For me this was my first surgery ever so I did TONS of research trying to find someone with breast similar to mine. I can tell you no surgery outcome will be the same and when I woke up the first thing I felt was a burning sensation from where the under boob incision were. When I got home I could take another pain pill which I did and felt soooo much better! From there on the pain from being cut and your boobies moved around honestly wasn’t bad at all! The most uncomfortable feeling we’re the stupid drains, I guess gravity pulling on the little hoses along with just how out there they are is so annoying. After day 3 I was ready to get out of my house and maybe take a walk to the park or eat at my favorite restaurant but the drains prevented that. I am currently on day 7 post op I feel completely no pain but at my last appt 2 days ago was told they are pretty sure I am holding fluids in one of my breast. That makes me VERY nervous as I know what they might have to do to remove it and I’m petrified of it. Enough of my yapping, please look at my saggy before titties. I am 26 years old and have no children just bad genetics.
I had my first BA in 2002 with 290cc saline above the muscle. They lasted about 8 years until they became very rippled due to weight fluctuations from my pregnancies. I had a breast implant exchange in 2010 with 350cc HP smooth, round silicone above the muscle. I was a competitive runner at the time and wanted the natural look. They held up nicely for 11 years with no issues. Fast forward to 2021, I decided to go bigger with 525cc UHP smooth, round silicone above the muscle. I had such great experience with Greenville Plastic Surgery in 2010 so I decided to use them again. My previous surgeon was no longer there so I chose Dr. Garrison based on her reviews and because I was more comfortable with a female doctor. She did an amazing job! She was so kind and courteous during both the consult and surgery. Her nurse was amazing too and said a prayer with me prior to surgery. All in all, everyone at Greenville Plastic Surgery is friendly and very welcoming. I can't recommend them enough! Updated on 9 Jul 2021: I posted photos to show my breasts at 6 weeks post. Everything has healed nicely and I just love the volume and projection. Updated on 31 Aug 2021: I’ve added pictures to show my breasts at 3 months post. Updated on 27 Nov 2021: It’s been 6 months since my 3rd BA. The healing process has been incredibly easy from start to finish. For the first few months I had to wear 2 sports bras while I ran. My breasts felt so full and heavy. Fast forward to 6 months post and my breasts feel normal. I wear one sports bra while running and a bralette all otter times, even at night. I love the upper pole fullness, volume and the projection. For my 1st and 2nd BA I wanted the natural look. This time around I wanted the fake look. My doctor gave me exactly what I wanted.
I had a tummy tuck in 2013 and wanted to reduce "the girls" then, but I knew I would have to pace myself. Now finally the day has come. My insurance appproved I am sure for my many trips to the doctor for back pain and flexeril. My only anxiousness is be put under since I don't do anesthesia well. Also, that I don't go from my tummy going from a flat look to now looking nine months pregnant. I am hoping to be down to a double D or even a D, but right now I'm just ready to get the "girls" from under my armpits. Well more of my journey tomorrow. Updated on 7 Jun 2018: I am not new to this board, I had a tummy tuck 3 years ago and did a review. However this time I wanted to just get through it without all the fear and anxiousness. I see that carry all my weight in my breast to the point one of my breast size looked larger than my actual head. I also know that I will be retiring soon and I want to be able to travel, exercise, and get around without being out of breath. I do Xumba classes, but the jumping part started slowing down as these girls I call them are holding me back. So I went in on the 4th and my PS knows from last time that I do not do anesthesia well,at all. So she arranged them putting a patch behind my ear and ordered meds to go through my IV. The anesthesiologist made me feel relaxed prior to being wheeled i, woke up with a sore throat and pain. They had a time arousing me but once I came to myself I was able to sit up so they could get me dressed to go home. The ride home seemed to take forever so I m grateful for the pillow information to keep seatbelt from rubbing. By the time I got home I really was hurting and needed meds, but I had that nauseating feeling so I waited to long to get meds into my system. First day wasn't good, but by day 2, pain was under control and I was able to start walking. My PS wanted me up every two hours, not using my arms to support me. Walked every 4 hours after each dose of med until I felt comfortable getting up just using my legs. Also sleeping in the recliner is a must and drinking fluids helps flush out the anesthesia. Still felt quizzy and realized patch was still,on and just a bit overkill since I was also doing phernergan. Day 3 made my post op appt and PS says it looks great. She did my first dressing change and checked to see if my nipples had sensation to my happiness they do. Now to keep my fluid down as I did not get drains put in. Take my first shower in a couple of hours so I'll let you know how it goes. Happy healing June 4th sisters. Updated on 9 Jun 2018: Day 6 and can hear some squishiness in my right breast, so called PS. Her nurse didn't think it's too much to worry about so she made me an appointment for Monday and if all,looks well she may remove my stitches. Just hoping all goes well, if you've read my other review aspiration fluid is not what you want done. So praying and being very good. Every day I keep looking and thinking my breast don't look like what I was expecting, but then I realize I really didn't have an expectation. So I'm focused on why I had the surgery, they are not in my lap, and neither are they bigger than my head. I guess they swelling under my armpits makes it feel weird like they were cut in half but not reduced. Just going to stay positive for now and anticipate how great I'll look in my new Cruise clothes come October. Updated on 11 Jun 2018: Well went in for my PS to check out the squishy sound and sure enough had to have excess fluid removed. Yep out comes that huge needle, so glad I got up took my shower ate a little breakfast and took my phenergan and Percocet. I totally didn't feel any discomfort. My breast were huge by the time I had gotten to her, so she took about 3cc of fluid from the right and about 1 1/2cc from the left. I have to admit they really felt so much better afterwards. They were so tight and uncomfortable under my armpits. She wasn't ready to remove all my stitches from around the nipples so she had the nurse to trim the stitching where they were poking out. All in all she said they look great and I can start using the anti brushing cream and my Bio Oil. She said no bandages necessary other than for oozing from today. She told me to come back next Wednesday and she would see if we need to repeat the process. By then she'll totally remove the stitches. Since I was pretty mellow from the pain med, I failed to ask her if I could go back to sleeping in my bed. Decided I'll give it one more week and then back to my bed I am going, this recliner is getting old. My PS said over time that my breast will come into their natural shape so don't go buying bras for another two weeks. I am good with that, it'll give me more reason to cruise shop for new clothes and sexy bras come July! Lol! I will definitely say today was a good day! Updated on 17 Jun 2018: Day 13 and tried to get out a bit. Still having pain, oozing, and soreness in my right breast. Stayed in all day and used my arnica gell and took pain meds. Ready to see my PS Wednesday to make sure everything is okay. I thought for sure I'd be further ahead. Maybe sleeping in my bed wasn't a good idea after all. Updated on 18 Jun 2018: So I couldn't take it anymore and called my PS office this morning. They immediately told me to come in this afternoon and not wait until Wednesday. So before I went I took my pain pill just in case I was going to have stitches take out or be drained. Once I got there and the PS nurse took a look, I looked so good she had to ask if I had my stitches out already. I told her we trimmed some but they had not been removed. She said it looked as though I had and that they were doing great dissolving on their own, but I may needed to be drained. She left and my PS came back in with her and checked and sure enough I needed draining. SO GLAD I took that pain pill. This time they drew out 80cc's from right breast alone!! She said no wonder you were so sore and she said I had a small opening where. My stitch under neath was separating because my breast was so full. Then she drew out 3 cc's from my left breast. She told me to use some Polysporin on the small spot that it will heal,on its on and not to use neosporin because over time it will irritate the spot and cause it to become infected. She said I looked great otherwise and that I was healing great told me to keep using the Bio Oil and Arnica Gel. I can tell you this lady is great, I felt so much better afterwards and actually the draining didn't hurt at all. So glad she doesn't use the drains since they leave those ugly holes on the sides and hurt like hell when it's topime for them to come out. So she said to come back on Friday so they can check to see there isn't any more fluid building up. She said I was very smart to call and not waiting to Wednesday. So if you don't feel right CALL.
