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TT w/ MR, Flank 4D Lipo and Fat Grafting...New Pics Too! - Mastic, NY

I will be 30 this year and I really miss my...

  • 24 Feb 2011
  • 2 months pre

I will be 30 this year and I really miss my pre-pregnancy body. I had a c-section and it has really done a number on my lower half. Nothing fits anymore or at least to my liking and I am so sick of looking at the clothes hanging in my closet and wishing I could wear them confidently again. The truth is I am sick of being ashamed of my body. It has been four long years dealing with this extra skin and bad self esteem and now with the support of my husband, I am really going change my life. I am fortunate, I know not all people can do this for themselves. So I am going to make the best of this by going to the gym daily, taking my vitamins and watching what I eat. I am determined to do all I can on my part to get the best result.

I am just curious if any of you ladies have any Pre-Op tips for me? Supplies I would need?


Photo Update

  • 1 Mar 2011
  • 1 month pre

Well I finally got the 'Before' pics up,...

  • 1 Mar 2011
  • 1 month pre
Well I finally got the 'Before' pics up, it was really not as bad as I thought. It is strange to see myself from that angle, just used to looking down and grabbing at the flab with negative thoughts.

Now it is all positive thoughts, a little anxiety and a lot of anticipation.

I just went for my 2wk pre-op and settled a lot of...

  • 14 Apr 2011
  • 13 days pre
I just went for my 2wk pre-op and settled a lot of my fears. Like the Arnica/Bromelain debate. Arnica is not needed cuz it is for bruising and I won't be bruised. Vitamin E is forbidden! No binder for this TT, yey me! My scar will be super low, actually below my cs scar. No medical clearance necessary cuz I am under 40, just bloodwork needed. I am excited, nervous, and anxious. MIL will be here next thurs to help prep the house. She will be staying 3 weeks, hope that is long enough...Until then, I will count down the days.

Hi ladies, well it went really well. Feeling no...

  • 28 Apr 2011
  • 1 day post
Hi ladies, well it went really well. Feeling no real pain yet, just discomfort from backpain, gas and swelling. Can't seem to get much sleep, feeling a little dopey too. DH was a star at the hotel, draining every two hours, helping me up and down. Day one almost down, just want to get some sleep!!!

Well it has been a week since surgery and I feel...

  • 4 May 2011
  • 7 days post
Well it has been a week since surgery and I feel alright. Off all pain meds except Tylenol PM to sleep. Ohhhh to sleep... Saw PS yesterday and he says the incision looks good, and I am going to look really good when all this swelling goes down. Sure doc, when is that????!!!!!

Still have both drains in, doc says they have to stay in till >20ml drainage per day. Today one was 60ml! Oh I just want them out so I can sleep in my own bed and on my side. I am in my son's bed cuz all the pillows I need in order to sleep on my back would most definately smother my husband in the night!!!

MIL is a big help, I couldn't do this without her. Really.

Anyways, I am taking this day by day and tomorrow will be better. Thanks ladies, you all have been a tremendous help both pre and post-op. Without this site, we would all be clueless.

  • 4 May 2011
  • 7 days post

  • 4 May 2011
  • 7 days post

Well it has been a month now and everyday is...

  • 29 May 2011
  • 1 month post
Well it has been a month now and everyday is getting better and better. Finally got both drains out and I plan to have a ceremonial burning of that god-awful fannypack along with the granny panties later this summer. Still cannot fit my regular clothes due to the swelling, but I am seeing it lessen everyday. I am happy. Although I would kill for a Zumba class, PS said to wait two more weeks before getting back to the gym :(

  • 29 May 2011
  • 1 month post

List Pros & Cons, Advice you can offer others

  • 14 Jun 2011
  • 2 months post
List Pros & Cons, Advice you can offer others

It has been one year now and I feel great. Best...

  • 10 Mar 2012
  • 11 months post
It has been one year now and I feel great. Best decision of my life. Now if only I could lose those last 10 lbs....

Going Back for Vaser Lipo to Flanks and Fat...

  • 25 Mar 2013
  • 1 year post
Going Back for Vaser Lipo to Flanks and Fat Grafting To Butt! It's been 2 yrs since TT and super happy with flat tummy but the rest needs work. Going in on Thursday, March 28. Wish me luck!

