Gil Nardini, MD

For 15 years I have been trying to repair the loose skin around my abdomen. At first, insurance companies claimed they will cover the cost of a paniculectomy if the weight was kept off for 1 1/2 years. Eventhough that threshold was met and exceeded by 15 years, insurance companies denied the procedure insisting it was purely cosmetic and not medically necessary. This despite the countless reports from doctors in different specialties attesting to the immediate medical need for the procedure. After countless visits with plastic surgeons, and endless attempts to have the insurance companies meet thier obligations, short of taking legal action, it became clear to me that I would have to expense the procedure myself. After recieving quotes ranging from $8,900 to as high as $18,000, it became inevitible to me that I may have to deal with medically treating the conditions the skin folds created for the rest of my life. Until I discovered the Fellowship Plast Surgery Program at NYEE. There I met Dr. Gil Nardini. I have no words or explaination to the overwehlming feeling of confidence this gentleman immediately instilled in me. Learning the cost of the procedure was only the "icing on the cake". Dr. Nardini took the time to fully examen me and explain with detail the procedures available to me, and the one that would best benefit my condition. I chose to undergo a Fleur de Lis Abdomonoplasty. Waking up in recovery was extremely traumatizing due the incredibly unbearable pain I was experiencing. But after a shot of pain killer medication, I was at ease. 8 days after my procedure, I am back to limited everyday activities. I am amazed at the fact that I have had no post surgery bleeding whatsoever. The incisions are healiing beautifully and painlessly. The only discomfort I am experiencing now is from the compression garments that must be worn, and the constant itchiness they cause. Finding and meeting Dr. Nardini was a blessing. I will forever be greatful to him for ending my 15 year struggle.

So tomorrow is the big day for me! Ive had saggy boob since I was younger and I've always wanted a lift. I have chosen to get this procedure done at New York eye and ear. I have researched this hospital for quite sometime now. I quit smoking over 3 months ago. Got all my Pre-op clearances and I'm ready to go. The procedure will be done by Dr. Nardini and Dr. Daniel Malman. I'm up with
A little anxiety right now, can't sleep! I'll keep you guys posted on all the details!

Updated on 30 Oct 2015:
Got to the hospital fairly early and things moved swiftly. Registration in admitting took all of about 10 minutes and off to the second floor. The second floor is where you change clothes, give urine, take vita signs, and meet with all the doctors, nurses and anesthesiologist who wil be in the surgical sweet with you. They explain anything you want to know, they are very professional. I have no complaints!.

After surgery was done I was extremely groggy and nauseous. Pain was an 8 out of 10, mostly to the bottom of my breast. It took me a while to come around, couldn't eat anything and was extremely sore. While there they have me zofran for nausea and oxycodone for pain.

The ride home was ok. I literally slept the whole day . Still haven't eaten anything either. I'll keep u guys posted as the days go by

Updated on 31 Oct 2015:
Feeling better, finally showered pain has decreased alot

Updated on 1 Nov 2015:
Today has been a great day. Pain has subsided significantly! I was up and about at home trying to accomplish some small chores. The only discomfort I have is trying to reach in high places and this awful compression bra. It's very uncomfortable. Tomorrow is my post op visit with Dr. Nardini. I'm hoping he can recommend a different bra. I'll keep you guys posted with updated pics tomorrow

Updated on 2 Nov 2015:
Had my post op today with Dr. Nardini! We both are very pleased with the results, he assures me that everything seems to be healing just perfect. He told me I can change the bra to something more comfortable, and I was relieved! The bra they give you was very uncomfortable and not cute at all. He told me that my breast would eventually soften up and drop a little in the weeks coming, and to be sure to choose a sports bra with maximum support. Not only to help with the swelling of the breast, but the swelling around the bra area that he performed lipo. I have another follow up appointment next week Monday. Than he said he will clean the area where the dissolvable stiches were placed and remove the tape. After our conversation, he took some pictures, asked if I had any other questions or concern's. I said no, we shook hands and I was on my way.

FYI today is my second day driving and it has been fine. Just a little discomfort if I should hit a hard bump. (Nyc streets)

Also pain level is at an all time low "0" no more pain meds. I have no problem sleeping on my left or right side. However I do add padding for some extra support

Updated on 3 Nov 2015:


Updated on 9 Nov 2015:
All is well. Small opening on the incision, had to reapply tape. Have to wait to start silicone sheath strips. I'm sure I will heal fine. The scars were very thin! Will add more pics later. Added a picture of dr Nardini card! Give him a call he's great!

Updated on 10 Nov 2015:


Updated on 14 Nov 2015:
One of the things that I was worried about the most is the loss of sensation. My nipples was an erogenous zone for me. Needless to say; although I am extremely happy with the shape of my breast, I currently have no feeling in my nipple. Certain areas of my breast is hypersensitive, some parts are numb, and the rest is normal. I'm hoping things will change in the weeks to come.

Updated on 18 Nov 2015:
Feeling good and I'm back at work. I have a very physical job so I've been trying to take it easy.

