Fred Wilder, MD (retired)

Dr Wilder and Trisha are absolutely incredible. I had really bad diastasis recti as well an an umbilical hernia which made me look pregnant all the time - I love fitness and reached my goal weight but I could never be happy with the way my stomach bulged out after having two kids.

Dr Wilder took his time to explain every detail to me during the consultation and recommended a mini abdominoplasty. Even though it was a “mini” he closed my gap from sternum to pubic bone while fixing my hernia and removing my old c-section scars. His work is nothing short of phenomenal.

Having an abdominoplasty is very tough physically and mentally - Trisha and Dr Wilder were there every step of the way on the good days and bad. I couldn’t have asked for a better surgeon or better care. My stomach looks amazing and my lower back pain is gone, my balance has improved and I am able to do any workout I want.

Dr Wilder and his team completely changed my life and I cannot be more grateful. If you are reading this, don’t question your decision and let Dr Wilder help you the way he helped me. You will not regret it.

From the moment I walked into the office for my consultation, I felt Welcome. His staff was nothing but nice and happily answered all of my 5000 questions. Dr. Wilder was the 5th doctor I consulted with as none of the others made me feel truly comfortable with their quality of work or aftercare. Dr. Wilder and Trisha took all the stress and nervousness out of my decision. Speaking of Trisha , She is AMAZING! She is honest and sincere and was there with me every step of the way! Dr. Wilder is very serious about his work and is honest about the outcome. He will not tell you what you want to hear to get you to book with him, he will tell you what works. Dr. Wilder will give you what YOU want, not what he thinks should look like. I am only Month post op and they look amazing!!! I will recommend Dr. Wilder and his staff to anyone who asks. Cannot say enough great things about Dr. Wilder, and the rest of the staff.

I always was self conscious of my very small breasts. In the 80's and 90's big was the look, and mine were tiny. In the early 90's I nursed my baby for nine months and had grown to a 34DD then shrunk back to a 34AA. My first surgery was in November 1996 when I was almost 26. The implants were textured, round, & saline filled to 350 ccs- placed under the muscle through an incision in the mammary fold. After the surgery (in 1998 and 2000) I had two more babies and I nursed with no trouble for a total of 40 months. Eventually I had discomfort with the implants and I was diagnosed/rated a grade IV capsular contracture, my health insurance covered removing them (but not the revision). The surgeon was Dr. Fred Wilder in Austin, TX (for both surgeries). I think he did a very good job both times, although I feel the implant size was too large for me, the size was left up to Dr. Wilder since we were avoiding a lift with the first surgery. I was also very thin-5'8" and 120 pounds the first time around.

For the revision surgery the original capsule was left in place in the left breast and partially removed on the right breast. I took the asthma medication Accolate for six weeks prior to and almost a year post surgery to discourage a repeat CC. I have continued to do the breast massage as directed to keep the pocket open. I had extreme bruising on the right breast after the revision surgery (it was completely black/dark purple and the Dr. was surprised by the amount and severity of the bruising). I did not have drains placed after the revision. The 2nd set of implants are smooth, round, 360 cc, silicone (I think the brand is mentor) placed under the muscle through the original incision (in March 2003 & I was 32). Initially they looked and felt great but over time the right implant has become very uncomfortable. It feels tight, itchy, and often hurts or is sensitive. I believe it is a grade III CC at this point maybe IV. The left breast is probably at a II CC. I need a lift, the look is round breasts that sit high on my chest with the nipples and natural tissue appearing to slide off of the implant. I always have cleavage and can't ever hide that. I wish I had gotten a lift and smaller implants when I had the revision, I'm not sure why I didn't. I think I just wanted to get it over with and was afraid of recovery from a lift since I had three small children at the time.

With the first surgery I wore a 34C bra, after weight gain and body changes I was wearing a 34D (weighing about 130 pounds) now I mostly wear a 34DD or 34E (the brands that fit best are Le Mystere, Wacoal, & FirstLove). I am now 46, still 5'8", and hover between 145-150 pounds. In clothing I look proportional since I carry most of my natural weight in my hips and thighs and have broader shoulders.

