Since Feb 2013, I have lost 73# on my own through excercise and eating healthier/smaller portions. I decided on a full tummy tuck along with flanks lyposuction in Feb 2016. My surgery was done 6/28/16. As of today, I am 6 post surgery. I'm sore, but mostly my back because of leaning over. I'm going to continue to update with photos, news and what it really takes to get through this life altering choice. Updated on 5 Jul 2016: Me, during my heaviest. Updated on 5 Jul 2016: 7 days post operation. One drain out, hopefully 2nd one out in 3 days. Back still aches from being bent over. Finally allowed to sleep in my bed, good bye recliner. Off pain meds, which is a good thing. So far, do good. *I must mention my amazing hubby, who took two wks off of work to wait on me. Updated on 5 Jul 2016: Comparison pics of before TT/Flank Lipo vs. 7 days after Updated on 5 Jul 2016: Few pics of my weight loss journey. Updated on 12 Jul 2016: It has been 2 weeks since I hat full TT and lipo on flanks. Updated on 28 Jul 2016: It's been one month since my TT and Lypo. Muscle still sore underneath where my walls were stiched back together. Tire easily. But better day by day. Updated on 29 Jul 2016: Updated on 2 Feb 2017: Down to #151. Lost all core strength and I'm working on regaining it. Learned that my body doesn't like the blue, long lasting dissolving stitches. My body spit some out. Had to have a little incision made along scar line to remove a stich so it can finally heal. Belly button is still giving me issues. Doesn't want to fully heal and close up. Slow going but still moving ahead. Absolutely love my surgeon. He's always there for me and doesn't make me feel bad with my concerns. Ready to get back to full excercise and start to tone and shape what I paid alot for. ????
I have wanted breast implants since my early twenties and I am finally doing it! I was constantly teased as a teen/young adult and I did go through a phase where I embraced my flat-chested body, but it has come to a point where I just don't feel feminine or confident. I work so hard on my body, and I'm basically all muscle. I want to feel good about showing it off, and I feel that a small enhancement will balance that out. I by no means want large breasts, especially since I plan on returning to the same level of physical activity after the healing process. I decided this past August but because of dance/work conflicts, I had to schedule my surgery for November, and now my surgery date is quickly approaching! I have to say I've been so excited, but am recently starting to feel a lot of anxiety about the size. I am still trying to decide between 300cc, 325cc, or 350cc moderate profile silicone implants. My doctor as well as many others that I've talked to all say that the one biggest regret that women have post-surgery is not going bigger. I really don't want big breasts though. A SMALL C would be my maximum size and I'm concerned that they will end up bigger than that and it will interfere with my athletic abilities. Originally I was set on 350cc but after reading a lot of reviews, looking at multiple pictures, and consulting Doctors on this site, I think that I am going to go with the 325s. I have another appointment next week. My mom was not able to go with me to my original consult, so basically the appointment is to put her at ease (she is scared about something going wrong during the actual procedure). I figured that I can try on the implants again, but it is so hard to tell because my doctor said they will look smaller once they are placed under the muscle. I plan on doing the rice sizers this weekend. I'm so glad that I found this site. I have gotten so many great tips from reading reviews, pics, and asking the doctors questions. I just finished some shopping for post-op stuff today. I picked up some great front close cotton sports bras from Walmart, Bio Oil, Cocoa Butter w/Vitamin E, CVS TheraPeas ice packs, and Mederma (doc's recommendation). I am going to get my blood work done on Monday. I am still trying to make plans for the first few days of my post-op. This is one of the things that is causing me the most anxiety right now. I live alone and do not have a significant other. I am having my surgery locally so the nice thing is I don't have to travel. My mom will take me and pick me up for the procedure but I need to find someone to stay with me overnight. I'm hoping one of my friends can do it. I also have 3 dogs; two Schnauzers and a Yorkie. If any of you are familiar with terriers then you know why I am concerned about this. They are very high energy and like to jump/lay on top of me. Also, my Yorkie cannot go up and down the stairs or get on the bed without assistance. I am already planning on sending him to my mom's for the first four days but she can't take all of them. She has two small dogs of her own so that would be way too much for her to handle. Does anyone have any suggestions as far as meal planning? So that is my story. I'm 25 days out. I will continue to document my experience and I will also upload some pictures. I would love comments and feedback! Updated on 3 Nov 2014: I'm exactly 14 days from my surgery date and I'm feeling pretty good. I've had some moments of extreme anxiety but for the most part I'm feeling