Without any hesitation I recommend Dr. Van Wyck, he is an excellent surgeon. A few years back, he performed a rhinoplasty on my teenage daughter. Shortly after, my best friend went to see him for abdominoplasty and breast reduction. He did such a marvelous job each time that a month after my best friend’s surgeries, I went to see him for an abdominoplasty. Needless to say, I was extremely pleased with my results.
I'll b going in on March 30th for CO2 laser on my forehead. PS advised me to have Botox before the laser, since it freezes your expression lines and assists in healing. The Botox did a moderate job in eliminating some of my wrinkles, but it's not enough to get rid of the ones between my eyes. Those are the ones that bother me the most! I found the fillers ($2900) were better at filling in my wrinkles. Having said that tho I wouldn't do as many spots next time around. I liked the fillers in my eyebrow area, cheeks and mouth lines. Updated on 30 Mar 2016: So I had fewer freezing needles this time = 6. The lower face needed 8 and I found those very painful, the 1st time. This time the actual injection seemed shorter. Am liking the results I can see so far. A lot of my pet peeve wrinkles seem to have been lasered off = Yeah ;-) My skin feels a bit burned as if u were in the sun for 2 long. So tomorrow I start my 3hr face rinses with cold water. Updated on 31 Mar 2016: Can u say "Greese Monkey"! LOL Today is good = no pain or itching or burning! Did my 1st cold water rinses for 5 minutes and I've come to the conclusion that it's the worst of the entire procedure :-( Your hands are freezing, as well as your face and water + Polysporin are a messy mix! I'm supposed to switch over to vaseline tomorrow = same mess, different product. I've got to say I am loving the results so far :-) Updated on 31 Mar 2016: I think the Botox in my forehead b4 laser is a great idea. Apparently it helps with the healing because u r not moving your forehead muscles. The biggest improvement tho, was that it made me stop lifting my eyebrows every time I talked! This is a habit that I've done for years and now with my frozen botox head = I can't do it! I'm hoping after 2-3 months of being frozen, that I will have lost that habit :-) Updated on 1 Apr 2016: Go to: 62 Yr Old, with Lots of Wrinkles - Wanted Co2 to Fix It. - Ottawa, ON This blog has my entire CO2 journey :-)
Decided to go thru with CO2, + upper eye bleph 3 months earlier. I have a very high tolerance for pain... have had needles in my eyeball to prevent blindness from Diabetes, and hugely painful laser in the back of my eyes for the same reason. I am not a complaining type of person. I was very grateful that my p. surgeon agreed to go ahead with my requests, even tho I have Diabetes + Addison's Disease. Because of this he wanted me to divide my CO2 into 3 parts = chin and mouth area, cheeks and then forehead. I convinced him that I'd be ok with cheeks + chin area together, as I seem to heal quite well on the face. Maybe I should've taken his advice! He did warn me that I would HATE him, for the 1st two weeks of recovery! Boy, was he correct!!! The Procedure: I had numbing cream applied, then had 8 extremely painful, freezing injections. I was not expecting that at all. He warned me that my heart would race like crazy and it did. My arms were shaking as well. During the procedure I could feel some painful burning! My total take of the procedure = this is NOT for the faint of heart!!! Now over the next 2 wks, I was told to keep vaseline on my face at all times. I had to splash cold water on my face for 5-6 times/day for the 1st week. I found this painful at 1st, as my skin burned and my teeth just ached. I felt totally frazzled by all this for the entire week! I felt like I was suffering PTSD and reliving the pain from the procedure! I did not feel good about it :-( My skin was soooo itchy that I couldn't sleep at night. That is a big drain on your healing and energy levels, and I was totally dragged out. Week 2, I was allowed to reduce the washings to 3 times/day. This made my life a lot easier and of course my skin was healing, so I could appreciate my new cheeks. My chin needed 2 passes with the laser and was still a gooey mess of healing mushy lumps. Now beginning of week 3, I start breaking out in zits = Dr said "no more vaseline" or any creams on my skin. So now I've got a chin area full of scaling skin and dry crusts and my whole face feels tight and itchy :-( I'm normally calm and easy going, but this whole process takes a toll on you. I would NEVER do this again, even tho my cheek results look great so far. I will settle for Juvederm + Botox, for my forehead lines and any other wrinkle fix ups. My upper bleh went off without a hitch. So I would do that kind of surgery again in a heart beat, but NO MORE LASER for me, no matter how good the results!!!! Updated on 1 Aug 2015: Am in day 20 now. Last wk Dr said to stop ALL creams because I was breaking out. That's when I started to flake really badly = ick, not again!! Anyhow, I cheated and am using their medical products = a 30 spf lotion and Vit C+E oil. At least it helps hide most of the flakes. I am pleased with the results and I'm sure it'll get better. That being said, I wouldn't wish this process on anyone :-( Today I actually put on makeup but only on my eye area AND I feel quite human, once again. LOL Updated on 3 Aug 2015: Hi all, just thought I'd add another story about the AFTER CO2 laser procedure. It's sort of funny... because I started making weird faces to relieve the itching skin around my mouth. Since u are not allowed to scratch, I'd move my mouth around from side to side. I didn't even realize I was doing this, until my husband said, "STOP"! And he'd say that every time he'd see me making weird faces. LOL Thank goodness he noticed, cause I didn't realize that I was even doing this. I had gotten into that crazy habit within just a few days! Can u image! I had to really concentrate on NOT DOING this stupid habit and finally STOPPED = Phew :-) Updated on 12 Aug 2015: Started using Hydro serum and developed a bad break out. PS said to stop everything until skin clears up and then use it every 4th night. He said that I have to finish the bottle to aid against pigmentation. Rather disappointed since I was almost back to normal = wearing makeup + coverup, at week 4. Of course I still have