Phillip H. Nakano, MD (retired)

Hello all!
I am 38 years old and I have an upcoming tummy tuck surgery . I’m so nervous and excited at the same time! I hope I can meet someone who is having surgery close to mines. I would love to share our experiences together.
I have two beautiful daughters 19 and 6 . I currently weigh 152 lbs and am 5’6. Big stomachs run in my family and I have had a stomach since I was a teen. I have been hiding my body all my life and I want to feel more confident with myself. I look so deformed with my chicken legs and huge gut!
I have read so many stories on here and I want to share my journey with you all.

Updated on 9 Jan 2019:
These are my before pics. For years I have wore huge baggy clothes to conceal my stomach. I really hate going out because I don’t have clothes that fit well on me. I’m also tired of people asking if I am pregnant! Lol
Surgery doc is Phillip Nakano, Duluth GA

Updated on 19 Jan 2019:
I’m surprised at how well my recovery is going. I believe I had some lingering side effects from the anesthesia. I was shaking, had a light head, and hyperventilated every now and then.
I called my PS and he said he will meet me at the nearest hospital. We all just wanted to make sure it wasn’t a pulmonary embolism. My PS wanted for it to be checked out right away. The ER was packed so bad but my doc was able to get me in. This doctor was super supportive and stayed in the hospital with me to wait for my results from the ER doc. He stayed with me from 9 pm to 2:00 am. I’m so blessed to have him as my surgeon. Everyone in the hospital couldn’t believe I just had surgery that morning, they said most people are so uncomfortable and are pretty much out of it on the day of surgery. Not me, in fact I have not slept yet since my surgery which finished less than 12 hours ago.
The results came out negative and we were all relieved. I’m feeling so much better now and haven’t had an episode yet.


Updated on 19 Jan 2019:
I wasn’t sure if my other post will post . I wanted to clarify the part where I said recovery is going well besides the hyperventilating scare.
It’s going well because I don’t feel any pain. It just feels like I did 1000 crunches. I probably can stand more upright but I’m scared that something might split LOL. I don’t see anything leaking around my drain sites or anywhere else at the moment . My drains are collecting a good amount of fluid and the color of the drainage looks good.
This is Day 1 I will update you all on how it’s going after awhile.

Updated on 20 Jan 2019:
Swell hell as everyone calls it. I have a tight binder on so I couldn’t really tell if it was swollen but I did feel uncomfortable. The only pain I felt was the stinging from the drains . Also, my back hurts because I’m still hunching over. Now it’s day 3 in the morning and I feel pretty good. I take my pain medication before the pain starts so that has been helping me. My throat feels a little sore now due to the intubation from general anesthesia.
I make sure that I eat a lot of protein and stay hydrated. I’m taking my multivitamin, iron, b-complex, and bromelain . I heard it gets better as the days go by. I’m just so happy that I can feel better about myself. I don’t even care what my stomach looks like. I’m just glad that the apron is gone!
Updated on 25 Jan 2019:
Dr Nakano was very supportive throughout this whole process. Nurse Lisa is always there to help and answer any questions one may have. Bedside manners, patience, and excellent care was given by the whole staff and I can’t ask for a better team. The best plastic surgeon ever!



Updated on 27 Jan 2019:
Hope everyone is doing ok..here is an updated pic of me during my dressing change. I’m still hunched over so of course my back is killing me. I’m just so happy that I don’t have to wear huge jackets, sweaters, and shirts to hide

Just got my lip lift done today . 4mm was taken off I feel like I needed 6-7 mm removed but the dr said he would rather take more off after than take too much off before . I don't feel like it looks different enough so I already know I will need more removed . I don't feel like I have a lot of swelling but it doesn't look very lifted and I know it will drop more . Hopefully he can get me in right away to take more off this month . With how my top lip is this is the best procedure for me because fillers only ever helped my bottom lip . I am very sore today but I think it will be a very easy recovery .

Updated on 14 Mar 2017:
Swelling is Down more now than earlier today .