Got Lipo and Fat Grafting to my Butt

  • 30 Mar 2013
  • 1 year post
Got Lipo and Fat Grafting to my Butt

Been a month since flank Lipo and Fat Grafting to...

  • 29 Apr 2013
  • 2 years post
Been a month since flank Lipo and Fat Grafting to my glutes. Feel good now that I dont have to wear that awful crotchless torture device. The garment was seriously the worst thing about my surgery, all went fine, barely any pain AND NO BRUISES! Seriously, 4D Lipo is the way to go. Doc carved the small of my back and hips. And took my own fat, 700cc, and fixed my flat ass by a fat injected right into the muscles. Felt like I was sitting on two rocks for a few days, but beauty is pain! Ask me anything...
Great review?
Mark D. Epstein, MD

My Doctor: Mark D. Epstein, MD

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. Epstein is a skilled plastic surgeon who performed my abdominoplasty with absolutely stellar results. I am very happy with my flat tummy and I am only six weeks out, which is my recovery halfway point. Prior to meeting Dr. Epstein, I had a consult with another PS whom I felt was more of a sleazy salesman than a caring physician. A girlfriend who had a BA a few years back highly recommended Dr. Epstein and thank god she did! My first consult with him was thorough, informative and reassuring. A polar opposite to the PS I met before. I felt as if he really listened and cared about what I wanted and also gave his honest medical opinion and realistic expectations as well. There was no up-selling of unnecessary lipo or some pricey product pitch like I found with other surgeons. He was straightforward, knowledgeable and professional, something you really come to appreciate while standing naked on a pedestal. I left the office feeling very confident in choosing Dr. Epstein. The surgery went well, from what I remember… My stomach looks flat and amazing and the scar is super low and healing well. I love to show it off in bikinis and tight shirts. I am 6 weeks post-op and feeling better every day. I have had very little discomfort and I credit Dr. Epstein as he does not use those uncomfortable binders or steri-strips, thus making recovery much more comfortable and more tolerable especially in the beginning when relief is needed most! My biggest complaints were normal, mostly back-pain and those annoying drains staying in four weeks which felt like FOREVER! Each post-op visit went extremely well with no complications and I felt as if the staff had my best interest in mind. I would highly recommend Dr. Epstein and his staff for your next procedure.

Comments (87)

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bkraz1109 29 Apr 2013
looking good lady!!!!!!!!
Mhansenrn 29 Apr 2013
You look great!
LochlandsMom 29 Apr 2013
New pics up, feeling great and working on my other problem spots now. Finally I took off the garment and got back to the gym. Can't wait for summer and bikini shopping. Best thing ever.
bkraz1109 18 Apr 2013
Hey how are you feeling any new pics?
Happy with Smaller 26 Mar 2013
Since we both have surgery on Thursday we'll have to check out eachother's after pics. Sounds like you're just having a little maintenance done to improve your TT. Good for you!
LochlandsMom 12 Apr 2013
How did it go? Feeling ok?
Happy with Smaller 25 Mar 2013
You do look fabulous. Now you're going in for lipo and grafting to your butt? Is that like the Brazillian Butt Lift or something like that? Just curious. We'll both be in surgery on Thursday, that's the day for my TT.
LochlandsMom 26 Mar 2013
My PS suggested the grafting, he says why throw away good fat? Lol. Whatever you say doc! Apparently it is similar to BBL, putting fat up top to give rounder appearance except no sculpting at the bottom. Good luck with yout TT Thursday, the only thing I'm worried about is the fasting until 2pm, ugh.
Happy with Smaller 26 Mar 2013
Wow I sure wish my PS had suggested that for me since I have virtually no butt so having some extra fat (and I have lots) injected would really help the appearance I'm sure. Maybe at a different surgery. I'm kinda hoping since he's doing lipo on my back & flanks to give me a waist then it'll atleast look like I have a little more butt since there will be more definition there. Since my BR and now TT I know I'll want my flabby arms & inside thighs done with lipo & tightening. Then there's my neck, my nose, my eyes. Everything is saggin and I'm trying to fix myself up one surgery at a time. I'd love a Mommy makeover type surgery but my PS doesn't like to keep anyone under that long (10-12 hours) and do that many procedures at one time. Plus at 58 I'm sure it's alot more dangerous than some 30 something.
bkraz1109 11 Apr 2013
Hey!! I am also going to dr e, but for my BA. Did you go to him for the fat grafting?? You look slammin by the way : )
LochlandsMom 12 Apr 2013
Yes, he suggested it for an optimal result. Who am I to argue with the good Doc?
bkraz1109 12 Apr 2013
how was it? was it painful? id love a mini TT with some lip and fat grafting. i wasnt sure if dr e did a BBL type procedure but obviously he does lol how do you feel? do you have any more pics id love to see how you look. did you have to have the drain for the grafting?
dragonfly88 25 Mar 2013
Wow! Awesome to see your results! You look fabulous!
3boys 1princess 18 Mar 2012
You look fabulous! I am stuck on losing the last 10 pounds also. My arms are HUGE, they have gotten that way since after the surgery. I am happy with the stomach, but now on to the rest of the body. I am going to try and drop some weight and see if I am not happier.
Congrats to you, you look GREAT!
msbeas 12 Mar 2012
Hi Loch, u look great, continue to keep us posted
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 11 Mar 2012