Updated on 24 Nov 2015:
No more tape! I have 2 small openings where the sutures were. Currently applying bacitracin to incision site. Minimal scarring, looks like it will probably heal nicely. I go back to see the dr in 4 weeks. Than we will discuss a possible tummy tuck with lipo to complete my look and totally give me back the confidence that I need!!

Updated on 30 Nov 2015:
I am currently using bio oil on my breast 2x a day until I get the ok from the doctor to start silicone sheets. However, I must say I am pleased with my results and the minimal scarring thus far. The only issues I currently have is
1. No nipple sensation
2. Unable to sleep on my stomach(it just doesn't feel comfortable yet)

So after about five years on this site I finally set a date and have mustered up the courage to start my countdown post. To say I'm excited is an understatement. I'm looking forward to shedding my stomach girth and at 5'7 and 166lbs my wishes are about to become my reality. Now I do plan on dropping some of this "summer weight", ideally I like hovering between 160-165lb, but I'm going to discuss this with my PS at my office visit the Friday. I guess I'm a bit concerned about the 5lbs and how it will affect my TT results short and long term.

So with my journey beginning...cheers to 76 days till my surgery and keeping everyone posted pre-op, during and post-op.

Updated on 6 Sep 2015:
So I'm still excited and find myself a bit obsessive with regard to looking at pre and postop photos and stories, but I'm sure that's normal.

With 58 days left I decided I could bare to make use of my gym membership. Today I'm 165lbs and although I like the number I'm ready to commit to a fitter me pre-surgery so I can train my body (AND mind) to the work I'll have to do to maintain my postop body.

Updated on 16 Sep 2015:
So I decided against surgery because I thought I wanted to go through an IVF cycle prior, but thank goodness for my hubby who snapped me back to reality (although he isn't 100% in agreeance about me needing a TT).

With my surgery date now almost 45 days away I'm refocused and rejuvenated. Today I weighed in at 159lbs (not my ideal weight, but I still have time to regain a few pounds before surgery). I will post a few pics of me so you can see me before and then for comparison purposes when I get closer and then postop.

So excited and sort of obssed with the RS review world.

Updated on 16 Sep 2015:
Want to get out of my Spanx

Updated on 17 Sep 2015:
This is me...

Updated on 12 Oct 2015:
Valuing the opinion of RealSelfers, I am interested in finding out which are the best binders (to include company and style) to wear during Stage 1 and Stage 2 as I would like to purchase an extra garment.

Updated on 14 Oct 2015:
So I had my medical clearance yesterday and everything went great. My PMD is awaiting my blood work and then she'll send my paperwork off to my PS. To me things just got realER (lol) as that (to me anyway) was step one on my descent to my big day.

Updated on 21 Oct 2015:
So I received some devastating news yesterday...my PS received my medical clearance and postponed my surgery because my hemoglobin level was 10.4. I never had a hemoglobin level of 10.4 and was quiet shocked, but I was on my menstral cycle when I had my blood drawn.

I have an appointment tomorrow with my PMD to redraw my blood a CBC, iron and ferritin and I will start an iron supplement, but I was advised it will, can take take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks for my numbers to reach the safe level of 12.

I will keep you posted - so sad right now.

Updated on 29 Oct 2015:
Well I'm on iron therapy to include Iron 325mg three times a day, Vitamin C 500mg three times a day, Vitamin B12 500mcg twice daily for four to six weeks. I will repeat my blood work at week four and surgery (if all of this pays off) will be rescheduled to the last week in Novemeber or early December.

Positive thinking I know my hemoglobin can go back to 12. I've already gone from 10.4 to 10.9 after a week. I'm completely thinking it will be a go.

Updated on 24 Nov 2015:
Yes community you heard me - I have a new surgery date and its December 16! My iron therapy regimen coupled with incorporating high iron food sources and meat into my diet proved to be a winner as my hemoglobin went from 10.9 to 12.7 in just four weeks.

I of course will continue my iron therapy until about a month post op as per my PMD, but can't wait to return to my previous eating habits adding only a few meat portions as I've put on a few extra pounds this past month.

I can't express how excited I am especially after a successful medical clearance today and Dr. Nardini's correspondence confirming my surgery date.

Now let the prepping begin!

Updated on 9 Dec 2015:
So today I paid for my surgery and I haven't stopped jumping and skipping around since.

I so my PS and he is just so wonderful, he took final pictures and outlined his final plans for me...I must say they are absolutely awesome.

Yes I'm expecting a rough few days, even weeks, but I will take it easy as prescribed and let my body heal from all the wonderfulness this surgery has for me.

Updated on 12 Dec 2015:
I'm not usually an early riser. Quite contrarily I could and would sleep and lounge around with a great book all day if I didn't have to go to work and be a mom and wife everyday, but today I was up and at it since 4:30am - cleaning and tidying the house, packing my bag for the hospital, getting my last minute must haves even talking on the phone with my sister and best friend.

It is officially 4 days 4 hours and 2 minutes until my surgery and I'm just on cloud 9. I'm buying a walker today so that I have some support while going to and from my room to the bathroom down the hall yet I feel like I'm forgetting something still.

Is it normal to feel this excited about my upcoming transformation?

