Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery

How did you decide what to have done first? I'm nearing my goal weight and at this point, it looks like I'll need an arm lift, boob lift, tummy tuck, and maybe something for my thighs. My priority is likely being the tummy tuck and boob lift.

Hi everyone - I'm 10 days out from a lower body lift and inner thigh lift... I'm finally starting to feel human again. I knew this was going to be rough, but wow... Luckily, other than pain I've had no complications. I had 2 of my 4 drains taken out on Wednesday and am pretty sure the other two will come out next Wednesday at my 2 week checkup. I had my surgery with Dr. Shiffrin in Chicago. I think it was a little more than some of the quotes I've saw tossed around here, but I felt really comfortable with him and knew that I was going to get a good result based on feedback and pictures of the work he's done. He's just a really down to earth guy. I've been wear…

I had gastric bypass 5 years ago. I had tried getting insurance to cover my lower stomach hang 2 years after surgery to which they denied saying it was not that bad so it would be cosmetic. Even though it still hung over the pubic bone. I think I could have appealed it but I just let it go. april of this year I got a rash... I was told it was a yeast rash. They have my cream and powder.. may came and I still had the rash and it became worse. They said it was infected and gave me antibiotics and a new steroid cream. June and July arrived and I still had this rash. By this time this rash that started in one small spot under my stomach hang it spanned compl…

Hi all, just wondering if anyone has had a surgery to remove excess skin and then lost more weight and how you handled it..,ie has anyone had MORE surgery to remove more or was your skin more apt to snap back at that point. Am going to be talking to my Dr about removing my panni at my next appointment but was wondering what possibilities I should potentially expect. How long does the swelling last and does the Dr provide you with the compression clothing?, If not where is the best/most affordable place to buy it. Thanks all! [emoji3][emoji256] anything worth doing is Never easy [emoji3]

Hello I finally got my date for my tummy tuck and would like some feed back to my questions # 1 will I need a walker ? #2 will I need a recline ? #3 what else will I need that will help me be comfortable for the first couple of days?

How long until you were able to get into a car and drive yourself around after having a Lower Body Lift? Do you think it is possible to go for an 8-hour drive 2 weeks after having an LBL? Thanks.

I live in Mexico, but I've only been here a few months. I am almost ready to seal the deal on my weightloss with plastic surgery. By the end of the year, I hope to have several procedures completed. Does anyone have any good recommendations for someone who does an extraordinarily good breast lift in Baja Mexico? I have always had very large breasts but now they are very long-though there is still a lot of tissue. I don't want implants, but I want them to look good from every angle so may also need some armpit lipo or something! Lol

So I confirmed yesterday that I'm having a lower body lift with fleur de lis tummy tuck and lipo on Tuesday. I'm freakin out! I meet with a couple of plastic surgeons and have been doing my research. I went back to one for more information and they had a cancellation for Tuesday. At first I was like no way, Tuesday and then I thought man this might actually work better for me. I'll be full time at school this fall and would otherwise have to wait till January. Plus my husbands schedule is more flexible right now. I can't believe this is really happening! I have to get the following: - depends to help with leakage from stitches and those pad things to put on my lazy boy …

For those of you whom have had tummy tuck just curious if you go down in pants size

I am having a tummy tuck, lipo and a. BBL. How do you not get your hopes too high on the results? Sent from my LGLS991 using BariatricPal mobile app

Hi! I had a Brachioplasty and tummy tuck three days ago. My tummy tuck incision is great. It doesn't hurt, isn't itchy, not leaky, and has minimal swelling. I'm able to wear my compression garment underwear without an issue, and the drain is slowing down. However, my arms are another issue. The incision line is leaking clear puss. There are also clear blisters all along both arm incisions. And they both itch, and have a ton of swelling. The swelling traveled from my upper arms all the way to my finger tips, and I can barely move my fat fingers. I've gone back to the surgeon, who said swelling is normal. She suggested elevation for both arms. They have swelled so much, I'…

Getting ready for my 2nd and final Skin removal, vertical thigh lift. Any tips? I'm worried about incision opening the most. Groin incision care. Best ways to minimize post op swelling. And overall expectations. Any first hand experience and insight welcome. Go!!! [emoji6]

Has anyone here gotten a TT without getting muscle repair? Is it always required? My feelings are that with working out, I could really strengthen my ab muscles on my own. Not getting that portion done would reduce the cost of the procedure and recovery time. Any thoughts?

