3 days post op. Happy so far. Dr Kolder in Camarillo did a great job. This is a lift with small 310cc implants. Most of my own tissue was used for volume. Originally 34ddd. Now waiting to see how they fill out. Last few days were very rough recovery wise Updated on 19 Apr 2019: Still sore but back to work and school. Most of the stiffness is around my armpits and sleeping still sucks but honestly not bad at all. The only thing worth noting is how badly I’ve bloated. I’m literally ten pounds heavier than when I went in and look like I’m pregnant. It started about 3-4 post op. Should go away in the next week or so. Lots of fluid retention and water weight is normal with any surgery, I was just shocked at how much. Updated on 23 Apr 2019: No more pain or bloating! Just stiff and only taking Tylenol to help throughout the day Updated on 2 May 2019: The left side still hasn’t dropped and is healing a lot slower than the right. Not bad for three weeks after! Updated on 9 May 2019: Right has “dropped and fluffed” significantly and looks great. The left side still sits higher and looks different, that should change in the coming months though.
I am so indecisive... I just can’t decide on the teardrop cohesive gel “gummy bear anatomical” or the smooth silicon. My PS recommended the anatomical cohesive gel because he has to lower my inframammary fold by 1.5-2 cm. I found that he said the exact same thing to another patient of his, and so my fear is he is just favoring one type of implant over another and it has nothing to do with my anatomical makeup. I guess I should make a pros and cons list to each Sientra 400 cc teardrop cohesive gel: PROS Doctor’s recomendation They don’t loose shape Less possibility of rippling Less possibility of “double bubble” 5year capsular contracture warranty CONS: harder/less natural feeling Don’t move in pocket PS makes Less upper pole Chicken cutlet look immediately after surgery Smooth round silicon cc? PROS Tried and true results No flipping or shifting Less risk of the cancer linked to textured implants Softer feeling More perky looking CONS More obvious that you got a boob job Can loose form over time Possibility of leaking silicon Not what the dr. recommends My brains fried on the subject, I’ll add more as I can think of them. Off to take my pre surgery shower. Updated on 17 Apr 2018: I was going crazy with indecisiveness. Laying in the hospital bed gown on, IV line in place, and I still hadn’t decided. Thank god for Dr. Kolder and the awesome staff he has. I initially mentioned my concerns about the anatomical to my nurse and she could probably see the fear in my face. I told her that I lived in the OC and was used to the fake look of boobs-the round, perky... you know what I mean. Anyways she went and told the doctor that I was still not comfortable with getting the anatomicals (that he recommended) and so he came in and we discussed my concerns in a very nonchalant way, which was comforting to say the least. I told him that I like the fake, cleavage look, wanted upper pole fullness, and that I lived in Orange County(a key part of his selection process I believe.) I told him that I had concerns with the cancer rate associated with the textured implants. As well as the possibility of the anatomical shaped implants rotating and the fact that they are harder than silicon and the little breast tissue I has was most likely not going to conceal that fact. Much to my surprise, Dr. Kolder only assured me that my concerns were valid and didn’t tried to sell me on the anatomicals or force me to proceed(because at this point I’m obviously paid in full and everything.) He instead validated what I was saying and reassured me that it was clear I had done my research and what I was expressing was sound. He said let’s do the smooth classic implant not the textured one, and that was that! I work in the medical field and am in school studying nursing, and it’s rare to find a doctor that will go back on things he said. Or address a situation like my indecisiveness as well as Dr.Kolder did, with compassion and understanding. His validation of my fears gave me the courage to make the choice of not going with his professional advice and with my gut feeling instead, and so far I’m so glad I did. I guess I can’t ever know what the anatomical gummies would have looked like, but I honestly don’t care. I have no regrets as of now, although to be critical I am only 2 weeks in. In the end I would rather be mad at myself for not trusting the doctors professional advice and getting bad results, because in the end it would have been my mistake. Agreeing to a doctors recommendation and getting unsatisfying results, leaving me resenting them and what they ‘did’ to me would be a far worse an outcome in my opinion. That may just be me, but anyways...another added bonus of choosing the smooth round Natrelle implants, drum roll please... I got 445ccs instead of the 400cc anatomical gummies that the doctor had specifically ordered for