Michael Clinton, MD

Best thing I ever did for myself! Had buyers remorse from the pain on about day 3, which my doctor warned me about, but would not change my decision now. I have a lollipop scar not the typical anchor scar you see with this procedure. My implants are small b/c I didn't need the size except at the top of my breast and the implants are under the muscle.

After many trips to doctors for severe neck pain it was suggested to me a breast reduction. My size then was 34H cup and now I am a 36C or D cup depending on the bra. This was the best decision I've ever made. I'm 47 and have perfect perky breast. Right after the procedure I went back to work within a week. I was cut from under one side to the other side under each breast because of the size of my reduction. I had a total of three pounds removed from my breast. I had always heard that you lose sensitivity in your nipple but not in my case. Because of how Dr Clinton moves the nipple you keep the feeling. As a matter if fact I have more sensation now than I did prior to the surgery. Now on the scaring. The scars weren't as bad as I anticipated. Now after 4 years I can't even see the scars anymore. It was probably less than a year after my surgery that I just stop seeing them. I would have done this surgery probably 10 or more years ago if I had known what a great result it would be. Not having to wear a bra in a sundress or even be able to wear normal clothing has been a blessing. Would do this again but so many years earlier but only with Dr Clinton.

I am having MM on November 18th and I am so exited,I am having a BA and lift, TT with muscle and hernia repair and lipo to flanks,I am 5'6, weight 149, trying to get to at least 145 before surgery, my normal weight is about 130,I gained 70 pounds with my first pregnancy and 50 pounds with the second, yep I was a hungry girl, lol,I lost all of the weight by working out and counting calories but then I noticed the hernia and sagging skin, it is frustrating to work so hard and then still look awful so I got depressed and lazy and have gained about 10-15 pounds back,I eat healthy most days and exercise a few times a week, I'm hoping surgery will motivate me to stay on the right track,I can not wait to have a waist again and maybe tuck in a shirt for the first time in years, my clothes pretty much look like my maternity clothes did 3 years ago, pathetic I know,as far as the BA goes, I have always been saggy, even before kids so I've wanted a BA for a long time, I can't believe I'm finally doing it! I have had a little setback though, I had an abnormal Pap smear, had a cervical biopsy and now I am having to do a more extensive biopsy where they put me to sleep, I am having it done on Monday,after those results come back I may or may not have to have a hysterectomy,2014 is just going to be my surgery year I guess, I will keep you updated, I love reading everyone's stories!

Updated on 14 Oct 2014:


Updated on 24 Nov 2014:


Updated on 24 Nov 2014:
Surgery was last Tuesday, had breast lift and augmentation with 280 cc on left and 300 on right, dr had a hard time getting the size even and surgery ended up taking over 6 hours, breasts still look a little strange to me but I'm giving it some time, I have had no problems with them,pain has been minimal and they seem to be healing well,putting polysporin on incisions and lipo sites a few times a day,Dr ended up doing lipo to my entire lower back,flanks,upper stomach and armpit area,those areas have been the most painful,I have holes everywhere!Im not complaining though,I wanted him to lipo as much as possible,I switched compression garments yesterday from the one the dr gave me to a spanks from target,it looks like a high waisted panty,comes up right below my breasts,I broke a sweat putting it on this morning,lol,but so much more comfortable than the one with the zipper,I have bruises and broken skin from the other one,my lower back is numb and it hurts at the same time if that makes any sense at all,I went to a movie Saturday night and leaned up against the wall for a moment and could not feel the wall at all,so weird! I'm still swollen on my back so it still hurts a lot,the tummy area doesn't hurt anymore,just if I'm standing too long or cough or sneeze and laughing is a no no,oh my word it hurts so bad it will bring you to tears! No funny movies for a little while,I am happy that I did the surgery,it's just tough not being able to take care of my family like I want to but I'm trying to be patient.

Updated on 14 Dec 2014:
Getting better everyday,went back to work on day 12 and it was very difficult,just sore and lots of swelling by the end of the day, using eucerin cream on scars twice a day

Updated on 22 Dec 2014:

I went in for a consultation with Dr.Clinton because I have had two kids, have breastfed, and was not happy with my body anymore. I am a small person and did not really have much fat but I did have a lot of loose skin on my stomach and my breast were looking like deflated balloons. Dr. Clinton preformed a tummy tuck, a breast lift with implants, and a little bit of smart lipo on my lower back! I love my results!!!!! He did an amazing job and I feel great about myself and love the way I look! ! I will finally be able to wear a bikini again!!! I would defiantly recommend Dr. Clinton if you are considering plastic surgery!!! He not only does an amazing job but he also is very kind and takes as much time as you need answering any questions you may have! Dr. Clinton and his whole staff are amazing! I could tell that everyone that works in his office actually cares about their patients and loves their job!

