Kim-Chi Vu, MD

This is my surgery story: Pics (pre-surgery ones horrible embarrassing and emotional for me). I felt mentally/emotionally good heading up to surgery but I broke out in hives a week before and had a huge one on my gut that itched like crazy, so apparently my body was nervous!

Day of surgery I was up at 6am, showered with surgical soap, headed to surgical center, supposed to check in at 7am, no one was answering, hubby and I sat in the lobby for a bit and I was getting pissed and paged my surgeon, she called me twice but by then I was already in the surgical center waiting area (no real apology from staff, totally unfukncool and anxiety inducing). Hubby basically had to leave immediately due to covid restrictions. I was taken back, asked routine pre-surgical questions, dressed down into a gown and leg wraps, iv'd up etc. Pre-Surgical nurse was awesome and told me how jealous she was if you watch big brother, my anesthesiologists looked super young and exactly like Dan Gheesling (sp?).

My surgeon came in and was full of energy, she’s a tiny woman who could fit in my pocket. She went over the procedures with me, marked my chest up while seated, then had me stand to mark my belly. With that we were ready to go - was asked if I wanted to walk to the OR and I did. Got there, it was really big, I think there were 6 staff total. The bed had arms out to the side with straps and even a head strap. Kinda creepy looking! Surgical nurse held my hand, anesthesiologists talked to me and I was out in seconds!

Surgery lasted 6-6.5 hours and coming out of anesthesia was not awesome. I can’t put extremely nauseous and gagging. I couldn’t keep a zofran down. They did ask in advance if that was a prior issue but I hadn’t been under since I was 15 and didn’t know. I threw up a little which was awful. They called the anesthesiologists back and gave me a patch of something behind my ear. It wasn’t helping and my IV was out, so he gave me a shot of Benadryl in my thigh which finally helped. Through all of that poor hubby was stuck in the car for an hour waiting because of covid restrictions at the facility!


Barely remember getting in the car or the ride home thankfully only 15 min away (no idea how people decide to do this far from home unless do a recovery house). I borrowed a walker but honestly just felt it got in the way. Made it to the recliner and was completely out of it most of the night, slept in the recliner, woke up at 2am and was able to get to the bathroom on my own and take my meds, slept the rest of the night.

My girls (10 and 7) came home the next day and our friends they stayed with visited for a bit, I was on oxy and Valium but able to chat and rest in my recliner. Night two I slept in the recliner again and my big 10 year old baby was so sweet and insisted she sleep on the sofa and helped me to the bathroom and to take my meds at 2 am.

2DPO was my first post op appointment with my surgeon. Her assistant was shocked how upright I was and how well I was walking. Everything looked great and I was tight/sore/stiff but not in “pain”.

I was able to get up/down stairs and slept in my room after the first two nights. 4DPO was the last day I took oxy/Valium. 5DPO I had my second post op with my surgeon and got my drains removed! It was weird/freaky and burned/stung with the first, the second was not as bad. I got my post op report and my surgeon noted I had severe diastasis recti and a lot of scar tissue at my c-sec incision. I took extra strength Tylenol 2x 5 and 6DPO and haven’t taken anything since then. I’m drinking a TON of water and eating low carb, getting full quickly and not snacking.

All in all I’m feeling MUCH better than I anticipated, recovery is going wonderfully and I regret not doing this sooner!!

Dr. Vu was a God send. She was called to my room by an ER Doctor. She assessed the situation and with great care and concern. She performed corrective surgery on me. On follow up visits in her office, she would come in with a smile and call me by name, unlike some doctors who walk in, look at the chart then address you. I returned to have her do my arm lift, which I am very happy with. I wouldn't hesitate to use her services agian. I have reccommended her to many people.

I have never done any plastic surgery procedures before and was quite nervous. I had an uncomfortable consultation with a different plastic surgeon that absolutely verified my opinion of most plastic surgeons. I was pretty put off and almost just gave up, but then was referred to Dr. Vu. From the first contact, I was impressed by her staff. Victoria is an absolute delight to work with and answers all of my questions in a courteous and professional manner. Dr. Vu absolutely changed my opinion of plastic surgeons. She's very professional, extremely talented, but also compassionate and really listened to what I wanted. She's been so wonderful to work with that I will be her patient as long as she's practicing.