me. He knew I wanted bigger and said in the operating room that he found he was able to fit more than expected and so surprised me with the 445cc’s. I thought my certificate was a mistake or I was misreading the little tags or something, because I just assumed since we decided to do the smooth round implants they would be the same volume as the anatomical gummies. I inquired about the tags the next day at my follow up and Dr.Kolder just smiled and said, “I thought you would be happy about that.” Understatement much. Anyways my stats: 5’7” 120-125 Small 34B Natrelle Inspira 445cc SMF (I think...) Under the muscle Inframammary fold incision Surgery was April 3, 2018 Preformed by Dr. Kolder of Pacifica Medical Spa in Camarillo P.S. I am in no way financially or otherwise benefitting from my review, and am doing so only to pay forward the help I received from this website. Updated on 5 May 2018: I haven’t updated for a couple weeks but, no news is good news right? So I’m a month postop and things are finally getting back to normal as far as pain goes. I still have instances when it’s cold and my muscles tighten up that cause me slight pain. Although it’s more like discomfort if anything. Other than that, I’ve finally been able to sleep on my side without any problems or hesitation. Before it would hurt or I felt like I shouldn’t be laying the way I was, but now no issue whatsoever. It seems like my nipples are evening out too, which I’m super excited about. I thought that because of my natural asymmetry that they would never be aligned, but so far I’m pleasantly surprised. The lower half of my breasts are still somewhat numb, but noting I can’t live with. I will gladly trade numbness for boobies any day a week. That’s again Dr. Kolder! -Jen
I originally went for a arm lift consultation, with Dr Kolder on July 26, 2016 he explained everything in depth, all of my questions were answered before I had a chance to ask , which was very comforting. So I set a date 09/07/2016 gave my deposit, schedule an appointment for my pre op 1 week before surgery . At my pre-op appointment with Dr Kolder , Geena & Katelyn they were so organized and compassionate , I asked if Dr. Kolder would have time to do a tummy same day as the arm lift ? Dr. Kolder said it would take 5 hours , Geena , was able to make some changes for a later time on 09/07/2016 Katelyn , took more pictures . My surgery seemed like a heavy nap & my recovery went so well. In fact a friend , loved the worked I had done she had an arm lift & breast augmentation with a lift. She can't thank me enough and I can't thank Dr. Kolder , Geena , Katelyn and everyone @ PACIFICA INSTITUTE OF COSMETIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY ! There isn't a better Team that I know of !
Several years ago I had a growth removed from my hand by Dr. Kolder. The results were a scar so transparent I could hardly see it. I decided then if I every had anything done I would go to Kolder. Over the next few years I recommended several people to Kolder for various procedures and each person was extremely pleased with their results. Last month I decided to have a tummy tuck and liposuction to bilateral flanks. The entire experience was impressive from the friendly staff, efficient follow up and care given, to Dr. Kolder's thorough explanation of ever detail of the surgery before and after. I'm 30 days into recovery and my body looks amazing - very much like when I was 25yrs old. The scar is very minimal and my stomach is as tight as a drum. I've hated my flanks for years, but the fat is gone and I have an hour glass shape. I call him "the Magician", but seriously he is an extremely skilled surgeon who does great work. Recovery has been a breeze even at 68 years old.
Dr. Kolder is amazing! He did surgery on my husband's eyes (eyebrow lift plus eyelid surgery plus under eye deep laser) and they look amazing. 2 years ago he did a dog bite repair on my husband (there was a huge hole where he was missing part of his upper lip and the skin between his lip and nose). There is a minimal scar now, which you can't see unless you look for it) and he looks completely normal. I also have had laser plus Botox and fillers with fantastic results. Every staff member is an expert in what he/she does. I give my highest recommendation for Pacifica Institute!
I had 3 consultations before walking in to Dr. Kolder's office. I was pretty disillusioned before meeting Dr. Kolder. He was the warmest, most informative surgeon I had met. I knew immediately he was the one to do my arms. He did not give me unrealistic expectations nor did he try to sell me multiple procedures and act as if he didn't have enough time for me because I was "only doing my arms." Dr. Kolder did an amazing job with my arms and I could not recommend him and his staff enough. He is an amazing man and an excellent, skilled, kind, compassionate man. If you can get to Camarillo , He is the guy to see. Thank you Dr. Kolder and your beautiful caring staff!
