Mommy Makeover: Stories
Write a Review2 month anniversary from MM - new pix!
- ReVammpMe39
- posted 4 months ago
- updated 29 days ago
- Worth It
- Cost: $10,550
- Alan B. Pillersdorf, MD (Florida, FL)
I've wanted my stomach to be flat and toned again...
- 7 Jan 2013
- 1 month pre
I've wanted my stomach to be flat and toned again for a long time. My first child was born in September 2004 via c-section. I've had 2 more babies since then, both c-sections, in 2006 and in 2009. I had a tubal ligation with my last child so there are no concerns over getting pregnant again.
Three years ago I vowed to get in the best shape of my life by age 40. My 40th birthday is in May of this year. I am in great shape now except for my stomach. Due to breastfeeding my breasts are also MIA. After a truly heartfelt discussion with my sweet husband I have decided on a Mommy Makeover. He fully supports me and has even helped me research. He's the one who found Real Self. He's also going to the consultations with me as his work schedule allows. He's awesome!
I am fortunate to have a lot of support from my husband, family, and close friends. I'm excited to start meeting surgeons. I have 4 consultations over the next 2 weeks starting tomorrow. I want to be sure I pick the best surgeon that I can and that's why I have arranged so many consultations. I am also fortunate to have a friend who just had a tummy tuck who also works with plastic surgeons (she's a nurse practitioner) who has given me a lot of input. My mother-in-law and sister-in-law have both had many cosmetic surgeries so they've given me a lot of advice as well.
I'm excited to share my journey. My plan is to have the makeover by the end of February so that I have enough time to heal before my big 40th birthday bash at the end of May. I live in south Florida so I'm also looking forward to my first summer of not feeling overwhelmed by bathing suit & beach season. I might just live in my bathing suit this year rather than hiding behind my cover-up. Yay!
I've had 2 consultations this week. I knew by the...
- 9 Jan 2013
- 1 month pre
Today's consultation went so well that if I had to choose a surgeon right now, I'd choose him. He put his priorities right in line with mine and he listened to me. He offered his best plan based on my own personal concerns/desires and that was awesome. I asked him, "if I was your daughter, knowing what you know about me, what would you do?" I super liked his answer and his reasons for his answer. My husband was very pleased with him too. His price was also about $3000 less than the first surgeon. Even though price isn't going to be my determining factor unless I like 2 surgeons equally, I was surprised to see that much of a difference.
Do your homework, ladies. Both of these surgeons have advanced credentials and have received numerous positive reviews. Their work is so beautiful, each of them. However, one is much more on my preferred approach than the other. I don't trust the first guy, but I do trust the 2nd one. I have 2 more consultations to go to. They are both next week. I'll update after I see them. I hope to have my final decision on which surgeon I'll choose by the end of next week so I can move from there to testing and then finally to day of surgery. I'm still aiming for my MM to be at the end of February.
I've had three consultations over the last 2 weeks...
- 14 Jan 2013
- 1 month pre
I've decided on saline implants underneath the muscle. I tried on a sizing bra today and I think I love what 400-450cc looks like on me. I had a lot of fun with that part. The nurse and I were like "Yes, that's the one!" when we got to the 450, but then she reminded me that my breast tissue will be on top so that's why I think I'll go with 400 so there's room for my own tissue on top without looking too big. I'm not sure how to describe that.
So, here we go. I have a lot of tests I have to do pre-op -- a mammogram, EKG, and complete blood screen. I'm not looking forward to any of that, but I understand why it's necessary.
Today I paid the deposit to schedule my surgery...
- 15 Jan 2013
- 1 month pre
I also scheduled my mammogram for this week and found out that my insurance covers mammograms 100%. So happy about that.
I wanted to list the questions I've been using...
- 16 Jan 2013
- 1 month pre
GENERAL QUESTIONS
• Are follow-up visits a part of the price? If not, how much are they?
• How long until I can resume exercise, sex, driving, picking child up?
• What if there is a rare emergency and I have to go to a local to me hospital, will he meet me there?
• What is his policy and what would he do to correct any surgical mistakes or treat any problems like infection or poor healing?
