So I first went to Mia Aesthetics in Miami for a bbl years ago so I wanted to use them again since they have an Atlanta office now. Dr. Gray had great work on his page so I decided to go with him. Virtual consult was quick and easy. I just emailed my photos and they emailed me I was approved to move forward. I paid my deposit in April. The annoying part of the process was the lab work getting to the right person. The concierge was very communicative and stayed checking on me, but they kept saying they never got my paperwork although my doc said they faxed it. So it was a lot of back and forth calls and I ended up having to get the papers from my doc and create pdf files with them and send over. I almost wanted to cancel. But we got through it. They communicated a lot so I appreciate that. They will make sure you have everything you need. I added the surgical bra to my package for like $50. Soooo my date is July 29. I’m literally 7 days from surgery. I’m nervous and excited. Everyone is saying you won’t feel much pain. Just a heaviness so we will say. All of my post op appointments are already scheduled and my pre op is set for 10am July 28 Updated on 29 Jul 2022: Did my pre op yesterday, 7/28. So I came in and filled out tons of papers. Tons. They make you read over all the risks and statistics and etc so definitely read everything to be sure you understand what you’re doing. After that I went to meet with the nurse and she asked me questions about medical history. She took some before photos of me and had me try on surgery bras since I was buying mine from them. She sent my prescriptions to my pharmacy and explained everything for surgery and how to prep morning of. I was hoping I got to meet with the doctor, but she said they like to meet right before surgery to have a fresh image their mind so I understood. She gave w me a special soap to use also. I forgot to take pics before surgery y’all so here are recent photos in clothes. I was a 36c. I’ve had one kid so I felt they weren’t really as full as I would like or how they looked when I had my baby and they were full of milk. They let me know procedure would be 1.5 to 2 hours and I would be in recovery for 1 hour after. Once I finished, I paid my balance. They told me they would call me between 5-7pm to give surgery time. I felt that was kinda late but they said they check the schedules near end of day. They called me around 4 to tell me Dr. Gray had a family emergency and wasn’t going to be able to do my surgery so they switched me to Dr. Prendergast. I’ve seen her work and she does a great job ladies and she’s a black female doctor so I was actually happier about that. They did call later shortly after 5 to let me know surgery would be at 10am. No eating or drinking 8 hours before surgery. Updated on 30 Jul 2022: Alright so surgery went well. They moved so quick. Appointment was at 10am and I was back on the table by like 10:30am. They did my labs and had me pick out my boob size. I picked the biggest in the box. 400cc. But I realized my left boob was bigger than the right so we did 350cc in left to even it out and 400cc in right. I got on the table and was knocked out. Woke up in recovery feeling very minimal pain. Just felt right and a bit sore like an intense chest day. I started breathing deeply and that helped. I took my pain meds as soon as I got home and that helped really feel nothing. It was smooth after surgery. I was walking around as they said to do. At night, I started feeling a bit more pain. I did lay propped up on lots of pillows. But trying to move, I couldn’t use my arms really so I had to improvise and use my head on my headboard lol. Today I’m feeling even better. A tad less pain. This was really not bad y’all. Will see how things look at 6 weeks since that’s when I should see full results. I’m loving how full its lookin up top. Givin the cleavage and projection I wanted. Updated on 27 Aug 2022: So I’m 4 weeks post op. Y’all this surgery was not bad at all. I was driving around on day 3 going to the store. I was cleaning up some like week 1. I was careful not to be too extra because I could feel the implant flex if I moved too much and heard it squish. The scars were so minimal I didn’t even take pics. Super small. Swelling has gone down some but I still am a nice size so I love it. They were very hard and stuff at first which was normal. They’ve softened up some now. I can raise my arms up. Have t started back working out yet but plan to start some cardio for week 5.