It's difficult for me to say that I regret getting implants. I do wish I had gone smaller. Even though in 1996 the internet wasn't a thing I actually researched a lot, I bought a book on BA's, consulted with 5 different surgeons, asked many questions, brought in nude pictures for size and shape reference ([RS bleep] magazines I made my husband buy for me!) I knew that multiple surgeries for upkeep were likely-but I was young and didn't know what the future held. I am now a widow, support my kids on my own and so of course don't have extra money for cosmetic surgery. I didn't anticipate having to date again or having to tell anyone I have fake boobs. I also didn't think about how my daughters would feel about their bodies compared to mine as they grew into teenagers-they always noticed my gigantic boobs compared to how they have (not) developed so I've been very open with them about implants and why I got them and why they aren't really working for me anymore.

If I can figure out how to get the funds together I want to have these removed, a lift, and a very small silicone implant put in- I wonder if 150 ccs is a thing?! I thought about fat transfer but #1 it sounds super invasive with a long recovery time due to liposuction #2 results are not known/size might not be uniform #3 they can be lumpy, bumpy, uncomfortable! I am afraid that I will only be able to afford a removal anyway; the constant discomfort and frequent pain is beginning to wear me down and removal is going to have to happen soon. I have a lot of fear that I will look so ugly with just skin hanging where the implants were and that everyone is going to know when I am suddenly flat chested.

I'm posting a few photos. They look better in photos than in real life.

Updated on 15 May 2017:
My primary care Dr has referred me to have a mammogram and then to be evaluated by a breast surgeon. She thinks that an implant removal might be covered based on the pain and deformity I have. I'm uploading more photos. These look bad! I will be surprised if there isn't a ruptured implant involved based on how painful my breast has become in the last 36 hours.

Updated on 20 May 2017:
I will be seeing a Kaiser plastic surgeon about removal on 5/25. The pain in my right breast is constant now. There is sensitivity in both sides just a lot more on the right-kind of reminds me of how my boobs felt at the beginning of pregnancy. I'm not sure why this is happening, kind of wonder if it's all in my head.

I was born with boobs, but have I've wanted to have a lift for 15+ years. Breast feeding two babies left my breasts deflated and droopy. Over the past 15 years my weight fluctuated as I was raising kids. I went for my first consultation July 2015. I was overweight and needed a reduction. My PS advised me to lose the weight and come back when I was within 10 lbs of my goal weight. I drove home devastated. It was just the reality check I needed, so I did lose 50 lbs over a year. I rescheduled my consultation July 2016 and my needs had drastically changed. I now needed a lift and was faced with the decision to include the augmentation or just lift. I scheduled the surgery date for the 19th of December 2016. Two weeks prior I had made up my mind to go with minimal implants to give me the upper pole fullness I need. He went with 250 cc's on both breasts with a lift. The implants are Mentor Smooth Round Moderate plus profile.

Updated on 29 Dec 2016:
I'm still bruised and very much healing. I'm not about to touch the gauze stuck to the surgical glue! I'm super super pleased! I was fitted two days after the surgery for a wireless support bra and am 34DD. The swelling will subside, and will probably end up a 34D.The first week of recovery was a little rough because the anesthesia took a bit to get out of my system and the Tramadol made me very loopy and nervous. I only took the meds for 2 days. I was surprised at my level of anxiety afterwards! Not before! I guess the thought of problems paired with the drugs stirred it all up. Im OK now! Just went to follow up and learned how to manipulate them twice a day. I go back week 3 for scar care and check up. I think they are beautiful!

This is why you don't take ibuprofen before an injection! It's not just a precaution. I forgot about this and went to have my second boletero injection for my under eye bags. I have a great nurse who's amazing. I had a horrible head ache the day before and completely forgot and took 4 Ibprofen. This happens over the course of 3-4 hours. Awful black eye.

Only wish my provider would have asked me before she began if I'd taken anything, perhaps this could have been avoided. However, it was mainly my fault for forgetting. Heed the instructions! Never take Motrin, aspirin or ibprofen before an injection!!!! Tylenol is safe.

