My procedure is scheduled for March 1, 2024, so this stage of the review is solely for pre-surgery appointments and treatments. Scheduling the consultation was very easy and I only had to wait a few weeks. When I arrived the office was very comfortable and inviting and not pretentious at all. The front desk staff were kind and attentive. I was called back to the consultation room very soon after my appointment time and was taken in for my photos. I loved that they had a floor mat which had foot placements on it so that getting into the correct positions was a breeze. Doctor Zahir saw me next and he was so warm and easy to speak to. He listened to my concerns, answered all of my questions, and told me what I didn't *want* to hear (but knew it in my heart anyway). I had gone in only wanting to do my lower eyelids and possible a fat graft to the mid face but he explained that, while he could do that, it wouldn't be complete without doing my upper lids as well. I didn't see this as an upsell at all but rather him wanting me to be happy now rather than trying to piecemeal it all later. I gave it some thought after I left and really appreciated his honesty. I decided that night to not only choose Dr. Zahir but to also do all of the procedures now and actually save money in the long run. It's going to drain all of my savings but at least I won't hate looking in the mirror. When I called to schedule the procedures, I was shocked that I'd be able to get in so quickly - just two weeks later. I had my pre-surgical appointment where we went over the final plans and I received all of my instructions/prescriptions. Since then, Jennifer Lewis has been so patient with my emails of questions. I'm so stinking excited! Some background - while I've always had dark circles under my eyes, it's only been in the last two years that I've noticed the puffiness and crepey skin as well as the loss of midface fat/volume. Some of it can be attributed to the repeated cycles of weight loss I have gone through as a bodybuilder but a lot of the undereye issues were also caused by my CPAP mask. I know I'll eventually need a face & neck lift but that will have to wait until I win the lottery :-) Updated on 2 Mar 2024: I arrived early because my Uber driver was early. I snuggled into the waiting room until the nurse called me back. Once I was in the surgical suite, everything moved efficiently. Dr. Zahir came in to go over everything again to make sure I understood everything he would be doing. Then he marked me up and off I went. I chose to go with local and also had a Valium so I was super chill. They did the liposuction first then rolled me over to do the eyelids and fat grafting. There were a few spicy moments during the lipo and some of the skin removal but the pain wasn’t unbearable. I’ve had two natural childbirths so that’s sort of my benchmark and it was nowhere near that bad - maybe 3/10. I couldn’t tell you how long it took because I was pretty loopy but it felt like it went quickly - I’m gonna guess two hours or so. What I really enjoyed is that they were training a new PA intern and explaining everything that they were doing - I learned a lot. A coworker gave me a ride home and I was able to lay in bed on my wedge pillow to keep my face elevated and wet compresses on my eyes. I slept on that pillow with my CPAP mask on and it was very comfortable. Before bed I took some acetaminophen and another Valium. My lipo spots on my back are a little sore today and some of the tumescent fluid has leaked out (totally normal). My eyes and face aren’t sore at all but my eyes are swollen. I’m eating softer foods for now and have no problems. I’m crossing my fingers that this doesn’t trigger a fibromyalgia flare but so far, so good. Updated on 3 Mar 2024: Zero pain today and the swelling has gone down as the day progressed. I feel like I could hit the gym and go as hard as I normally do but I won’t! Ran errands and took my dogs out for walkies. Work tomorrow will be no problem. Updated on 14 Mar 2024: I’m so incredibly happy with my results. I still have some minor swelling but it’s barely noticeable to anyone but me and the doctor. My scars are just barely pink now and well within my natural lash line (lower) and crease (upper). I’m much further along than I expected to be. The lipo spots are not painful at all any longer. Today is my first day back at the gym (with doctor approval)!
I was referred to Dr. Zahir by a close friend of mine. I felt at ease with this doctor - warm personality, comforting and very professional. Thank you Dr. Zahir... I am very excited to see my results in the upcoming days/weeks!
I met Dr. Zahir years ago in the ER when my husband cut off the tip of his finger trimming bushes. Dr. Zahir repaired the finger and it looks like it was never hurt. I have been a client of Dr. Zahir for many surgical and non-surgical procedures. Most recently Botox. Dr. Zahir is an excellent plastic surgeon. He is thorough in his explanations of each procedure; he is patient, personable, and professional. He is also a kind and gentle human being and a humanitarian. He is truly the best.
I first encountered Dr Zahir in 2004 while in ER after a severe car accident. Dr Zahir was the doctor who performed surgery on my mangled fingers. From the very first encounter, prior to the surgery, he had a genuine, caring approach. I was so impressed with him during my follow up appts that I started seeing him for various other minor procedures such as botox, ultimately having him tailor a mini facelift for my neck and jawline area - to my exact specifications. I am very picky and this was a big deal....I didn't want it to be noticeable in a drastic way. I emerged looking refreshed and vibrant! That was many years ago and I continue to reap the benefits to this day! I continue to see Dr Zahir for little touch ups here and there, cortizone shots in my arthritic wrists, etc. He is a uniquely caring professional, I always walk out of his office feeling uplifted after our visit, 15 years later!
The photo provided does not appear to be infected, however redness is part of healing as the tissue is healing and the sutures placed in your belly button usually do not cause infection unlike deeper sutures that may. Either way, following your surgeons instructions would be best.
Most swelling after tummy tucks are surgically completed, are swollen in the upper and lower part of the abdomen for 2-3 weeks. For weeks 4-6, the remaining area of swelling is below the belly button but above the incision site waiting for complete healing of the incision. Things you can do to decrease the swelling include: compression garments which I provide for you and in some cases a form fitted abdominal binder. Early motion and controlled activities can help decrease post surgical swelling.
The typical down time before you can go back to normal work is 5-7 days, since all the sutures are dissolvable. All of the incisions are hidden and with minimal bruising returning to work is quick.
Fat necrosis is not common, but I do see it in some patients who have very large breast reductions performed. Some of the key factors to decrease these from happening is to be with a lower BMI, not be a smoker. Despite these factors fat necrosis can still occur but is not difficult to improve.
Although insurance should give you the benefits you deserve, the results that you may need are best served with a plastic surgeon who performs the surgery commonly, than by a insurance network physicians. Many patients have tried to get their procedure covered but are met with fairly unintelligent blocking mechanisms like weight criteria and gram removal. Most of these delineations don't really help the individual who is trying to get covered and so you will be best inclined to chose a physician first and try to get approval. The process is cumbersome and may still be denied in the end. The investment for your aesthetic result would be best served by doing this as a cosmetic procedure for yourself leaving the uncaring insurance companies out. Best of Luck Dr. Zahir