I am 6dpo from having a full a tummy tuck w/muscle repair so far my experience has been nothing but Great with Dr Hensel and his staff. I’ve done much research before making the decision and selecting this Facility to perform this life long body change for me. I asked thousands of Questions that was answered, compared and shared pictures, Michele answered every question more then one time for me, even when I felt that I was frustrating her with the same questions she still remained patient with me. Looking at my before & after pictures has been nothing but rewarding thus far and it has only been 6 days. I will continue to “Trust the Process” as I heel and enjoy being on the flat side.
I breastfed and it stretched my breasts from a 32B to a 32DD. It left them more bottom heavy with what felt like thinner skin. The goal was to lower the fold on my right side to match that of my left and to increase to a C cup allowing my breasts to be fuller on the top. We will be using round 355 cc silicon cohesive gel "gummy bear" implants. Updated on 18 Jun 2020: They are exactly what I was looking for and I am really pleased. The first week, I took a couple of pain pills but was otherwise fine. The most discomfort occurred in the first two days and the hardest part was sleeping on my back because I’m a side sleeper. Figuring out how to get ready without lifting my arms was a challenge too. I had to lay in a very elevated position to be able to get out of bed or sleep in a recliner and I felt a bit more tired than normal this week. I would suggest help with a small child for several days too. Things like cutting my steak, lifting tea pitchers out of the very top of the fridge, forcefully wiping the counters with sticky spills on them, and pulling clothes out the washer weren’t ideal and I passed those chores off. I didn’t think about how I put a lot out of reach from my child and now it was suddenly out of reach from me too. The second week, I still felt a little sore doing things like scrubbing a sticky spot off of the counter. The wiping itself didn’t hurt but adding pressure made that muscle sore and I didn’t want to “rip” anything. Getting out of bed was a little easier but I still kept myself elevated. Aside from that, I could do most things normally. I could even lift my child onto the potty and all without pain. As of the third week, my nipples seem overly sensitive still and the lower half of my breasts are still numb. I have been told this normally goes away with time because everything is healing. Everything is softening up a good bit and starting to feel more normal. Overall, I’m not in any pain and can do pretty much everything I did before surgery at this point. I still feel like things are stretching a little bit when I take my bra off and it’s still more comfortable to have it on. I’ll update again in a few weeks! Updated on 8 Aug 2020: All of the swelling is gone. I haven’t been able to go and try on bra’s with Covid so I had to order a few sizes. I’m a bit larger than I expected to be. I went in with a goal of 34c but I’m a 32DDD/34DD. I tried a variety of bra brands and that’s the consensus. It’s funny to me bc they don’t feel or look that large. Most of my friends had no idea that I even got implants. They look very natural. If I’m being honest, there are a couple of things I would change. They are a little more bottom heavy than I would have hoped. I was going for a before pregnancy breast. I was about a 45% top fullness /55% bottom fullness on the breast tissue distribution between my upper and lower breast before pregnancy. I went to about a 20/80 after baby and I’m about at a 35/65 now. I would have positioned them a little closer together too. Nonetheless, it’s a great improvement and I would do it again. The scars are lightening up and I’m still numb under my breasts from the nipple down.
I wanted to wait to post this until I had some results to base a review on. So here it is. I am at about 6 months post procedure and am happy to say that my expectations have been surpassed. This is the only cosmetic procedure I have ever had, so I only had 500 grafts done this time. The experience and results have been so positive that I now wish that I would have gone ahead with another 1500-2000 grafts the first time. I must have asked hundreds of questions at my initial consultation appointments, all of which were answered patiently and professionally by both Dr. Hensel and by the Patient Care Coordinator, Katrina. They also gave me additional detailed printed instructions covering details of pre and post procedure care. They also let me know that I could call any time I had a question. The procedure itself was comfortable and efficient. The technician transplanting the grafts was clearly very experienced and made me feel completely at ease from start to finish. I would consider the procedure to be virtually pain free with the small exception of the initial shots used to numb the scalp. In the days and first few weeks after, I was surprised at how quickly the donor and transplant sights healed. The donor sight (back of scalp) was almost undetectable within a week. And the graft sights (all on the crown) were difficult to detect within 2 weeks unless looking really closely. There was some itching in both donor and graft spots for a few weeks, but not unbearable. While I only had 500 grafts done, I can definitely see that it has filled in. From some research I have done online, it seems like my hair grew in a bit faster than most. That may be because I have also been doing the laser light therapy with them weekly since the procedure. Based on my positive experience and the success of the procedure, I plan on going back for more grafts in 2017. I would strongly recommend Lowcountry Plastic Surgery Center and Dr. Jack Hensel without hesitation for anyone considering Neograft.
