Dr. Wey did an immediate implant reconstruction on my right breast after mastectomy in April 2019. On my first visit with him he was the warmest doctor I had ever met. I felt really cared for. I had a horrible experience years ago when I had a tram-flap reconstruction on my left breast and had numerous surgeries due to complications. I met many doctors and he is absolutely the best and most caring. He wonderful and so is the entire staff at PSANJ in New Brunswick. My breast looks beautiful. I am so happy.
I am very happy with Dr Wey. I had a tummy tuck on February 11th. 2019. After the surgery my first thought was I should have gotten lipo as well, I felt disappointed. Then as the weeks moved on my stomach flattened and after reading up on it I learned that it was just swelling. My husband doesn't stop telling me how cute my stomach is now. The scar is perfect and fading. I'm using a scar reducing cream. They're are alot of ways to reduce swelling and the appearance of the scar. Just be patient. I learned my lesson.
I did not interview other plastic surgeons because of the vibe I got from Dr. Wey and his office. He was very personable and professional. His appearance and style made me think he must really take pride in his work. I felt that the reviews I read reflected that as well. He cares about the outcome of your surgery. So far, I feel like I got that. He is a very kind and patient doctor. Dr. Wey and his staff took care of me from before surgery till my recovery period. The staff is amazing. They call back, they answer questions, and even after the money was paid you still get the attention you deserve. Dr. Wey and his nurses/PA spend time with you at follow up appointment and I never felt rushed. All questions are answered and explained by him or his PA's. I remember once during a follow up appointment when I was fairly early out of surgery that I felt like my scar was a little high then and asked him about it. My scar is at just the right height now but when I inquired him he did not get irritated or annoyed. Even though we discussed exactly where it would be before the surgery! He took the time to explain to me his reasonings. I felt that he was very patient with me throughout all of my follow ups. I trust him 100 percent. I am only 11 weeks out and hope to keep improving my results! I think I go into the office at my 6 month mark so I will update then as well. I have a few concerns, hopefully they will get addressed. There are too many good things to say that I cannot write them all! I had to write a review as there were hardly any reviews on RealSelf!
Dr. Wey did my surgery 3 1/2 years ago. I'm small framed with an athletic build. I wanted it to look very natural so if people saw me they didn't know I had it done. Before the surgery I wore gels that you put in your bra to make me a 36B. I picked out two different sizes and Dr. Wey said he would put each one in during the surgery to see which one looked the most natural. When I woke up Dr. Wey told me that the two sizes I picked out made me look like a gorilla lol (since I'm small but have broad shoulders) plus I really didn't have enough skin to stretch over them. He ended up bringing in a totally different set that was smaller. Upon hearing this when I woke up I was a little disappointed, but I wouldn't change a thing. He was completely correct anything bigger would've made me look ridiculous. I love my breasts, they are perfect and perky! People that I have known for years didn't even know until I told them! Also, before I even scheduled my surgery he was so informative in letting me know all the risks and it was recommended in 10 years to have an MRI and my insurance wouldn't cover it to make sure everything was ok. He is a master at what he does and I would never trust anyone else.
Following my mastectomy Dr. Wey performed a breast reconstruction, with augmentation of the opposite breast to achieve better symmetry. With my treatment nearly complete, my breasts are beautiful, proportional, and just the right size. In short, they are perfect for me. The best part is that I no longer feel sad when I look in the mirror. I feel like myself again, only better. Dr. Wey is an exceptional surgeon whom I highly recommend.
Just had a tummy tuck done on March 6th. Each day seems to get easier and easier. The drains are annoying but counting down the days to have them removed. Some people thought I was crazy for doing it but I was done with having kids and I wanted to feel comfortable in my cloths. The day of surgery doctor wee made me feel calm and comfortable.
I think I went into this in a little denial about how long the recovery would be. But I am an impatient person and my husband is constantly reminding me of how little time 2 months really is ;) My surgeon was amazing. My results are amazing and I am only 5 weeks out. The day after was painful but then every day was a big step forward, by day 4 I was on advil only. It was very much worth it. The limitations in the recovery are frustrating but they will produce the best results so I try to focus on the big picture. Updated on 28 May 2013: This was taken at 3 weeks.