lots of red areas, so need to clear that up. I LUV LU LUV the results of the CO2 laser, even tho it was a total nightmare to go thru!! I told my PS how much it unnerved me and he said my forehead wouldn't be nearly as bad. So, I'm starting to change my mind AND MIGHT have it done on my forehead, even tho I said NEVER AGAIN. I wouldn't do it until 6 months from now tho. I'd want my lower face to be totally mended. If I don't have it done, it'll cost me a fortune in Botox + fillers... cause they need to be repeated over and over again. My forehead CO2 would cost $1,900 and would be more cost effective. So did any of you have trouble with the Hydroquinone? And did any of you hate the CO2 procedure, but changed your mind because of the good results and would have it again? Updated on 1 Sep 2015: Well, at 8 wks, I am LOVING my CO2 cheeks and chin area. I'm still having some breakout on my chin area = small white hard lumps under skin. But even b4 I had the procedure done, I was committed to applying cover up makeup, for the rest of my life if need be. That's how much I wanted to get rid of my wrinkles. LOL I am using powder cover up, because I also still have blotchy skin. I stopped using the hydroquonine(?) for pigmentation, because it made my skin break out in a red bumpy rash. ick! I just want to say that I will go back and have my forehead done, but not till after xmas. I want all my skin to be well healed before I do any more. I know I said never again, but the AMAZING RESULTS have changed my mind! I also find that my skin feels tighter and firmer as the weeks go by = another great bonus :-) I'll post more after I get my forehead done. Thanks for all the support and it's so great to have a site where we can share our stories and results! Suzy Skin Updated on 21 Sep 2015: Still getting small white lumps under the skin! Doesn't help that I'm a natural "picker", so tend to make it even worse. Anyhoo, still loving the results! Updated on 28 Jan 2016: Even tho I swore to never go thru the CO2 treatment AGAIN - I am going back and doing my forehead. With all the negatives involved with my 1st CO2 procedure + an awful recovery... I'm doing it for a 2nd time! Hopefully, the forehead won't be as troublesome AND I know what 2 expect now. That's half the battle right their for me. I've made my appointment for March 2nd. 3 wks before that, I go in and have some Botox shots in the forehead. Apparently, the Botox keeps you from using your forehead muscles and allows for a smoother healing process. Let's HOPE! I also asked the Dr how many freezing injections I will need. Last time I never even considered that part and I was not prepared for the 8 painful needles I received for the cheeks, mouth area. This time I will need 6 injections. I think half the battle of this procedure is knowing exactly what to expect! But having said that - I would still not recommend the CO2 for the faint of heart!!! I do find that my skin is more like orange peel, BUT in comparison to my old wrinkled skin, it's a true improvement = all wrinkles vanished on my cheek area and my skin is totally tight! :-) I can see why younger people would not like the results, because young skin is usually smoother than old skin. So don't do this procedure too soon. I wanted 2 get rid of wrinkles AND did so, even contemplating having 2 wear cover up foundation for the rest of my life! Now after 6 mnths, I don't need any cover up ;-) I've also decided to have fillers 2 fix up my mouth area, + lips, jowl/chin and upper cheeks + tear trough area. The laser does miracles BUT not every 'expressive' wrinkle goes away. I'll post after filler is done on Feb 11th. The cost 4 filler will be $2000. to $2500. Depends on how much u like and need. Updated on 12 Feb 2016: Well I went into the PS for fillers + Botox b4 my forehead CO2. Apparently the Botox will aid in my healing from the CO2. Guess our foreheads are very expressive and move a lot, so the Botox will stop some of that. I wasn't sure about the fillers. It turned out 2 b a very expensive treatment = $3600! Yikes, that's about $1,000 more than estimated! Of course the estimate is not cast in stone and I had 2 add 1 more vial to finish my cheeks. I received filler in my tear troughs, eyebrow area, cheeks, nasal fold lines, jaw line + lips and lip lines. Hey maybe that's why it cost so much! LOL I would do the lips, cheeks, nasal folds again, but not bother with the rest. I found the syringes "hurt" but then the PS didn't take much time to inject and just went right ahead. Some of these fillers have Lidocaine in them to ease that pinching feeling. That probably works but not unless u take the time with each injection. I notice that my lips are uneven but they say wait 10 days for the filler to settle. If it doesn't then I'll get the PS 2 touch them up :-) Updated on 13 Feb 2016: Well here's my photo from early April 2015 = lots of wrinkles. The latest photo is after upper bleph, CO2 to chin + cheeks and now fillers to eye trough, cheeks, eyebrow, nasal folds, lips and lip lines and jaw line. I think next time I wouldn't bother with tear troughs or jaw line, as they seem not that effective. Otherwise I like the results so far but will have 2 wait 10 days 2 see how everything settles. Updated on 17 Mar 2016: OK I can't tell u how many times I've almost backed out of having this done. I am so back and forth on the decision, altho I NEED to get it done so my facial skin will all match up. In my heart I know I've got 2 go thru with it, because if I don't that unlasered skin will just age twice as fast as my new skin... or at least look like it's aged. So for $2k I'm doing the forehead + nose and getting the area in the corner of the eyes - where my upper bleph didn't eradicate that small pouch of skin. I'm really hoping those darn horizontal lines between my eyes can be eliminated. They bug me to no end ;-) I've got Botox in my forehead (as of Feb 13) and it's supposed to aid in the healing process, since u can't make any real expression lines with it :-) So I'm nervous but just want to get it over with and get thru the 2 wks of healing, so I can enjoy Spring! I'll post after it's all done :-) Updated on 31 Mar 2016: It's under a new title now = 63 Yr Old Added Botox + Fillers After Lower CO2 Laser. Ottawa, ON I think it's because I was asked 2 do a separate review on Botox and updated that one by mistake :-) Updated on 1 Apr 2016: So I had fewer freezing needles this time = 6. The lower face needed 8 and I found those very painful, the 1st time. This time the actual injection seemed shorter. Am liking the results I can see so far. A lot of my pet peeve wrinkles seem to have been lasered off = Yeah ;-) My skin feels a bit burned as if u were in the sun for 2 long. So tomorrow I start my 3hr face rinses with cold water. Updated on 1 Apr 2016: Can u say "Grease Monkey"! LOL Today is good = no pain or itching or burning! Did my 1st cold water rinses for 5 minutes and I've come to the conclusion that it's the worst of the entire procedure :-( Your hands are freezing, as well as your face and water + Polysporin are a messy mix! I'm supposed to switch over to vaseline tomorrow = same mess, different product. I've got to say I am loving the results so far :-) Updated on 1 Apr 2016: My skin was burning a bit = nothing major. Hate, hate, hate the cold water rinses every 3 hrs = BLAH :-( Not sure why they r necessary but honestly that's the worst part of this whole experience! I know I'm complaining now, but still can already see that a lot of my wrinkles r gone :-) Am on antibiotics for 10 days. Just a note 2 u ladies: If u take antibiotics do not forget to take Acidophilus tablets as well. They'll prevent a yeast infection!!! So I seem to have a black + puffy eye this morning. LOL, something else to heal ;-) Updated on 2 Apr 2016: Today I'm not only a 'grease monkey' but have very puffy cheeks and 2 bruised tear ducts. Still trucking along, and everything seems OK :-) No pealing or burning, so that's good. I really slathered on the Vaseline today to make sure I'm fully covered. Last nite I noticed some areas looked too dry and don't want to repeat that! Updated on 3 Apr 2016: Well my black bruise seems to have heading south. Not sure why, but at least nothing hurts. Have been cheating a bit on my cold water rinses! Bad patient! I don't know, but at 11pm last night, I didn't feel the need to shock my recovering skin. If it wasn't for that 'shock', I wouldn't even realize that I had CO2 laser. So far, nothing itches or pains - so am grateful for that! It's all a game of patience, waiting for the healing to finish :-) Just wondering did any one else with ablative CO2 find the cold water rinses awful??? I'm off to my PS tomorrow aft for a check up. Am wondering if I can wash my hair? Or would the soap irritate my new skin? For sure I'll be wearing a big hat = no sun for this face! Updated on 4 Apr 2016: Went to the PS and he's happy with my healing :-) Me too! Have 2 keep doing the cold water rinses (Grrrrr....) til day 10 and then do just 2/day until I see him in 2 wks. I'm so glad I didn't chicken out and went ahead with this procedure. For whatever reason the recovery is so much easier on my forehead, than it was on my cheeks and mouth area. Thank goodness! So i'm very pleased and excited 2 see the end results :-D Updated on 5 Apr 2016: I'm so super pleased! Right after laser, u can see how much lower the lasered skin is, from your original skin = it actually leaves a ridge between the 2 layers. I can see that this ridge has almost disappeared already. It's miraculous how quickly the skin heals itself!! Gotta give a big THANK U, to my sister, who suggested I remove some of the vaseline, BEFORE I do the cold water rinses. Not only is she beautiful but smart too :-) I tried it and it works like a charm = not as much vaseline goop mixing with water and making a mess. I might decide to invest in the Q-Tips company tho, as I'm using a ton of them every pre-wash to get rid of the vaseline. LOL Updated on 6 Apr 2016: I didn't bother with a photo today as I look the same as yesterday ;-) Still doing well and have dropped the cold water rinses to only 3/day. I'm supposed to do 5- 6 /day! It might be slowing down my healing, but that's all I can stand right now. On 10 day, I get 2 cut that down to 2 times/day, until I see my PS. on April 19th. Then he'll decide what products I should use. Can't wait for the end of the Vaseline tho :-) During my earlier laser (cheeks and mouth) I used an oil product to reduce uneven pigmentation, but I broke out in a rash. That baby new skin doesn't like a lot of tampering :-) Updated on 7 Apr 2016: I can't see any real difference in the last couple of days? Everything looks like it's at a standstill, altho I'm sure my skin must be healing itself, under the vaseline slick. Still luvin' the smoother skin tho :-))) Updated on 7 Apr 2016: Updated on 8 Apr 2016: Boy last nite was a rough one :-( Woke up at 3:30am with the itches and had 2 get up 4 an hour. I removed excess vaseline with a Q-Tip and then re-applied it b4 going back to bed. Needless 2 say, this morning I feel like a dish rag. Thankfully my hubby is wonderful and helps me with everything :-) So today -probably because I feel so tired, I'm a bit discouraged. But that's all part of the healing process. Not every day is positive. So I was sitting here and thinking i'm at a standstill with my healing. Then I compared yesterdays photos with today's = today's skin looks less red! YEAH :-) If it hadn't been for this wonderful website, I'm sure I wouldn't have kept as good a photo diary! This site not only helps others but yourself - as well :-D Updated on 9 Apr 2016: Having a good day today :-) Lots of skin peeled off during application and removal of excess Vaseline. Guess I totally forgot about that part from my 1st CO2 Laser. When u have so much Vaseline on, there's no chance of flaky dry skin - it's 1 big slick! So, onwards and upwards. Updated on 12 Apr 2016: I think I'm finally passed the 'itching phase' = thank goodness! It's always worst at 3am. LOL Am getting impatient now 2 stop the Vaseline works and so want 2 just wash my face with mild cleanser. I don't see my PS for another full week - so have 2 wait til then before I change my routine. I shouldn't complain tho, as everything is going well :-D Updated on 15 Apr 2016: Well last nite I stated itching all over my forehead. I decided 2 wash my face with mild soap and discontinue the Vaseline. I'd been using it for 16 days and thought 'enough already'. My skin looks red but seems all healed to me :-) I used some C+E Peptide oil + my Vivier skin moisturizer. I'm not quite sure that this is the right thing 2 do, but..... He's in surgery today - so I'll just wing it