I saw Dr. Vu for the first time in 2007 for my breast augmentation and she was amazing. I chose her over 5 other surgeons I met with because she was the most honest and easy to get a long with. In April 2016 I got in a very bad car accident where hey believed one of my implants ruptured, I went back to Dr. Vu to have her replace my implants and she did an amazing job. I barley had down time and I love her work.

I heard her add on the radio. I decided to give them a call. I was a little nervous because some of her reviews were not all that great. But I decided to follow through with the consult. She was so nice and welcoming. She knew what she was talking about. She took measurements and asked what I was looking for. I said I want big and noticeable but not [RS bleep]. We tried several on and I knew the size when I tried it the first time. I went with 550cc saline high profile over filled to 575cc. I had las minute gitters but victoria the secretary was sooooo. Patient with me and answered all my emails even after working hours. My surgery day came I was excited. Everything was so easy went in, got knocked out and work up with new breast. I was on pain meds for 1 week after that I didn't need them. My recovery was awsome. My messages were going great. I went in to get my stitches removed. I just need to work a little harder on my my messages other than that things are coming together beautiful. I had my doubts but she is a rock star!!! I love my boobs!!!

Dr. Vu is amazing! Prior to my surgery she explained everything to me and even before surgery that day let me know what was going to happen as she was drawing on my skin. I had a body lift as well as liposuction on my inner and outer thighs. Dr. Vu and her staff were amazing towards me the whole journey! I truly appreciate their help in the major life event of having surgery after a major amount of weight loss.

Had panniculectomy yesterday...no abdominoplasty. Will most likely have umbilicoplasty later but soooo happy with my results. 6lbs of skin removed. I feel amaaaazing... my surgeon and her staff... phenomenal! Less than 48 hours...really sore but no bruising and swelling not bad at all. I can see all the hard work I did in the gym

Updated on 24 May 2016:
Drains removed and I showered... best shower everrrrr LOL...not bad for no muscle repair or tummy tuck. Still have to go command... panties irritate staples

Updated on 1 Jun 2016:
Back to work today. Still have staples so a bit sore and a little tired. I keep trying to wash under my.fat roll but it's gone LOL! I feel amazing and loving my results with NO tummy tuck or muscle repair. Surgeon did awesome and I am so glad I stayed faithful to my workouts. Some of the before n after photos had me a bit paranoid. Kept my navel it's just lower but my stomach is pretty flat. 2 years post Gastric Sleeve...ab workouts 6 days a week...I worked hard! These photos are last night. I can sleep in bed but not flat...still wear compression bandage to bed

Updated on 4 Jun 2016:
Was pretty sore from going back to work, but it was also my first time being up and awake all day. The most irritating thing is the staples. They hurt a bit. Been dabbing them with sea salt water and it helps. Staples come out Tuesday. I'm a side sleeper so having to sleep propped up on my back hasn't been comfy so not sleeping well. Been massaging the scar with oil twice a day and it's healing awesome. I am very pleased with the results and can't wait til all the swelling is gone.

Updated on 8 Jun 2016:
So staples out yesterday... not only did I get my first bathing suit in over 10 yrs but I got a two piece! Scar can be concealed easily. Will post pics of it later...already blending and fading..

Updated on 17 Jun 2016:
6/20 will be one month... scars not bad at all for only 4 weeks.

I sustained an open comminuted metacarpal fracture which required 3 pins and a splint to fix. 

After having two children, I have loose skin around my tummy area and back area. Despite doing routine exercises and running, I cannot tighten my stomach core and continues to have loose skin

I need medical treatment due to a work place injury. I am expeeiencing spasms and cramping that needs to be addressed or they could impact my ability to work. Dr. Kim-Chi Vu's evaluation will slow this process. Her evaluation shows incorrect information. She even contradicted statements making this process more confusing than before.

Updated on 28 Jun 2015:
I need medical treatment due to a work place injury. I am experiencing spasms and cramping that needs to be addressed before this impacts my ability to work. I was instructed to see her by the insurance company. Dr. Kim-Chi Vu's evaluation shows false information and has delayed the treatment process. She even contradicted statements and failed to provide useful info. Apparently she was hired by the insurance company and performed as paid. I am disappointed with her basic integrity.