I have thought about liposuction (and every other medical procedure) off an on my whole adult life. I turned 37 this year and gave birth to my third child at the end of June of this year, 2013. I've touted "au natural" for a long time and I've been 98 lbs (I'm 5 foot nuthin') and I've been 152 lbs. I originally went in just to get my double chin looked at. My double chin never goes away unless I do that sickly stretch-my-chin-out-when-I-smile-for-pictures thing. Even when I was 98lbs it was still there. It's hereditary. My stomach is the balloon that inflates if I gain 5 lbs. My love handles and stomach are the first to inflate. So, I decided to get Slim Lipo done on my lower and upper abs, flanks and lower back by Dr. Clinton of Clinton Plastic Surgery and liposuction done of my double chin. (I'm not sure if he did Slim Lipo of my double chin. I'll find out, though) My surgery was Sept 25th and I'm 5 days Post-Op.

DAY OF SURGERY
I was put to sleep and woke up groggy. My head was wrapped up like I had been in a car accident and the garment was put on me immediately.
I gotta say, by the time I got home, I felt that I had been beaten with a sledge hammer. Some people say they have NO pain. WHAAAAA??? Are you sure you had anything done? Because I've given birth naturally three times and I was whimpering like a baby and saying, "This is worse than giving birth." I thought, "What have I done?" but refused to say that out loud. :)
I held on to the promise that the burning and aching would subside by that evening and took my meds. I went into surgery at 8:30 was out by around 1pm. By 7pm that night, it was sleeping soundly and the burning was gone...as promised by my awesome nurse.

DAY ONE Post Op
I must be crazy, but I got my girls back from their daddy (joint custody) the day after surgery. My mom stayed with us for half of the day and checked in on me, but I was fine. VERY sore, but it was manageable. Even lifting my toddler into her crib was fine, but when she latched on to my hips....OUCH. I bruised a LOT, as you can see. I'm an easy bruiser anyway, though. Seriously, I can scratch a mosquito bite for a few minutes and I'll bruise.

DAY TWO-DAY FOUR
Had the girls through the weekend and I honestly feel better when I'm up and around walking. When I get up in the morning, it's the worst. I'm swollen and uncomfortable and ITCHY. But my garment (which I am wearing around the clock - never taking it off except to shower or wash the thing) is fitting looser and I actually had to trim down the part that fits under my breasts because it's riding too high. It was digging into my sides until Day Four, when everything started to smooth out.

DAY FIVE
Since Day Two, I've been taking Tylenol and rubbing Arnica gel and Lavender and Frankincense oils on me. The bruising is going away quickly. I can see a definite difference, but comfy clothes are still an absolute must. I am wearing leggings and tunic tops or dresses to work over the garment...which I don't hate...but I don't love, either. Still, I refuse to take it off. I'll see how I feel about it in three more weeks. O.o

My chin is tightening like a son-of-a-gun!!! But it's still so swollen that I'm not seeing any real results, yet. I'll post a before and after picture soon.

I am 36yo with 3 children. I gained a ton of weight after my son was born, topping the scales at 300lbs. I managed to lose 80 lbs on my own over several years and maintained my weightless for over two years. Then I got pregnant again, delivered weighing less than when I got pregnant. Had my next child just 17 months after my second. I managed to not gain a lot of weight but suffered major muscle separation due to having my girls so close together. My husband told me he would support me in having a tummy tuck after we were done having children. I am scheduled for Feb 7,2013 and I cannot wait! I have managed to lose 60lbs since my youngest was born in 2010. I originally wanted a breast reduction/lift but ps feels that since my muscles require major work from separation that my tummy tuck should be done alone, so I will be having the lift/reduction later this year. I will get before pictures posted this week.



Updated on 17 Jan 2013:
Everyday is one day closer. I will be taking before pics tomorrow night and posting them. I am loving reading all the reviews on here.

Updated on 18 Jan 2013:
Here are my pictures. I am less than 3 weeks away from surgery. I am so excited to be done with this huge belly and excess skin. At my preop appt my PS told me that I have a 3.5 inch muscle seperation above my belly button and at least that if not larger below. So I know my recovery is going to be rough. I also noticed on my scripts that my pain med is for 24 pills Q4-6 hrs.. that is at most 6 days worth of pain meds do you think that is enough? I am trying to get my list together of the items I cannot live without during recovery, any recommendations are welcomed. I also have to go buy the panties I want to be marked in( im not sure what size or style to get) I have never worn a bikini so I am not going to waste money on that.

