I received a tummy tuck with liposuction and I was postop three children with extra skin post c section , I had my surgery at the perlman center in Philly and the staff was wonderful and so was he , I never was worried about anything , I would definetly do it again. I met Dr. Ngyuen at the resident cy clinic , I actually didnt get to pick my resident but that was ok, once completed I was not in alot of pain at all and I stayed at a hotel instead of hospital, Dr, called and checked on me I had twenty four nursing care while there and in the am he visited and reviewed my drains and helped with movememt and reinforce after care , I went home with two drains which I prefer rather than bleeding every where, in I had my surgery on new years eve and returned back to work in two weeks with no complication
Just last week (11/21/13) IDr. Hoang Nguyen performed abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) surgery on me at the Perleman Center for Advanced Medicine, at the University of Pennsylvania Hospital, under the direct and constant supervision of a Penn faculty doctor. I am 53 years old and had lost 120 lbs over the course of several years, via diet and exercise (no lap band or other weight loss surgeries). I had a lot of flabby, loose, unattractive excess skin, which I was eager to have removed, so I scheduled a consultation and was assigned Dr. Nguyen. I really was hesitant to take such a radical step, but my curiosity alone compelled me to seek the consultation. In the process, I investigated several other for-profit (non-educational) surgeons, including some clinics, or "surgery mills," if you will. My phone consultations with these other practices seemed very cool and business-like, with more questions about my financial health than my physical status, so I did pursue them further. I went to UPenn to meet with Dr. Nguyen, and immediately I was captivated by his warm smile and gentle, compassionate "bedside" manner. I felt as if I was talking to a friend, not a clinician. Both he and his chief of surgery consulted with me and took all the time n the world to give me a detailed explanation of my options, and expected outcomes. I came in with fear and trepidation, and I left with excitement and hope. I returned later for a physical screening, and then on my third visit, my procedure was performed. EVERYONE I ever encountered at UPenn hospital, from Dr, Nguyen, to his assistant, Wadia, to the chief of surgery, the nurses, medical assistants, receptionists and even security and parking staff were absolutely professional, compassionate, caring, and re-assuring in every possible way. I felt so safe and comfortable every step of the way. I never was rushed. Even my dumbest questions were answered with respect. So far, one week later, Dr. Nguyen says that everything went exactly as he intended it, and that I can look forward to an excellent result, once all the swelling goes down (which will take weeks, at least). I do have some pain and discomfort, but I was told to expect that, and of course, I've been sliced from hip to hip, so how could it be otherwise? I totally recommend Dr. Nguyen and UPenn hospital to anyone who needs major medical services. I am so grateful and optimistic, and I am sure that my positive attitude, reinforced by my great experience, will contribute to my successful outcome. All best wishes to anyone who reads this and needs Dr. Nguyen's or UPenn Hospital's services. Also, I received first class services for less than half of the prices I was quoted by private practice plastic surgeons. If your experience is anything like mine, you will be thrilled. I am actually hoping I can return next year for a mini-face lift -- but one major surgery at a time is all I can handle, LOL. Updated on 4 Dec 2013: Dr, Nguyen says I am healing great, and a I feel great! Yesterday he took out the fluid drains -- what a relief1 They hurt more than I expected, but one day later, I feel so much better! And I can already see a slimmer me. I am completely thrilled with my results so far, and so thankful to Dr Nguyen, who has called me almost daily to check up on my progress, He is a a GREAR doctor! I feel so safe under his care. His whole staff also haas been wonderful to me, I am elated! Updated on 5 Dec 2013: Two weeks post surgery, the drains are out, I'm wearing compression underwear, the swelling has already gone down DRAMATICALLY, most of the scar (at except at the right side drain point) is MUCH less visible than I imagined it would be, my energy is rebounding, my pain is minimal, my spirits are high as a kite. I had a doc appt today and there was a Macy's next door to the doc's office, so I did a tiny bit of shopping -- I bought a Ralph Lauren polo shirt in the BOY's department, LOL! A size 14-16!!! It fits me snuggly, too snug to be really comfy but PERFECT to show off my new physique when I return to work full-time on Monday. The pain, at times, was beyond INTENSE and one night I had a little emotional breakdown, too, because the pain in my body eventually turned into pain in my heart and mind, but two weeks later, I am so happy I endured it all and I'd do it all again in a heartbeat. I am on my way to a whole new me. And seriously, I hear about people going to