Alexander McArthur, MD (retired)

Hello. I was extremely stoked to get be able to get my mommy makeover. It's something I have wanted since I was 23 when I was turned away because I didn't have children. We'll I still don't and after 54 lbs lost, the sagging skin and my ever-sagging boobs really ate my confidence. I'm 3 days post op.

Updated on 28 Apr 2014:
So the day the surgery was a complete blur. I just remember being scared to death, being marked on, getting an IV in my arm, and the anesthesiologist giving me vein champagne lol. I was out before they push the bed in the operating room. When I woke up I was in recovery, could hear my BFF talking, and totally pissed they woke me up. I was soooooo sleepy. The car ride home was rough...I felt EVERYTHING. I pretty much slept the rest of the entire day. I drank as much as I could and I was just out of it. I didn't have an appetite either. That was a plus hahahahaha.

So after 24 hours (the second day) we removed the bandaged and I was freaked out by how my nipples looked and the drains hanging. I knew they'd be there but to see them. Emptying them wasn't so bad though. My sister did a great job washing me up and mot hurting me. But it was definitely trial and error. I had to sit down a lot and I was a little woozy. Here are pics of the first reveal. Brace yourself

I have had rhinoplasty before, but I was underwhelmed by my results. Now I love it! My nose had a bump on it. I wanted it to be slightly sloped. Now it is. :)



Updated on 24 Oct 2011:
I added photos. The first was my original nose. The first photo is kind of grainy because I shrunk it so much. But you get the idea. :)

After, having my only child, I have worked hard at getting to my ideal weight. But no amount of crunches is going to get rid of my skin. I feel great in a two piece but hate bending over. I eat clean...participate in road races...don't drink or smoke. I just want a legit flat tummy. I hope it works.

Updated on 10 Jun 2014:
Finding the office this morning was slightly challenging. Met Dr. McAruthur this morning, great "bedside" manner......he is jovial and very down to earth. This practice in particular has been in the area for at least 20 years and has very positive feedback and results. The doc was through and was honest and didn't suggest surgeries I did not need. He also didn't use too much "medical jargon" (even though I am a nurse) he explained it well in laymen's terms. Most of my lower abd/love handle area is too "thin" for lipo. Basically, I do not have enough body fat to qualify. He did however state I am the "ideal" candidate for a mini tummy tuck....which he said he will do a small quantity of lipo in the abd area. I even got a discount for being a nurse.....I didn't even have to hesitate and picked out a surgery date for Sept 3rd, 2014. I do not have to think twice about it.....I am very excited.

Updated on 23 Jul 2014:
Well.....August is finally almost here. Over concern of friends and family, I did consult with a trainer at the gym. And I was correct.....it is loose skin......surgery is the only option if I want to rid myself of this hindrance. My work out ethic and my eating habits have not changed. Since, I have put my foot down my parents are questioning my decision. It is no one's business what I choose to do with my body or my money. I am doing this for myself, not my husband, my child, or my family. Being a nurse, I have very little concern, and I am doing what is best for me. I have traveled a very long road to be where I am health wise today. I am only given one body and if it takes a little nip and tuck to keep my confidence maintained then so be it. The only concern I really have is being off from the gym for 3-4 weeks.......but I know it is better to listen to the MD then to take risks. I am so excited!!!!

Updated on 29 Aug 2014:
Pre-op was very basic. Blood work......and a procedure "lecture" from the office RN. I really have no fears going in. I do have to wear SCD's for two days post-op due to my birth control implant. I cringed at that.....they get so hot and the machine is noisy.....but it is better then a DVT. Only issue I am having Is that patients aren't allowed to pick procedure times, they are assigned. Guess it is just office policy. Only 5 more days to go.......time to deep clean and get my husband's care package mailed out ASAP!

Updated on 2 Sep 2014:
Well, I finally have a time to be there at 9:45 am tomorrow. It still hasn't really quite hit me yet, seems like any other day. However, this morning rolling out of bed, I realized I won't be able to do that for a few weeks. The reality of the situation is.....I am willingly and very openly putting myself under the care of medical professionals tomorrow. At, this point I am preparing my daughter for her 1st day of pre-k tomorrow (which I will miss) and hydrating. I have trained for and completed a 1/2 marathon, I can say I was more nervous prior to that then this sx. Of course, my education and own personal experience as a nurse has helped ease the :unknowns" slightly. I know I am young and healthy and I will repair quickly. I will just have to remember to take it "easy".......taking 3-4 weeks from the gym is going to drive me insane.....but I know to follow the MD's orders. No sense in ripping $4800 sutures.

Updated on 3 Sep 2014:
Well......oddly enough I feel pretty good. A little fuzzy (drowsy) from all the IV meds but I really am having a hard time just sitting still. The procedure ended up being only about 1.5 hours instead of 2. Nurses were all very excellent, I came out of recovery easily. I am bandaged up pretty well and have my binder on so I can't get a good visual. I do have two JP's which are starting to have some orange-red fld but nothing major. I got to see pictures of the discard tissue.....they wouldn't let me take it home (that is a joke.). Other, then having to wear the SCD's I am not having many issues with stairs or walking. Sitting on the toilet is a little uncomfortable but getting up isn't to hard. I am due for my first round of pain meds soon.....regardless I am still going to take them to keep "ahead of the pain". My doctor used a lot of local anesthetic to keep my abd numb....so I hope that doesn't wear off too quickly. But, I know I need to sit still but this is going to be probably the most difficult thing for me.....since I am always on the go!!
Updated on 8 Sep 2014:
Well.....I used the last few days to nap and be still (which is hard for me to do!). My drains barely have any fluid draining into them. I have showered twice....been changing my bandage as directed. I don't have a ton of edema or bruising. Still walking around slightly hunched over but I am more mobile and it is much easier to sit/stand. Miralax has very helpful.....I haven't had any issues with going #2. Only taking pain meds when I wake up...moving around and getting started is the only time I have legit pain. Hoping these drains come out Tuesday.



Updated on 16 Sep 2014:
New updates: Both drains are d/c'ed (last one was out on Thursday). Today is the first day I didn't take pains....just taking otc pain relievers. I have no swelling or fld in my abd cavity. Sutures are show no s/s of infection. Still not able to go to the gym...doc said two more weeks. Stated start out "easy"....I asked him to "define easy". I can pretty much walk up right....sleep on my side.....I don't like sitting still to long or I get uncomfortable. Overall, I'd say I am either I recover well or the surgery really wasn't that difficult. I will add pics.....still have some edema....(puffiness) but very slight. I am in the abd binder 99% of the time as well.

Updated on 3 May 2015:
Ok so my scar is still a little visible but it has healed great. I am so happy I made my decision. The only work out difference is that I am not running as much (but still doing cardio and weights). I am now looking at changing my top half. So happy I got my mini!