I am now 10 days out and can now see the light! Outpatient surgery went as smooth as possible. As an RN of 30+ years , I was aware of all the measures taken to prevent post op infections. MD always used antibacterial gel prior to examines. My surgeon required me to use Dial soap a week prior to surgery. I drank protein shakes 2 weeks before and shopped for necessary post op items. For me, I found the following helpful. Raised toilet seat (Amazon), diet ginger ale, easy to get out of recliner( slept there for 8 days), neck pillow,boiled eggs( threw yellow out b/c causes gas), charmin flushable bottom wipes, ear plugs/night eye mask( shut out family noises), incentive spirometer (from MD and a must every hour while awake for 2weeks-kept my lungs open and clear),clip board to keep up with last time medication /drain amount.(took to Doctor post op visits, a cane, Wisps from Colgate ( disposable tooth brush). If you are going to do this surgery, research your MD well and follow his/her directions. This is major surgery. Today is the first day I have not needed Percocet and only using extra strength Tylenol. I wear a tshirt between me and my corset . My poor hubby is SO excited about my new body but no hanky panky for a bit more time.???? I will do update pics later when swelling subsides. I appreciate all the people who have shared their experiences on this site. Updated on 2 Dec 2015: I am moving around better. I can do light housekeeping. If I sit in place to long (in the evenings)and get up , I have searing pain on each side of my abdomen. I think I have swelling causing tension internally. Tomorrow,I meet with surgeon. My questions are... When can I get in the tub? ( Really miss that), when can I moisturize my incision., and lastly when can I lose this compression garment. I don't get why we wear it with a TT but not with C-Sections...Today I am able to wear one of my nicer bras. I was so swollen from lipo on "back fat", I could not take a supporting bra. I am eating super healthy, which is new for me ????. Sent out my Christmas Cards, made a travel book on snapfish and cleaning out drawers. I miss work but I know I can't make it 12 hours in NICU. I really enjoy reading other's journeys. Updated on 5 Dec 2015: Saw MD . No to baths/pool til next appt in2 weeks. Yes to moisturizing the scar area. I love coconut oil gently massaged in. It really creeps me out to feel a stitch still there(dissolvable). I am using hydrogen peroxide and Betadine in my new belly button. He did not want me to use any ointments like Neosporin. He wants it to dry and heal. I asked about a heating pad to hips and abdomen.. No. I may not feel the heat and could damage the skin. Today I shopped with hubs and walked a lot and was exhausted. I really have to build my stamina. I go back to 12 hour night in 1 1/2 weeks. Still stuck on my back at night. It pulls to much on my side. I really see noticeable important in less pain and better mobility. My stomach from the aerial view is pretty. One more week of that darn corset. I will burn it! PS... Hanky panky resumes... Crossover position( just sayin') ???? Updated on 11 Dec 2015: Not having any pain anymore but had a setback. I remember when I started this process and I was reading the reviews and I always avoided any of them that had complications because I didn't want to think about it. Last week, I had a pin hole opening in my incision line just above my pubic area and it was draining clear yellow fluid. I have been a good girl and were my binder pretty much around-the-clock. I've been back to the surgeon and he said that was normal to keep the area clean and covered and watch for fever or redness. I got really depressed about it and actually cried. I am couple days later still draining. I'm a half glass full kind of person , so this was not normal for me. it My bellybutton is healing nicely and my stomach looks beautiful. This has delayed me going back to work so trying to make the best of it. Looking for better days ahead. Updated on 23 Dec 2015: Everything is going along well. I get to go back to work next week.I was able to walk for miles yesterday. I still have some swelling in the pubic area. And because of the hernia repairs a little pulling on each side of my abdomen. The leaking from the incision has gone away and my bellybutton is healing up nicely. I go back to see the plastic surgeon in mid January for a check up and I am now finally happy that I did this procedure. Later in January I'll take the after pictures. The site has been so helpful to me and I appreciate everybody sharing. Updated on 27 Jul 2016: I am still thrilled with my new body... I have a flat tight stomach! My pants are 2 sizes down. I am so glad I went thru it and my husband LOVES the changes .
I spent several years considering the procedure and have been to my share of consultations. Dr. Lowe gave me a sense of confidence and I felt he knew exactly what I wanted. I am 3 Months P.O. and I LOVE my results, I could not be happier. I wasn't hung up on CCs and really didn't know any better or care what CC I received, I found a woman with similar stats as myself and saw what results she had and wanted my results to mimic hers. I shared my wish picture with Dr. Lowe and he gave me exactly what I wanted. My implants are where I wanted them to be, they are soft, they aren't too big and they aren't too small - they are just right. I'm back to all my regular routines and working out. I was a 34B (Victoria Secret) post op and right now I am in 34DD (Victoria Secret) - sounds huge, but it's not. It's perfect - I feel like I look proportionate and am very satisfied with my results. I love them more and more every day. I highly recommend Dr. Lowe and his office. Everyone was amazing from consultation day, post-op, surgery day, and all of my pre-op appointments. I'm due back for a check up in a year and can't wait to see my before and after photos side by side.