I have received excellent care from everyone and everyone has jumped to take care of my needs my questions, return my calls, and Michele Hensel giving me her personal cell phone number which I've tried hard not to abuse. I know that I have low tolerance and low patience, huge anxiety, and I'm not the best patient! I am so pleased with the way my stomach and my breast look. I can't wait till the breast soften and drop in place! When I unwrapped my bandages and saw my stomach I absolutely cried. I have had saggy breast and a saggy baggy wrinkly stomach since my daughter was born 30 years ago. It has been my dream since then to have to breast lift and the tummy tuck. I used part of my inheritance my mother had invested for me on this instead of as a down payment on a house and I have no regrets!! I wasn't sure if I was making the best financial decision but now I am! This has made me happier than any house, my stomach is beautiful! I was very nervous about what Dr. to pick. I studied up a lot and found a lot of information on Dr. Hensel and was going to go in for consultation to him when I met my new friend Gwen Carson. When she told me she had done her consultation with you guys and that her surgery date had been set I set my consultation. I went in a few weeks later and I was very comfortable with meeting Dr Hensel and your staff. I saw Dr. Hensel's work on Gwen's breast before I ever went into surgery. I have had that small problem with one spot that was not healing as nicely as the rest but when I emailed you about it you were very attentive and sent your cell number to ease my mind so I did not have to worry knowing that if I felt like things were getting worse that I was able to call you and be in immediate touch with Dr. Hensel. That was a very great relief for me. We cleaned out my little spots today in office and I'm sure it is going to heal well. People need to understand Dr's can not control how each persons body heals. But how they take care of themselves, communicate with their Dr and having an attentive Dr and staff after surgery are important for proper healing and Dr Hensel as well as his staff has been wonderful! The entire staff has been friendly and so cooperative and they listen attentively which is very meaningful. The receptionist remembers my name and always says Hi or bye Karen. I'm terrible with names! My nurse has been unbelievable, I love her dearly. She told me I didn't have to have a check up till the three month one but did I want to come again before then? Again impressed, she knows I want a "pretty scar" and am a nervous person. I told her I think I'm good so unless anything arises I'll see you in 3 months! Before my surgery Morgan gave me the best facial peel I ever have had. I definitely will have another one of those! Would like to work more on facial care in the future. Thank you and God bless!
After turning 41, I was ready to stop talking about plastic surgery and start doing. I gained and lost a ton of weight with both of my pregnancies and that along with age left me looking like I was 71, not 41. Day of surgery: I don't remember much after going into surgery. The anesthesiologist was the best! He numbed the spot before inserting the iv. Small thing, but as a cancer survivor I have had many iv's and he was the first to actually numb the entry spot! I told him ahead of time that I get sick after anesthesia so he made sure to account for that! No nausea. First week post: I was upset after the first unveil. I felt my breasts were not as perky as I expected and the scar on my TT was higher than I expected. Emotional roller coaster for those first two weeks. I hired a nanny to take care of my boys and the husband was amazing at caring for me. Not much appetite the first week but forced myself to drink protein shakes. Pretty much round the clock on my Percocet. Second week post op: Weaned off the pain meds and switched to Tylenol. Didn't have BM until day 7, with daily Colace and fiber supplements. Live and learn, do not wait that long! Dulcolax took care of it without cramps and bloating. Wore binder and my Marena surgical bra all the time! 3 week post op: Day 21 post got one drain out. Felt weird but didn't hurt when it was pulled. I was walking more upright for short periods of time. Back ache city! Heating pad and Tylenol a must. 4 week post: At 28 days post got drain 2 out and that was like amazing! I was able to walk more upright and had more energy to boot! My left breast seems to be settling and moving down faster than the right. I am assured this is normal and final results will still be weeks to months away. I have religiously worn my binder and surgical bras. Never had any issues with swelling! :) started being able to lie flatter with only two pillows under my head and ovcassionally one under knees between 3-4 wks. 5 weeks post op: Like a whole new person! I started the scar silicone sheets after 4 week appt on my TT incision. Breast still have scabs so waiting on those. I purchased two pairs on Target spanx brand underwear to wear during the day and go without to sleep at night. I also purchased Jockey brand bra-lettes and wear those all the time. They are super comfy and inexpensive, they also do not run against my anchor lift incision. Updated on 29 May 2015: I really applaud these ladies able to take and upload after pics. I am just now getting around to it. This is after wearing a bra and my CG for the day. So under boob is wrinkly from impressions and so is the line at my waist. Updated on 3 Jun 2015: Also my two week post on using scar away silicone sheets. Supposed to use them for 7 days, I was alternating between two sets which is easier than just washing and drying then reapplying one set. Since I was alternating I used them 14 days. I think they are helping, too early to say. They do stick well and haven't had any issues with them staying on, wore them under my swimsuit laying by the pool and to the beach-didn't go in the water, but sweated and they never moved or curled up!! I have only worn them on the outer edges of my incision, when I tried at 4 weeks to put one over the middle part it burned so I removed it, gave myself two more was to heal there, and will start using one there tomorrow. I bought the ones for your breasts, the anchor lift ones. However, as you can see in the pics, I still have scabs on the T incision points of my anchor