Well last week I started on my arms and hands because they really give away age. I was a horse trainer since i was ten. And eight years in Arizona sun and forty years in California sun. The last ten years maybe i used a little sunscreen but really not much. I have had multiple skin cancers removed on arms and back. Luckily I had my skin CO2 lasered in my forties, so no skin cancer there. I had the CO2 laser on hands and arms and the arms are healing nicely but my hands must be a different skin because they really didn't get red or sting or peel. They look a little smoother but I was hoping the crappiness would be better. So I will wait a little longer. That was 1500.00 so not cheap. Yesterday I had my face done with the Sciton Halo laser a ablative and non ablative treatment. The down time is shorter but suppose to be really repairative under and ontop of skin. So far I am really impressed. I got this on a special deal, so that is why it was only $950. I put the numbing solution on one hour before and made sure it was in my hairline and completely all over. I was even asked if I wanted her to go aggressively and I said a big Yes. The treatment didn't hurt at all, but I do have a high pain thrash hold. But really it doesn't hurt. It felt like she was rolling an ice cube all over, just really cold. I guess she me people can perceive this as hot and then get scared. I don't get frightened easily either. After treatment then my face started to burn pretty badly. And I thought oh, no is this the way I am going to feel for awhile, this will be brutal. Just when I was thinking this she said, now your face is going to start to burn and you will feel this for about an hour and it will stop. She was absolutely correct. They also gave me these wonderful samples of skincare by Alastin and they feel so good. I slept well no problems with swelling, itching, burning or pain. Next morning it feels alittle tight, and feels and looks fantastic. I look like a went snow skiing for the week without sunscreen. I am now on my journey to have my lip lift, a face lift and brow lift. I have not decided on a doctor yet. I have some interviews in Beverly hills. Some on line. And I will hopefully find the Doctor in the next two or three weeks. Updated on 24 May 2016: Easy peasy. I haven't shot any new pics yet since I still have brown spots all over. She was pretty aggressive with the treatment and I haven't had much shedding yet. So I think I need two more days. Then I will post. In the mean time it hasn't been uncomfortable at all. And I have been going out without makeup. It really doesn't look bad. Updated on 26 May 2016: Still some rough patches though. This is something you can do and go back to work. Updated on 7 Jun 2016: I am very impressed! My skin is tightening, the pores have shrunk up so much, that is the real plus. And my face is glowing. My daughter says I even look younger. There are a few sun spots that didn't go but she said that would happen. The nurse said Bbl will take those away but I can't do that for at least three months. My husband had the BBL and oh my god what a big difference, he also looks so much younger. All his ugly old brown sun spots scabbed off in seven days. He is a big baby too! You wouldn't believe what I have to go through to get him to do something like this. I will post pictures , got to take them.
I almost chickened out the day before, but my husband encouraged me to go through with it because it was something I had wanted to do for a long time. I am so glad he did! The surgery went very well and I am very pleased with the results. I took 3 weeks off of my office administrator job and that was plenty - I probably could have gone back in 2 weeks, but having 3 was great. The pain was not very bad - the worst thing was wearing the elastic head wrap around my ears, but I could take that off when it got too annoying! My best advice is to follow doctor's orders exactly and not to worry too much - it takes time for everything to heal and the swelling to go down. I am now 1 year out. I still have a very small amount of numbness and a little redness on one side of my neck, but it is going away slowly. I am SO GLAD I did this - I just feel like my outside matches my insides so much better.
