Tummy Tuck Reviews
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Average Tummy Tuck Cost: $7,950

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“Almost 1 year post op.”

Worth It
Spent: $12,000 in Grand Rapids, MI

Comments (42)

Updated 17 Feb 2012

Posted 6 Apr 2011

I am 38 years old. I had two kids as a teenager and then had another 19 months ago. My body didn't spring back this time.

I'm nervous and excited at the same time.

I will post my before pictures soon.

Updated on 19 Apr 2011:
Ok, I'm 1 week from my surgery. I have been on my vitamin regimen for 1 week now. What I'm looking forward to the most is not having to wear a tight tank top under my shirt to keep the jigglies hidden. I'm also hoping the Slim Lipo will have some affect on my love handle stretch marks, obviously the lipo itself will make them less stretched but I hope the skin tightening will help give them a diminished appearance.

I ordered two new swimsuits from Victoria Secret. Woohoo!!

Posting up my before pics. fyi, my butt pic is because I'm having lipo done on my love handles, inner and outer thighs and right above my knees that the Dr. so graciously pointed out I have some fat. :)



Updated on 25 Apr 2011:
Tomorrow is my day!!!! Surgical Center called with my check in time. I was scheduled for 1:00pm and she told me I had to be there at 6:30am!! My time changed to 8:00am. Now I'm all kinds of nervous. Hope I can sleep tonight. I want to get more before pictures, too, not sure why. OMG...I feel like I could throw up right now.

Updated on 25 Apr 2011:
Can't sleep!!!

Updated on 28 Apr 2011:
I'm two days post op, tender and sore but loving my new tummy. It's hard to tell what the lipo looks like because I do have swelling. I'll have to be patient. Get my drain tube out next Tuesday. So far I'm thrilled with the results.

Updated on 2 May 2011:
My drain tube is leaking, well actually, my body is leaking at the point of drain tube entry. Going to the Dr. Hope they pull it out and not shove it back in.

Updated on 6 May 2011:


Updated on 6 May 2011:


Updated on 9 Jun 2011:
Husband Quote of the Week - "Your stomach looks 200% better" Gee thanks!! Are you trying to tell me I looked super gross before??

Updated on 16 Jun 2011:
I am almost 2 months post op and have so much swelling. Is this normal? My 10 day post op pics look alot better than I do now. Any advice?

Updated on 3 Feb 2012:
So, I'm 9 months post op. I have a round stomach. I look 4 mos pregnant and getting a feeling this is my end result. Which I am not happy about. Getting some revision lipo and scar removal done on my abdomen area in April, which by the way does cost more. I have huge muffin top love handles, but I've been told he can't do that in the office and I didn't even have them done in the first place, which I'm really pissed about. I know it was part of my original plan and my quote. I look nothing like my post op pics. I will get new pics up soon.

This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.

Helpful review?

Bradley Bengtson MD

My Doctor: Bradley Bengtson MD

My rating:

This whole process from beginning to end went very fast. I saw Dr on my consult day, a few minutes before surgery and a few minutes at post op. He did an awesome job. I feel like I didnt see enough of him though, not sure why. However, with a capital H, his staff is amazing. They more than make up for it. I highly recommend Dr. Bengston and his staff.

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Comments (42)

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Angiemcc (Community Manager) 8 Apr 2011

A whole new body before summer, huh? Very exciting! Many women (most, I'd say) report lots of nervousness and anxiety before a tummy tuck. It's very normal. Try to take deep breaths and keep your eyes on the prize. We're here for you.

dreemer1215 9 Apr 2011
my biggest concern is the amount of down time. i only have 2 weeks off work, and i will only have help for the first 8 days....im considering canceling the procedure :(......
Booka 19 Apr 2011
Hey, you will look great after surgery. I can't wait to see your results either!

I have my shopping cart full @ VS online...I have some coupons so I was going to buy a nice bra/panty set for my post op body! I can't wait to wear a bikini. I am nervous that my belly button will be wrong or something, but I've seen my doctor's work and I am confident everything will be blow my mind in a good way. So this time next week you'll be a new person and 1 week from tomorrow, I will experience the same!
Lovemyself11 19 Apr 2011
Good luck, hurry up April TT, so May can come!!! What is all in you vitamin regimen? Im collecting lists to determine what i will need. Peacoxx has a pretty good list on her review that i copied as well! I cant wait to see your results!!
lnf 21 Apr 2011
I'm checking on the Vitamins. It's they gave me two bottles at my consultation. So it's something the Dr. has given me to take, not just off the shelf stuff. Not really sure if it's sold in stores or not. I'll get back to you.
lnf 22 Apr 2011
http://vitamedica.com/

