Amazing experience! Best tummy tuck around and it looks like I now have a 6-pack. Surgery and revorwent smoothly. Dr. Kent is very meticulous and very reasonably priced! I will never go anywhere else!
I had a breast augmentation by Dr. Brian Kent. Mandy and Dr. Kent were professional and yet personal from my initial call to the last post-op. I decided to go with Dr. Kent because I submitted a question on their website and they both called me within 30 minutes to answer my concerns/questions! That nailed it for me. Dr. Kent answered all of my questions and I felt like he personalized my surgery in that he showed me a woman with similar breast shape and decided to go subglandular in order to bring my breasts closer & it worked (they're BFFs now instead of strangers!). He's also board certified. Everyone we met who knows Dr. Kent said he is a perfectionist and an artist, which made me feel so much better about my decision. Even women at the hospital have had procedures done by him and the intake nurse at St. John Owasso knows him very well. Surgery went great and Dr. Kent took double the time in the OR in order to get my breasts perfect! He also talked with my husband while I was waking up and gave him details. My husband really appreciated that. My scarring is nearly invisible (periareolar) and it's only been 6 weeks. I am very pleased with the result. I feel like the other doctors I consulted didn't treat me as personally as Dr. Kent and Mandy. I like Dr. Kent and his work so much that I am now wondering what else he can do for me and my body. Before: 36 small B; after: 36DDD 510cc each side.
I consulted with three different plastic surgeons before deciding on Dr. Kent for my tummy tuck. I was impressed with his frankness on what I could expect and his concern for my overall medical health, not just my cosmetic results. I elected to spend one night in the hospital and couldn't have asked for better care. Any questions I had during my recovery was answered quickly and thoroughly. I am very pleased with my results and would gladly recommend Dr. Kent to anyone considering plastic surgery.
At 32 my breast were sagging and flattening out. I really needed them to be as close to how they were before kids as I could. I did not feel feminine. I could not wear any thing strapless and hated the way I looked in sleeveless also. It was embarrassing in a bathing suit and it hurt my neck because the strap that goes behind my neck would struggle to hold my breast up. So I finally had the money to get them fixed and did.The consultation was very informative and I felt like Dr. Brian Kent really understood my concerns and what I wanted and needed. He is very honest and realistic. He did not just try to tell me what I wanted to hear. He is very professional. Dr. Kent and his staff were there for me every step of the way. Always there when I called.
After much research and seeing 4 other plastic surgeons I finally found and met with Dr. Kent. He really listened to what I wanted and studied my frame, was honest about what could be achieved and didn't just tell me what I wanted to hear. While we chose a few different size breast implants for him to try in the surgical procedure he went with what best suited my frame and Active lifestyle. I couldn't be more thrilled with my results. They are very pretty and natural looking breasts which was my goal. My tummy tuck results are absolutely amazing. Dr Kent and Mandy's postoperative care succeeded my expectations answering questions at all hours of the day and night and addressing my concerns making me feel at ease. Simply put, he is the best out there. Do your research, interview and see several surgeons then go see Dr Kent.
I will be having a tummy tuck with liposuction and a breast lift with a slight reduction. I am hoping to get rid of the flap of skin and fate that is left over after 2 pregnancies. I gained and lost 60lbs with each of my pregnancies and breast fed for 11 and 6 months. Everything looks like deflated balloons. Updated on 5 Aug 2014: I am counting down the days!! I can't wait! Every time I look in the mirror I keep imagining what I will look like 10 days from now or 2 weeks or a month! I not going to lie I'm just as nervous as I am excited! My surgeon said it will take about 6 hours to do my FTT and breast lift. Is this pretty standard? Hope to post pics soon! Updated on 9 Aug 2014: I have been procrastinating posting my before pics because I hate them! But now that I am less than a week from surgery I figured I better get them taken because I am running out of time. My goal is to take pics in the same clothes etc every time I take pics so they are easy to compare. I love looking at the before and after pics everyone has posted. One thing I noticed was I want to see the bare pics but I also want to see before and afters in clothes to compare how an outfit looked before and after surgery because that's what everyone other than my husband will see. So, that's what I hope to do. I've also notice a lot of people asking about how many pant sizes have been lost after surgery. I am planning on taking pics in my favorite jeans to show how they fit over this journey. Hopefully, I can keep up with this goal! Updated on 10 Aug 2014: I'm finding that I'm a mess of emotions this week. I go from being super excited and almost giddy to really nervous to totally stressed out. I keep thinking about things like "a week from now I will look totally different" and "the next time I go to the lake (or the hair salon or any place I won't go between now and Friday) I will have a flat stomach. I guess I've had this awful stomach for so long it's weird to think what I'll look like without it. I've imagined it thousands of times and folded it up and stood in the mirror and dreamed. I've said to myself "if this was just cut off..." So many times I can't count! Now it's almost time and the emotions are just overwhelming! Updated on 14 Aug 2014: I had my preop and hospital PAT appointments today! The nurse at the PAT freaked me out b/c I take amphetamine for ADD and I told my surgeon that at my consult and he said that was fine and didn't say anything about stoping it. Well, the nurse today said it might cause me to gave to reschedule. We met with my anesthesiologist and he said it wasn't a problem but I was a little freaked out for a while. My appt with my PS went well he said my TT will make a HUGE difference. I'm really excited about hat comment! I was very nervous before the appointments but realizing that this surgery is standard, day-to-day stuff for these two doctors made me feel at ease. My husband and I are headed to a baseball game tonight and then we will be up bright and early tomorrow morning for surgery.!! Updated on 15 Aug 2014: Surgery is done!! I'm groggy so will post more later but so far so good! Updated on 16 Aug 2014: Yesterday was the big day! We arrived at the hospital at 7 AM and checked in. We had a short wait in the waiting room and then went to preOp. My doctor came in and did the drawing on me for the incisions. The nurse put my IV in. I kissed my husband and off I went. I remember looking at the ceiling and the next thing I knew they were waking me up. He removed 7 lbs of skin and repaired my an muscles which he said were about 6" apart (separated). My boobs are perky and I can see my who-haa without pushing on my stomach! I am so happy! My PS said he was very "proud of