really excited. I have a doctor's appointment on Friday and my mom is coming with me to look at my size options. I am almost 100% positive that I am gonna go with the 325cc. I did rice sizers in 350cc and they were too big for my liking. I think the 325cc will be perfect; not too big, not too small. I've got pretty much everything I need for post surgery, just a few things left to pick up like Arnica tablets, and juice to help with constipation. I also need to get some pajamas or loungewear that has front closure. I think I'm going to order these from Victoria's Secret, but I'm going to see if I can find some cheaper items at Kohl's or Target. I also want to look for a wedge pillow or something to sleep on. I've got all of my caretakers lined up, but am still a little concerned about my dogs. They are not going to be happy if they can't cuddle with me. My biggest concern right now is dance. It's casting time for our big show and normally I get called in around this time to start working big stunts. I'm just really hoping that my dance director will be understanding (I haven't told him yet, yikes!). We typically only have 2-3 private rehearsals before Christmas break. Company rehearsals don't start until the first weekend after New Year's, which is why I'm having the surgery now. So hopefully he won't give my part away to anyone else, especially since he knows I can keep up/easily catch up, but who knows, the dance world is a fickle beast. If he puts another girl with my partner of almost 8 years I will be devastated. Also, I hope I have a normal recovery and no issues so that I can return to my regular rehearsals in January otherwise I'm really screwed. I keep telling myself that if worse comes to worse I'll just take a year off from the big stuff, but that is so hard to accept, especially since I'm older and really don't know how many years I have left in me to perform this stuff. I finally have the courage to post some pre-op pics so here they are. I will update again after my appointment Friday. Updated on 4 Nov 2014: Today I found some really great button front pajama sets on sale at Macy's. One set is a super soft cotton knit that feels like silk on the skin. I like these much better than the Victoria's Secret sets. The brand is Alfani and they have really nice prints. Much cheaper than VS too since they were on sale! One top is from Nautica and it ended up only being $6. It's a short sleeve button up top; I hate sleeping in long sleeves so I was really excited about finding it. I also got Arnica today and had my blood work done. Getting close! Updated on 16 Nov 2014: It is finally time for my surgery! I went back in to speak with my PS regarding size etc. I've decided to go with 325cc. I have heard so many mixed reviews on size and it really has caused me so much anxiety. I am going by his professional opinion and also the sizers at his office. The 325 HP implant that I tried on with a tight sports bra did not have a lot of projection, and my PS assures me that it will be even less once under the muscle. He also says that my muscle mass is probably on the thicker side from being so athletic and that will also make a difference. I've been having the strangest feelings the past few days. I feel almost like I am going to miss my flat-chested body and I'm having a lot of anxiety about such a major change. My PS asked me if I wanted to postpone but I know that I don't. I have been wanting this surgery for years. Are these feelings normal? I often have trouble dealing with major change in general so I keep trying to picture the results to try and get excited. I'm a control freak and not knowing EXACTLY what the results will be/look like I guess is what is giving me so much anxiety. I took videos, pics, etc. of the different acrobatic things that I do, and he assured me that once healed, I will be able to continue without a problem or interference with the implant placement, so that made me feel much better. My biggest thing is just this size obsession. He knows that I want a very modest look and do not want to have "big boobs" and he assures me that the size I've chosen fits my needs and desires. I literally have no natural projection. Anyway, last week a family member also passed away so that has just added to my anxiety. I have to travel this weekend to Pittsburgh (I won't be driving). Hopefully I will feel well enough for travel. I'm more worried about my appearance. Does anyone have tips for hiding Frankenboob under clothes? I obviously have to wear black and I would normally wear a dress but, I dunno if I will be able to pull it off. Today specifically, I'm surprisingly calm. At this point I just want to get it over with! I am the first surgery of the day on Tuesday so I'm really happy about that. I've got everything set up; the house is clean, went grocery shopping last night, and have all of my post-op supplies. The only thing I have to do tomorrow is write notes and lesson plans for my subs at school, get spacers for my ear piercings, then go to my doctor's appointment for my markings! Oh, and then I'll have to pick up my prescriptions. I will post tomorrow night before I go to bed. :) Updated on 19 Nov 2014: Well, the big day has finally come and gone, and boy am I happy it is over