Hi!! I had vsg Jan 5 2015 and went from 274 down to 140 in about 10-11 months. After I had vsg (my surgery went well and my dr was great) my body went crazy I ended up with a pic line in my arm and a feeding tube for about four months before it fell out. So that's a reason why I lose it so rapidly and causing a great deal of excess skin. Fast forward to two years later I'm ready for the next step. Plastics surgery! This is harder than deciding wls lol. I don't know where to start. With wls my insurance had a program with a guide. I'm on my on now. So looking for some starting points and help. Connecting with people who had plastic surgery and sharing your experience with …

My brachioplasty is scheduled for 3/28/17. Now that it is so close the nerves are really starting to kick in. I have always had big arms and now that I am down 100+ lbs they really look awful. Here are some before pictures to show you what I mean. I'm nervous and excited and just want to look in the mirror and see normal looking arms.

I am post-op day 4 from my LBL (tummy tuck, butt lift, outer thigh lift) and I am feeling pretty good. My pain pump came out yesterday and my pain is controlled well with my Norco and Valium. Day 2 was the worst for pain. I am numb all over and very swollen but my belly is flat and my bum is lifted and I feel good! I have a small leak from my rear incision but that is normal and getting better each day. FYI - my surgery was with Dr Bruce Mast who is the head of plastic surgery at the University of Florida, the surgery was outpatient and cost $9200 total. I will post more updates as I progress. Sent from my XT1635-01 using BariatricPal mobile app

Hello all I was recently approved for a Panniculectomy code 15830 Excision,excessive skin and subcutaneous tissue ( includes lipectomy) abdomen,infraumbilical panniculetomy has any one had this procedure ? I'm not understanding all the medical terms

So my vsg incisions are still visible, and it's almost bikini season, what do you guys use to fade your scars??? Also has anyone ever tried collagen pills, did it help with loose skin? I really don't have any excess skin that needs to be removed, i'm just trying to prevent saggy skin later once i am at my goal. I just want to keep everything tight, but i'm not sure if it really works or if it's a gimmick.

As anyone had both 15830 and 15847 covered by insurance?

So I spoke with the kind lady at Beauty Enhance after the doctor reviewed my photos and made a recommendation. I decided to go with a royal lower body lift for the first procedure in my journey. I scheduled for this fall. I am beyond excited! Trying to think how I break this news to my boss....

I am five days from plastic surgery for tummy tuck, lower body lift and vertical thigh lift. Equal part nervous and excited.

Any suggestions for plastic surgeons in the Dallas area for skin removal...Preferably with a free consult or low cost consult.

How are people affording all these plastics without insurance copays??? I mean, do most people just have an extra $10,000 lying around, or is there some magic financing I'm not aware of? Especially with regards to traveling to places like Mexico to have them done, which sounds amazing and lavish and wonderful, but maybe I'm just not a responsible enough adult to have that much savings? ... most likely this is the case :/ *sigh

Hello All, just a quick question, I on occasion get Keloid scars after scratches, bug bites and etc., So I was wondering if anyone else deals with them and how they affected your healing after Plastics, did you heal well or did you heal will a large Keloid?, What should I expect, am prepping to talk to my surgeon about plastics but would like to have an idea of what to expect for healing/scarring etc. Thank you All! [emoji16][emoji256] anything worth doing is Never easy [emoji3]

Hi Ladies I had a breast reduction 5 1/2 week ago from a 46DDD to what I thought would be a B cup. WRONG! Just today I received the bras I ordered on Monday. They are a 44 B cup bra and they are too big in the cup. The right side cup is too big by at least 1 inch of excess material and the left cup by 1 1/2 to 1 3/4 inches of excess material. It seems to me that the right side is still swollen and there will be even more excess material when the swelling goes down. I am suppose to go back to work Tuesday. I had been wearing the surgical bras that were provided by the hospital but was told when I went back to work I could wear a regular bra. Ladies please help as…

I just booked my first consultation for plastic surgery for July 31st. I'm feeling a bit scared and confused by the whole idea of this but I know I'm never going to be truly happy with the new me until I do this. I could really use some advice on what sort of questions I should be asking the surgeon at the consult from some of you that have already been down this road. A little background on my journey so far: I'm 47 years old and I had a gastric bypass on July 2nd 2016. My highest weight was 326 and surgery weight was 320. Everything went well and I've had no complications. Since then I have lost a total of 144lbs and my current weight is 176. My goal weight is 140 so I …

I'm scheduled for LBL and liposuction to the anterior and lateral thighs on June 8, 2017. I'm trying to prepare for what items I may need to have on hand before going in for surgery. I've heard a lot of people report that a commode or shower char, lanyard for drains, walker...have been life savers. I'm curious what things you couldn't live without after surgery (or wish in hindsight you had had) are. Any advice is much appreciated!!! So looking forward to this next chapter!!! Jen

Has anyone had any skin removal done by a Dr. in or around the KC area? Was any part of it covered by insurance? Were they willing to do any work while their main focus was something other than cosmetic? I.e. hernia on lower abdomen, but were willing to go ahead with TT while there.

