He was great! Super respectful and delivered the perfect result! Still cares about you after the surgery, and doesn’t just ditch you after. Super easygoing too! If I ever had to get another surgery I’d come back!
I went with a lower face lift (not SMAS) and choose Dr Martin after seeing 5 other surgeons because of his amazing bedside manner. Very easy going and quite comforting. I was referred to him by an acquaintance who had this procedure 4 years earlier and she loved him. And because I've had such a great experience, another relative of mine has chosen him for a full facelift.
I have had numerous encounters with his practice and his staff and I have found them to be very professional. I have been happy with all of my procedure results. One of which, was a baseball sized Lipoma that was removed from my back below my bra line. Dr. Martin was really concerned with keeping the scarring to a minimum and he did just that! I did have normal swelling and concerns but was able to reach the office and get my questions answered promptly. I have also seen Kim Farley for skincare and have been nothing less than pleased with my results. Dr. Martin is a very personable and caring physician.
Dr. Martin & his staff are amazing! He is so good at what he does and he made me feel secure in his ability. He does a lot of post operative checks to be sure everything is perfect. I only wish I could find a primary care provider who makes me feel as comfortable & cared about as Dr. Martin does!
I am 41 yrs old & have trusted Dr. Martin with implant replacement (to larger size), donut breast lift, mild lipo & a tummy tuck. ALL have been the best choices I've made with the best plastic surgeon in TN!! Pics are 3 & 4 yrs post-op with lots of physical fitness & eating clean. He removed 10 year old saline implants and replaced them with silicon implants. He also did a donut breast lift and removed fatty cysts on my breasts. Healing was smooth and quick. Scarring has been very minimal. I hope to find a doctor like him in the Austin, TX area! Updated on 14 Aug 2015: So here are the current pictures of scars. The one under my breast looks a lot deeper & darker than it really is. Yay iPhone. The ones around the nipple & from my tummy tuck are very faded after 3 & 4 years. Dr. Martin's work is amazing.
Dr. Martin is one of the nicest and very caring doctor's i have ever met. His staff is amazing as well! I haven't been happy looking in a mirror for a little over 2 years now. When i talked to him about what i wanted he really listened and helped me understand everything. It has been over 2 weeks since the procedure and i am soooo very Happy with the results. If i need anything else done in the future( i'm sure i will) i will go to Dr. Martin!!
I go in tomorrow! Endometriosis caused me to need a hysterectomy, so I wanted to also get a tummy tuck since I'll be down for a while anyway (way more restrictions for the hysterectomy than for the TT!). Bonus: I can combine the cost. Having had a large baby many years ago, I have a bad case of "mom belly." My least favorite part is the part that hangs over my C-section scar. I call it my flap lol My body has added to that an underactive thyroid that causes difficulty losing weight even with diet and exercise: I have run 3 half marathons, countless 5ks, 10ks, and 15ks, and competed in 3 triathlons over the past 5 years. I have yet to be able to get rid of the excess on my own, so I am very excited for my doctor to get rid of this flabby middle for me! Updated on 8 Jul 2015: Even with both surgeries, my gynecologist and Dr. Martin said I was able to go home after recovery, bloodwork, and the first post-surgery urination. Everyone at the hospital was wonderful and helpful, and they were very encouraging. I was able to walk fairly straight (not as hunched over as I'd thought I would be), and though I had some dizziness and some nausea on the way home I've been recovering well. Friends and family have called and texted to check on me, and my husband has only left my side to pick up prescriptions. He has to work today, so my parents will come stay with me for a while. I haven't been brave enough to take off my garment and look, but I can already see that my tummy is flatter! I'll post pics when I work up the courage to peek! Updated on 9 Jul 2015: I'm already feeling so much better! I started running a slight fever (~101°) but took an ibuprofen and used my breathing tool per Dr. Martin's suggestion, so it didn't take long to come back down. Yesterday I was 1 pain pill every 4 hours and today I'm taking 1 every 7 hours. I could probably go longer but don't really want to chance the pain coming quickly and getting out of hand. Dr. Martin will be out of town next week for vacation, so he offered me a drop-in appointment to check my incision and answer any other questions since his colleagues will be the ones to help me while he's gone. So far, so good, and I'm really glad I went through with the surgery! Updated on 10 Jul 2015: Today a friend drove me for a checkup since my doc will be out of town next week. My drainage tubes were working great, so they took one out! I also get to shower today. Getting out for my appointment made me tired, so I'm resting again, but I am definitely feeling better as time is passing. Updated on 12 Jul 2015: Day 4 I