Dr. Robles

Posting an updated picture but I'm still swollen overall I'm not completely happy with my results I think I should've chosen a different doctor but my after is much better... I just scheduled my appt to see a dr in the US to do my lipo on my back and abdomen so I didn't really save money in the end either I'm just know what results I want so hopefully the 2nd time I will get them

These silicone strips really works ladies I have been using them since two weeks after surgery and my scars are barely visible, itself where the drain was here is a picture I tried to get the best view I could... Also my swelling has decreased a lot still aways to go but I'm using ice packs and wearing my faja even went down to a smaller size....

I also decided to go back to get my back lipo at since I couldn't before I will see about Dr. Robles but I'm unsure if I will use her again I will give the full story of my experience with her once I get to a computer because there are something's I was not happy with her or Laura and the service they provided

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL STAGES OF THE ABDOMINOPLASTY EXPERIENCE

By Susan Hall and Renee Sullins

THE PSYCHOLOGICAL STAGES OF THE ABDOMINOPLASTY EXPERIENCE
I. The Adrenaline Phase: Healthy individuals choosing to undergo elective surgery have to overcome the fear of "going under the knife." This willful act of putting oneself in harms way is only possible if rationalization ("the thinking brain") is turned off for a brief interval of time. The mechanism is relatively simple: The intense desire for an improved self-image ("The Quest") gradually floods the system with Adrenaline, a hormone that allows us to sustain the rigors of fighting. Adrenaline production will gradually rise throughout the process preceding the surgery and will reach a peak on the day of the operation. It is the most effective way to keep fear at bay.

II. The Surgical Phase: Once surgery is rendered, "The Quest" has been fulfilled. The goal that had been driving the patient throughout the process has been achieved and the production of Adrenaline tapers off. The entire stock of this hormone will typically be used within the ten days following the operation. As Adrenaline levels slowly dwindle, the "thinking brain" gradually emerges from its slumber and starts asking hard questions. This scrutinization of ones acts coincides with the period of physical hardship: Abdominal tightness; Uncomfortable posture; Visibility of the incision; Pain of surgery and the uncertainty of the outcome.

III. The Depressive Phase: This can happen between 10 days to two weeks following the operation and is short lived. The sudden realization that one has put her/himself in harms way and has paid money for such a reckless act can hit the unprepaired patient like a freight train. Common false assumptions run from: "I will never stand straight again" to "I am disfigured for life." These assumptions are mixed with questions like: "Why have I done this to myself?", "Was it worth it?" and "Will I ever be normal again?" Patients who do not have a strong support team (spouse; family; friends) can be overwhelmed by this line of thinking and rapidly sink into depression. The support network acts as the safety net for the patients, reminding them that they are loved and that they are not alone in this process.

IV. The Emergence Phase: Gradually, the veil of uncertainty lifts off and the patient regains her/his composure. The reasons that had mandated the surgery in the first place slowly come back into focus. This is helped by the regaining of an upright posture and the gradual elimination of the discomfort experienced immediately following the intervention. This is when the patient starts appreciating the fruits of the experience and finally realizes that her/his troubles have not been in vain. Typically, this happens three weeks after the operation.

V. The Excitement Phase: With the elimination of fluid retention and the resolution of swelling, body contour and weight change. Surprisingly, I see this in my practice more as a SUDDEN occurence rather than a GRADUAL one. Tales related by my patients are too similar to be dismissed as a mere coincidence: "I woke up this morning and my pants were too loose" or "I could not believe that my weight dropped by (X) pounds when I stepped on my scales." This phase is commonly seen around 6 weeks following the operation.

VI. The Ecstasy Phase: Three months following the tummy-tuck surgery, the patient is back in full control of her/his destiny. Any remorse about having had the operation in the first place is long gone by then and is replaced by "Best thing I have ever done for myself." Strange enough, this great joy and satisfaction of having had the courage to undergo such a grueling process coincides with the stage of maximal visibility of the scar.

VII. The Crying (from joy) Phase: When the scars have faded at six months following the surgery, I take the "AFTER" photographs and put them side-by-side with the "BEFORE" pictures for my patients to see. This is when everyone happily cries.