Updated on 16 Dec 2015:
I'm excited. Didn't sleep well last night, but not out of fear, I guess I was just restless. I'm getting ready for my procedure and just can't wait to arrive at the hospital and get all marked up. I think that'll be when it's all real to me.

I thought I'd be hungry, but oddly I'm not thinking about food rather the lack there of. Wishing myself and everyone else a successful surgery today! Until later...toddles.

Updated on 18 Dec 2015:
I got through my first night home and apparently slept well until my bladder woke me shouting at me, "bathroom time" lol. I don't have any real complaints with the exception of loss of appetite and hunching. I've been glued to my recliner which is comfy with the added six pillows for cushioning. My hubby took some pictures of my markings and of me in the recovery suite, then my hospital room (I will post later).

Ultimately, I'm pretty comfortable as long as I keep up with my medication regimen which has been really easy because my husband is on top of everything - from draining my JCs and recording the amounts to fluffing my pillows and wiping me down.

My wonderful PS called to check up on me and it brightened my afternoon because he is just so attentive, caring and explanatory that it's humbling. Tired already, so I will post more later today.

Updated on 19 Dec 2015:
Although I've been active on the site, I've neglected my profile as I was so excited to see and read about the recovery process and stories of others. Well here is my piece of the pie...Day 1 was sweet...the hospital staff of nurses, NAs, dietitians and ancillary personnel were just superb. They answered my every bell call with a smile and provided me with around the clock medication and comfort level checks that surpassed my expectations. When it was time to leave I knew my family and friends had to live up to the spoiled standards I've been afforded thus far.

Day 2 home...boy my family especially my husband, 11 year old and MIL are exceeding the bill. I've been tended to hand over foot. At the slightest sound of a grimace my hubby would awake and check me. Note: once I was able to urinate there was not stopping the flood gates. Thankful for my walker (hubby will put tennis balls on it tomorrow). I've found my recliner to be my best friend as its easiest to get up from with or without assistance.

I did suffer from loss of appetite, but today managed to eat a salad which combined with MOM and Senna pills has had me hobbling back and forth to the bathroom since early evening. I'm taking my pain pills as I cannot manage without them just yet, but take one Oxy every seven to eight hours. My PS prescribed antibiotics during my stay and for me to take for the next week so I've been on top of the three times a day regimen without fail (again thanks to the support of my Recovery Team).

Drains...my JCs have not been problematic at all- quite the contrary they are manageable and pain free...but that may also be to the expert and delicate care my husband has taken in caring for them. He religiously drains the tubing, measures the fluids and records it on a log with such ease, I swear he's done this in a former life for a living (hehe).

I guess the one thing I'm anxious about is my reveal. I have not seen myself since pre-op markings (pics attached) so I'm looking forward to my first post-op visit on Monday.

Well I think I've summed it all up now for the photos...happy healing beautiful people! I hope you're glowing just as I am as we've finally made a dream come true.

Updated on 21 Dec 2015:
Where do I begin? Should I start with the first adventure, walking down my second floor fourteen steps? Or that it took me about two hours to get washed up and dressed for my first post-op appointment? Or how everyone kept telling me, "take it easy", " go as slow as you want, we're in no rush", or "I can carry you, just say the words"...yes all words and gestures of encouragement and kindness from complete strangers as I made my way to my doctor's office.

Whew...already the best surgery experience and a follow-up to match. All smiles as my PS, niece (assigned caregiver for the day) and I exchanged mutual smiles and amicable words. Then I was off to disrobe (chore in of itself...if I thought getting dressing was fun, well getting undressed was the icing on the cupcake) thankful my niece was there assisting me all the way.

Dr. Nardini read my JP log and although I'm not saddened as these drains have given me no discomfort as I said before, they will be attached to me for a wee bit longer. A sigh of relief left my body as he unwrapped my binder while I was laying on the exam table and immediately grandeur filled the room. I'm taught and flat albeit in swell hell. As he removed my dressings all I could do was think and eventually holler, "WOW!", "I'm seamless", "Doc I'm amazed". My pictures attached will do some justice, but as you can see I'm more than pleased with my immediate results.

My scar is visibly flat to the eye and to the touch. He used this amazing adhesive to close my incisions and I can already tell (hope) I will yield the same results as I have with my BL/BA which has had minimal scarring and smoothness throughout. After redressing my surgery site and wrapping me back in my security blanket aka binder I was all set to go. Next follow-up will be on Thursday, yes you heard correctly, Christmas Eve at 11am for reassessment and possible removal of my left JP.

I hope everyone who had follow-up/post-op visits today is as happy and pleased as I am and I certainly look forward to your pics and testimonials. As always happy, healthy, healing sisters!

Updated on 22 Dec 2015:
I feel like when I looked in the mirror last night I was a bit on the boxy side...I am uber, uber swollen and hope to see some hourglass soon.

Updated on 23 Dec 2015:
Morning Real Selfers. I'm not sure this its a good morning, but it's the first morning I decided to take pictures this early in an effort to document my swelling.