until Tuesday when I see him. Not sure what others do - to flip from Vaseline to what other products? Sue :-) Updated on 21 Apr 2016: Got the thumbs up from the PS :-) My 4head is still red and looks like I've got a sunburn. I'll take that any day, rather than all those wrinkles :-) To diminish the red... I'm using moisturizer + hydroquinone oil , but only every 3rd night so far. As the wks go by, I'll increase the use - as long as I don't have any bad reactions. The rest of the time, I'll be using C+ E Peptide + moisturizer for am and pm. I'm so glad I did the CO2 laser! I really thought that I would need a brow lift to get rid of the awful horizontal lines between my eyebrows. So I'm super happy with all my results :-) Thanks for everyone's kind words of encouragement! Updated on 21 Apr 2016: Updated on 22 Apr 2016: As per my sisters request :-) Updated on 20 May 2016: I decided 2 try these just 2 be able 2 eliminate the need of Mascara. I'm terrible at putting on mascara and always wind up with a mess of clumps . I luv these new lashes! They're a tad expensive - but it's a girly gift 2 my new face. I often go out now with no actual makeup :-) Updated on 19 Feb 2017: Well, it's almost a yr since I did my 4head CO2 and I'm still liking the results :-) I do notice there is a bit of pigmentation difference between my frown lines and the surrounding skin that didn't require as much laser. It's only noticeable tho when I'm looking in my 20x magnifying mirror! LOL ...maybe I'll do some more botox, as I don't like the return of the wrinkles between my eyes. Trouble is it's not a permanent fix and the costs add up over time, but it's so much easier than the CO2 laser route. Now I know where that ol' saying comes from: "No pain, no gain". LOL Updated on 29 Jul 2017: Not 2 be negative, but in the last 4 months all hell broke loose with my other medical issues :-( I almost died due 2 high Potassium levels [10.3], from there I needed triple by-pass surgery, then went into shock from an undiagnosed sternum wound infection from surgery and a heart failure incidence due 2 water retention last week. I'm doing and feeling gr8 now and keeping my fingers crossed that nothing else goes wrong! LOL So all this just 2 say I AM SO SO GLAD, that I had my face done BEFORE any of these things showed up. So don't procrastinate too long - as we don't know what the heck is coming down the line!!! I stillmight go 4 some juvederm once things settle down again :-)
I have dealt we Dr. Van Wyck for years , always always been treated with importance and care. I would not trust myself with any other physician , he cares, he takes pride in all he does. As far as staff, well for me its the doctor that matters but his staff has always been very good to me. I have seen him for many procedures, and will continue to in the future.
Small chested, lost whatever breast tissue I had due to 2 pregnancies. Also asymmetrical. I got 300cc saline, under muscle. Wish I had of listened to the Dr. and gone a bit larger but I was worried about them looking really fake and wanted to keep the surgery between me, hubby and Dr. Really happy with my choice to have the surgery. I may even have another to get a bit larger in a few years. Updated on 5 Aug 2013: Wishin they were bigger...
I am 49 years old, 5'3" and my two kids are aged 17 and 10. For my first pregnancy I was put on bed rest for ten weeks and basically got pretty huge...so there was a lot of weight gain and stretching. After my second child was born and I lost the weight I always had a big fold of skin and fat down there..ugh. Recently got some funds so I am going ahead July 14th!!! Very excited and a little scared. I am pretty fit, do kickboxing, and about 20 pounds overweight. Will post photos soon! Updated on 10 Jul 2011: Only four days to go now, actually three and a half..LOL! Thursday is my day! Will get hubby to take my before pics soon and post them. Yours (to Kimmers 25) really inspire me! we are also planning a belated 25th anniversary Carribean trip in Feb so that is real motivaton to take good care of myself..:) We have never been to an all inclusive nd both kids will be off at university so we plan a really romantic trip! That will be my bikini time!! I will put updates on here later this week..wish me luck!!! Carolyn in caada :) Updated on 19 Jul 2011: Oops, kids are 17 and 20..sorry for the typo..empty nest looming but sexy mama ahead!! :) Still have binder on but will post pic later this week, had my daughter take it but hubby is away and he is the computer whiz who knows how to post the photo..LOL!! Updated on 20 Jul 2011: Hey Gals!!! I got my drain out yay! I was really nervous and did not sleep at all last night...finally took a pain pill at 3 am to help me sleep. No anasthetic for taking it out but my daughter let me squeeze her hand! it was okay. My yoga pants are looser at the front now..WOO HOO!!!! Doc does not want me back at work this weekend so will go back Monday..that is ten days off...I felt a bit guilty telling work cuz he had not really told me that before, oh well. Updated on 23 Jul 2011: Here we go...finally got some after pics from days 4 and 9 post op. Feeling good but really tired!! back to work Monday ...ack! Updated on 25 Jul 2011: I did NOT go back to work today and am taking the last three days off before my vacation. No way I can even consider a 45 minute drive to work. Good thing my boss and co-workers are so awesome, and work is pretty slow in the summer so that helps. Went clothes shopping with my daughter today, she really wanted to, did it slowly and only one store but still, tiring. How long will these tired effects last I wonder. And I am totally emotional, laughing or crying at will!! Updated on 27 Jul 2011: Hi...13 days post op today. Feeling a bit blue, grown kids are both at work today so I am on my own. Still feel very tight down there, I ordered a compression binder online today and hope it comes before we go to cottage this weekend...I don't think my shape wear is really tight enough (with the current girdle). I hate the swelling I get over the top of my scar, especially at night, and if I have done too much during the day. (which is not much: just too much walking around the house or standing or bending..argh!!) Finding it hard to be patient but trying, my friend brought me a book today so that might take my mind off things! Was too