was really exhausted and felt more swollen, probably some of it had to do with lack of bowel movement so far in spite of the stool softener I've been taking. I migrated to the couch from the bed and took a long nap. Pain is manageable, and during the day I'm at one pain pill per 8 or so hours. Milk of magnesia is my preferred laxative, and after an evening then morning dose things started moving along, so to speak. I also drank some ginger tea, which tends to be helpful as well. Yesterday (still day 4) I attempted a shower by myself and got really dizzy and broke into a cold sweat. I was mostly dressed already so my teenage daughter helped me back into my CG and then into bed, where I stayed most of the rest of the evening. Today I feel the swelling is down, but I am not going to push myself to be up as much as I was yesterday. Taking it easy is proving difficult, so I have to remind myself that I had 2 surgeries and that it will take time to get back to normal activity level even at home. I am enjoying the time to myself today. No one coming over, both daughter and husband at work. There are people I can call if I need them, but I'm just going to chill and hope that I don't need anything but my books and Netflix :) Updated on 14 Jul 2015: I did take a pain pill last night to help me sleep, but I'm workings not ibuprofen only during the day. Hoping to continue it at night tonight and be completely off of the narcotics. While I love how they help me sleep, they also make me feel groggy when I wake up, so it's time to transition away. My drain is bothering me lately, and I think it's because even though it's under my CG, movement is causing irritation at the site. I read somewhere that stacking more gauze around it eases the irritation, so I tried it and it definitely helps. I'm still over 30cc of fluid per day, so I can't have it removed just yet. On a gross note, I did milk a huge clot out of it, too. Fun times. I'm a little jealous of those who've posted about being out and about by now because I'm still really tired. I attribute that possibly to the hysterectomy with the TT and am trying to be patient with myself. I have a work meeting Thursday that is only 2 hours long. I may see if I can catch a ride with a coworker if I'm not up for driving yet, but I'm not putting pressure on myself to get there. I can definitely tell a difference in my belly from before surgery and find it hard to believe that it will get even better! I keep reading how swelling is present for a few weeks, and I can't help thinking. "If this is swelling and I already love it, I'm going to be crazy about the final results!" My appetite hasn't fully returned, and I can't eat much in one sitting. Not that I'm complaining! I'm actually hoping it will help the results even more. I'm drinking water, watching what I'm eating, and being conscious of sodium. Watermelon and pineapple have been part of my daily diet as well as protein (I like Premier Protein shakes). I can't wait to show off my new belly once it's healed! Updated on 16 Jul 2015: Yesterday wasn't too great. I didn't sleep well the night before and didn't get a nap, and perhaps I tried to come off my pain meds too soon, but I was really uncomfortable. I gave in and took one during the day and then another before bed, and I ended up sleeping 12 hours. A couple of people have told me not to expect too much too soon, so I guess I need to start listening. Clearly I needed the rest. I feel better today but still promised my hubby I'll take it easy. I skipped the work meeting I'd contemplated going to and let someone else fill me in on what I missed. That's a big deal for me since I may or may not have control issues and some stubbornness about what "needs" to be done haha I'm home alone most of the time, so I'm still bored, but I suppose it's better than being responsible for the care of young children. I never thought the depression part (referred to so often in "what to expect" entries) would set in, but the tears from this morning say otherwise. I'm just tired of being tired and having to be patient while my body is healing. However, I did snap a pic of myself this morning after my shower, and that made me feel better because I can see this will all be worth it once I'm healed and feeling like myself again :) Updated on 22 Jul 2015: I went to a 2 hour work meeting Monday (13 days post-op and also my first driving excursion). It was fine since I was seated the whole time, but I was tired and went home to rest after. That evening I went to dinner with some girlfriends; it was fun (and an emotional pick-me-up), but it required rest when I got home as well. Good day overall! Yesterday I started the day with my post-op appointment with my PS, who gave me the thumbs up to proceed as I felt like it within the guidelines of my Gyn and my hysterectomy. Pubic area a little swollen and belly, too, but that's normal with both surgeries, so I'm not too disappointed about that. Also still have that "jelly belly" feeling as I ride in vehicles. When did roads get so bumpy? Geez! Lol I also get to come out of this binder and move into whichever compression garment feels most comfortable whenever I need it. I plan to be in it most of the time, but finding one will be a chore with this long torso and round hips. Not in a hurry to go out for