These are my 3rd and 4th rounds of reconstructive surgery. Reason for so many rounds is that these have been done here in the US and I had them done in combination with some other medically needed procedures (deviated septum surgery and tonsillectomy). It was cost effective in that form however it was piece-mealed into several surgeries as opposed to a major one with multiple procedures, as I would have liked. But beggars can’t be choosers. My journey has been a long one, starting in 2006 when I decided to get gastric bypass. It hasn’t been easy that’s for sure and every successful step forward also highlights the areas that will need to be corrected in the future. Until now I’ve been fully prepared and done all research for every lift possible, or so I thought. First of all my surgeon was Dr. Joseph Yadegar from Body Cosmetics. He is an older gentlemen that is sweet and very conservative, and this is displayed in his procedures. So if you’re looking for a drastic change, such as a Kardashian Tush that’s not going to happen with him. He is a perfectionist with his work, he likes the natural look and despises scars, therefore he will do the most possible to hide them or will advice against procedures that cause huge unappealing scarring. As a matter of fact we got into friendly dispute over the armlift as I wanted the long incision to ensure that I have the smallest arms possible... he adviced against it due to the scarring and suggested an arm tuck instead (short scar armlift in the armpit). After 20 mins we both agreed to proceed with the short scar armlift, however if I didn’t like the final result then he would correct it to the long incision free of cost. We shook on it and Laurie, his nurse and friend of mine, was a witness to that, lol!!! I actually consulted with him because I am friends with Laurie, one of the nurses. She had informed me that a huge percentage of the cost for my arm lift may be covered through my PPO, whether combining it with another approved procedure that I may need or by appealing the insurance company to have my arm lift covered as medically necessary. Either way I got really lucky because my PPO covered 80% for out of network and the doctors charges was minimal in comparison. So I went in with a list of things I needed done, medically necessary and cosmetic. The list was as followed: 1. Correct Deviated Septum and might as well slim down my nose. Will give a proper review of the nose job in a few more months... it takes a year for the final result and right now at 6 months I can tell it’s still swollen at the bridge and tip and nostrils are uneven due to the swelling. However so far it looks fantastic... the surgeon that performed this procedure was from Dr Yadegar’s group and he’s actually done some celebrities so his work is impeccable. I still look like me and not Michael Jackson.... but I see the refinement already. 2. Tonsillectomy. Ok this is by far the worse surgery in the world. The headaches, the severe sinus pain and ear throbbing!!! Then the unbearable bad breathe, and constant nasty taste in your mouth. And after 4 days you’d think you get better but no, it gets worse and it’s like you’re in your torturous death bed for the next 10 days because no pain meds, no narcotics, no cannabis, no tequila shots, no ice cream, no cold beverage nor hot ones will alleviate the pain. You can’t eat, cant swallow and it even hurts to talk... you just want to die for about 2 weeks. Just FYI. 3. Remove a lump of fat on my back... had it for years and recently started increasing in size, so it has to go and be examined. 4. Revise the my medial/inner thigh lift to improve the remainder of excess skin/cellulite. Doctor straight out shut me down for this and said I didn’t need it. He also shut me down for a revision of my BBL since I have a few dents. All I wanted was for the dents to be filled a bit, I’m still trying to convince him. Hope to break him soon, lol!!! He’s really a sweetheart!! 5. Lipo of my legs, primarily these two saddlebags that returned to haunt me with memories of my hefty days. Doctor declined on full lipo of the legs but that he would remove the Saddlebags and proportion my body. 6. Lipo of my full back to remove the rolls and bra fat. He explained that the bra/back rolls are excess skin and that needs to be removed by two long incisions along the bra line and minimal lipo. 7. Armlift. He had to really examine my arms but insisted that he could obtain satisfying results with an Arm Tuck. I argued to just chop off all the skin with a long incision because a few weeks earlier I literally slapped my face with my wing. He started laughing, then I made the deal about revising it with the long scar if I didn’t like the final results. 8. Make my face slimmer!!!! I told him about how my face puffs up like a blowfish if I gain even the slightest weight. He pleaded that my face looked fine.. but I made my case and he agreed to lipo the underchin, and remove buccal fat in hopes that this will give me a face that matches my body. 9. I also want a mini eyebrow lift. Those that have been 300+lbs, y’all know what that does to your face and skin when you lose almost half of that. My eyes in the last year have been feeling really tired and I noticed that it has to do with the hoods starting to droop over my eyelids making them feel heavy. The tension is alleviated when I pull my brows up. Not sure if I would need an eyelid lift also or not however I’m still yet to discuss this with the surgeon.