Rather than a day by day chronology, I have chosen to provide a sectional review, targeting various aspects of the procedure. This review is be broken into: Background, Procedure, Post Op, Results, and Summary. Background: I am 53 years old and mother of one child, 24 years old. I have always been weight conscious, at times bordering on anorexic. I exercise moderately 3-4 times/week. Since the birth of my son at 28, no matter how skinny, I was never able to get rid of the little pouch in my lower abdomen. I am 5’3” with weight over the years ranging between 95 and 115lbs. Even at 95lbs the little stomach bulge remained. Since having a hysterectomy at age 50 and going through menopause it has gotten a little worse. When visiting my plastic surgeon, Dr. Wey at PSANJ, I saw a pamphlet on Coolsculpting and decided it looked, well…cool. So I asked Dr. Wey about it. He told me because I was so thin, he was not sure I could have it done. But when his assistant who performs the procedure examined me and saw my little pouch, she said I was perfect candidate. So, I scheduled the procedure on my lower abdomen for 26-Dec. Before the procedure I read up on it, and to be honest, the reviews scared the heck out of me, but decided to go through with it. I was ready for a long recovery, pain and had low expectations. Procedure: On 26-Dec I arrived at the office, they promptly took me in, weighed me, and then had me remove my top clothing, under garments remained. She had me go to the rest room, which was a very good thing; you can’t be getting up with that machine, so you would be in trouble if you had to go once the procedure starts. Pictures were taken and my abdomen was marked. She then took me into the procedure room. There was a reclining chair, the machine and a TV on the wall. I had my ipad and my cell phone so I was ready. She had me get on the chair, gave me a blanket and explained the procedure. She then put on the gel pad; it was a little cold, but nothing much. Then she hooked up the machine and placed a pillow under it to support. It is bulky. She turned it on and bam, my little pouch was sucked in. She said it looked great and she was amazed at how well the suction took it up for such a small pouch (she did use the large device). It was a little cold, but actually not as bad as I expected, and I hate cold. I played on my ipad, phone and watched TV. I was a little uncomfortable, but way less than I expected. About 45 minutes into the procedure I got a cramp on my left side. I was going to call her, but before I knew it, the hour was up and she was removing the machine. I told her about the cramp and she said I should have called but I said it was not that bad and it was over so quickly. When she took off the machine it was like a stick of butter. She said it was one of the best results she has ever seen. Then she explained she had to massage in order to warm up the area quickly and get good results. I had heard this hurt, but again was surprised, for me it did not, just pressure. After she massage, was the worst pain when I started to thaw. That felt like searing cramps, but within 10 minutes it was over. She gave me hot coffee and had me rest a bit and then let me get dressed. I was numb and a little tender but not too bad. I went home and continued my day. Post Op: Although I was tender to touch, it was not debilitating. I actually resumed my workouts the following day. I had no trouble sleeping, including on my stomach. I also had some swelling that lasted for about week. From days 2-5 I had minimal discomfort. On day 5 I started having some burning and additional tenderness. It helped when I gently massaged the area. It lasted until about day 8. I also want to mention I have a blood condition that causes me to bruise very easily and I had no bruising! Once the swelling went down and the pain subsided, the results were miraculous. So now on to the results. Results: Right now it is about 3 weeks post procedure and all I can say is that the results for me are miraculous. As I said I went into this with low expectations, and at week 3 I am completely amazed and beyond thrilled. I know that it is very early but I am seeing results. I will post pictures once I get my before ones from the doctor. The doctor told me my stomach would not be made flat, well he was wrong. At 3 weeks my stomach is almost completely flat; my stomach has never been flat, even at 95 lbs. My skinniest jeans are loose. We went out to eat the other day and I had on my tightest skinny jeans and I did not feel uncomfortable. I put on a bikini and at 53 I felt like it looked like beyond amazing. I honestly can’t believe my eyes. Every day my stomach gets flatter. If this keeps up, my stomach could end up completely flat! Summary: I would have this done again in a heartbeat. It is the best thing I have ever done for myself. The procedure itself, for me was not that bad, except for the 10 minute warm up. For me there was no down time, just some discomfort that varied. Yes, there was swelling, but not excessive and I wore stretch pants for about 5 days. It was all well worth it. I don’t think I have ever looked this good, even in my 20’s. My husband commented that not just my stomach but overall look my look is amazing. So, in summary coolsculping is well…cool. I hope this is not a fluke and my results continue to improve. The doctor is sending me before pictures and I will take some additional ones and post them when I get them. Updated on 21 Jan 2013: It has been a little over 3 weeks. I have absolutely no more tenderness and it is no longer numb. My stomach seems flatter every day. I posted a couple of pictures. It is a little hard to appreciate the extent of the reduction from the pictures. It is more dramatic in person. The before picture is a scan from the ones they took in the office and the after was taken with my cell phone camera. All of my clothes are looser around the waist. The difference in clothing is most pronounced. I hope it continues. Updated on 30 Jan 2013: Updated 30-Jan-13: So it is now a little over a month and it just keeps getting better. Each week I think "this is it, I can't keep getting skinnier" and then I look down and if it is possible, my stomach is even flatter. My skinny pants are all loose. My husband even keeps commenting how good I look. They say 20-25% in 4-5 months, well I would say I have lost about 60-70% in a little over a month. When I pinch my lower abdomen, there is just not much there anymore. We are going on vacation in March and I am so excited, I bought a bunch of new bikinis and can't wait to wear them! I will take more pictures this weekend and post them. I am really shocked, my results are beyond amazing. Updated on 23 Feb 2013: 23-Feb-13: Results keep getting better! My pants are all loose now. I am so amazed. Updated on 2 Mar 2013: 2-March: So excited to wear my new bikini. Going to St. Croix in 2 week and I can't esoteric yo wear all my new bathing suits.