his work" and that my results were phenomenal. From what I can see so far he is right! So, pain wise I'm doing pretty well. I live 30 minutes from the hospital and an hour from my PS office so to keep from driving home after surgery only to turn around today and drive back to the office I stayed in the hospital. My surgery lasted 6.5 hours and I was up walking about 3 hours afterwards. I walked the hallways at the hospital. I was getting so much IV fluid that I was peeing every hour last night. By the 4th time I was getting up and going and getting back in bed without help from my husband. We came home about 10AM today. My mom is here helping and I'm doing great. My follow up appointment is Monday. Oh yeah so the room I stayed in at the hospital was on the L&D floor. I thought it was funny that the reason I needed this surgery was to fix my tummy after having babies and I ended up right back at L&D. Updated on 17 Aug 2014: Ok so I have been having weird dreams about waking up and my stomach is back. It's a relief when I realize it is gone!! MUST HAVES: Bendy straws b/c you can't always sit upright to drink Button up shirts because they make dressing changes easier Neck pillow because it works better when you're sleeping propped up Earplugs because my recliner is in the living room and I can put earplugs in and sleep while my husband or the kids watch TV etc. Miralax take this the day before in the morning and eat VERY LIGHT that day. I cleaned out my system before I got to the surgery. I used miralax b/c it's what I was told to use when I had my colonoscopy. It mixed well with and juice. As soon as you get home take another dose of it. I ended up taking 2 doses about 8 hours apart before I finally pooped. When I did it was easy and didn't hurt at all! The pain meds constipated you so this is a MUST HAVE!! I took a couple new pics. Overall pain is tolerable and not as bad as my c-sections. Updated on 18 Aug 2014: I had my follow up with my PS today. He was very happy with my results and healing. His assistant said my boobs looked so good they looked fake. I didn't have implants only a lift so that was cool! I am feeling really good and so far the recovery is 1000x easier than my csections! Updated on 21 Aug 2014: I over did it yesterday! I was feeling awesome and had backed off my pain meds because I didn't need them. My mom and I went to run some errands and took my kids to school and church and picked them up. I also had 2 visitors yesterday. I also got something stuck in my throat and had a couple coughing fits which hurt!! BAD!! I haven't really had much pain until that happened. By the time my husband got home I was hurting and exhausted. I ended up having to take 2 pain pills 4 hours apart which is the closest I can take them. I haven't had to do that since PO day 2. Today, I have grounded myself to my recliner. Here's some PO Day 6 pics! Updated on 21 Aug 2014: Updated on 21 Aug 2014: Updated on 22 Aug 2014: Ladies I have a tip for those of you with drains. I had 2 tabs on my drains that the nurse used a safety pin to secure the drains to my binder. The pins freaked me out I was worried if poke a drain line so my mom got me some Velcro with the sticky back. We sewed a strip of Velcro into my binder on each side and then covered the tabs on the drains with Velcro. Now my drains stick to me with no pins! SO MUCH BETTER!! Updated on 25 Aug 2014: I've been less sore every day. It's amazing how much better my right side feels since there's no drain than my left! I'm hoping that today will be my last with the left drain! Last night I had this WEIRD feeling! It was like my body parts didn't want to relax to sleep. Like what I imagine restless leg to be but all over my body. I was in my recliner and I'd have to sit up and just shake my hands like I was drying my nails. I hadn't taken a pain pill in about 40 hours which was the longest I had gone b/c I am trying to get off if them. I was uncomfortable and sore so I went ahead and took one and moved into my bed (for the first time since surgery) I wasn't 100% comfortable but I slept. I was a bit concerned that the shaking was a withdrawal effect. If i have to take another pill I'm only taking half of one because I want off of them ASAP! So now to the fun stuff!! Pic updates!! Updated on 25 Aug 2014: Ok so everyone says not to weigh yourself after surgery because of the swelling and water retention. Everyone said even if a lot of skin was removed you'd still weigh more for a long time. I couldn't help it I had to check! During surgery they removed 7 lbs of skin which is a lot. I weighed today and I was down 10 lbs from preop weight. I am swollen in my boobs and near my incision and where my drains and lipo was but I am STILL down 10 lbs. I know 7 is skin but there's still 3 extra lbs gone so I'm PUMPED!! Updated on 28 Aug 2014: I got my last drain out 2 days ago and am feeling so much better! Yesterday I was able to start driving again and it was the first day I started to feel like myself instead of a patient. My mom has been in town helping so my kids and cooking and cleaning since I had surgery. She went home this morning so my house feels quiet and lonely. I like having her around. She was a HUGE help. My husband and kids will for sure miss her cooking :) Updated on 10 Sep 2014: For the most part things are back to normal. I still have that stretching feeling but I am able to do most things normally again! I did overdo it last week and the next day I paid for it! I have started walking on my treadmill again and it feels pretty good. Swelling varies from day to day but is getting better. I have noticed a change in my appetite and i think it is because my ab muscles are back where they should be and press on my stomach to let it know it is full. I have been using Young Living Essential Oils on my scars. Specifically, Helichrysum, Lavendar, Juniper, Myrtle, and Copaiba. I took my daughter to a dermatologist appointment and asked her to take a look at my scars today to see if they were healing well and she could not believe my surgery was less than a month ago. There is a section of my abdominal scar that is totally invisible. I think I will keep up my regimen!! If you want to get oils yourself here is a link: https://www.youngliving.com/signup/?site=US&sponsorid=1187790&enrollerid=1187790 Updated on 10 Sep 2014:
I'm 5' 0", 116 lbs, 31 years old. I have three children and my youngest is 16 months old. My first two were delivered vaginally and my last was a c-section. Although I never had a completely flat stomach after my first two pregnancies and I felt like I had some abdominal wall laxity (when I ate I felt like my stomach stuck out more than it used to), I wasn't too concerned about it. That changed after my c-section. I now have excess skin that hangs over my incision and I hate it. It makes my pants fit tighter and I have to wear a shaper under certain clothing so I don't have an obvious lump sticking out. Probably about a week after my youngest was born I told my husband I thought I was going to need a surgery because I had an "apron" that wasn't there before. He said, well, we'll wait about a year and for you to get to your goal weight and make the decision then if you still have a problem with how your belly looks. Of course losing weight helped shrink the size of the overhang, but the extra skin remained. I'm fortunate in that my husband has been super supportive and even though he tells me he thinks I'm beautiful and he's perfectly content with my body how it is, he's never complained about spending the money and says he'll support me in whatever decision I make. My c-section scar became hypertrophic (red/purple, raised, itchy and painful) about two months after my son was delivered. I lived with it for almost a year that way until my husband did some searching and found that silicone sheets could help. I've been using those for the past 5 months. Part of my scar is still raised, etc, but it's no longer so red and angry looking and much flatter than it was and it really doesn't bother me unless I take the silicone sheets off. Had I known they existed I would have bought some when it first started to become raised. I asked the OB about it early on, but she just said it would go away eventually but for now I'd just have to live with it. It's miles better than it was before, so I'm thankful for that. I'm concerned that if I have a tummy tuck I'll have a longer scar that will do the same thing. However, even if that's the case, I'll take that over my overhang. At least the scar could be treated, but the extra skin isn't going anywhere. I initially considered also doing a breast augmentation and lift at the same time as the tummy tuck, but I've pretty much made up my mind to only have the tummy tuck right now and maybe in a few years have my breasts done if I want to. Although I'm not 100% satisfied with them because of some loss of volume after breastfeeding my babies, I'm not totally dissatisfied with them either. I was really only 50/50 on having them done in the first place. Part of me also wants to see how the tummy tuck heals first. Like I told my husband, I can handle having a scar that needs treatment if it becomes hypertrophic on my abdomen, but I don't know if I could handle them on my breasts. Also as far as recovery goes, I think it would be easier to recover from one at a time. Just thinking of not being able to use my stomach muscles and not being able use my arms/chest at the same time sounds like a very traumatic thing. How do you go from sitting to standing without being able to use your arms/chest OR abs? I also have small children that I need to care for, so the easier the recovery the better. It does mean spending around $2,000 more later because it would be cheaper to combine the surgeries, but life is full of tradeoffs I guess. I have already consulted with two area surgeons. One about three weeks ago and one yesterday. I haven't decided if I'm going to post who I've consulted with or just list my doctor when the time comes. I have one more consultation next week (October 1st) before I'll chose which surgeon is right for me. I think choosing is going to be hard, honestly. I really like both of the surgeons I've consulted with so far. Both surgeons recommended a full tummy tuck with muscle repair, no liposuction. They have both also said that we'd treat my incision as if it were hypertrophic starting around 3 weeks post op. They were both optimistic about the scar outcome. I guess we'll see what the third surgeon says. :) Updated on 2 Oct 2013: So, I was supposed to have my final consult yesterday, but when we got to the doctor's office there was a sticky note on the door that said, "We've moved" with a new address and phone number. We were 15 minutes early and were going to try to call to tell them we were on our way, but the new number wasn't in service so I called the old number and got a voice message that the office was closed for the day. My husband and I decided that we weren't going to try to see that doctor again and that we'd pick from the two we've already seen. They never called to say they had moved and never called to find out why I didn't show up. They also never mentioned recently moving or moving in the near future when I made the appointment a month ago. We just felt like it was really unprofessional. When we first got to the parking garage I saw a lady get out of a car and she had drains and was hunched over (my guess is TT based on what all you fine folks have said on here). I sure hope she didn't walk all the way to the building, through the lobby and take an elevator to the 6th floor to see a sticky note on the door. Geez. I've decided who my doctor is going to be. I'm going with Dr. Brian Kent. We really liked his analytical approach and you could tell he was thinking the whole time. He also seemed to have a sense of humor which is great. My 16 month old was getting antsy at one point and he stopped what he was saying, waited for my husband to deal with the kiddo and then proceeded with what he was saying. Most doctors just keep talking while you can only half-listen. I liked the fact that he measured and re-measured and pushed and pulled on my stomach quite a bit. I felt like he told us everything we needed to know. He told us the risks, downtime, drew us pictures of what he'd do, etc. He was very informative. His before and after photos are awesome and he gets amazing reviews across many different ratings sites. I'm really excited about having him do my surgery. :) Now I just have to figure out the when. The holidays are approaching and we're supposed to be making a thirteen hour car trip to my home state around Christmas. I'm still not sure if I'd want to do this before or after that. Of course it all depends on the doctor's schedule too. I'll post pictures soon. Maybe tomorrow if I get a chance. Updated on 4 Oct 2013: Just posting some before pictures. :) Updated on 11 Nov 2013: Nothing new to report, just wanted everyone to know I haven't abandoned this review. :) I've decided to schedule my TT for February, but my doctor isn't scheduling surgeries for February yet. I have to call back in 2 - 3 weeks to get it scheduled. Updated on 7 Jan 2014: Scheduled my surgery for June 12th. Decided to push it out because the kids will be out of school and my oldest son can help me with my littlest after my husband goes back to work. :) Updated on 5 Jun 2014: Had my pre-op appointments today with the hospital and my PS. All paid up and ready to go. Got my scripts to the pharmacy. The nurse at the hospital (doesn't work for him) said that he's a perfectionist, so that's really good to hear. I can't believe it's so close to being done after all these months. The thing I think about right now that bums me out the most is not being able to Zumba for awhile. It's a stress reliever for me. Getting out of the house and being active helps this stay at home mom stay sane. :) I'm bouncing between excited and a bit scared. I guess I need to start gathering my supplies for after surgery... Updated on 7 Jun 2014: I went to the store today to start stocking up on supplies. I got milk of magnesia, granny panties to heal in, protein shakes, a couple of maiden form high-waist brief shapers, compression socks, and a t-shirt dress to wear the day of surgery. I still need to go buy some fruit and medical supplies this week. The nurse at my pre-op appointment (she doesn't work for him, this was at the hospital) advised me to wear a dress since it would be easiest for me to get into after surgery. I didn't have a dress I felt like was loose enough so I got a $20 one at target to wear. I think the t-shirt dress will be perfect since it's soft and not form-fitting. She also said to wear a very small pair of panties because otherwise when he marks me up