with. Monday night I went in for my markings and my last appointment with my PS. I could barely stomach food on Monday I was so nervous. I hung out with my boyfriend until about 1am then went home and tried to sleep, which definitely didn't happen. I cuddled with my pups for about two hours and before I knew it it was 530am. I showered and scrubbed the area with the special soap that my PS gave me, washed my face and then my mom picked me and the dogs up. We dropped off my babies to her place on the way to the surgery center and I said my teary goodbyes (they really are like my children lol). My experience at the surgery center was just wonderful. I was in at 630 and being wheeled to the operating room right on time at 730. First I signed in then was taken back to the exam room where I changed. The nurse took my vitals and gave me some warm blankets to make me feel comfy as she started the IV antibiotic. The anesthesiologist came in shortly after and checked some things. Then another nurse came and gave me the Versed. My mom and I said a prayer together and I kissed her goodbye, and off I went! I got to the operating room and the nurses were so sweet, they know I have a serious back injury so they brought me a special pillow to put under my knees during surgery. Next, one put an oxygen mask on me and literally that is the last thing I remember. Next thing I woke up in a recovery room and instantly started crying. Not because I was in pain, because I looked down and saw perfection! They are not too big at all!!! I know it is too early to tell but the size range is perfect. As for the pain, I really didn't feel that bad. Nothing like I thought it would be. Don't get me wrong, this isn't a stroll through the park. It felt/feels like there was/is an elephant sitting on my chest. The nurses came and fed me some graham crackers and pop, which made me feel better. I have to say again I was so impressed with the nursing staff. They made the experience so pleasant. My mom arrived about 20 minutes after I woke up. We got me in the car and I was pretty much wide awake. Didn't feel much pain at all going over bumps or anything like that. When I got home, two of my best friends were there waiting for me and we just sat around and ate Panera. They were shocked at how coherent I was. Yesterday, I needed help doing all things, even going to the bathroom, my mom had to wipe me because it was too painful to twist my arm that way. My three best friends were in and out all day and we just sat on the couch and watched tv and movies together. My best friend slept over with me. I slept on the couch and I was completely comfortable and slept right through the night. I think this is because I am used to sleeping propped up on the couch a lot. I have a stress fracture in my spine as well as arthritis so it helps with that. Today, I woke up in just as much pain, more so in my left boob. My PS didn't want me using ice for the first week because he doesn't want extra moisture on the area. So I put a heating pad on top of my right breast and that seemed to help alleviate some of the pain there. I slept for most of the day today, again being supervised by my friends and mother. I decided around 5 that I felt well enough to stop over at my dance studio, so my mom drove me and I stayed for a few hours just to observe. As far as the meds go, I've had to take them every four hours, although the last couple today I spread out to six. I go back to the PS tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully I can get out of these bandages and into a bra because they are soooo itchy. He said that my surgery was one of the easiest he's done and that there was hardly any bleeding so I'm keeping my fingers crossed for a smooth recovery. I feel great right now! And the size thing is just such a relief. Now of course I'm extremely impatient. I just can't WAIT to see the end result! I will keep everyone updated. Right now I'm just extremely comfy laying on my couch. I'm so shocked that it has been this easy so far. Thank God! My dogs come back tomorrow so that is gonna be a bit of a challenge. I will post after my PS visit tomorrow. Here's also a couple of tips that I have found very helpful: 1. It is extremely painful trying to open pill bottles so my mom put them in ziplock snack baggies with labels for when no one is here to get them for me. Very easy to pull open on my own. I wouldn't recommend this if you have children or dogs though. 2. Get water bottles that have the kind of top that you sip/suck from. That way again, you don't have to worry about opening a bottle cap. 3. Write down the times that you've taken your meds because you will forget when you've taken what. Talk to you tomorrow! Updated on 19 Nov 2014: Updated on 25 Nov 2014: Well, it has been a week since my surgery and I am doing just great. I have had absolutely no bruising and the pain really hasn't been that bad at all, although I did use all of the pain meds because I had to travel over the weekend for a funeral and was up walking around a lot rather than being able to rest. Sleeping for me has been a breeze. Last night was the first night that I slept in my bed. I've been sleeping propped up on my couch since surgery (I have a chaise lounge hybrid couch type