Now I know it's been said not to weigh yourself for some time post op, but I couldn't help but notice how many folks were and had shared their significant weight loss (4-5lbs is significant to me okay). So as you probably already guessed by now, I weighed myself and to my surprise I still weigh exactly the same as I did going into surgery. Now had this been any other day it probably wouldn't've been a downer, but today it is. Granted my period is due to begin on the 31st of December and I usually bloat like a dead carcass, but I haven't had my classic premenstrual cycle symptoms (tender breasts, moodiness) so I'm again playing the waiting game and will revisit this puzzling issue after my cycle to see if there are any significant changes.

For now...morning!

Updated on 24 Dec 2015:
Merry Christmas Eve ladies! So yes, I'm back from my second post-op visit with my PS and I came home DRAINLESS!!!!!!! This is how the conversation went prior to the removal:

Me: You know doc, unlike others who've had horror stories about their JPs, I'm not complaining.
PS: Did you bring your log?
Me: Yes (hand him the log)
PS: Wonderful, they both can be removed (smiling)
Me: Doc, but if you want to keep them for another week or so I certainly don't mind. Like I said they are no bother to me.
PS: Nah, your ready for them to be removed. You kept and documented better than many on your log and I feel you don't need them any longer.
Me: But aren't I still so swollen? I feel like my belly is filled with water and tight.
PS: Lets take a look.

(change into gown, get on the exam table - he proceeds to examine me)

PS: The drains have done their job very well. I do see that you are swollen though, more than when I last saw you, but this is where patience is tested Chelle. The body will heal and you will have the most wonderful curves (ok my words, but he was describing it with bis hands for me lol, LOL, lol)
Me: Okay you're the expert
PS: Deep breath
PS: One more time deep breath
Me: You see I didn't even feel you removing them.

Can you believe me! I'm telling my PS, ah leave these drains in they are no bother, while he reassured me that there is no more need for them. Still smiling. So my wonderful appointments leads me to post-op number three in five days.

I'M DRAINLESS AND DOWN FIVE POUNDS...YES 5LBS (couldn't help it so I weighed myself. Nap time for me, my appointment has me pooped.

Updated on 25 Dec 2015:
A few pics on Christmas afternoon, one day post JP drain removal.

Updated on 28 Dec 2015:
So I had my usual bi-weekly Brazilian wax a week prior to surgery and now I so want to go to my spa (I'm due), but I'm not sure if it is allowed. At my last p/o visit my PS said no, but I'm praying he gives me the go ahead tomorrow. Is it wrong for me to feel like if he says no again, I give into the urge and go ahead with it anyway? Ahhh the dilemmas that pop up on post op Day 13!

Updated on 28 Dec 2015:
Dropped a few pounds aka water weight I'm realizing. Swollen still yes indeed, but for mid day I'm not that disappointed. Anxious about by appointment tomorrow.

Updated on 31 Dec 2015:
Tadaa...my two week appointment went WELL, great, Grand...AWESOME!!!

My list of questions for my PS:
Q: When can I shower?
A: Today

Q: I've had severe loss of appetite since the surgery, is this normal?
A: It isn't uncommon for this to happen immediately after surgery, if it continues, we'll explore this further. In the mean time keep a food diary.

Q: When will my BB be ready?
A: I'm applying ointment and this is a waterproof patch so it will not impede showering.

Q: Can I get a Brazilian wax?
A: No

Q: May I ask why?
A: Not time (in his French accent).

Q: I am going to just die. Absolutely die! Literally die! Is there any way I can get a Brazilian, it's been two weeks and I'm on a schedule.
A: Well you won't die and you're lucky you don't live in Sweden...you know Swedes love hair.
Me: But, we're in American and I'm American and I really love Brazil. Please?
A: Okay, but under one condition, I will draw a line, this is the guide and you must go get a massage as well.
Me: Yes! I will. Thank you, thank you! Ouch (he pulled the tape off and my hair screamed with me).

Q: If I'm constipated, will it impact my results?
A: Yes, you may have an overly bloated look, but to avoid this and have regular BM, purchase dried California prunes without sorbate. Bring water to a boil and then place the prunes in the water. Allow to biol for five minutes, then cover and let sit over night. Drink 8oz of 'juice', you will be able to have a successful BM before the day is over.

PS: All looks wonderful. You are healing great. You look so beautiful (Me: blushing). Purchase paper tape as I practice the taping method. (Proceeds to demonstrate taping). I will see you next week at 12:30. Bonne Anee!
Me: Oui, bonne anee! (In my head saying thank god I married me a Frenchman)

Afterwards, I took me an Oxy and walked to my spa (yes I prebooked although I didn't have PS approval yet). I had the best chocolate Brazilian EVER! Now this is where the visit went downhill for me...the massage (note...I do not like massages, it feels creepy crawly to me), but I got through my 45 minute session. He said massage works wonders for lipo although no help for your TT.

Then I went to VS (bought nothing for me, but my 15 year old had sent me with a list)...an hour later I ended up at Trader Joes, picked up the prunes, salad, Lara bars, Pelligrino, coconut water, then finally home. I bloated like a balloon by the time I got home that my husband had to peal me out of my clothing as I was in such agony. No more shopping for me (best excuse to get the hubby to cook for the next few weeks).