Wonderful! Dr. Garrison is a very kind, compassionate Dr. with years of experience that is down to earth. She helped me understand the procedure and best instructed me on what needed to be done before my breast augmentation surgery.
well today I am 6 days of TT. I'm doing pretty good, the first day was hell I ended up throwing up for several hrs and that hurt me bad. I can say for the first three days I wanted to know why I put myself through this for a flat no stretch mark stomach. Well today is day 6 and I am better. I still can't sleep but about 2 hrs a night even in a recliner. Ive tried bed sitting straight up with pillows under my knees. No luck. But I did have a little mental break down for about 3 hrs made at my self and feeling lonely. Anyway I'm better now and I go back to my dr on Wednesday, hoping good news and progressing good.
I was turned down previous surgeon in Raleigh stating I needed to lose 30lbs. However scheduled consultation with Dr. Garrison and ahe advised me I was a good candidate. Scheduled surgery and the rest is history. VERY PLEASED with my results! She awesome and has great bed side manners. Dr. Garrison does not rush you through visits. She ensures your understanding about the procedure being performed.
I have been 210 lbs for that last 10 years. I have always had a hanging belly that I hated, no matter how much I exercised and worked out it never shrank. I started doing Zumba over the last three years and just hated looking at my stomach. Three years ago I stared seriously looking into having a tummy tuck done. I went to several local Plastic Surgeons that specialized in Abdominaplasty procedures. One in Raleigh, NC who had a high tech beaUtiful breathtaking facility told me to come back when I lost 50 lbs. I left his office feeling crushed and awful about myself, especially since I lost 30 lbs to get to this point. So then I tried again at the advice of a friend and sought out another local surgeon who was good, but did take my method of payment and pretty much said and since I was a high risk I would need to make arrangements to stay in a hospital for a couple of days, which made the expenditure even higher than I could afford. So now, I am faced with living with this and cried all night because something I've always wanted was slowly dissipating from my future actually to me my very life. I think a year past and I mentioned to my general medicine provider that I have been trying for three years now but no PS would do it. My GM doctor was told me that at 53, in excellent health, and insured with a supplemental medical insurance, I was a great candidate and recommended a PS rig there in my home town. Needless to say made a trip to see Dr. Lynne Garrison who told me the best news. Having been told se would do the procedure she wanted me to see a hematologist to do some genetic blood testing to see if I were a risk for clotting. In the meantime, I did my research and home work and found this awesome site. I got so much information and learned so much more than I could ever imagine. I knew then that it was just not the right time and that each door that closed in my face was a gift from God! This site made me realize not only did I not have enough information back then, I didn't even have the support! I do have to say when I first went to GPS I felt a little out of place. I wasn't a skinny girl who needed some minor work, so I was pleasantly surprise to find that I wasn't treated any differently and in fact everyone was so supportive and understanding. I was coming in for a tummy tuck that I have been wanting for years, and everyone there that I talk to was encouraging and listening. I can imagine how hard it can be listening to someone day in and day out telling you how afraid they are. Dr. Lynne Garrison provided me with exceptional care and had the best bedside manner I have encountered in a doctor. They procedure was about 2 hours and 30 minutes. Since I told my PS that I had a hard time with pain meds and anesthesia, she recommended I get a seasick patch so that they can put it on right before surgery, and provide me with phenergan so after surgery I can get a dose before they would administer my pain med before going home. Immediately they got me up to walk and made me take deep breaths. Ms. Debbie did exactly what she said, she nursed me back to life. She got me in the car and told my care takers exactly what to do. Thank God for this site that told me about the supplies, the recliner, the foods, and what to expect afterwards. I am so happy!! The flatside is looking pretty good and today wS the first day 12 days post op that I could see me in my jeans wearing a shirt tuck in. So ready to get back to Zumba!! Updated on 20 Dec 2013: Day 12 post op and feeling great. Went to see my PS two days ago and had one of my drains taken out. I asked if things were on track and do she said that I was doing remarkably well and healing nicely. Told me to come back on Monday to remove the second drain. Well over twenty four hours the second drain decided to pop out. I seriously think because I had finished doing the lovenox shots to which the hematologist recommended because of my risk for clotting and started the Arnica it dried out the fluid..just my thought. Well another trip to the PS and back on chair rest and limited activity to avoid the swells until I could be checked out by the PS. Was so bummed about it because I was so looking forward to my outing to the grocery store..what in home confinement will do to make me excited about going to a place I used to dread. Day 15 post out, spoke to nurse who cleared me since another day with no swelling. Making sure to not eat salty foods and taking the arnica. Got cleared to go grocery shopping and feeling great. Saw my belly for first time with no bandages or drains and so far looking good. Promised to take it easy because if not then another office visit to be needle drained if swelling occurs..yikes. Taking one day at a time and looking forward to doing some holiday cooking, Updated on 22 Dec 2013: No drain no bandages and just wasn't seeing the flat me. My scar is totally black, my incision above my vagina is so thick and protruding and the two holes where the drains were are sore and don't look like their healing. Wearing binder but seems like a waste of time and eating food breakfast but after that I forcing myself to eat. Need my nails done, my hair done, and just want to feel pretty. I know it's coming, but it's weighing me down. I'm grateful though, I know it could've been worse. Just one of those whoa is me days. Updated on 23 Dec 2013: Day 17 post op and went to see PS, drain popped out last Thursday and was trying to avoid the inevitable but to no avail. Had to have the dreadful long needle draw out 20 cc of fluid, talk about painful!! Feel flatter though and wearing a tighter cg...these boards didn't lie, this is a long process and being in my fifties makes it seem even longer. You who are going through this just know family/friends will get tired of waiting on you they will get tired of hearing about it and it will seem the worse will never end, but I hold to the truth that there's a light at the end of the tunnel. Just pushing forward until I see that LIGHT! Updated on 23 Dec 2013: Updated on 23 Dec 2013: Updated on 13 Jan 2014: 5 week post Op and still being drained manually. It was a lot less on Friday so I think that should be the last time, but everything is showing either lopsided or protruding. Not feeling flat or good about results. Updated on 14 Jan 2014: Updated on 14 Jan 2014: Now to work on these love handles. Wasn't the look I was expecting, but a lot better than I was. Still healing. Updated on 21 Jan 2014: So I went back to the PS today and balled my eyes out because it's been 7 weeks come Friday and