Updated on 16 Mar 2017:
Swelling is down I can tell it is closer to my nose but I am still going to pay the 100$ and get another surgery since I want more top lip showing . Also if it drops 2 mm in the first year as other reviews say I would need 2-4more mm off . After the second day I had no paint and feels like it is healing very fast

Updated on 16 Mar 2017:
Feel ready to go places but still have the self absorb stitches . I feel like they won't come off until Monday but we will see. I see a little cute improvement to the shape similar looking to when I tried filler 7 years ago . I definitely think this gives a rejuvenating affect to my face since I used to smoke for 10 years but have not for about 6 years and I think the lines by my mouth were caused by this . I see a nice improvement to my lower face even though I am still wanting more skin removed this was definitely a great surgery for me .

Updated on 30 Aug 2017:
Revision ! So about a week after my first surgery all my swelling was gone and really this whole time it hasn't changed since . It didn't drop at all but I knew I wanted a couple more mm taken off . My first time was 4 mm and this time I told him please take off 2 mm and he said it was about 2 mm so I'm assuming it was or close . My smile and lip looked so much better after my first surgery but I knew I wanted more of my top lip turned upward and more tooth show . I think it's perfect now ! Of course there is probably swelling but mine was worse last time on the 2nd and 3rd day . I just had my surgery this morning at 9 . Now I know if I choose to get lip fillers in the future they will look great because my lip is lifted enough and my smile will look even better when it is all healed .

Updated on 2 Jul 2018:

I'm a 31 year old wife and mom of 2 kids, ages 6 and 12. I breastfed and pumped for almost 2 years total.
After my second child I felt and looked deflated so I did my research for a while and now I'm here. My scheduled date for surgery was November 22, 2016. I was super nervous. But felt very comfortable with the surgeon, staff and anesthesiologist. Ent in for 11:30 had surgery at 12:30 and was heading home by 2:30.

I can not express how happy I am with this procedure! I HATE lip injections and saw this procedure on REAL SELF. I had never even heard of it--my doctor is THE BEST! I would let No ONE touch my face---but him, He has done procedures for me for over 25 years---I am 57 and he keeps me looking great! if I get brave I may post my body---BUT he is VERY conservative and he was not certain he wanted to do the procedure at first. I begged. The first lift was done a month before and even though I had no pain, no scar--I wanted more. I pleaded again and he performed the surgery again this Tuesday. I am very happy! I would have liked to have a tad more...but I am happy. He had me take 1 valium and 1 Ativan prior 45 min and there was no pain. I had a little discomfort and I mean a tiny bit a few hours at home, but I took 1 pain pill and that was it. I would like to load photos, but they are not uploading I will keep trying. I LOVE this surgery, my great doctor, Phillip Nakano and his wonderful staff in Duluth, GA at Prima Plastic Surgery!

Updated on 28 Aug 2016:
Real Self Team--I have no problem loading photos on any other site. When I click on your upload button nothing happens.. Please direct me as to what I may need to do! Thanks!

Updated on 20 Nov 2016:
Hey! I have NOT been able to load photos on this site EVER and I am at my mother's and got one to load. Hope I get the other so you too can see what a BEAUTIFUL job Dr. Phillip Nakano did!!!

Updated on 20 Nov 2016:
The photo below was about 2 months out

Updated on 25 Nov 2016:


Updated on 25 Nov 2016:


Updated on 25 Nov 2016:


Updated on 26 Nov 2016:
This is a close up 3 months almost exact. There is no makeup, but I do have on lipstick because I am about to run out---I saw the text needing to see the close up. As you can see---VERY minimal scar IF you can even see it. I can not. I mean---if I put on glasses and got up REAL close there might be a VERY faint red line and then maybe not because nothing is really there. AGAIN--I am unusual in that I scar very well after any surgery and my scars fade away to nothing very quick. I also have IMO a Highly skilled surgeon. Am I happy? YES. Hope this helps!

Updated on 24 Mar 2017:
It has now been 7 months since my lip lift with Dr. Phillip Nakano Duluth, GA. I am VERY happy with this procedure. you can not see the very, very almost invisible scar and I can not see it at all most of the time--REMEMBER----your lip will go down quite a bit in about a month. I liked mine a little better when I still had that swollen look--But he did a beautiful job! I was NEVER in any pain-NEVER.

