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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews

So Far, So Good. - Scottsdale, AZ

UPDATED FROM TheBabycakes

3 Years Out

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T
TheBabycakes
WORTH IT$5,199
3 years post-op and my scar has faded enough that it is not visible in a lot of pictures and nobody has any idea that I've had work done. I still have great definition and I don't even work out (I really can't- it turns out that I have some very serious medical problems that have caused muscle atrophy and extreme fatigue). I did not return for any follow up appointments after I think December 2011. I'm still very happy that I had this done and feel it was worth the money.
A few things to keep in mind:
Mederma didn't make any difference in the scar.
The silicone sheets may or may not have helped, but I saw a lot more improvement later after simply giving my body time to heal.
I have a condition that causes a huge delay in healing so I still had swelling for over a year, but most people should expect faster healing.
I did not return for a breast reduction and plan instead to just have a lift done with only enough tissue coming out for the sake of symmetry with Dr. Robert Cohen at a future time- I'm currently on chemo and some very rigorous treatment for a brain tumor, so my plans have been delayed.
I will try to remember to post some updated photos soon!

TheBabycakes's provider

Garey Simmonds, MD

Garey Simmonds, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

TheBabycakes

TheBabycakes rating for Dr. Simmonds:

Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
Time spent with me
Phone or email responsiveness
Staff professionalism & courtesy
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Replies (1)

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N
August 28, 2014
Hi I hope you are doing well. I ran across your question about an undrainable seroma. I am experiencing the same thing. The first time around my PS got out about 30cc's every attempt (2) following have yelled noting but I still have the lower abdominal water bed. How was your situation resolved?
UPDATED FROM TheBabycakes

Photo Update

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TheBabycakes

Replies (5)

S
May 13, 2011
WOW! You do look great :) He only charged you $5199?? I have been to 3 consults and all dr's set their pricing at 8800 and up... I think ill give him a call!
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T
May 13, 2011
Thanks. I need to post new ones. I am still swelling off and on a little 9 weeks out. I have hypertrophic scarring in some spots and I'm pretty unhappy about that, but hopefully it will get better. Belly button shrinks some days and gets really small. I think I'll try the ear plug trick next time I have a day like that. Keep your protein intake up and your sodium down and you'll feel a little better and less bloated!
S
May 13, 2011
Did u really pay 5199 including anesthesia and surgical facility???
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T
May 13, 2011
Yes- that was the absolute total cost. It includes followup care, anesthesia, surgical facility and surgeon's fee. He runs a special every spring, I guess. I'm not sure if it's still going. His botox is dirt cheap too. He's kind of a jerk but hey I'm not paying him to be nice, right? He did a good job except my skin is a little too tight in the center. I'm sure that will loosen up over time though.
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S
May 13, 2011
You look fantastic!
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P
September 30, 2013
What an odd concept. I have never heard of a 'tummy tuck' before. Did you get it for medical reasons, liked a clogged drain of one of your intestines or similar, or did you get it for looks?
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T
April 18, 2014
I have a condition called Cushing's Disease that causes weight gain and a lot of damage to the skin on the stomach- mostly sagging and stretch marks. This procedure was done for cosmetic purposes to correct those issues.
A
December 30, 2013
Hi there. I'm getting my tummy tuck January 14th by same dr. What did u take with u to surgery ?
A
December 30, 2013
Did dr a provide the silicone sheets or did u purchase those on ur own ? What do they do ?
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T
April 18, 2014
I forgot about this page and just saw that I had some questions. I apologize for that. I hope your procedure went well!
UPDATED FROM TheBabycakes

One drain is totally dried up and looks like it...

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TheBabycakes
One drain is totally dried up and looks like it may have a clog. On the phone, PS told me to try and squeeze the clog through but it is partially inside of me and just coming out of where the tube comes out, so I see him today. Maybe he will take the drains out while I'm there since they're due out Monday anyway! That'd be nice.

Replies (4)

F
March 11, 2011
Wow you look great. Back to work already ?? Happy healing :-)What kind of lipo did you have done?
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T
March 11, 2011
Thanks :) I do office work, so I just have to be careful. I didn't have any lipo, just a full tummy tuck. I was bruised up like I'd had lipo for a few days, so maybe he uses it when he does tummy tucks, but they didn't tell me if he did!
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M
March 12, 2011
TheBabycake - You look wonderful:)

I do have a couple questions:

How many days off did you have before you returned to work?

Also, when did you start driving again?

I know each person is different but I was curious on your timing. Let me know when you have a chance.

Thank you:)
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T
March 12, 2011
I had surgery on a Tuesday morning. I started working from home (mostly just making phone calls and emails) on Thursday.
I started driving on day 8 (wednesday) and went to work the following day for a few hours before my back couldn't take being bent over any longer. I'm doing a full day on Monday so I'll keep you updated.
My job is different than what most people have. I would have taken two weeks off if my boss didn't need help so badly. We just closed an office and there are 5 foot high stacks of filing to do all over the place.
Driving isn't so bad unless my back is hurting a lot. Having a very large chest and being hunched over are a bad combination. If you have this problem, try tight sports bras during recovery or if you're considering a reduction also, do that first rather than after the tummy.
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M
March 13, 2011
Thanks for your feedback. I have to do work PT from home then go back to work FT on 12 days post op.

I have a friend who had a mommy make over on March 1st and she just stopped by to see me today. She looks fantastic. She bounced back very well.

Yes, keep us posted your your progress:) I had FTT, MR & Lipo. Take Care!
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M
March 13, 2011
hi! I have stomach tattoos that were removed too. It was a very large piece that spanned across my stomach from hip to hip that I got at age 18 when I thought I'd never have kids LOL well, 4 kids later, including a set if twins, the tattoo was awfully sad looking and I was happy that most of it was removed during my tummy tuck! I will have to get something else to fill in the odd pieces that are left, but I'm not very worried about it at this point. Congrats on your new body!!