I had consulted with Dr. Lowe after losing 98 lbs in 9 months due to weight loss surgery. Dr. Lowe did not pressure me or rush me into surgery. In fact, he told me I should wait several months to maintain my weight before having the mommy makeover. He transformed my body like I never expected. I love him!
I am close to 5'7 and weigh 123 lbs. I love to excel isle and am fairly active and can attest that pregnancy ripped my muscles apart. There was a 3 inch valley going down the center of my stomach when I would lay down and 4 rolls where my tired belly button was. At 123 pounds diet and exercise was not going to repair the damage. So I had 2 consultations with Dr. Lowe in Annapolis and knew he was the doctor for me. Building up to the day, it was more nerve racking to get all my ducks in a row with three small kids. My husband took me in and everything went fine. I did get really nervous when I walked into the or; I layer down started to say a prayer and the next thing I knew, I was waking up 3-4 hours later with a nurse by my side! Very twilight zone. On a side note, I found labor and post labor more difficult and painful. There was discomfort and hard to shuffle around but not painful. My stomach was so numb and I took 2 oxycodone every 5 hours. I was really scared to feel pain. Something's that made it easier: all the kids were farmed out and my mom was with us. I slept in my own bed with 8 pillows layer out at my head and behind my knees; I was pretty much sleeping sitting up. Getting in and out of bed was tough as it is being 9 months preggers. I packed a cooler by my bed with Gatorade, ginger ale, trail mix. I started taking stool softer right away; I was soooo constipated from narcotics and I had the shakes. I stayed in my bed, no kids etc. for 3 days. I highly recommend this. One thing that did strike me was terrible nausea and whatever it was they give you (ugh suppositories) did work. I had help lined up for 2 weeks and really took it easy. I'm 2 weeks out and went to dinner with friends last night. I cannot lift my 2 year old which has been tough. And I was off the pain mess in 4 days; I actually forgot to take it and it never really hurt. I a done drain in for 6 days and went an entire week without a shower. I was really freaked out the first time I took a shower. But it went fine. Updated on 18 Mar 2014: Updated on 24 Mar 2014: Ok, I'm definitely moving around better. Not a huge fan of my belly button but it's still so early. It just seems so tiny! Also, when I wake up, I love how everything looks and it's healing up nicely but at the end of the day, I'm swelled up and a little bruised. I am tiring easy too. But the scar looks great and my tummy is flat. I wonder how long it take the belly button to look good?? I love my compression garment and hate to be without.
I have just started the process of meeting with PS to find the right one for me. I am certain that this is what i want to do the only thing i am struggling with is picking a date to do it, as I have just started a new job about a month ago, so i do not want to take off time so soon after starting esp since i delayed starting for a trip to Europe (which was totally worth it!). If anyone has advice on that I'd love to hear. I have been to one consultation so far and at first i wanted to dive right in and schedule it but my mom convinced me to research more and meet with other PS so i am doing that. The only thing i didnt like about the first PS i met with was that it seems like he is extremely busy so the experience may not be very personable which concerns me a little bit because it is my face and it seemed like he just wanted to give me a generic nose not one fit for my face. So i have my second consult next Friday and i am really excited about it! Updated on 3 Sep 2013: What are some questions to ask when going through the consultation steps? I want to get my nose fixed not only for cosmetic reasons but also because i have trouble breathing easily through my nose. I want to make sure I am prepared for my appoint this Friday. Anyone have any input? Updated on 24 Apr 2014: Had my pre-op appointment yesterday and am officially booked for May 7!!Once i saw the computer generated pictures i got a little more nervous than i have been, but all in all i am comfortable with my surgeon and think it is going to go really well! My consultation was two weeks ago and the time between then and now have flown by so i think these next two weeks are going to fly by as well and i cannot wait! Does any one have advice for preparing for surgery!? Updated on 5 May 2014: Only two days until my surgery!!! I'm nervous and excited at the same time, i have been putting vitamin K cream on my face every night, i wish i would have had more pineapple juice this week though. I am finally getting nervous and want to make sure i have all the supplies, my mom has been super helpful and is preparing everything for me post-op. Updated on 7 May 2014: It's 8 am I have surgery this afternoon at 2 !!!! I'm part nervous and part excited!! I have this weird feeling that I'm going to come out of surgery and stil have a big /ugly nose but I know it's just my gitters getting to me! My mom has been so so amazing helping me prepare for everything -- we have ample groceries of foods that will be easy to chew, pineapple, yogurt ect. These next 5 hours better go by fast !!!! Being without coffee in the morning is the worst! Yay!! Surgery day! Updated on 8 May 2014: It has officially been 24 since my surgery- the first 10 hours afterward were definitely the worst for me. Prior to surgery i had read a bunch of others' blogs and most say their first day was a breeze but it was awful for me. I woke up from surgery coughing and crying and spitting up blood that was dripping down from my nose (gross i know) and then by the time i got home i was in so much pain i felt like i could feel every single ache in my face my mom made me some eggs that i could barely eat and then i took my meds but i couldnt sleep all night so my mom stayed up with me and nursed me but mostly i am just so uncomfortable from the packing in my nose. It makes it so hard to drink, talk, sleep ect. Today (day 2) is SOOO much better my whole face is swollen and my eyes are bruised and blackened; i mostly hope i can sleep tonight and CANNOT wait to get this packing out tomorrow!! XO Updated on 8 May 2014: Here are some pictures !! Looking scary right now but i know it will start looking better and better soon!! Updated