Updated on 21 Jan 2013:
Time is dragging along. PS office called today and my blood work is perfect, everything is ready. I still have a few items to buy..I realized tonight at bootcamp just how much my belly impedes me from exercising the way I want to.. Feb 7th cannot get here quick enough!

Updated on 22 Jan 2013:
16 days till I finally have a normal looking tummy.( iknow recovery will be long but you gals know what I mean) Today at work I realized another reason I want this done so badly. I want to buy cute underwear and have them stay put... The ones I wore today kept .slipping then roll, plop and trapped under this huge belly. SO FRUSTRATING! I prolly spent 3 hrs pulling them backup. I am also sick of having to powder under the belly and tuck my panties under the roll in order to absorb the inevitable sweat while working out and running.. I have got to get my stuff bought and bags packed next week. Squeeeelllllllll...

Updated on 26 Jan 2013:
Under two weeks to go. Getting more excited by the day. Only a few friends and family members know the extent of what I am having done, most know about muscle and hernia repair only.. I stiihavent done anything to get ready, I am waiting until the week before.. Wow that's next week. I am addicted to this site as I feel it has given me the best real experiences.

Updated on 28 Jan 2013:
Found out today that my FMLA request may be turned down. I have been up front this entire time that my procedure is elective. I am having a hernia repaired and muscle repair, but as they are not causing serious issues(other than this huge belly bulge) my FMLA may be turned down. I AM LIVID!!! The good news is that I have enough sick time and paid time off to still take the 2 weeks off that I was going to take off, but if I decide on that 3rd week it will now be unpaid.. This is all because the company I work for has now outsourced all thier leave requests so nothing is handled locally. Luckily my company also has non covered FMLA but I am still upset. On another note, I finally found the panties I am going to get marked in, they hit about 4 inches under my belly button when pulled up over my belly bulge so I am sure if the scar is under them it will be fine. I am not having surgery to walk around in a bikini, so I am sure the only people that will see my scar will be me, my hubby and my ps.I am starting to gather my post of supplies and am placing everything in a wicker basket to be kept beside the recliner. 10 Days to Go!!!

Updated on 29 Jan 2013:
Found out this afternoon that my request for leave was denied. I am LIVID!! I filed the paperwork in December and find out with just 9 days left before surgery. Now I have to figure out what to do, if I can just take vacation and sick time to cover it or if I. Need to reschedule... Urggggghhhhh. Did I mention how ticked off I am?

Updated on 30 Jan 2013:
So after much talk with my boss and deliberation over my hours, it is settled. I have surgery on Thursday the 7th and return to work on Thursday Jan 21st. That gives me 13 days off. Now I just have to work 40 hrs in 3 days next week. LoL. I am so thankful that I got it worked out though. The funny part is if he finds the hernia that he thinks is there, then insurance covers it and so does fmla...lolololol. Plus I would have lost a good chunk of money for rescheduling..so very thankful. Now to get serious and get the rest of my post op supplies
.

Updated on 3 Feb 2013:
I officially have everything I need for post op. I only need to cook some more meals to freeze for the family and write my what if letters. Surprisingly I am not as nervous about this surgery as I was my uterine ablation last year. I am anxious to be able to look straight down and see my pubic hair, lol.. No more rashes, or excessive sweating when working out... Did I mention I am on this site more than any other.. Good luck to all the Feb 4th ladies!!

Updated on 5 Feb 2013:
Cannot believe surgery is in 1 day! I'm so excited. I still have to pack my overnight bag, but I have my packing list made so I won't forget anything..I still have to work tomorrow but I'm hoping that will make time pass quicker. The nurse is supposed to call me tomorrow afternoon to confirm arrival time. I can't believe this is finally going to happen..

Updated on 6 Feb 2013:
I got my call.Have to be at syrgery center at 8am... Yay!!!

Updated on 7 Feb 2013:
Surgery was this morning. Got there at 8 and wheeled back into OR at 0900. That is the last thing I remember. Even in my cg I am super flat, so I cannot wait to see it tomorrow at my postop appt.I do not have a
pain pump but pain is minimal. It mainly hurts between breast( start of ab) and incisionline.