thing). I woke up somewhat turned to one side but it wasn't painful. I went back to work on Monday. I'm not really having pain when driving except for some turns, opening doors is still strenuous, and I can carry things but I have had other people do it for me just to be safe. My right breast has already dropped, and they have definitely softened up a lot. When I went in last Thursday for my first post-op visit, my PS told me to start lightly massaging the sides and tops so I've been doing that whenever I can and I think it has really made a difference. He also gave me the band (aka torture contraption) to help push them down. I was instructed to wear it at all times. It's not really painful at all, just annoying. I got a slight rash from it which my PS said might happen, so I used some over the counter cortisone cream (his instruction) and now I wear the band over a thin tshirt. I go tomorrow to get my sutures out and I'm hoping he tells me that I don't have to wear the band anymore lol. The last few days my nipples have been SUPER sensitive and sore, which I guess is a good thing because that means there wasn't any nerve damage. It hasn't helped that I also got my period three days ago, ugh. Anyway, I've been putting this creamy petroleum jelly on them after I shower and put my cocoa butter on. It's called Tugaboos, I got it at Rite Aid and I think it is their generic version of Aquaphor. It was with the baby stuff. It seriously has helped! Another product I've been loving is a set of hot/cold gel packs made especially for nursing mothers so they are breast-shaped. I just stick them between my sports bra and shirt and it is so relieving (I use them cold). I got them from Amazon and they are called Lansinoh Thera Pearl 3 in 1 Breast Therapy; great product! Although I know that my breasts aren't finished settling yet and won't be for a while, I couldn't resist doing a little bra shopping the other day. Aerie was doing 40% off of bras so I bought three. I measured as a 32C :))) Exactly where I wanted to be! I just can't say enough good things about this experience and my PS. Everyone that has seen me already says that they look so great and natural. I guess the best advice I could give would be to really trust your PS. Mine gave me three size options 300, 325, 350. After really telling him my expectations and wants he told me not to go below a 300 or above a 350. I had sooooo many comments on here saying that even 300s were going to be way to big with too much projection. I was even getting nervous after looking at pictures but everyone is different anatomically. Trust your doctor and know that the sizers are gonna be pretty true to your actual results. I was really on the fence regarding whether to go with 325 or 350, and honestly I think I would've been happy with either because there is barely a difference. I went with the smaller size because I was concerned about being too big and I feel that I really made the right decision. So if you are on the fence, just think which you would be more upset about, being too big or being too small and then let that be the deciding factor! So my end choice was Mentor Silicone Memory Gel 325cc smooth round high profile. I plan on posting again next week. Good luck for anyone that has an upcoming surgery, and Happy Thanksgiving! Updated on 25 Nov 2014: Tugaboos for sore/sensitive nipples Lansinoh Thera Pearl hot/cold breast packs (Amazon) Updated on 6 Dec 2014: My sutures came out a little over a week ago, and my PS said everything looks great. They are definitely improving by the day! I'm still wearing the band but he said I only have to do it if/when it is socially acceptable for me lol, so basically I only wear it when I'm at home at night and to sleep. I started getting zingers and I got one in my right breast that lasted for three days straight, not coming and going, just constant. So that has pretty much been the most painful part of this whole process for me. It felt like half of my breast was on fire, and the other half was just numb. That feeling has slowly subsided. The day my PS took my sutures out, he told me to put Neosporin on my incisions for a week and then I could switch to scar treatment, so I've been using the ScarAway silicone patches since Thursday. I can't believe how well they worked after just one treatment! When I don't have the patches on, I've been using the ScarAway gel. My left breast is still riding a little high, but not too bad. I see my PS again on Monday. I'm also getting Botox and Juvaderm, which I've done before. I'm hoping he clears me in a week to go back to dance. I'm going insane not being able to do anything! I finally discussed my surgery with my dance director and he was fine with it (phew!). We are starting major rehearsals next week and he said that it is fine if I'm not cleared yet, he won't pull me from my spot and I can just "mark" it, so that was a huge relief. Pretty much all of my clothes and sports bras still fit me which is nice! I have no problem buying new bras though when it is time. I've been massaging in the shower and throughout the day with cocoa butter. I'm not really having issues sleeping on my sides now, and I get a little bit of morning boob, but nothing severe. I will post again next week.