that lol I felt so great yesterday that I did some light cleaning around the house, ran errands, and got a mani/pedi. By the time I got home I was EXHAUSTED. Looks like I overdid it. Correction: FEELS like I overdid it. So today I'm humbly taking it easy at home. It's a rainy day anyway, and it's perfect for snuggling in the covers and watching TV. I'm including a progress stitch-pic, but I can't tell a difference in the last 2 photos. I've gained 2-3 pounds in the past week, and it's frustrating and disappointing. I know I shouldn't worry about such things now, but I do because I have to work hard and be mindful just in order to maintain. I realize I'm eating more than I was since my appetite is closer to normal, but I am also still monitoring calorie and sodium intake in order not to overeat or cause excess swelling, and I'm also moving about more than I was. I'm trying not to focus too much in this, but I also don't want to be too lax about it, either. Grrrrr. Anyway, post-op appointment with my Gyn tomorrow and another 2 hour meeting at work, but other than that I'm promising myself not to be out too much so that Friday doesn't find me the way Wednesday (today) did. Updated on 28 Jul 2015: I've had a lot more energy this week, but I still have to take it easy. I've been to work a couple of times for meetings, and it wears me out if I'm up and about too much outside the house. However, I can tell a big difference in my healing. It's weird to see my incision changing. One evening there was a puffy stretch mark at the end of my incision on my right hip, and the next morning it looked normal. The left side seems to be healing faster, but the right side swelling seems to be going down a smidge faster (I assume because I tend to lean left when I sleep because that's where my hubby is). I lost the couple of pounds I had gained, so I guess it was swelling and/or water retention, but the past couple of days my appetite has been out of control! I would guess it's because I'm more active, but eating too much makes me feel uncomfortable, so I'm having to find a good balance there. My belly button is looking cuter as time goes by. It still has some stuff in it that freaks me out to touch, but it's starting to come out (blood? stitches? I don't really want to know). My husband was looking at my incision the other day and said, "Your belly button is so small!" LOL It looked much bigger pre-surgery because of the fat donut that was around it. I'm looking forward to the rest of the swelling going down so that I can rock my bikini in Jamaica in a couple of months. I'm just missing the gym right now since I'm on restriction from my hysterectomy. Since I've been walking around being out and about, I will head out around my block tomorrow. My Fitbit said that yesterday I had reached twice as many steps as the day before and four or more times as many steps as most other days since my surgery. I still feel tight in my tummy muscles, but if I don't get moving the soreness will take longer to go away. I go back to work full time next week. I'll be sitting much of the day, but I still worry a little about being tired. Thank goodness for naps! Updated on 30 Jul 2015: I was driving and felt a sudden sneeze come on. I've managed to avoid sneezing for 3 weeks and only coughed once in the beginning (day or two post surgery and OUCH!). Before I could brace myself it came out, and I had images in my mind of guts all over my car. There wasn't really a "pop," but it was a very strange sensation at the top of my belly, and terrifying thoughts of busted stitches ran through my head. I suppose it's fine, though. No distended belly or apparent ruptures. Belly button still intact. Perhaps I read too many "what can go wrong" stories for my own good lol Up a lot yesterday, super swollen when I got home. I keep thinking I've over eaten, but I'm wondering if it's actually the swelling that's making me feel so full. When the binder or Spanx come off (depending on how uncomfortable I am is what I choose to wear), I'm puffy and look like I've been visiting the buffet all week. My right side is still less swollen than the left, but I don't think it's as noticeable to other people. Who's measuring me when they look anyway? Off to my first official full day of work. Next week is back full time (with lots of sitting time). I'm not too excited. Things will start getting demanding soon, and my being tired a lot worries me. But I guess that's what afternoon/evening rest and naps are for. I'm going to have to get better at restricting myself. Still something I'm not good at even after 3 weeks. Updated on 5 Aug 2015: I hit the 4 week mark yesterday, and it must be a magic mark because I have been feeling great! Yes, work makes me tired, but I am so much less sore in general and have been sleeping on my side since last week (my favorite part of the progress!). I made myself take it easy this past weekend in anticipation for being back at work full time, and I think that helped. I needed it. At the advice of hystersisters, I took a pillow to sit on since wooden and plastic seats make me sore and stiff upon standing. It made a huge difference in comfort. I'm handling being at work much better than I have been the past couple of weeks when I would go in for meetings here and there, but I'm glad that