Updated on 8 Feb 2013:
Post op Day 1- No real pain buts lots of pressure at muscle repair, and Iam already getting muscle twinges every once in a while. my incision is super low and looks great. Will be posting pics after my shower this evening. ps told me he took 11lbs of skin and 2 lbs of fat with lipo. yay..

Updated on 9 Feb 2013:
I posted two new pics. Hoping to get some better ones after my shower in a little while. I am feeling good. I am already taking extra strength tylenol instead of percocet and still taking my muscle relaxers every 8 hrs. The worst part of it is either the muscle twitches, or the two drains coming out of my mons. They are just irritating. The other killer is the gas pains, I have not gone to the bathroom yet and I can tell because my belly is bloated. I am averaging about 50 a day from each drain, they are due to come out on Monday( I hope). Till later. Hope everyone is feeling good.

Updated on 9 Feb 2013:
Took my first shower today and it felt great. I had to wash my cg as it already had blood on it. I started swelling really quickly so no pictures. I still have not gone to the bathroom but I have tons of gas and grumbling going on so hopefully soon. My main issue is my cg is making my left thigh go numb when it is fastened at the crotch. Has anyone else had this problem?

Updated on 9 Feb 2013:
I finally went to the bathroom and most of the pain I was feeling at the muscle repair site disappeared. I guess since everything is so tight my intestines were just pushing on my muscle repair too much. Did I mention my repair was 5.5 inches wide? No wonder it hurts. I have been taking Tylenol all day but just took a Percocet and muscle relaxer to help me sleep. Tomorrow night I hope to sleep in my bed but we will see. Next appt is Monday and should get my drains out.. They are more annoying than anything.

Updated on 10 Feb 2013:
Post op Day 3 and I feel Great!! I think finally going to the bathroom helped tremendously with the pressure and bloating that I was feeling. I can tell that the swelling has gone down a lot because my cg is loser today. Will be getting a shower once hubby and kids are home from church and will post some new pics. Still draining a good bit so I am doubtful tht the ps will pull my drains tomorrow. Hope everyone else is doing well.

Updated on 10 Feb 2013:
I just attached pictures taken before my shower this evening. You can tell I am really swollen still because of the marks from my cg and just the drains laying against my skin. My belly button is very bruised but I think it looks okay. I am wondering why my hips look so fat(I didnt have hips prior). I can tell I am swollen, so I need to find a remedy for that but otherwise Im pretty happy.

Updated on 10 Feb 2013:
I finally got the pics up. I am flatter than I expected at this point and very happy. I have to figure out what to wear to ps appt tomorrow. I am also going to take measurements in the am, the scale is only reflecting about a 5lb difference but I am swollen, so not expecting magic there yet.

Updated on 11 Feb 2013:
Post op day 4. Have an appt with ps at 1 pm but fairly certain he isn't going to remove my drains as I am averaging 50 a day from each side still. I'm feeling pretty good and I think my swelling has gone down a little more. My left. Thigh still goes numb on occasion but I think it is related to how my cg is laying on that side because the hooks and zipper are on that side. About to take a nap before I have to get ready for dr appt.

Updated on 11 Feb 2013:
Just got back from post op appt #2, my drains have to stay in. I will call ps office back on Wednesday morning to report drainage and they will either pull them Wednesday afternoon or Friday morning. He said I was doing great and he would see me then. He also said the numbness in my thigh is normal due to the cg and I could just loosen the crotch hooks as I had been doing.

Updated on 11 Feb 2013:
Today I wanted a whopper jr. Well I ate it and it was so good. Then a nice nap and then major pain. It felt like my whole belly was sloshing around and had a ton of pressure. My cg felt so tight. I know it was probably the sodium in the meal but wow I felt awful. I have only been taking one pain pill and one muscle relaxer to sleep at night, but I took one of each this afternoon and within 30 minutes started to feel better. Lesson learned today- don't eat takeout and try to go cold turkey with no meds

Updated on 12 Feb 2013:
Post op day 5- doing good. I am in a very blah mood, probably related to cold rainy weather. I am Really wanting these drains removed so hopefully tomorrow. We are having new bedroom furniture delivered today and I am hoping to sleep in my new bed tonight. I am going to attempt it anyway.. I am getting cabin fever from being trapped in the house, so after our furniture is delivered my hubby is going to take me sheet shopping and push me around in a wheelchair.. That is if we have enough time before the littles have to be picked up from school. New symptom today is hot searing pain in the right end of my incision. It's so bad that I thought my incision had ripped open and was bleeding everywhere, it was that hot. When I checked nothing was there. My steri strips are still dry and intact over my incision. It hurt like crazy though. Now I'm thinking maybe it was my panties rubbing under the cg against the incision.