on 9 May 2014: My packing is out, thank god!!! My nose already looks smaller to me (the tip) and I was really happy about that. Today I have been extremely tired but so happy I can kinda breathe through my nose! Thank you for the positive messages/comments really makes me happy to see them when I log onto my email!!! I did a lot of errands today with my mom then got cranky and when we got home I feel asleep on the couch. Can't wait for tomorrow since every day is getting better and better! My bruises are getting darker which is a healing sign, I've read. I'll put up more pictures tomorrow!! Updated on 10 May 2014: Today is Saturday, about 3 days post op since i got my surgery done in the evening on Wednesday. I am mostly super tired and my throat hurts really bad from sleeping with my mouth open. Even though i got my packing taken out yesterday it is still hard to breathe through my nose! My face is also extremely swollen i look like i have a fat face but my Dr said that should start going down more in a few days. My bruises really arent bad they have stayed directly under my eyes which is kinda odd but whatever lol, hopefully they just fade and dont spread down my face. Not much else to report! I will attach a photo of the before and after of getting my packing out- i think it looks ways different/better/smaller! EEK! Updated on 12 May 2014: Today is going alright, most of the pain in my face is gone just the bridge of my nose starts hurting randomly and i am still having trouble sleeping because my throat is so sore and swollen. I actually thought i had strep because it hurts so bad just to drink water. So i freaked out naturally and my mom took me to the minute clinic last night (since it was Sunday) and I tested negative, luckily, which put my mind at ease, but i'm still in pain! My bruises are fading fast which surprised me but i love it! and the swelling has moved down my face around my chin and jaw area, but my bruises have stayed right under my eyes the whole time which is nice too. I get my cast off tomorrow and i CANT wait, but im surprised it comes off so soon since i feel like my nose definitely isnt healed completely, but what do i know! lol I'll update more later!! YAY, the worst is over! Updated on 14 May 2014: I got my cast taken off yesterday, which was pretty painful because i am still really sore. Right now i feel like it looks really big still but i know that there is a ton of swelling and it will look better with time. I posted pictures, i have makeup on that covers the bruising. Today is my last day off of work so i am just trying to rest and hope more swelling goes down. Updated on 24 May 2014: It's been a full two weeks since my surgery!!! Everything is going well I think. It's so weird how the swelling plays such a big factor. Now that I'm not as swollen I am not as worried about how fast everything else refines it's self. I think it slowly gets better and better and I'm happy with that!!! No one has been able to noticed anything different about my nose/or hasn't said anything to me about it if they have ha. I will post pictures in a day or so, so everyone can see the progress! When I first got my splint off I was so worried that it was ugly and maybe I shouldn't have gotten it done (because I thought it still looked huge) but a week later and I feel way happier about everything and I think it is going to be really beautiful soon! Lol yay! Updated on 28 May 2014: I am 3 weeks post op as of yesterday! I had a follow with with my PS and he said it looks excellent but not perfect and in about 6 months or so it will look perfect. EEK so happy with my results as of now i can't even imagine how good it is going to look in a couple months! YAY Updated on 5 Jun 2014: Its been a full month!! I can't believe it actually feels like it has been longer than a month since i had surgery! The nose is coming along great-- every week i can see it refining more and more. I am still swollen on the bridge of my nose- it looks like there is still a bump there but it is really just swollen so it should go down and be smoothed out eventually. My tip is also still swollen. the left side of it is so numb i can't even feel col/hot sensation on that half of it. But i think it will just keep looking better and im really happy about that!! :) Updated on 10 Jun 2014: I just wanted to add a little note here that although going through such traumatic surgery is extremely hard and difficult on your entire body-- i am very glad i did it and even though it has only been a little over a month for me it feels like so long ago when i had the woes of post surgery extreme pain and whatnot. I am really happy i went through it and even though before and during it feel like healing will take forever it really goes by fast! XO Updated on 4 May 2015: Its been a full year since my surgery and my nose is not exactly what we had pictured the tip is bigger on the bottom left and there is a bump on the right side. In two days i am having my surgeon fix it, he said this time should be a lot easier. Hopefully he doesn't have to re-break it but he might have to. For whatever reason, i am more nervous this time than i was last time.
I have to admit, I was a little hesitant on the idea of Coolsculpting. I am so happy now that I went through with it! It was uncomfortable, I saw Marie who is the nurse in the office that does the actual treatments. She also has treated herself and warned me of the discomfort during the initial treatment as well as the massage. She stayed with me and everything she explained was to the T, as what happened. I did get the cramping after she massaged me (like she warned) she told me to get on the floor and cradle my stomach and it would pass in 9-10 min. I felt pretty stupid, but she was so right at exactly 9 min, it went away, besides a bruise feeling I have no pain. I did not start to see my results until 2 months, I know some people said they saw a change within 4 weeks. I started noticing a change in my clothes, then when I saw my pre & post pix, I could not believe it! I am amazed! I have scheduled my second treatment and now considering treating my flanks!! I had consulted with a doctor in the Severna Park area, a doctor never even spoke with me I was a little uncomfortable with this treatment being done not by a doctor, however Marie was great she was a nurse not just a "technician" like the other facility. I would defiantly go back to Plastic Surgery Specialists for any other cosmetic needs!
