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In my practice, I ask my patients to stop smoking at least 4 weeks prior to surgery. Please be honest with your chosen plastic surgeon about your recent smoking and they will ultimately decide what would be best for your procedure. Best of luck to you!
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Thank you for your question.
We definitely need more information. Depending on the type of surgery, this could be a very simple question to answer for you. Typically surgeons and anesthesiologists want complete access to the full body just in case something happens during surgery. However, it is best to ask the surgeon directly what instructions you should follow. Best of luck to you!
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Thank you for your question.
I recommend my patients to stop smoking at least 4 weeks prior to having breast augmentation surgery.It is extremely important to avoid exposure to smoke either directly or indirectly because it can result in poor wound healing; delayed wound healing, skin loss necessitating skin grafting, increased risk in wound infection and loss of skin and deeper tissues. Best of luck to you in your surgery and recovery!
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Thank you for your question.
Having a tummy tuck does not mean you wouldn't be able to have children later in life. I have had patients who have had successful pregnancies following their procedures at any point- whether it be just a few years after having the surgery or even longer. I do advise my patients that if they are not done having children, it IS best to wait because all of the tightening of the muscles could be altered as the baby grows and stretches the abdomen back out. This could result in needing a revision procedure. Best of luck to you!
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Thank you for your question.
So, as a woman in good health, you definitely can have a breast augmentation done. However, depending on what your vision and goals are for your final look, the plastic surgeon you consulted with may have a different perspective on what would work for you. It may have been that you would benefit more from a mastopexy (breast lift) rather than implants. However, if the surgeon did not take the time to explain what they meant by that statement, there's a strong possibility you might not want to choose that person. Best of luck to you!
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Thank you for your question.
You can certainly have a healthy pregnancy following a tummy tuck procedure. I have had a few patients who weren't quite done having children and had no issues carrying a child full term without complications. The only issue that can come into play is a possible revision needed to the tummy tuck, as the abdominal muscles may shift and separate causing a need for tightening the muscles back up again. I do recommend my patients wait until they are finished having children to eliminate the need of a revision procedure.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Thank you for your question.
As a general rule of thumb, smoking or exposure to smoke will decrease the ability of the skin to heal properly resulting in unsightly scarring and higher risk for infection and more importantly, skin loss in the central abdomen, sometimes requiring a skin graft. Your best bet is to use this time not using nicotine as a springboard into possibly not smoking anymore. Best of luck to you in your recovery!
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Thank you for your question.
In my practice, I encourage my patients to be at a 30 BMI or under. It is best for you to be within 5-10 pounds of your ideal weight. This helps me to be able to remove the most skin at once because I can isolate the those hard to reach fatty pockets, not just the large areas of fat. This lowers your likelihood of wanting to have a secondary procedure. Most plastic surgeons have different standards for this though, so definitely ask questions whenever you call different doctor's offices. Best of luck to you.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Thank you for your question.
As a rule, I tell my patients to not lift anything over 5 pounds for the first six weeks. I am not certain how much a cast iron skillet weighs, but if you are experiencing pain- I would definitely call your plastic surgeon's office and ask for their recommendations. Without an in-person examination, it's hard to know if there is any damage. Best of luck to you!
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Thank you for your question.
I advise my patients to wait at least 4-6 weeks before submerging incisions in any temperature of water. It is very important they are healed completely so no foreign germs get into the healing tissue. At 10 weeks post op, if you have no open wounds, you should be just fine. However, it is always best to follow your plastic surgeon's recommendations. Best of luck in your recovery!