I still have this over hang right above my vajayjay that looks puffy and swollen. It's also starting to look like it's sagging. I didn't have lipo because of having to do the Lovenox shots, my PS decided against it to which I agreed. Yep, you bet I regret that decision, but it was about staying alive to see the results. I have to remember I really had no idea what to expect except being flat. I knew I had some more weight to lose, but I guess mentally the image I had of myself was obviously a lot different than what I am seeing now. I am happy I am so far from what I was that it's crazy to even begin to be disappointed at what I see today. So, yes I feel terribly ungrateful for not being emerged in happiness that 5 1/2 pounds were removed and my pants are falling off. When I think about that it makes me feel so selfish, but that's what we do to ourselves when we set ourselves up to expect more and not focus on being grateful. My PS did a wonderful job today making me realize that I am still healing and much of my body parts haven't seen each other in over thirty years, so the blood that is being sent to that area doesn't know what to do with it but sit and collect until the next draining. I am down to 20 cc a day so my PS says it's is healing just slowly. Finally can wear just the panty compression shown in my pic and start doing the circular massaging on the area. Overall, I am happy about the way my bb turned out so there are many things that I make myself focus on that is good. Funny I didn't have a image in my head about how I thought that would look afterwards. I am still numb around my bb, which made me stop all that balling today after talking to my PS. I know she thought I was crazy and I blame myself for not drinking enough, not eating enough protein, etc. Then reality set in and I am truly grateful that at 53 come January 30th, I survived major surgery and I am back to work, exercising at a slow pace and have a husband who now can't keep his hands off of me. So ladies, or gent even if it gets bad for you just remember how far you have come and it's about finally getting something that you've wanted being blessed enough to afford it and being strong enough to endure it! I know every day it will get better and by this time next year this will all be a blur! Updated on 9 Feb 2014: Well finally got great news from my PS friday. Only had 30 cc of fluid drain, which was mostly blood. I know that sounds horrible but it really is good. For one with 30 cc being collect in that pooch means that in 7 days it's on about 4 cc a day. This great because my body can absorb that amount and the cavity there can fill. Goodbye seroma and aspiration drainings! Only have to go back in one month for my next follow up. I really want my stomach to be flatter so I am going to push hard to get these 10-20 pounds off. I am back to doing my Zumba classes but not at the intensity I once did. I am gong to build my stamina back up and start doing my arm weights. I do want to encourage all of you to take one day at a time and not want your body to look like anyone else. I found doing that up here makes you start to compare yourself and you forget the real reason you did it in the first place. My goal has always been to get rid of that hanging over size stomach. My P.S, took off 51/2 pounds so now I just got to keep up what that helped me to accomplish and stick to the goal I set out for myself with this surgery. I am so glad I found this site and the members that pour into me all the awesomeness I needed to get through this. Its been a long road, but I would not take back any bit off it. Once the swelling goes down I will post pics. Updated on 19 Feb 2014: Did my last weekly visit to the PS office. I noticed that right across my incision line on my left side it felt like there was a huge not that made my skin on that side feel so tender to the touch and had this terrible pain. PS said it was anything she was alarmed about and for me to keep massaging the area. Unfortunately, that was so hard to do especially since just touching it or rubbing on that side it made the rest of my skin cringe to the touch. Finally got to see PS and she said it was due to a pocket of viseral (sp) fat. She said that there is not blood going to it so it eventually hardens and then starts dissolving. She said the massaging will help it to shrink and begin to dissolve. It's been a week and thank God it's starting to feel better and my tummy is going down to the flatter side. She also said I could go ahead and start doing more upper sit ups, which will also help with moving that fat. What a relief! She also told me that she had a mini tummy tuck about three years ago and shared with me her scar area. It was so minimal, I barely could see the incision line and she said she too had that and did the massaging technique to help with viseral fat. She did say that if after a couple of months this doesn't go away, I could have lipo done to help get rid of it. She said from what she could tell, I would not need it. I just love this chick. She has such a way of calming me and making me feel so good about all of this. I now am officially on the once a month visit list headed to the once every three months. Waiting patiently for my 16 weeks to see what it will be. Hoping to be down the 10 pounds and trying on mother of the bride dresses will be a pleasant and wonderful surprise. Going to post picks when this goes away, so hoping to do it soon. Updated on 5 Mar 2014: As promised, posted my 12 week pic. Saw my PS who said I looked amazing was so pleased with my results. I felt pretty good since every pair of pants including the pairs I just brought are too big. I love the way I look in my clothes. Yes, I have to admit when I see myself naked I see flaws and think it could be better but after I saw my before and after pic, I felt pretty silly and then grateful. This has been the most intense experience so far in my life, and I thought at 9 when I broke my arm it was the worse experience of my life! Now I understand the phrase "keep living". It has been an ordeal but one that has been worth every minute. I went from wanting this so bad and imagining how life would be without to actually living in that moment. Crazy as it sounds I still feel some days something is missing and feel awkward in my own skin. No, I don't miss it enough to go back to it but enough to appreciate what I have finally been given. I am so grateful for this site and for all of you who read my blog and encouraged me, I could not have done this. I've learn a lot about this surgery and mostly a lot about myself. First my threshold for pain was a lot higher than I thought, second I really I am stronger than I thought when I really want something bad enough, and third my thoughts and feeling are justified because other's feel like I do and did. I am even more motivated today to do the work to shape my body but know there is nothing wrong with getting a little help from my PS! I still have swelling especially at night but my PS says continue to wear my binder when I workout and at night for at least the next month or so. So for those of you who feel most comfortable wearing yours even at 3 months it's ok. My visceral fat is finally dissipating and softening up. Although my stomach may not be wash board perfect it soooo much better than it was and I don't expect it to be so flat it looks like it's touching my back but as you can see from my pics it so much better than it was. Can't wait to see what I will be in another 4 weeks so I post more pics then but in the meantime all the draining, all the swelling, and all the pain has been worth every dime. My PS is just awesome and without her support and knowledge on what I was going through and what I would experience this day would not be! She is