I have two children and had gained alot of weight after both children. I have now lost 120 pounds on my own through eating well and exercise and am ready for a new body. Getting a tummy tuck, breast lift with implant, and brachioplasty. Trying to lose 25 pounds before my surgery, kicking it in high gear.
Hi! I'm a 32 year old mommy of a 7 year old and a 21 month old. My sugery is less than 2 weeks away!! I spent 2011 losing about 55 pounds that I had been hanging onto since the birth of my oldest. I now weigh about 125 pounds (5'4") and this is the skinniest I've been in my adult life. Looking at my naked pics though, I would never believe that. My stomach has always been my problem area...I've never worn a bikini. I've also gone down about 4 cup sizes but have very heavy, sagging breasts. Insurance has approved a reduction with 400 grams removed from each breast but I've opted to pay for the procedure up front so that I don't come out too small. The PS will make me about a c-cup. If that happens to remove 400, then they will bill it to insurance. I've found this site so helpful, reading other people's experiences, viewing their before/after pics. I'm so excited and nervous at the same time. My husband plans to be home with me for a week but I know I won't be ale to hold my little one for awhile and that is what's upsetting me the most right now. I plan to keep this updated as I progress...wish me luck!!Updated on 5 Jan 2012:Before pics added.Updated on 9 Jan 2012:This time next week I should be coming out of surgery! I'm getting really anxious and trying to prepare my house,etc. for my recovery. Of course, my husband is traveling for work this week and my son has Roseola. I'm so paranoid about getting sick myself before the surgery. I took him tone doc today and then slathered us both in Purell. I have all of my prescriptions ready and this weekend we are picking up a recliner (the kind that helps stand you up) from my hubby's grandmother. The countdown is on!!!Updated on 13 Jan 2012:So...I'm 3 days from my surgery date and it's been quite a week at my house. We'd been dealing with ear infections with my kids and I got a cold sore on the roof of my mouth that makes my glands swell, sore throat, etc. My doctor gave me a script for valtrex. Then, my daughter came home from school Thursday crying about her throat, stomach and fever. I was waiting for my husband to return home from a business trip to take her to the doctor. When he walked in he obviously had pinkeye. Ugh!! They went to the doctor and Gracie was positive for strep. The doctor also sent them home with a zpack for me, just in case. I'm a wreck over all of this. I so don't want surgery to be canceled. I called my PS office and they said the anesthesiologist will determine on Monday morning if I'm okay for surgery. I started the zpack last night, disinfected my entire house today, and keeping us quarantined until I take the kids to my sister's on Sunday. Ahhhh!!!!!!Updated on 18 Jan 2012:Ok, let me try this again. I started typing up an update last night but dozed off and lost it all. I guess I'm now post-op day 2. I arrived Monday morning for surgery, met with the nurses, anesthesia, and the doctor did my markings. I think I went to sleep around 9 AM. They started with me on my stomach for Lipo of flanks, then turned me over for the reduction/lift and tummy tuck. Surgery took about 5 hours and I woke up in some good pain. They gave me some morphine but still needed to get my binder, etc on. I asked if they knew how much the dr removed from my breasts and she said only 38 grams from one and 44 from the other. That really freaked me out! I hadn't expected at all to meet the 400/each that insurance required but those numbers seem so low. Im afraid of still being too big, but they said I didn't have much density, just a lot of skin. Everything is so swollen now so I'll have to wait and see. I had my first dose of OxyContin and some crackers before leaving. Make sure you eat something with your meds! I forgot once and ended up with horrible nausea. I used the suppositories the dr had prescribed to help the nausea. The first evening home wasn't too terrible but once all of the meds from surgery wore off, the pain really kicked in. I didn't get the painpump, but he told me he did out some anesthetic inside before closing up. Tuesday was pretty rough. I had a post-op appointment with the surgeon at 2:30. I increased the oxy from 1 pill every 4 hours to 2 pills. At my appt, dr told me I could do that every 3 hours. That has helped some in staying on top of the pain. Also said I could include Tylenol. They removed all of the gauze and tape, then just applied new gauze without all of the tape. That was a relief. I mentioned that I had some knee pain that I thought was from sleeping with my leg twisted in the recliner. He told me if the pain increased to call them...long story but I ended up at the ER that evening for a sonogram of my leg. The ER was a madhouse. We were there about 4 hours and luckily my husband tracked someone down to get the results from radiology so I didn't have to wait all night. Dr still wants me up every 2 hours for the first 2-3 days but I need to pee about that often anyway. Doing slightly better this morning. My kids came back home last night but my hubby is home all week. I have to remember that I'm not even 48 hours post-op yet. I got on the scale and was up about 4 pounds from my pre-surgery weight. My husband did take a pic when my bandages were off yesterday. Il try to get that downloaded later. Does anyone know if u can do that from an iPad or iPhone? Getting sleepy again. I'll have to retread this when I'm more awake to see what I left out.Updated on 19 Jan 2012:Post Op Day 3 - Just got the pictures from yesterday uploaded. I'm still a bit nervous about the size of my breasts but hoping that they will calm down when the swelling goes. My belly is also very swollen still. You can see it puffing up around my belly button. But no more stretch marks! I think in the end I'll be very happy with everything. My neighbor cam Dover today, who had a TT by Dr Lowe last year. I remember hers looking just like mine that first week and now it's flat as a pancake. I was thinking today that I'm so glad I didn't just let the insurance