Updated on 28 Mar 2017:
Ok--I have gotten a few emails asking me how much Dr Nakano took off ---the skin on my upper lip. 4 mm. Your lip will go down and I do not mean in a couple or 3 months--it will continue to go down some up until the 6th month--mine just went down a little more. I LOVE the result but I also love the real pouty look so---who knows I may have him take a little more this summer--BUT no scar. I love the surgery.I LOVE Dr NAKANO and ALL HIS STAFF!

Updated on 3 Aug 2017:
I wanted to update everyone thinking about this procedure. The below photo was taken today; I have on no lip liner or lipstick. I was at the window but the light was not great-As you can see the swelling continues to go down...I don't think it will go down anymore. I love this procedure. My scars are invisible--I never had any pain or anything go wrong. I still have the nice little cupid bow this procedure gave me. I would never hesitate to do this again and of course, I feel I have the greatest doctor in the world, Dr. Phillip Nakano Prima Plastic Surgery---

Updated on 17 Aug 2017:
Ok---it has been almost 1 year. I had no lipstick on in the below photo. I have NO scars that I can see. I have had NO fillers---Funny, everyone thinks I have filler in my lips..No! This procedure I love. All swelling is gone and I wish it were a tad more swollen like a few months ago, but what a great procedure! AND as I have stated I had no pain during the procedure or after. The numbing shots to me---were not that bad. Dr. Nakano is so skilled that I think he is so good at what he does or at least I had no pain!

Updated on 25 Jun 2018:
Most recent photo taken today 6/26/2018. As you can see the swelling has gone down quite a bit. I did like it a little more swollen but I think it looks very natural and great now.

Had a mommy makeover to fix the body changes from having my son. I talked to several doctors, But settled on Dr.Nakano for his expertise, directness and kind demeanor. He patiently walked me through my wants and concerns, and set very realistic expectations. The outcome was way better than I could have wished for or expected--I'm so happy!

I lost weight 2 years ago and kept working out but sagging skin never went away
I decided to look in having a tummy tuck
My friend had it done with Dr. Nakano and she looks great
I the minute I had a consultation with Dr. Nakano I knew he was the one for my surgery.
He made me feel comfortable about it. It's been almost 6 months and I'm loving my body like never before

Updated on 15 Jul 2016:


Updated on 15 Jul 2016:
Love the way my scar is healing!

Updated on 18 Jan 2017:
Hey everyone
It's been a year today and tummy looking good.

Updated on 21 Mar 2018:
Update on my tummy tuck 2 years later

Im so happy I chose this procedure 

I fell in love with my body all over again  

It gives m motivation to love and care for my body by looking t results and improving everyday  

Dr. Nakano changed my life forever  

I’m so happy I chose him and his staff are the best

I have wanted to get this procedure for years, so I decided to just do it:) So far so good, I just had the surgery yesterday and it already looks amazing. The pain has been pretty uncomfortable but hopefully that will begin to subside soon. Can't wait to see what it looks like in a week or two. I have some swelling and drainage, the pain is mostly coming from the fat injection and stomach muscles I think. I turned my recliner into a makeshift hospital bed, it's works great with some pillow and sheets.

Updated on 16 Jun 2016:
I feel icky, maybe it's the pain meds, I'm trying to take myself off of them. But I do hurt still a good bit. Tummy feels uncomfortable and seems to tighten on its own, my back where the lipo was performed and my butt where the incisions are feel sore and uncomfortable. I don't feel like I've gotten much better, if at all, I'm supposed to return to work in a few days, there is no way I can do that drive like this for sure. Has anyone else had this hard of time? Should I be doing something differently? I most sit In a recliner and try to sleep, although bits difficult with the mess, I try to walk laps around my downstairs several times a day.

Updated on 17 Jun 2016:
Well, as bad I felt yesterday, i feel tons better today! First shower, first post op visit,
One drain out and on my way ton recovery! Still really really swollen but that's to be expected. Super excited about the what everything looks/feels like a week from now:)

Updated on 19 Jun 2016:


Updated on 22 Jun 2016:
The swelling is still really bad and I'm ready to start working out again so I don't start putting on the pounds from being sedentary. But, I am a lot more mobile and feel tons better:)

Updated on 26 Jun 2016:
Well, at least my movement and ability to stand up straight is almost 100%. Still tight and hard to lay down and get up from a lying position. Sitting for long periods suck, but waking is good. If only the swelling would just go away!

