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Nervous but Need a TT Plus Lipo - New York, NY

skintothin11
posted 9 months ago
updated 6 months ago

Not Sure
Cost: $11,500
New York, NY

Hi...I'm a 27 year old who has went from 170 lbs...

27 Aug 2012
3 months pre

Hi...I'm a 27 year old who has went from 170 lbs to 265 lbs back down to now a pretty solid 190 lbs...I have been on a few consultations about the excess skin that I know only a TT would be able to take care of and am just so nervous about anesthesia...the prices definitely aren't helping either but I'd be ok with financing it as long as i live to tell about it...i really feel i deserve to reap the benefits of my hard work (i've worked out like crazy and ate healthy to get to where i am today) and i should do so while i'm young...it sounds crazy but i don't make much money right now cause i can't find work but it seems like now is the perfect time to do so because i am in a place i want to be weight wise and i would have the time to recover until i found a more steady job...i'm already in debt so i figure why not just get in a little more so at least i can enjoy my debt with a flat stomach hahaha...i've never been comfortable going to the beach or taking my shirt off in front of people (not even in relationships) and it's just annoying...I've been getting quotes for full TT's but I just recently inquired about getting a TT (and some lipo of my chest) WITHOUT getting my abs repaired on the inside...i've read that most guys don't need it and a doctor already said it would definitely bring down the price (i'm waiting on a quote from one office now)...I'm really looking to spend around $10k max for both surgeries combined...someone convince me i'm not gonna die from the anesthesia!!! thanks for listening...its kind of weird i've never written about this stuff before tonight

So I officially scheduled the surgery for November...

20 Oct 2012
12 days pre

So I officially scheduled the surgery for November 1st. I am getting a "smooth tuck" (no ab work) and lipo of my chest/flanks. I'm really really really nervous but also excited to finally be able to go to the beach and not just make up some stupid excuse about not liking sand or the hot weather...i just want to swim with my friends and be able to do anything (sexual) as well and not have to worry about my stomach/chest showing...i don't think i'm going to post before/after pics cause i'm just the most shallow human on the planet i suppose but we'll see what happens...my main concerns are:

1. living through the anesthesia
2. not dying from blood clots afterwards or other post-surgery complications
3. getting back to work (a desk job where I sit for 8 hours a day) within a week like my doctor said because its only an operation to the skin and fat...I'm going in for surgery on a thursday, get drains out on a tuesday, and he said I should be able to sit there at the desk on wednesday but I will def still be in pain (pain I can deal with...death i cannot)

Thanks for any support everyone!

Thanks a lot for everything kimmers, you're a...

25 Oct 2012
7 days pre

Thanks a lot for everything kimmers, you're a great person! I keep going back and forth with regretting my decision and then telling myself I deserve it...and I'm not sure if I'm more nervous about the anesthesia (and actually waking up) or the recovery...I guess there's not much more I can do but pray now.

Anyone have any suggestions for best preparing my body and mind 6 days out? I wish I could take off from work for a month but the 7 days are going to have to suffice. I just have to try to stay as least stressed as possible at work a few days before and for a few days afterwards...I can't wait til I wake up from the surgery and breathe my first with of relief towards a more enjoyable life for me.

Thanks for anyone's prayers.

So I'm kind of confused...is there some sort of...

27 Oct 2012
5 days pre

So I'm kind of confused...is there some sort of special compression garment or something to wear on my legs like bike shorts? that i'll need besides what the doctor is going to give me?

Also sorry but has anyone has a tummy tuck without...

27 Oct 2012
5 days pre

also sorry but has anyone has a tummy tuck without MR? is pain and recovery much quicker this way as I've heard?

thanks!!!

Well...there's a hurricane coming...maybe it will...

29 Oct 2012
3 days pre

Well...there's a hurricane coming...maybe it will cancel my surgery ;-) I can dream can't I?!?

Anyway, it's pretty annoying my blood lab forgot to fax over the results of my blood test to my doctor and he's not in til wednesday to let me know everything is a "go" so now i have to worry about that for the next couple of days, as well as surviving this hurricane and everything weather wise going ok so i can get the surgery at all on thursday!!!

I see that people recommend palmer's vitamin e skin therapy oil but does anyone have the exact link on amazon to which one they use for their scars? Also, any other recommendations that aren't on the list?

Thanks to everyone for your continued support...i really appreciate it more than you know.

Hi guys...so my surgery has been postponed because...

31 Oct 2012
1 day pre

Hi guys...so my surgery has been postponed because of the hurricane here. I have no power, electricity, heat, hot water, the roads are closed, tunnels submerged etc. It's really a disaster here. So now they have to call me next week to tell me when the surgery will be. I'm really not sure how work will be with this...the first time after Nov 1 I can really get it done will be in February.

