David M Charles, MD (retired)

Hello I am a 33y single mother of two. My son 13y and daughter 10y. I have been saving up for awhile now (2years) and finally decided to get TT and Lipo. I am 5'1" and weigh about 145lbs. I went for my first consultation yesterday and originally only wanted lipo but the dr recommended a TT because of the extra skin hanging from my belly. I haven't set my appointment yet but will be doing so sometime this week. My boyfriend is against it because he says he loves me the way I am. But I'm not happy with my figure and haven't been for awhile. He has agreed to take care of me after the surgery he's very supportive and know he will do anything to make me happy.



Updated on 11 Apr 2013:
Ok so I spoke to Ann the appointment coordinator. She makes me feel very comfortable and is extremely understanding. I have scheduled my TT and Lipo for June 11th. I'm so excited and looking forward to the new me. My lipo will include my arms, back, thighs, and flanks. I'm hoping to return to work two weeks after the OP. Crossing my fingers all will go well. I've done some research and know the healing process is different for each individual. I will keep updating my information. Hope this helps someone else who is looking to get the same procedure done. Please likewise I appreciate any advise, questions, and comments you may have for me. Keep in mind I have not rated my DR only because I have not had the procedure yet.

Updated on 26 Apr 2013:
When in for my CG fitting on Wednesday. Couldn't try anything on they didn't have any available. So my measurements were taken and Awaiting a phone call from the place so I can come in and try prior to making the purchase. The CG is not included in the surgery not sure if I should buy one online. I found one for about $100 however the one at the trial place is $240. The surgery cost alone is approx $ 12,500. Not including prescriptions of course. I'm definitely not rich but want to look good.

Updated on 4 May 2013:
I went to try the CG on again. It fit too big. I don't feel like going back to the same CG place. So I purchased it online 1 x Salome Liposculpture Girdle with Sleeves and Bra (Style# 0524) = $126.00
Size M Color Nude. I hope it fits:) Crossing my fingers. I tried on sz large and xl @ the CG place.

Updated on 12 May 2013:
30 days and the count down is on. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. The not knowing how I will look and if its worth it. My mother is not aware about the procedure and is completely against anything plastic surgery involved. So I decided not to tell her till after 2 wks post op. I just don't need all the negativity right now. I want to come out w an hour glass figure. Might have too high of expectations but I want a small waist and big hips and booty. My boyfriend is still supportive but keeps telling me I'm beautiful the way I am.

Updated on 26 Jun 2013:
Was a disaster I ordered a size Medium Salome faja and a size large not sure what brand of CG and both were extremely small for me. Luckily for me I went to My local ProMed and they helped me out. I ended up paying maybe $250 for a CG but I was desperate with three days left for my surgery.

Updated on 26 Jun 2013:
I was in panic mode and I weighed At 158lbs can you believe that I felt like a tub of lard. Everything was explained to me by the nurse the anesthetic dr and my dr. They placed these real cool pumps on my legs that massaged my legs while I waited for surgery and made sure I had enough blankets. My dr came in and marked my spots and before I knew it I was out. The only thing I remember was waking up to a very sweet nurse by the name of Brenda. I loved her she took great after care of me and called my boyfriend to let him know my surgery was complete.

Updated on 26 Jun 2013:
I was prescribed
Valium
Vicodin
*Note I purchased Tylenol pm to help me sleep after I ran out of my Vicodin
* Swiss Kriss (over the counter laxative tabs) found on sale @ Walgreens
*generic Antibiotic ointment (Walgreens)
* loads of wipes
The hospital gave me ice packs to bring home
My dr gave me Chapstick
*one bag of generic cough drops
My dr gave me band aids and gauze and tape

Updated on 27 Jun 2013:
Maybe one of the hardest thing I thought would be their reaction. First I told my sister month pre op. She is very loving and understood the reason I was doing it. I wasn't happy with the way my body looked. Then came the most difficult chat with my mom who is extremely against plastic surgery. Everyday I looked at her and she told me she loved me I felt so guilty inside for hiding it and telling her I was going on vacation. I finally broke down one week pre op and told her. She told me she didn't agree with plastic surgery but loved me no matter what I decided she would be by my side to take care of me. I was so thankful! Yes I will admit I cried but was happy to finally tell her.