tired to shower this morning. :) Updated on 28 Jul 2011: Two weeks post op today. Feeling better emotionally. Sat outside in one of my new outfits (capri leggings and a sexy top) and felt pretty hot!! (in a good way :) Will post new pics tonight. Scar looking pretty good, still get swollen when I overdo it. Off for a week to the cottage, totally rustic and no shower, but beautiful and with my fave people!! My best friend is coming from Vancouver tomorrow and I am sooo excited!! No regrets at ALL about doing this, so happy and thankful!! Updated on 28 Jul 2011: Forgot to add that I see my doc on Saturday before my vacay and will ask him some of my remaining questions. Don't think I will get my new binder delivered in time though, oh well. Updated on 31 Jul 2011: Okay ladies, quick update, 17 days post op, went to a movie last night..woo hoo! Feeling great in clothes...although sticking to soft clothes like capri leggings, I don't like the feel of zippers and waist bands on my new tummy! Bought two new girdles that rock. Off to cottage today, but just wanted to post my two weeks post op pics for you. Saw the doc yesterday, and he said my scar is 100 per cent healed the belly button almost..and he is very pleased. EXCEPT then he suggested LIPO for my thighs, sigh. He said that is his job to do that, but my hubby and I kind of sighed...maybe later but for now he says he likes my booty!! :) (We are 25 years married and he rocks :) So off for a week of relaxation and then back to work August 8th...have a great week everyone!!! [RS bleep] Updated on 6 Aug 2011: Back from cottage and was relaxing. Now a weekend where I don't have to work, yay, but I keep seeing jobs I should do around the house!!! (Kimmers you are so right, why are we Wonder Women???) So I am trying to pace myself. I am three and a half weeks post op and going back to work Monday. (Today is Sat.) I saw my PS last Sat and he mentioned lipo, and it kind of bugs me cuz I do need some help in the thigh area. But I totally can't afford it. Just have to be patient and work more on the weight loss and leg workouts once I get back to exercise. Still waiting for the binder I ordered, it is coming Monday. Scar doing well. BB still has thread bits sticking out of it..haha. Still feel tight down there. Still need to sit down and take it easy after a couple of hours up. PS> Tried on the bikini at the cottage, carefully covering the scar, and it looked awesome. Need one that goes lower below my BB in front though!! xx Updated on 9 Aug 2011: Hi All, Today is day two back at work. Yesterday was fun to go back (3 and a half weeks post op) but soo tiring. Awesome reaction from gals and te one guy at work...they were amazed and very enthusiastic. And it didn't hurt that I wore a really flattering new dress!! :) felt like I had a soccer ball in my belly by the end of the day, and I work a late day, 1-8 pm, plus a 45 minute drive both ways. My binder "compression garment" had finally come in the mail yesterday and it took me, my daughter and my best friend to put it on me...too funny! But then I tried to sleep in it and it just rode up because of my booty! AND the material made my scar all red and sore and itchy!! Forget that!! So much for that 100 dollars!! Went back to my 20 dollar Walmart girdles...the one line I really like is called "Cupid" and it goes from under the boobs to a full crotch. It doesn't have velcro but that's okay. They come in nude, white, nude and black and I have all three. Love em!!! One other BIG bonus, I still get hungry for meals but CAN'T eat as much!! Yesterday I only ate half my salad for dinner and half my veggies and hummus. LOVE THAT!! I have lost ten pounds from/since the surgery and am eating smaller meals and still trying to drink tons of water. My goal is another 12 pounds. I totally recommend this whole experience and am sooo happy!!!!! Updated on 12 Aug 2011: Just over 4 weeks now (yesterday) and feeling better. A Little less swollen every day. Yesterday and today are my days off though, so not doing much. Still not cooking much or doing groceries, it was all I could do to go to work each day for eight hours and get myself home again. Often went straight to bed when I got home at 8:45!! (I work 1-8) Not wearing spanx/girdle anymore but kinda miss it. I feel a little flabbier/looser without it but don't know if I am just imagining it!! Period due anyday too so am wearing regular underwear cuz the spanx thing with my period is a pain in the you know what. Updated on 13 Aug 2011: Passed the 4 week mark but my BB is still bugging me so I am going in to see PS nurse on Monday to get the stitches out of my BB. At least I think that is what she said...I still have knotted threads sticking out if it and it is still pretty red. Nurse says swelling will last for six months, argh. Work not quite so tiring now, four and a half weeks post op. Rolling over in bed easier, so is sleeping. Still swollen at the end of the day. Back to wearing the spanx clone/girdle thing because did not like the feel of not having that support. Good luck to all just starting this journey. It IS worth it!!!! Updated on 17 Aug 2011: It is driving me nuts not to exercise but it is all I can do to work all day, and even then I am swollen like there is a basketball in my stomach. My work is fairly active, there is some sitting, but not all day. The swelling is slightly better each day but not by much. Anyone else frustrated by this?? I got the bellybutton stitches taken out and she took out another stitch on the end of the scar that was being stubborn. so my bb is finally starting to heal. Will try and post 5 week pics on Thursday!!! Updated on 21 Aug 2011: Wow, what a brakthrough. After I hit the five week mark last Thursday (today is Sunday) I am feeling more and more like myself. Opening and closing model homes for my work is now okay, I am no longer feeling like a slow old lady!! I am not working out yet, but now there is hope that I will be able to pretty soon. My tummy still feels tight but that is okay, and the swelling is much less now after a day at work than it used to be. Hooray!! Hoping it only gets better from here! Updated on 24 Aug 2011: Six weeks tomorrow and will post new pics! Much better, almost feeing like my old self. Still tight and minimal swelling at night. Not wearing girdle at night anymore and may drop it during the day. Hated