• How do I reach someone after hours with questions/problems?
• Does he use a pain pump?
• Percocet makes me vomit. Can I use Vicodin? What about Valium? What prescriptions are needed before and after surgery?
• What tests do I need to do before surgery?
• Is surgery [on date I've chosen] possible?
• Do I need to buy any equipment or garments over and above what his practice gives me the day of surgery?
• How long will I need full-time help at home?
• What are risks to having surgery? How do I care for myself to minimize the risks?
TUMMY TUCK QUESTIONS
• I want the incision as low as possible incorporating my c-section scar.
• I want a natural looking belly button.
• I want my muscles sewn tightly. How will that affect future workouts?
• Is hernia repair, if needed, a part of the cost?
• Is there an overnight stay available the night of surgery? If so, the price.
• Will there be drains? Why or why not?
BREAST AUGMENTATION QUESTIONS
• I’d like to avoid a breast lift and I don’t want my nipples messed with. Is it possible to achieve the look I want with just implants alone?
• I want a full C cup or small D cup. How will that look on my frame?
• I want the incision underneath my breasts.
• Will implants eventually need to be replaced? If so, approximately when?
• Will I need to massage my implants?
• I'd like saline implants under the muscle, is that something you're comfortable doing? I don't want silicone.
• Are saline implants safer than silicone in your opinion? Pros/cons.
Good luck!! I'm getting more and more excited and less and less nervous each day. :)
I had my pre-op mammogram today. It wasn't as bad...
- 17 Jan 2013
- 1 month pre
One month until my makeover. Very excited and...
- 22 Jan 2013
- 1 month pre
Mammogram results are normal. My breast...
- 23 Jan 2013
- 1 month pre
Four weeks from today and I'll join those of you...
- 25 Jan 2013
- 1 month pre
I had my pre-op appointment today. I'm so excited....
- 8 Feb 2013
- 14 days pre
I have my prescriptions all ready to be picked up at the pharmacy. I'll get them tomorrow. I've been told to discontinue all aspirin and ibuprofen products, double my multi-vitamin, take 1000 mg Vit C, discontinue fish oil, and continue as prescribed other meds. They also said start the stool softener 2 days prior to surgery and then take them with every pain pill after surgery. I have a few supplies to buy, but it's really just first aid kit stuff. Easy.
I also paid the entire balance due today. Wow. I'm really doing this. Happy dance!!
The greatest news I got was that my surgeon does the incisions super low so that I'll be able to wear a bikini if I want to. A BIKINI???? I haven't worn one of those since my 20s. I'm not sure I'll feel comfortable in something like that, but maybe? See... I just haven't been used to having that much confidence in my body, especially my stomach. Smiling ear to ear today.
All of my pre-op doctor visits are finally done....
- 12 Feb 2013
- 10 days pre
I have my week and weekend planned to the max. Next week is filling up quickly too. I've already started doing final projects around the house. Next week I'll be cleaning like a mad woman. I want it all to be ready for me to just kick back and do nothing for a couple of weeks.
Excited, nervous, anxious. That sums it up.
I posed this question to the docs on here, but...
- 14 Feb 2013
- 8 days pre
I went on a date with my sweet husband last night...
- 17 Feb 2013
- 5 days pre
I'm mostly nervous about anesthesia. I know I'm not alone in feeling that way. I always get nervous about it even though I've never had any issues with it.
I wrote about hitting my head in my last post. I'm feeling much, much better. I spoke with my surgeon's nurse and she asked some questions, but she's not worried. She said she'd tell him and call if he wanted further evaluations, but she didn't call me back so I'm taking that as he isn't worried either.
I'm five days from surgery. It's on Friday. I have a couple of appointments, a play date for the kids, and 2 full days where I get to clean my house in preparation. I think I'll do a final grocery shopping trip on Wednesday. I'm trying to fill up the week for two reasons... one, so time will fly and two, so I won't have much time to sit around and be nervous.
Have a great day ladies!
My anxiety level is back to normal today. I'm no...
- 19 Feb 2013
- 3 days pre
Today and tomorrow I'm concentrating on cleaning and getting things in order at home. Thursday morning I have my pre-op appointment to get marked and then Friday super early I will have my procedures.
