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POSTED UNDER Drainless Tummy Tuck REVIEWS

Day 5 Post op...woweeeeee! So happy.

Name: Day 5 Post op...woweeeeee! So happy.
Item: William Sando, MD
Rating: 5
Author: That's Life

ORIGINAL POST

I have always been fit but flabby in the belly and...

That's LifeFebruary 20, 2013

WORTH IT$9,900

I have always been fit but flabby in the belly and after three pregnancies with 9+ pound babies and three c sections my flab is now floppy. I call it "the Drip." I am 39, 5'6" 185 and exercise 3-4 times a week. My calorie intake could be tapered but for the most part, I have landed at this weight for several years after each pregnancy.

I very curious to know how the TT , muscle repair and lipo will compare to c section recovery which really wasn't bad. The worst part for me was the anesthesia recovery with nausea and itching.

I've have three kiddos, 7, 5, 2 and my husband is a teacher so we have decided the best time to have the TT done is during the summer when he can help with the kids full time. My parents are amazing and would help too but I'm too hesitant to tell them about elective surgery. They couldn't ever possibly comprehend why anyone would do something like this to their body. I need their physical support but emotionally I don't think they would be helpful and may possibly ask me in the midst of recovery why I would ever have done this to myself.

I'm nervous about the surgery and being under for 5.5 hours. That's a LONG time. It all seems too far away at this point but just trying to get my ducks in a row as to what is realistic with pain, helping with the kids, etc.

That's Life's provider

William Sando, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

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Replies (0)

UPDATED FROM That's Life

4 months pre

My PS is doing a drainless tummy tuck and as I...

That's LifeFebruary 21, 2013

My PS is doing a drainless tummy tuck and as I understand it, this takes extra time due to the stitching that is different than a traditional TT with drains. They said the TT is 3.5 hours and the lipo about 1.5-2 hours. I suppose once you're under, 3 hrs vs 5 doesn't make a huge difference.

Replies (0)

UPDATED FROM That's Life

4 months pre

I had several consultations set up with plastic...

That's LifeFebruary 21, 2013

I had several consultations set up with plastic surgeons in Indianapolis but after meeting my PS and finding out he is the only one in the State to do the drainless tummy tuck, I scheduled the surgery with him without seeing any other plastic surgeons. I felt GREAT about that but am having thoughts about whether or not I should consult with others. I am having my surgery done an hour away and I have three young kids at home and little time to travel back to the metro area for any other consults and I felt so great about his office, the procedure, the time he took with me, etc that it seemed like the best decision. I would welcome your thoughts on whether or not I should have any other consults.

Replies (11)

100LbLoss3cs

February 21, 2013

Your stats sound close to mine, I go in March 12th to get a tummy tuck, breast lift and augmentation with 400 cc silicone implants. I am so excited and hope to be able to keep my profile updated after!!

Busybee in Baltimore

February 21, 2013

Gmoni, yeah, that is a long time! I had consults with 7 PSs and the average was about 3 hours. My PS says this surgery will take her about 3.5 hours. I only had one PS give me a long time estimate. He had about 7 hours b/c he wanted to do extensive lipo on me. I would definitely at least ask what the time is for and find someone else if you are not satisfied with the answer.

That's Life

February 21, 2013

Busybee in Baltimore

February 22, 2013

Hi Gmoni, FWIW, I got an estimate from a very reputable PS in my area to do a full abdominoplasty with lipo without drains in 2.5 hours, while a colleague of his in the same office who I also spoke to does it w/drains in 2 hours. The PS I ultimately hired is doing a TT with lipo with two drains in 3.5 hours. Did you ask how many TTs the PS does? I would think that might ultimately explain the longer hours. The PS I saw who was estimating 2.5 hours said he does 50 -60 TTs/year.

That's Life

February 22, 2013

He told me he does 2-3 a week so not sure exactly why his tale so much longer than others. I will ask at my preop.

JeriSue

February 21, 2013

I don't know about drain less I had a drain and my hubby took care if it for me. Can't imagine no help. I applaud those who do take care of everything themselves

JeriSue

February 21, 2013

My TT with lipo was a little over 2 hours. He melted befor removing fat. My PS has only been practicing about 2 years so he is up to date. My other estimate was 4.5 hours. I'm doing great. ... Have small pillows in the car so the seatbelt doesn't rub...

yummymummyof3

February 21, 2013

Yay! The 'drainless' team! My PS isn't using drains on me either. But spending a longer time stitching me up. He's only recommending a TT without lipo for now. He basically discredited my need for a BA/BL and said I might not need lipo once he's done. But he prefers to let the TT settle first and then see if there would be a need for lipo. He was my second consultation and I subsequently cancelled my other appointments with other PS. I'm happy and feel at peace with him. It's so nice to know someone else having no drains. Good luck on your journey. Xx

That's Life

February 22, 2013

There are few reviews of the drainless but my plastic surgeon explained to me that he was hired to do surgery on trauma patients prior to bringing it to his practice and the rate of infection was non existent compared to traditional drains put into wounds. He is the only one in the entire State but said others will soon be following. I just felt great after talking to him and like you, at peace with the decision. Now to try and put my head around how I will manage with three little ones attacking me with hugs after the surgery!!!