Lisa M. Hunsicker, MD

This will get long. Sorry folks - I appreciate the detailed reviews and I hope mine helps someone!
I had a wonderful experience with Dr Hunsicker in June of 2020. There is a lot of stigma associated with plastic surgery. I have heard first hand from some misinformed friends and family members that "only vain people have surgery" or "tummy tucks are for the lazy people who don't put the time into their body" Well... I am a busy mom to 5. I rarely get time to myself and making the decision to have a tummy tuck/ muscle repair/ skin removal surgery felt selfish. Its a lot of money and I could find a million other things that felt more important to spend my money on instead of myself. The recovery is hard. Who will clean the house, cook the food, do the errands etc.
But after exercising daily for years and losing over 100 pounds I still felt like I had not lost the weight. Everyone would tell me I looked amazing in clothes but I knew I did not look as amazing as they thought when naked. Or in a swim suit. I spent years wearing tight undergarments that would hide my skin. Layers upon layers of body shapers that were uncomfortable and pinching and I am sure contributed to my skin infections. Having this excess skin hanging off my stomach made it difficult to feel comfortable in my clothing and often times prevented me from doing things my kids wanted to do (like go swimming) because I felt self conscious.
I've spent the last few years talking about "one day I will get the skin removed" and finally my husband and best friend asked me when would one day be? Basically telling me to get off my butt and do it. ;)
I did a lot of research. I like to be very well informed. I read reviews. I watched surgical videos. I joined every plastic surgery group I could find and asked questions. I followed a ton of surgeons on Insta and I went on a few consults. I never felt like any of the Doctors I spoke to or sent photos to was the one for me. Until I met Dr Hunsicker.
From the first phone call to my first appointment I felt at ease. Questions that I forgot to even ask were answered for me. She made me feel like a human and she showed me compassion. I was embarrassed at how my body looked. But she saw the potential. Explained all of my options and went over the different procedures available to me.
I especially appreciated that Dr Hunsicker works out of the Hospital next door to her office. Being in a hospital for my surgery was very important to me. I had a major complication requiring blood transfusions in the past during a "simple out patient" procedure and I wanted to be in a Hospital just in case anything happened. I have zero problems with surgical centers for other people and I am sure that the Doctors who operate out of them are wonderful but for me I wanted a Hospital. (and a blood bank nearby!)
On the morning of my surgery we checked into the hospital and the nurses there were so amazing. I felt silly knowing that many people there were having surgeries that were probably a lot more important than mine but no one made me feel any less important. I was very nervous and scared. Dr Hunsicker came in and got me marked up, we chatted about my kids and farm animals and her race car. Everything felt calm and before I knew it I was being wheeled into the OR.
I had 6 pounds of skin removed from my abdomen and my muscles repaired.
It felt like only a few moments had gone by when I woke up. I had very little pain. In fact I would almost say zero pain but I had one pesky drain stitch that was pulling a little. Once we got that sorted out I had zero pain. I had opted for the Exparel shot in my muscles to help with pain and it was money well spent! I was given a green smoothie when I woke up and maybe it was the fact I had not eaten since midnight the day before and it was now 8pm or so but that was the best darn green smoothie I had ever had HA! I appreciated the nutritional approach that Dr Hunsicker has as well. I love green smoothies in general so her protocol for pre and post op green smothies was great!
I was home and resting by 10 pm. My recovery was great. I slept in a recliner for the first 2 weeks until I felt like I could lay flat. My husband took 3 weeks off work to help with my recovery and drive me to post op appointments. But I feel like I could have been fine with him having 1 week off. Each persons recovery will vary!
I am now 4 months post op and I feel great. I can wear that bathing suit with confidence now. I get dressed each day and feel like no matter what I wear I don't need to try and hide my stomach anymore. My scar looks amazing. And I threw away every piece of spanx and shapewear I owned.
If you are on the fence about getting a tummy tuck like I was (I waited 5 years after I lost the weight!) do it! I honestly feel like it was the best thing I could do for myself. I have zero guilt about that!

Body sculpting performed last year pre covid and now mastopexy. Have had an excellent journey with this amazing, cool, ethical, race car driving surgeon chick. Did I say race car driving? Yes I did. The best part of it all? She serves women with breast cancer in the most wonderful way- she rebuilds their TATAS! This is her forte. I have not, thankfully, experienced this but talking to past patients and reading their testimonies, talking to other nurses, docs, faculty and staff - those that all work with her and know her well- she is truly gifted and blessed. Down to earth - won't bullsh#%t you and will give you the best surgical options in order to do no harm and also do what is best for each patient.

I cannot recommend her enough.

Truly.

My tummy tuck removed around 7.5 pounds of skin and included a hernia repair. I ‘love’ my new smiley scar. It hides well under my underwear and is smooth and symmetric. I think Dr. Hunsicker did an incredible job.

I wanted the tummy tuck so clothes would fit better and I wouldn’t mind seeing myself in a mirror. What I wasn’t expecting is the side effects: I can move better, I can hold my knees together, I can see the tops of my legs, there is less pressure on my bladder, my circulation is better. touching my toes is easier. I can suck my gut in, really in. I’m at week 7 and still a little swollen, but I would be happy with this.