This week has been the hardest as far as anticipation goes. I can't get over what an emotional journey this can be. I am 100% without a doubt sure that I want this though. Come on Friday!
I just wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone brave...
- 20 Feb 2013
- 2 days pre
Just adding some new before pictures since this is...
- 21 Feb 2013
- 1 day pre
I'll probably add a couple more photos of my markings later if I get time to sit down. Today is super busy and my PS is an hour away.
This will likely be my last post until I'm feeling...
- 21 Feb 2013
- 1 day pre
Breast Implants:
Saline, under the muscle, incision underneath breast. No lift.
Asked for 400 cc in larger breast and to even up smaller breast to be symmetrical. However, I gave "after" pics to my doc that I found online to show him the look I like best and he said that I shouldn't get stuck on a # because he may have to use a little more. I said go for it.
Tummy Tuck: Full, hip to hip. The incision will be very low. My doc is awesome! I have had hernia repair with mesh in the past, but he said it's no problem. Looking most forward to a flat stomach. I can't wait to fit into my favorite clothes like I feel I should. So sick of the muffin top. NO LIPO!
Pain Relief: TWO pain pumps. One for my breasts, one for my stomach. They will be in for 3 days. After that I have Vicodin. I chose Vicodin because everything else makes me nauseous.
Drains: I will have 2 and they will stay in until they aren't draining much. I'm going to try very, very hard to just deal with having them because I want zero complications.
My at-home care: My husband is off work Fri through Mon. His Mom is also coming to stay with us for about 10 days to care for our three children while I lay around healing. I plan to enjoy my time off. You won't catch me cleaning or doing anything while I'm in the most critical time of healing. At all. I'm sure I'll be bored to death, but so be it. They can handle it and I don't want extra swelling. My friend is a specialized nurse who has also had a tummy tuck... she gave me gobs of medical supplies for free and she's available at the drop of a hat should we need her.
That's all. I'm so excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
See you all AFTER. XOXO
I'm thrilled to the moon with my experience so far...
- 22 Feb 2013
- On day of treatment
I chose saline implants under the muscle with an incision beneath my breasts. The left side is 450cc and the right one is 460cc. I also got a full TT and I just can't believe how tiny I look. Yay!
I have a follow up appt at 9:00 a.m. and can't wait to see underneath all this brandishing.
I'm super happy and have zero complaints.
I'm thrilled to the moon with my experience so far...
- 22 Feb 2013
- On day of treatment
I chose saline implants under the muscle with an incision beneath my breasts. The left side is 450cc and the right one is 460cc. I also got a full TT and I just can't believe how tiny I look. Yay!
I have a follow up appt at 9:00 a.m. and can't wait to see underneath all this bandaging.
I'm super happy and have zero complaints.
Day 1 PO going better than I expected. I am so...
- 23 Feb 2013
- 1 day post
Day 1 PO going better than I expected. I am so...
- 23 Feb 2013
- 1 day post
I'm sick of the Vicodin already. Would like to cut...
- 24 Feb 2013
- 2 days post
The last 24 hours were hell on earth, but saw doc...
- 25 Feb 2013
- 3 days post
What a difference a few days can make! I'm...
- 27 Feb 2013
- 5 days post
Appt tomorrow to remove drains. Looking forward to it. Almost done with antibiotics and narcotics and super happy about that. Sick of waking in the middle of the night to take meds. Still sleeping in recliner for now. Dying to get back in my own bed though.
Excited to have turned the corner and getting better each day instead of suffering so much. Happy healing everyone!
I'm adding this info mostly so I won't forget...
- 28 Feb 2013
- 6 days post
Diastasis was 25 cm and is now 7.5 cm.
1000 grams of tissue was removed and the implants weighed 1000 grams so even exchange.
Day 6 drains removed, pain pills stopped,...
- 28 Feb 2013
- 6 days post
Today was fabulous! I'm standing and walking...