I'll have to be nude from the waist down when he marks me up. She said he's a perfectionist and takes a good amount of time doing the markings so standing there without panties on the whole time is sort of "weird" for some people. I think I'll take her advice. Lol. I also decided to be brave and post some less than flattering pictures of myself. :-/. I'm so happy this will be gone in less than a week. Updated on 10 Jun 2014: Less than 48 hours before I'll be at the hospital. Check-in at 7:00, surgery at 8:00. Headed to my last Zumba class before surgery and for the next 6-8 weeks. :( I feel good in my clothes, but I can't wait to feel good in no clothes. Also I never realized how annoying it is to not have a full length mirror in my house until I starting trying to take these pictures. Lol. Updated on 11 Jun 2014: One more before photo for the heck of it. Decided to take advantage of the full mirror at Target. Less than 24 hours now. Starting to get some serious butterflies! Updated on 12 Jun 2014: Sorry for the delay in updating but the anesthesia really made me sleepy! Just took a 2 hour nap. :) I'm supposed to leave it alone until tomorrow when my PS takes the binder off to look at it. I can't believe it's done!!! My husband told me DR Kent said the surgery went really well and Dr Kent was all smiles and very excited about my results. Said I was a perfect candidate for surgery yay!! Pain wise I'm at about a 2/10 right now. Not bad at all! Here's a couple of pic. Not much to see. Lol. Hopefully I'll get a good pic tomorrow at my post op. Yay!!! I'm post op now!!! Woo hoo!!! Updated on 13 Jun 2014: Hey ladies! He didn't take the dressings off just peaked at what was going on. Looks promising so far I think. I have another appointment Tuesday and he'll change the dressings. Found out I can't take a shower until the drains come out though. :( Just his policy. Feeling pretty good this morning. I don't really have pain, but my incisions burn a bit. I'd say it's about the same as my c-section at this point. I'm going to try one pain pill at a time today instead of 2. :) Updated on 14 Jun 2014: So far so good. I'm having some pain but nothing unbearable. I've been on one pain pill every 4 hours instead of two starting yesterday. I might try Advil later since I don't seem to really hurt as much before the next dose. It's still more of a burning, but only when I move around. Today has been the easiest and least painful so far. I'm hunched over as well, but my abs don't really hurt they're just tight. My boys have been taking really good care of me. My 5 year old has even positioned pillows under my knees and covered me with blankets and brought me water. I can't wait to see what's under the dressings. :) come on Tuesday, get here already. :) Updated on 15 Jun 2014: So...somehow I got an air bubble stuck in my stomach and got nauseous, dry heaved and burped. I wouldn't recommend the dry heaving...OMG the pain. I thought maybe emptying my drains caused the nausea as soon as it happened, but then the air came out and I was fine. No idea how it happened but I hope that doesn't happen again. I was afraid I was going to start puking like I'd caught a bug or something. :-/ Hardly any fluid in my drains now. I'm really hoping that he'll take them out Tuesday. So ready to be able up take a shower. At least my husband is willing to wash my hair in the sink. :) Updated on 16 Jun 2014: I'm doing well today. Not much pain at all and only took Advil last night even. :) Feeling much more lucid today. Not falling asleep all the time. Boy do those Percocet make me loopy! I seriously couldn't even read without drifting off. I kept having to forcefully open my eyes to stay awake. I'm sure I looked like a real wacko with silver dollars for eyes, lol . I've been having occasional tingling all over my stomach which I think are just nerves working themselves out. It was that way after my csection too. Also, now it's starting to feel like snakes or something are under my skin moving all over the place. So strange. At first it felt like baby movements, like when they're first moving in your belly and you can feel it. Maybe he implanted aliens...I'm not quite sure. So...I thought I'd tell you a bit more about surgery day since my brain is functioning better. I got up took my Celebrex (my ps prescribed for surgery) and showered with the hibiclens they gave me to use at my pre-op appointment. My MIL arrived so we prayed before we left and my husband and I got out the door. We checked in with admissions and waited about 15 mins and the nurse came to get me and bring me to the pre-op area. She was really super sweet. Very helpful and nice. Then she gave me a pregnancy test and told me to undress and I could leave my bra on and underwear if they were small enough (not granny panties, lol). I put on the gown and laid on the bed and they gave me a warm blanket, a nausea patch behind my ear, those leg compression cuffs that fill with air periodically and a pair of non-slip socks. They gave me lidocaine before putting my IV in. Boy does that make a difference. I didn't even feel it! We went through a series of health questions with the anesthesiologist and my ps and it was time for the markups. My husband said something and Dr Kent said, just a minute let me finish this. The nurse said, yeah you can't interrupt his process (being sarcastic) haha. He said, "yes, if only I could work without being harassed." Lmbo. His sense of humor is very dry which I just find so funny. I told him I wanted a circle belly button (as opposed to oval) and he said he could do any shape I wanted. My husband said "oh, how about a square then." I said "better yet Hello Kitty." My husband said "We just gave him his next great idea" and the nurse said "pretty soon everyone will be coming in to get their belly button done." Dr Kent just stood there shaking his head like we were all nuts. The next thing I knew I was being wheeled back to the operating room. The crew came in and one person said, "well we took a poll and you're too small for this operation." I said, "Hey laying down is one thing, standing or planking is another." :) She told me to breathe some oxygen from a mask and my medicine would come through the IV. I thought "goodbye csection/mommy apron" as they placed the mask on me. I remember looking at the lights and wondering when I'd be out. Next thing I remember a nurse asked me how the pain was and I held up two fingers. My husband got me dressed. He tried to put my dress on from the bottom up and I told him it no it goes over my head. I said "haven't you ever put a dress on before?" He said, "no actually I haven't." The nurse started giggling. I remember little of the 10 min ride home or being wheeled out of the hospital. Amazing how foggy my brain was. Surgery was a breeze though...just slept right through it...lol. Updated on 17 Jun 2014: Well, I still have my drains until Thursday, but he took the dressings off and I'm super excited about my results. Dr Kent was too. He even called some of the nurses to come in and look. :) I love my new belly button. I think it's going to look great. Yay! I feel like doing a happy dance. Can't wait to be rid of these drains, but at least it's only two more days. :) feeling much more limber today and standing straighter. Thank God for that. Updated on 19 Jun 2014: Had my appointment today to get my drains out. It didn't hurt