lift. And since those can become nightmares, the nurse told me to wait on using them there until the scabs are gone. Not too worried about those scars anyway. It was more for the little dog ears I have at the end of both anchor lifts. No biggie. I am still wearing either my binder or spanx high brief during the day and nothing at night. I eat fairly clean and haven't had any issues with swelling. I am still wearing only bralettes or a tank with shelf bra. Tried wearing a real bra and it just looked and felt weird. I think I am having some mental issues with the new boobs. Don't get me wrong, I like them, just not used to them yet. Mobility is almost normal. However, tried laying on my tummy at the beach and couldn't do it, too tight across my abdomen. I have had lots more energy and have not had any of the late afternoon crashes I did at 4-5 weeks. Sleeping. I am a side sleeper and my back has been very angry with me over this back sleeping business. This week I started sleeping more on my side with a pillow propped behind my back. It helps take some pressure off, but also keeps me mostly on my back- not totally on my side. I can probably go ahead and start side sleeping, but wanted to give it a couple more weeks if I could stand it. Hope this helps someone! Updated on 15 Jun 2015: Had a very busy weekend out of town with lots of walking and not a single moment of actual down time. I brought along my iPad to read, and never even unpacked it! Thursday we walked all over Savannah sightseeing for nearly 11 hours. Friday I noticed when stretching after waking that my stomach muscle just to the right of my belly button felt strained or pulled. I have an intense burning sensation in that spot when the area is "used" or stretched, pulled, etc. Hoping this is normal? Other than that, all good. Implants seem to be settling nicely and one scab has come off of the T spot anchor lift incision. I do have an occasional "discomfort" especially around the sides of my breasts, but guessing that's also normal. Bra shopping last week at VS has me at a 34 D, which I think is perfect for my body size of 5'4 119#. I attended a wedding this weekend with a strapless dress and wore no bra! It was quite wonderful to not need one and be completely comfortable, and of course, to look great! I will post better pics later, but these will have to do. I am loving the Jockey bralettes. They are extremely comfortable with light support and the material is breathable in this summer heat! Feels like you are wearing nothing! Hope everyone is doing well! Updated on 17 Jun 2015: I have been using the Scar Away silicone sheets for four weeks now and I can tell an appreciable difference! I haven't had any problems with them. I rotate between two sets, so always have a clean and dry set. The dog ears on the end of the TT incision seem to be laying down and the scar has definitely flattened. I have only been wearing the sheets on the middle of the scar above the pubis for two weeks. That area was sensitive when I first started wearing them, so I just used them on the sides the first two weeks. I am looking forward to waxing again. Thinking of trying it first week of July when I am close to 10 wks post op. I am just a big baby and afraid of doing anything that could cause me any issues in healing! I am thinking of trying the scar sheets on the scars from my anchor lift under my breast this week. Although the only one that really shows is where it runs from the underside of the breast to my under arm. Hubby is only one that's likely to see. Bathing suit top should cover it? But I will use them as I already purchased them and let you know how it goes! Updated on 27 Jun 2015:
So I have been stalking real self for awhile, chose my Dr. Hensel in February, and scheduled for 4/6/15. I have 3 boys 11,8, and 5. Since my last son I have been on a weight lost journey and changing the way I eat, since 2010 I have lost 100 pounds and have been at 185/190 for the past 2 yrs. So this is something I really wanted. Updated on 7 Apr 2015: Took a shower this morning, things haven't been so bad as long as I stay up on the pain pills. Purchased a recliner before surgery and it oh so is a life saver. I am very satisfied so far Updated on 10 Apr 2015: I feel amazing woke up early this morning did some spring cleaning in my room, cleaned out drawers, closet, window sills, and dusted. No pain pills, I worked in there from around 8 to 3. My boys came home today and they were anxious to see my belly they were like wow. Especially my youngest because he used to walk around pushing up on my flab. I took it really easy the first 3 days is could be why I'm in such good spirits today I just can't believe I haven't needed any meds. This isn't so bad. Oh but I did sneeze, and eeeek it felt like every muscle in my tummy separated and went back together that pain didn't last but a split second Though. I will post more pics soon just so ready for these drains to come out. Updated on 12 Apr 2015: Been chilling the past couple days, think I did to much the other day been pretty swollen and tight feeling. Updated on 12 Apr 2015: Updated on 12 Apr 2015:
I could not have chosen a better group of people to work with. From start to finish, the entire process has been wonderful! For a little background info... I sought out Dr. Hansel to perform a Breast Augmentation. Before my consultation I was incredibly nervous and didn't know what to expect. The staff assured me that I would be completely taken care of and I definitely was! Dr. Hansel made me feel very secure in my choice and was very patient in answering my hundreds of questions. Finally the day of surgery arrived (today) and I once again was nervous... more so of the outcome, pain and seeing how some women's breasts are deformed after surgery. Dr. Hansel and the nurse reassured me this would not happen. I want to say a huge THANK YOU to Dr. Hansel and the anesthesiologist. They did such a good job at putting my mind at ease before surgery and made things more comfortable by joking around with me before I was knocked out. Even being its a few hours after surgery, the 'girls' look fantastic! I've got some swelling but nothing extreme. I've been walking around and doing basic tasks and so far haven't felt the need to take any pain pills yet (surgery was at 8am and its now 8:13pm). I highly highly recommend Lowcountry Plastic Surgery!