- 1 Mar 2013
- 7 days post
Breasts are riding high and so silly looking. I'll be glad when they drop. I'm swollen just like everyone else, but quite happy still. I shaved my legs and armpits today for the first time since surgery and I can't tell you what a relief that was. Yippee!!
Hi everyone. I saw my PS again today. He had the...
- 4 Mar 2013
- 10 days post
I'm feeling stronger and I have more range of motion each day. Last night I slept in my own bed instead of on the recliner couch for the first time since surgery. It felt so nice and I slept so well.
This week I plan to shop for Spanx and a new halter bra that has front enclosure so I can wash this one that the OR gave to me. I can't wait to buy a real bra, but all in due time.
A Mommy Makeover is totally worth it. I took good care of myself beforehand and I'm convinced that's why my recovery has been such a breeze, all things considered. Good luck to those of you on your way and happy healing to those of you on the "flat side". :)
I bought this today so I could have an extra in...
- 5 Mar 2013
- 11 days post
Playtex makes it. Found it at Target for $12. Oh happy day!
Two weeks ago today I had my Mommy Makeover...
- 8 Mar 2013
- 14 days post
Tomorrow I plan to go watch my son play football in the morning. I haven't been able to do that for the last 2 weekends so I'm very excited about it and I'm trying to save my energy so I can enjoy the whole game. Sunday I plan to return to church. I'm looking forward to becoming more and more "normal".
Monday I have another doc appt. I plan to ask about breast massage and continued wound care. My incisions look great and are all closed up so I'm wondering about scar therapy. I also want to know if I should wear Spanx with my binder or if just Spanx alone is fine. I have a few questions.
My breasts are still high and tight, but they are no longer painful and I have most of my range of motion back. I don't have full strength back yet though. I'm still taking it easy and I'm very careful about lifting/reaching/carrying. When my pec muscles move I am aware of it and so I try to let them rest as much as possible. I don't want to mess anything up. My left breast is dropping and softening quicker than my right breast, but my surgeon says that's because I'm right-handed and the side that's most used usually takes longer to drop into position.
I am still very happy I had a MM and I would recommend the procedures as well as my surgeon to anyone. Two thumbs up!
Breast Aug = saline, under muscle, high prof, 450cc left, 460cc right
I had an appt with my PS today. All went really...
- 11 Mar 2013
- 16 days post
I purchased scar therapy from his office too. I bought bioCorneum+. It was expensive, but I am worth it. :o)
I can start light exercising like walking and yoga-type stretching. I'm glad. I feel so mushy in some areas of my body now that I haven't been active for so long. I'll start tomorrow.
I am feeling great. I almost have full range of motion back. I am functioning slower than normal, but I can tell I'm picking up the pace each day. I do light housework and all laundry now. I don't carry heavy things, but I do what I can. I haven't swept the floors or run the vacuum yet. Too afraid to try that still. Hubby takes care of that stuff for now.
So far the time is flying. I don't see my PS again for 3 weeks. Since he's an hour away from home, I'm happy. I'm still so excited about everything to do with my surgery, surgeon, surgical team, and before/after care.
The swelling is going away some and my breasts are dropping. It's a sloooow process, but absolutely worth it.
Happy Happy Happy Happy Happy!
MM was 3 weeks ago today. I am feeling great. I...
- 15 Mar 2013
- 20 days post
My breasts are taking their sweet time descending. My left one is ahead of my right on in the race to settle. I'm right-handed, though, so that's also normal.
I started scar therapy this week. I'm using BioCorneum+. So far so good.
I have no complaints or concerns. This experience has been a positive one for me and I'm grateful to God for that. I appreciate these reviews and forums on Real Self too. You ladies have helped me in this journey more than you know so thank you.
I feel great! I am almost 100% back to normal. My...
- 22 Mar 2013
- 27 days post
My breasts are inching down towards their final destinations ever so slowly and I have noticed they are softer. My scar is doing great and I have full range of motion back completely now. I do stretches everyday and try to get some walking done.
I've started cleaning up my diet again especially since I can't exercise yet. I have another PS appt in about 10 days. I hope he'll let me out of the Spanx for good, but trying not to put too much hope into that. They are a PITA, but I understand why I have to wear them. I'm just dying to be done with all this extra effort getting dressed and using the restroom each day.