Updated on 27 Jun 2013:
Maybe one of the hardest thing I thought would be their reaction. First I told my sister month pre op. She is very loving and understood the reason I was doing it. I wasn't happy with the way my body looked. Then came the most difficult chat with my mom who is extremely against plastic surgery. Everyday I looked at her and she told me she loved me I felt so guilty inside for hiding it and telling her I was going on vacation. I finally broke down one week pre op and told her. She told me she didn't agree with plastic surgery but loved me no matter what I decided she would be by my side to take care of me. I was so thankful! Yes I will admit I cried but was happy to finally tell her.

Updated on 27 Jun 2013:
So today I purchased this to diminish the look of my TT scar and some lipo scars. Price was about $45. I'm wondering if anyone here have tried it or other oils, ointments, and or creams?

Updated on 30 Jun 2013:
By the end of the day I am so swollen and I see no hour glass figure on my body. I had lipo 10y ago then again this time with my TT and you could see where my waist went in and the curves in my hips. Now my waist and hips seem the same width. Maybe I'm just venting. Next Tuesday will be week 3 post op.

Updated on 30 Jun 2013:
I've been limiting myself to walking 2-3 miles a day and bike riding sometimes only 3 miles. Today was my first day walking the dogs and it went great we did 2 miles. I continue to hate my CG it's so hot out and I have to wear two one for the top arms and chest and the bottom shorts that covers my waist and back.

Updated on 1 Jul 2013:
Yes stupid me went out dancing said I would only sit and watch and now I'm in major pain I danced all night. That's major workout. I'm staying in bed icing and wearing my CG alllllllll day

Updated on 2 Jul 2013:
Was going for a turtle walk at the park but there he is I couldn't resist myself we went to a karaoke bar me in yoga wear and tennis. He was buff and what does he tell me that I've gained weight but look good. Oh ladies has a guy ever told you this.... :( yes granted I'm really swollen but gee he brought me down. I'm still hating this CG and no I did not have it on when I went out for a walk. I sweat all day wearing it at work. Pls I'm just passed week three and feeling anxious I want my sexy body now I want to jog not turtle walk and work out.

Updated on 5 Jul 2013:
I must admit I'm not eating healthy. I need to get back to eating healthy. Work yesterday and today was a real killer. I get home eat and sleep that's all I do. I feel I'm letting my kids down during their summer break. I need to get everything under control. Haven't been doing much of anything else no walking or bike riding. I'm in pain unable to walk straight after work. I cried myself to sleep last night. I hope things get better soon.

Updated on 12 Jul 2013:


Updated on 12 Jul 2013:


Updated on 12 Jul 2013:


Updated on 16 Jul 2013:
Still waiting on my period it's over a week late. Not sure if the TT procedure delayed it but I'm pretty consistent with it. I can no longer get pregnant so I'm not worried about that. Plus I haven't had intercourse I'm scared of the pain. I'm just worried since I'm always on time.

Updated on 17 Jul 2013:
Feeling kinda depressed today hate wearing spanx to work I finally got my period. Not feeling satisfied with my body shape yet. I know I'm still experiencing lots of swelling. My clothes still doesn't fit. ????

Updated on 23 Jul 2013:
Wearing spanx during work day and CG at night. High temps and CG even spanx don't do well together. I've noticed less swelling. Had my appointment yesterday w/my dr said everything was looking good. I'm clear to work out. Last week I did my first 5k race post op and had to fast walk it rather than jog but I was fine with that. I do have an area on the TT which didn't seal right so I might end up having minor surgery to fix that.