my job isn't physically strenuous. I may have overexerted some today because of the things I needed to accomplish, but I was smart enough to stop and come home so that I could accomplish things in the comfort of my own home (i.e. my comfy couch). I've gotten a lot of compliments, too. Remarks about how much weight it looks like I lost. I've lost 10 pounds total (2-4 being from my tummy, so I am totally taking credit for the rest lol) and am trying to shed more, but being on restriction from exercising due to the hysterectomy, it's not coming off very fast. I keep meaning to compare my waist measurement to what it was pre-surgery, but I never remember first thing in the morning, and I'd rather do it when I'm the least swollen. I'll be sure to include that when I get a chance. I am including some new pics. I do wish my flanks would be smaller, but I'm hoping that there is some swelling that still needs to go down. I know I can get in-office lipo if I'm not completely happy with the way it looks after healing, but I'd rather it just go away on its own :) haha Some swelling days are worse than others, and some evenings are worse than others, but it's better than it was. I tried on my triathlon gear today to compare myself to where I was last year. I trained for three months and competed in two triathlons, and you can see that my big belly was still there. I was horrified at my pictures. How can someone who is strong enough to do that not able to shed some belly fat? I gained 10 pounds during training, and it wasn't all muscle. I was eating well (you have to in order to properly fuel your body) and obviously exercising a lot, but my endocrinologist said it was possible that I stressed my body out with so much exercise (particularly all the cardio) that my thyroid revolted. Makes sense. I tend to lose more weight when I keep things moderate, so lesson learned. Thanks, autoimmune disorder. Anyway, things are looking good, and I'm mostly happy with my results so far. I wish I could see beyond the swelling, but since I can't I'll just keep looking at my before and after photos. I'm finally starting to feel that "sexy body" feeling that so many people talk about. I even bought a new bathing suit for our Jamaica trip in October :D Updated on 8 Aug 2015: I forgot to mention the stitches that my body is spitting out. Some are clear and pointy, some are fabric-like and remind me of tiny worms. So gross! I knew it would happen, and I was told to just clip them when they sprouted, but it's still icky. I'm at the point where I should have been getting back to sex, but because of the hysterectomy (I seem to say that a lot) I am restricted for ANOTHER 4 weeks. Hooray for Energizer. That's all I've got to say about that. Swelling is still hell some days. Like today. I went and walked on the treadmill at the gym because it's so hot outside and because walking is all I'm allowed to do. I want to the store to pick up a few (lightweight) things, and then I sat outside visiting with a friend while her son played ball. I'm swollen like crazy tonight. Probably I should've drank more water today, too. Ugh. I am still avoiding regular clothes and living in yoga pants and pjs when I'm home. I thought my incision would be totally healed up by now, but I have a few areas that opened up and are taking forever to close back. Plus the site of my 2nd drain is also taking forever. The hole was huge by the time in the drain was removed (it was where my leg bends so moving around irritated the hell out of it), so I guess it will take a while to fully heal, but sheesh. On a positive note I'm not nearly as tired as I have been, but I do still think about naps. I did also before surgery, though, so, that's not really anything new :D Updated on 29 Aug 2015: I'm still waiting on some swelling to go down, so I feel like the last pics I posted are representative of how I still look. Work has been kicking my butt, so I haven't been walking or anything for the last 3 weeks since I'm working such long hours and am exhausted. My 6 week checkup with my PS was great-- he says everything is looking good. I'm still impatient about the swelling, though! I go for my 8 week checkup with my GYN on Wednesday, and hopefully all of my restrictions will be lifted. Work should be slowing down soon, and I'm looking forward to being a regular at the gym again! I could use some extra endorphins :)
I love Dr. Martin. He made me feel so confrontable. He is a great surgeon and person. I had a tummy tuck, muscle tighten, and lipo on my sides. After two kids I really needed my stomach done. This procedure was a huge confidence builder for me. Im so happy and glad that I was able to get this procedure. And have a great surgeon that cares. Updated on 1 Apr 2014: This was my first tummy tuck not a revision
Breastfed 3 babies. had loss of fullness. Not much sagging ,they weren't big enough to sag. 36A to start with. I needed a 38A but couldnt find that size. they had to be special ordered. That's a blow To the ego to hear, "I'm sorry, we don't carry anything that small in the store". So now I am about to marry the man of my dreams. I unfortunately had a marriage that ended in divorce and the thing I remember most about my wedding dress was buying 2 sets of shoulder pads to stuff the top with. I am not doing that again.