Otherwise, not much to say. I feel great and I LOVE LOVE LOVE the way I look. I seriously love it. The honeymoon is still ongoing. I am constantly in awe of the new me. I hope that feeling never fades.
Each week I get stronger and less tired and more...
- 29 Mar 2013
- 1 month post
I hope everyone has a blessed Easter!
I had a follow-up appt with PS today. He released...
- 1 Apr 2013
- 2 months post
He also said I could buy bras. Finally! So, I went to Victoria's Secret after my appt to get measured. I am a 38 C according to their measurements, but when I tried on the bras the C was too snug and uncomfortable. I tried on the D just to see and it felt great! The only problem is that I want NO underwire so in order to get my size (38D) in wire-free I had to order online b/c they only had one in the store. No good. I left and went to Macy's instead. I tried on about 10 bras that didn't have any underwire. Thank God for their selection. Some of the 38D bras fit great and some were too big. Some of the 38C bras fit great and some were too small. Funny, huh? Long story short... I bought two 38C bras today and plan to wait it out to buy more since my breasts are still not fully dropped or fully soft. I had my 4 yr old with me too so I had to move quickly before boredom struck him. In a few weeks I'll go bra shopping alone and really take my time. I'd like to get a few with very little fabric since my breasts are already a great size and I don't need bra padding at all.
I'll see my PS again in 3 months (July 1st). Until then I have to keep wearing Spanx. I'm not sure I'll be able to hang in there esp if I want to go to the beach so I'll see how I'm doing in about a month and call to see if I can go without it from time to time. I live in FL and wearing Spanx under clothes is going to get really sweaty soon. Today's high is 84 already.
Everything is going wonderfully for me. I still have no complaints. I wouldn't say my experience has been easy, but it hasn't been anything like some of the stories I've read on here. For me, it has been exactly as I was told it would be and everything I've experienced was "to be expected". My left breast is softening and falling into place faster than my right one, but the right one is still headed there. I am right-handed so I knew that could happen. My left breast also has the most numbness. That part is a small annoyance, but no big deal in the grand scheme if you know what I mean. My lower abdomen is also completely numb which doesn't bother me. I've actually been grateful that it's numb b/c I feel nothing when I massage or rub the silicone ointment on it. That's been a blessing in a way b/c that means I feel no pain there.
Many blessings to those of you on this journey. Hope you all heal just as you should with no complications. I'll update again in a few weeks. Hugs!
I am excited that I get to start working my way...
- 5 Apr 2013
- 2 months post
Happy healing everyone! This has been the best money I've ever spent on ME. Worth it worth it worth it.
Wow! Eight weeks already. Time is flying now. I...
- 18 Apr 2013
- 2 months post
I have a lot of numbness still in my abdomen around my BB and scars. My R breast still has pains and discomfort from time to time and my nipple on my L breast is still numb. The underside of the L breast is also numb.
When I do chest exercises I want to crawl right out of my skin. It doesn't hurt, but the feeling of my muscle contracting over the implant is wretched. I am so disappointed in that and I hope and pray it resolves.
Otherwise, I am doing SUPER great and I love my confidence -- esp (TMI) in the bedroom with my husband. Wow, we are having FUN!! ;)
I'll update pictures on my 2 month anniversary. Hope you're all doing well.
My how time flies after the first 4 weeks. I love...
- 22 Apr 2013
- 2 months post
Happy healing everyone!
Just wanted to add as a reminder... Saline...
- 22 Apr 2013
- 2 months post
Saline implants, under the muscle, 450 cc left, 460 cc right, high profile Mentor.
My Doctor: Alan B. Pillersdorf, MD
My rating:
He and his office came highly recommended. He is a preferred plastic surgeon in our area who is award winning and board certified with advanced credentials. I wanted the best of the best and I believe I've found him. I also really like that he volunteers his time and skills to surgically help children. That shows me his heart. He is also known for not doing procedures that aren't needed and he aims to give a natural appearance. Safety is his top priority. Even though his office is almost an hour away from me, it's going to be totally worth the drive. I can't wait!
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