just the best. So day I did an hour of Zumba and I felt good showing off my tight zumba pants and clingy top! I think to be 53 in a class of youngsters, I did pretty good and my stamina was back! My PS shared my before pics with me and took my after today. I couldn't be happier Updated on 30 Jun 2014: So it been a few months and I just wanted to check in. For those of you who know my struggles, I can say it's was soooooo worth it. Unfortunately since I didn't get back to going hard with my Zumba routine right away, I was up in my weight. Having got through the soreness and swell hell, I am finally on the losing streak. Soon as I lose a couple more pounds about 5, I will post some pics. Just to let you all know I still have soreness and can feel a little pulling on some days when I've truly pushed my stomach muscles. But don't care I'm still on the flat side and getting flatter every month. It's been a journey but one I did, over came, conquered, and faced those fears head on. Still do wish I had those flanks under the breast area done, only because on my own to get rid of it is a struggle but it is what it is..still loving my reflection and the compliments. Updated on 19 Jul 2014: As my promised here are my pics. I am so pleased with what I see in the mirror. It's a process that truly requires putting in work. I can remember this journey and recall so many days I wished I could just be rid of the uneven hanging belly. The years of trying diet after diet after diet, every new exercise and still that hanging stomach. The many disappointments and the wishes to wear certain clothes. I may not be that size two, but gone are the size twenties and hello size fourteen. I am going to try and reach size twelve by the time I get to dance at my daughter's wedding. She told me today, "mom! Your going to be smaller than me"! Finally instead of the 1X -2X and shopping only In large ladies stores, I brought a pair of pants out of New York &Company..whoohoo! I can say thanks to you and this site that had it not been for one cold depressing day that I was doing a search on tummy tucks that this might not ever been my reality!! Updated on 19 Jul 2014: Updated on 19 Jul 2014: Updated on 6 Sep 2014: Hey ladies and gents just doing a check in to give my TT sisters encouraged. 1 month until the wedding and I am in a size 14 dress!!! I will tell you everyday it still is work and everyday I can see my body flaws, but most days I say WHO CARES!! I look great to me! From a size twenty to a fourteen took me putting in the work, but this jump start in getting a TT helped to make it happen. Be encouraged ladies keep at it. Sing through the pain, laugh through the tears, and in the end you'll see the awesome person you wanted to be..hugs and smooches to you all. Updated on 13 Jul 2015: Its been ayear since my last post, so I wanted to give an update. Been noticing for sometime that my left side right above my vajayjay looked alittle puffier and sagging than my right side, Finally went back to my PS who sees where my JP drain on the left side is indented. She was so awesome and recommended a Revision of my Indented JP drain SCAR. Got 30 days from today so I am hoping to drop a few pounds and possibly get a little lipo. I am stil very happy with my results and ready for my pooching vajayjay to look even better. Hope everyone is still doing well. Updated on 15 Jul 2015: Updated on 2 Sep 2015: Been meaning to post and after pictures of my revision results. I love, love, love my PS and she is good to me. Went for a routine check up and told PS I felt there was some "pulling" on my left side. She looked at it and told me she could do a revision on my scar and lift me up a little. This little adjustment looks great! Now to have my lipo!! Yep, she going to do some lipo the week of thanksgiving. I am excited and just a little nervous about, but I also cannot wait! Again, dd I say I love my PS!! Updated on 12 Mar 2016: Decided to get that lipo I always regretted I didn't get. No matter how much exercise dieting I do, my love handles and stomach won't go away. So on March 22nd I am back on Dr. Garrison's table. I really love this chick. She makes me feel comfortable and let's me know exactly what she is going to do. I will be put to sleep so she can work on my stomach area and take her time. She explain that is a very delicate area and she want to get as much fat and still contour the back fat area. I am bit nervous, but overall ready for my final piece of getting me back to me!! After my other two procedures my lower area they call the Fupa is finally going to be gone!! Going to be a slow process for healing again, looking forward to my Christmas vacation sailing out on the Caribbean Sea. Updated on 25 Mar 2016: Well to my horror and disbelief, my PS call 4 hours before my surgery to say that her regular Anesthesiologist would not be there to do my procedure due to the passing of his mother. As I listen to her tell me that though they had a substitute to come him, he reviewed my chart and felt uncomfortable with doing my procedure due to my current BMI. What! He's saying I am too fat! I am no bigger than when I had my first Tummy Tuck. All of those old feelings ran over me when 3 years ago when I was searching for a PS, and now this rookie anesthesiologist is not comfortable so my life dream gets cancelled. I am just glad I didn't know who it was, glad I didn't show up without calling my PS back. My heart just sank, I stood there feeling totally numb. As I listen to her say "so I am sorry we are going to have to cancel you today", I am thinking his is not happening. What about all the supplies I just brought. I have gone back and forth from being scared to death to now being so excited I didn't sleep all night. You have to kidding, surely your not saying your not doing this procedure. Lipo was going to be the final road to this long process, my FUPA is goin to finally be fixed and by Christmas I am going to be fine as HELL! I rearranged my entire life for this at work, care taker, timing, just everything and now nothing! She says maybe we can do it next month, but I can't. It's pretty much now or this won't be happening. Finally after much going back and forth, she did agree with fixing the FUPA only under local anesthetic. So, all I could do was cry, yes I cried. I was so disappointed I was just beside myself. Even though she told me to eat something, I was so upset and sick about it I could not swallow!! So I went in and had the FUPA done. I was woke for the entire thing! At times it was really painful, but most times I just laid there sad, mad, disappointed and let down. So at that moment I was done, I knew this would be it for me. For me, coming back here would not be happening again. I made up my mind that when I return for my follow up visit that it would pretty much be it for me. I don't ever want to feel that again. Even though she returned all of my money and didn't charge me a dime for the fixing of the FUPA area, I can't help but feel angry. Yes, I should say I am glad not to have that person touch me if they were not comfortable, but 4 hours before something like this is totally unacceptable