Updated on 12 Feb 2013:
I took some new pictures after my shower tonight, I will try my best to get them up tonight. I am sick of the cg and the ridges it leaves all over my belly and back. My upper tummy is more swollen tonight than at 2 dpo and I have new bruises from the lipo done there. It almost feels squisy like a seroma. I am supposed to call ps office in the morning to report drainage for the last two days and hopefully get drains removed tomorrow afternoon. If not then it will be Friday.. Hope everyone is doing well.

Updated on 12 Feb 2013:
Pictures from 5 dpo are added. I am swollen and feeling blah today

Updated on 13 Feb 2013:
Ps office finally called back. Drains will stay in till Friday at 9am. Ugh! I understand why they must stay but that doesn't mean I have to like it.. Feeling good otherwise. Slept great last night in the recliner again. New bed got delivered but oops I haven't bought any sheets to fit it.lol. Hubby goes back to work tonight so we will see how I do solo. I am a lot less swollen today. Got on the scale and am showing a 9.5lb loss since surgery. I know he took 13 lbs so I know I am still swollen but getting there. Hope everyone is doing well

Updated on 14 Feb 2013:
My ps warned me that most people have a very emotional day around post op day 5. I guess mine was today which is day 7 for me. I just felt fat, gross, stinky and like I had made a huge mistake having this surgery, mainly a ton of guilt. I cannot pick up my kids or rock my 3yo to sleep like I have every night since she was born. I spent all this money that we could have used for something else. So basically, I just felt guilty. I am also OVER THESE STUPID DRAINS! I am so glad they are coming out tomorrow morning at 9 am. Luckily I have been able to shower since post op day 1. I did take a shower this evening and washed my compression garment but did not take any new pics. I plan on taking pics tomorrow after my appointment. I never thought I wold like wearing this cg but I truly feel naked and insecure without it on.. I am going to ask ps tomorrow if I need to buy another one as this one seems to be getting bigger as my swelling goes down. Upside is I am down 10 lbs since surgery, of course he removed 13 so I am still swollen. I will update with pics tomorrow after apps. Happy healing ladies!

Updated on 15 Feb 2013:
Forgot to post that Monday the 11th I tried on my most favorite pair of pre op jeans , ( I knew i was swollen but clothes have always been my indicators of weight loss/gain) well they wouldn't even fasten like had a three inch gap from side to side. Well for kicks I tried them back on this evening(14th) and they not only fastened but are loose. I'm prolly in trouble because I think my belly is what helped hold my jeans up as I have zero in the booty department.. LoL..

Updated on 15 Feb 2013:
WOOHOO!! Drains are out!! Didn't really feel anything except a tug when they were pulled. Dr said I could scrub everywhere now and even take the steri strips off. The nurse took two of them off and the incision is barely visible!! I plan on taking a good scrub shower tonight and will take some new pictures. I am feeling good.

Updated on 15 Feb 2013:
I forgot to add earlier that I slept in my bed last night. It was heaven. I slept on my side and had 25mL of drainage in one drain just over 8 hours but ps pulled my drains anyway. He said I could increase my activity and also that I could start using spanx and rotate between that and the marena that I have been wearing. I was out of my cg for almost 2 hours before pics this evening so I am swollen. I am pleased with results so far especially when trying on clothes. Happy healing everyone!

Updated on 15 Feb 2013:
Also just in case anyone is wondering why the top part of my tummy is still so large. I had a 5.5 inch gap in my muscles from top of abs to bottom so the swelling is going to take a while to go away. PS told me that they had to do extra lipo on top of right side of muscles as well. I trust him completely..

Updated on 15 Feb 2013:
Ok I could tell I was super swollen but after washing and dryng my cg, the thing barely fits...this is the third or fourth washing and I did it the same way each time but wow it is so tight. It feels like it did the day of surgery.

Updated on 16 Feb 2013:
So I had a great day today. We got a babysitter this evening and went to buy me some spans and then to eat and then to buy groceries. I wore my blue jeans and felt great. When we got to the restaurant I had to potty so I went and when trying to refAsten the crotch of my cg I hit blood. The left side of my incision was bleedingut did not appear to be open??? Odd. So we finished eating Nd went to buy groceries. Got home and checked incision and it was fine. Being a nurse I went ahead and cleaned it and put some steri strips over the edge. So far so good. I also bought some Arnica gel and applied that to all my bruising. So at the end of the day, I am swollen but not tired out. My jeans were loose when we left and 4 hours later they were pretty snug on my waist. Swelling is just a part of life for the next few months. Happy healing ladies!

