Take the leap, jump and don’t be scared :) I have wanted this for years and at the age of 39 I was finally able to change my life. Years of abdominal surgeries and a preeclamptic pregnancy (Im 5’0 and gained serious fluid weight the last month of pregnancy) left me feeling ashamed and hopeless with my mid area. I had my consult the end of October 2018 with what I feel is the best doctor in this area. Dr. Paul Davis in Shreveport, LA. I say that because in your journey the MOST important thing is finding an excellent surgeon. This is going to be fun, exciting, life changing but also scary, tiring, anxious and emotional. You absolutely must have the best. Research, ask around in the medical circle. Dr. Davis speaks to you calmly, is very thorough in his explanations, meticulous in nature and a perfectionist in his area. He is highly known and respected in the medical community. Now, he is a surgeon and thinks as such, talks fast, doesn’t sugar coat and gives you honesty but I prefer this. If you follow his instructions and trust him, this experience will be just fine. Pre-op month and Surgery Day: Nervous, anxious. Scared! I have read every thread on here about how this surgery is no joke the worst one ever and it will hurt, recovery is awful, etc. I ready every horrible post on here and almost talked myself out of it several times. I angst about this the most, all the way up until I was put to sleep. I didn’t want to wake up in agony or be in agony for weeks at home. My doctor assured me I would be fine. He elects to do what no other surgeon here does, you get a spinal (duramorph I believe) and spend the night in the hospital. The spinal lasts 36 hours so you never wake up in pain. I didn’t believe him but he was right, I woke up only feeling pressure but no pain. Now, my pain was controlled in recovery so when I got to my room, every 4hr I had to have pain meds and muscle relaxer to keep at that tolerable state, which I did. I also requested zofran to control the naseau so I had no issues with that. The other thing I did before surgery was get my ducks in a row. Arrange for person to come over and tend to me 24/7 the first week and also arrange for school transportation for my 8yr old. These are an absolute must. You are limited in mobility greatly the first 7 days so you need someone fixing you meals, sponge bathing, washing your hair in the sink, doing chores, empty your drains, etc. I have a automatic bed that is low profile so I was able to get in and out of it and go to the bathroom on my own. But I didn’t have energy for much else. I had a table by my bed that had my meds, stool softeners, chapstick, drink cup, and crackers. Be sure to have stool softeners and miralax. These help from getting constipated from anesthesia and pain meds. I had to take antibiotic 4x a day so I kept crackers by my bed so I wasn’t taking on a empty stomach. Pillows and pillows. You will need lots of them. Behind you when you are sleeping and sitting, under your arms, under your knees. Just be sure and have several to work with. You will also want a medical toilet that stands over your regular toilet. It keeps you from having to use your abs to sit so low to use the bathroom. Everyone talks about needing to be lifted on and off the toilet, I never had that because I had that medical thing with side rails that sits on top of the toilet and I could easily lower myself on and off. The other must have for me was a walker. I’m 5’0 so I was at a complete right angle walking the first week. There’s no way I could have done that without a walker. Post Op Well the first two days in the hospital were a piece of cake. Day 3-7 at home, not so much. I was not in bad pain but uncomfortable. I couldn’t get up without it being a well thought out plan and I hate the drains. They twist and move. It just sucks. Again, not from pain (I have used little pain meds since being home, mostly Tylenol) but not being able to do even the smallest of things. Your swelling sucks, the incision site has to stay clean, the Lipo sites are super sensitive. The list goes on and on. Just be prepared for a sucky slow life the first week. They say you turn a corner around day 8 and that is the truth. You can stand up more, walk less with the walker, incision is closed, stuff isn’t as tender, going to the bathroom is easy and you slowly start to feel normal. The most important thing is to listen and obey your surgeon’s instructions. I did that and I think that is why I don’t have a horror story like some others. I’m on day 10 so I’m sure I’ll have a few more bad days ahead but I know I’m past the worst of it and am super excited about the way it looks now. Still have a lot of swelling it feels like but