After losing 70# thru weight loss surgery I had my tt with Lipo and tightening of my abdominal muscle. I previously had c section x2. I had 8# of skin taken off. Per dr kang a significant amount was removed. Pain was minimal. I e experience worst pain than this. I'm 2weeks post op and today had one drain removed. My only problem is swelling. Most of my clothes do not fit. I gained 10# right away. I weighed myself when I came home from the hospital. I didn't quite expect that! My legs look like sausages. I'll have to post px Updated on 30 May 2014: Trying without success to download px Updated on 30 May 2014: This is my last attempt to download photos!!!! Updated on 6 Jun 2014: Dr took out my drain today and I can finally shower tommorrow!!! I can get in pool middle of next week. Still have to take it easy with no lifting. Have my compression garment on. It's much more comfortable than the binders
I am scheduled for my Tummy Tuck with flank lipo on April 2 ... ONLY 2 MORE DAYS! I am a mommy of 3 beautiful kiddos (12, 10 & 5). I had gastric bypass Jan. 2009. At my highest weight I was 303# I am currently 170#. My lowest was 140 about 2 years ago. I am not really nervous about the procedure, but I am very "ify" about the recovery ... I have been a single mother forever and never had any help until a little over a year ago when I met my b/f. He is so amazing with my kids and me ... he works from 7am to 430pm, so I will be doing the recovery on my own. BUT, my biggest concern is my children. My 5 year old is a high functioning "special needs" child & takes a lot of help in the morning getting ready for school. It's going to kill me to sit on my recliner and let my b/f do everything. The only other thing I am worried about is the drains ... my daughter (Chloe) is going to want to see whats going on with mommy & she loves to cuddle, just afraid one will get pulled **OUCH**. With all that being said, I can not wait until I am on the flat side & finally feel great about myself. I am taking pictures tomorrow, so will post them then!! Good luck to everyone considering or having a TT ... I hope I am as pleased with it as I am excited :-) Updated on 1 Apr 2013: Tomorrow is the big day! I'm at my pre-op appointment right now ... I do believe he is marking me and going over the last details for tomorrow. I'm so excited ... 8am can not come fast enough! Updated on 2 Apr 2013: Today is the day!! Off I go to the surgery center :-) My TT is scheduled for 9am! I just got done cleaning the house, getting the kids ready to ship off to school and everything set up for when I return this afternoon. I am getting so excited ... still a little apprehensive for the recovery with my little 5 year old ... but I know all will be okay. Well, off I go! Updated on 5 Apr 2013: I am now 3 days post op & let me tell you, I had a ROUGH first night!! I am so much better now. Yesterday Dr. Kang took off the tape/gauze and the binders for the first time. I almost cried in the office ... I was soooo amazed. Swollen & all, my new tummy looked so good! I am so annoyed with these drains ... one comes out Monday hopefully and the next a few days later. He told me he took a total of 10 lbs off. 1- 1.5 lbs per side of lipo, the rest was from the tuck. I can't wait to see what it looks like in a week :-) Updated on 7 Apr 2013: Today is 5 day PO. I officially HATE my right drain. It keeps getting clogged and it shoots pain up my side for some reason. My muscle pain from the MR is doing great! I overdid it yesterday ... went shopping for a bit and my daughter had a b-day party I let her attend, so I was wiped out last night. But, still am having trouble sleeping. I just can't wait for these drains to not be a part of my life anymore ;-) I am also a little more swollen today because I didn't watch my salt intake yesterday and I did drink a diet soda. Shame on me, but I was so upset with my drains I took it out on my food lol. Hope tonight is better than last night! Updated on 8 Apr 2013: PO day 6 ... one of my drains finally came out!! The one that was bothering me bunches. After the last drain produces less than 30cc per check ( 3x a day ) then I can call Dr. K and tell him I want it out :-) I