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Hello ladies! So it's been three weeks since I had my BA and even though I didn't post my progress throughout. All of yalls stories have helped me in this journey! So the first couple of days were a lot more than I expected! I scheduled 4 days off work including the day of my surgery and I had to call in on the 5th day! I couldn't manage to sleep in my bed upstairs which I didn't not prepare for! I ended up sleeping in my living room recliner which was awesome! My husband was so sweet and slept next to me on the other couch. At about a week I tried to sleep in my bed but it was still too uncomfortable! When I woke up my back hurt so much! It just felt heavy. No at three weeks I feel so much better! Still dealing with sensitivity though Updated on 17 Jun 2016: Pictures from a few days post op Updated on 20 Jun 2016: So today's it's 3 weeks and 4 days post op and I just found out my sister might have capsular contracture (she got hers done over a year ago) I pray it's not that! They have her on some type of allergy medicine to see if that will help because they haven't confirmed but it had just got me All worried! For her and for me! Idk maybe I'm just over reacting but it's just a fear! I'm feeling a lot better although it was kind of hard sleeping right now my left boob started hurting toward the bottom I'm not sure what's up.
I was initially a B size. 114 lbs so I decided to 325 Silicone. I didnt want it to be crazy noticeable. Still swollen but getting better.. Still doesn't not look the way I want but I think I made the right decision. One week post op and I feel much better. It is a long process that require a lot of patience Yes! !it does hurt but does it gets better. Updated on 6 Aug 2016: I regret so much not doing 350cc. I did 325cc. It does get smaller after it comes down. Updated on 28 Jan 2017: Things are going well. I wish I had gone slightly big. Oh well. If you are thinking 325cc please consider 350 -375 . It does get smaller.
I had always been obsessed with boobs from the time I was a little girl, I used to walk around with socks and water balloons in my shirt literally from the time I was 4. Which I'm sure mortified my dad lol. I couldn't wait to have boobs but...they never came :( I was always a late bloomer, so I assumed they would eventually get bigger but they never even got to a B cup. I've always been tall, athletically build, so me not having boobs made me feel like something was weird. I was super insecure about them, not to mention, one of my boobs never fully developed so it almost pointed downward like it was developing then stopped before it was done. I begged my mom for years and finally convinced her when I was 18 she would go to a consultation with me. I researched all on my own and decided on Dr. Hackney. When we went to the consultation he pointed out things to me that I had never really noticed before, that the one that wasn't fully developed was considered a deformity and therefore I was eligible for silicon breast implants and not saline which since I was so young would've been my only option. The consultation really opened up our eyes especially my mom who now fully understood and was supportive of me getting the surgery. After my surgery I do remember the first few days being painful because he had to make slits inside my nipple to expand it to make it appear right, so I think that's why it hurt more. I don't really remember the recovery being painful after that, in fact I had to start my lifeguarding summer job soon after which I probably wasn't supposed to do but luckily all was well. It's been almost 5 years now and I am so grateful for my boobs and my mom for allowing it and Dr. Hackney for doing such an amazing job. I wish I could have access to the before picture he took because the change is so dramatic and they look so good now. It has given me the confidence that I don't think I would have today had I not done it. (btw they look super natural, only a full C, most people don't notice at all, I will add pictures soon)
I've been wanting this for years, but was to scared. I've had 4 children, a tubal ligation n partial hysterectomy, but never cut across my stomach. After years of research and many consultations. I found Dr Fred Hackney. I received a no drain tummy tuck with a little lipo on the side. That first week was hell on my back, I'm 2 weeks post op now n Im looking normal. Working, walking, don't walk to much I'll get to cramping, my body letting me know hey slow down. Updated on 12 Apr 2015: Im still swollen as I read the threads I suppose it will be there for some time along with the numbness. I hate that, I guess I wanted instant gratification. But at least I don't look like I did pre op. If I do to much I do feel cramping. And I just don't feel right without my compression garment.