On October 8, 2013 I finally said good bye forever to to my flat tire (stomach). I was always so self cautions about it. I would always wear my shirts bigger than needed be to hide all my belly fat. My sex life was at a minum as well because I never wanted to be fully undressed. Before going in to have the tummy tuck I recall being so nervous and ready to change my mind, lol but thank God I didn't! !!! Today makes 3days after my ttp and I'm doing GREAT!!! I'm walking and moving around with very little pain. In fact I havn't even taken any pain meds today at all. The most pain I'm having is in my lower back, and that's b/c I'm walking bent ova right now. Dr. Garrison looked at my incisions today and was very pleased with the progress. I got the o.k to start taking showers now. I will be posting pix soon so stay tune!!!!! Updated on 12 Oct 2013: So far so good! Lots of swelling but it still looks good I think! !!!! Updated on 17 Oct 2013: Today the doctor took out one of my drains and if all continues to go well the other one will be out next week????????????????!!!! I'm so excited and looking forward to my final results down the road......oh yea, lol it didn't hurt at all????! Updated on 19 Oct 2013: Yesterday made day 10 po for me so I finally decided to try sleeping in my bed again. Everything went very well to my surprise! I was able to sleep on my back and either side I choose at the moment !!!! Even though doc had been gave me the ok to sleep in my bed , it was more of a self consciousness issue with me. Fear of ripping my incisions and possibility of needing help to get back up once I've laid down, stuff like that but you guys I did it and my bed felt so good too!!!! Happy to be part of the flat side! Updated on 21 Oct 2013: So over the last past days my drain was only draining bout 15-20cc in 24 hrs so instead of waiting till Wednesday for my appointment I called to see if I could come on in today!!!!! Yessss the drain was removed and the last few stitches are out!!!! Feeling on top of the world rite now???????????????? Updated on 8 Nov 2013: Today marks one month since I've had my tt done & I still don't have any complaints! I went to see my doctor Wed. & she said everything looks great!!!!! She also stated that my nabour looks so natural, yeah & I'm also clear to resume workouts but 2 more weeks before any ab workouts. She also recommended me losing 10 more lbs for even better results not that I'm not satisfied with what I have now minus the swelling, lol. I don't have to see my doc for 3 more months & at that time she will take after photos & check to see if I need any additional lipo done in the lower stomach area after swelling is down a lot more. I will at that time post before & after pics again cause its so hard tryna take ur own pics but here's one I took last nite! Updated on 12 Jan 2014: Hello RealSelf sisters, I'm currently 3 months po and I'm doing great! I don't have any significant changes to share other than this past weekend I finally threw out my big girl granny panties????! I still have a lot of swelling more so as the day progress but I'm still on da flat side ....whoop whoop! The only thing I wish I had done was gotten lipo on my flanks and back when I did my tt but oh well I didn't so first I'm going to try and get rid of them love handles and back fat the ole timy way, lol (workout) in progress! If anybody have any input on blasting out these love handles & back fat please do share?????! I will be posting new pics when I reach my 6 month mark, Happy Healing Ladies!!!!!!
I've been considering a Tummy Tuck for at least 10 years. Immediately after my second child (10lb baby), I had these weird knots from my belly button down...I call them my balls, they drive me INSANE! I sit around at home and just pull on them and roll them around. Considering how large my son was, I really don't have as much loose skin or stretch marks as I maybe should, but it's enough to bother me. During my pregnancy, I also had my first ever back pain, and since then have had a continuous problem with a rotated pelvis resulting in back pain. After I started getting help for my back, I decided to try Pilates for one year. It was the ONLY thing that helped me, so I became a HUGE proponent of Pilates! I went through a year process of certification, and worked very hard at getting core strength back! This eventually resulted in opening a pilates studio with my best friend 5 years ago. I've also been a bellydancer hobbyist for 16 years, but decided to get more seriously invoved in that about 8 years ago. When we opened the studio, I began teaching Bellydance, and went through an intensive certification program for that, as well. So, I dance professionally now. I have done everything I could for the past several years to live a healthy life, I even took up running two years ago, and ran two marathons last year. That being said, I still am aggravated by the "balls", stretch marks, and loose skin, and missing breast tissue. I spend so much money on my bellydance costumes and education, and it's a shame that I don't FEEL like a million bucks after so much time, energy, and practice invested in my profession. I had my first consultation 5 years ago, and was scared that my dance would be effected. I found ONE bellydancer online suing a plastic surgeon because she could no longer perform some of the movements. That scared me so much, I just said, I can't do it, and thought I'd be able to get past my imperfections and move on. Here I am 5 years later. Every time I perform, Im worried about someone capturing the "stretch mark/loose skin" photo and posting it, or a video. You can't really control where your photos show up when you perform in public places with today's technology. Finally, I decided this year, I'm never going to get past this, life is short, and I want to FEEL like my dance looks as good as it can. I've often wondered if the diastasis recti repair would help my pelvic instablility. Even though the PS suggested a mini, I want the full TT, just in case the muscle repair helps the pelvic instability and back pain even MORE! I'm scared, yet hopeful, and have thoroughly enjoyed everyone else sharing their stories! Just a couple of days. Can't WAIT! Updated on 20 Jan 2013: Just READY for Jan 22!!! I'm so tired of thinking about it and worrying about it! This site is great for someone like me who doesn't do well with surprises, but I'm kinda consumed with surgery right now! A few days ago, I decided I shouldn't get the implants, then I finally calmed down and said, okay, why not? Then I decided NOT to do the lipo yesterday, and now I'm undecided on that with surgery in less than 48 hours! LOL. No question, I want the TT.. My PS suggested only a mini, but I want a full...I just hope I'm doing the right thing. What I REALLY need is something done to my thighs, but OH well, they've looked like that forever, so I'll just try to get back what I had before babies. I want those stretch marks GONE, and my breasts not to look SO deflated! Been trying to do all the laundry, and making a million lists of all the things I don't want to forget. Goin to work, getting my gray hair covered tomorrow, so I don't have to be depressed about that, too when i'm laying there recovering! I doubt I'll get much sleep the next two nights even though I really need it! Can't wait. can't wait, can't wait!!! Updated on 24 Jan 2013: It's Thursday and my surgery was Tuesday. I've been in good spirits, not as painful as I had expected. I've very excited about seeing the results, and have been happy with progress so far! I'm so excited;) I think renting the hospital bed is the best decision I've ever made...can not imagine doing this without it! My husband and children have been wonderful! Updated on 26 Jan 2013: 4 days post op. finally had a BM, not bad at all. I've been taking stool softeners since surgery. Still in good spirits. Pain is decreasing every day, but today has been the hardest in other ways. Kinda hard to explain since I'm feeling much better. I'm pretty swollen. Ran out of demorral and started Percocet...wish I had asked for more demorral. Things got weird when I had to take off the CG, it made me itch all night, so I thought it was going to be awesome, but it was not. Of course, Admittedly, I forgot to take my pain mess before the shower and I think I should have, but, I was getting nauseous in the shower, lightheaded...couldn't wait to get that back on. My