Thailand and South Korea for cheap procedures. If you live in the US, make it easy on yourself and come to Philly. The University of Pennsylvania Hospital is regarded as one of the finest in the world, and if you are lucky enough to get here before Dr. Hoang Nguyen finishes his residency here next summer, you'll get first class care at steerage prices! I've seen him twice for follows ups already and he calls me almost every day to check up on me. His assistant, Wadia, is first-class, too, as was everyone I encountered at Penn Medicine. Updated on 6 Dec 2013: So 15 days post surgery, feeling GREAT, plenty of energy, plenty of mental clarity, not meds, not even Advil. Still wearing compression garments (for a month, and only off to show, doctors orders). Wound up in the ER yesterday for a (false alarm) ultra sound, as I have some edema (fluid retention in my left foot (only). If it happens in only one foot/leg, it could be a dangerous blood clot. It was not. Ultimately, no big deal. Today, I feel NO physical pain, but I am an emotional wreck! I actually balled my eyes out watching a re-run of Lassie, when it looked for one harrowing moment as if Lassie would not be able to chase off a wolf before it snacked on Timmy's beloved pet rabbit, LOL!!!!!!!!!!!! My doc says "the mind and body are one system, and trauma in the body means trauma in the head/heart." Makes total sense, just very uncharacteristic for me. My scar is much less prominent than I thought it would be, and I feel like a million bucks. OMG the first few days post-surgery were so miserable and painful that I every minute felt like a lifetime, I thought I'd never get through it. Then, everyday, so much more progress than I ever thought possible. I cannot begin to tell anyone who horrible the first few days were -- you'll never know unless you go through it -- but was it worth it? ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!!!!!! Updated on 11 Dec 2013: I can't believe how much progress I am seeing and how great I feel just threes after surgery! I've lost 10 lbs since the surgery -- original weight 285, pre-surgery weight 167, post surgery weight 171, now 161. Doc cut out 3 lbs of skin and lipo'ed out 1 lb of fat. He said he weight gain, post surgery, was all retained fluids. Indeed, I had a little edema in my feet (since passed). I've been back to work full-time (more than F.T., actually) since Monday. My head is clear, my energy level is high, and while I still have some minor discomfort across the incision site, and especially at the site of the right drain, which is still The underwear is the most uncomfortable aspect at this point. I can't wait to to get home each eve and take it off, LOL. I am incredibly happy with my my surgeon, my hospital, my result and my recovery process!!! Still a good, solid 15 lbs to loss, but I'm not worried about it -- I've really learned to think about food differently.
From the age of 10 I had large breasts. Before the surgery I was a 42ddd and now I’m a 42d. I went to see the doctor to have a consult because I have bad back pain and neck pain. It all went ok and he sent it off to insurance and it was covered. I was going to have surgery January 2nd 2018. I went in and the doctor was 4 hours late for the surgery. I had the horrible tubes in and everything. I call him on Monday after the surgery and tell his nurse what I’m experiencing such as hot flashes and lots of pain and redness and she tells me that it’s something else and not from the surgery. Wednesday of that same week I go back in and my left nipple doesn’t look good nor does my right one. He tells me to go home and put antibiotic cream on it and keep it clean. I get my tubes removed than and there as well. I go back in every week for the next month and everything has just gone down hill. I’m always in pain and I’m embarrassed to even go on dates or anything. I have to change the bandages 2 to 3 times a day depending on how much drainage comes out. Updated on 19 Feb 2018: I went to go get a second opinion on my breasts and the doctor said that my right nipple is dead because it lost it’s blood flow during surgery. The left one is still draining and the right one has begun to drain as well. So the pain in the right breast has become more serious. To fix this I would have to get a mastectomy and than implants would be put in in the next few months. So I completely lose my beautiful breasts because I had a back pain and it was the best way to fix it. Updated on 28 Mar 2018: I went back to the doctor that did my surgery and asked him what had happen and he could really give me an answer. So I went to a another doctor with Avera and he said that he didn’t really know but he could give me some ideas on what happened such as the blood supply didn’t last or he didn’t measure correctly before the surgery. He said that nothing was saveable and that it was best to do a mastectomy of both the left and the right breasts. Than implants would be put in and a nipple reconstruction would be done. My heart fell into my stomach when he had told me that. So I agreed to do the surgery and everything went really really really well. No infection nothing. Here in the next few months I’ll have implants and I won’t be in pain anymore.