Updated on 17 Feb 2013:
PO Day 10- doing fabulous today. Went to Church this am , was a little swollen when I got home but not bad. Iced my belly and am about to take a nap. I bought some new cg yesterday since I am returning to work tomorrow. I got two of the spanx tank tops with super compression. WOW. They are tight!! My plan is to wear that at work for 8 hours and then put on my good cg when I get home. My ps said that sounds fine. I just have such a hard time fastening the crotch on the other one that I think it I would be scared to go to the restroom at work for fear of not being able to refasten the crotch.LOL. I am excited to see everyone's reaction, although only a few close friends knew what I was having done. Happy healing ladies!

Updated on 17 Feb 2013:
I think I might have a seroma. I washed my cg today and wore a super firm control tank and after my shower I noticed a baseball size swollen pocket. I did the wave test and swear I could see it, hubby said he couldn't. Needless to say I will be calling ps first thing in the morning just to make sure. I plan on going to work tomorrow even if it's only for a few hours. I am feeling great. Most of my clothes that were too tight are fitting perfectly now. I am down 12 lbs as of this morning but by the end of the day I am usually up 1-3 lbs. I started my high protein diet back on Thursday. I still have one pound of what the dr removed not showing on the scale but I wanted to get a start on losing my last 20 lbs. I will be at goal weight by summer vacation in June!!

Updated on 18 Feb 2013:
Called ps this am about suspected seroma. Nurse told me how to check it and watch it. Since it is not bothering me or getting bigger I am to watch it. If I notice any growth or discomfort from it I am to call immediately. I took some pics in regular clothes today. I now have three problems, 1. My jeans do not stay up as I have noassatall.2. The top of the jeans past the zipper stick out under t shirts, and 3. The zipper slides down and makes me look like I have a little package below...haha.. I will take these problems anyway over my huge belly.

Updated on 18 Feb 2013:
So it is definitely a seroma. A little larger this evening than this morning. I had to was my cg again as I forgot to put gauze over my bb and got yucky all over my cg. I wore the spanx tank top for the two hours it was in the washer and it got bigger. It does the wave over my whole belly under my bb but above my incision. It's a very odd feeling. I plan on going to have it drained tomorrow, and then on Friday at my scheduled appt for suture removal at my bb. The nurse told me sometimes if there is a weak spot in your incision the seroma will start leaking, I pray that doesn't happen. I am watching my incision like a hawk! Happy healing ladies!

Updated on 19 Feb 2013:
Woke up this morning and my entire lower belly below bb but above incision was HUGE!!! I called ps immediately and told them, and they gave me an appt at 2:30 to come in to have it drained. I felt very bloated and my cg was tight. When I went in, they numbed a tiny spot with lidocaine and then they ended up aspirating 145mL from it( that's 4.8 ounces of fluid/old blood) WOW!!. I asked if he thought it would reaccumulate and he said maybe but probably not as much if it did. I asked if i needed to do anything different and he said no. Due to the amount of skinI had removed, I was at greater risk because the pulled down skin has to heal and reattach to the now repaired abdominal muscles and it takes awhile.I go back Friday at 9am to get my bb sutures out and he will check it again then. I immediately felt better and the best part is my cut line in the middle of my abs came back after he pulled all the fluid off. Yay! Happy healing ladies!

Updated on 20 Feb 2013:
So I will be 14 days post op tomorrow. I can tell my seroma is filling up again as I have the wave again. It's not near as bad as Tuesday when I had it drained but I can tell its filling back up. It doesn't hurt, more annoying than anything because I get a tightness in the area. I have an appt Friday at 9 am to have my bb sutures removed so my ps sad he will drain it then. I am still extremely happy with my results so far. I returned to work yesterday and some of my coworkers were SHOCKED at how skinny I already look. It made my day to have them call me skinny Minnie..lol.. I will try and get new pics tomorrow evening. Happy healing ladies!

Updated on 22 Feb 2013:
Had my 2week post op appt this am. They drained my seroma again but only got 90 mL(3oz). The Dr said since it took 3 days to fill up and it wasn't as much that it should go away on its own. I also got my BB sutures removed. I returned to work on Tuesday and the end of the day swelling is very impressive.lol. I will be taking new pics in the morning as I have been too swollen in the evenings to take pics. Happy healing ladies!