I’m so pleased. See attached for few before and after pics. Dr. PD if you are reading this, thank you from the bottom of my heart, you have changed my life :)Updated on 8 Dec 2018: Today we left the house for my 2nd post op dr appt. All stitches were taken out and incision/lipo/bb sites were cleaned and redressed. My drains have to stay in a few more days. Ugh lol. But honestly, it is better to leave the drains in to do their thing than taking them out too early. Life at home is much better. I’m walking around less bent over, using walker only a little, and no pain meds except Tylenol. Things are sore and tight but that is definitely doable. Putting antibiotic cream on my incision every night and trying to keep it and the drain sites clean. I’m freaked out about infection lol. I’ll go back for drains day 13-15 to get them checked. Not at work yet, I’m hoping by day 15 I can go back. One thing I’ve discovered here that I didn’t know about before is Arnicare. The gel is AMAZING and literally stops pains in muscles in minutes. I don’t use it on my abdomen but on my arms and back. I have scoliosis that affects the joints and muscles in my upper back. I had to stop taking all nsaids before this surgery so I was really aching. I tried the arnicare everyone talks about. WOW. If you have muscle pains, get some of this! It’s $8 on Amazon. I’m really at a good place right now so far, I’ll check in when the drains come out. Hoping that’s not too bad.Updated on 8 Dec 2018: Updated on 11 Dec 2018: Ugh. Struggling to stay positive this week. Of course I’m glad I did this but I want to feel normal again so bad. Swelling is awful. My pic today is worse than day10 because swelling has increased. See attached pic. There’s a constant weird pressure from my belly button, almost like it isn’t mine and my body is rejecting it. The glue used to seal my incision is starting to peel and my abdomen itches like crazy. I don’t sleep well and it takes a lot of self control to keep from scratching. I daily clean my incision and belly button with hydrogen peroxide and then coat with mupiricin hoping that will help. My drains are still draining like crazy and thus still in. I HATE THE DRAINS. Each side is draining about 25-29ml every 24hr. ON DAY 18. When does the draining stop??!! (cuss words....lol). The drains sites are starting to hurt too. Some go back to work after 10 days or at two weeks. I do not see how. After walking to get mail or doing a few chores (light ones) I’m tired and get back in bed. Hoping next week will be better.
I’m 4days away from my procedure, and I’m so nervous. I don’t know what to expect, something I have been wanting for years, and nervous about the amount of pain and if any one can give me some pointers. Updated on 4 Nov 2018: I feel that Dr. Davis is the best in the area and has great bedside manner. He explained everything from the beginning to the end. I have not went in for my first follow up appointment, but I feel that I’m going to be very happy with my results. I already feel comfortable in my breast area. Can’t wait till the healing process is complete Updated on 4 Nov 2018: So it’s been 4 days after my surgery and it’s not as bad as I thought it would be. For the most part not a lot of pain just irritated in the areas where the drain tubes are and as far as the swelling it’s going great, still have a lot of tightness I just can’t wait till the drain tubes come out I think I will feel much better. Haven’t had much of an appetite, but been drinking lots of water and spend most of my time in bed watching movies. Thank everyone for your support.
10 reasons I recommend Dr. Paul Davis: 1. He's experienced. He has built an impressive depth of knowledge and expertise through years of experience. 2. He's a perfectionist. He's satisfied with nothing less than perfection when it comes to his work. 3. He's conscientious. His honest, hard-working spirit is palpable. 4. He's respected. He and his work are held in high esteem by the medical profession and community. 5. He takes pride in his work. He's gratified by each success he achieves with each patient. 6. He's serious. He's there to do an important job. His primary focus is on that. 7. He's meticulous. Every detail, small and large, receives his scrupulous attention. 8. He explains everything As many times as it takes. He knows that his surgery's success depends on your understanding and ability to follow pre- and post-op instructions. 9. He's gifted. His talent comes from experience, yes, but his natural talent as a surgeon is remarkable. 10. He cares. He may not say it and his serious, meticulous manner might not connote it, but he cares about the outcome of each and every one of his patients.