the binder and never wore it. BB still kinda red, taking longer to fade. Will start mederma cream this week on scar and bb. Best wishes to all you ladis out there...you sooo deserve this!!! Updated on 25 Aug 2011: Okay Ladies...6 weeks PO and I am pretty happy!! Still at least 14 pounds over my goal weight but right now I am so pleased with my tummy I am not too concerned, you know?? I think it is because that was always the thing that bothered me the most, despite being a lifetime WW member, getting back into shape after a partially bed-ridden pregnancy, running for ten years, etc. etc. Now that I have done the thing that was always my 'Achilles heel" the rest doesn't really bother me. It doesn't hurt that my hubby likes my booty and didn't want me to change anything else. :) I am looking forward to working out slowly...right now still just walking. Doing laundry and stuff today (there are mountains of it) and slowly doing regular things like house cleaning. Slow is the key!! I still don't feel up to running or aerobics. Maybe hand weights though. Here are my NEW pics... Updated on 28 Aug 2011: Just wanted to share that I had a major freak out on Friday. I had done some things around the house on my day off, loads of laundry, cleaned up the kitchen, nothing I considered major. But mid morning my upper abs were in pain. Frightening, weird pain, like twinges but not stopping. I called the PS and they said take tylenol and use heat, and it did help, but I was in pain for a few hours, and lay down the rest of the day. I was really scared, because you don't know what is going on in there. Even thought they said it was unlikely I had ripped any stitches, it was just really unnerving. SO Ladies, DONT OVERDO IT!!!!!! Updated on 5 Sep 2011: Okay, so our house is really empty now, my youngest kid left for university across the country on Saturday, so our nest is empty! Except for the dog who keeps barking at anything and everything expecting both kids to come home any second. :( On the TT front, I am not wearing the girdle anymore and boy do I get swollen fast. I guess it is just something to get used to...bugs me though. See my baby sister from Florida next weekend and will show off my tummy...she is super athletic and never had kids so I was always envious of her shape...I will look almost as good but not tanned at all..LOL! Still, should be nice to have a weekend off work and with my family at this cottage that we rent once a year. thanks for reading this, and write back if you want, i love getting messages back! :) Updated on 17 Sep 2011: Really tired today. 9 weeks post op but I cleaned most of my large house on Thursday for my husband's surprise 50th and it was good because it was like the old me, energy wise, but yesterday and today I am totally dragging my butt! feel kind of weepy too, just tired i think. went nonstop tidying, vacuuming and putting stuff away for more than three hours. why do i always overdo it??? Good news is that the swelling is almost gone, depending on whether I eat salty stuff or not. felt pretty hot at the party last night. :) Updated on 23 Sep 2011: So...10 weeks post op and getting lots of upper ab twinges of pain after I am active. Not working out yet either!! But when I do gardening or housework I get these twinges. So am freaked out about starting running or weights or cardio if I get pain just doing more active chores. Does anyone else?? They were really bad a few weeks ago and I had to take Tylenol. Now they are just worrying. Is it the muscles healing after being tightened? (I had upper and lower tightening). Please write back, thanks.!! Updated on 28 Sep 2011: Started running again this morning, and I think I waited long enough because it was FAB!!! Really helped my stress level lower too, which is one of the main reasons I exercise! I am 11 weeks tomorrow BTW. YAY!!!!!! Updated on 4 Aug 2012: Hi! So we took the leap and moved to San Mateo, California!! We have been here a month. The house was too big and empty with the kids all gone (off at university and beyond) and my hubby was head hunted so we did it! Sold the house, put the dog on a plane and went! I will actually be closer to my kids now because they will be in Victoria and Vancouver. Having some weight challenges and leo slip my eating habits. Part of the stress of being in a new place and not knowing anyone, plus I had to sell my car and can't legally work here for a few years. So that is a big adjustment after working full-time and having my own car to tootle around in. So now back to the treadmill and really cutting back on bad carbs (white breads, cereals, pasta, etc, and no junk food!) Also cutting juice out of my diet. Trying to drink more tea too. Please send me a note and let me know how you are doing if I wrote you in the past. I can't believe a year has passed since my TT! Updated on 25 Aug 2012: Kinda gaining weight. argh. Advice?? Updated on 29 Aug 2013: Still no regrets! One of the best things I ever did for myself. We moved to California for my hubby's new job one year ago, and this May I joined a gym and hired a personal trainer. Now getting in the best shape of my life. The move was a bit rough, very far from family and friends, but we love the weather here in the SF Bay area and are slowly adjusting. I can't work here yet so I am using all this free time to get back in shape...my tummy tuck changed how I feel about my body forever. Updated on 13 Apr 2014: Just diagnosed two weeks ago with a tumor in my right breast (I found the lump, had a clear mammogram last November!) Surgeons favoring lumpectomy and radiation, my lump is not that large. I am favoring double mastectomy to ensure no future breast cancer, don't really want to take a wait and see approach. Overwhelmed by reading lots of info on both. I am fairly large busted. Thoughts? Updated on 13 Apr 2014: Using tissue expanders and future implants. Updated on 2 Aug 2015: So It's been a year since the big C and everything is really good. I got a lumpectomy, was able to keep both breasts. Then I had four months of chemo and five weeks of radiation. I have now been cancer free for almost a year! I recommend reading up about mastectomies and stuff if you are ever diagnosed with this awful disease. Knowledge is power. And now I'm really glad I didn't lose my boobs! Hope everyone is well. Anyone still on this site from back in my TT day??