Pre-op today. Got my mammogram and will get my chest X-ray tomorrow. Dr said I should be down to a C-cup after surgery. DDD to C... Outstanding! Although my insurance has approved the BR in still worried about out of pocket cost. Still not stopping me from having this done, I'm tired of all the pain. Updated on 18 Jul 2014: Finished all my pre-op testing. Now the waiting begins. 12 days left . Updated on 19 Jul 2014: I'm so ready! Updated on 22 Jul 2014: My son woke up with a cold! Coughing, running nose, ect. Praying this mama doesn't get it . Surgery is next week. Updated on 26 Jul 2014: 3 days out! Updated on 27 Jul 2014: Yikes! this is really going to happen. 2 days until smaller tatas! Updated on 29 Jul 2014: I have to be at the hospital at 9am. I'll update when I can. Updated on 30 Jul 2014: Needless to say I didn't sleep all to well last night...nervousness. We will be leaving for the hospital in a hour. See y'all on the other side. Updated on 30 Jul 2014: I made it. 800+ grams removed from each breast. Very sleepy. I will update more later. Updated on 31 Jul 2014: BR went just as planned. Dr Gray removed 808 grams from both sides. Surgery took 4hours and then I went to recovery for an hour. My hubby was waiting on me in my room and said I will be very pleased with the results. I was not in much pain and didn't ask any meds until later that evening. Slept okay, its hard to sleep when nurses are continiously taking your vitials. This morning Dr. Gray removed the drains and I got a glimpse of the new girls. Wow! I've never had small girl. They are alittle square, but know that will change. I'm really impressed. I am finaly home and have little pain. Let the recovering begin! Updated on 31 Jul 2014: Here are my new girls! Updated on 31 Jul 2014: I was allowed to take a shower today! It was amazing. Not much pain and the incisions look good. It has only been 1 day since BR and I'm impressed on how well I feel and look. Updated on 1 Aug 2014: Today the bruising has really shown up and I'm snore under the arms. On a scale 1-10 pain is 2. All and all I feel great. Using ice packs for the swelling and still take a pain pill at night. Hope everyone is having a good weekend. Updated on 3 Aug 2014: So far so good. I'm able to take a shower and wash my hair. I tire out easily so I have to rest often. If got some nice bruising but pain is tolerable. Updated on 6 Aug 2014: post op appointment today was yesterday. Everything is healing properly and I feel good. Pathology results were clean. 807 grams removed from right breast and 884 grams removed from left. Still swelling where lipo was done but pain is subsiding. During the day I can take extra-strength Tylenol and feel fine. Some evenings I need the pain meds. Today, I'm feeling blah. Not sure why. Guess it's just one of those days. Updated on 8 Aug 2014: Feeling good. Bruising is going away and swelling is not too terrible. I'm tired of wearing a compression bra 24/7. I understand it is all part of the recovery but I'm ready to go braless ! Lol Updated on 10 Aug 2014: I have not done much today, but I'm hurting. I actually took a pain pill. I woke up last night sleeping on my side, guess that could be the reason I'm sore. Oh well guess we have good days and bad. Updated on 19 Aug 2014: Went to PS today and everything looks great! Healing was better than expected. I was sad to learn that PS is moving his practice to Mississippi. I wish him the best of luck and a big thanks for my new smaller girls! Updated on 28 Aug 2014: Feeling good. Swelling is going down everyday. I'm going to play tennis tomorrow for an hour. Easing back into it. Updated on 29 Aug 2014: Updated on 4 Sep 2014: Ready for new bras! Updated on 12 Sep 2014: Today I went to Belk and got measured. I'm still slightly swollen on the sides BUT a 38 C fit great! I'm so excited! DDD/E to a C in 6 weeks. Love my little "girls" Updated on 14 Sep 2014: http://baliintimates.com/bras/styles/?style=3484&color=LB Updated on 24 Oct 2014: Feel great! Slightly swollen at lipo site, but overall swelling is gone. Back to normal activity. Pre op bra size: 38 ddd New Bra: 36C