Lost over 80lbs eight years ago, couldn't afford tt back then. Gained 30 lbs back three years ago due to thyroid tumors; had thyroid removed and weight is stable but hard to loose weight even with personal trainer. I am so nervous that it won't be what i expect or come out like i expect. I'm a mom of a 12 yr old and don't want something to happen to me all for vanity. I've been waiting for this for a long time but scared. Updated on 23 Feb 2011: I hope i will be able to see a difference here is a picture of me now. Please give honest opinions. Updated on 24 Feb 2011: Okay tomorrow is my prop no turning back five days to go. I'm excited and so scared I'm having heart palps and anxiety. I'm starting to doubt my decision I'm still over weight by 25 lbs. But with no thyroid and even working out with. Personal trainer I've lost only two in a month and it sucks. Thanks for listening to me trip out. Updated on 13 Mar 2011: Here are a couple of pictures 11 days post op. My 12 year old help take them should have backed up more and there is some swollen still. But i am happy so far. I want to thank everyone this website is awesome and does help through the anxiety. I also want to thank my daughter who was awesome and my husband who really stepped up to the plate. Updated on 13 Mar 2011: Here are a couple of pictures 11 days post op. My 12 year old help take them should have backed up more and there is some swollen still. But i am happy so far. I want to thank everyone this website is awesome and does help through the anxiety. I also want to thank my daughter who was awesome and my husband who really stepped up to the plate. Updated on 13 Mar 2011: Here are a couple of pictures 11 days post op. My 12 year old help take them should have backed up more and there is some swollen still. But i am happy so far. I want to thank everyone this website is awesome and does help through the anxiety. I also want to thank my daughter who was awesome and my husband who really stepped up to the plate. Updated on 13 Mar 2011: Here are a couple of pictures 11 days post op. My 12 year old help take them should have backed up more and there is some swollen still. But i am happy so far. I want to thank everyone this website is awesome and does help through the anxiety. I also want to thank my daughter who was awesome and my husband who really stepped up to the plate. Updated on 13 Mar 2011: Here are a couple of pictures 11 days post op. My 12 year old help take them should have backed up more and there is some swollen still. But i am happy so far. I want to thank everyone this website is awesome and does help through the anxiety. I also want to thank my daughter who was awesome and my husband who really stepped up to the plate. Updated on 21 Mar 2011: Post op for 19 days, feeling pretty good, have noticed a few things: i have a hard knot around the area on my hip where one of the drains came out, feels like i will be swollen the rest of my life, and just when you think you are doing good you are not. The worst thing is i have a little anxiety of blood clots developing. I know i shouldn't worry but i can't help it. Updated on 21 Mar 2011: Post op for 19 days, feeling pretty good, have noticed a few things: i have a hard knot around the area on my hip where one of the drains came out, feels like i will be swollen the rest of my life, and just when you think you are doing good you are not. The worst thing is i have a little anxiety of blood clots developing. I know i shouldn't worry but i can't help it. Updated on 21 Mar 2011: Post op for 19 days, feeling pretty good, have noticed a few things: i have a hard knot around the area on my hip where one of the drains came out, feels like i will be swollen the rest of my life, and just when you think you are doing good you are not. The worst thing is i have a little anxiety of blood clots developing. I know i shouldn't worry but i can't help it. Updated on 21 Mar 2011: Post op for 19 days, feeling pretty good, have noticed a few things: i have a hard knot around the area on my hip where one of the drains came out, feels like i will be swollen the rest of my life, and just when you think you are doing good you are not. The worst thing is i have a little anxiety of blood clots developing. I know i shouldn't worry but i can't help it. Updated on 21 Mar 2011: Post op for 19 days, feeling pretty good, have noticed a few things: i have a hard knot around the area on my hip where one of the drains came out, feels like i will be swollen the rest of my life, and just when you think you are doing good you are not. The worst thing is i have a little anxiety of blood clots developing. I know i shouldn't worry but i can't help it. Updated on 21 Mar 2011: Post op for 19 days, feeling pretty good, have noticed a few things: i have a hard knot around the area on my hip where one of the drains came out, feels like i will be swollen the rest of my life, and just when you think you are doing good you are not. The worst thing is i have a little anxiety of blood clots developing. I know i shouldn't worry but i can't help it.