at all! When he took them out he said, "Okay, I'll tell you when to scream." then said, "Whoops, already done." Lol. He also removed my belly button stitches. Im still very excited about my results. Feeling great today. I actually forget to take Advil when I'm due for another dose, so pain is minimal at this point. I'm only taking Advil about every 8 hours. I still have tightness/uncomfortable feeling in my abs, of course. It's very hard to describe the feeling. Almost like having a hard ball in your stomach? I actually cried earlier because my husband went back to work. I don't know why I cried about it, lol. Just feeling emotional I guess. First day taking care of the kiddos so feeling a bit more swollen in my lower abs. Took a couple of pictures. I'll try to take a few more later today or tomorrow after a shower. Updated on 20 Jun 2014: Not too much going on here except trying to heal. Took a couple of pictures. I tried on bikini bottoms I bought from before surgery being hopeful they'd work. I kept the receipt though. ;) Still swollen so they're a bit tight but not too bad. Looks like I won't have any issues with scar coverage so yay! I got the okay from my PS to wear shapewear instead of the binder now that my drains are out. Man...I cannot express how much more comfortable I am now. I constantly had to readjust the binder because it would travel on me. At least the shapewear stays put and it's way softer to the touch. :) Updated on 21 Jun 2014: It's amazing how some days you feel pretty good and the next you feel very swollen and bloated. Today I have sort of a hard bump feeling in my upper abs. Feels like my muscles are clenched very tight and also having lots of creepy crawly sensations today. I'm swollen on top and bottom but not in the middle. Like a peanut. Lmbo. It's either I'm more swollen in those places than I was or less swollen at the waist than I was. I don't know which. Anybody else experience that? Updated on 22 Jun 2014: Nothing new to report, just posting some new pics Updated on 25 Jun 2014: Tomorrow I will be two weeks post op and I'll take more pictures of my scar, etc, but I tried on a pair of my pre surgery jeans today and wanted to share the before and afters. I'm still swollen so this will only get better and that makes me a very happy girl. :) I thought that my love handles got worse after my 3rd son, but now I think that the bulk in the front was pulling at my pants maybe? I think my love handle area looks so much better even without lipo. Don't mind my crusty bb. Lol. I'm just letting it heal on it's own and not messing with it. Mostly letting the soapy water just run over it and rinsing it off. Updated on 26 Jun 2014: I'm officially two weeks post op today. Woo hoo! Feeling better everyday. Still dealing with swelling (of course). I have to say that even with the swelling I am so happy I did this. I told my husband that I'm pretty sure this is one of the best decisions I've ever made. I know I have a lot more healing to do, but right now I am so thrilled. He jokingly said I guess you owe me then. I said well, technically you contributed to me needing the surgery. He laughed at that and said true. I finally remembered at my appointment today to ask how much he removed. 1.5 pounds. It doesn't sound like much but that was all pretty much below the waist band of my pants. Everything is healing nicely. He wanted to check for a seroma today because my drains were taken out "early" at 7 days because they were both draining around 10 ml in 24 hours. He usually leaves them in 10 - 14 days. I wasn't having symptoms, but he just wanted to be cautious. He didn't see any issues with accumulated fluid. He said I can sleep in any position that's comfortable now, that's a relief to me. I am a stomach sleeper so getting off my back and onto my side at least is going to be great. I asked how delicate the muscle repair is because I'm always concerned I'm going to do something to pop a stitch. He said not to be too concerned with the stitches and then used a bunch of technical terms about double something or other permanent stitches. So I feel better about that. :) I have my next appointment in a month to check everything over again and do after photos. He said he'd give me a set of before and afters pictures then. Just a few words of warning. DO believe what you read about eating salty foods. I ate Charlie's Chicken with mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans. OMG the swelling was terrible! Not worth it. Thankfully it was mostly gone by this morning. :) I think that's about it for now. Posting some new pictures. Enjoy! Updated on 3 Jul 2014: Well, I made it to three weeks! Not much new to report, really just healing. :) I get to start scar therapy today. I got some silicone strips from my PS I will put on after I shower today to help my scar heal well. I had a hypertrophic scar with my c-section so I'm trying to avoid that happening again. It seems like c-section scars are prone to becoming hypertrophic and it probably wouldn't happen with the TT scar, but it can't hurt to use the strips. The "bunches" on my incision are starting to smooth out, especially on my right hip. My left hip has to catch up. I still get some muscle spasms if I've had a busy day, but they're becoming less and less. Having less of those "baby in the womb" feelings too. Still swelling in the evenings, especially my lower abdomen and mons area. I think I'm sensing a theme here, lol. Ready to get the swelling over with but I'm trying to be patient...trying. ;) I'm pretty much back to normal with regards to caring for the kids, doing laundry, running errands, etc. I still take time to rest though! It feels good not to be totally dependent on others. I still can't sleep on my stomach because it's uncomfortable. I can sleep on my sides though now without any pillows for support. Woo hoo! I hope all is going well for the rest of you! Updated on 10 Jul 2014: I can't believe it's been 28 days. I feel like it's a given at this point, but, I'm still swollen, especially down low. Lol it's getting better, but still there. My lower abdomen is still pretty firm to the touch, but my upper abdomen is softer more like a "normal" belly, especially in the morning. I'm still rocking a bit of a Ken doll but it's mostly the center of my mons, the sides have softened up quite a bit, yay! If I lightly press on my stomach I'm still tender. So is my incision and oddly enough my upper thighs right below my incision almost like there's a bruise that's not there? It's a bit numb too in those places. It's the only numbness I have. I'm feeling pretty good at this point. No ibuprofen unless I've had an extremely busy day and feel like I need it for swelling and the tenderness that comes with it. I'm able to get into more of my clothes now. Still wearing my CG during the day. I take it off at night. I actually woke up on my stomach this morning and I was soooo comfortable! :) My incision is smoothing out more. So happy about that. These scar sheets leave some lines on it though so hopefully you can see the improvement in the pictures. Guess who finally got a full length mirror. It's the little things sometimes. ;) The lighting is way different in these. I apologize, it's raining here this morning so the big window (it's frosted, don't worry, haha) doesn't have the natural light it usually does. I think that's about it? I hope you all are