I'm scheduled to have surgery in the middle of January and I'm so nervous. I am very happy with my looks but my nose is always something that I'm self-conscious about. It's wide and flat and kind of has a bump on it. Overall, it just needs to be changed. lol My parents are NOT HAPPY with my decision to get rhino but I lied and told them it was for a deviated septum (like celebrity lie about...) so they kinda bought it. My boyfriend (who is caucasion) is kind of worried about the outcome as well. Im kinda nervous about this surgery because the doctor seems to have a vision of how to shape my nose but is telling me that he'll basically do what he finds best to narrow and lift my nose while the surgery is performed. I'm really worried but VERY excited because I've wanted this forever. I just wish my parents weren't so offended. They keep on telling me I'll look like Michael Jackson and they keep on telling me that I'll hate how I look afterwards because Im a pretty girl now. Any words of advice? Any encouraging things to consider while I'm at the pre-op stage? I'll post pics after the surgery! Updated on 27 Aug 2012: Hello! It's been almost 2 years since my rhino! I am very happy with the results. It looks really natural so no one even suspects anything was done until they see my drivers license. Even then, they assume it was because I was younger. Turns out he didn't use any inplants, he just used grafts from my own nose so I got 1000$ back! For the first...maybe 2-3 months, my skin broke out REALLY bad from the selling and I felt self-conscious about that more than my frozen smile and stiff nose. I went on Accutane in April (which is less than 4 months after my surgery) and didnt feel anything strange with my nose. So for those on accutane who are withholding on the surgery, I dont know how big of a deal it is. Anyways, so I'm going in for a scar revision. Its minor. No breaking this time. The tip of my nose has some scaring that is causing residential swelling (something like that). It's only going to cost me 3,300$. The doctor (the same one) is going to be taking off a bit of fat/scar tissue from the tip. He said nothing will change from the profile, it will just define the tip a bit more. I'm very happy about the way I look now so I'm hoping it won't be TOO drastic. I really kinda nervous about this one but I trust the doctor since he gave me such good results the first time! If you have any questions, just ask!! Updated on 18 Sep 2012: ONE WEEK FROM TODAY! Let's hope its not too too drastic or too hard of a recovery as I have plans for my 25th bday on October 6th! Fingers crossed! Updated on 25 Sep 2012: Day of Surgery So I woke up this morning really anxious. I took a long nap and then headed to the hospital. It was a long 2 hours wait before I got checked in. My surgery was a bit delayed because the doctor had been working on a patient all morning. When it was finally my turn, he was really gentle and nice with me. I absolutly love his bedside matters. He makes you feel like your the most important person in the room. Anywyas, so then, they hooked me up to an IV and I was asleep! I came to and they made me wait in the recovery room for about 2 hours. Then, I went home. I actually feelings really great. I'm walking around all over and I can eat normally and there's minimal breating. I can also breathe out of both nostrils! I never knew I had a problem with breathing until now!! So ya, I'm going to be careful obviously but I'm anxious to see what the results are like. The bridge (from what I can see) looks narrowed even if he didn't break anything. Everything just looks smaller. I'm actually really nervous because I was fairly happy with my primary.... My 25th bday is also coming up, let's just hope that I'm presentable enough to look bangin'!! Updated on 9 Oct 2012: Week 2- Ugh, it feels like I started back from square one. I snuck a peek early and saw that my bridge was more defined and it looked really cute. As soon as the doctor officially took off the bandage, POW, my nose exploded into this swollen mess! My nose looks even more swollen then before my primary! I know its just swelling but it makes my nose looks like a potato! Also, the left side of my bridge is kinda piggy. But I trust the doctor when he said that it's all just swelling because if took me over 3 months to even see any results for my primary. However, this time he just removed fat and there was no breaking so...how much change could there be? He did say to massage and press down hard on the side of my nose to diminish the swelling and to avoid that it scars that way. I feel stupid even posting my "after" pics becaue it looks just as wide as before! Updated on 19 Oct 2012: 3 weeks and 3 days I can finally see signs of my nose kinda thinning out. My nose still gets swollen during the evening and in the mornings but throughout the day, it will show somewhat of a shape. My nose sometimes will start throbbing and feeing "tight but other than that, I'm excited to how it will look a few months from now! Updated on 19 Feb 2013: Well hello again! When i last posted I was going in for a second revision. Let me tell you....WASTE OF MONEY. Nothing to do with the doctor but I think once again, it didn't give me the results I wanted. The doctor took a really conservative approach and only removed fat tissue from the bridge. Unfortunately there is absolutely no difference. I think my nose is even crooked. See for yourself! This time around (this sounds really vain), I want some nostril work and a bit of narrowing of the tip. I went to 2 consultations. The first consultation, the doctor was soooo rude. He basically told me that I should also consider fillers for my dark circles. Also, he quoted me 11,000 and seemed like he was trying to charm me into going with him for this surgery. The second consultation was with Dr. Ellis who was very sweet and sat me down and asked me if I had any questions for him. He just took his time and I didn't feel pressured. He's also a facial plastic surgeon so I know i'm in good hands because he's really experienced and teaches other surgeons different methods. I didn't feel pressured at all or rushed. His staff was really pleasant and this time, I got bloodwork done and was shown pictures of other clients who had their nose done. I'm pretty pleased with my nose (even though its been 2 revisions but I want something more streamlined. Just because my parents would freak out if they found out I'm going in for a 3rd time, I didn't even tell them!! I moved to Toronto so they have no clue!! I'm a bit nervous about the results because this is THE LAST TIME. Im generally happy with my