Well today is day two post op. Honestly, I don't know how I feel about the whole ordeal just yet. I need to give it a few weeks. My breast lift seems to be a success but I'm still very swollen and uncomfortable. As for the tummy, I was very sad to find out that my scar length is much longer than I'd hope for. I'm up moving pretty well and doing things fairly independently when my family lets me. I think the hardest parts about the procedure is my ability to accept and overcome the scaring and the fact that I got a sinus infection the day of surgery so I've been coughing a lot which is EXTREMELY uncomfortable. If I had to give any advice I would say take it one day at a time and be slow to judge your results. I already know when spring comes I will be so happy that I did this for me! The other bit of advice I would give is that if you don't have a strong tolerance for pain, this is probably not a good choice for you. I've only taken Tylenol today and I seem to be doing pretty well. I can do this!!!! Updated on 12 Nov 2013: Day three was fairly uneventful but the pain in my back REALLY bothered me. Each time I stood within seconds I'd have to sit back down. I didn't get as much walking in as I'd like. Having a sinus infection and still coughing has been the worst. I've done pretty well getting by but it is starting to really bother me. Day four I was so sleepy. I think my body is exhausted from trying to fight off the sinus infection and heal. I finally got the nerve to take a good look at all my scars and take a shower. My first response was OMG! Taking a shower was an event within itself. Trying to clean the private parts with limited mobility only made me laugh at myself and again ask, "What the heck was I thinking when I decided to do this?" Nevertheless I did survive. I really noticed the swelling in my legs, abdomen and breast after I showered. I look huge! My girls seem to be healing pretty nicely although the right looks bigger then the left. They're not sagging and they are looking pretty perky so I'm okay with that. I felt really relaxed after the shower and attempted to get some rest. Within an hour I was up coughing off and on for four hours! It was a total nightmare. I finally broke down and cried. The pain was something I just can not describe. I will call the PS today and ask for something stronger to take to stop the coughing. I can't do another night like last night. :( Today is day five. Praying for a progressive day! I'll let you know how it goes... Updated on 16 Nov 2013: I can't believe how good I feel! Still taking it easy but I'm moving so much better than I imagined I would be by day nine. The swelling is mild, mostly in my breasts, waist and hips. I finally got on the scale and I'm 9 pounds lighter! I can't believe how my body is transforming. I was told that I would recover quickly due to my active lifestyle but I was not convinced. I did nothing extra... No special garments (other than what was provided), no recliner, no shakes.... Just rest, water, healthy food choices and walking as directed. I know everyone is different but I promised myself that I wouldn't over think this and I'm happy that I didn't. Prior to surgery my son told me that after 21 years in the army I'm probably much tougher than I think. I'm so glad he was right! Take your time ladies, the best is yet to come! The body (your temple) is amazing. You'd be surprised at how quickly it can heal itself. I will add photos to my profile soon! #feelingamazing
A Mother's & Women's dream.... REAL!!!... I'm here to share my experience ... Please just ask, I think my pictures are the best Testimony... I'm 4 weeks PO and I feel MARVELOUS !!! I'm other women, my CONFIDENCE is on top of the Everest! .... My recovery going so well .... My Dr is an Angel of BEAUTY! ...Updated on 24 Oct 2013: Beauty & Health resemble each other .... improve the appearance can heal your body and your spirit ..... If your mind and body are in harmony .... your life will dress a haven of peace bringing marvelous confidence and " Women " Happiness dream..... Fly ... GO FOR IT!!!!Updated on 24 Oct 2013: Updated on 24 Oct 2013: Outstanding in every way – Whatever you're thinking about doing, please go see Dr. Fred Hackney I spent a lot of time researching plastic surgeons in the area, and I am so thankful that I choice him… The day of my appointment I was so shy and nervous because the true is that I have never been comfortable being naked in front of anyone include my husband… we are about two years together and he never have see me totally nude…. When Dr Hackney open the door and I see him and then