really over did it today, I am very swollen and tired. I have had zero pain pills until 7pm tonight, and I regret overdoing things with zero pain meds. The next 2 days I can tell you, I am planting my butt in my recliner and watching movies and that is it! This swelling is no joke! My PS says I am healing very well and should be very pleased when my swelling goes down. I am pleased NOW so can only imagine a few more months when everything falls into place. Updated on 10 Apr 2013: Today is 8 days PO. I have been doing WAY too much the past 2 days and I am very swollen. I just want to do everything the way I use to ... lol but my body says NO NO NO. I finally caved in and kicked up my feet today and told myself I have to rest to get better quicker. I go back to work Monday and am so not looking forward to that :-( On the upside, I get my last drain out tomorrow morning!! I am going to post some pics soon, but really didn't want to, I am so swollen ... but gotta take the good days with the bad. Updated on 12 Apr 2013: PO Day 10!!! I can finally sleep on my back! My drains are GONE! My back aches and pains are virtually ZERO! I am still having swelling, I love when I wake up in the morning and look at myself .... swelling is minimal and I look fantastic (not to toot my own horn ;-) ) But I am very active (more than I am suppose to be, I know this), so that is where a lot of my swelling comes from. I can tell you, the post op blues have set in. I have my ups and downs. I read about this preop, but sounded so silly to me. When I look in the mirror and see how swollen I am, I get down and have no idea why?!? I was once 303#, not I am at 170# and know I am a beautiful woman. I just think my boyfriend looks at me like blah , especially when I had the drains coming from my body and how swollen I am now. I can't cuddle with him yet, and I want to soooo bad. I feel sad because we are a very close couple, and now it's like we are so distant. I can't even sit on the couch until yesterday and watch a movie with him. I can't pick my daughter up and cuddle with her or jump up every time she needs something. I am very independent and let me tell you .... your independence is GONE for a few weeks after surgery & I wasn't ready for that at all. I had to count on my b/f and my kids to do a lot for me ... I just am glad I am getting back into the swing of things. I am kinda looking forward to going back to work on Monday so things will be somewhat back to normal. This surgery was much more than I ever expected (having 3 c-sections and a few other surgeries didn't compare to the amount of "down time" this surgery entails) Just glad I already have 2 weeks behind me :-) Updated on 17 Apr 2013: This swelling is for the damn birds! I worked 1/2 day Monday, all day yesterday and had to call off today :-( I am so swollen and hurt today. I am icing my belly and it still is so much more swollen than last week. WHEN WILL IT GET BETTER ?!?! I have my post op appt tomorrow, I hope he has some suggestions on what to do. I don't think I was prepared for this recovery at all ... I thought I was. Future people who get a TT and lipo really need to keep in mind, the pain isn't bad, it's the swelling. Wish I took that into consideration ... I just want to be "normal" again. I want to get back into the swing of things, but this swelling has me so restricted. ***Pity party for me today!***
After two babies I am getting breast implants. I am scheduled for june 14th. I am getting saline 415cc under the muscle. I am hoping for a D cup! Updated on 16 Jun 2011: Ok its day 3 now. Things are going will now. The first two days sucked. I endding up wtih 425cc and both. Updated on 17 Jun 2014: Doing good and love my boobs!
it was hard for me to choose a size. i really believe they look much larger outside of your body. i needed he redo because one of my implants had ruptured after 7 years. i just had my breast implant rupture so i had to have them re done. i was originaly 350cc in each breast, and went to a 450 cc in each. i feel i shold have gone larger, as they look the same size as before. i just had the redo surgery this afternoon. is it to risky to have another surgery to make them 500cc or more?