12 days post op and I feel Fantastic ! The first 5 days was tough but every day I feel better and better. Im a Mom of 4 , 10.5 lb. was my largest and 8.4 was my smallest . I spent my entire 30's having babies and weighing 190 - 233. I let myself go and hated what I saw in the mirror . One day I woke up and decided I didn't want to feel like that anymore , or ever again. So it began . I lost 60 lb. by counting calories and portion control in 6 months and have keep it for 2 years . What a feeling !!! Like losing weight , I woke up and decided it was time to do something about my stomach and I did just that . I contacted 3 of my friends who are nurses and asked them for reference for a PS , all 3 of them all said " Dr Wey ". Saw him for a consult and booked my surgery that day. I had my surgery at St. Peters hospital in New Brunswick NJ on 6/4 . I was admitted on Monday morning and discharged Tuesday evening. The total cost was 16,631. That included PS fee, anesthesia and hospital . Updated on 27 Feb 2013: 8 months post . I just had a scar revision and more lipo to my flanks and over my front hip bones. It was free of charge, just had to pay the hospital fee, just under 1300. I had the procedure done in the hospital on 2/21.No big deal , laid around all weekend watching movies. I'm 5 days post op , a bit sore but feel GREAT! My only complaint is this binder, HATE it ! Updated on 1 Mar 2013: I'm 8 days post op from haveing lipo and scar revision. Today is the first day I have on a pair of spanks for compression , I really hate the binder :( . I also put on a pair of jeans rather then sweats. I really should have rethought that decision. Anywho, swelling has gone down significantly and I no longer have pain, just sore. Peace, love and happy healing to all :) Updated on 1 Mar 2013: I'm 8 days post op from haveing lipo and scar revision. Today is the first day I have on a pair of spanks for compression , I really hate the binder :( . I also put on a pair of jeans rather then sweats. I really should have rethought that decision. Anywho, swelling has gone down significantly and I no longer have pain, just sore. Peace, love and happy healing to all :) Updated on 21 Mar 2013: Today is 4 weeks post op of Lipo and scar revision. I can't wait to start working out :)
I gained over 60 pounds for each baby and lost it all each time. After my last baby 3 years ago I decided to work harder and lose the baby belly. My belly did go down and I also went down to my pre marriage weight but I was left with more droopy skin and hanging out belly because of the diasti recti. Initially I went in for consultation considering liposuction. Dr said that I was already so deflated and that it will leave me more deflated and I was a candidate for tummy tuck. I really didn't want surgery since I hated c sections. But after that consultation I felt that was the choice for me. I did a bunch of research and I booked with the same office a few weeks later. I only interviewed one dr because he had good reviews and he was very personable. I stayed one night at the hospital and now recovering at home. Updated on 2 Jan 2017: I caught a stomach bug and I was so nauseous. I tried everything to keep from throwing up. It hurt so bad. I was so concerned about rupturing sutures that I called my PS to ask if zofran or something would help. He assured me I wouldn't be rupturing 2 weeks out. Good thing I only had to throw up once. But it sucked. Updated on 2 Jan 2017: Even though I researched so much about the recovery and the whole tummy tuck process...I don't think anything really prepared me for this. Especially the emotional ups and downs. I was not ready for this. I'm an active and happy person I would say. I enjoy keeping myself busy. I think being sedentary had some part to play with this. But I found my self to be extremely down. I was cranky. I was irritable. At times I didn't want to do anything at all. Many times I caught myself thinking that I shouldn't have done this. I should have worked out harder even though I know for a fact that that skin wasn't going anywhere. I'm young. We are young. We don't even remember my prepregnancy belly. Those are some of the reasons I decided to go for this. My husband has been so supportive. I had family that flew out to help me. Regardless....None of this prepared me for everything that I felt. I did discuss this with my PS when I went in last Friday. He says definitely go back to work tues which will be my day 21 post op. He was very supportive and understanding. I start work tomorrow. I'm nervous. Hopefully it won't be too bad and will help me get my mood back. I have my good days. I have my bad days. But for the most part...Everyday is getting better.... Updated on 3 Jan 2017: Sigh.....So much on my mind. So emotional. So good things first. Work was good. It was good to be back and see everyone. My coworker did comment that I am walking hunched over. I didn't tell anyone what the surgery was for. But being out in public was a good for me...It helped me to walk straighter and with a more normal posture. I didn't feel that I was more swollen at the end of the day. So I am getting the feeling that my belly is more rounded and that is just my anatomy. I don't remember being like this prebaby 10 years ago...But maybe a little. No surgery can correct that...Regardless...I will ask my PS about his honest opinion if I will get flatter. I just have a little roundness that I am not seeing on any post TTRs. I think I have decided that even if this is my best result. I am extremely happy with my result. My scar is like a thread. My PS is amazing. I think I can come to love my new body? So the other thing on my mind...I only told my side of the family immediate...Mom sisters brother...Not my dad! And no one at my in-laws. I told my BF. And another very close friend I have debated if I should tell her or not. I love her. We've talked about this a few times before. She is the one I would have been the most happy to tell. However, This has been a lone journey for me. I didn't want anyones opinion. I wanted to do this for my self. I didn't even ask my husband. He's been so supportive and even paid for the surgery though. By the time I booked the surgery I still had