talk with him….all my modest turn in to a greatly feeling of warm confidence in myself…. Dr Hackney explains everything, both pros and cons, and answer all of my questions with patience and understanding… I felt so very confident in his abilities since he is one of the most well respected doctors in dallas TX , if not the entire country…. Dr. Fred Hackney has great personality, super friendly, charming,compassionate… very respectfully with a warm smile and great sense of humor, very professional and highly educated, his staff Is very nice,friendly and professional… I recommend Dr Fred Hackney very enthusiastically. Elective Surgery is not something to take lightly, so you need go to the best doctor, regardless of the price (although I found his pricing very in-line with the national average) The Bottom line: I wanted to cry when I saw my Body the first time….I kiss his hands… you are amazing surgeon! Thank you so very much for the beautiful work you performed… MY RESULTS ARE ABOVE AND BEYONE MY EXPECTATIONS … out of this world… I love looking in the mirror and getting dressed and enjoying my body again! … Dr Hackney is not only the best in his Profession …. Whit high affirmation I SAY he is an "ANGEL OF BEAUTY" .... that with his gifted hands gave me back the invaluable feeling of WOMAN CONFIDENCE…. THANKS! God BlessUpdated on 2 Nov 2013: Updated on 13 Nov 2013: Updated on 13 Nov 2013: Updated on 13 Nov 2013: I use BIODERMIS Silicone Gel Sheeting to cover my scar, see picture……please this was my choice!….. I highly recommend to all patients of cosmetic Surgery, take care yourself at least 12 months how the Dr Recommendations are!….. I am Rascal :)…made in latino america….echa a mi pinta….ja jaUpdated on 13 Nov 2013: Updated on 25 Dec 2013: Updated on 25 Dec 2013: Updated on 11 Jul 2014: VERY HAPPY!!!!! This are actual pictures ( 7/11/2014 )
I originally went to see Dr Hackney last year for a different procedure and decided this year to go ahead and do both at the same time. I've been an A cup my whole life, then got pregnant and went to a B or a C, breastfed and got even bigger, then stopped breastfeeding and went down to a B. I'm not looking for anything too drastic, so I will going with saline implants under the muscle somewhere around 250 to 275cc. I am 5'2 and 125 pounds. Updated on 2 Jul 2013: So, my surgery is tomorrow. I have to be there at 6am (yikes!) and surgery will start at 7am. I feel like I have everything pretty well organized- prescriptions are filled, laundry is clean, husband has been briefed on his nursing responsibilities. I am hoping for not much pain and a speedy recovery! Updated on 11 Jul 2013: Just wanted to update with a picture in my swimsuit top that no longer fits. I was going for a size C so hopefully when they stop swelling but drop some, they'll be perfect. I am only taking Tylenol now and have been doing okay. Sitting at a desk since Monday actually uses my chest muscles a lot so I'm pretty sore by the end od the day, but have been trying to take it easy.
Well after wanting it for so long with my children being 15, 11 and 10. Plus living with 2 different size breasts and nipples and terrible loose skin for 15 years I finally did it! I was extremely fearful but knew it would be worth it. My surgery was yesterday June 28th with Dr. Hackney in Dallas. He had great reviews and had been voted 6 times in DMagazine's best plastic surgeons. He was very particular and put me at ease. He even marked me the afternoon before my surgery because of my fear. He really has impressed me with this whole process. My IV went in around 7:30 and I remember saying goodbye to my husband then the next thing I knew I was in my room and it was 5:00pm. My dr was strict and I was glad he had me spend the night. Every 2 hours the techs got me up to walk also so I got no sleep but I felt like he had some great requirements. He came this morning and looked at everything and I was so excited I have no bruising and my breasts and tummy looked great. I had that moment of yea! It was worth it! But oh now the pain here at home in this recliner! My back is killing me from the hunch walk and the lipo areas. My breasts have not hurt that much because of the excruciating pain from the TT. I'm already nervous about taking off everything on day 5, but also can't wait! I'm so glad I've read the blogs about the ups and downs of all this. Just today alone I've cried and thought what did I do? To this is awesome! Updated on 2 Jul 2013: As I sit here in my perch (electric recliner) watching the block until my husband comes to walk me, take me to the restroom and give me