When I was 39 years old I lost 22 pounds. I had desired to have a tummy tuck for years because of stretch marks from my two pregnancies. I always had large breasts and they were quite saggy from the weight loss, so I decided to get implants at the same time. My husband loves big breasts and I love to please him. He has been the love of my life for 40 years.
Two years ago I started doing cross fit. One workout last month we did 100 burpees. Within a couple days my husband noticed that my left breast had ruptured. I had never considered having my implants removed. Now that breast feels natural and the other does not. I admitted to my husband that when I shop for bras I always try to find the ones that make me look smaller.
I made an appointment with Dr Fred Wilder and he gave me several options. One option was to just drain the other and leave it at that. The ruptured breast really doesn't look that bad. I have plenty of breast tissue. PS says I will still be a D cup. I'm suspect of that, but will see. I opted for explant with a lift. It is today. My husband is praying for me that I will have a result that I will be happy with.
I thought the implants would last forever. When my original PS told me 10 years I thought it was just medical legal warnings. I would not want to go through this again in 10-15 years when I'm in my 70's.
My waist measures 30 inches so I'm having a bit of lipo while I'm under general anesthetic. I'm 5' 3" tall and weigh about 132. I have always been medium build. I'll see if I can post a before photo.
I think I'm going to miss these girls. My husband loves them and I love him.
I have read so many accounts of your experiences on this site. Thank You all for sharing. It has given me peace.
My original surgeon was Dr Louis Bonaldi in Reno, NV. I have had more than one OB doctor tell me what a great job he did on both my tummy tuck and my breast implants. My implants are still soft although I do like the way the ruptured one feels better.
The date of the surgery really is today-10/01/14, but this site said that was invalid. The time of my surgery is 12:30. Your prayers for me would be welcome!

Updated on 2 Oct 2014:
Yesterday I woke up early and ate a light breakfast and has a latte. I read my Bible, read several accounts on this site of your explant journeys. I went on a long walk with my husband, and went swimming in our pool - likely the last time this season as the water was 75 degrees.
I arrived at the surgery center calm and at peace. I was given general anesthetic and experienced no nausea afterwards. I had a good night and slept well in the recliner. My husband is taking good care of me - very kind and attentive to my needs.
I feel very good today. I'm walking around the house and doing light things with no lifting. I am wrapped up quite well, so no peaking. The shape of my breasts look quite pretty. Definitely still have plenty of my own breast tissue. I'm happy with my decision.
My post op visit is tomorrow. I will have lymphatic massage at one week for the lipo. PS says it will not be perfectly smooth where he did lipo due to my age and the elasticity of my skin. He said it will be a very nice shape in clothes and a one piece bathing suit.

Updated on 2 Oct 2014:


Updated on 2 Oct 2014:


Updated on 3 Oct 2014:
Quite a bit of surgery done on these girls. Explant with lift. It is 2:00 pm and have not taken a pain pill since 7:00 am. Went to PS for post op visit today. He removed two implants 350 cc each. I have plenty of breast tissue of my own. I should have just had the lift in the beginning. Life is a journey. When you see the incisions, the purple ink is still there. Also had lipo on my waist around my back. At the office I could already see an indentation of my waist. Will wait for photos on that. Too much trouble to remove the garment.
Dr Wilder raised the bottom of my breast where the fold Is about 1 1/2 inch. Even before implants I felt like I had very little space between my breasts and my waist

Updated on 3 Oct 2014:


Updated on 3 Oct 2014:
Low grade fever this evening. Called PS and he answered all my questions on this Friday evening. He said fever is likely coming from the lungs and that is common after general anesthetic. He advised me to move more, breath deeply, and hydrate. Also have a headache which is a side affect of the hydrocodone.

Updated on 4 Oct 2014:
I quit taking pain meds- gave me a very sharp headache , quit taking arnica - it is a lactose base and gave me lots of gas. Will only take Tylenol if I have to, but am well aware of the risks of too much Tylenol. I took a shower today and it felt great to be fresh and clean. Showed hubby all the surgery after expressing to him that I was not looking forward to him seeing all of it. He helped me in the shower and he helped me get the compression garment zipped back up. I'm finding that when I communicate to him honestly what I'm feeling he is extremely understanding. When I did the tummy tuck and BA in 1999 I remember feeling the same way. He was there for me then too. I was awake every hour on the hour last night. Nice neighbor just brought me some homemade protein bars. She knows I had a "procedure" , but respects my privacy. It is my husband's desire that it just be between him and me. We ran into some judgmental family members when I opened up about the surgery in 1999. This site has give me the outlet I needed to listen to others and to express my feelings.