dictate my reduction. In that case I would have had to have 400 grams per breast removed. I think that would have left me with little to no breasts. You just don't know the density until you get in there. Something to think about. I had another not so great night. The evening was pretty good, walked into the kids rooms and kissed them goodnight. But then my stomach started rumbling and the gas pains kicked in big time. I was miserable by midnight and my husband went out to find Gas X. I felt like that made me belch a little but I really needed it to come out the other end. I also started taking Colace (Was only using Miralax until then). That's kind of continued thru today but I'm a bit more comfortable. I open the binder periodically to see if that will help move things along. The doctor's office said I could do an enema if I really get desparate. I'd been starting to feel a bit wonky from the pain meds and thought I could cut it back to 1 pill every 3 hours. I was wrong. Definitely not ready for that yet. Right now I'm trying 2 pills every 4 hours. Speaking of which, feels like nap time!Updated on 21 Jan 2012:Post Op Day 5 - The past 2 days have been an improvement. I've been able to straighten up a lot and stopped taking the Oxycodone on Wednesday night. I felt like it was starting to make me feel a bit crazy. I kept nodding off to sleep and having dreams about me getting hurt in frightening situations. Also, I wanted to get off of it because of the constipation issues. I've just been taking Tylenol since then. I ended up using a Dulcolax suppository 2 nights ago which was supposed to cause a bowel movement in 15 min to 1 hour. The next morning I still had nothing and the gas/bloating was so uncomfortable. I decided to use the Milk of Magnesia and that did produce some small loose bowel movements and I was able to pass some gas. Not very satisfying, but it was better. Still working on that. My mom came yesterday and was able to wash my hair. I kneeled on a chair and leaned forward over the kitchen sink. It was very nice to feel somewhat clean again. I also removed my garments so they could be washed. We took a picture and you can see my hips are still really swollen from the lipo, but I'm really happy with my shape so far. The breasts are still on the large side but it's crazy to not have them hanging down by my belly button. I slept for the most straight hours that I have since surgery last night. But I woke up drenched in sweat. I got up and changed my soaked clothes and fell back asleep for about 2 more hours. Soaked again. My body temp is also pretty low. I've been registering between 97-98 degrees. I looked up the night sweats and a lot of people reported having them and say it's the body healing. But I couldn't find any official medical explanation. My son woke up from a nap today when someone came to the door. He started crying and I could hear my husband was caught up with something so I wobbled in there. I tried to lay him back down but couldn't even manage to try to assist him back into a laying position. My hubby is going back to work Monday and my mom will be helping next week but not full time. I still think it'll be tough. My weight before surgery was about 124. Right after I was up to 130. Today I was down to 123 and hopefully more to come. My drains are still putting out about 40-80 cc's each in a 24 hour period. It's going down but still not where it needs to be to have them removed. Hoping it cooperates for my appointment on Monday afternoon.Updated on 27 Jan 2012:Just added Day 11 pics. I got my drains and tape removed on Monday (Day 7). I'm pretty tough when it comes to pain but that really made me sweat for some reason. I had to lay down because I was feeling a bit faint after they pulled the tape. The drains weren't as bad as a was anticipating but one was definitely worse than the other. It was a relief to have them gone though. Since then, I've had some minor oozing from the drain sites. I was putting gauze on them but it kept sticking and then I'd have to pull it off, opening the wound again. Yesterday, I started just putting a small band-aid over the spots and I think it's drying up better. I feel like I'm more swollen now than I was in the Day 4 pics. My pubic area is really swollen and it feels like my crotch is being yanked forward. Nice. I'm still slightly concerned about the breasts being too large. They are bruised and sore, and I'm hoping still very swollen. My PS said he made me look like the pic I brought into him so hopefully they calm down. I've been on my own during the day with my 22 month son for the past two days. He's been very cooperative and seems to understand that Mommy has a boo boo. I'm using the stepstool to get him into his crib at naptime. I feel like I'm starting to get antsy about my limitations. I'm anxious to feel normal again. Oh, this morning my weight was 119! Yay!! I'm sure my bout with diarrhea helped to get me there so I wouldn't be surprised if that's a low number but I haven't seen that since early high school.Updated on 17 Feb 2012:It's been a few weeks since my last update. I added 2 recent pics, including my first bikini ever! I've been improving little by little...it's just a process. I'm able to stand pretty straight now but ususally by the end of the day I'm feeling tight and hunched over a bit. The swelling in my pubic area is much better. Still some swelling in the abdominal area. I asked my PS if my breasts were still swollen when I last saw him. He said maybe 10% swollen...the right one seems larger to me and I don't know if it's just more swollen. I have some stitches popping through the incisions and a few tender spots on the incision under my breasts. Hoping it's not an abcessed stitch. I'm allowed to wear the compression garments just 12 hours/day now. I've gotten a lot more mobile lately. Until last week, I still hadn't taken my son out alone. I feel fine lifting him now. I'm still looking forward to the day when I don't feel this soreness anymore. I guess that can take months. All that said, I'm really happy with the decision to do the surgery. I feel like it's already boosted my confidence. I'm anxious to be able to work out and really try to get some definition in my mid section. Hope everyone is healing well!!