After surgery: On a scale of 1-10 where 10 is serious pain, this was about a 2-3 most of the time. The anesthetic lasted 2.5 days and the pain was minor, as long as I didn’t cough, sneeze, or laugh too hard. On the third day I started feeling a tickling sensation, I assume that was the nerves coming back on-line, I never did use any of the pain meds. I went back to work on day 5 (sit-down job). The drain bulbs were the majority of the pain. I ended up using large band-aides to keep the tubes from catching on everything. I wore pants and shorts with deep pockets so I could put the bulbs in the pockets. I wasn’t able to have the bulbs taken out until the end of week 3, and I hear that sometimes you end up having them even longer.

This was definitely worth it, I just wish I’d done it years ago.

My experience with Dr. Hunsicker and her staff at Revalla Plastic Surgery has changed my life, and I mean that with every fiber of my being. Last year I was 43, a married mother of 2 small children delivered via C-Sections, and I was hopeless about my body. Thanks to 2 large babies and the C-Sections, my abdomen had been barrel shaped with a hanging flap of skin for 9 years, and no matter how much weight I gained, or lost, nothing would change the shape or look of my abdomen. I had been told by friends and family members that I just needed to do more crunches, or do this diet, or that diet, or exercise more, or maybe If I lost a little more weight than I would get that flat tummy I longed for. I hired trainers, I dieted, I did endless crunches, but nothing worked so I just kind of gave up. I thought, “I am healthy otherwise, I have a beautiful family, I need to stop focusing on one negative body part so much. I need to be positive!” I would tell myself that I couldn’t justify paying for a cosmetic procedure when I had children and a family that could use that money in different ways. I told myself I needed to focus on my family. So I would put on my Spanx tank tops under everything I wore, I put on my tummy control pants, I dressed in layers, I endured my lower back pain, I hated any picture taken of me, I dreaded putting on a swim suit, I remained depressed about my body and insecure. But I couldn’t stop thinking, “But what if I did have the surgery??”

One morning I decided I would just talk to Dr Hunsicker, recommended to me by my dermatologist, to see if there was anything I could do on my own to get my pre-pregnancy tummy back. I expected her to tell me I needed more core exercises and a diet. Instead, after chatting with her and a brief examination, she discovered I had a small umbilical hernia, and she believed that I would never be able to have a flat abdomen without surgery. It turns out I had a 7cm diastasis recti, so my abdominal muscles weren’t connected anymore, and would never come back together without surgical intervention. Dr. Hunsicker was so kind and patient with me and she felt more like a friend than a surgeon. She explained everything in detail with me about my situation, and how she could help me. And in May 2018 I had an abdominoplasty.

I am now 11 months post-op, and I have an abdomen that is far better than what I ever had pre-pregnancy, one that I thought was elusive for me. I actually have a 6-pack! After the surgery I cried tears of joy seeing my flat abdomen. When I exercised I was able to actually feel my abdominal muscles contracting! My back pain has completely disappeared, and I now WANT to exercise because I actually CAN now that I have a core again. All of my clothes fit the way they should, I can wear jeans again without having a pooch, and the best part? I threw away all of my Spanx tank tops and tummy control clothing. Spending the money on this procedure was the best thing I have ever done for myself AND for my family. I am more secure in who I am around my children, and now physical fitness is a major part of our lives. I am a happier wife as I feel better about myself, and I now have the motivation to continue to better my self for my family and my own future.

Dr. Hunsicker and her staff are so comforting, welcoming, funny, and they made me feel so very special and well taken care of.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story, and best wishes to all of you.

I met with Dr. Hunsicker in the Summer of 2018 as I recently discovered I was BRCA 1 +. My sister had already received a breast cancer diagnosis, had chemo treatments and reconstruction with expanders. I was looking for a reputable surgeon to perform a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy. I had heard about DTI – direct to implant – and was curious in being able to have one surgery, since this was for preventative measures it was possible for me to be a candidate. As my luck would have it I was a candidate and in August of 2018 I had a NS PBM DTI OTM – nipple sparring, prophylactic bilateral mastectomy, direct to implant, over the muscle. From the time I checked in for surgery until I went home was 14 hours, the surgery itself was about 6 hours. I was able to sleep in my own bed the same evening!

What impressed me, and my family who had already vetted surgeons in Chicago for my sister, was the attention to detail. The staff was always pleasant on the phone and in person. Prior to surgery I was given a document that detailed the medication, when to take it and what it was for. I was able to pick up the prescriptions a few days before so that was one less thing to worry about. Dr. Hunsicker recommended talking with a nutritionist and seeing an acupuncturist prior to surgery. She didn’t push it, just mentioned the benefits I could see. I had never seen an acupuncturist and after a couple treatments I was surprised how much better I felt with less stress and anxiety. I highly recommend it! As for the nutritionist, I thought I ate pretty healthy, but when you look at the studies about what we put in and on our body and how it’s absorbed, I was up for some education. There was so much I learned, especially using collagen supplements prior to surgery to help my skin, that I still follow the guidelines 8 months after surgery.