I posted a few photos so you can see my two week smooth and absolutely flat TT scar...I think I'm going to have a great result. My photos were taken at 7pm when I'm most bloated, please share your thoughts.

Updated on 2 Jan 2016:
So I was about to take a shower and as I disrobed I noticed the gauze beneath my waterproof covering looked a bit wet and soggy looking so I peeled away the waterproof layer and removed the gauze and this is what I saw (see picture)...

My sister and nephew happened to come over at the same moment I began to panic (I'm completely nude) and after my nephew hollered, "I'm blind and scarred for life, thanks Aunty. Wait you got a boob job?!" She helped me put gauze and applied waterproof tape so that I could shower. Now, I need to know what to do. Should I add the ointment then the gauze and recover it like my PS had me? Should I call and disturb his Saturday and ask him what to do? Does my BB look odd? My sister said it looked small. Is it ugly? I'm so at a loss and need more eyes to tell me what they see and think I should do?

Help.....

Updated on 2 Jan 2016:
The darker portion came off when I wiped it with gauze.

Updated on 5 Jan 2016:
For the better part of about a week give or take every night I'm awoken by an uncontrollable itch that I'm unable to relieve. There is no subtle transition just an itch that is unable to be quelled.

I itch near my incision and in my flanks where I had lipo. Not sure what to do, but know I'm tired of waking up in the middle of the night and the wee hours of the morning everyday itchy and unable to get relief. Not sure why this is happening, but do recall my PS mentioning this possibly occurring post op.

Updated on 7 Jan 2016:
I finally made it to my three week post op appointment and it went stupendous! My PS threw out my binder and officially gave me the go ahead to start wearing a CG 24/7 for the next three months...I choose Spanx.

Reasons I chose Spanx:
1) I've worn them in the past and have had great results pre-surgery
2) The two CGs I bought wouldn't even go over my thighs (I bought them both in a size large)
3) My PS recommended it as it offers the optimal amount of compression in his opinion
4) Completely affordable especially for everyday wear

On another note, I finally did the do! Yes, I had sex. I haven't slept in my bed just yet, but will take the plunge tonight. Sex went better than expected with no discomfort, but at this moment hours later I have a bit of soreness above my BB (not sure if it is related or not, but will take it easy).

Here are some photos of me in my Spanx and in my Spanx under skin tight clothing. The Spanx are virtually undetectable and my clothes are paper thin.

Updated on 31 Jan 2016:
Okay, so I know I've been sort of MIA here on RS, but I took a break posting to my blog because I wasn't so sure if I was noticing any real changes. After going to my one month post-op visit on top of going back to work my days and nights were becoming filled with swelling, change in appetite (again), prickly needle-like pain in both of my flanks as well as utter fatigue.

Phew! So if I may, let me start with my one month follow-up appointment; overall it was an uneventful visit with the exception of my PS stressing that I tape everyday with the exception of days when I may wear clothing that would make the tape visible (i.e. swimwear) and continue taping for a full 16 weeks. He also entertained my want to have a tad bit more lipo to my right flank area as there is a slight, but noticeable difference in contour when compared to my "perfect" left flank area, as well as lipo of my bra line more so my upper back where I see small areas of fat pockets. Customarily he'd advise to wait until one year, but, he's willing to reevaluate those areas of note at my three month follow-up appointment and if there is still visible concern we will discuss setting a date for early May or mid to late June. With that I left my appointment happy.

The return to work...my first week back was a shortened one due in part to MLK day as well as returning on a Wednesday making my work week a grand ole two days only (although it made no difference because my body was screaming, "go lay down i your bed" more than once). I found myself antsy and unable to focus completely. I didn't know what to eat and when I did figure it out I ate so sporadically due to the many meetings I had to attend that I somewhat gave up trying to remember to eat and drink water. What a nightmare that was! Then week 2 rolled around...if I thought week one was a doozy, week two was a natural disaster especially after my town was blanketed with 12-36" of snow. Now I must say, my Fitbit weekly summary was the highest its been since I thought about wearing it post op, and I definitely earned quite a few badges, but every night I got home all I wanted to do was shower and crash in my bed while dreading the repeat for the next day.

And of course during all of this Aunt Flo made her monthly visit hitting me with a double wammie...bloating and swelling. Need I say, I wasn't a happy camper?????

Now it's, cheers to the weekend and I've been able to refocus and recuperate a bit and get back some normalcy so I can tackle next week with a smile. I did weigh in today and I'm 164.5lbs, which is fine with me as I prefer to hover between 160 and 165lbs. My incision line is healing and I'm looking forward to its continued evolution over the next 2-4 weeks.

Well here are some pics...oh and need I not forget, thank you Simplyuncomplicated for your unwavering support, I couldn't've gotten through my transition back to work without your cheers, reality checks and pep talks!

Updated on 2 Feb 2016:
I was a bit skeptical about buying and wearing panties post op as I didn't think I would look "good" in a pair. Well I ventured out of my comfort zone of Jane Fonda high cut, cover and hide my pouch panties and with a little coaxing from a friend I decided to wear this stringy number tonight.