Updated on 24 Feb 2013:
I'm doing good. I look great and flat as a board in the morning but by bedtime, I am swollen and look about 3 months pregnant. I do think it is getting better. My scar is looking great and is already fading which is shocking to me. My bb still looks questionable at this point but it isn't healed completely so I can't put an earplug or anything in it. Itook some new pics today but can't find the cord to my computer. I will try my best to get them posted tomorrow. I got the bikini I ordered and it looks good but I need a bigger cup for the top. I'm ggoingto go ahead and order the other one I found with the full coverage top. Hope everyone is doing well. Happy healing ladies!

Updated on 25 Feb 2013:
I have been doing great and then this morning I woke up with blood on my panties. I immediately checked my incision and it has opened up about 1/4 inch on the side and was oozing. I cleaned it and polysporined it up and put new steri strips on it. It is still oozing and is gross but hopefully I caught it early. I feel a hard knot under the ncision and when I pressed on it nastiness came out. Still not a lot but gross. Other than that I am doing well. My seroma is still there but not nearly as swollen so I think it is reabsorbing. Hope everyone is doing well. Happy healing ladies!

Updated on 3 Mar 2013:
I am doing well. Still have a small open spot on incision but it is not oozing or anything. The swelling is a lot less than in the first two weeks after surgery. I should get the clear to only wear cg for 12 hrs a day instead of all day every day. I am way behind on uploading pics because every time I have tried the site won't let me. Hope everyone is doing well. happy healing ladies!

Updated on 11 Mar 2013:
Today I am po day 32 and last week I noticed what looked like new stretch marks around my bb area. My ps told me they were probably old stretch marks that were angry with the increase in blood flow, today I'm not so sure. All of my stretch marks from babies are up and down and these are sideways. Took a picture but the site is nt letting me upload pics right now. I still have my seroma and will be getting drained again tomorrow afternoon. My split stitch is looking great but I guess the stitch dissolved bc it never busted through. My end of the day swelling is very impressive and the seroma makes it worse. I have a shelf over my incision..lol. I cannot say that I am flat as a board in the am bc the seroma is only ever flat right after draining. I am still wearing cg 18 hrs a day. I take it off to sleep and shower and wear it if I am moving. I am down 14lbs since surgery and want to lose at least 25 more. I cannot wait to be at the non swelling stage and go buy new clothes. Happy healing everyone!

Updated on 14 Mar 2013:
Finally adding pictures from the past few weeks. I am 5 weeks post op today and feel very fat. My upper belly is swollen so much that I literally have a pooch. My ps told me Tuesday that it was swelling and advised what kind of massage to do at home to help decrease it. It isnt budging. I have not woken up flat in over a week. My jeans that fit last week do not fit this week, as in I am so swollen I cant even button them.. UGH...Anyone else with this issue? Happy healing ladies.

Updated on 18 Mar 2013:
So I will be 6 wks po on Thursday and I feel like Spongebob. This swell hell is for the birds. I have been taking weekly measurements with my weekly weigh ins. I am now down 16 lbs since surgery but my waist is up by 2 inches today. My swelling does not seem to be getting better. I am really thinking about going for a few lymphatic drainage massages. Happy healing ladies.

Updated on 24 Mar 2013:
I am 6 wks and 3 days post and finally feeling a bit normal. This week my pre op clothes are way too big, last week I couldn't even get them buttoned. I am still only down 16 lbs since preop but can't really work out for 2 more weeks. The swelling comes and goes on a daily basis, some days it's really bad but ost it's not. The bet part is no more cg. I have started having a sharp pain to the right of my bb when bending over sometimes. I'm thinking it isan internal suture maybe.. I will try and post new pics tomorrow. Happy healing everyone!

Updated on 24 Mar 2013:
Noticed a small area that looked like a blister this evening as I was massaging scar. When I placed my finger over it it felt like a hole in my incision. It did burst open and leaked a little bit of yellow-reddish fluid but only out of pin size hole. I put some ointment and a bandage over it. I have no pain or anything, other than swelling.. Please pray it is not infection coming back, as it has been 2 weeks since I finished my antibiotics. Happy healing everyone!

Updated on 25 Mar 2013:
Had a small spot open last night and drain mostly dark red fluid. This am was trying to bandaged again and saw something. Sure enough, my first official spitting suture. I quickly cleaned the site and cut it off. Took pics with my phone so I have to figure out how to upload..