whole middle felt like jello, like my organs had no support, it was freaky deaky to me! Couldn't wait to get my CG on!!! By then it was in the wash, so I laid there and waited with wet hair...Mistake #2.... I should have combed and dried my hair, even on a normal day I feel yuk laying down with wet hair! Wth was I thinking???? My husband has waited on me hand and foot, no way I was going to ask him to fix my hair. He was trying to juggle me, taking my son to my mom's house, and getting my daughter ready for a volleyball game today. Mercy! He's a saint...I'm blessed! Still it's been better than I thought it would be, I'm just ready to get up and down on my own...looking forward to tomorrow...another new day:) Updated on 28 Jan 2013: Today is day 6 Post OP I want to document surgery day before I forget it! I went in at 6:45 am, and had not yet told the PS that I didn't want the lipo any more. Each time someone walked in the room I said, "Good morning, how are you feeling today? Did you get a good night's sleep last night? Any arguments this morning? Are you feeling at the top of your game?" I was dead serious! I didn't want anyone messing with me unless they felt great! So, everyone was very kinda, and I was a nervous wreck. PS came in and I said, "you actually didn't even suggest lipo, and now that I thought about it, lets skip it, please!" She took plenty of time talking to me, and said, she never thought I needed it anyway, so she was happy with my decision! I don't even remember the PS leaving the room, or them starting anesthesia, or anything? All I remember was waking up, feeling like ghost, hearing a nurse talking to my husband and telling him I wouldn't get the drains out for 3 weeks? 3 weeks? wth? I hope that's not right. I kept hearing talking and talking and I remember feeling like I couldn't get anything out but a whisper of "I REALLY want to go home"...a few minutes later, a little louder this time "I really just wanna go home", third time is a charm... " I really, REALLY just want to go home!" Finally I heard my nurse, say, "Yes, Yes. we're just giving your husband instructions and you will be going home very soon, sweetie" I vaguely remember getting in the car, and walking in my house, then I remember NOTHING! FOR HOURS AND HOURS! YAY! I was on my way to recovery! Thank you, Lord...I knew I was, at the VERY least...alive! First time I had to sit up, well, I definitely felt it, but not as bad as I thought. I describe it as the ring of fire....all the way down my rectus abdominus! YOWZA. I had a nearly 10 lb baby...all natural, and I have for years said the worst part was that big head coming out...my best description... a RING OF FIRE!!!!! This felt the same except from my sternum to the incision line. Still, not as bad as I thought. I had a full TT, Muscle Repair, and BA.... The next few days, I was very thankful for demorral! Love that stuff. I had the best sleep I've had in years, and my husband was an angel waiting on my hand and foot. Even slept on the couch next to me because he was afraid I'd screw up my meds! After two or three nights, I finally convinced him to go upstairs to bed, and I'd call him to get me up everytime I needed to P! Best thing I did was rent a hospital bed...Keeping it in the family room so I'm not so isolated! I am a people person and I knew I'd get severely depressed if I was upstairs, alone in a room for weeks! So, here I am. Surgery day is over. I had one shower. oops. 2...because I took one again today! Yesterday PO day 5 was my best day. I had lots of visitors, was finally able to get up and down on my own, and last night, got my 10 yr old son to hold my hand and walk me down the driveway and back. A full 5 minute walk outside! LOL This morning, I decided I'm sick and tired of laying here...useless! I got up and took a shower around lunchtime. I walked a full 8 minutes twice today! Hilarious! after the first walk, I slept for an hour to recover. This is ridiculous! So far, I don't regret the surgery. BUT, My breasts are much larger than what I wanted. I'm really aggravated about it because I wanted small breasts! desperately didn't want to be much larger, just fuller in the top, but I'm most definitley hugely large for ME...boooooo, I'm actually going to ask about pulling them out and putting smaller implants in when I go back in two days. I was a 32C to start, but that was a C that was very full at the bottom and completely deflated at the top. I really just wanted to be full again, but NO LARGER! I asked for 150 or 180 cc's, but was told that the diameter wasn't big enough to even fill the top out. A few days before surgery, I finally asked the PS what she thought I should do...She's very small, so I thought....surely she "gets" that I don't want to look like I have implants,and I don't want a drastic change...she said she would definitley do 240 cc....still smaller than anyone that I know that I had this done, so I decided to trust her. I'm pretty sure I'm a D now, and, though it looks real because I didn't get a lift. I'm really too big for my taste. My husband got aggravated with me today for saying it's just too big, and he said you need to get over it and be happy...but, I'm still going to ask about pulling them out. I might as well do it while I'm already out of work? right? We'll see. My sister said there isn't too much swelling, she had BA a few months ago and was hoping she was just big from swelling, but she said they "settled" but didn't really get smaller;( That makes me sad, but...it will be nice to see everything in a few months. I am ready to get back to LIFE!!!! I knew the patience thing would be the hardest part for me...and YES. it most certainly is....I'm ready to get back to work...work, and be normal again! So my goal is to walk 10 minutes by the end of the week. I'm still hunched over a LOT, so the walking only hurts my back, nothing else. This site has been wonderful from beginning to end, and I'm so grateful for all the women on here willing to share their stories! Updated on 31 Jan 2013: 9 days post op and feeling pretty good today! I'm straightening even more, thanks to a tip someone posted on here that suggested using sleep time to make subtle transitions to more flat. I lay around almost all day, and just keep lower the incline on the bed to stretch it a little more. Just ONE day of trying this has already made a difference. I'm beginning to really like the changes. It doesn't hurt that my mom saw me and was very supportive and thought I looked great, and she was NOT happy about me wanting to do it, so hearing her say how nice it looked was wonderful! I walked a full mile today in 20 minutes, which was much better than yesterday it took me 16 minutes to walk a half mile. I'm just trying to slowly increase the length of time or distance, and then I up my goal for the next day, but I certainly wasn't expecting to be able to complete a mile today! I know I'm swelling still because I don't see the upper ab indentations that are usually there, but I haven't been very careful with my food either;( I better get a handle on that. I tried on bathing suits, and am realizing that I will need to retire a few of them and start finding a style a little higher than those. Now my concerns are that the scar will rise as my posture improves. I've read some on here say it rises and some say it fall. I actually laid crooked for many hours today, and I SWEAR it made the scar crooked...even my husband noticed. Luckily, I am learning to be more comfortable with the implants. Mostly because I do NOT like the big round, super high look that I know I would have gotten with a lift...it does look natural to me to already be dropped, and yet I still get the fullness that I wanted, so I actually think MAYBE this is right for me, even though I'd like