Spoke with Dr. Yadegar today regarding my upper/lower abdomen, flank and lumber Tumescent liposuction. I have a voluminous amount of time researching, so I had some questions for him. My sister works for him and has had work done by the doctor already so that puts my mind somewhat at ease. I will be flying to Beverly Hills from Northern California for the surgery on May 21st, with my consult on May 18th. Going to have a girls’ weekend before the surgery and then my sister will be my caregiver – bonding time for us. Me, I have had one child and am nearing my mid 40’s. I have the typical belly bulge, love handles and back fat. Most people tell me that I hide it well. I feel just gross and cannot get it to go away. I was able to at one time after my son was born but then life happens and things change so now it is time for the great medical profession to do its part and give me a figure back. Yippee!! The surgery is not the nerve racking part for me, I have already had a breast reduction and lift five years ago, which I still love to this day. Not sure what for or where from the anxiousness is coming from? See you all on the other side. I will post before pictures just before the surgery. Updated on 11 May 2012: One week and counting. I am getting so excited. I have all of my herbs and I am going to start packing in the next day or two. Those of you on the otherside are so lucky. I will be there soon :-) Updated on 23 May 2012: Had my surgery Monday. Arrived at 8:00 am and was rolled in at 9:30. Everyone was so nice - the staff, the nurses, the anesthesiologist and of course the doctor. The whole experience was very pleasant. The surgery only took an hour and a half for upper and lower abs, flanks and low back. My waist feels really small through the padding and compression garment and I can feel my hip bones too. I started to hurt on the way home but the pain pills took care of that. Thanks to the posts here the car seat and bed were covered ahead of time with the shower curtain and puppy pads. By the morning of day two I had switched to Motrin from the stronger pain pills. Doctor said the sooner I could do this the better for lessening the swelling. There is no pain or discomfort I would call it when standing, lying down or sitting only when getting up. The leaking stopped by the end of the second day. I was able to go up and down the stairs a few times on the second day and my sister took me to the store for some fruit and yogurt I forgot to pick up before hand. I have been eating mostly soft foods recommend by posters here and taking my anti- bruising herbal supplement. All in all not too bad so far. I go for my post-op appointment in just a little while. I have before pictures that I will post when I get home. Here's hoping the rest of the process stays on a smooth course. Oh just found out that someone at work read my calendar and may be blabbing. I was trying to keep the surgery only known to a few. Guess I will face that when I return next week. Updated on 30 May 2012: Things are progressing quiet well. Bruising is almost gone and some of my incisions are barely visible anymore. I am back at work today ( 8 days post surgery). Pain is minimal except when I bend over for too long, e.g., husband shaved my legs for me. Swelling seems to increase throughout the day, but that is to be expected. I am posting my before pictures today. Ug, I can't believe I waited so long to go through the proceedure. Not going to check "worth it" just yet, but I am leaning in that direction. Updated on 5 Jun 2012: Well I am just two weeks and one day post surgery. All of my bruises are gone and I feel really good. I have been using a rolling pin to massage myself everyday for the last week. Saw a video on youtube about how to do it. Also, had my first lymphatic massage on Thursday and I was amazed at how the swelling decreased after my session. I have another one scheduled for this Thursday. My swelling is mostly non-existent in the morning but by the end of the day I have a little, probably from sitting at work and running around. I am walking every day though and going to start doing arm exercises tonight - I am an evening exerciser. I have lost 10 pounds so far. It is mostly the itching and tingling that happens off and on through the day that gets my attention now. The numbness is weird but the areas are regaining sensation slowly. I am taking my garment off for an hour or so every day. It feels good to be free of it. I am very happy with the results I am seeing so far. I am posting pictures today.
Sooo my heart was set with Dra. medina in DR But $ was a bit of a issue. I had interviewed 2 Drs before and was scheduled for one more today 10/04/16. Went in and was treated by staff attentively. Dr saud I really needed MR so insurance will be covering it. well lets hope. i will be going in for tummy with mr and possible lipo with bbl. for my second phase I want BA and brachiolasty. Will update as soon as I have my set date. Oh btw what made me go with Dr. Joseph Yadegar from Beverly Hills was that while I was waiting to get called in I spoke with about 6 pts that where there for follow ups and their scarring was sooo minimal from previous procedure they had gotten with him and where there for their second. Updated on 6 Oct 2016: So I got a call yesterday and asked if I wanted to have the procedure done next week Thursday 10/13? A pt called and had to reschedule. I said yes of course. ow to get everything ready only thing is that husband is only able to take the day of the surgery off???? but will be anle to go in late for the next two weeks so he can be able to drop off the kids at school and my neighbor will be with me all day???? Labs are being done today , So I am hoping everything comes out good and given the green light for surgery. Tummy tuck with MR is what I am getting done. Updated on 6 Oct 2016: Ok so my date is set for October 13,2016 with Dr. Joseph Yadegar. Sooo nervous and excited. I chose him based on reviews given to me in person by his patients that I interacted with in his offices while I waited for my consult. All had good outcomes and their surgery sites looked sooo good.What tips can you give me? What do I need post op? Updated on 14 Oct 2016: Ok my date got pushed due to my authorization not comming in on time. Dr. Yadegar will be doing my procedure. He is very attentive and takes his time to explain what he will do and what is needed and will listen to what you want. But he is very blunt and truthful which I loved he doesnt BS around. Tummy tuck with MR. Then I would like to get bl with implants and brachioplasty. and maybe ,maybe i will go ahead with lipo with bbl. so my date is set to 10/27/16. Updated on 4 Nov 2016: so im 8dpo still have my drains and apperantly i will end up with dog ears???? But dr will fix at no cost. so far happy with results just the top prtnof my stomach looks bloated thoughts? Updated on 19 Dec 2016: so apperently I did haveseroma but when he tried to drain it he couldnet. so he scheduled me for a revision and went ahead and also did lipo on my flanks. he said that the seroma was in a weird position wich is why he wasnt able to get to it with the drain. also he went ahead and removed more skin he said my skin has no elasticity which is why it was sagging again???? lets hope for better results this time around
Many of my patients have reported no pain after receiving the expanders. Typically only over-the-counter pain medication such as motrin or tylenol is sufficient for pain management.