Updated on 4 Oct 2014:
Low grade fever again - not quite 100 degrees F. Took two short walks today and tried not to nap too much so I will sleep at night. I ate very healthy, but I don't eat much at one time. I'm better today than yesterday. I look forward to feeling better yet tomorrow. It is 7:30 pm and I'm feeling pretty worn out. Still struggling with a headache. Is that from the general anesthetic ?

Updated on 5 Oct 2014:
I slept very well last night. Went to bed at 8:00 pm - only was awake a couple times and hubby woke me up at 8:00 am. We went out for breakfast and I have been sewing all day while he watches football. Quite a sense of normalcy. I'm beginning to feel like I will be ok to go back to work on Tuesday - two days from now.

Updated on 21 Dec 2014:
I Promised photos once things healed a bit. Two things that were really helpful to me. My PS referred me for lymphatic massage. The therapist was amazing and showed me how to massage myself. The PS also sent me to Dillard's where they had met with a bra specialist who fitted me perfectly. I do not believe I have ever worn properly fitted bras. Would you believe I wear 32 DDD after explant. ????. I'm happy with my new body. Only one person has mentioned that they noticed a change and they just asked if I lost weight. I wish there were no scars, but after all I have put the girls through a lot. The healing period was tough. I had lipo on my flanks and had to wear a compression garment for six weeks. None of that was easy. I'm posting because y'all were so helpful to me as I read your accounts when I was going through this.
I only miss my old breasts because my husband loved them. I feel more attractive now in my clothes.
The Best to all of you as you journey through life and make decisions about your body. I wish I would have known that breast implants do not last forever. It is just the beginning of more surgery in your future.

I am now 6 weeks post-op and am so very swollen ... but FLAT! These past 6 weeks have been painful, boring, emotional, and seemed to drag on forever. But I have to remind myself that I had a MAJOR transformation that requires MAJOR recovery. Goes hand in hand. I have had really smooth recover compared to some too. I have had no infections, seroma, or other complications. I have had just the normal pains and swellings that come from having a tummy tuck.

I am now standing up, cleaning house, picking up my kids, and pretty much back to normal. Now, I can't do Yoga the way I used to. Stretching is hard in certain directions or levels. I tried to do a standard push up and it hurt bad but I can at least get through girly ones. It is a start and I am working at getting back to the workouts I used to be able to do.

My doctor told me not to expect the swelling to start going down until I was 3 months out so I am trying not to get too bummed about it. I would love to wear regular clothes like jeans but I am not there yet. Still dresses and sweat pants or PJs. I can't wait to see what I will look like in a nice pair of jeans!

Through all the money spent, time spent, and pain I am sooo very happy I did it and would do it again... though I wouldn't really want to! lol But I WOULD!

My doc is great and started me on Arnica and healthy diet and no wine and had to stop certain vitamins. I wasn't going to post anything but noticed that a lot of the posts were people younger than I was so wanted to share my experience for anyone that has waited as long as I have. I take really good care of myself and exercise 6 days a week (yoga, kickboxing, weights and still the big tummy. The doc said he's doing no lipo just tt and muscle tightening. Because there is no lipo he does not like the compression garment so despite waht I've read I will trust him as he has an amazing reputation and very skilled. He did a friend of mine's tt and breast lift and both are beautiful. I bought all my supplies and sleep aids from relax the back store, dinners for two weeks and just waiting to get everything in motion. House is clean, bathroom and gauze, towels prepapred and tonight I'm making pizza but no wine for me. I even have my lymphatic massages scheduled for 8 days after my surgery.... nothing to do now but wait and hope for good results and say my prayers.Once I can I will post pictures and share more about what I did to prep and my experience. The doctor makes you stay two nights at the surgical hospital and my husband can stay with me so it's kind of like a really bad vacation for him. Hope to have good positive news to report back next week.


Updated on 26 Sep 2012:
Today is the day...on my way to the hospital, surgery is at 12:00. Yesterday I ate avacado tacos with spinach and veggies... lots of mango/papaya/blueberry shakes mixed with pea protein, tons of water so I feel cleaned out this morning and ready to go. It's amazing how hungry and thirst I am this morning probabIy because I can't eat or drink anything. I took four arnica when I woke this morning and then ammend (anti nausea) at 10:30 and won't return home from the hospital until Friday. Said my morning prayer and very optomistic and happy that today has finally arrived.