them just a little smaller. I've been happy that they still fit in any of my normal clothes that I wear every day. In fact, my family hasn't even NOTICED in clothes that I did that part, at all. Of course, I've always worn padded bras, and always pad my bathing suits, so it probably looks about the same. I didn't pad my pre op photos in a bathing suit, but believe me I NEVER wore them around other people without padding! Even put on my formal gown, and yay! it fits...the only thing not working are my costumes, so I'll have to figure that out. I'm torn between being ready to get my life back, and REALLY enjoying getting attention and down time, and not being expected to do ANYTHING! This is pretty darn awesome!!! This site has helped me so much. I hope to keep hearing from everyone and hearing their amazing journey's as well! Updated on 1 Feb 2013: I know I've had a little swelling ,but oh MY today it REALLY hit!!!! I"m 10 days PO, I laid around until 12 today, then walked 1.75 miles, had a protein shake, and laid around until 4. I had friends that begged me to go to dinner for a birthday celebration, so I got ready slowly, had to find clothes to hide my drain,and that's when I realized I must be swollen, I could BARELY squeeze into my pants...not jeans, dress pants, and I thought...GREAT! I just went through this and I can't fit in my clothes at all! Well I was almost exhausted just from getting ready, but decided to go anyway, thought it might do me good to just pretend I was normal. The longer we sat the more tired I was feeling, and when I finally got home, I took off my pants, and it was like a busted can of biscuits. Yeah. that swelling is nasty and I look like the dough mushing out of a busted can of biscuits. Ok, I'm depressed now;( And super duper exhausted...hoping I get some good Zzzzzz's tonight! Updated on 5 Feb 2013: I'm 2 weeks PO. I'm hoping the first two weeks feel the longest. But in two weeks there has been a lot of progress. I'm getting around, did a little laundry and dishes yesterday, moved to MY bed 3 nights ago, but haven't walked in a a few days. I'm mostly bummed out because I weigh the same as I did before surgery. That is SO depressing! I'm supposed to get my last drain out tomorrow, but I'm stressing because it's about 25 the past two days for a full 24 hours, but I was thinking it had to be less than that. When I went in at PO week 1 appt, I had less than 20 in each one, so they took one, and almost took both, but I'm glad they left one, if this fluid would have just made me weigh even more! I can't WAIT until this drain is out! It keeps me from doing so many things, not to mention it actually is a tad painful, and certainly GROSS! I spilled that nasty fluid all over me one day trying to put on pants. EWWWW! I've been sleeping well in my bed, but I guess I've been cheating to do that. I've taken Benadryl for the past 3 nights because I was worried about not being able to sleep when I moved back into my own bed. Well, everyone keeps saying what a long journey this will be, and so it is. I'm ready to go back to work, but not sure if I have the energy to train clients on my feet all day. We shall see! Updated on 6 Feb 2013: Felt great yesterday, exact opposite today! My daughter has had strep since Mondau, and maybe I'm getting it? I was so excited for my appt today, until I woke up with 50cc's in my remaining drain! I've never had that much! The drain site hurts, and this disgusting purpley, blue tissue had to be carefully milked out of the drain. It was so disgusting and it hurt!!! They told me last week, I'd probably get the drains out today, but I knew when I saw that fluid, chances would be slim. More than just the draining, I hurt all over, I was walking almost straight and now I'm extremely hunched over again! Geez Louise! Zero energy whatsoever! So, got to the dr, and within an hour I had already drained another 20 cc's. I went from feeling like a million bucks, to feeling like something I should scrape off the bottom of my shoe. I wasn't expecting THIS!!!! So, she asked what I had done. I said I lay around most of the day, but I did unload some dishes, wash some dishes, put one load of laundry from washer to dryer, and walk a mile. She said...what? That's way too much! I was shocked. I thought she said I could walk as long as I felt okay. I was walking a half mile at one week, and I guess I had told her how many minutes I had walked and she said that was fine and I could walk more. So, instead of measuring minutes, I started measuring mileage. I realized I had already walked a half, so during the week, I had increased to a mile and a half one day, and I wasn't exhausted. Apparently, I'm walking to fast, too! I really really thought I WAS keeping activity low!!! So, she said we need to discuss what I mean by low activity, and she did, and she lectured me a tiny but about patience, and taking it easy for the long term good! I just burst into tears, she said I couldn't even consider going back to work, And my Max walk should be .5 mile. Even though it was a mental blow, I did get a good report! She said the scars are looking good, swelling isn't too bad, but I have to keep the drain or I would be in there getting aspirated....needle? Oh hells no! No, thank you!!!! So, when she found out my daughter had strep, and I complained about the drain site, so she gave me a precautionary prescription for an antibiotic! I came home completely wiped out, and went straight to bed! Haven't done much since, and I'm pretty sure I have a fever! Oh MY! We can definitely logically know what to expect, but experiencing the mental aspect is tough! I vow to just rest at least another week in hopes of great improvement! Lesson learned....even though I truly thought I was being a good patient! And now, looking at my drain, I've drained about 75 cc's in about 9.5 hours! I'm keeping the faith, and just getting my lesson in patience! Wow! Don't mean to be a downer. I've heard do many of you experience this, and somehow, I thought I was immune! Right there with you all, ladies! I'll cherish the great days, but careful limit myself! Updated on 13 Feb 2013: Today I'll go in for my 3 week check up! I've been laying around way too much, ready to get back to normal, but after my 2 week check up, I've taken it pretty easy. Day before my two week, I walked a mile, did some dishes, and one load of laundry. The day of my appt, my drainage was 100 cc's, obviously they didn't take the drain out. The next day, I still drained 100, the next day 87, the next day 58, then 38, then finally 27, then my drain fell right out! I think that was Sunday! I was worried that had my drain been in the number might be up simply because I went to a Mardi Gras party Saturday night. Danced a few dances, and stayed about 2 hours. So to be careful and for fear of having to be aspirated, I've laid around and done nothing since the day the drain fell out. That was three days ago. I have very minimal swelling, and I'm getting ready to go to the doctor for my 3 week check up today. Updated on 13 Feb 2013: Just came back from Dr, I was actually cleared to drive short distances last week, but just drove for the first time yesterday! Drove myself today, because my son has strep now. Someone has been sick every week since my surgery. Well, my fear came true...even with all my laying around,I had to be aspirated. Good news is, it was NOTHING! I was scared for no reason whatsoever, didn't even feel it! I was begging my PS to give me clearance to go back to work, but she said she needs to see me again next week and see how I'm doing. I felt great today, for let's see, maybe for 51/2 hours, but now I'm beat, so I'm going to rest a little, and then get up and do some laundry, I hope! Can't wait to get clearance to go back to work!!! I'll