I never dreamed my tummy would have this shape again..still lots of swelling but going to look great I hope :) I had I c section 10 years ago..sorry I don't have my before pics from doctor yet but will post when I get them. It's been 2 weeks today and I still can't stand up straight but I'm free of all drains. Still wearing binder as tight as I can to keep down swelling. I'm finally able to sleep in my bed instead of recliner. I would recommend this procedure to anyone with tummy flab they can't get rid of. Be prepared to have someone to care for you, your house and your kids for at least 2-3 weeks. Updated on 15 Jul 2013: Swelling and burning feeling.. Everything I've read says that's normal from lipo so ready for this to be over. It has been a lot more pain than the breast reduction..I'm sure eventually I will be glad I did it but now I'm second guessing my decision on tummy tuck. Glue is off and scabs are coming off. Scar a little red and probably will be for awhile which doesn't bother me as much as swelling. Maybe in a few more weeks this will get better. Updated on 18 Aug 2013: Tummy healing very well ..I still catch myself not standing up straight ..been applying my scar cream twice a day and massaging the scar while applying ..still having a little swelling and still wear my binder or spanx occasionally. One thing that I have noticed is every time I eat my tummy gets a little bloated and tight..gotta find something that will help me have more regular bm's so I don't get so bloated..bought some size 14's in jeans which were lose so probably could've worn a 12...down 24 lbs total and feeling much better about myself. Updated on 25 Nov 2013: Still very happy with my decision to do this for myself..scars are still visible but doesn't bother me at all. Still can touch my stomach and not feel the touch ..that's a little odd but u guess normal. I would say my scaring would be A lot better if I used a scar cream or vitamin e oil Updated on 25 Nov 2013:
11 days since my surgery. Still lots of swelling and discomfort. Overall I feel happy with my results although I do feel like my doctor removed a little more breast tissue than I had wanted but I guess that's how it goes with insurance. That was also the reason I did the tummy tuck because of the fear of being flat chested with a fat flabby belly from a c-section. I was wearing some 40 DDD and some 40F. Buying bras and swimsuits was a nightmare and button up shirts..now I'm thinking a may be a 38C after swelling goes away. I had 3 drains removed and going to to have last one removed tomorrow and my belly button stitches. My breast look good from the front view (except the bruising)but look small from the side view. Any questions or suggestions welcome . Updated on 8 Jul 2013: no drains (woohoo) nurse said I'm healing well :) Updated on 15 Jul 2013: Still dealing with swelling but was able to sleep with my post op bra to see if it would help with the swelling up under my arms..I have the feeling that I have an extra boob under my arm because that's the area of lipo and there is still swelling issues. It did seem to help some. They feel hard like fake breast and I'm hoping that goes away..but overall happy with my decision Updated on 15 Jul 2013: This is the best the swelling has been since surgery as far as underarm Updated on 18 Jul 2013: After relaxing in the pool yesterday my tape started coming off so I decided to remove it last nite. The nurse was shocked that it wasn't already off at my last visit so I decided it was time..it was ready to come off of the area where the scars were located but I have a place on each boob where it was stuck to my good skin and wasn't ready to be removed (ouch) cleaned them with antibacterial soap and applied some neosporin ..ready to be healed Updated on 18 Aug 2013: Everything healing nicely..I have had a few stitches coming they the skin and I did what my doctor told me which was to clip it off close to the skin..they don't seem to be as sore as they have been for the last 2 weeks...can't say enough how happy I am that I made this decision and did this for myself :) Updated on 21 Aug 2013: Updated on 13 Feb 2014: I finally received my before pic today from my doctor and although it is disgusting I wanted to share to show everyone the major difference Updated on 18 Feb 2016: June will mark my 3 year anniversary of my surgery. Wouldn't change anything.