Updated on 29 Jun 2016:
Well, sometimes the swelling goes down enough at the top of my tummy that I can see how flat it will be, eventually, when the swelling subsides....even when sitting it's flat! I'm so happy about this:)

Updated on 2 Jul 2016:
I am loving my new tummy!

Updated on 10 Jul 2016:
Swelling is down a lot in the morning or after I lay down for awhile. Pain is getting better. And sometime it looks amazing:)

Finished having kids and finally got some reconstruction. Tummy tuck is perfect. Bbl was OK, but I was just wanting to fill in a bit of the extra skin sag, and it was good enough. Made for a 6 hour surgery and recovery was really hard. Fees are reasonable, doc was very available during recovery by phone. Overall very very happy with results

I went in yesterday for a breast reduction . I am 35 and my second pregnancy just did a number on my boob's. Until about two days ago, I was wearing a 38H which if fitted properly probably should have been a 38I. Dr Nalani is amazing and his bed side manner is like no other. I was in pre-op waiting on him to come in and was just sobbing to my husband. Between the nerves and not getting to hold my 6 month old baby for weeks coming up just got the better of me. When Dr Nakano came in, just the tone of his voice and calming nature was enough to relax me and put my full faith and trust in him and was ready to go. I am only one day post op and haven't really seen the final result yet, but I can tell you that I am surprised there is not more pain and that I feel as good as I do. All of the nurses also reassured me of how great his work is. I can't wait to buy some smaller tops and wear only one sports bra to the gym instead of three! I also can't wait to feel the relief on my neck and back. It's amazing what four lbs off your chest can feel and look like! My guess is that I am now somewhere between a C-D. And I am totally OK with that! Thank you Dr N. I would highly recommend him!

Updated on 2 Oct 2015:
Currently I am 4 weeks post op and so incredibly happy about my decision to get the BR. I went from an H/I to probably a C/D. Totally happy and feel no tension or pain in my neck, shoulders or back since surgery. Here a few updated photos. The only thing that has not been positive about the surgery is one very slow healing boob. So my pics are really only showing the good one. The other one is not so pretty yet and is still bandaged.

Hi everyone. I have been following reviews for quite some time now. I have wanted to do this for about 15 years now. I have actually went as far as pay a deposit, but I backed out. The real truth is, I chickened out. I've had each of my children by C-section and everything went great. I'm ready to do this and as soon as possible. I will be going for a consultation with Dr. Nakano on Thursday. I've read some of the reviews on him and I'm convinced he's the "guy" for me. I don't plan to wait very long because my nerves would be shot. Hopefully I can get in by November. Here are some pictures of my "unwanted" guest.

Updated on 7 Aug 2015:
I have set a date for my surgery. I will be having the procedure done in October. Dr. Nakano and his staff were very nice and professional. They answered all of the questions I had. He told me what to expect. They made me feel relaxed and at ease.

Updated on 8 Aug 2015:
So, as of right now, I am 10 weeks away from my surgery date. This will definitely teach me how to be patient. I'm sure there are things that I can do each week to prepare myself for this event. I may go out to look for a recliner that I can sleep in comfortably.

Updated on 18 Aug 2015:
Today, I am 59 days away from my surgery. I am so looking forward to the "BIG" day. If anybody knows of the supplies that I will need, please let me know. I don't want to buy things that I won't use. I've seen a few garnets that I will need. I would like to know where to go to purchase these items.

Updated on 24 Aug 2015:
Although my surgery date is set for October, I made the final payment today. Everyday I try to do something concerning my surgery. I think about it everyday!!! I'm obsessing over it. I know the last time I backed out but I didn't have the support and positive energy from you guys that I now have. Thanks everyone for all that you say and do to help, encourage and support the "troops" of Realself.

Updated on 1 Sep 2015:
This is what it looks like when I sit down. I'm tired of wearing black and sweaters(yes sweaters) to cover this bulge up. OCTOBER COME ON!!!!!!!

Updated on 12 Sep 2015:
This is me with a bodysuit underneath my clothing.

