Modified Abdominoplasty with Hernia Repair - Texas

Thanks Philly, it is good to know that what I am feeling is normal. I have had a tiny set-back this week that I think came from overdoing it and pushing myself too hard. I am feeling more pain the past couple days than I have since my first week post-op and it is all located along my right side, it feels like the internal girdle is pulling at the stitches and they are really tearing into the muscles along my side...this is enough to make me want to fast to lose more weight to make it comfortable! I have only lost about 2 pounds post-op and am still swollen in my lower abdomen and pubis but I know all of this will get better.

Thanks PhillyMom. I am almost 2 weeks post op and feeling great. The hernia was bigger in reality than indicated in the CT Scan but Dr. Horndeski's technique for repair, reconstruction and removal of skin was a perfect solution for my situation. Since his ultimate TT technique calls for creating an internal mesh girdle to hold the reconstructed abdominal wall in place, it was a perfect solution for me to prevent any future hernias from all my abdominal surgeries. The only fall back that I am experiencing is the loss of my belly button...it is not permanent but since the hernia was so severe and in such close proximity to my belly button, the decision was made to not cut through the mesh until after the abdominal muscles were thoroughly healed so that there was no risk of another hernia. This is something that he will be able to easily correct in the future and can probably be done in his office under a local anesthesia or with just numbing the abdomen. I am not too concerned about it since I understand the reasoning and after the phantom itching has stopped it will be even better. It hasn't been an issue it just looks funny to see my belly in the mirror and not have a belly button, like I'm spawned from a pod or something (maybe I watch too much sci fi)!

I haven't experienced too much pain and definitely rate this better than any of my past abdominal surgeries. I haven't even had a need for any of the prescribed narcotics since about 2-3 days post op and have been managing fine with Tylenol. I am still experiencing swelling of the lower abdomen and pubis but know that this will subside in a couple more weeks. So far I rate the experience far better than expected and am glad that I opted for doing everything at the same time. I also cannot say enough wonderful things about Dr. Horndeski and his staff, they have been awesome and I definitely plan on having him perform my breast lift. I would have done it at the same time but since we knew my abdominal surgery was going to take about 5-6 hours he didn't want to risk me being under for the additional 4 hours. Thanks for sending good thoughts my way...I truly appreciate them!

Los Cruces, Dr. Horndeski not only specializes in this type of surgery but he has pioneered new techniques for the abdominoplasty and breast lift. I like you had used a general surgeon or ob gyn for my past abdominal surgeries (depending on the nature of the surgery) but decided to pay more out of pocket to use Dr. Horndeski. He not only specializes in plastic surgery but he is a leading surgeon in the fields of reconstruction and micro-surgery. One of the things that I appreciated most about him is that not only is he a certified general surgeon and certified plastic surgeon but he was first an engineer before going to medical school. This training has enabled him to view situations and solutions using a different logic than just medicine alone and has also lead to his pioneering new techniques used for abdominoplasty and breast lift. I first heard of Dr. Horndeski in a local news report and then had a friend of mine who used to work for a retired local plastic surgeon remind me of his talents and capabilities. Since mine was more than just abdominoplasty I wanted to get an opinion from a doctor with experience in more than just plastic surgery. Once we talked on the phone (yes he personally does return all phone calls) and I went in to see him, everything just clicked and made so much sense. His technique was perfect for my situation; multiple abdominal surgeries, massive weight loss but still had more to lose, no plans to have additional children, etc. Please call his office and talk with him, I think you will be pleasantly surprised at his bedside manner and his candor. Keep me informed of your situation.

Hello Pasadena3814
Dr. Horndeski answered a question I posted and the information he gave me made me feel he would be the one to do my work. I have had hernia repair and I think I need another one, so the fact that the DR specialize in this made me hopeful. Then I read your post and now I am excited. Do they help with financing? Is there any advice you can give? I am going to call him I just wanted a heads up on what to expect.
nervous,excited,scared,and hopeful all at once
thanks!!!!