I started on this journey when my doctor told me, that I would need surgery to remove some large fibroids. I decided to have a hysterectomy, tummy tuck, and breast reduction all in the same procedure. I wanted to get everything fixed a once. Initially I was really nervous, but that to all the feedback on here, and from other doctors, I feel pretty good about the decision. I have all supplies, merderma, scar away, compression garment, etc. and I have all my pain meds and injections. Today was the day for surgery, but it has been cancelled due to death in the family. I hope to get it rescheduled for next week. I have been very anxious leading up to this point, so I was bummed about not having the surgery today. Updated on 19 Dec 2012: My surgery is schedule for this Friday. I am so nervous and excited at the same time. They are going to do the TT this Friday and the BR in January. I am very upset about this, but I have to go forward or lose the money for tax purposes. I will post pics first chance that I get. Updated on 24 Dec 2012: I am 3 days post op. Second was really uncomfortable. But I am on serious regimen with my meds niw. New pics will be up shortly. Updated on 30 Dec 2012: All I remember is waking up without my huge stomach. The pain was minimal with the morphine pump. but once it was removed the Lortab every 4 hours was not working for me, so there was some pain and surprisingly alot of acid reflux. I was in the hospital from two days. I have lost 10lbs from eating fruit and soups. The lipo has been more painful on the sides, but I walk around quite a bit to keep to from being so sore and circulate the blood. Updated on 25 Jan 2013: My healing is going great. The incision s are clising nicely with some scars already fading. I wish I knew to buy the neospirin wigh pain relief. I think it is my #1product. I am 4 weeks post op on my TT and 2 weeks on my BR and my breasts look awesome. NEOSPIRIN! Better than any vitamin. I am now using scar gel sheets and kelo cote.
Hi, I am a divorced mother of two wonderful boys, 13 and 9 yrs old. While I am overweight, I have been truely blessed to be in good health. I have been on the weightloss rollercoaster only to get discouraged when the belly would look worst the more I lost. So I finally decided to see if I was a candidate for a TT even though I am 60 lbs overweight and learned I was. I was so excited but scared to death at the same time. I set my date and paid for it yesterday so no turning back now. I am scheduled for 7 February 2011. OMG!! This is really gonna happen. I just hope that the results are worth it and will encourage me to make them even better thru diet and exercise. I want to feel beautiful again. I go for my pre-op 18 Jan, so if I can get my nerve up, I will post before pics. Updated on 18 Jan 2011: Well I had my pre-op doctor's appt today. Got the lovely pics made and will hopefully get them to post here within the next couple of days. (Hope I have better luck with those than I have with my profile pic which is still not showing) Also got my prescriptions and "what to do" list. Only 3 more weeks. I am already planning on the next job, boob reduction and lift. But I hope this surgery gives me the encouragement I need to stick with exercise. At least after this, when I lose weight I should be able to see improvement in the belly area. Next up, doing my hospital pre-registration and blood work Friday. Updated on 28 Jan 2011: So I would like to celebrate with a few friends a week before surgery and wondered if having a drink or two will matter? I tried to call my doc but they had already closed for the day/weekend. Anybody out there that might can advise me? I don't plan to get drunk but would like to have a couple. Say goodbye to this old body. :) Updated on 8 Feb 2011: Well my day, 7 Feb, has come and gone. I am getting around ok. Lots of pain but I guess that is normal. I have my med beside me so as to keep on schedule. I think however that the pain a feel is mostly from the drains, which btw are gross. So I hope all of this will be worth the final results. I am kinda afraid to take off the binder and compression hose. Afraid I cant get them back on since my bending over just isnt going to work at this point. Also, I have no appetite. Not sure what to do about that. I know I need to eat but just the thought of eating and then having to use the bathroom, scare me to death. Its hard enought peeing much less anything else. Updated on 9 Feb 2011: So this is day 3 after the TT. I have not taken off the binder or the compression hose. I know I couldnt get the hose back on if my life depended on and dont really have anyone to help me with doing that at the moment. But one thing about this binder, it has gauze pads and form between it and my body. Not sure if any else has had it this way. I guess my question is, I would like to take out all that bulk and just put a shirt or pillowcase between me and the binder. Anyone else dealt with this? Updated on 12 Feb 2011: I have posted one pic. I still cant get my profile pic to load and have not received my pre-op pics from my PS but trust me when I save there is definitely improvement. I go for my first post-op appt Tues, 15 Feb. So I hope to get the pre-op pics as well as more post-op pics to post. The journey to this day has not been so bad. I was able to handle the drains and even keep up with my meds but still had my mom there in case I needed her. She has her own health issues but said she enjoyed having to worry over me instead of the other way around. I love her. My dad would even come home at lunch to give me my blood thinner injection since I was definitely incapable of doing that. So I know I am truely blessed to have some awesome parents. All in all I am most satisfied with the surgery and hope to only see improved results as time goes on. Updated on 13 Feb 2011: Question to put out there.... I want to take the binder off for a few just to bath and let it breath. But I feel so weird, almost nauseated without it on. I think it acts as a comfort/security blanket. I know my insides are not gonna fall out but you know.... But just for a few minutes I would like to sit with nothing on. Nothing to adjust. Ah..... Updated on 17 Feb 2011: Well 11 days post op and still have 1 drain. Was hoping to get it out today but still too much draining for that. I am feeling more comfortable but have become very susceptible to mood swings. I have had an emotional breakdown like every day this week. I know or rather hope I am still swollen and this is not the final results but I still see improvements but I am just having a hard time. Anyone else been here?.....