I'm 29 y/o no kids. I'm 5'2", Highest weight was 256 currently down to 151. Im not quite to goal, but am able to maintain my current weight. Absolutely cant wait to see my belly button again! Updated on 7 Jun 2011: 6-7-2011 Only 8 days to go! Had my Pre-OP apt w/my primary today. Not required but I went for my own peace of mind. Had a EKG/physical and everything looks great. Feeling a bit nervous about the pain, my PS only prescribed Demerol. But he says its all i need. I am having... TT (not sure about Muscles as he will decide when he gets in there) Lipo of Flanks, Waist, Inner/outer thighs, and knees. Originally I was only getting TT But figured what the hell get the icing on the cake =)) I will be sure to update photos, as all the other ladies here have helped me, Thank you! Updated on 10 Jun 2011: 4 DAYS TO GO! Trying to get everything in order.. Im starting to understand other that feel like they are "nesting". I am starting to feel a little guilty about all the $$$ being spent on this, but Im sure once I see my final result I will feel better about it. I have decided NOT to get lipo of my outer thighs, after reviewing others pics I have decided I will keep my more shapely outter thighs. I am very lucky.. My BF of 9 years has been very supportive. He has been with me throughout all the ups and downs of my 105 lb weight loss. I know he loves me just the way I am, but understands I want to feel good in my own skin. My first week of recovery I will be staying w my mom, my BF isnt good w blood and wounds. So I don't want to traumatize him lol. My mom is also amazing and is even paying for half of my surgery. Updated on 11 Jun 2011: Am I normal? Today I stood in front of the mirror and just cried, sobbing a uncontrollable cant breath cry. Getting rid of this stomach has been a desire of mine for 10 years. I have gained and lost 100 pounds twice,up down up down up down. a vicious cycle. This time I WILL NOT be gaining it back. I cried thinking of the freedom from constantly pulling up my pants,tucking it in, worrying if ppl could see it, and trying to find loose shirts. OMG I'm going to be able to wear low rise jeans! I really wonder what I'm going to think about with all the free time that's going to be in head?!?! I feel like in just a few days I'm going to be free!!!! Ive worked so hard! I run 3 miles a day and i wont be thinking about my bouncing stomach. Plus the fact that I will actually be taking my shirt off in the bedroom w my loving man of 9 years! i cant wait to lay in the bed w him and allow him to touch my tummy, currently a "no go zone" lol. I bet many tears of joy and relief will be in my near future. A new more confidant woman is right around the corner, what a relief! Updated on 14 Jun 2011: 12 hours away. I am Absolutely freaking out!!!!! Updated on 22 Jun 2011: Hey ladies! Im 7 days PO and finally posting I've been at my moms where the Internet is so slow. I am posting now from my iPhone so forgive me if it's a mess. The day of I was scared as hell. The first 24 hours PO were pure hell as well(mainly from nausea/throwing up).but every day it gets better. Yay! Hopefully my drains will come out on Thursday as they are a pain. I'm feel pretty swollen but not sure how much of it is swell considering the pre OP shape of my tummy was wayyy different. I am very pleased w my results. And will be posting pics as soon as I get home. Updated on 23 Jun 2011: Day 9- Drains came out today! Not as bad as I worried it would be. The nurse was great and pulled both at once. A little burning but it only lasted about 10 seconds. Then after giving the drain holes a couple hours to close, I got to take my first shower in 9 days! It was the most amazing shower ever!!!! Updated on 25 Jun 2011: 11 days out today. Tried on pre op jeans and they are tight. Then against what Ive read and been told I weighed myself, and I'm actually down 8lbs! Woot! That made my day/week! Took a little walk on the boardwalk, sat on the beach. Updated on 26 Jun 2011: Today Im on day 12 & off meds YaY Tylenol only, so I was finally able to drive home from my moms. Sooo I took a pic and posted. Its evening so I'm swollen plus I ate mexican (it was worth it lol)so Im pretty swollen, but i am still in love with my result. I have lost over 100 pounds, and have even lost 8 pounds since 2 days post OP. 256lbs down to 145 I'm so damn happy! I haven't weighed this little since Middle school! I cant wait to get back to the gym, and back to my running, and Stairmaster. I know without that belly in the way nothing can stop me! Hope all my June 15th Surgery sisters are doing as well as I am! Updated on 28 Jun 2011: Today is the first day I've had a appetite, I feel like I could eat a horse! Good thing I feel full after about 1/4 of what I used to be able to scarf down, Definite BONUS! Updated on 28 Jun 2011: So I took my garment off for a shower and my scar is looking lifted and majorly puckered. I have tons of stretchmarks but i knew they would stay going in.Im feeling a little worried. will the puckering go down even with the stretchmarks? Im hoping this is just a stage of healing. feeling booooooo. Updated on 29 Jun 2011: It's Official, I've lost my mind! Today I went to my weight watchers meeting and then my 2 week checkup today and everything looks good. My PS promises my scar will be beautiful in a year. I dont know if im going through some after surgery stage today but I'm feeling nuts! I have had long beautiful hair (always between mid back to butt)for at least the last 15 years (Im 29). On my way home I heard