quite a few months till the surgery. I had decided at that point that if I'm not happy for some reason at the pre op Appointment I'm not putting in the deposit and calling out. However fast forward a few months later after the pre op appointment I was so comfortable with the doctor and staff I just knew it that this was right for me. I paid. I walked out giddy and ecstatic. The next two weeks flew by for me and I never got to tell my other close friend. She came to know this weekend. I told her. I think she was upset. I'm heart broken. I think, I could be wrong, that maybe she is upset because my BF knew and she didn't? Or maybe I told her after the matter? She's been distant...She's not talking to anyone and I don't know why she's upset yet. But I'm sad. Because when you tell someone something that's secret or private about you...You're giving away something..You're giving a part of your self away. And that hurt. There are so many things on my mind about this situation that I just don't want to say. But ...I really should have thought this out....I regret telling her. Maybe in the long run it will be better...Maybe there's something else bothering her and unrelated to me. Anyway...I'm done. This is a new year and it's all about me. I'm taking care of my self for once. Updated on 6 Jan 2017: Tell me you sang the title to limp Bizkit's behind blue eyes ;). But seriously...No one knows or understands what you are going through other than my real self friends here. Grateful for you all. Today marks the end of my first week of work and it was really good. Already I'm walking so much better. Today being the best. And you know what else? I definitely feel like walking straighter is correlated with a flatter tummy. I'm less hunched over. My insides aren't forced to protrude out. My torso seems longer and belly button more in place. I feel better and look better. I definitely still feel rounded but it's getting better. The swelling isn't bothering me so much as the roundness Prego looking belly ..Maybe it's the same thing I don't know. It has to be since I've noticed the last few mornings I am so much more flatter. I still have the tape on my belly button and scar. So I don't know what it really looks like. I'll see that next week at my appointment. A few things I'm grateful for...So far my scar seems like a thread..Amazing. For the amount of skin I had...He kept my scar short. It doesn't extend to the side. This whole journey for me has been like I'm PMS-ing the whole time. It's also like reverse pregnancy. We start bigger and wait for our bellies to get smaller and smaller and hopefully by the 6-9 month mark it's over. I know. I'm thinking too much. There's no one to talk to. Everyones sick of hearing me I'm sure. :/ Updated on 6 Jan 2017: I'm so unprepared for this. I researched so much before the surgery and had loads of information but ugh....It's a crap load of every thing happening at once..I just felt like crying so I did. Also I keep comparing my results to others...And I know that more swelling happens at this time and I know everyones body is different but I just looked in the mirror today and I was like I hate it! There's really nothing seriously wrong and nothing dr did at all. It's that time of the month and omg I'm gonna be 4 weeks in a few days and I don't see any progress! I looked through the pictures and I don't see much changes. My sister says it looks great. I'm not fishing for compliments. I don't like me right now. I think everything looks ugly. Updated on 11 Jan 2017: So like I said I did so much research before going into this. Remember when everyone said swell hell at 3 weeks? Well yeah it's real. Don't think you will be exempt from it. I see all you ladies around my time going through it...Makes me feel better I'm not the only one . It messes with your emotions too. So I'm the flattest I've seen me so far maybe almost like first day post op. I'll never know cuz I wasn't one of those taking pics day one or day two or three. I was miserable. Regardless of being flat..It's so freaky weird looking. I mean it's unnatural pulling your skin all the way down so there's nothing natural about this surgery except that's all I want. I want to look normal. In time, when the scar fades, when I can finally see my belly button it will all come together! I will continue waiting, eating right, maybe walking on the treadmill. Hang in there ladies. Mwah Updated on 14 Jan 2017: So aunt Flo came and what an entrance it was. Woooh. I dont know if it was cuz of the surgery or what but it was heavy. The mood swings seem better too. I have very little energy. I'm just so tired all the time. It's still sore. It still hurts to sneeze. Can't do a full cough yet. Can't get in out of bed like before. But I can yell at the kids. Just not full force ;). I started walking on the treadmill. An almost power walk. For about 20 min. I couldn't stand it anymore. The PS said if I need to for my emotional well being than go ahead. It did feel good. I'll keep trying everyday. Ok so today I decided that my TT was "worth it". Everything is settling down. I'm still swollen but it's not bad to the point I look pregnant. I thought my BB was too high...It's just perfect. I thought it was off-centered too...And it's not..I think the swelling puts everything out of wack. I have one concern . I feel like I have a little extra skin on the sides because I can pinch it standing and it's not smooth and flat like the middle part of my scar. So I will bring that up. He already told me that my tiny pleat will go away and if not he will take care of it quick in office. Perfect... Updated on 16 Jan 2017: So I wanted to say that I am completely done feeling guilty about all of this. That's it I'm done. I know I worked out hard and did what I could and there's nothing I could have done other than love the body I was in. Which I didn't. Because it was gross. I don't think this will completely get rid of my emotions...But it's helped quite a bit. Everyday is better. I was even feeling a little excited for myself. Like my Dr said...My workouts can be more productive now. I have been taking profile pics of my belly to monitor swelling with the compression garment on. It's crazy to see all the