I went in for an extended tummy tuck and muscle repair done in Feb of 2016 and here I am 6 months later and my results are not what I expected to have. Prior to surgery I lost around 90 pounds. I now have really loose skin and feel as though my muscle repair is not tight. Dr would not do lipo at the same time as tummy tuck and was told that I didn't have enough fat anyways. My mons area is really big not at all what I expected it to look like after surgery. Was told that what I got was as good as it would get without having to get a fleur de lis tummy tuck and I just don't think that is true. I have attached my before pictures and pictures I just took today 9/15/16
Dr. Davis is a liar. My experience with him was horrible. I went in for a breast reduction consultation and was approved through my insurance. He canceled my first appointment because my iron was to low. We spoke about where he wanted my iron levels for my next pre/op appointment and rescheduled 4 months later. I get a call two weeks before my pre/op appointment to come in early to get my iron levels checked. I informed them I had just completed my menstrual cycle and it would be lower than normal but they told me to come in anyway. And of course it was one point away from where he wanted my iron level at and he still canceled 4 weeks away from my surgery date. After speaking to him and my primary care physician, he stated that my iron level needs to be higher than what he told me and I felt lied to. I found another surgeon in Shreveport. A better surgeon who said my iron levels wouldn't be a problem to operate on even my primary care physician said I gave birth twice and lost more blood than I would during surgery so she didn't understand why he was being this way. I'm much happier with Doctor Baron O'Neill's personality, bedside manner and the way he's gonna do the surgery. Doctor O'neal has better staff and experience.I also called back to check to see about his availability Just to see if I couldn't get the surgery with Doctor O'Neill during the time frame I needed, this office literally lied and said that their policy is If you go to another surgeon and cancel with us, you can come back to us. First of all, when I first called that's not what was stated. Second of all, Doctor Davis is the one that canceled the surgery on me repeatedly for reasons that he came up with that were health-related, which is understandable. But if that was your policy, why didn't you say that when I first called to ask about his availability for the summer? So again, Chrissy, Alice,whatever their name in that office. They're full of [RS bleep].
I had breast lift with implants done on Dec 1, 2015 and then I had to get a revision on my left breast in Feb when I had my tummy tuck done due to the the left breast was still lower than the right nipple. I got Naturelle Silicone implants, 304cc in my left breast and 339cc in my right breast. Right now I feel as though they are not full enough, I wish for them to be bigger and more rounded above the nipple. I do like that they are natural looking but I feel like they are saggy looking also. They don't look good when I try to wear a shirt with no bra. Recently was told needed to get another breast lift done with mesh to correct pocket and hold the implant in place and not bottom out.
I loved the doctor. He was very polite and thorough with explaining the procedure. However, his unequipped "manager" is very rude, irate, and unprofessional. The other young ladies are not very friendly either. Upon the paying of my copay, my change was set on the counter next to my waiting hand. I'm sure I could have gotten better patient services from LSU. I did not get my breast reduction here because of the way I was treated. Please do not let my review deter you. It was simply my experience. This doctor is great once you get past the front desk.
My breast are 36 DD they are thin and saggy! I can never remember having firm breast. I'm going down to a full B. I'm so excited! I'm starting to get anxious. My beginning weight was 202 I'm trying to her down to 170 before my surgery I'm currently at 186. I'm trying to lose weight before to prevent sagging if I lost weight after the surgery. I've been on this forum reading stories, looking at pictures and decided to share my journey. My surgery is scheduled July 30th 2014, Preop July 25. I'll keep everyone updated. Updated on 29 Jul 2014: Tomorrow is my Big day! I'm nervous like I'm getting married! My preop was this past friday. I picked up my prescriptions, picked up all of my snacks and sports bras I'm ready! My Dr answered all of my questions I'll recheck on my size I'm asking for a full B. I've lost 20lbs couldn't make it to 30lbs! I will be taking pictures tomorrow pre and post tomorrow hopefully I will be able to post them. Updated on 31 Jul 2014: It's finally done! I went in yesterday at 10am, I was prepped for surgery and marked up. I specified I wanted a very full B! The surgery took around 3 1/2 hours. I woke up before I went to recovery that was scary. I haven't had too much pain. They are wrapped up tightly I'm so anxious to see them! I go back Monday to get get the drains taken out. I'll be updating Monday with pics as soon as I can! Updated on 4 Aug 2014: So, today was my first post op visit. I was so relieved to get unwrapped and to have the drains removed. The drains burned a bit coming out but nothing too bad. I expected them to be a little smaller but I'm over all pleased. I was a little nauseous today I'm sure from not eating before I took my antibiotics. I haven't had any pain meds for a couple of days now. The doctor re wrapped my breastfeeding and tomorrow I can finally shower and wear a sports bra. I have another visit in 1 week. Updated on 11 Aug 2014: I went in for my 2nd post op visit today. He removed the stitches. I have one small hard spot underneath my right breastfeeding he said it's a a possible hematoma. I'm not returning to work until 9/1 and I'm ready I'm sick of sitting still. I was told I could slowly resume normal activities. I'm overall pleased with my results. I'll keep everyone updated with my progress