healing well! Updated on 17 Jul 2014: So it's been 5 weeks now...woo hoo! Not much new to report. My lower abdomen is still swollen even in the morning, more so in the evening though. It's not as rock hard now though and is really starting to soften up and feel more like a belly should. So I know the swelling is slowly going down. My tummy is still tender from top to bottom when I gently push on it so I know there's still healing going on there. I'm still pretty tired and can't do too much without causing swelling and fatigue. I've been using the silicone tape for 2 weeks now. Mederma on on belly button too. My scar is laying more flat this week but still has some pleating of the left side. I have an appointment with my PS next week to do after pictures. He said he'd give me copies of both the before and after pics. I'm excited to see them! :) I think I'm going to ask how long the redness should last around my belly button. I should also be cleared for working out next week. I'm looking forward to it, but I'm also a bit scared. I don't want to swell up from doing to much, but I know I need to get back to it. Updated on 24 Jul 2014: Went to my 6 week PO appointment today. Everything looks good. He was pleased with my healing and how well my incision is flattening out. I'm cleared for whatever exercise I want to do. He did say though that I might not be able to do everything I used to for another two weeks. I can do Zumba but I might not be able to keep up at first and might have to modify a bit. I'm okay with that. I just want to get back at it! :) I asked about swelling he said at least 3 or 4 months before it's gone. He said it's because the lymphatic system is disrupted with the surgery so it takes longer for the body to get rid of water until it repairs itself. He's supposed to send me my before and after pictures tonight or tomorrow so I'll post them when he does. Updated on 25 Jul 2014: I'm attaching the six week PO before and afters my PS took. These were taken mid afternoon so there's some swelling (agh). I also attached some marked up pics pointing some things out like where moles moved to. I have a mole that moved down from somewhere under my bra before. It's kind of crazy to see that stuff. Lol. Updated on 26 Jul 2014: My view this morning. I can't believe this is my tummy! :) Updated on 31 Jul 2014: So hard to believe it's been 7 weeks already. Time is really starting to fly now. :) Still the same story with the swelling. It's my constant companion, but I think it's getting better as time goes on. I've been back to Zumba a few times now and I'm happy to say that it's been good. No pain, really, just sore and of course a bit more swollen afterwards. I haven't really modified too much but I've tried to tone down the intensity. Not only because of the TT but also because I've lost some of my fitness sitting around for 6 weeks, lol. By the end of class I'm worn out. :) I've got a few new pictures for you all. I forgot to take one of my belly button before I got in the shower, so it's right after and it's a bit more red than normal from the hot water. :) Updated on 31 Jul 2014: Updated on 7 Aug 2014: Not much new going on so I didn't take a lot of pictures, but I did take some of my scar. I'm really happy with the way it's healing. It's starting to fade already in places. :) I've been back at Zumba for a bit now and it's going well. Slowly starting to feel "normal" again. I'm pretty worn out by the end of class though. I still have some swelling but it's getting better each week. I feel like I swell less now. I think from now on I'll just update every two weeks unless something happens that's worth writing about. Happy healing to you all! :) Updated on 25 Nov 2014: So it's been a very long time since I've posted an update. Things have been good! I'm still numb but I fully expected that. I still have minimal swelling, but noting too bad. :) Still doing Zumba. ;) I'm planning to post some new pictures within the next few days. Updated on 26 Nov 2014: So according to my phone it's been 167 days since my tummy tuck. That's roughly 23.86 weeks. If given the choice I would absolutely do this again. I wish at times I'd had lipo on my love handles though. Lol. I would caution you though if you're thinking about surgery that it is a long process. I remember thinking in x amount of days I'll be flat. Well, you will be flatter but FLAT and not swollen takes time to happen. I still had moderate swelling off and on especially at night until I was around 4 months out. Now it's not so bad on the swelling front but I can still feel the tightness when I straighten my back even with a small amount of swelling. It's not painful just present. I've noticed that I don't really gain weight in my stomach anymore. It all goes to my butt and thighs. Even period swelling does that for the most part. My scar is fading nicely. It looks darker in pictures than it does in real life for some reason. I have continued to use the silicone tape on it. My plan was to use it for the first six months because of my previous hypertrophic scar. I've had no issues with that so yay! been using Mederma advanced scar gel on my BB. It's fading nicely also. :) My husband is really enjoying the results. ;) I think it's made me more confident too. I think that's it? I almost always forget something. Lol. Updated on 26 Nov 2014: This is more the color it really is. Updated on 13 Dec 2014: In some ways I can't believe it's been 6 months. Time flies. I'm happy with how I'm healing and I feel like my scar is fading nicely. I'm so happy I decided to have this surgery. I feel so much better about myself. :)
Hi all! I am a mom of six and finally through with having any more children. Although I dread looking at my body from all of the pregnancies and breastfeeding I would do it all over again if I had to. It took me a long while to book this surgery not just due to finances but just the fact of feeling a bit guilty for spending this money on “me”. But ladies, we have to feel good about ourselves and WE are WORTH it. Being a mom is a 24/7 job, we never clock out, we never get a day off, no vacation days, sick days etc. So if you’re up in the air about getting this done and feel guilty, don’t feel that way. I’ll post as much as I can up to and after my procedure! I’m having breast lift, breast augmentation, TT, lipo of flanks! Updated on 22 May 2021: Finally letting me add a picture! I’ll upload more when it lets me. As I count down the days I’m becoming more and more anxious! I’ve even thought about backing out a couple of times. But I’m not, I want to do this for several reasons. Updated on 24 May 2021: One more before pic! I’m going back and forth with implant size, they make it so hard to choose! I thing I’m sure of is I’m ready for a new mom bod! More pictures to come! Only 4 more days until my surgery Updated on 28 May 2021: Not in much pain yet, I imagined so much more but that will come as meds wear off. He we h wil 435cc in one boob and 355 In the other so hope they look good!! I am asymmetrical but didn’t think by that much. I really am hoping it’s pretty close to matching now. Thank you for following my journey!! I’ll keep posting more Updated on 29 May 2021: The pain is real girls. Oh my goodness it hurts. I’m about to head to my PS for my post up check up and will take some pictures after he opens up my binder. I’m concerned my boobs will not look