I chose Dr. Kang because he was highly recommended to me for a previous visit and I thought very highly of his skills. He gave me a choice between 425cc hp or 450cc hp. He recommended that I stay in that range because of skin stretching too much at my age and that it would turn out very nicely for me. We talked about my 15 cm breast width and he felt that this size of implant would be best so that I don't look so wide. I have a shorter torso and small rib cage and he said he didn't want the implants in my armpits. I trust his input and I chose the Mentor memory gel silicone in 450cc hp. Updated on 17 Feb 2017: Hamot Surgery Center is fabulous. Loved everyone there and they took good care of me. I could not have been in better hands today. I slept like a baby last night, which surprised me. I guess when you give something like this so much thought beforehand and have a supportive spouse, there is great comfort in your decision to do it. I would like to say that this site was my everyday draw for months just hearing women's experiences and kindness in sharing. I was really impressed by that. Time for some rest and I will update tomorrow. Updated on 19 Feb 2017: Third day post op and my boobies feel great! My plastic surgeon said I had no bleeding, no bruising and everything went as planned. One thing that has kept me off of here though is that I got a bad cold with a cough the day after my surgery! Talk about painful when you have to cough hard. I have been resting and trying to recover more from this stupid flu bug than the breast augmentation. Updated on 24 Feb 2017: I am one week post op now and loving the result. I really wish I would have done this years ago, but I guess I was always chicken!!! After going through it, I feel it was a breeze and for me having a cold is far worse than a breast augmentation. I know, crazy!! I saw my surgeon today and he took the steri strips off my incisions and rubbed an antibiotic ointment on them, with instruction for me to do the same.
I am 35, 135 lbs scheduled for a mommy makeover in November. I've had 5 C-sections within 8 years. My highest weight was 200 lbs. I've lost 40+ pounds last year and my weight has been steady. With the weight loss and 5 babies, all breast fed, i'm left with boobies that sit on my lap ( at least thats what it feels like) and a overhang of skin. Can anyone please give me some advice, list of supplies I will need after surgery Updated on 7 Nov 2016: Before pic. Breastfed 5 babies and 5 c sections with 40 pound weight loss
Hello! I wanted to write a review of my procedures because everyone's reviews have been helpful in my decision-making process. I have lost 251 lbs in 4 years through dietary changes and exercise. To my surgeon's surprise, I did not have any type of weight loss surgery. I started researching skin removal procedures over a year ago. I had a medically-covered plastic surgery procedure (large lipoma removal) last year and was really happy with my plastic surgeon and the results. So I knew I wanted to use Dr. Kang and had two consultations about possible procedures. The most bothersome areas of extra skin on my body were my belly, thighs, breasts, arms and back. Basically, I needed a whole body makeover. But surgery, for me, is more about performance and comfort, rather than aesthetic concerns. I weight train and do cardio daily. The extra skin makes it difficult for me to perform certain exercises. My body was holding me back. Also, the skin caused a number of medical issues and made it difficult to find appropriate clothing, especially exercise clothing. Leggings are the only thing you can find in athletic wear these days! I knew I was going to have the extra skin on my abdomen removed. My insurance approved a panniculectomy. My surgeon recommended additional surgeries to address some of the back skin and upper abdominal skin. I did my research and agreed. Although I was scared of fleur de lis, I knew it was the best approach. I really wanted a thigh lift too, but I knew that was too much surgery at once. My surgeon agreed and we decided to do a brachioplasty as well. I'm not sure how much my insurance covered, but I had to pay 6,250 to the surgeon and 2,200 to the hospital. The procedures took approximately 4 hours. I spent one day in the hospital. I was on dilaudid in the hospital. The pain was tolerable, but I do have an extremely high tolerance for pain. My surgeon prescribed oxycodone 4 times a day and valium twice a day for pain and muscle spasms. He also prescribed lovenox shots to prevent blood clots and an antibiotic. I used the oxycodone for about