Dr. Hunsicker is thorough after the surgery. I saw her and the nursing staff the morning after, not even 12 hours after I left the hospital. I saw her a few days later when I was too scared to remove a pain pump on my own. The staff was so kind when I embarrassingly walked into the office for a 5 second visit. Then for next several weeks I saw the nursing staff at routine appointments.

I had minor issues with a stitch trying to poke out but other than that my recovery was a breeze. I don’t need any revisions and superficially, I look fantastic! I think the holistic approach of a healthy body and mind prior to and during recovery helped a lot as well as physical therapy. I’m very glad Dr. Hunsicker was my surgeon and would recommend her and her team to anyone.

When you hear those words - you've got breast cancer, your world freezes. As you tell family and friends, all you hear are horror stories. We were referred to Dr Hunsicker from our GP. From the very first meeting, she was up front, positive and matter of fact. Nothing was left to wonder or worry about. She explained all we would go through, and a time line. Her staff was supportive and very positive without being condescending or pejorative.
After surgery was scheduled, we met again to 'pick out breast implants'. Not something you ever expect to do. Again, Dr. Hunsicker explained our options and we felt we made the best choices.
At the hospital before surgery, she was again very positive and explained just what we could expect. After surgery, she explained how the procedure went and set forth a very specific protocol for us to follow. Once home, both Dr. Hunsicker and her staff were available for questions and concerns no matter how small. Follow up appointments went very smoothly and again we were impressed by how encouraging and professional everyone was. We had a very positive experience for a very scary event. Now that we are done we look back and realize how fortunate we were to have been sent to Dr Hunsicker. She is truly a life saver.

I am 44 and was diagnosed with breast cancer for the second time January 2017. This time I needed bilateral mastectomy, and it needed to be done quickly. I had consulted with other surgeons and I was left feeling overwhelmed and frustrated with the limited options I was given. What I was told was that reconstruction would involve tissue being taken from other parts of my body (additional scars and functional impairment), tissue expanders would be used over several months, and then after that I would need another surgery to finally put the implants in. Therefore I decided to just do bilateral mastectomy without reconstruction and hope that I could handle the result without too much mental trauma. Fortunately a friend of a friend introduced me to Dr. Hunsicker after having such a great outcome after her surgery. Dr. Hunsicker was very thorough in her exam and spent quality time with me going over all of my options, including the Direct to Implant Approach (which I didn't even know was possible). Fortunately I was a candidate (even though 12 years ago I had radiation and tissue damage to one side) and I was easily able to move forward with my surgical decision. Dr. Hunsicker and Colleen Berry NP gave me clear step by step instructions for how to prepare for the surgery and what to do and expect after the surgery (including alternative supplements and treatments to help with healing and recovery). This really helped to ease my stress during such an overwhelming time. I spent one night in the hospital, and was home the next day. Now I'm not going to lie, the recovery isn't a cake walk, and especially the first 2-4 weeks were difficult. It is major surgery after-all! However despite being sore, tight, fatigued, and limited with my arm mobility, I was off prescription pain medication by day 3. And just the fact I could look down and see myself still "intact" (I have my own skin and my own nipples over the implants) and knowing that the surgery was "one and done" well, that made all the difference in the world with being able to accept my breast cancer diagnosis and move forward with some level of normalcy. I have been so pleased with the outcome, and from start to finish everyone in the office made me feel right at home. When I had questions or concerns they were always addressed promptly. I am now about 10 weeks post op and feeling pretty good. I still have tightness as the tissue is still healing and expanding over the implants, and my previously radiated side is taking longer to adjust. Therefore physical therapy is crucial to the recovery process. But I was able to return to work 3 weeks ago and the cosmetic result already after only 10 weeks is quite remarkable!
I highly recommend to anyone facing breast surgery for breast cancer to at least include Dr. Hunsicker on their list of MDs that they are consulting with before making a surgery decision. Her approach is by far the most cutting edge, detail oriented, best cosmetic result, and quickest recovery. Nobody should have to make a decision about surgery until they know ALL of their options.

I had breast augmentation and mini tummy tuck. Dr. Hunsicker and her staff were amazing to work with. She was very holistic and careful to make sure the entire experience was as easy and safe as possible. Dr. Hunsicker and her staff were very patient and thoroughly explained all the procedures, risks, and expectations to me. The entire process was very smooth and easy and I had a very easy and pain free recovery.

I decided to have a bi-lateral mastectomy after being diagnosed with breast cancer in my right breast. I was surprised to learn I could have reconstruction at the same time. It really helped to have a team of women doctors and staff to support me through the procedure and recovery. The attention to every detail and concern from Dr. Hunsicker helped me to understand what to expect and also to prepare my body for the long surgery. Emotionally it helped to have the reconstruction at the same time to deal with the loss of my breasts.

My experience has been amazing. Dr. Hunsicker is kind, caring and knowledgeable. I had an abdominoplasty and am thrilled with the results. The post-op care was phenomenal as well. Enjoyable experience