a radio station talking about Locks Of Love (hair donating for children with cancer) and I decided to stop at my hair dresser to see if she had time for me. I knew she was going to be against it, so i went prepared with a lie. HAHA I get there and told her I lost a bet and HAD to cut my hair. VERY Unhappily she tied my hair and cut off 13 inches dry!!! Other women in the place were gasping (LOL!)Then she washed and cut off a few more for style. I left the place shaking in disbelief! I can not believe I did this, it was probably a pound of hair.Its for a great cause though. I'm feeling a little empowered. Any one else done something crazy after surgery?!?! Updated on 9 Jul 2011: Thanks Ladies! Yay! Day 24 today. Im feeling good and upped my walking to 1 mile today. I only have 8 more days off before go back to work, and I'm really not feeling it. Oh well,gotta pay those bills. 3 days ago I started massaging my scar and applying a cocoa/vitamin E butter.My PS says its more about the scar massaging not the product itself. My week 4 appointment is in just 4 days and I hope I get the go ahead for the gym. I miss my gym so much! Its crazy how the change to my tummy has elongated my frame. Since my TT I really want to work on my arms. Hopefully I can tone my arms and they will tighten up on their own! Glad to see all you other ladies are doing well TTYS! Updated on 11 Jul 2011: Word to the wise... If you get a TT or Lipo and are in need of a compression garment consider getting it done in cooler months! Its 96 degrees + humidity today and the heat is terrible! I will probably have the highest electric bill ever this month, but thank goodness for Air conditioning! Hope everyone is staying cool =D Updated on 13 Jul 2011: I'm at day 28 and really feeling great. I was just thinking about everything and how reading about others experiences has really helped me have a awesome recovery.So here's my pay if forward, hope it helps some of you out there! WHAT DO I HOPE EVERYONE KNOWS BEFORE THEIR TUMMY TUCK?????? ***** Copy and paste this link - its a WONDERFUL resource http://www.mercatorabdominoplasty.com/Psychology.aspx ***Stuff to have on hand*** Med's and Garment from Dr. Some kind of stool softener Arnica montana Gel Thermometer Whistle/Bell (help!) Non slip Slippers/socks Hand Mirror(So you can check yourself out)ha! Hair brush, Hair ties Baby wipes ( No showers for who knows how long!)9 days for me!!! Flashlight (New body+med+Need to potty+ DARKness = disaster) Large Soft Cold Compress (20 min on 40min off) NO Ice Lotion Unscented Maxi Pads (Good for oozing) Straws (for drinking laying down) Neck Pillow Wedge Pillow (i hated it, others love it) Extra soft sheets 3+ Blankets (for chills) Books, Magazines, Games, Movies *****1st week you WILL need help. The first few days are SO uncomfortable(pure hell) but remind yourself its only a few days for a lifetime of confidence! *****Leaving the hospital & post OP attire i wore a tube top bathing suit cover up (so comfy!) *****If pain scares you keep up with medication. I took a dose as prescribed every 4 hours for the first 5 days and recorded it on paper- without giving additional discomfort a chance to get me. If the meds aren't enough/not agreeing w/you do not hesitate to phone your PS(Plastic surgeon). *****There shall be swelling (unless your crazy lucky)! Be prepared, and not disappointed. I defiantly have mons pubis swelling in the evening causing a "ken doll" look, its just where my fluid likes to go, thanks gravity! Oh and it could last a while.=/ *****Take your stool softener!!!! ***** I had a terrible time relaxing enough to pee, and was freaking out cause I couldn't. My mom suggested I stand in the bathroom leaning forward against the counter & put a flexible cup between my legs. I thought she was silly but tried it... I found the position I could relax in and went that way probably the first 3 days!yes i went pee in a cup, lol! thank god I didnt have to get a catheter put in like some other ladies on here! *****Buy/collect every pillow from the house for your recovery room, it can take some serious trial and error to find what makes you comfortable, but when you do its a relief.*If you have a hyper pet be sure to keep a pillow on your tummy, they will surprise you!* *****be sure to have plastic sheeting or trash bags to line under your sheets, this will protect whatever couch/chair/bed you can get comfy in. Don't want to ruin anything w/body fluids. This is especially needed if you have lipo. *****Hunger may not exist the first few days. But you must eat to heal. Protein! Have a lot of food choices to find what agrees w/your tummy after anesthesia. The first 5 days I lived on ice water, watered down apple juice, egg salad (1 hard boiled egg w tiny mayo no seasoning), cheerios, and tortilla chips - In VERY small portions. *****Eating Pineapples/lemons really does seem to help w swelling for me... its worth a try! *****Drink tons of water, staying hydrated really helps healing, swelling and constipation. it also helps with the suggestion below this one. *****And my #1 suggestion is GET UP! my doctor made me get up every hour the first week PO(even in the middle of the night! I had to set a timer!). When i tried to cheat and wait 2 hours it was so hard to get up, thats the only time I would REALLY be hunched over. getting up taking a 30 steps looses you up, and for me was like pain management. Ive never had any of the back pain I read so much about on here. Im sure there are lots of other tips but these are the best from me!!! Updated on 16 Jul 2011: 1 Month 1 day PO today. I was feeling great but I have to go back to work tomorrow! 