Updated on 31 Mar 2013:
Im doing good. Still dealing with swelling, although I will say it is not nearly as bad as week 5 and 6 were. My clothes are finally fitting and most of them are finally too large. I went and bought a belt because I refuse to buy more clothes until this swelling is gone.

Updated on 3 Apr 2013:
Went for my 8 wk post op visit today. He said I am looking great. I do have dog ears on both sides that we will watch but will probably need removal. I have a fatty pouch on the right side of my belly button that will probably require some lipo sculpting around the 6 month mark as well. He was very pleased with my scar . He said the swelling was 100% normal. I told him that I have been sleeping in my cg and he told me I should probably buy a smaller one. I asked about the golds gym waist dimmer belt like Georgiaexcited has been using and he said he thinks that is a great idea. I will be ordering one as my Walmart is sold out! He also told me that he would use a different type of dis solvable suture for any future work since my body strted spitting the ones he used during tt. Thanks for all the support ladies through my seroma, my infection, my spitting sutures and my awful swelling! I'm feeling better everyday, can it hurry up and be 12 weeks post though..lol Happy healing..

Updated on 8 Apr 2013:
So After wearing my size 20 jeans with a belt cinched as tight as I could and the jeans still falling down, I finally went shopping for new clothes. I was ecstatic when A womens size 14 was too big. I happily went to the juniors department to try on jeans. I ended up with a juniors size 15 low rise style and happily wore them out on a date with hubby yesterday? So I'm not sure. If that is 8 or 4 sizes down. I went today and am between a 14 and a 12. The 14 is a tad too big but, The 12 is still too tight. I am ecstatic.. So glad this swelling is starting to get better. Been back on my diet for 2 weeks and I am down almost 4 lbs. I can't wait to rock my bikini this summer!! Happy healing ladies. New pics coming later this week.

Updated on 16 Apr 2013:
Had my first run since the day before surgery today. I will be 10 wks post op on. Thursday. I was a little shocked at how good it felt to run. I only did 1/2 mile and it took me almost 10 minutes ( pre surgery I ran a 14 minute mile). I've never been fast but it's been a long time since I was this slow. I also did 25 pushups and about 15 minutes of Pilates. I still cannot do pure ab work do the pain at mr site. I was proud of what I did though. I joined a Biggest loser competition that goes for the next 9 weeks, so that is my motivation to get moving again. That and the fact. That my first 5k since surgery is in 3 weeks..Yikes!! I will post pictures by Friday. I can see a definite difference in the swelling this week. Happy healing ladies!

Updated on 17 Apr 2013:
I will be 10 wks post op on Thursday. I am still dealing with swelling but am happy with results and I can see a major difference. The pics arent that great because I had to take them myself. I have the center line down my belly that is becoming more defined everyday. I am back to running(very slowly) and doing pilates and strength training but no ab work yet. As you can see I have major dog ears on both sides which my ps said he will take care of after the 6 month mark. I am down a total of 7 additional lbs past the 13 they took during surgery and still going strong. Happy healing ladies.

Updated on 24 Apr 2013:
So after readin tjuana posts and reviews of her surgery, I decided to start wearing my cg again. Tomorrow will be one week in my new corset style cg and I look so much better!!! If you haven't read her review please do so. Her transformation is awesome and she attributes most of it to constant cg wearing. I'm sold. I will be 11 wks post tomorrow and am finally starting to love. Not just like my results. Pictures will be up by Friday.. Happy healing everyone!!

Updated on 1 May 2013:
still swelling but I didnt really think that 12wks was going to be some magic week. I can definitely see a major difference in shape since I started wearing my Squeem miracle vest/waist cincher. I will be 12 wks tomorrow and will take more new pics this weekend. My hubby surprised me with tickets to Rock of Ages(so excited!!!) Happy healing!!

I had SLIM lipo performed in Birmingham , Al 6 weeks ago. I went to Clinton Plastic surgery and saw Dr Michael S. Clinton. It was well worth it. The staff was frindly and informative.

I had to spend the night after surgery and then saw the Dr the next morning. If you are thinking about lipo you should consider SLIM lipo over the others. There are over 50 kinds of lipo. If you have lipo done you need the anesthesia. Do not think about having lipo done being awake. Just go to sleep and wake up a little sore.

You will not be able to return to work for several days. It doesn't matter where you have it done at. This is serious surgery just like any other procedure you might have done.

It was well worth it, but make sure you se a real plastic surgeon and not a dermatoloist who took a weekend course in laser surgery.