meds, I thought I'd update. My pain level is for sure going down. I feel really sore and itchy but am so thankful that I have no bruising or oozing that I keep reading about. My breasts still have nearly any pain at all. They are very high, but I really like the size. Dr. Hackney put 300cc on one side and 325cc on the other. They are looking good. I can't wait until day 5- shower day!! I can't wait just to take this garment off for a bit! Hope everyone else's recovery is going just as well. I'll add a photo when daylight tolls around. Updated on 3 Jul 2013: Oh my goodness! What a difference a shower makes! I just feel so much better! Putting on makeup and doing my hair was wonderful too! I am thankful that my husband has been so great with everything! Updated on 3 Jul 2013: These are the exact pics I took right before the surgery Updated on 7 Jul 2013: I woke up feeling good today, but I had a complete meltdown yesterday. I had tried to start out in my bed the night before. sleplt there about 4 hours then transferred to the recliner. Then where my breasts haven't hurt at all, they started to. I know I overdid it on Friday, because we put our house on the market and had to be out with showings. The only good thing is that it sold on Friday, so no more of that. Back today though, it's the 1st morning I didn't wake up with pain. I'm hoping I'm turning a corner that I read about with so many others. Emotionally though I feel like I'm losing it. I was doing so good about that but looking at my TT scar and my breasts have me worried. I feel like my breasts look square and my TT scar is so uneven. I want to be optimistic and I know my Hubs is tired of me being negative. Just needing some encouragement I suppose.
I am so excited I got this done! The pain and discomfort suck, but I know it gets better every day. I'm so glad I went with a PS that does the drainless technique. The drains are the biggest complaints I keep seeing. I still have pain from the stretching and from the incision area. My dr did a great job and did it very low. I feel like my body is so foreign when I look down. I guess it will be better when I can stand up straight and the scars fade. They are so red and scary right now. My most discomfort is from having to wear this wrap garment. I'm very tall and I don't think this was the best garment size for me it doesn't cover my entire abdomen and won't stay down low over my hips and down to the lowest part of my incision. I have to constantly be pulling it down. So frustrating. For the first few days it was over my hip and my hip was so swollen and looking crazy. After talking to the nurse, she told me to take it off and redo it lower. I was so uncomfortable. It was like that even at the surgery center. Anyways, that swelling has gone down now and I'm really excited about the results. I'Il post pics when I can figure out how to do it. Thanks for hearing my story!! Updated on 25 May 2013: Ok, I'm 12days PO and doing great. Been off pain pills for 3 days now. Have driven a couple of times now too! Got some laundry done and did the dishes. I need to post some pics. My main complaint is having to wear this compression garment 24/7. I'm so uncomfortable and feel so fat in it. I know it's important, but still wishing this would hurry up. Updated on 25 May 2013: That pic I just posted was from day 5. I was about to have my first shower! It was amazing. Updated on 25 May 2013: Had to try on a bikini. You can see my scar under the bottoms. I'm sure that will flatten out in a few weeks. Updated on 25 May 2013: Here are a couple more pre op pics. I will be adding more tomorrow. Updated on 25 May 2013: Pics from when I was in the room to stay for the after surgery. Updated on 25 May 2013: More before pics Updated on 26 May 2013: Ok my stomach by the scar is sticking out bad. Hope this is all swelling and it goes flat. I'm very happy with how low the dr put my scar! I never wore these panties that often because they would roll down under my stomach! It was so disgusting! My scars from my lift are killing me. I hope they fade! I have Vit e cream on them in these pics. Anyways, I'm feeling great. Not a lot of pain at all. Hope I can stand up straight next week! :) Updated on 1 Jun 2013: Ok. I see what y'all mean about the swelling. If I do too much I'm so uncomfortable and swollen. I get so tired these days too, but earlier in the week I was feeling so great and had ants in my pants. I guess I just over did it. Updated on 1 Jun 2013: Updated on 11 Jun 2013: Here are my deflated boobs. I was wearing a 36b, but was maybe a small c? No clue. They were flap jacks. Updated on 11 Jun 2013: Updated on 28 Jun 2013: Updated on 28 Jun 2013: Updated on 26 Jul 2013: Here is my 10 1/2 week update. I still swell every day. I'm the skinniest in the mornings. I feel super tight and stiff at night and late afternoon. I have to say its getting better and better each week. I am SOOOOOOOO glad I did this. It is worth all the money and all the discomfort. :) Updated on 7 Dec 2013: I feel great! The swelling is getting better and better. 