As much as I was nervous to get it done I was also very excited and this is just kind of a whirlwind of emotions...thanks for everyones support and i'll keep you all updated.

Well...i'm sitting here watching monday night...

12 Nov 2012
11 days post

Well...i'm sitting here watching monday night football just thinking about the surgery i'm about to have on Thursday...pretty scary but I feel calm too...i just have to hope everything goes well...i'm going to try to get a massage on tuesday or wednesday night to free my body and mind...get circulation flowing well etc...i hope everyone is doing well

Hi guys so I got my surgery done today...doctor...

15 Nov 2012
14 days post

Hi guys so I got my surgery done today...doctor said everything went well and he's very happy with how everything turned out...i do have a question though i see on my back where the drain is inserted a bubble of swelling (my mom thinks its just because thats where the drain tube is inserted???...if i post a picture can somebody tell me if it's a hematoma i am definitely scared about that...nothing was done internally besides fixing an extremely small hernia where i previously had another scar from when I was born so it was really only a skin and lipo surgery...thanks for everyones help through this time and leading up to it

Got the wraps off today and the drains out...my...

21 Nov 2012
20 days post

Got the wraps off today and the drains out...my chest looks great very happy with it...my stomach looks good just very swollen but i think i have a bad case of dog ears :-( my doctor said sometimes they go away with the swelling and other times they have to do a local anesthetic and fix them (pretty sure free of charge well i really hope so because it mentioned it in the scar revision section of my contract) ... i'm pretty bummed about it but hopefully since i'm only 6 days out the swelling will go down and they won't be so bad? How long did it take everyone to stand up straight? my doctor keeps telling me to stand up straight but it really hurts i don't think he understands!!! i keep trying though...also, showering felt good but my back hurt so badly from standing i had to constantly kneel down on the floor...will i ever get feeling back in my stomach by the way? its so freakin weird!!!

thanks for anyones comments

peace love and happiness

Hey guys just adding pictures to see what everyone...

25 Nov 2012
24 days post

Hey guys just adding pictures to see what everyone thinks...i still have bad dog ears but didn't photograph them yet...let me know thanks!

Great review?

Comments (29)

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WildOrchids 9 Dec 2012

hey skin! how ya doin?

WildOrchids 25 Nov 2012

hey there! fantastic improvement! you look great!

Tattoomama36 25 Nov 2012

Hey handsome! Looking great! I'm 3 wks PO and still can't feel anything from my belly button down to my insicsion. I am still not standing straight. My doc said no standing up right for 4 weeks. Just try to keep your hips tucked in so that there is a slight "hunching" to Give your tummy time to restretch with the new skin. I had a c section and the feeling will come back. Not always on the scar itself but around it. Some people do get all the feeling back even in the scar. I had a dog ear when I had a breast reduction and it never went away. It did get smaller. Doc removed it this time. 3 stitches and it was done. No worries. Easy fix!

skintothin11 25 Nov 2012

Hey tattoomama thanks for the reply! I keep pushing myself to stand up straighter everyday...not easy! I go back to work tomorrow so I just hope I can walk somewhat normal and sit there for the day...i guess only time will tell if the feeling comes back in my belly. I will wait and see if the dog ears go down at all but if they're anywhere near this I will have to get them fixed...they usually revise for free right? was the revision painful?

monica123456789 25 Nov 2012

You look amazing!!! Good choice. can't wait to see more pictures!!

skintothin11 25 Nov 2012

Thanks so much that means a lot to me...you're the first girl to ever see me with my shirt off ha! Should I be upset about having to repair the dog ears...is it a big deal? Also, how long can I actually stand or sit without my binder stuff on?

WildOrchids 23 Nov 2012

As for standing straight, it took me a full month. Maybe even a little longer. I would say no matter what the doctor says don't push your body. Your body is smarter than any doctor and will do what it wants when it feels like it. If you push it you might risk hurting yourself. Just try to stand a little straighter every day, it will happen when it should! As for the feeling, I'm still numb. I have feeling on the sides but not down the middle of my stomach. From what I understand that is normal and it can take a year to get the normal feeling back. Also, just found out that it seems a good percentage of people never regain feeling right under their belly button. Everyone says that it's not a bother though and that the tummy tuck was still totally worth it, so I'm not sweating it. but yea, I have no feeling on my stomach yet, does feel totally weird and I don't like it that much! One last thing, should have gotten a shower chair. Definitely the 1 thing I HAD to have. Now I still use it to put on my makeup... lol You can get one ordered from Amazon for like under $20...