Finally had my breast surgery after 1 cancellation because a biopsy had to be done, which took over 6 weeks to get approved. The biopsy was benign. Then I had to go through all the testing again. Plus I had to personally hand deliver every test result and clearance to the surgeon, because my PCP's office staff was not doing their job. I finally had my breast surgery on Monday June 26th at 1:30. I was home in my own bed by 8 pm. The Dr took 1400 grams from the left side and 1500 grams from the right side. His Nurse saw me on Tuesday to change the bandages and into a different bra. On Wednesday I saw the Dr again. Another change of bandages and back into the bra the ho…

I picked this up at my band surgeon's office yesterday. Thought I'd share: Plastic Surgery - Surgery performed by a Plastic Surgeon to modify and change the appearance of an individual. The emphasis is on the change of one's appearance and no actual plastic is used for most of the operations. Brachioplasty - This operation is performed to improve the appearance of one's upper arms. Excess arm skin is removed after weight loss. This operation is usually performed after all the weight loss has been obtained and is done under general anesthesia on an out-patient basis. This procedure is considered cosmetic in nature and is not covered by insurance plans. Mastop…

If you had the choice of an arm lift, tummy tuck and breast work or BBL, breast work, tummy tuck and lipo which would you choose? Thank you Lisa

I know it's a bit early to be thinking of what I should bring with me for my lbl with dra Cardenas but I like to think ahead. Any advice is much appreciated. Thanks in advance!

I seem to be having suture rejection, I was healing great. It looked great then I had a seam split, followed by infection. Long story to short. I'm am now on antibiotics but my stomach is swollen and very hard and painful with an open wound. who has had the similar issues and what test did you have and how did you improve???

Hi! I recently lost 50 pounds after my second child and decided to get a tummy tuck for my excess skin. That being said, I started smoking again after I had my daughter... (not proud of it) but I was wondering if anyone else quit smoking 2 weeks before their scheduled tummy tuck? I'm so nervous that it won't be enough time... i really just need support and your stories of quitting and how your tummy tuck turned out!

Dr Carmina Cardenas was my plastic surgeon. I am beyond happy with everything she did and the cost was half what I would have paid here in the USA. I also had wonderful after care in Mexico. I feel so blessed she was my doctor. Feel free to pm me about her. She is an artist!! she did a neck lift, breast lift and tummy tuck for me. I'm going back in a few months for a bbl lift and fat transfer to my face as well. I adore her. Trust me she is the one you want. She knows how to work with weight loss patients bodies!!!!

Hello Everyone! I was sleeved at the Obesity Control Center in Tijuana and had a fabulous experience. I'm wondering if any of you have any feedback about the plastics at OCC? I just can't find any information, which makes me nervous. I also have consultations with Dr. Campos and Dr. Cardenas if you have any feedback on those two. Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

At 6 months post plastics I have regained feeling in breasts and bum but little between my belly button and incision on my stomach MI plan to have inner thigh lift but I'm concerned with pretty persistent numbness what have been your experiences with various plastics and nerve damage? Nerves grow so slowly and sometimes not at all!

Thanks for the responses. Now I have a couple of questions for those of you who have completed the process. Anyone use a portable wound vac? How do you tell if it is working? Most of the time it sounds like a gieger counter and which makes me think it is leaking, but when it is silent (rarely) I feel like it is not working. I still have it at home as well as the two drains which I understand may take from 1-2 weeks to be removed. Also, I came home 10# heavier than I went in, and 3 1/2 # of skin was removed. Is this normal and is it all fluids from the surgery? When can I begin to see it go down? I am walking and up and around. I love the way my stomach looks and my f…

At my 2 yr RNY anniversary I had my panniculectomy this past Friday (June 30). I got home Sunday night (July 2). I'm so pleased and excited, plus I have very very little pain. Since I'm 64 I opted not to have muscle repair since that would increase the pain and recovery and at my age, for me, not necessary. i am already happy about the results. I am already walking straight and up and down stairs. Will post a before and after pic soon...pretty amazing. He took 3 and a half pounds of skin off, but it looks more like 9 because it looks so different.I came home with two drains and a portable wound vac which are both much less bothersome and gross than I thought they wo…

Just curious. Did anyone have a surgery in Mexico and experience complications when you got home? Did your insurance cover the cost of the complications? Or did you get stuck with a huge bill from a US Doctor & Hospital?