swelling from morning to night. I'm not making it up! I also started measuring with a tape around my waist by the belly button (so I know I am measuring the same area). Yeah I need concrete facts! I was 36inches before surgery. And I was 31inches a couple of weeks ago with all the crazy swelling. Now I am 29.5. so that's alot of inches lost but pants kinda fit the same way since I don't wear them all the way up to my belly button lol. I feel swollen on my butt and thighs a little bit. So some of the tape came off from my belly button scab. But it's still a little stuck on there. So I didn't pull it off. It can wait till Drs visit this Wednesday. But I'm not too sure what is going on with BB as the hole looks tiny unless the incision part is going to sink in too? So I had to break it to my obgyn about my tummy tuck as she does mini tucks and smart lipo. She's so sweet she was really happy for me. She checked it out and said it really looked great and that he did and excellent job. She said I was swollen and that is expected and she thinks the tiny pleats and what I think is extra skin will smooth out. She's not a plastic surgeon but hey OK. Updated on 20 Jan 2017: One month post op went excellent. Dr said I'm looking really good. Swelling has gone down alot but still there. I feel pretty flat so it's good to hear that I still have swelling so I'll go down more! Yay. PA gave me exercises. Belly button tape came off. It's supposed to sink in once the swelling goes down. Dr assured me he doesn't have to do many revisions and if what I think is extra skin doesn't go away he will do it in office. PA said you took 4 weeks off and were resting..It's going to take that much time to get your energy back. I'm getting busier at home with the regular routine of things and realizing so are my realself friends. Its really nice to know that you all are feeling better and liking your results. Pretty soon we will be signing on less and less and reporting less and less. Know that you all have been so supportive and helpful during one of the most difficult times ever and I am grateful for that! I decided not to ask my Dr about how much skin and fat was removed and how much muscle was seperated because it doesn't matter to me anymore. I'm not justifying it anymore. Please don't ever feel guilty. Ever. Happy healing lovely ladies. Updated on 26 Jan 2017: Ugh...I was doing so good last week. Swelling was down. Feeling good. And now...I feel so swollen. Again. It looks like it is pregnant. I hate the feeling too. Because the skin had relaxed and now it is super tight again and I'm having to hold it in so I don't feel it. I'm eating clean, drinking water, moving around. What else am I supposed to do? Do any of you notice more swelling when you are ovulating? How about after work outs? Updated on 30 Jan 2017: That's what I read one of the real self doctors say. Wow. It's a long road. It's definitely has been a journey. I don't know what happened last week but my swelling was intense. Again not like the initial. It's still there. I haven't gone back to my flattest that I have been but it's getting better now. I really have to remember eating right (low salt ) and drinking lots of water . Water helps alot. It helps you to go and helps with the fluids. I think we also have to realize that our abs are alot smaller now so we notice every little bit of swelling. I never had an issue with going everyday but now even 6 weeks out I still have this issue. I also feel like I can't eat all foods. I've eliminated red meat. It does not stay well with me or let me say stays with me too long :/ lol The problem I have with my swelling is that it makes me look rounded and pregnant. I hate that so much. I keep telling myself it's temporary. I'm taking another realselfer's advise. "It's part of life now". I'm trying not to examine it everyday. Definitely not taking pics anymore. I also read on here that getting on to more of your normal routine helps with the swelling . And also exercising. So I started again last night. I bought some cute work out clothes but I had to put my binder on top of it. Imagine that lol. I did 20 min of light jog. And some elliptical. I could not do a plank. Not a single. I don't know if it was because I was too scared or too weak. Idk. I'll wait. I just want to do my core because what if it's my core that is weak that is causing some abdominal bulging? Anyway...Here is the scar cream I want to start. It's 100% silicone which I like! Nothing else added since I have read silicone is one of the only products that's proven effective. I would love embrace...Which is also 100% silicone but too expensive for me. I have a generic slicone sheeting too that I will use. Only doing the sheeting now since its reusable. Now if I could just get this swelling down so I can worry about the belly button . Lolol. I am going to try CG and a binder. It's possible that my CG is loose again. Updated on 1 Feb 2017: Is it swelling if you can suck in your gut? I don't remember doing that before. I feel like I am bloated and I can somewhat suck it in and let it out. What is that? I have been exercising consistently and it helps my energy level. Updated on 1 Feb 2017: My pleats are minimal. Belly button still swollen Updated on 4 Feb 2017: Hi all....My swelling has come down but it is still there. It helps to measure with a fabric tape. So I noticed that I fluctuate about half an inch from morning to evening. I don't usually do this but these past two weeks. Anyway.. I am definitely flatter in the morning than evening. I feel like I have to suck in my stomach to achieve flat look. I didn't have to do that two weeks back. I haven't done anything that would damage my muscle repair. It feels pretty tight upon examination. Maybe it is the swelling but why would your abs stick out like you are pregnant? Working out has been great. I achieved my 7 days in a row this week. I notice I have so much more energy and I was able to do a much more towards the end of the week. I started out by power walking and light jog for 15 minutes. now I can do 25 min of light jog to running and modified planks plus arm weights and lunges. So that's good progress. I just hope I get where I want to be...Even if it takes