post pics later today! Updated on 18 Feb 2013: 4 weeks yesterday. Had to go get aspirated again today. At least it was only 40 cc's for 5 days. Back to work for the first time tomorrow, and have to be there at 6:30am! WOW. I haven't gotten up at 5:30 in almost 2 months. This will be interesting. I did more with less rest today than I have all month because DH was out of town. I'm sooooooo Swollen, it's so depressing to weigh a pound more than surgery day. YIKES. OH Well, I better get to sleep. It's about 9pm, and tomorrow morning will be here quickly. Hope to add some photos soon, but I'm so swollen it's sad to even take a picture! Can't wait to finally finally see these results! Updated on 26 Feb 2013: Today is officially 5 weeks PO! I'm still a little low energy, but I did go back to my normal working hours. Worked until 9:30 last night and back to the studio by 6:30 am, but at least I finish by lunch on Tues! YAY! I'm pretty happy to be back to somewhat normal, but certainly don't have my energy back where it was pre surgery! Bellybutton looks a little weird, but I'm okay with that, considering I REALLY disliked my pre op belly button. I can't figure out if I'm still swollen or if I've actually put on weight, but I'm not too stressed about it. I'm sure once I get back to working out, the weight will come off. I'm an all or nothing kind of gal, and tend to eat a little better when I'm working out, too! I have been using el cheapo silicone strips from CVS this week. It is DEFINITELY flattening out the scar, so I'm happy with that! I go in tomorrow morning, and I'm pretty sure I'll be aspirated again, but I really think if they have to do it at all, it will be dramatically less than it has been, so I'm pretty happy with that. I thought I'd want this CG forever, but it's actually starting to get on my nerves! One more week, and I'll happily throw it away!!!! Although, I have in my mind that my waist is going to get larger if I stop wearing it. I've never had much of a waist anyway, so I really hope I can keep the tiny bit of waist I have now. I've ended up telling a lot more people. Mostly because it's over, and it's completely different to tell after rather than before. I have too many clients asking, so the ones I've been training for 5 years, I've basically just told them. I actually had one client say, OH, by the way, I have to take the next two weeks off, and I said oh, traveling again...she said, not really, I"m getting a facelift! It was cute! Of course, I don't think she needs one, I've always told my husband how young and beautiful I think she looks at 60, but now I know we see ourselves differently than others do! I'm looking forward to the day I'm released to workout, although, I did dance A LOT at the Charity ball this past weekend. Granted, I was exhausted, but it was so worth it. I also did a little light arm and leg work on the reformer yesterday, and even danced a little in bellydance class last night, but nothing today. Maybe every other day, I'll do something light...I'll try to ease into my old routine. At this moment, I can't imagine ever having enough energy again to run 6 days a week, and keep up my dancing and pilates like I used to, but I'm sure it will come to fruition..ONE DAY!!! It's been so sad to read about other of my January TTers having some problems this past week. Just breaks my heart to hear about these awful spitting stitches, infections, and cruddy after care from PS. I guess even though it seemed like a miserable process, I've been pretty blessed. So glad I did this. Wish I had done it 10 years ago! for sure Wish I could figure out how to do a photo collage with before and after pics side by side. Updated on 25 Apr 2013: I'm sure as heck hoping I'm still having some swelling. My tummy isn't flat, although, I'll admit, I look MUCH better!!! I still don't regret it in the least, but I do still have some weird indents on my right side. I can't get them to really show up in a picture, but I see my PS Wed and can't wait to ask her what the deal is. I've been running a few weeks now, I'm back to pilates and teaching bellydance. I REALLY wish my incision line was straight, because none of my bathing suits will cover the right side. My incision does rise slightly on the right side, and it keeps every bathing suit from covering;( I am trying on suits tonight, because next weekend will be my first beach trip. Lucky for me, it is with my BFF who knows all, and I guess I don't even care if you can see the scar, I'm only worried about covering up so I don't end up with a worse scar. I think sun exposure can make it worse. I've been eating really clean for a month, and still way a pound more than I did pre surgery, so I'm getting very discouraged...but even with that being said. The internal balls are gone and the stretch marks are gone, and I said if those were gone, I'd be happy....and so, I am. I am just a little surprised at how far I am from where I was as far as stamina and endurance, and I REALLY want to lose the 5 excess pounds I had gained during the holidays before surgery. GRRRRRR All in all, it's a long recovery, but I'm still SO happy I did this. OH and the BA, I'm totally getting used to, and very happy with that, too! YAY! Now, if the swelling would go away! (At least, I hope it's swelling!) Updated on 25 Apr 2013: Here we go, hoping week 14 is the magic one;) Updated on 16 May 2013: I miss seeing that upper abdominal definition, and keep hoping and praying it's still swelling. I STILL can't fit in some of my pants, tight on my waist and thighs...so weird. I felt more comfortable in a bikini BEFORE, even though I'm still happy I did this. I've been starving, working out, dieting, still can't lose one pound. it's weird. I was ecstatic to find bathing suits that cover the scar, at least. HURRAH!!! If the BB scar wasn't there, I'd feel a LOT better, but OH Well....its a journey. Still glad I did it!
Horrible experience. Rhytidectomy (face lift) was performed at the surgery center at Greenville Plastic Surgery by Dr. J. Lynn Garrison, MD. (June 2011) After THREE painful corrective procedures (Sept. 2011, January 2012, April 2012) my face looks awful. My neck sags on the left side, very uneven irregularities under my chin. The skin on my lower face is pulled tight so my mouth looks distorted I also now have a deformity called "PIXIE EARS" (excess tension on my face had caused the earlobes to be pulled down towards the angle of the jaw). Very noticeable and unattractive. Can't wear my hair up or wear ear rings it is so ugly. The scars behind my left ear are thick and very conspicuos. Also, large lump on left cheek.I have consulted with TWO DOUBLE Board Certified Plastic Surgeons, (Dr. J.Madison Clark,MD, Alamance Ear, Nose & Throat & Facial Plastic Surgery; Dr. Adam Stein, MD, Stein Plastic Surgery) and have been told that a REVISION surgery is necessary to correct my face...BUT Neither will do it at this time. They said the skin is pulled to tight and there is not enough facial skin left for them to work with. Talked to Dr. Lynn Garrison, MD (my husband was present)on 9/19/12 and told her the estimate was from other DOUBLE Board Certified surgeons to do revision surgery is $5000. She said she would refund my money less the anesthesia fee as she had paid that direct. I also addressed this in writing the next Monday. To date I have had absoutely no reply from Dr. Lynn Garrison, MD. Updated on 27 Nov 2012: UPDATE: Facelift experience performed by Dr. Lynn Garrison, MD. At a meeting with Dr. Lynn Garrison at Greenville Plastic Surgery recently she worked with me to resolve my issues to my complete satisfaction. Dr. Garrison is a "person of her word" and addressed my complaint in a professional manner. The staff at Greenville Plastic Surgery are nice and cordial as well.