He gave me the Energy Support for the morning and Bone Support for night. I'm assuming he knows which is best for healing.
chinadoll475 20 Apr 2011
Hello, I live in grand rapids as well. Do you mind sharing your doctors name? I have had 2 consultations. One at the amway and the other with a doctor Cullen. I also know someone who had their boobs done with a dr. brundage. Just wondering how you made your decision and what your experience have been in finding a dr. thanks
lnf 21 Apr 2011
I went with Dr. Bradley Bengston. I also went for 2 other consultations. One with Dr. John Iacobucci and the other with Dr. Francine Vagotis. Dr. Bengston is the only one who would cut from my belly button and give me a new belly button, the other two would just cut and stretch some skin and leave the belly button where ever it happened to be, which I thought would look weird if my belly button was near my pubic bone and he does lipo in conjunction with TT, but I needed some extra areas done too. Pricing was all about the same. He does have a beautiful office, they give you your vitamins when you schedule so you dont have to go to the store and try to figure out what to take, and bonus...I got a free facial skin care treatment up to $125.00. I went for that a couple days ago, loved it!!

You should have a consultation with him. I don't think you would be disappointed.
chinadoll475 21 Apr 2011
Is he in the amway? Or on michigan street. I've heard things about vagotis from 2 different people, 1 said she did great on tt and the other said she did horribly on her breast. I found out about Dr cullen from an RN whose sister worked for him in the past and said that he was a perfectionist and he did really good work, but i will check out the dr you mentioned. thanks
Mom2Four 28 Apr 2011
I have the vertical sutures as well...curious to see how it heals since I'm only 1 month post-op. A little envious of those that have enough skin to pull all the way down :0/ Oh well, it still looks 100% better than before TT, right?
dreemer1215 21 Apr 2011
wow...12,000 seems really expensive. Is that the norm in MI? Overnight in hospital Im excited to see your updates, im still goin back and forth with my decision. Sue
lnf 25 Apr 2011
I've had a couple consultations and they were all about the same price. It does include lipo of the abdomen, flanks, inner and outer thighs and knees. No overnight stay though. Am I paying to much???
dreemer1215 25 Apr 2011
Maybe the prices are different, I am in Ft. Lauderdale. BUT my PS said be very very leary of a dr., that does not keep you in hospital, and that is just for my tt, and muscles sewn together. He told me that it is Major surgery, and needs to be monitored. He also said def. general anesthia, and no IV sedation. That is one of the reasons i liked him so, he is the head of PS in the hospital here. I went to three diff. drs, and everyone, had a different story, it was scary to see how different it was. I still have not put down a deposit...i am thinkng of 9/14/11 to do it, but i keep going back and forth....did all your dr's..say outpaitent. There were some dr, that did it in there office too....gulp.
sue
lnf 25 Apr 2011
Yes, all three consults were outpatient. hhhhhmmmm....got me wondering now.
dreemer1215 25 Apr 2011
what is your email address, i have articles on the dangers.
fitzpatrick 22 Mar 2012
can you please post these dangers I was thinking about going to this guy. Yikes!!
lnf 25 Apr 2011
You can just send me a private message on realself. Just the kind of reading material I need the night before my surgery. :)
Booka 25 Apr 2011
I think most of the plastic surgeons work on an outpatient basis. (again I think, I am not too sure of the stats) Just make sure that the facility is fully accredited and your PS has a clean report. I spent extra money to purchase a report on my PS. I am sure being in the hospital has its benefits IF something does go wrong, you're being monitored and can be attended to much faster.
Cleveland1029 28 Apr 2011
You are going to have fantastic results once you are fully healed. Hope you are doing well, just take it easy and drinks lots of water.
mauimommy808 28 Apr 2011
Wow u look great!!! I hope u have a fast recoup time!!!! How exciting. I know exactly how u feel about the nervousness and wanting to puke I feel that way right now. These before surgery jitters are killing me
TheNewMe11 6 May 2011

you look great, how was you able to stand up straight so soon? its only been 3 days for me and it feels like it will be months before i stand up..

lnf 7 May 2011
Thanks. I know it does feel like you'll never be upright. Ibuprofen!! Take them like clockwork.
Booka 8 May 2011
I've been waiting to see your results...You look fantastic!!!!
MyTime 11 May 2011
You look awesome! Your doctor did really nice work! You look fabulous !!! 10 days out wow! Poolside ready =) Congrats!
mackenzieds1978 17 May 2011
Wow just read it post ... We went In the same day :) and let me tell u ... I'm having the exact issue with the swelling right above my incision area.. It's still very swollen and somewhat lumpy ...
Have u talked to ur doc about it yt??
I go tomorrow ... I'm curious to see what he says.
Either way it pics look awesome ... U are really recovering good :)

M~

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