symmetrical bc he used 355cc in one and 435 cc in the other but my unevenness never seemed that dramatic. We shall see Updated on 29 May 2021: I’m not able to take my binder and bandages off yet but here’s another picture. The pain was really terrible this morning but it seems to be a little better. Feels like a did a thousand sit ups and someone punch me in the boobs over and over. But it’ll be worth it! Updated on 1 Jun 2021: The pain is getting better, still have to stand up really slowly but once I start walking around it doesn’t hurt. I changed out my breast dressings and not sure what to think about my boobs. All I know is they are hard, sore and itchy. I’m hoping my nipples do well, this is all such a slow process. I don’t think I was mentally and emotionally prepared to be so helpless for so long. I have a 5 month old I’m so eager to hold again. Hopefully with each day that passes comes progress in the right direction. Updated on 2 Jun 2021: Hi everyone! One more day under my belt! I’ve never wanted time to fly by as much as I do right now. With each passing day I feel better and better. I bought this woundvite supplements off of Amazon bc of its reviews and I can honestly say I think it’s helping with my recovery. So I posted a pic in case anyone wants to give it a shot, I started them a week before surgery and still taking two a day. My sister is coming over in a little while to help me with my dressings and I’ll take pics of my stomach while my binder is off! I haven’t even seen it yet! I know it sounds silly but I’m nervous to look. Im sure it’ll look way better than my pre-op body. Today I woke up with back pain, no other pain really. This sleeping at an angle and having to walk hunched over does a number. I just bought a faja, back massager and more tummy control panties off of Amazon anxiously awaiting their arrival. This Saturday I see my PS and crossing my fingers he takes my drains out! I’m not draining much and the fluid is changing to a clear color. I’m getting more and more excited as the days pass to see my new body. After all of this pain we go through ladies we deserve this! Pregnancy, labor, now tummy tucks and boob jobs! God knew to make us strong so we can bare anything. Updated on 2 Jun 2021: I finally took my binder off and my stomach and belly button look weird. I think it’s bc I’m not used to it and still swollen. Again just going day to day and hoping for good progress. Also for some reason my PS didn’t gaff my belly bottom bandaged but I think it looks ok as far as healing but still looks weird. Updated on 3 Jun 2021: I woke up this morning stiff from having to sleep at an angle, which has been pretty much every day since surgery. I also woke up just a tad sore but once I got up it all went away. I can honestly say I don’t really feel any pain at this point just little zingers here and there on the right side of my abdomen. My doc says it’s either nerves repairing themselves or could be my drain tube. I think it’s the drain tube bc it’s always the same exact spot and only when I go from sitting to standing then it goes away. I can stand straight up without discomfort, the only discomfort comes from being bent over so much that I have lower back pain. I coughed again earlier but that wasn’t even as bad bc I had my pillow near by and held it against my stomach. I just bought some cough drops I keep in my mouth all day in hopes to keep the coughing at bay. I took my binder off again and I like what I see! I do notice on my lower back it’s bulging a bit, hoping that’s just from my binder. I really like my boobs too, I still don’t have any feeling on my nipples though but I’m sure that’s normal. Anyway, it’s a better day today! Hope you all are recovering well and those that have procedures coming up know that it’s worth it! Updated on 5 Jun 2021: I got my drains out this morning! Ahhhh.. what a relief. Although they don’t hurt they sure can be an annoyance so I’m glad they’re out. I haven’t taken pain meds in days but took one right before my appointment this morning just in case Lol. I feel like My spirits are lifted after today’s appointment. Doctor said my incisions look great, I do have a few water blisters from the steri strips but other than that all is well. It is having those little hole from the drains but they should close up on their own in a few days. This evening I get to finally shower and have my baby girl back!! Oh my gosh I miss her. This has been a roller coaster ride of emotions but worth it. Pain is still pretty much all gone but I am still a little swollen will post pics as I heal. Updated on 7 Jun 2021: My boobs are not as hard and starting to drop a little but still looking a little foreign to me Lol. I’m not even sure what size I am now, full C or maybe D? Still a little swelling but I hope not too much because I don’t want them to go down in size any! I really am enjoying filling out my bra finally and hoping they just keep getting better and better with healing. I still have no feeling in my nipples :-( really hoping that’s just a temporary thing. Updated on 8 Jun 2021: Today has been a really good day. I have so much energy, cleaned my house, went for a walk and now relaxing on the sofa! It really is all worth it. Not saying I haven’t thought twice about it during this process, only because of my little ones nothing to do with pain. I’m adding a few more photos, I have a few water blisters on my incision that are now red, I was allergic to the tape but it’s getting better. Other than that my sides are still very tender to the touch and still swollen on my lower back where he did lipo. I did find this extremely comfortable shapewear thing that is like a bodysuit, I love it. I’m just so glad I had the opportunity to do this and even happier I have my real self sisters to journey with! That really has helped me so much. Just knowing we’re not alone in this and knowing others are going through it too is comforting. Happy recovery ladies! And those that are close, you will not regret it! Updated on 8 Jun 2021: Not sure why they make us add 200 or more words every time we post lol. I forgot to mention in my last post I’m getting feeling back on the top part of my abdomen but still no nipple sensation. I’m also able to sleep better now that I bought a pillow wedge. I got my arnica tea today, been sipping on that too! Updated on 10 Jun 2021: I’m losing track of my days but think I’m 13 days po! I got the stitches out of my belly button today and finally had the steri strips taking off my nipples. First time seeing them today I was kind of bothered because my nipples aren’t symmetrical. But I still appreciate the look of them way more than I did beforehand so no biggie! I’ve been having a lot of itching in my chest area so I bought an organic cami to wear underneath my sports bra until I’m healed a little More. It’s making a huge difference and feels so much better. My tummy still looks good but my sides are tender and doesn’t look as flattering. Hoping my scar on the sides gets thinner and flatter with time. I also feel like I’m a little lumpy on the sides. Does anyone know if that’s temporary? I’ll include updated pics! Updated on 15 Jun 2021: Feeling sooo much better each day. I actually am starting to see what my results are going to end up like! I’m eating really clean, still can’t eat a lot though befire filling full. I walk everyday about 1 mile and still