longer. I feel like my recovery/progress is a bit slow. Updated on 14 Feb 2017: It's dead. No sticky left in it. I may attempt to repair it but I have gotten used to being without and I don't need it. So I have my PS appt soon. Highlight of my week. There's so many concerns I need to bring up. I'm supposed to be getting better and last month visit was so good with hardly any concerns. So my main concern is why do I have to suck in my belly. Why is it that I look like I have a 3 month baby bump? Are my muscles that weak? Ive been reading on real self and basically what I got down to was...They can sew you up but they can't change your anatomy (your inside contents poking out) and they can't change how weak your muscles are. I do hope exercises help. I've been busy and not thinking about it too much. I've been exercising everyday and building up my stamina to a 35 minute light jog. Which is great for me. No judging. But seriously this has me puzzled. I'm flat when I lay down (which means it's not visceral fat because that doesn't move). I have to suck in to look flat. It's worse throughout the day. Better in the mornings but some mornings are worse than others. It's not the repair...It feels intact. I haven't done anything strenuous or crazy. I really hope to be off of this Spanx. I think it's making it worse. Because my size small Spanx won't stay up my waist and keeps riding down and it's hitting few inches above the belly button so all the fluid is getting stuck there. I'll ask them if I need it if not I'll ditch it. If I do I'll have to get it online. I also have this bump above the belly button since yesterday and it's a little hard. Also... I have this tiny hard maybe stitch poking out of my long incision. On the outside there were no stitches at all so I don't know if they were used on the inside. My belly button is ugly. I don't know what's going on with it. There's hardly a hole and the rest looks like skin. It looks like it should pull in. But it's not. It's ugly. Don't lie. How do I bring that up? Hey Dr I love your work but what the hell is this? I want to be left alone in my house for one week. I feel like I'm being pulled in every direction. And I just need more time to me. That's all. I can't believe 9 weeks has gone by....I wish I cud be like the other women and just be flat after this surgery. I'm not expecting perfection at all but I was not expecting this either. Not fair. I've worked hard to be where I am and I just can't have that result. Updated on 28 Feb 2017: For anyone wondering what happened or for someone coming across this review later. Basically I have a combination of muscle weakness, some visceral fat and of course swelling. My Dr said I won't be completely flat. I don't really need to suck in to look good but I have to "hold" it in. If anyone is going through this than you know exactly what I mean by this. He wants me to do more core and cardio...cardio for my visceral fat. I have been told by my primary Dr that I have borderline cholesterol and visceral fat around my internal organs. My PS does not really want me losing more than a few pounds as I am small. My core is very very weak and stretched. My wonderful Dr also stitched me on my sides in addition to up and down. Crazy. So I have been exercising everyday as it is a good stress release for me and I am enjoying it so much. I do running for 30 minutes plus about 40 minutes of weights/lunges/squats and 10-15 min of isolated isometric core. Working out has made my ab muscles sore!! I don't know if it is the exercising but my energy level is good and back to normal. It doesn't hurt to sneeze anymore it is just sore. I can't do a full belly cough or if something gets stuck in my throat it's hard to do get it out properly. I can lay uncomfortably on my belly. I cannot stretch in Cobra position. I need to work on this. I can do a modified plank and I can do a good modified push up. I am really weak in my core. When you feel my ab muscles there is nothing there. It is mush. I'm getting there though. I have lost almost 9 inches from before surgery. And since I have been doing strong core exercises I have lost a few more inches. My waist around the belly button is 27 inches when I am holding it in comfortably. If I relax all the way I am about 28-29 inches no more. I haven't noticed a change in pant sizes since I wore my pants below my belly button but I noticed a change in my shirts depending on the style. I don't need to go back to my PS till my 6 month mark. Even though I like going for visits I am glad because I want to not focus so much on my TT.. I want to work out because it feels good and hopefully I will get some better results and I have until the 6 month mark to "prove" to myself I can do this. (Mostly get the rest of my body toned). Regardless I will not be disappointed if I cannot get my belly more toned. It was a little frustrating seeing some RS'rs who were bigger than me all around achieve that flat stomach. I have come to terms with this. Oh also there is no depth to my belly button because I had little fat underneath my skin. I hope it improves or that he can do something to revise it. Updated on 6 Mar 2017: Tomorrow will be my 12 weeks mark. Pretty crazy! At the same time I feel like I have a long ways to go. I don't think I swell too much anymore. My belly seems a little puffy in the evening. Its superficial on the skin surface. I'll notice a few marks occasionally on my skin because of the swelling. I definitely get bigger after the evening meal and that is not swelling. That is my muscles not holding everything in. A few weeks ago when I started working out my belly felt so soft and like mush when I tensed my muscles. Now they are definitely a little firmer. I have my good days and bad days. But I really think the swelling days are pretty much over. I think I'm seeing close to my final results. The belly popping out is annoying but hopefully it will get better with exercise. I have been advised by my PS to give it time (and stop taking pics! Haha) and by my mom and sister to stop thinking about this and just give myself time to heal. I have been doing just that and I feel better. I don't log on to real self too much anymore mostly cuz I don't want to be