Hi all I just rescheduled my TT & liposuction with dr. Kolder in Camarillo ca from July 6 to June 8. I just couldn't wait any longer & found a gap in my work schedule for a month earlier :). I was beyond ecstatic!!!! I have 4 adult children & my pregnancies weren't bad since I never gained much weight. But 2 C sections, a hysterectomy & hypothyroidism all contributed to my post children weight gain and lovely hanging "apron" tummy as I've learned it's called. I've never ever had a flat tummy & my daughter has the flattest tummy ever - must have inherited it from her father blah! So now that I'm 50 & kids are adults, I'm able to do all I want and it's me time so here I am finally....You all can relate! I'll be posting before Pictures soon & especially when I get brave enough to post before pics!! Knowing it's going away soon & seeing everyone's before/after a pics and stories give me (and others) so much encouragement to face the image I just don't like. I feel excited and scared esp at the recovery part but I read on & find strength :) Updated on 23 Mar 2016: Before my surgery I want to lose minimum of 10 pounds. The surgeon says I don't really need to but I want to be as close to my goal weight as possible. here are some before pics as I am..I'm 5'0 and ugh I can't say my weight right now. I have such a hard time with the number that only my dr and I know :( Updated on 22 May 2016: I'm so excited and nervous that I have 16 more days until my surgery! I planned my surgery for June a few months ago thinking I'd lose 20 pounds. I've lost no weight! My PS Dr. Kolder advised that my current weight is ok to have the surgery. Also since my weight was stable that was ok too. I just wanted to have the best result possible. I have seen some great results with others on the site with the same weight and body type as mine so hopefully I'll be okay. So now I'm nesting...trying to get my house in order and gathering up some supplies. I'm going to wait till my pre-op appointment on THursday before I make anymore purchases...for now it's just the basics plus what my mother had left over. Shower chair Walker Blood pressure, pulse oxymeter, thermometer Milk of magnesia Sensitive skin paper tape, gauze Antibacterial things Glad stick on (to shower) Etc etc Things are really coming up quickly & I'm excited & scared and having anxiety all at the same time. I'll post some "bare" before pictures very soon! Updated on 24 May 2016: Updated on 2 Jun 2016: 5 days before surgery & haven't been cleared yet!!! I'm getting so frustrated! What turned out to be routine is now getting to be a whole lot of appts & tests. I saw my primary for what ended up being bronchitis who then referred me to a cardiologist even tho my bronchitis is clearing up & ekg looks good...just to be safe. Well so today I went to the cardiologist & he ordered a stress test to be safe & because I'm having elective surgery. This is all wonderful and I'm so glad everyone is on board to keep me safe. The cardiologist even thought I would be fine & all these tests were "overkill" for the sake of my health but again... Just to be safe. Wellllllllll........Clearance needed to be done by Monday & they could only squeeze me in for test on Tuesday. So I don't know if I have to reschedule. My ps assistant will be calling me tomorrow to discuss so we'll see what happens!!!! Uuuuuuughhhhh!!!! Updated on 3 Jun 2016: Well still no release until my stress test on Tuesday but PS requires a medical release by Monday. My dilemma: 1) do stress test Tuesday and post pone tummy tuck till August the only available time at work. Test would be covered by insurance. Pros: gives me time to lose weight Cons: it's AUGUST :( 2) do stress test Monday Pros: can continue with TT Wednesday if I'm cleared Cons: not covered by insurance - cost is $550 3) ask for medical release without stress test (which I have asked for but haven't heard back from dr) My primary & cardiologist said I'm fine with the ekg results but so far neither will release me without stress test! WTH it's just bronchitis you say!!!! I don't have diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol ... I just have a BELLY!!! I believe every thing happens for a reason so maybe I should except this and reschedule......BUT!!!!I was already mentally prepared & prepared in all schedules and necessities. Am I being selfish and impulsive and unrealistic? I'm so disappointed & yet I want to be realistic and safe of course.....uggggghhhhhhhh :/ Updated on 6 Jun 2016: Did the stress test today & passed with flying colors!!!! Woot woot I'm doing the cabbage patch & the running man I'm so excited! Pinch me pinch me!!!! I was having so much anxiety last night that I couldn't sleep, now the stress test has cleared up my worries. Buh-bye muffin top!!! Lol ok I need a nap..I'm hysterically happy & relieved... Updated on 7 Jun 2016: To everyone having TT or other surgery tomorrow, good luck and happy healing. :) Cheers ~ To the flat side!!!!!!! Updated on 8 Jun 2016: Home since 3:00 and feeling good :) meds are good!.The pain is prob about 3...and even less when I sit up hunched over. So got there at 6am, surgery prob started around 7am & I woke up in recovery about 11-1130. Updated on 10 Jun 2016: So far so good. I was afraid to look at my stitches but my daughter said it looked amazing. Best part is my wrap is a size SMALL! Updated on 13 Jun 2016: Went to see ps today & got my first really good view :) I'm