July 26 plastics... Updates:)

[michelleandcolten 87]

I figured I would start a new thread to give updates on how surgery went for me and my progress. I had a lower body lift, small inner thigh lift, outer thigh liposuction, breast lift an augmentation. I traveled alone to Mexico for these procedures to see dr. Sauceda.

I'm going to post some before and after pics, I know that when I was researching that I wanted to know what to expect, what I would need and really what to do. I'm open to answering any questions:)

This is by before and day 6 post op.

This was by night before and day 4 post op.

2hrs out of surgery.

Drains and incisions day of surgery

A drain in each thigh and then three in the pubic area.

[michelleandcolten 87]

New belly button ... 1 day post op.

Day 4 and Day 6. Swelling all over body and how it slowly shifts to different area.

Day 6 able to put clothing on as swelling goes down.

[TerryBelieves 352]

Holy crap that looks like it hurts! You are one brave woman....I think I will keep my sag. Prayers and healing vibes sent your way.

[tconn25 7]

WOW! Thank you so much for sharing! Yes, healing prayers in the atmosphere! I am curious to see how things go post surgery. How was your experience in Mexico? After all the misconceptions we have in the US, I am glad to know that it is just that sometimes...misconceptions.

[xenafnp 54]

hey neighbor, nice shirt!!!!!! Michelle is doing great and we are all doing great in Mexico. Pain of incisions not at all as bad as you would expect. i did not have Lipo but Michelle here did, and the girls that had lipo look like they are hurting more than those of us who did not. you go girl, changing by the hour. enjoyed our Monterrey time today. I will miss you when i go home tomorrow!!!

[TheRealMeIsHere! 863]

Thank you for sharing the pics. If my insurance will cover it, I hope to, at least, get a panniculectomy. I pass out easily, so need to desensitize myself to the drains. How did you feel after surgery, through today? What kind of care do the drains require?

Hope you have a speedy, uncomplicated recovery.

[feedyoureye 3,087]

Bless your heart! Best of luck. You deserve it!

[hunny79 72]

whoooooo god that looks soooo painful ... speedy recovery !!!

[CowgirlJane 14,261]

thanks for sharing Michelle. IT will take several months before your final results can be seen - you should post again!

Congrats on your surgery and i am so glad you are recovering well.

[michelleandcolten 87]

Yes the process is going to take months. I have to note that I had the abdominal tightening done so I am slouched not because of pain, but because that is the way you need to stand to heal properly. I'm 7 days out today and feel FANTASTIC!!!! I have no pain, not tired or drained at all. I was able to have my thigh drains out today, which helps with mobility for sure:) there are changes with my body everyday as the swelling is going down from the top down for me.

Lipo does hurt more than the actual incisions (reminds me of the "sting" you get when you get some immunizations or injections ( that sting but of course in a bigger area).

As far as the drains, I only had 5, and I was worried it was something I would have a hard time with. But you absolutely get used to them. You learn ways to sit, move and attach them so you don't even notice them.

[michelleandcolten 87]

Oh to address the Mexico comment.... I wouldn't have had my surgery any where else!! The experience is great!!

The hospitals are clean!! (Popular belief is that they are dirty and you will get sick) HOWEVER let me assure you this..... When you are paying for your medical procedures with a great dr, then you are going to get clean, hygienic and sterile environments. This is my second surgery in Mexico in the past year and a half (first was my sleeve). And let me say this.... I have had ALOT of surgeries the past few years at home in Canada.,,,, and after each one (even small incisions) I have gotten really bad infections to the point of needing Iv antibiotics...... BUT down here in MEXICO, I have NOT had an infection with my sleeve or now with my plastics!!! And I will attest that with my surgeries the rooms were clean, equipment was clean, staff was great and knew what they were doing. (And they really do care about your health).

Follow up by both the doctors down here has superseded the care back home, you are a person down here, ( not a number or a pay check).

You are unsafe areas as well. I have walked down to the closest mall by myself a number of times, people are friendly, hotel is clean and safe.

Not to mention above all of the extra medical care, hotel stay and the lack of "waiting lists", it is more than affordable. At least 1/2 the cost or less than back home. Plus you get more for your $.

[vnjones 3]

Congratulations you look great. Ur brave

[Daydra 345]

Thank you for sharing! It is truly a great help to those of us that expect to have reconstructive plastics in the future. I am really glad that you have had a great experience so far and hope that your recovery continues to go well!

Best of luck and congratulations!

[happy1957 138]

OMG, I want the same.. can't afford all of it, but please tell me more about the Dr, the experience in Mexico and the cost. I am a woman of value and I have heard that you get twice as much in Mexico or the Dominican Republic for the same costs here in the USA. I need a Tummy Tuck for sure. I don't think my insurance will cover a panniculectomy since it's not hanging below the symphysis pubis. I am on my own financially. Thank you.

[Carrie's Journey 130]

How many days are you staying in Mexico? Do you think you'll be ready for the travel back home?