5 months I could really see a difference with the swelling. I still have to watch my sodium. I work out all the time. I can pretty much do everything. I really need to start doing yoga for more flexibility. I'm trying to work off these extra pounds I gained over thanksgiving. Here are some pics I took this morning. Updated on 7 Dec 2013: More pics.... Updated on 7 Dec 2013: I forgot to tell y'all that at my 6 mo check up with my PS he gave me steroid shots all in my TT scar. It was raised and ugly. He also gave me a prescription for some bleaching cream that I haven't used much of. I need to get on that. Hope these scars turn thin and white, but even of they don't I'm so very very pleased with my results!! :) Updated on 18 Apr 2014: Well, I'm 11 months in and sooooo happy I did this! I work out all the time. Can do everything. Push ups and chest work outs are uncomfortable I think because my implants are under the muscle. I still do them tho. My TT scar is still pretty dark. I go in next month to see my PS. I still have a dog ear on my left side. I heard it was painful to get fixed, but I'm still gonna do it. Going to be 40 on Tuesday. Eek!!!!! At least I will be celebrating on the beach in cancun! :) happy healing ladies! Updated on 19 Apr 2014: Here is a dress I'm contemplating wearing. I'm not sure I can pull it off. Very tight on my hips and butt and I'm so lumpy there! This is a contender for cancun! :) Updated on 19 Apr 2014: Here are my scars of my lift after 11 months. Updated on 19 Apr 2014: Wups. Wasn't finished. Updated on 28 Sep 2015: Ok here are some pics. Unfortunately I've gained 10 lbs since my surgery. ????. I'm still so unbelievably happy I was able to have this surgery. Very blessed. Not sure why some of these pics are upside down and sideways? Updated on 28 Sep 2015:
Hi ladies! I have waited until after my surgery to post my experience. A little information about myself. I am 32, 5'2 and 115lbs. My pre-op size was 34A, but barely filled it. I have 2 wonderful boys who are 10 and 8. I breastfed my first son for about 2 months before I ended up having to use a hypoallergenic formula. I have known for years that I had wanted a BA. Even in my early 20's I always felt that what I had was never enough for my frame. I always felt like a little girl. After having the boys, my breasts deflated and when I would bend over I felt as if I had udders. :( Of course, my husband loved me the way I was, but was also very supportive of my decision. I think he was more nervous for me than I was! I had been watching this site almost every day reading all the different stories and learning lots of valuable information. I had 2 PS consults and in the end I chose Dr. Hackney. My right boob was smaller than my left, so we decided to do 350/425 mod profile plus silicone unders. I am one day post-op and feel relatively good. I am extremely itchy!! I will be updating this as my days go on. Updated on 3 May 2013: I am slightly worried that maybe my PS didn't go big enough on my left side...it looks less fuller than the right. Please let them even out! I don't go back until Wednesday for my 1st post op! Updated on 16 May 2013: So far, so good! I am two weeks out, and every day gets so much better. I am able to lay on my back w/o any problems!! I am going through the very sensitive nipple stage, and that sucks...everything hurts them; the bra, the water, the blanket! I hope this subsides sooner than later! I had my one week post-op with the PS last week and he said everything looks great. No massaging (I was so worried that I would and it would hurt!) and still very restricted on what I can and can not do. I am having contractions in both my breasts, and they said this is normal. I can take a muscle relaxer if it gets to bad, but right now I am just trying to make it through. They feel good and are dropping nicely. I just can't wait till I feel more "normal", LOL. Like, if I take them out of my sports bra, I feel a little weird...like they are going to just fall!! Overall, I am very pleased. My incisions are healing nicely! I'll have to get a pic of them up!
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