nose. The only thing is that its still really..."sloppy" looking though and though I'm content, I want to be satisfied. Keep in mind, the second time around was only to remove fat from the bridge, as in, remove scar tissue. Nothing was broken or touched other than that. It was a closed approach so I don't even consider it rhinoplasty. I'll post pics to show the before and after of my last two surgeries. Updated on 19 Feb 2013: Btw the surgeon will be Dr David Ellis in North York Toronto. Message me if there are any questions. Updated on 25 Feb 2013: Surgery Revision Day: So I'm done. This morning I went in. The doctor was waiting for me all smiley along with his nurse. Honestly, he went over a few things that he would do with my nose and we all went upstairs to his private clinic. After a few minutes of discussing the academy awards and making jokes about my IV being my breakfast, I was out. I woke up and have no idea how I went home. lol. My landlord is taking care of me since I'm here alone in this city (I moved). She's so sweet. lol. So I took a look at my nose while changing the bandage and I'm seeing that the bridge is REALLY skinny. I'm kinda nervous. On one end you can REALLY see my eyes. On the other end, its REALLY small compared to my old nose. I can't believe I'm never going to look the same as I did. I'm kinda feeling excited and half depressed depending on how it looks like. Preseently I'm just dripping blood but suprinsingly, no pain! and no bruising. Well..it IS only day one. We'll see how I feel tomorrow...I'm nervoussss ahhh. This could either looks REALLY nice or like Latoya Jackson. Anyways. First day gone. We'll see how the rest of the day goes... Updated on 28 Feb 2013: Uh. Wow. Cast off. I don't know what to make of the results. I feel like there's a huge difference. I'm not sure what to think. One part of me thinks it makes me look cute. Then I miss my old face. I look...less "friendly. Well, I'm not wearing my hair extensions so I look a little different by default (im wearing my afro out. lol) Like, my face just lost it's chubbiness from my nose being so wide. I'm just sitting here in front of the mirror trying to envision how my nose will look in a few weeks but I'm nervous...I'm feeling a bit of MJ vibe with this nose...ahhh. Honest opinions please:S....I dont know what to think Updated on 28 Feb 2013: Should I tell my parents now or wait till they see it and blame it on my last revision? Ahh the change is so dramatic to me. Updated on 3 Mar 2013: It's been a few days (a week post-op tomorrow) and honestly I'm still feeling a little weird. I don't know. No one noticed anything but today I went to the mall and bought makeup at Sephora. I feel like when I made eye contact with people, I would just put my head down and walk faster. I don't know. I just feel paranoid. I know its sounds soooo ridiculous because I know it doesn't look ugly. I should even be happy because this guy came up to me and said I was cute and was trying to get my number. I was sooo flustered. lol. Is this normal? I feel like you can tell that I had a nose job. I can't handle this. I do like the nose though. I just feel really insecure. It's not BDD because I don't want to change anything else about myself (including my nose) but I feel like when people look at me, they just see my nose. Anyways, everything else is going well. No pain, a little swelling. I'm just not used to this nose. That is all. Ahh. Is this normal? Help a sista out please! Updated on 3 Mar 2013: Btw. I'm a bit gaunt because of all the weight loss. I usually look a bit "meatier" haha. Updated on 4 Mar 2013: I feel way better! Especially about the pre-op care. Just went in for my 1 week pre op and he wants to see me again in 2 weeks and track the swelling and progress! Yay I feel better:) Thanks for all the support!!! Will probably update in a month Updated on 4 Mar 2013: Email me for any info.
The countdown has begun! Sept 27th I am going to get this THING removed from my stomach and abdomen. One year of hard work, pounding the gym 6 days/week and watching my nutrition has not budged one single bit of my stomach flab. I have lost 45 pounds, lost 40 inches total around my body, and 12% body fat. I am a 53 year-old fitness machine! And yet - got this spare tire permanently attached to my middle! I am excited to get going and hope those of you that are going through post-op recovery or yet to begin your personal journey will join me in discussions, support and advice!Updated on 27 Aug 2012:On Friday I went to the surgeon for my "pre-op" instructions and kit. I had to laugh when I tried on the compression garment they gave me to make sure it fit. I wear a size 12 so the nurse said that should be a medium and as soon as she took it out of the package I knew it was way too tiny! I ended up with the extra large lol and I was wondering how many people wold actually fit into a small and if they did, just how much of a tummy tuck they might actually need! I had a few "before" pictures taken and the nurse shared some other "before" shots (no faces of course) to compare what my stomach looked like to theirs and then how much better their "after" shots looked. I thought they looked better in terms of the extra skin flaps being gone but I thought the stomachs and abs still seemed quite bloated or fatty and wonder if I am just expecting too much. Perhaps all those six pack abs photos I see in the mags are photoshopped - I have been working out hard for a year and don't even have "one pack"!! Thought with the skin removed somehow the muscles would ripple!! You will have to stay tuned for that lol... Anyway I went to the lab and got my blood work done and an ECG and signed all the consent forms so now its a waiting game. One month to go and I am so glad to have this nice place to drop by and visit and to read and share all your journeys!
Had a very quick consultation but decided to go with Dr van wyck, staff seem helpful but very very slow at responding to emails. They responded to the email for a consultation within an hour but it seems questions about the surgery (now that I paid in full) aren't being answered. Usually 2-3 days after I have to call to ask them to answer the questions (they said they read the email, so why not answer it?). Hope the post op communication is quicker. Excited for the breast augmentation!
Was a horrible experience. He canceled one day. I had to fight to get another appt not months away. He busted into the room while I was changing. Was rdue about my age and my size then left me to his assistant to talk about the procedure. I get that doctors lack beside manner sometimes bit that was ridiculous!