hounding post after posts looking for answers when I kind of already have them. It has been so liberating to work out to feel good, get toned, release stress and not to lose weight cuz I don't need to! I love that feeling . My energy is really good. Abs super sore from working out. I work out almost 6-7 days per week. I make time for it because I love it so much now. I never did before. I'll update at 4 months or 6 months or if there is any significant changes/improvement. Oh! Also...I have an anterior pelvic tilt. So after surgery I noticed that it was as corrected. Now that I have relaxed it has come back. The surgery helped it alot. It's not as significant but my husband pointed out my posture the other day. Basically your pelvis (think of the top of your hip bone) pointing forward. That causes your back to sway more and have an arch in it. Your stomach to pop out..And your butt to stick out in the back and your chest to stick out too. So I have been reminding myself to tuck my pelvis in and doing stretches to stretch my hamstrings, quads and glutes. Downward facing dog help the most. I'm tight! And I have been doing core exercises as a weak core can contribute to that. So all these little reasons that's causing me to pop out more than I should! There are two RealSelfers on here that are not active anymore but they have had progress with getting a flatter belly after doing exercises for a weak fascia/core muscles. I have them saved in my notebooks. Updated on 24 Apr 2017: As I am approaching my 5th month I have come to realize that there are many aspects of this tummy tuck that the surgery did not correct. And it's normal. And I have come to accept that. But before I state those I want to say how I am finally so happy that I did this surgery. It is so funny how I went into the consult thinking lipo only and no way surgery. I'm so glad my Dr said everything he did without making me feel like he was trying upsell me. I am really grateful for that. I feel so good now that there is no flabby belly hanging down when I walk. I feel so contained and I mostly feel like me how I am supposed to be. I have so much motivation to workout and be healthy not just to look good but to feel good. I do feel like I am finally getting over the emotional aspect of this surgery. I look at a tummy tuck as more of a corrective procedure rather than a cosmetic procedure. For me, this type of thinking puts things in perspective. Some of the things the tummy tuck did not address for me (and my realself friends have helped me come to realize that this is all normal): *I had some thin and compromised skin by my long scar. So hence. If I bend over there is thin wrinkly skin there. Some of my realself friends say this is where their stretch marks are. Mine too probably, but luckily for me my stretch marks on my stomach are not visible * When I lay on my side...My belly flops over...It's not grotesque like it was before but this is compromised skin and weak muscles. * When I do a plank...My belly hangs down. You can see the directions in which he draped my skin...So amazing but not pretty lol. * When I sit there is some flabby skin. Hence why I needed this surgery to begin with. If you have great skin you would not be having this surgery. I do still have a lower belly bulge. But with the exercises and trying to correct my posture it has somewhat improved. At least I think so. I have not been taking pictures. When I tense my ab muscles I have the beginning of some definition! I can see the lines forming at the top of my abs where the rectus abdm. begins on the sides. When I relax you can't see any of that. Now, for the bulge. I have read that many doctors on realself suggest/recommend a repeat surgery to correct it. But imo a weak muscle is a weak muscle. It needs to be strengthened. If the muscles have seperated that is a whole different sorry but I do not have that. I do not think I would go for a repeat surgery if I was offered that. I get some inspiration from fitness bloggers like Emily Skye and Anna Victoria. They post pics of their abs relaxed and sitting down. These are beautiful toned and fit women. Even they have rolls or a flab when they sit. It's NORMAL. I also like to follow Simone Anderson. She has posted pics of herself post tummy tuck sitting in a bikini and stating she still has excess skin. So these are real life women ladies. I'm grateful for their truthfulness. So my 6 month mark is in June. Hope to get the minor excess skin by the ends of my scar revised and really hope we can do something about my tiny holed belly button. Will report in June! Updated on 25 Apr 2017: I forgot to post some of the reasons why I do not feel 100%. *I realized when I sneeze I still brace myself and gently hold my stomach. It doesn't hurt anymore but I guess it's uncomfortable *It is hard to do a full belly cough. Like if if something gets stuck. I attribute this to weak abdominal muscles. *I have a sore spot where my stitches are somewhere above and to the right of my belly button. It only hurts if when I am doing ab excercises and I am not careful. I've noticed I've had to cry two times and it hurts then too. * Don't have enough strength to put an average size carryon above me in the overhead bin. I did it but felt sore afterwards. Again...Weak muscles * Can't do a full regular push up, plank or regular crunches. *If I bump the sides of my stitches, even if it's on a foam soft char, it hurts. I think because the ends of my stitches are against my pelvis. *Numb area. I actually don't expect this to get better and I doesn't make me feel less normal. *Getting out of bed I notice that I still grab on to my legs * For some reason I cannot lay on my stomach comfortably. I may be able to stay in this position for not more than a minute. I don't sleep on my stomach but I miss this. Energy wise I am good and I feel back to normal. I am able to wear all my regular clothes plus clothes I had put away cuz they did not suit my belly. This has been a huge plus. :) Updated on 18 May 2017: Not much has changed. Feeling really good. . The only thing that does is feeling sore in one area in particular above my abs. That part is sore when I work out or laugh too hard. It's still uncomfortable to lay on