a week approximately twice a day and the valium approximately once a day. I had my loving sister and boyfriend staying with me for 1.5 weeks. My sister lives in VA and my boyfriend lives in NY, so I was extremely grateful to have them with me. I should have let them done more, because during my follow-up on 6/3 my surgeon was not pleased. I had been too active and it was reflected in the swelling. I have a very hard time relaxing, because I spent so much of my life sitting before losing the weight, and because I am so used to be being active. I should have been prescribed a heavier narcotic so I would have just slept for the week! But I am taking his advice and taking it easy. I have a lot of swelling still. My arms actually bother me the most. The stitches hurt and rub against each other in the armpit. The tummy tuck is what is to be expected. Tight and spasms. I did not need any liposuction but I did have muscle tightening. I was able to walk upright pretty shortly after the surgery but stoop as the day progresses. My surgeon advised me to remain bent over to put less tension on the stitched. The drains from the pubic area are annoying and one was particularly painful. I still have one drain remaining. I will continue to post updates. Looking forward to feeling better and getting back to exercising. I am attaching before and after photos. I do not have any before photos of my arms but I will get these at my next follow-up, Hope this helps someone! Updated on 6 Oct 2016: Hello! It's been 4 months since my 2 procedures and I am all healed up and feeling great! These procedures have made such a difference in my life! Things are so much easier and I feel more comfortable. I can walker easier. I feel lighter. I can kill it in the gym now that I don't have so much skin moving around. It's easier to take a shower, get dressed and just get going in general. I didn't realized how much of a hindrance the extra skin was until it was gone. The biggest difference was that I can actually "feel it" when I tighten my abs. I never thought that would change. Actually, I never knew that feeling actually existed! It was a tough recovery but very manageable. My abdominal incision had a slow healing spot at the t-junction, which is common in Fleur-de-Lis procedures. I dealt with wound separation and seepage for several weeks. I was afraid of getting necrosis, but that never happened. It healed on it's own just with antibiotics and bandages. I had no issues with any other areas of the abdominal incisions. They all healed nicely. My arms have healed well. They were very painful; more painful than my abdomen. I had the stitches in for about 6 weeks. The scar is very long and tough. I have to massage it regularly. They feel good unless I am working on my biceps and triceps. I had 12 lbs of skin removed and the most I lost on the scale was 8 lbs. I gained back 6 lbs so I am almost where I started. Not sure why I gained the weight because I didn't change my eating habits. It was bothering me for several months, then I realized that I need to be grateful for how much better I feel, rather than worry about a number on a scale. And I feel absolutely wonderful! One of the best decisions I ever made! Will be posting pics when I get a chance!
Growing up I was always the friend who got everything last period (later found out was a good thing) , and boobs. I never had an issue in the booty department I was always confident when it came to my weight in school seeing how I was super athletic and joined many sports teams such as Cheerleading, track and field, and softball. The older I got the more self conscious I was about my chest. I disliked going to the beach or pools in fear of not looking so HOT in my bathe suit. I would dislike bra shopping, bathe suit shopping and dresses that wouldn't allow me to wear a push up bra. After having my first child I was super engorged with milk but unfortunately I didn't have the patience at 18 to breast feed her who is now 9 years old. After having my first child I got lightly colored stretch marks on my breast from stretching so much, during my second child I produced so much milk I was very fortunate to breast feed him who is now 5 years old. 10 months later after quitting breast feeding and they finally became natural again not retaining no milk I was left with deflated A cup. I no longer have the any fullness at the top and it like to hang at the bottom. My breast are not much bigger than one another maybe a 17/18.5. I'm currently going with Dr. Kang who is highly recommended in Erie, PA. I'm going with 400 cc's high profile.