I must say I'm actually feeling kind of cute, heck frisky in this hot pink, curve flattering, incision hiding panty right here!

Updated on 19 Nov 2016:

I had lipo almost a year ago and I still am grappling with how badly it looks. While I'm sure the procedure itself was fine and normal, my recommendation is to really make sure you find a doctor you trust and who is not going to mislead or lie to you about your results.
Going into my consultation, I was pretty sure I needed a tummy tuck. I was heavily overweight as a teen - 170 lbs at 5'1 - and lost a lot of weight in a quick period. I have thus had a saggy stomach since I was sixteen. I've maintained the weight loss, but I had a pouch of fat that I really wanted to get rid of so I looked better in clothes (and without) and didn't have a roll of fat hanging over my jeans.
I went to see Dr. Nardini for a consultation and he talked me into getting liposuction. He kept saying how he truly believed my skin would shrink back because I'm still young and that he really recommends I just get liposuction, that way we don't "burn any bridges." That should have been my first clue that he was already setting me up to pay for a second surgery. I was originally going to get breast implants at the same time (due, again, to sagging caused by my weight loss), and after I left the consultation, I emailed him to cancel the implants and just do the lipo because I was, again, worried about loose skin and not wanting to clean out my whole savings account on these two procedures and end up needing a tummy tuck that I couldn't afford. Again, and I still have this email, Dr. Nardini assured me that he "truly believed" my stomach would shrink back and I should still get the breast implants for "uniformity." Thankfully, this time I did not listen to him and asked to only receive the lipo.
The procedure went fine, but it was evident after my three month visit that my fears of loose skin were very justified. He tried to brush it off and assure me final results wouldn't be seen until six months and we could "discuss my options" then. I knew then that this was going to be as good as it gets and that he also probably knew my skin was never going to shrink back to normal. Now, we're nine months out of my surgery and I am more ashamed of my body than when I had the fat pouch. I'm embarrassed to let anyone see me naked, as my stomach is lumpy and uneven and my fat pouch? Now a pouch of loose skin. If you look at my stomach from the side, you see all the bumps and valleys from my loose skin. There is nothing flat about my stomach. It's shameful and embarrassing. I try to not even look in the mirror or at my body if I'm not dressed because I hate what I see.
I never did go back for my six month visit. I have no need or desire to see someone who lied and mislead me about my realistic results, and now I have to find a new surgeon to fix the mess he left on me. Their office is also a disaster. Post surgery, a nurse gave me a packet with a day to come back from my post op written and circled on it. This date was wrong, which I only knew because I took it upon myself to confirm with dr. Nardini. Then, we scheduled an appointment to remove my stitches and when I got to the office, no one was there. The hospital had to track down dr. Nardini, and I was then informed they were all out at a conference all day. How lovely! Perhaps you shouldn't have scheduled me for that day, or maybe if your office assistant did her job, she would have called to confirm my appointment and we would have realized we had the wrong day. My three month check up, dr. Nardini was there and on time, probably because of the fit I threw over the stitches situation, and we made an appointment for the six month check up - of course, no one called to confirm and the appointment was missed. Then his office assistant sent out a mass email to his patients requesting that he wanted to see us for follow up visits before the end of July. All of our emails, I might add, were cc'd and not bcc'd, so my email, which is my full name, was blasted out to strangers in connection to a plastic surgery follow up appointment. Plastic surgery is a personal choice and it was MY choice and it's completely unprofessional for them to email me with my name and email visible to other people whom I do not know.
Overall, I really regret choosing this hospital and dr. Nardini to do this surgery. I save for a long time and now don't have the money for the tummy tuck, so I'm stuck with my lumpy, disgusting belly until I can save up the cash to get it fixed. Please be sure you do your research on Doctor's and find one who will be honest and frank with you, not someone who is just trying to milk extra surgeries and money out of you. Thanks dr. Nardini for nothing - I will discuss my options going forward, but with a doctor who I trust and who won't lie to me and give me false hopes about my procedure. I've actually gone to a couple of consultations to start seeing costs, and when I've showed them my before pictures, they all shook their head and said they would have recommended the tummy tuck from the start. I'm sorry I didn't visit one of them from the get go.
And no, I will not upload pictures because I don't want anyone to see what my stomach looks like.

I went to Nardini for a tummy tuck was not to happy with the outcome. One side looks like there is more skin than the other. I did contact him about this matter. But my appointment was cancelled because he decided to schedule someone else for surgery.Knowing that i was not really happy with the outcome from the surgery he had performed on me. Will update

Updated on 11 Mar 2016:
Still no post op visit.. should of known better when they cancelled the first time. I literally had my coat on to walk out the door to go for my tt operation, the phone rang and i was asked if i left yet, i replied leaving now, she said well the operation is cancelled. That was the first cabcellation . He is doing his internship, not a full plastic surgeon yet. We are just his practice for him to gain experiece.