Updated on 29 Sep 2012:
I'm almost two days post op and thrilled to pieces. I'm comfy taking pain killers and eating all three meals plus lots of water and fruit.sleeping all night long since day 1 and only wake to take my pills. Walking is tough but I got.a walker which has helped. The only thing that has made me sad is why didn't I do this sooner Haven't been able to have a bm yet but hopefully soon. Doc used tape and
glue so no oozing, two drains and the pain pump. I love my new crafted belly button which is an inny.... My doc is gifted. No compression garment and the liquid in my drains are about 20cc every 12 hours so they shouldd be ready to come out Monday or Tuesday. At 54 I couldn't be happier and hope the rest of my journey just gets better. The most pain is after you're unhooked from the hospital iv meds and you have to start walking.... Mostly in the back but the walker and a heating pad are great. Also s few times when.people help slid the pillows back too quickly and you tense the tummy... Ouch. Swelling feels like tour stomach is in a vice but overall being prepared and poditive attitude help a lot. Will post a pic in a couple of days.

Updated on 7 Oct 2012:
Today is day 11 and everything started going uphill after week one. Patience is indeed a virtue when it comes to tummy tucks and I realized that second guessing, trying to analyze my scar, anticipate the outcome was all a waste of time. Just concentrate on eating right, taking care of yourself and following all the excellent advice from your physian and give yourself time to feel whatever your unique feeling are but know that it gets better every day and by day 11 I feel like my old self. I did everything as instructed (took my arnica, rested, bromelain, got off the pain meds on day four and yes, if you see the new pics I posted my doc said no compression garments and I picked him so have follwed his instructions to the detail and I think these pictures were taken after lunch day eleven and I'm still swollen but so happy. The darins came out on day 6 and no bandages. The first 4 nights I slept on out sofa. I purchased the sleep system from the "Relax your back store" but our bed was too high for me to get into. Now I'm back in bed taking showers on my own and walking almost upright. My tummy is super tight and the insicion line very tight but hey, I can put up with that because all that loose skin is gone. Don't understimate planning ahead, and eating well and resting and not pushing yoourself too hard and keep your hands really clean at all times. All in all it was painful the first few days and a little scary but try to focus on taking the best care of yourself and wear only comfortable loose clothes.... let yourself heal. I still use the antiseptic soap above my insision when showering. The drain holes have completely closed up and i'm in my fifties so ladies age just doesn't matter as long as you're in good health.

Updated on 8 Nov 2012:
It's been six weeks posting new pictures! Every day I feel better and more like myself. I still have swelling as you can see below the belly button but thank God nothing major and healing is going very well. There is some puffiness still on the sides of my incision where there was a small amount of lipo but the doctor said this should even out within the next couple of weeks. I am using Scar Guard MD and Gel Zone. In the morning when I get up I massage scargone massage oil into the incision. I leave it on while I'm having my morning shake for about an hour. Then I shower and apply Scar Guard in the morning and re-apply in the evening. Yesterday was my first attempt to exercise and I got through 3/4 of my 45 minute core ball workout. Some of the ab exercies were uncomfortable so I switched them around and let my body guide me. The majority of the swelling is from my scar to my belly button. There is a harder ridge which is somewhat flat in the morning but gets larger as the day goes on. All in all no pain and I'm feeling pretty good and my weight is what it was before surgery 128lbs. My waist and abdomen are still puffy so my clothes are not fitting in the waist like I expected but at my 3 month (end of December) we'll see what improvements and the nurse said that is when I should be able to get a better idea. I still sleep on my back so the incision has no pulling or folding of the skin. My diet is very good and I eat a lot of veggies/salads and protein shakes, fruit, etc. Mostly I drink water. My belly buttton is cute and has healed very well. I will post more pictures of the scar as it begins to heal. The last of the glue did not come off until last week so hopefully things will just go uphill.