hey everyone I am 29 years old and Im ready for a tummy tuck. My two little ones jacked up my body, so I will be having my procedure next month, and I will upload some before and after pics. This is along time coming and I'm excited but also nervous. Im debating on two local doctors that have great results in other patients and the cost is almost just the same. Updated on 21 Feb 2014: Completely paid now just waiting. Super excited Updated on 28 Feb 2014: Im super excited one week left, then my life with change for the best. Updated on 6 Mar 2014: Super excited and a little nervous. Im trying to sleep but cant. In a couple of hours my life wlll change for the best. Updated on 9 Mar 2014: I am 2 days post op and I feel great. Im sore but still able to move around. I haventseen my stomach yet because of the brace and bandages, but I cant wait till I do. Im swollen alot but thats normal. the pain is the same as when I had my previous c sections and thats why I think im doing better than most people. Pics coming soon Updated on 12 Mar 2014: Updated on 12 Mar 2014: Swollen but very much worth it. Updated on 24 Mar 2014: Im still swollen but very very pleased. I can see my feet standing straight. I can't wait until the finished product. Updated on 4 May 2014: Its been 3 months since I had my tummy tuck. I can see the results and I really love them. Im still swollen from the tt and lipo but thats normal.
I sympathize with your situation. Your circumstances reveal one (fortunately not too serious) example of what may happen if a patient chooses to leave the US for a less-expensive alternative for surgery. Board Certified plastic surgeons have not only a legal but an intense professional commitment to being available to assist in the postoperative care of their patients upon whom they perform surgery. Human nature being what it is, you can imagine why a surgeon in your community might not be eager to provide assistance now while another surgeon elsewhere received payment for your procedure. Having said that, you may be able to persuade a caring surgeon nearby to help you out. I'd call their offices, explain the situation, see if they'd agree to see you and perhaps get an idea on the cost for the first aspiration. (As you know, it is very common for seromas to need repeated aspiration to resolve). Then keep your fingers crossed that things resolve easily and quickly and that you don't encounter further setbacks that could leave you in even more desparate circumstances. Hopefully, you'll easily find someone who will help. Good luck!
Fear not! It is very common for one or both implants to be situated high even five weeks after breast augmentation. And many patients have these (understandable) worries just like yours. The good news is that in the majority of instances, implants "settle" back down where they belong - your doctor may have some suggestions on how to promote that. In rare instances, an implant can remain too elevated (or even drop too low) after an extended period of time and require surgical adjustment, but that is unusual. Stick it out, discuss it with your surgeon, and best of luck.
You bring up a really important issue. When we perform an abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), we lift, stretch, and tighten the skin and fat of the abdominal wall. While capable PS's may vary in their approach to this issue, many of us feel that simultaneous liposuction in central abdomen traumatizes the tissues of excessively and could lead to significant problems with wound healing. Most plastic surgeons try to remove and tighten as much as possible while still assuring that the tissues are likely to heal properly. The good news is that liposuction can be safely performed to improve some of the residual excess fat after a patient has fully healed from their abdominoplasty... and it's lots less to go through than the tummy tuck itself! Best of luck!
Thanks for your question! You'll want to talk to your plastic surgeon; he or she may want to touch base with your other physicians to hear from them that you're clear for surgery, but most otherwise-healthy patients should be at almost no increased risk of infection compared to the general population. After your urinary tract illness, I bet that'll be good news. Your surgeon will also take care of any routine antibiotics that may be recommended.
Congratulations! You've done a great job getting back in shape while managing small children - no small accomplishment! And yes, it appears an abdominoplasty/tummy tuck is likely to be the best option for getting rid of the excess skin left afterwards, you've made it so much easier for your plastic surgeon to do a great job for you. Patients who are not excessively overweight and are physically fit need less-extensitve surgery, so they usually have a more smooth recovery and a better result afterwards. Make sure you see a board-certified plastic surgeon and keep us posted! Good luck!