Updated on 11 Mar 2016:
Very dissatisfied

Updated on 29 Mar 2016:
It was told to me that there was extra skin not taken out. There is swelling and may smooth out from all the liquid that accumilated

Updated on 20 Apr 2016:
Thanks to him, for leaving extra skin, i am depressed and have low self esteem about myself.i feel insecure and sad at all times. Lied about the one year aftercare for post operation because i told him i wasnt happy with his surgery. I guess i was just not ask lucky as other people he operated on. So i did not even get a months worth of after operation care from him. It shows how he cares or what compassion he has towards another human being he messed up on. He could of at least offer to fix his mistake at no expense to me,but he decided just to abandon me

Updated on 26 Apr 2016:
I paid for the surgery upfront as required in full. Since surgery i have been getting invoices asking for more money, i informed gil nardini about thos. Something seems not right it states that nardini is second attendee not the surgeon. Wonder id this is legal cause heis a fellowship studenr using someoneelses license to operate. Reguardless they sent a collection agency after me for payment. I called them yesterday, and was told it was filed with them for non payment. I called the office left a message for nardini and susana about this matter and no response. I did notify the cillection agency that payment was taken before surgery i was told to speak to the surgeon who filed the claum. This is NONSENSE..... I truly regret letting him perform the surgery, i am so embarressed of the extra skin i am now stuck wearing a girdle for the rest of my life, i never wire one before. He may seem nice when you talk to him, trust me when i say he is thw sneaky quiet type who wont admitt his mistakes and when i asked to see another dr. For after care and revision. He dripped me even after the initial consult he said if there is to be revisions it will be done. LIAR!

Updated on 26 Apr 2016:
Sorry for the mispellings.

Updated on 18 Jul 2016:
The hospital contacted me saying sorry for the terrible experience u had with nardini they are looking into the matter, it will be done june 24, but sent me the letter post marked june 30. Go figure. Still waitnig. Nardini all ready left the hospital to another country to study on more people. I asked about the revision, no answer. About some after which did not take place from nardini, no answer.still getting invoices for more money, no answer.

Updated on 28 Nov 2016:
Well now time past, come to find out i am in constant pain on one side due to he damaged a nerve in me. And anither area when you touch it, a nerve sensation runs up everytime it is touched. I reported them to the board ofhealth. .

Updated on 29 Dec 2016:
Well i finally went for a follow up with another dr. Nardini left them a while agoto another country for more practice. I repoted them to the health dept. I was told i can have a revision in another letter, which they wanted me to pay for. But when i got there, they were cold towards me said they wont do the revision, said if i do another surgery it can make the scar larger, skin will stretch and i have to live with more pain since nardini damaged my nerves and alot of scar tissue build around it. They cant remove the scar tissue becayse it will create mire. That js what i was told by susanna who worjed there not even the plastic surgeon i came to see. I was also told susana helped during my surgery which i didnt know, and she is not a plastic surgeon. What was even more scary, is that she was the one telling things not the plastic surgeon herself she just sat there. But she did tell me if i wanted to get the skin tighten without surgery, because she was not going to do the surgery. That i could go ekse where to get it tjghtening by machine it will cist between 7-10 thousand dollars. I ask her to write down the infi for me, she didnt. She left the rokm while i dressed, didnt come back in until after i left. Ni goodbye, nothing.... they are nice to you before surgery and when things go wrong, they dismiss you. They lied about giving me the revise and never informed me before surgery that there was alot if risk for rwvision. Dr nardini wasnt hinest from the begining. My advice to whom ever read thus,is this, do your research on the hospital, facility and drs. Ahead oftime. Ask to see before and after pictures, surf the web for all complaints and do not believe everything they say even if they say they have done hundreds, thousands of these procedures, because if so, why are they intefnships and students?. And dr nardini is still listed in realself saying he has 2yrs experience and still works at that hospital. It is NOT true he has been goneovwr six months ago over seas and was NEVER ther for two years. Another lie! And dont forget, alot of people do not know about real self so we will never know how many people he ruined!!!!

Updated on 29 Dec 2016:
Was in a rush...

I met with Dr Gil Nardini at NYEE (New York Ear and Eye Infirmary) today for a breast lift with implants consultation. He was very intelligent, tried to calm me down once he noticed I was nervous, and spent ALOT of time answering all of my questions and going over every detail.

Since I have not fully quit cigarettes yet (I'm down to 1-2 cigarettes a day) I must go back in a month or so for nicotine testing (not sure if they do this on everyone, maybe I should have said I don't smoke at all to avoid the multiple trips to NY from CT).

I previously met with 2 other PS who both failed to realize and/or mention my base breast diameters are completely different but Dr. Nardini realized this during his exam. To have a PS pick up on something 2 others had missed says a lot. Hopefully I'll be back to see him again within 1-1.5 months.