Hello everyone, I'm wondering if anyone has had plastic surgery done in Mexico? Specifically tummy tuck or body lift. I had my sleeve done in Mexico with great result's but having a hard time gathering information on potential surgeon's. All the reviews seem to be super old, lol. TIA!!!

I was scheduled for a breast reduction, lift, FNG on March 21st. The day before surgery I was to be marked. However when I got to the Doctor's office I was told I had to go and get another mammogram and an ultrasound. Later that day the Dr called and canceled my surgery for the next day. It took over 6 weeks for a biopsy to be taken. It was benign. I then had to wait 1 1/2 more weeks to get a rescheduled date. Today I was told my rescheduled surgery date is Monday June 26th. Have to go through pre-op blood work and an EKG again. It will have been a 3 month delay but it is hopefully finally going to happen.

How did you pay for your plastics? What's surgeries did you get and what was the price. How much did insurance cover if any?---what was your insurance? Sent from my iPhone using the BariatricPal App

The pain is intense whenever I move, not gonna lie. I have ice on my side and crotch right now. And yesterday after surgery I had to go to the ER because of extreme bleeding from my rear incision. Fortunately my doctor met me there, checked everything, and assured me it was normal to have leakage especially in the first few days even though I have drains. It has subsided since then but is not completely done. But I had my binder off for the first time and I cried with joy at the sight of my flat stomach and the fact that I could see my hooha without lifting up a pile of fat or skin. I will take the pain for a lifetime of flat tummy any day! Time for my meds! Sent from my …

I'm two years yesterday from my gastric bypass and have my pann in two weeks (June 30). I'm pretty nervous and have heard so real horror stories but also have heard how much it is worth it. Thanks for all who have come before on this site and posted positives and pictures. My biggest fear is taking care of the drains I have to come home with and that the hospital stay is so short. How long do I have to stay in/or near my bed? I know all of us are different in our recoveries, but I would appreciate any insight you wish you would have known then that you have learned. Two years ago I was 280 and now 125.....so greatful and looking forward to this new "adventure" Fre…

About how long did it take for you to start noticing swelling going down and get some relief? I'll be one week post op tomorrow, and still feel like a Macy's thanksgiving day balloon, lol. I'm trying to increase my fluids, but I don't feel like the swelling is getting any better. I know it's not unusual, this was a major surgery and will take time, just looking for a light at the end of the tunnel! Thanks

Yesterday was my last skin removal procedure… vertical inner thigh lift. I'm pretty swollen, but that's pretty standard after surgery. He removed 2.6lbs of skin & decided to do some lipo (that was an added bonus!) & removed 1600ml of fat. They put me in my compression garment while I was still in the OR, so I have no idea how I look! I get to shower tomorrow, so that'll be my first look at the new me. Just some history: 5'4" HW 292.6 SW (VSG) 268 GW 175 CW 148 (pre-thigh lift) Fleur de lis TT/LBL 2/23/17 Breast lift (no implant) 4/18/17 Inner thigh lift 5/16/17 I'll probably get on the scale tomorrow, and I expect it'll be back in the 150s because of all of the s…

So...I'm 7 months post surgery and 84lbs down. I still have another 66lbs to go to my personal goal weight. I have lots of loose skin, but my biggest issues at this point are with my breasts. They are flat and hanging. They are irritated by perspiration and despite trying my darndest to keep them clean and dry, they are becoming a real problem. I will need a lot of plastic surgery at some point, but right now, I just need to take care of this problem with a lift and implants. Plastic surgeons are refusing to even give me a consultation because I am not weight stable for a year. I am so aggravated. Any thoughts? Will I have to seriously deal with this for over…

I have just had plastic surgery in Mexico. My Dr is Dr Carmina Cardenas and she is located in Tijuana. She is the absolute best thing that has happened to me. I had a neck lift, breast lift, and tummy tuck plus five days stay at her recovery house with 24 hour nursing care for $12750. She has been my hero this whole time. She is beautiful and kind and I have been treated like her daughter. Her office and her hospital, hospital CER, is incredible. The hospital CER specializes in bariatric surgery and plastic surgery. It is nicer than any hospital I've ever been inside of in the USA. I cannot express enough how important having post operative care is after plastic surger…

Long story short, I am very limited in the time I can take off of work. I sit at a desk and work on the computer all day. What is the recovery like? How quickly can I return to work?