I have been wanting a tummy tuck for years. I had my first and only child 12 1/2 years ago. I lost 68 pounds two years after her birth and have been carrying this albatross of a belly around for 10 years or so. I am super emotional and had a difficult time writing this review as I am nervous, anxious, excited and terrified. My spouse is supportive of me even though he says he "loves me as I am". He doesn't want anything to happen to me during or after surgery. I have had to withhold my surgery plans from family and friends as I don't want to get negative feedback or to be talked out of it through scare tactics. It would just be difficult to live life with this feeling of wishing I had done this and not do it out of fear. I want to feel that my hard work of exercise and diet is not in vain and to feel good about myself. With all that said, I go to my Pre-op appointment on 7/20/10. This site has helped me devise a list of so many questions and the stories and tips have been immeasurable in my quest for the truth behind the surgery from beginning to end. I pray for all who've gone through and will go through and ask that you do the same for me. Updated on Jul 20, 2010: 7/20/10- Just returned from my pre-op appointment. My PS explained the procedure with me and went over risks and took pictures. I left out of there with a ton of prescriptions. Has anyone had to wear compression hose and give themselves shots to prevent blood clots? If so, Did the shots hurt? I was given prescriptions for the hose and blood thinners, also a nausea med, muscle relaxer and pain meds. I am really looking forward to the procedure at this point. I am scheduled for Friday, July 30th. Updated on Jul 29, 2010: I go in for my tt in less than 24 hours. So excited, nervous and anticipating the best. Please keep me in your prayers tomorrow at 7:30am realself fam. 1luv Updated on Jul 29, 2010: Uploaded new pre-op pics. Updated on Jul 31, 2010: 7/31/10 I made it through my tummy tuck. God is so good. When I came out of surgery, I had some pain but not excrutiating. It is an uncomfortable feeling like having done a ton of sit-ups and your muscles are contracting. I stayed in the hospital overnight, which was awesome because I had great nurses to help me throughout the first day and night. My husband was wonderful and stayed until late last night and my sister, wonderful sister, spent the night with me and came home with me today. The first few days, you do need support because your muscles are sore and you're bent over. Anyway the verdict is still out as to whether I feel it was worth it. My ps checked my wounds today. He said I will have a great result and commented that I am flat flat. He reported to me that my muscles were really lax, so he had to really pull them tight. I Will post pics when I feel more comfortable. I was actually afraid to see under my bandages. Maybe later. Updated on Aug 3, 2010: 8/3/10 The fourth day after my surgery. I have experienced minimal pain overall. The biggest obstacle I have faced thus far is trying to cough without feeling like I will bust my gut or stitches. Coughing is horribly painful unavoidable after the anesthesia. I also have to wear compression hose which are very difficult to get on. My poor husband and I struggle each morning to get them on. I finally had a bm on 8/2 which was great. I went without incident. I am still weighing whether it was worth it becaue I feel like I won't eve be comfortable without the binder and lose the heavy feeling in my abs. The drains haven't been as bad as I thought. They seem to be draining well and hopefully they will come on at my next appointment on 8/5. Any advice from this point forward would be great. Updated on Aug 11, 2010: I went to my 2nd post op appointment on 8/10/10. My ps removed my last drain (woo hoo). He also removed the stitches from my navel. My ps was quite impressed with his work. I will say there is a difference from the initial sagging gut that I had to a more flat tummy. However, I am concerned about the roundedness/puffiness at my hips, particularly the right side. Of course my ps continues to dismiss it as swelling or tells me to give it more time. I am going to try and see what happens. However, I will be relentless in my attempts to ensure that I am totally pleased. He told me to get some spanx and wear the binder. However, it appears that it would be better for me to go to a second stage compression garment. Please provide any