WildOrchids 23 Nov 2012

Hey skin! I'd maybe ask Kimmers if there is something going on with your updates! It looks like you are doing it right! Add some pics too.... Also, when you update make sure it shows up in the review feed! I would also post in the November forum if you have questions. I know I stopped looking at reviews unless the person had posted in the forum... Anyway, hope you had a great Thanksgiving and lots of turkey!

skintothin11 21 Nov 2012

hey i'd love some feeback on my last update...thanks so much

skintothin11 18 Nov 2012

is there some type of way to "bump" this post to the top? i just would like to speak to someone who's had the surgery etc. and i think maybe because I'm male i seem to get less responses...thanks

WildOrchids 18 Nov 2012

hey, what's up? just shoot me a message, I'd be glad to help! I'll send you my email...

WildOrchids 16 Nov 2012

ps. post pics!

skintothin11 17 Nov 2012

hey wild thanks so much for your reply...doc said it was normal...i actually ended up having a small hernia in my upper stomach so he had to repair that...lucky me! i walked a little with a walker today but i feel so tight and sore its amazing...my groin area hurts so badly too i hope this goes away soon...is arnica and bromelian supplements? i hate drinking water because it makes me have to pee more and i can barely get to the damn bathroom!!! ahhh yes i have to note to stay away from salt

WildOrchids 18 Nov 2012

yea, its not easy! at least the first 4 days are really hard. you need to drink lots of water and move around. arnica Montana is a supplement, meant to help swelling. Brazilian helps with muscle pain if taken in between meals. i can't guarantee it helped, but i didn't have a ton of swelling and very little bruising. of course i had no lipo. i also drank a bottle of coconut water a day. my pubic area also hurt, that's pretty normal. there will be swelling around there too probably. no need to worry! anyway, email me if you need more help. glad to answer any questions!

WildOrchids 18 Nov 2012

Brazilian =bromelian, lol

WildOrchids 16 Nov 2012

I'm so glad to hear you are home and getting around! yes, the first 4.days were brutal. i had muscle repair so i don't know if it will be easier for you, but i could not stand on my own. i employed several tricks which included a tied towel to the bed, used the pillow under my legs by pulling it to get up, ect. anyway, you'll get through it! as for any abnormal swelling, i always listen to my body. after this you can expect some swelling, lots of soreness, bruising, ect. anything that i thought seemed excessive or unusual, i would call the doctor. better to be safe than sorry! so for the next few days get plenty of rest and keep on top the pain meds! I also recommend Arnica, bromelian, lots of water and cucumbers for swelling. also, lots of citrus fruits and protein for healing. stay far away from salt!!

WildOrchids 14 Nov 2012

hey skintothin, good luck tomorrow! I'll be thinking about you and can't wait to hear how it all goes!

skintothin11 16 Nov 2012

hi wild...i updated my post i would love to hear your input...i just woke up day 1 or would it be day 2 PO? i am in some pretty serious pain all around...nearly impossible to get up and walk but i've went to pee a few times...my gosh this all better be worth it :-)

WildOrchids 1 Nov 2012

OH, That's a bummer. I'm sorry! I hope things get cleaned up in NY pretty quickly and you can start looking into this again soon!

skintothin11 2 Nov 2012

My surgery is scheduled for November 15th now...thanks for your well wishes!

skintothin11 31 Oct 2012

Wait I just read somewhere on here that they're nervous to lose sensitivity sexually because lipo takes away sensitivity? is this possible? oh man this can't be true

Tattoomama36 28 Oct 2012

Hi Skin! I think it is fabulous that as a male, you are putting yourself out there or rather here for support! You totally deserve to be happy in your own skin no matter male or female! I will be following you and here for any support!

skintothin11 29 Oct 2012

thank you so much...i'm so nervous about this all! am i making the right decision here? why am i so vain? ugh

MrsPsychoman 27 Oct 2012

Hey Skin....I think you are the first male I have met on here. Congrats on your weight loss. I know it can be difficult as I have done the same thing over the past year. I had MR with lipo and TT. The MR is not what has bothered me, it has been the lipo areas. My doc did lipo on upper & lower abs, hips, and flanks. My hips and flanks have been VERY sensitive to the touch, but nothing unbearable. As for the anesthesia.....my guy had me knocked out before I knew it. I actually had to ask them if they were done once it was all over, and I was out for 6 hours according to my hubby. I had no problems with getting sick, but that may be due to all the meds they gave me prior to surgery to keep me from getting sick. As for the nerves, this is VERY normal. We all ride the emotional roller coaster before surgery. Just try to relax and breathe. The outcome is sooooo worth all of it in the end.

Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 28 Aug 2012

Welcome to RealSelf. You are correct in saying that all the exercise in the world will not get rid of the extra skin. Only removing it takes care of the problem.

You are not alone in your fears of anesthesia. Most people have the same concerns when going through surgery. There are always risks but you are in a totally controlled environment and they will take excellent care of you. Don't let this fear stop you from doing the surgery.

You will have to let us know the final details when you get everything scheduled.

I have included a link to some information from our Q&A's on Anesthesia + Tummy Tuck