So I am 26 years old, my family has a history of localized adiposity or chin fat and I am finally at a place where I can afford to have it removed. I first had a consultation at a medical spa for Kybella, an injectable that melts the fat. During that consultation my nurse practitioner recommended that I have a consultation with a plastic surgeon because liposuction may be a better option for me. I was a little disappointed to hear that but I appreciated that she was honest with me and wanted to be sure I was happy with whatever route I chose. Last week I had my consultation with a plastic surgeon. He examined my double chin and agreed with the NP tat liposuction would be the best fit for me. He said I would have more definite results and he would be able to sculpt my entire chin/neck/jaw area whereas Kybella is only approved for right below the chin. We discussed the risks and what to expect afterwards. Then he asked if I would prefer to do the procedure in the operating room or right there in his office. He said that doing it in the clinic is about 1/3 of the cost of doing it in the OR. He said it would be a little uncomfortable in the clinic but he does it all the time. I am fine with being in the clinic and being awake for it. I've prepared by watching a few chin lipo videos on YouTube and honestly I can deal with 30 minutes of being uncomfortable to save some money and permanent results. I spoke with my surgeon about my expectations and I asked will I be able to see my jaw line definitively and a slim neck and he said yes, that's all I needed to hear ???? So today I made my appointment for the next available, which is 6/21/17 so about a month away. I'm very excited and can't wait to get going!! Updated on 26 May 2017: Here are a couple pre-op pics. Updated on 21 Jun 2017: Well today was the day of my procedure and everything went well. Dr Nguyen was fantastic, he kept me informed during the whole procedure telling me each step and what to expect before he did it and constantly checks with me to see if I was doing ok. They pretty much immediately put my bandage and compression wrap on when we were done so I wasn't able to get a good after picture. I'm pretty exhausted right now from my nerves so I'm going to go rest for a bit and I'll post another update in a bit. Updated on 22 Jun 2017: Sorry my update yesterday was so short, I wasn't feeling well. I only had local and was awake for my procedure but I felt nauseous and had a headache all afternoon, has anyone else experienced that?? So besides being sick to my stomach last night the numbing started to wear off and started feeling a little pain. Ive been taking ibuprofen and applying ice to keep the swelling down. I'm supposed to keep my compression wrap on at all times until Monday then I only have to wear it at night. I can take a shower tomorrow so when I take my wrap off for that I will take some pics. One weird random thing that happened yesterday a couple hrs after my procedure I lost the ability to move my bottom lip. My doctor told me that might happen and that it would be temporary but it was a very strange feeling. It only lasted a few hours but it made me nervous for a bit. Overall the pain isn't too bad, I was prescribed some pain meds but I'm trying not to take them unless I really need them. Updated on 22 Jun 2017: I'm about 36 hours post op and decided to take some pics. I'm super happy with my results so far Updated on 2 Jul 2017: About one and a half weeks post op. Some minor swelling in the jowls, haven't had bruising for a while. Skin is still somewhat numb in the neck/chin area but underneath is slightly tender. All in all I'm feeling pretty great! I meet with my Dr this Wednesday to get my stitches out and discuss my progress. Updated on 8 Aug 2017: I'm gaining more and more confidence as time goes on. Still some slight swelling around the jaw but I am trying to remember to massage my jaw & neck daily to help reduce swelling. So far I am very pleased with my results and I can't wait to see how I look at the 3 month mark in October. Updated on 24 Oct 2017: Just had my 3 month post-op appointment & everything is great!! My doc says I am healing very nicely, he says most if not all swelling is gone. We did talk about some fat still being there and he explained it was necessary to leave a small amount behind to avoid "divots" or indentations and this makes a lot of sense, I have seen some people who have too much taken out. I am very happy with my results! The surface of my skin is still slightly numb but it really doesn't bother me at all and my doc assured me this is normal. I absolutely recommend this procedure if you are thinking about it but I do think I had an amazing doctor who was honest with me about realistic expectations and was very kind during the procedure. So I would say definitely find a doc you are comfortable with before just doing the procedure.
It is well-recognized that the higher your BMI is, they risk of complications increases. In general, a BMI of less than 30 is recommended to minimize the risks of surgery including delayed wound healing, wound infection, DVT, and pulmonary embolism as well as to optimize the outcome.
Tummy tucks are commonly performed in patient who have previously had a C-section. The tummy tuck surgery often removes the existing C-section scar. It is advisable to delay the tummy tuck surgery until you no longer plan to have more children because it is unpredictable how your skin and muscle will react with pregnancy following a tummy tuck and you may end up needing another tummy tuck.
Swelling following a tummy tuck may persist up to 3 months but most should resolve within a few weeks. Wearing an abdominal binder helps to decrease the swelling. If you feel that your swelling is progressively getting worse, you should follow up with your plastic surgeon to make sure that you don't have a fluid collection (seroma) building up.
You are right in that the body appears very differently lying down vs standing up. In an abdominoplasty, markings for the surgery are done preoperatively with the patient standing up and adjustments are then made during surgery with the patient lying down. Often, the patient is flexed during surgery to maximize the amount of skin removal. A surgeon who is experienced at performing abdominplasties will be able to make this determination during surgery.
Swelling following an abdominoplasty, especially if you also have liposuction, may last up to 3-6 months. Wearing a compression garment can often help with the swelling. In terms of scars, massaging, silicone gel sheeting, and pressure have been shown to be effective for the appearance of scars.