8 hours on my feet Im not looking forward to it. Resting up! Updated on 19 Jul 2011: So I have been back to work for 2 days now. No major pain- just tired. Walking 8 hours on a hard floor and no sitting is killer! Thank goodness today is my regular day off. Today I am doing NOTHING. Updated on 6 Aug 2011: well im now 7 weeks PO and feeling great despite some swelling. Ive been back to work for 3 weeks, and feeling almost back to normal. Im back to the gym, and even already jogging but just one mile at at a time right now. Running totally causes my stomach to tingle once I stop. Im also back to the interval training on the Stairmaster. Im not really doing any weight training yet it seems to cause major pain, so ill work myself slowly into it! Im so happy i did this it has totally changed my life! Hope all you ladies are doing well! Updated on 8 Aug 2011: Well today I was walking through the store i work in and noticed a box of hula hoops. I havent been able to hula hoop in years, my rolls made it impossible! I grabbed one of those hula hoops and i can do it!!! I hulaed for quite some time, till someone caught me and i felt silly. But I swear it was a wonderful day =D Updated on 14 Aug 2011: Hey ladies Things are getting back to normal! I am 8+ weeks and been back to the gym full impact for 2 weeks. Jogging a mile a day, and about 1 hour of additional cardio. I have been doing leg/butt exercises as well squats, lunges, deadlifts, leg press. Im not allowed to do AB's till 3 months Po like Grace. But I am feeling great! I have posted some pics that are A.M./P.M. to show swelling.I should have taken a side view as that really shows it! It can be annoying but even the swelling is better than what I had before. I love my new tummy, now I can actually see what I'm working with! It does make me notice other flaws, but I do my best to ignore the impulse to obsess over a new "part". I am inspired to exercise harder and eat as clean as possible. Anyone else getting a little annoyed with the extra attention? I never have had problems attracting the opposite sex, even at 256 pounds i had a pretty face and Generally Im a sweet person (sorry if that sounded conceded, but Im not!). But now the over the line comments have dramaticly increased since getting my new waist. Really where the hell do men get off thinking they can say whatever they want? Its disgusting the way some men act. The girls at work get a kick out of it, men literally tripping out the door looking at me. But I'm embarrassed. A man yesterday when I was leaving a coffee shop made some long mmm groan and when I said "dirt ball" he said "I'm Sorry you just got it exactly like it should be". For real who the hell are you!?! Who gave you permission to comment on my temple?! Its really starting to [RS bleep] me off. These have really been the only moments I regret having my surgery. Sorry for the rant But I'm sure you ladies can relate Updated on 15 Aug 2011: Went to Happy hour and really over did it. Way too much wine, lobster tails & sushi. Blown up like a BALLOON! Salt lovers beware. Updated on 9 Feb 2012: Wow its been almost 5 months since i have updated! Im feeling good. Still have tightness especially after sitting for a long time. Im back to my full workouts and doing well. I still swell mostly hormonal times. But I have a "shelf" above the incision line, and feel like i coulds pop! I started taking birth control shortly after surgery cause I dont want to mess this up yet! =) Ive gained about 15 pounds and i say its gotta be the birth control cause my eating and exercise is pretty good. I am bout to buckle down and loose it though! All in all im happy with my results.
More than three years after my implants, I still close my eyes rather than look at my chest. After five years of nursing I was in desperate need of a le rather than look at my chest. After five years of nursing I was in desperate need of a lift. After a consultation with Dr. Lowe he convinced me that a lift wouldn't do it that I needed to fill the skin that was empty. He had me bring photos of what I wanted. After the surgery I kept saying that both breasts were not the same and I was not happy with the shape, nor the look. He convinced me to just give it more time. I am extremely unhappy with the results. I'm also unhappy that after vocalizing my concerns on multiple visits, I allowed myself to be convinced that it would be OK. I had to save to get this procedure done and now I'm going to save to have something else done to fix it.
Fat atrophy from steroid injections are almost always treated best with time and not intervention. Little bumps should be treated with time and massage first for at least 3-6 months. Be patient.
You look excellent for your age. Photos of your neck are limited. You may well be an excellent candidate for a limited incision face lift. Age would not be a factor.
The best non surgical treatment would be Botox combined with aesthetician directed skin care. Fractionated CO2 laser can also be added with minimal down time.
Typically lipodissolve causes redness and swelling which takes a week or so to resolve. It takes about 2 months to see the final results.Good Luck
A bit of a dilemma. There is no data to support massaging breasts post operatively reduces firmness of the breasts. In general I do recommend it because intuitively it makes sense. You probably would do best with getting to know and trust one doctor and follow his advice.Good Luck!