Hello ladies,

I have been lurking on and off here for quite a while. I have read so many stories on here, it has been really enlightening, i have been wanting a TT for about three years now. Every time i think that i am ready something pops up, like that same year i ended up having a partial hysterectomy because i had so many fibroids that they were pressing on my uterus and also attached to my right ovary so that was the best decision for me but now i regret that because of the hot flashes that keeps me up most night because of the excessive sweating. Do anyone have any suggestions regarding that? i am trying my best not to have to take HRT but i might just have to don't know what else to do....
so this year i am making it my year to do me. My kids are grown(31,25,23 and 17) and just the baby at home. I just made my consultation for February 11th at NYEE to speak with Dr. Abdul. I also inquired if they do fat transfer but i will get more details when i go to see the PS.
I am so excited and scared at the same time, i am hoping to have my surgery done on April 15th. I would like to loose some more weight before surgery, right now i am weighing 190lbs and my height is 5'7.. i am looking into juicing for the next 60 days with breaks inbetween to eat. How is everyone doing?
Any suggestions for weight loss will be welcomed. I have recently stop smoking and it is so hard not to light up but i am taking it one day at a time.
I am so happy that this site is here for us to express our feelings and know that there's others out there that know what we are going through. Hope everyone have a great day. I will upload pictures at another time when i get more comfortable with putting my pics up...

Updated on 11 Feb 2016:
Hello ladies,
I had my consultation this morning at 10am. I arrived about 5 mins early, waited in the office for someone to come in and give me some paperwork to fill out. After filling out the paperwork, had to return to the waiting area for the doctor to come and get me, Dr. Gil Nardini came in after 10 mins..He is very nice looking, very warm and his spirit spoke to mine and instantly i knew that i would want him to do my surgery. We sat and spoke for about 15-25 mins and he asked if i had any questions but all i could think about at that moment to ask him was will the scar be the exact spot that i have my hysterectomy scar. He informed me that he would first have to examine me..dah!!!! lol
So he gave me a gown and a tiny g-string, changed and came back out and his hands were freezing...anyway he examined me and told me i was a good candidate, he would like me to loose 10 lbs but i will be going hard for about 20 instead. Have to return the last week of march probably around the 28th, not sure yet because susanna the office manager ( i guess) will have to call me to confirm for that appointment and also i have a tentative date of April 14th...she also will be calling to let me know if that date is available. He is there until June that will be the end of the rotation, he will be moving on not sure where but will ask when i go back. He also said that he will be taking my pics when i go back. He will do the TT and also aggressive lipo on my flank and from my bra line down, he was also surprise about my previous scar and he stated that i healed really nice and that's good, will be staying overnight in the hospital and then release next day. So, taking a deep breathe and here is some of my pics before..Oh, forgot. My name is Sue, i am 51 (bday was yesterday) and i have 4 daughters, did put in my first post their ages...

Updated on 2 May 2016:
Hello ladies,

Hope you guys are doing well and those who recently had surgery are recovery. I have not been on here for a long time, was trying to concentrate on dieting and getting my head wrapped around the surgery. Dr. Nardini had initially scheduled me for April but had to reschedule for May 12th,2016 and i found out today that he overbooked himself and i will no longer be able to have surgery with him.
Right now, i will be scheduling my surgery for July, ugh..Dr. Nardini will be leaving the fellowship at the end of this month and someone new will be coming in and the earliest surgery date that they will have will be in July.
I have been on a rollercoaster ride, having to deal with some much emotions and worrying that my head has not been in a good place these past months. I realize that this is a blessing from god, i have so much things to do before i am laid up. I have to get my driver's license, take a mini vacation, get ready for my daughter's high school graduation and the list goes on and on. My husband has been very understandable, encouraging and really supportive of this decision, i could not ask for a nicer spouse. Right now, i am still dieting, and exercising, I am also hopeful that by next month my body will be 10 lbs lighter....I will keep you guys posted,,,

Updated on 15 May 2016:
Hello ladies,
Hope everyone is doing well. I would like to know what supplies i should start buying now. I have a couple of things already, like bromelain, gauze pads, neosporin. I am planning on starting my juice diet tomorrow that i will continue on until i actually get my surgery date. I need to lose around 30 lbs so that i could be at my ideal weight. I fell off my wagon of not smoking and have started back after having so much stress about the sx that was planned for april and then cancelled. I really think that it was not my time and my daughter recently reminded me that i had said July..she is so funny, i told her that i would have gone to DR but she said no way in hell i was traveling overseas to do surgery when they are so many good doctors right here in the usa.
I am so looking forward to finally getting rid of this unsightly tummy, having to carry it around for the last 18 years, always feeling so depressed whenever i have to dress, i don't walk around naked in front of my husband anymore, i hide under the covers when we have sex. I will start to update every week until i get the date and also post pics of my journey. I want to have this to look back on./ Hope all that had surgery recently is recovering well. Enjoy your sunday ladies.

Updated on 18 May 2016:
How many of you have had colonic hydrotherapy prior to sx?

Updated on 25 Jun 2016:
So i have been lurking here, just reading everyone's blog and mentally getting myself ready for this journey that i am about to embark on. Right now, i am simply juicing and trying my best to lose some weight before i go to my pre op. I uploaded one pic of a swimsuit that i must have. Hope all is well with everyone. Have a great wknd!!!

Updated on 5 Jul 2016:
will keep you guys posted right now i still need to lose some more weight before tt...
so i am going to have to reschedule again....not sure when as of yet