Updated on 14 Sep 2015:
Teammates, I am almost thirty days out. I would like to say thank you to everyone who gave me support throughout this journey. If not for you, I would have cancelled this procedure a long time ago. Thanks for your honesty and your braveness. Thanks for showing me how to love and take care of me. I wish each of tut the best in your journeys and continue to love yourselves in spite of what others may say or do. I will keep you posted as I continue for the next 30 days.????

Updated on 15 Sep 2015:
I think that it is such a shame that we can't or won't share our journey with others because of them having something negative to say. I say, if you are happy with what you see every morning, don't change a thing. But, if you are not, change what you can. It is your job to make yourself happy and confident. Don't leave your happiness up to others. I'm having my tummy tucked because I know it will be one thing among others that will make me happy. What other people think is no longer my concern. Be happy ladies!!!!!!

Updated on 20 Sep 2015:
Wednesday is the day for my appointment. I believe my doctor will be going out of town before my surgery. I went to my primary care physician and had my hemoglobin checked and getting those results were like pulling teeth. They finally let me know that I was at a 12.6. I'm not sure what my PS is going to tell me, but I will see on Wednesday. I will continue to work toward getting it higher. If anyone has any suggestions, please let me know. For everyone who's having surgery in October, we are almost there!!!!!

Updated on 24 Sep 2015:
I had my pre-op yesterday. Everything went well. I got my prescriptions. I had a headache on yesterday and I believed it affected my blood pressure. I think it's from caffeine withdrawal. I'm trying to get away from it because I want and need to be healthy. So I'm looking forward to the arrival date.

Updated on 27 Sep 2015:
Here are some pictures of exercise clothes and my favorite Levi's. Can't wait to lose the muffin top.

Updated on 29 Sep 2015:
I've purchased the toilet seat riser and all my other essentials. Ladies, I've never been this close to getting what I want. Part of me is so afraid, but I have to remember that God did not give me the spirit of fear. I'm holding on to this knowledge because I know it will see me through my journey. For those of you who are going having your surgery in the next two week, I pray that you get the results that you are anticipating. I pray that each of you have a speedy recovery. Happy healing to all and may God bless each of you!!!!!!

Updated on 4 Oct 2015:
I am so close!!! I've never come this close to getting what I want. My nerves and emotions are all over the place. Thanks again for the support coming in from each of you. I will give a full update when I can.

Updated on 8 Oct 2015:
Just wanted a before underwear shot to compare with after my surgery. A few more days!!!!!!!

Updated on 12 Oct 2015:
I've moved my recliner into my house. I have two days of work left. I'm hoping to be so busy that, I won't even think about my surgery. My mind is racing a million miles a minute. All positive and encouraging prayers are welcome. I think I need to stay off of this website for the next few days. I've seen and read some negative things and I don't need that at this critical time. I have less than 72 hours to go. I'll update as soon as I can.

Updated on 15 Oct 2015:
I made it through. I am so grateful to everyone and their prayers. I will update soon. I'm sore and sleepy. Night, night.

Updated on 16 Oct 2015:
My doctor was so nice. I love his mannerism. He called me last night to check on me. Very thoughtful and concerned. I walked down the hall twice on yesterday. I'm hunched over, but I like to be in control of my life. I do have help, so I'm not doing this alone. My sister is a Godsend. She has helped me with my drain. I only have one, thank God. She help me change my dressing. Thank God for sisters. I didn't take pictures of my scar yet. I thought I was going to pass out while she was changing the dressing. I will update as soon as possible.

Updated on 18 Oct 2015:
Ladies, I do apologize for the delay. My drain was leaking and I have been dealing with that. I only have one! How hard could it be? Very!!!! I think I see a difference, but with all the tape and bandages, it's hard to tell. I have my first appt. in the morning, so I'll get a better look. I feel better and I have already used the bathroom(number two). I have to admit that I only use the pain pills when necessary. Hopefully I will have pictures in the morning.

Updated on 19 Oct 2015:
Here are some photos I took after my shower today. Dr. Nakano gave me the clearance to shower. I also had the "dreaded drain" pulled today. That was a blessing!!!

Updated on 21 Oct 2015:
Here are the latest photos. I see swelling on the left side more so than the right. Patience......lol.

Updated on 22 Oct 2015:
Here are some early morning shots.

Updated on 26 Oct 2015:
Some pictures with clothes on.