Mommy Makeover: Stories

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MM with Breast Aug, Modified Tummy Tuck, Inner Thigh, Flank, Back, and Bra Line Lipo with Fat Graft to Butt - Houston, TX

32 year old mom of twin girls and big brother....

  • 30 Jan 2013

32 year old mom of twin girls and big brother. Prior to surgery i was short waisted, apple shaped, long legs, slightly overweight and gain weight in my back, stomach, and boobs. I've thought about having a BA for years, however I didn't want to look like a big apple with the rest of my disproportionate body. When I lose weight it always comes from my boobs and butt, which looks even worse. I've always thought I have a very masculine shape so this was my solution.

So my surgery was on Monday 1/28 ad lasted about...

  • 2 Feb 2013
So my surgery was on Monday 1/28 ad lasted about five hours. I don't remember anything other than standing naked in a 62 degree room being scrubbed down on all sides by a nurse. She shot something into my iv which made me feel delightfully woozy and I remember laying down and hearing music playing. I had previously who had dibs on the music selection and since my anesthesiologist told me it was usually Gospel or Country I asked that he get to choose. So I fell asleep to adult alternative which was nice. When I was being marked up with a sharpie prior to going back my doc confirmed the implant size again 375 silicone sub muscular high profile. I was wavering on the profile but went with his suggestion of high because i didnt need to add more width to my already wide upper half.

BTW I should mention I am 5'4" and Pre-op weight of 140.

I'm now day 5 post op - pretty good recovery so...

  • 2 Feb 2013
I'm now day 5 post op - pretty good recovery so far. I'm not too hunched, which I attribute to the abdominal shots my dr provides during surgery, but I have some nerve issues down my right thigh. If I move the wrong way it feels like fire down my leg and kills. From what I've been reading it can happen with very low incisions and indeed if I push ever so slightly almost at the edge of my incision, the pain occurs. Not sure what the solution is, but it better not be permanent because this sucks!

I'm just starting to feel lower back pain today...

  • 2 Feb 2013
I'm just starting to feel lower back pain today although I'm sure it's because I've been more active and independent today. Thank god for grandma taking the three munchkins for the day. I'm a single mom (although dad is still involved half time) so it makes it a bit more complicated than having a helpful husband at home. I napped a little this afternoon and then picked up the house a bit. The most helpful tool I've purchased by far has been the grabber claw tool I purchased on amazon for $12. It makes reaching anything super easy - no bending needed. I also bought a toilet seat riser which I probably wouldn't invest in as it was very uncomfortably hard, and a shower seat which was über necessary. I also bought a juicer which i think was a good investment - lots of fresh veggies and fruits easily ingested and I'm not sure but it could have been a huge factor in why I have had no issues with constipation. More later...

Thanks ladies for the kind words. I really was...

  • 2 Feb 2013
Thanks ladies for the kind words. I really was just a fat skinny girl. This is definitely the worst shape I've been in but it's so hard to get motivated knowing that my boobs and butt would be the first to go before anything happens to my midsection.

Great review?

Chris Patronella, MD, FACS

My Doctor: Chris Patronella, MD, FACS

My rating:

Doctor's Bedside Manner
Answered My Questions
After Care Follow-Up
Time Spent With Me
Phone or Email Responsiveness
Staff Professionalism & Courtesy
Payment Process
Wait Times

Dr P came as a recommendation from several friends he had worked on. His bedside manner was top-notch and he never appeared to be rushed. I asked a lot of technical questions which he handled beautifully and he was very fair with pricing for add on procedures.

Comments (12)

Sort by
Rachle71 14 Feb 2013
You look great! I am 15 days postop from my TT, looking forward to the new breasts next week. Keep us posted!
Never too late 14 Feb 2013
looking forward to more pics - so helpful - thanks
Timarie 13 Feb 2013
I had a Mommy Makeover 1/31/13 w/Dr.P & I love him,Eva,Kari & the rest of his staff. I was wondering do u have knots & pain where he did lipo? Mine is really bad on the left side especially under my left arm,down my shoulder blade & on the side of my breast. I had my 1st massage yesterday when I went to my post op appt but it didnt seem to help much w/breaking the knots down...
MommaBear3 15 Feb 2013
Hi. Yes I'm just starting to notice them as of a couple days ago. I haven't done my massage yet b/c I'm still very tender in those areas. I'm scheduled for one in 2 weeks at 4 week post op. are your knots tiny, like a BB under the skin? It seems to be at the entry points more than anything for me.
Luckbealady 12 Feb 2013
First of all the fact that you had twins and did not get any stretch marks is AMAZING. I guess that's genetics though. Your girls will be lucky too. Of course thats too far off to even think about, but you should thank your mother for good genes. You really look good in your before pics. I wasn't that lucky. I am having a tummy tuck on March 4th with Dr. Patronella so it really helps to see your experience. One question, what is a modified tummy tuck?
MommaBear3 15 Feb 2013
The modified TT is similar to a mini except he gives you more results than others' mini tucks. It is for people who don't have enough loose skin for a full TT and a higher belly button. He cuts out about 2-3 inches of loose skin and pulls down your existing BB while still doing the muscle tightening from top to bottom. If I wanted a full TT I would have had to have a vertical scar as well where my bb is and I didn't want two. He claims that only about 10% of his patients qualify for the mini or modified. That is why my BB looks lower than it naturally would, but ill take it!
Angiemcc (Community Manager) 3 Feb 2013

I'm glad you were able to do this for yourself. Thanks for sharing your tips about supplies and your photos. This review is going to help so many other ladies embarking on a similar journey.

I hope you'll keep us posted as you continue to heal!

Darkdoll 2 Feb 2013
Your pre-op pics look like post-op pics! Can't wait to see the new you. Happy healing and I hope the nerve pain goes away soon!
MommaBear3 2 Feb 2013
Thanks so much but I promise it was an illusion. :-)
MommaBear3 1 Feb 2013
So my surgery was on Monday 1/28 ad lasted about five hours. I don't remember anything other than standing naked in a 62 degree room being scrubbed down on all sides by a nurse. She shot something into my iv which made me feel delightfully woozy and I remember laying down and hearing music playing. I had previously who had dibs on the music selection and since my anesthesiologist told me it was usually Gospel or Country I asked that he get to choose. So I fell asleep to adult alternative which was nice. When I was being marked up with a sharpie prior to going back my doc confirmed the implant size again 375 silicone sub muscular high profile. I was wavering on the profile but went with his suggestion of high because i didnt need to add more width to my already wide upper half.
taurus66 2 Feb 2013
Your tummy looks great before! I bet you will look awesome! Good luck with your recovery. Post some post surgery pics when you feel up to it!
TXCyn2013 3 Feb 2013
You describe my body to the T! Dr. Patronella did my BA 15 years ago and he did an awesome job. I'm ready for a TT, lipo and butt graft. However, I've relocated to San Antonio and haven't yet met a PS that comes anywhere close to Dr. Patronella. His Patient Coordinator Eva is also super awesome (the ones I have met in SA could use some lessons from her). I have 2 additional consultations and if those don't go well, I may just make the trip to Houston. You look fabulous! Pls post more pics once you're feeling better...and thank you for sharing your story.

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