much did it cost? Also, what was the recovery like? Harvest

Hi, I'm about 15lbs from goal, and have a PS appt for excess skin (stomache mainly) on the 21st of Jan 2009. I have been sitting here trying to think of questions I'd like to ask him, but aside from how long before I can do the surgery, and how long before I can return to work, I can't think of anything! For those who have been through it, is there anything specific I should be asking the surgeon?

I had a breast reduction 5 years ago and went from a DD to a C. I think that I'm in between a C - D now. After lap band surgery, did most of you find that you lost weight in your boobs. I'm hoping that I will lose a little but not much. Any comments are greatly appreciated. I just got approved for lap band and I am patiently waiting for a surgery date... or trying to be patient!! ahhaha