taking my woundvite and drinking arnica tea. So happy I did this! Updated on 18 Jun 2021: I haven’t really updated bc no significant changes but the itching is crazy!! That’s why my stomach is so red in the picture. I just took my binder off and scratched away at my belly! My lipo areas are also extremely itchy and in between my boobs. Ugh, one thing after the next but still well worth it. They say beauty is painful and they weren’t lying! Updated on 30 Jun 2021: So I’m a little over 30 dpo. Overall happy that I look better than I used too however, for the money I spent I am a little unsatisfied with a few things. I waited so long for this surgery and finally came up with the money only to still feel self conscious about some things. My TT scar goes way up on my hips so pretty much any bottoms whether panties or swim suit shows the scar unless I pull them way up like granny panties. But one of the big readings I went through all of this pain is to throw out those granny panties! And my poor right nipple that’s irregular shaped, not to mention my wound under that same boob that just won’t heal. I have “ pleating” in my sides ( I forgot to take pics) but hopefully that at least goes away. I’m trying to stay positive and not sound ungrateful because I know it could be so much worse but I’m only human. I’ve always had very low self esteem and no self confidence when it came to my body so just wanted this to really work out. On a brighter note, I do like how my boobs look in my tops though!! I am standing 100% straight up. I’m still getting very tired by around 6:00 pm or so and still a little tender in my lipo area. Oh! Forgot to mention one other thing, my pubic area that sticks out further than my belly, never thought I’d get to say that Lol! I’m hoping everyone that is healing is doing well or getting better! I also wish those that are about to have surgery the greatest experience! Updated on 10 Jul 2021: Hi girls! Ahhh.. finally reached 6 weeks and I must say I feel pretty close to normal! I do still have a little swelling here and there and tire earlier than pre surgery but I feel 100% better. The tightness is still there but it’s not like it was in prior weeks, it’s more of a “comfortable” tightness. My scar is looking better too, still a ways to go on that though. I’m doing exercises but keeping an work to a minimum. Eating clean and started stretching again. Now let’s talk boobs. My pesky right boob is started to heal! And I feel like the more they dropped and fluffed the bigger they got. I don’t mind it at all, they can fluff all they want! I’m putting vitamin e oil on everywhere even my incisions, I heard this works! So all of you ladies waiting for the magical week it’s definitely week 6 for me, it may be 7 or 8 for others. I’ve learned to not compare recovery’s because we all hea differently but one thing for sure is we will all keep looking better and better with time. I never thought I’d get to say that. Happy healing ladies, prayers for all of you. Keep updating your stories! I enjoy reading the journey you’re on!
I’m a wife of 15 years, mother to 3 kids “ all breastfed” I am 36 years old, 38 or 40” full B cup or small C according to some brands, 187 lbs, 5’5”. I have always been very concerned with the way my breasts hang. Now that I’m older and my boobs have fluctuated tremendously over the years I’m ready to feel good about my breasts. I’m super excited! Updated on 4 Feb 2018:
Upcoming breast augmentation/hysterectomy combination! Been wanting a BA since I was 14, so a grand total of 18 years. I am going to be having my pre-op next week and making my final selections on my implants. At consult, Dr. Kent recommended 550-600cc, based on my desired look and my current measurements. Very excited, but the closer THE DAY gets, the more nervous I become!! Updated on 3 Dec 2016: I am hoping to get a full, rounded look, with noticeable upper pole fullness. Updated on 8 Dec 2016: My pre-ops are today, so hopefully we will have my size selected! I'm really anxious, and even though there are a million things to do to prepare, I can't seem to focus on any of them! As crazy as it may be, I wonder if I will miss my current breasts?! Updated on 8 Dec 2016: Pre-ops were both today! Hysterectomy is still going as planned, taking my uterus but leaving tubes and ovaries. No surprises there. At my BA pre-op, things went a little differently than I had planned. A few months ago at consult, I was looking at 600cc HP Mentor cohesive silicone gel implants. Today I found out that now the office is using Sientra or Allergan implants, and there isn't a 600cc HP to match my BWD. So now we are looking at 505cc-595cc, and possible switching from the HP to the Moderate+ profile. I brought my 'wish boob' picture, and my PS said he is very excited about my procedure, as he thinks it will be great. I'm excited, nervous, and scared all at once. The surgery is paid for in full, and it's now just 7 days away!!! It's really happening after all these years..... But I'm still anxious about sizing. I'm afraid they will be too wide or not have enough projection. My PS assured me the results would be great, so I am trusting his expertise! I hope this next week goes by quickly!!!
If 405cc's are too big, I would think that you would want to be at least in the mid 300's or in the low 300's. Of course this can only be determined after examining you in person and discussing it with you. The surgery itself is usually very simple, unless the pocket needs to be revised. Again, examining you in person will be necessary to determine this.
Even though i agree with the plastic surgeon who said that you have to be careful about the quality of "cheap" plastic surgery, the prices you quote do seem very high. The total price for a mastopexy-augmentation and tummy tuck together is more in the neighborhood of $10-11K in this area.The cost of living and doing business is lower here in Tulsa, so I would expect prices here to be lower than in other urban areas.
When looking at the cost of any cosmetic surgery, there are usually 3 components: facility fee, anesthesia fee, and surgeon's fee. Currently in my practice, when taking all of these three fees into consideration, the cost of a tummy tuck is between $6000 and $6500. These surgeries are performed at a surgery center or hospital operating room. If an overnight stay is desirable, there is a charge of $425. We participate in Care Credit financing as well.
To my knowledge, no one knows exactly how much pectoral muscle exercising you can do without displacing the implants down and out. I agree with your priority of putting your profession first. If you are training to get in shape, and not primarily lifting weights like a body builder would, the risk of displacement is probably not as much. I agree with the other doctors in wearing a supportive bra during training and work.
Having a thickened scar (hypertrophic scar) or keloid is always going to be a possibility. i agree with the other doctors that you should seek a board certified plastic surgeon (American Board of Plastic Surgery) to consult with. They should be able to discuss your individual risk for a bad scar, and things that can be done after surgery if it appears the scar is thickening (silicone sheeting, steroid injection, etc.). After your consultation, you should be in a pretty good position to weigh the pro's and con's and make an informed decision.