belly but I can. I'm posting pics of all my hard ab work. When I tense my muscles you can see some definition. Granted the lighting has to be good . Lol. I have some excess skin on the side and by the long scar. It is hard to take a pic of. Can you see it? Is this something that should be revised? Or is this normal? I also don't like my belly button . I wish it could be changed. But I'll still be happy if I can't. Updated on 18 May 2017: I took some pics after a long time. The lighting was right and you could see 4 months of hard ab work!! Updated on 18 May 2017: Updated on 1 Jun 2017: As my 6 month and my 6 month follow up final appointment approaches Im thinking all about my TT again. I wanted to write one final post. I was thinking of all the things I wish I had actually done. Even though not so many read my post anymore I don't like to leave things hanging. So I'm excited to hear what my PS will say about the so called extra skin above my scar and the looks of BB. If no revisions are offered I am cool with it. Some things that are better and/or not 100 percent: Coughing and sneezing are just fine now! Just really deep coughing are hard if I get something stuck in my throat. I can lay on my belly just fine! A little sensitive by the scar where it hits my hip bone if it bumps. That little sore spot is still there. It hurts with strenuous activity, exercise or laughing hard. Planks and push-ups are just fine! Core has gotten alot stronger. I do alot of deep ab muscles exercises...(stomach vacuums). So in turn this has helped my belly bulge ALOT. I still have a minor bulge but it's so much better. Im fine with it . Eating right, doing abs, and cardio and yoga stretches help alot. Granted I can slouch and relax and make my belly look 5 mos pregnant haha. I do not like my belly button but honestly it has gotten better... definitely more sunken in as the swelling went down. My scars are a nice thin line but sooo dark. My friend pointed out this too. So that's just me and I know it takes time. The silicone did crap for me and I am going to try Vit e and what about skin bleach creams? Gonna ask the ps. So some of the things I wish I knew and some advice for those going into TT: -time time time. This surgery takes time. Everything gets better and better and better. There will be ups and downs . It will get worse and then better. Accept it. And try not to let your emotions run alongside with the swelling of yours. The swelling is like a rollercoaster. Focus on healing and not looking at your belly. Nothing can be revised anyway at this point. -expectations- Now my ps did not make huge crazy promises and I wasn't expecting to be flat before going in. However, comparing my self to other women on realself really did a number on me. Everyone's body is different and beautiful in their own way. Accept it. Love your new self. I am sure it is better than what it was. Be grateful. Be happy. You're lucky you could have this surgery in the first place and you are lucky you didn't have any major complications. And I know expectations is a hard one because we spent alot of money on this and it's not like we saw a picture that said ok you will look like this and this is what you are paying for. Right? -pick a PS who can do the job but someone you also like. I don't go to any drs, dentist, or obgyns that I don't like personally . I liked my PS right away. You have to be able to like their personality because when problems arise then you need to be able to discuss it without getting pissed off at your doctor. So yeah bedside manners count. And boy did I have complaints after complaints and my PS was always very reassuring without getting the least bit annoyed. Thinking back I must have been so annoying. Ha -A TT is not the easy way out! I was so naive about this. Yes I knew recovery would be tough but I didn't realize I would have to WORK hard to get my muscles strong? again. Some don't have to I know. I really wished I had done ab exercises before the surgery. Having a strong core and pelvic floor will help you in the long run . -it hurts so much more than a C-section -build your community and friends here. They are there for you and you will need them because they are the ones who don't mind answering at odd hours and know exactly what you are going through. As supportive as my family and husband were...their ears will fall off at the amount of TT talk you will do. Plus my real self friends had some great advice and ideas. -don't feel guilty. This I had such a hard time with. It's? not like you are changing what you were born with (not bashing women who do) but you are correcting your abs after all that they went through. You worked out and you did your best. And even if you didn't that's? okay because no amount of exercise will get rid of your skin. -if you are a private person..or someone who doesn't want to tell the whole world. Be careful who you tell. Just think thoroughly and don't change? your mind after surgery because your emotions are out of whack. Last thing you want is drama or unnecessary comments. Thank you everyone here for posting their stories and all the friends here. I'm not going to be checking notifications anymore but I will respond to DM. Happ healing everyone. :) Updated on 15 Jul 2017: Hi all. I wanted to update from my 6 month appointment. I haven't had a chance at all. And I have been bad with exercising. I have been so busy. But basically I have realized that in order for you to keep your tummy in shape you have to keep exercising and eating right. My PS was impressed with my outcome for sure. He goes....you're flat. I'm like yeah a little bulge when I relax (as opposed to kinda tensing my muscles.) And he goes that is perfectly normal. He wanted to know exactly which exercises I did! Anyway...what bothers me most about this right now is I hate bumping into things. It hurts my scar. And the little step off I have with extra skin...he says leave it...but he will fix it if it bothers me...they said give it time and come back later. Human nature is ungrateful lol. Now I want that scar lightened! I can't stand it. My skin is tan and my scar is dark . What worked for you guys??? What should I do. Do scars mature and stop fading at certain point?