feedback as to what would be a good garment to purchase and where at this stage (2-8 weeks). I feel really good physically. I am moving around very well and actually trying some light exercises/strength training without using my abs. I am totally off pain meds but do take vitamin C and bromelain. My ps advised me to begin massaging my scar with cocoa butter or maderma. I am using cocoa butter, maderma and vitamin E gel capsules. Hopefully, that combo will help with a better scar appearance and healing. At this point, I am continuing to heal and pray for a full return to my previous activities. I play tennis and hope to be able to do that by the spring of next year. God has really been good to me and I have been blessed by this website and the stories and words of encouragement and advice. I have attached pics as of 12 days post op. The scar is still very prominent and the belly button's still a little bruised. Updated on Aug 21, 2010: Uploaded 3 week post op photos. I am feeling better. I continue to heal daily. My scar is healing well. I will post pics of it in another week or so. Hopefully it will be better by then. Updated on 14 Feb 2011: Updated on 15 Feb 2011: I am six months out (see new pics). I feel great. I continue to experience swelling at the end of the day or when I have overindulged. I am very happy I made the decision to have a tt. I initially felt nervous, guilty and scared. I am now elated and happy I made the decision. My husband is happy for me as well. God has been very kind to me and I am thankful. Continue to be blessed real self family. 1love.
Absolutely worth it.I had a panneculectomy with a flur de le (which is the removal of that tire from around the mid section. So I now have a perfectly contoured torso.) After losing 250lbs and it was covered by my insurance completely. I have gained some weight now since the surgery over a year ago due to a appetite increaser in my medicine I didn't know about. But, now its coming back off and it never looked better. you'll gain weight in other places besides where the surgery has been at. I found. My muscles where tightened also to give me that 6 pack and it looks good. I would recommend a tummy tuck to any one.
I went in for my procedure everything was okay. The front staff is unprofessional. The nurses are very professional. Aftercare is pretty much non existent. My stomach still looks the same. If you are looking for a company that actually cares about their patients, continue looking. Post op after care is conflicting. Very regretful!
Dr Gray...lets just say, DONT use him!!! RED FLAG - I posted 2 reviews on his google and I now I can not see any reviews people have left or leave another review if I wanted to AND I am blocked from his ATL fb group. It is so sad when people post a bad review of their experience on line and then you are blocked and silenced from others. He did my MMO. My breast are ok, could have used a lift. He did say that he couldn't guarantee if they would sag down the road and if so, when. You don't wear sizer bras, you have to hold the implant to your chest, which I thought was super weird. I HATE my tummy tuck. He cut a straight line, hip to hip. He doesn't dip down to the public bone so my bathing suit/underwear doesn't hide it and I highly expressed my concerns when I met him, 30 min before my surgery. He also "lipo'd" me enough just to leave bruising. I have love handles and can grab a handful on each side. I have dog ears on both sides that is fatty from where he did not lipo. I would never go back to him, even if it were a free revision. There have been several women that have reached out to me in his ATL group that had issues as well but were too scared to say anything. When you wake up, the nurses basically rush you out. The communication...there is non. Gray bounces around from state to state. He doesn't stay at one place longer than two years. Makes me wonder what is really going on. Updated on 23 Dec 2022: I wanted to post recent pics. Dr Gray did NO lipo....enough just to bruise me. Scar, hip to hip??? I specificallt told him I did not want to be cut like that and I was scared to have "dog ears". I am going to have to get a revision. I would never allow him to touch me again. ATL MIA Aesthetics is a straight joke. All the way from the drs, to the front desk and then to the customer call center when you speak to other people in another country. The office is ghetto. They do not care about the Pts.