so very happy I did this even with all the pain & fear of the unknown! I'm in disbelief that the belly is gone & I can actually see straight down without having to push the belly aside. I'm still freaked out at how tight my stomach is though & I hope this is normal? I also feel like I'm gonna wake up and the apron will be right where it was a few days ago! So drains are still in for a bit until I am down to under 30 per drain (currently 95). But it is def clearing up & less bloody. My incision is looking good so far too! Absolutely no regrets at all :) Updated on 13 Jun 2016: Updated on 20 Jun 2016: Loving my results more each & every day! Dr kolder is so great - he made My incisions low and clean. Updated on 16 Jul 2016: I was trying clothes from my closet that have been hanging for years and was actually soooo happy with the way I looked and that there was no having to suck in my tummy!! Many items still had tags on them & I probably bought for motivation but motivation went far out the window as my tummy grew and took me farther from size 8 and pushing towards size 14! I'm 5 weeks post op and my jeans are pretty loose in the stomach. There are still outfits that are tight because of other areas of my body. I still have a goal to lose 10-15 pounds and am more motivated as I look at my flat flat flat tummy. Without my spare tire I am more proportioned and as with additional loss only emphasizes the change in my body which I'm ooooh soooooo happy about! Updated on 20 Jul 2016: 6 weeks has literally flown by! Other than a cold, I feel great. Thank god I didn't have this cold weeks ago or I would have lost my mind! So now I can start going to the gym & no longer have to wear a binder. Swelling has definitely gone down and numbness is 2/3 gone except for the center of my tummy and by incision line. My healing has been very smooth except for one spot at the end that opened up last week. It's taking a bit to heal but I'm watching it like a hawk & hope it's gone by my appt next week. Updated on 20 Sep 2016: I'm almost 4 months post tummy tuck and can't believe how time has flown. I'm soooo very happy with my results and only regret that I didn't or couldn't do this sooner. My tummy is flat flat and I'm just oh so happy that it's flat flat hahaha! although I still haven't lost any weight other than what was carved and sucked out of me and just started working out 3 weeks ago, I'm starting to see more definition in my curves and of course feeling better. I have hypothyroidism and honestly a terrible sweet tooth and mainly haven't changed my eating habits much soooo yeah something to work on. No sense in going thru this pain and expense to ruin it with my eating habits. We'll see if it's entirely my thyroid that's causing me not to shed the weight. Went swimming and I wore a 2 piece in public in front of people even, for the first time since I was 15 yrs old! Yeah I was happy that I got looks, no sneers like "oh look at her gut why is she wearing a 2 piece" kinda look. I look back at early posts and amaze at how all my pre surgery anxiety and fear are light years away. Anyone thinking of having a tt or on their way soon..... have no fear!!! Honest you'll be so happy ... the pain and the fear are just a blip in the whole process.
I had a tummy tuck done 6 weeks ago at Pacifica institute with Dr. Kolder. Where do I begin! I feel that my life has changed!!! I never knew my body can look this good! I look better now than when I was in my 20s. Dr. Kolder is so professional, smart, up to date with all the new procedures , honest and above all AWESOME at his job. The staff there is so friendly , helpful and beyond nice!!! After a few visits there, they became like family. I was taken care of before, during and after surgery!!! Best Staff, Best Dr., best decision of my life ....
Thank you for your question! Based on your photos you appear to be a candidate for a tummy tuck however an in person consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon would be required for confirmation.
Thank you for your question! The downtime of a Profractional laser treatment is typically 1-7 days but is dependent on the depth used by your provider to achieve your desired results. A consultation with your provider prior to treatment should help you determine the level of treatment that works for your goals and lifestyle.
Thank you for your question! A past history of blood clots does not automatically disqualify you from candidacy for surgery. Depending on your medical history, surgery can still be safely performed with proper medical clearance and preventative pre/post-operative measures.
Thank you for your question! If you are in good health, 58 is a great age for a breast reduction, breast lift, and tummy tuck procedure. Your specific candidacy for surgery can be determined with an in person consultation and examination with a board certified plastic surgeon.
There are multiple reasons for wanting to be closer to your ideal weight. First and foremost is your safety. Being overweight can contribute to poor healing and surgical complications. When it comes to the tummy tuck procedure, excess weight can keep you from achieving the desired outcome. In addition, when you do lose the weight after a tummy tuck, your skin can again begin to sag, resulting in the need for additional procedures. I would recommend continuing on your weight loss journey and waiting until you are closer to your ideal body weight.