You look fantastic:)

Vicki4449 10 Mar 2012
Hey, great results!!!!!!! congrats, girl! Hope the rest of your healing is smooth. I am so encouraged by all the great results and recovery stories I read on here.
blondiekj 3 Jun 2011
You look incredible! Love the new pics.... its amazing how your body starts healing so much quicker without those darn drains! You will be in a bikini in no time.... you are so nice and flat! That is great that you can go back to the gym in 2 weeks! I just can't wait to get back to indoor cycling class but have to wait another 2 weeks for that! Is your MIL still there? how are things going with your little one?
blondiekj 24 May 2011
Hey Hope you are doing well! Update your pics soon! How are you feeling?
Farz 20 May 2011
Hey u . . so you say you got one drain removed, eh? Awsome! When u getting the other one out? yesterday I saw my PS and he game me the okay to start working out!! So happy :-) Ur day will get here soon and ur gonna be like damn where the heck did the time go !
Susan9929 12 May 2011
How are you doing??
Farz 12 May 2011
LOL I was just talking about the doc appts with my sister the other day. I know, so annoying, eh?! Dont be so hard on yourself regarding counting calories . . . just think that you need them to recover quickly and it wont ruin the work you had done. In 6 weeks (or before for some ppl) you will be up and doing light cardio or whatever is your pleasure! Trust me, there is a light at teh end of the tunnel and by the time you know it you will back to your old self again (except with a flatter sexier tummy LOL!!) Whenever I felt like I would be missing all the things I luv to do I would just think that its all temporary and took advantage of doing nothing like renting/watching movies, etc. . . things I hardly have time for with 2 little ones!! Now, at 5 1/2 weeks I cant even sit on the couch for a minute let alone watch a movie or do something for myself! Take it easy :-)
LochlandsMom 14 May 2011
Farz, thank you for reminding me to take it easy, sometimes I just forget, you know. Now that the MIL is gone I can control the menu and control myself...but who will do the housekeeping????LOL Oh, me.
LochlandsMom 11 May 2011
Definately a downer week. Went to the doctor and waited close to an HOUR for my appt. I mean, why do they even make appointments if they cannot keep them. I get it, docs get behind and whatever but would it kill one of the six girls in reception to give me a heads-up-?????!!!! Arrggg! If that wasn't bad enough, I knew the whole time that I was draining too much to get the f-ing drains out anyway. I guess I am getting to the frustrated/depressed stage of this journey. I feel like I cannot make good food decisions. My MIL is cooking and she doesn't exactly count the calories in it. I know it is not her fault, it's mine. Now I envision all this food ruining this workd and going straight to my ass! And normally I would just compensate at the gym but I can't exercise. I didn't know how much I would miss it but I do! I just have to remember that this is the hard part. I think once the drains are finally out, perhaps then I will start feeling better.
Booka 11 May 2011
I totally understand and feel your pain. My doctor always takes forever too, I am hoping they don't tomorrow because I only have 2 hours and I have to get my son on time from the bus stop, so i will let them know when i get there.

I have cleaned up my eating, but I won't lie, I am craving some candy and goodies for no reason. I am weighing less than I have in 2 years and I wanna keep going so I have to be strong. I too felt the same way, there is no way I can keep eating like crap and undo all this work!

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