Dr. Jack has the artistic flair a plastic surgeon should have. I have experience in the medical field and can tell you that Dr. Hensel is one of the best in the field of plastic surgery. He gave me the body I wanted and is second to none with his sweet talent for injectables. If you are searching for a Plastic Surgeon he is top of the list!
I am turning 40 this August and I have had cellulite on the back of my legs since I was a teenager! I am very active, I work out, and I eat healthy, but no matter what I do, I just can't get the back of my legs to look smooth. I started researching procedures that might help me and I sent a consultation request to Dr. Hensel's office. I got a response within 24 hours from Michele who spoke to me in length over the phone and then made an appt. for my consultation. At the consultation, Michele and Dr. Jack reviewed my case and suggested cellulaze as the answer to my specific problem areas. My biggest fear in going forward was that I wouldn't see enough of a result to make the procedure worth the money and the potential pain. They assured me I was a good candidate and that I should see dramatic results, so I proceeded to make my surgery appt. I was nervous the day of surgery, but the staff put me at ease and once the meds kicked in, I didn't feel a thing! After surgery, I was pretty bruised and swollen which is common according to the research I have done, but the pain after surgery was not as bad as I had expected. I didn't take any of the pain medicine that was prescribed.....only a few tylenol here and there. I went to work the next day....I was sore, but I was able to maneuver so that none of my co-workers could tell I had just had surgery the day before. The worst part was having to keep the garment on for three days without taking it off to shower and one of my incision holes weeped for about a week. On day three when I could finally take the garment off for the first time, I burst into tears at the sight of my legs! Not because they were swollen and bruised but because I could already see just three days after surgery that my legs were going to look much better once they healed. I could already see where they looked much smoother than before the surgery. It's now three weeks after my surgery and I continue to see improvements everyday. I am still a little bruised and swollen, but I know once I am back to normal, these legs are going to look fantastic!! Even though I can officially stop wearing the garment tomorrow, I plan to wear it for another week or two or until all of my swelling is gone. It's actually still more comfortable with it on. I also had the Cool Sculpting procedure done to my upper and lower abdominal areas. I wasn't even really unhappy with my stomach but I do have a little bit of fat that has been stubborn and once I learned about Cool Sculpting, I wanted to try it too! Tonya is an excellent technician and took super care of me! The procedure had minimal discomfort and no down time at all afterwards. My stomach just felt numb for a few days. Tonya advised that it takes several months for the results of this procedure to start to show, but I swear I can already notice a reduction...especially my upper ab area!! I am very thankful to Dr. Hensel and his wonderful staff!! I really appreciate the care and hospitality that their entire gang shows every time I walk through the doors!! They make me feel welcome, safe, and comfortable and I am very grateful for how they treat their customers. This was truly a scary decision for me to make but Michele and the rest of the staff made each step of the process hopeful and as enjoyable as possible!! I'm so glad I picked them to go on this transforming journey with and I can't wait to see my final results and the NEW ME!
Breast Augmentation/Lift - Charleston, SC
There are many factors to consider when returning to work after a Tummy Tuck. It really have a lot to do with what you do for a living. If you have a desk job then of course you should be able to return sooner. Possibly within a week of your procedure. With anyone you must listen to your body and follow the signs to recovery. Most people in my practice return within a week or so.
You should be proud of yourself for accomplishing the goals that you have accomplished thus far! Please keep up the good work! You look like you would be a great candidate for an abdominoplasty but you would likely benefit from additional weight loss prior to having this procedure. If you attempt to lose about 20 more pounds you would really benefit.
It is up to your physician to perform routine lab work prior to performing your surgery. Hopefully your physician has requested this and you will get the answer to your question.
It is very difficult to know what would get you the best result without seeing pictures. If you would like to send pictures I am happy to evaluate and give you options that would benefit you the most
It would certainly be best to wait until you have healed. You want to make sure all of the swelling is resolved and you know what your final results are before making any decisions to go smaller or bigger.