Updated on 3 Dec 2012:
I started my scar treatment once the glue came off around 5 weeks. Using two treatments religiouly and healing up very well. Also doing light ab work after 7 weeks and I stress the light part. Nothing too strenuous. Still have the ridge and swelling in the late afternoon and evening. Also after eating the wrong carbs, salt( margaritas) anything bubbly. It's really important to watch your activity and pay attention to what causes the bloating. I'm thrilled and can't wait to see what changes the occur at month three.

Updated on 11 Jan 2013:
3 MONTHS POST OP. I went in for my three month check up last week. The Doctor said my scar looked better than average so all the TLC must have helped. I still have some swelling in the upper/lower abdomen later in the day but that has to do with exercise and what I eat or drink and of course my body healing. I eat really healthy but have to be careful on the off days and weekends. Right now I've resumed my yoga, core ball workout and kickboxing. I tried the Brazilian tummy tuck video for my abs and it was too much so I will try again next month. I asked my doctor about the swelling and he said it will take a good year for the healing process and results to be permanent. It made me feel better and made a lot of sense considering I've read three months and with such an extensive surgery that's hard to beleive. So... now I just sit back and let my body do whatever it will and my job is eating right, exercising and continuing with my scar treatment for another 3 months. My six month mark I'll consider my halway mark so be kind to yourself and be PATIENT and enjoy the flatness and tight tummy.

I had a consultation for breast augmentation with Dr Wilder last week. I was so excited. I made my apt and waited about 2 months for my apt. I am a transgendered woman. I made the appointment based on word of mouth from a close friend who is also trans. I informed the office that I was trans and had never had an augmentation previously. The receptionist stated she wasn't sure if the Dr work on trans clients who had not yet be augmented so she would check. I Understand stand the process may be different for someone like me so I had issue with this.. She called back said no problem and set my appointment. So I waited. 

The day of my apt I work up so excited. Got read and drove 40 mins to see Dr Wilder. When I got in I spoke with the nurse who was very friendly as she was a friend of my friend. She seemed excited for me. She asked a few questions took pictures and asked that I wait. DR WILDER enters and I can tell something is off. He asked me where I was in my transition. I told him I have been on hormones over a year and have grown breast tissue but was ready to move to the next step. He asked if I had had SRS and I was taken aback. I said no. He proceeded to tell he was sorry if there was some misunderstanding but he isn't in the business of transition surgeries. He would finish the job if I already had SRS, meaning a vagina but other wise he wouldn't do the surgery and most surgeons feel the same way. 

I told him that wasn't accurate and he acted as if he were offended. And he said will it would be different if you already had an augmentation or if you had SRS. So at this moment I realize it's not that he can't do it. He said if I had a vagina he would. MY CHEST WILL LOOK THE SAME AFTER SRS, it's that he has a moral objection. He then said "obviously there will be no charge today" as if that's a consultation for being narrow minded and insulting then leaves the room and I break down in tears as his nurse comforts me before walking me out. 

I don't normally post review about anything things but I don't want another person to go through this. A plastic surgeons job is to help people with their insecurities. Well this doctor has made mine significantly more substantial. I have found another surgeon but please be aware if you select Dr Wilder to be your surgeon what his beliefs and bigotries are.

Buyer beware. I excitedly went for a consult with Dr. Wilder for a tummy tuck. I left with the following key observations from Dr. Wilder:

1) I had a 1 cm ab separation, no Diastasis Recti
2) I had too much visceral fat to be a good candidate for a tummy tuck; I would most likely be dissatisfied with the results
3) I needed to lose 4 lbs to be in the BMI range he would consider operating on me.

I consulted several other board certified plastic surgeons, none of which said any of the above. I specifically asked the other doctors about DR and visceral fat, and was told I had a 3-5 cm DR and not enough visceral fat to worry about. One office accidentally added 10 lbs to my chart and still didn’t even blink at my weight. Perhaps they noticed that despite my post 2 baby belly, I’m fairly muscular which means I sit on the higher end of the BMI chart regardless of body condition.

Post surgery, I asked the surgeon how big my DR gap actually was. Fully anesthetized, it was 5”. Granted, it would not be as large when not fully relaxed, but not to the tune of 4.5”.

So, if there is any chance you have DR (in other words, if you’ve ever had a baby), make sure you get evaluated by someone else who is more accurately able to assess this condition.