Raj N Lalla

As a young teen, I decided to get my belly button pierced. I was very skinny with little stomach fat all, causing the ring to be rejected- three times. I got it pierced three separate total times (typical young and naive teenager). The third time it actually ripped out of my navel in my sleep, but bc the skin thinned so much around it, it just broke off. Insane! Many many years later I developed pain in the navel area and an unsightly belly button that basically was nonexistent. I was referred to Dr. Lalla by my dermatologist. Dr. Lalla did such an amazing job repairing my navel. It is now 4 years later and the scar is so slight- and I have a belly button again! The top row of pictures is the healing process. Pic1) before surgery. Pic2,3,4) healing (it was glued shut). Bottom picture is blurry, but it's my navel this year, four years after surgery. I plan to take a clearer new picture to show the scar, but it's so slight! I've also had Dr. Lalla remove 3 beauty marks (all skin layers deep) that were questionable for skin cancer and he did such a great job. One of them you can't even find the scar!! I highly recommend going to Dr. Lalla if you have any medically necessary issues you need taken care of.

Updated on 23 Mar 2021:
I’m adding a few more pictures. I took two up close pictures of my navel today. I am also attaching mirror pictures of me wearing crop tops so you can see my new navel in a more natural way, not zoomed in on the new scar. Everyone tells me they can’t even tell it’s there. So much better than before! And I actually have a belly button shape now. It has been 5 years and I love it! Keep in mind your new “scar” will fade each year over time. Also, when I got my navel surgery I weighed about 100 lbs. I’m sure the amount of skin in the navel area at the time of reconstruction will affect the scar outcome. I had little skin to work with at the time, so it was very tight.

Updated on 9 Sep 2023:
I found an old collage to show how well my navel was reconstructed. Amazing!

I was 36 DDD and my back and shoulder was bothering me so much, today is my 4 days and I feel so weird I have to stay home can't do anything at all, on my left breast I feel water inside every-time I move I can hear it, I don't like the feeling I just hope it will go away soon, I feel sad and hopeless

Updated on 22 Jun 2014:
I put my self together this evening after reading all your good messages and I have my niece taking a few pictures, I want to share it all this with you and also to motivate my self for the new days to come.

Updated on 23 Jun 2014:
This morning I feel much better, I will see my doctor today at 4pm to remove my drainer, I have a few question to ask him..!! If you guys see anything there on my new pictures the I should ask him please let me know thank you friends

Updated on 23 Jun 2014:
Hello everybody!! I'm very happy today I went to see my Doctor and everything it look greats, he took the drainer and now I can move any where with out that thing inside of my body lol, I also went for my first massage and I feel awesome I still have a lot to do for my recuperation but I'm doing so much better now !!! I would to say thank you to all of you for taking your time and write me with your kindness messages and support had help me and this beautiful journey!! I will keep you update with my progress, next visit to my doctor July 7 to take out the rest of my stitchers!!

Updated on 24 Jun 2014:
Today was my 6 day, I drove today I did some work don't worry I did not went the crazy lol.. I went for my 2 massage and it feel much better everyday is getting better I'm happy for that I put some picture for you guys to see!! Tomorrow is a week yeahhh!!!

Updated on 26 Jun 2014:
Yesterday was a week after my surgery, thing are great , my breast are feeling less of inflammation they are most soft.

Updated on 26 Jun 2014:
I keep getting better and better everyday, those massages feel so great !!

Updated on 27 Jun 2014:
I feel so great guys, I just remember a couple days ago how bad I was and regretting my surgery today I know I did the right thing I feel so much relief on my shoulder and neck!! My tummy tuck Is healing also very good, if you see kind off waving on my belly is normal since I'm still swilling

Updated on 28 Jun 2014:
Hello again today is my 10 day but I'm a little concern my left breast start getting a little red I don't know why I have been taking care of it very well, I'm on vacation until July 6 and I will see my doctor on July 7 he is also on vacation. I called his office Friday for him to call and he did an I noticed his phone call was from oversea I mention the blood clot around my nipple and he said it was normal nothing to worry but I forgot to mention the redness on my breast since I noticed this 2 days ago... Does anyone have had the same thing as me or can you tell me what should I do or it's something that I should worry? HELP I'm very nervous :-(

Updated on 29 Jun 2014:
Today is my 11 day, thank you for all your good messages yesterday ladies, I Fallown the advice of one of you "ask the doctor" I received one of the doctor message this morning it was a quick respond from doctor Joseph Baimonte he said it was normal after 10 day surgery my breast still healing. I touch it and it feel normal temperature .. Now I'm going back to my vacation lol..!! I won't be under the sun :-( but I will enjoy the beauty of nature and family!!

Updated on 5 Jul 2014:
Hello everybody, I'm back from vacation today I have 17 days recovering from my breast readuction , so far I'm doing great pain is gone swilling is almost gone I feel awesome!!

I am 68 and recently lost 79lbs which in turn gave me a turkey neck[UGLY one] So after MUCH debate I decided to get it tightened up as it looked like it belonged to a 100yr ol
13 days ago I had a neck and part face lift So far of today I am thrilled I intend to buy a pretty necklace to compliment my neck



Updated on 6 Jul 2012:
I have all of the stitches out.. feel good today I went shopping.. Now that I am home I have to put the chin strap back on....Going to post yesterday and todays photo now...

Updated on 11 Jul 2012:
So much more bruising is gone today.. THANK GOD after washing my hair tonight a lot of the scabbing came out of my head , that was soo annoying.... I have some swelling in my lower face the rest looks pretty good.. I am still using ice but not sure if it can help anymore... I got permission today to be able sit outside as long as I use sunscreen 45 or higher.. I might actually go in the pool tomorrow thinking the sun might help heal some of the scabbing and brusing..Any thoughts on that subject?????

I am going to my grandaughters 17th birthday party sat my first entrance.. Cant wait to hear what everyone says... I decided to wait until monday to go back to work so maybe it will look better.. I am not a makeup person so I have no clue how to cover up the bruises on my neck.... Hope everyone is doing well tonight

Updated on 16 Aug 2012:
I went for my 7 week follow up today YIPPEE I DO NOT have to wear the chin strap anymore.. WHEW I have slept in it every night for the last 4 weeks and the 3 weeks prior wore it all day and night..
I asked if the wrinkles under my chin would go away and he said immeidiately that it would , He said it is still hard[whatever that means I forgot to ask] He said start massaging it and when I come back in 3 months for after photos I will be very happy..

To be honest I am MORE than happy now, all I wanted was for 75 percent of my horrible neck to be gone and I have been blessed with a new younger face and a much younger neck.. I like myself so much more than I did.. I didnt get my eyes done becuase first I didnt have the money and second I dont need to look like a 30 yr old I am almost 70.., so I am ok with what I was able t have done

I have gotten sooo many compliments the last 3 weeks it is unreal.., I bought a new large jewelry armoire this week as I have been buying some necklaces this month [lol] I didnt wear them before as I hated people looking at my turkey neck.. Now I want them to look at my neck.. tee Hee

I love my doctor and his staff, they are so kind , and caring... I will post a new photo soon.. Have a good week everyone.

Updated on 17 Jan 2013:
Went back for 6 month check up and was not totally happy as one spot under my chin is dropping and has been for the last 2 months... I have worn my chin strap for months... So I felt soo bad, The doctor took one look and said for some reason the skin didnt shrink there.. He then said NO PROBLEM we will fix it right here in the office .. He said he will numb it , cut in the same spot under my chin clip it off and stitch it up.. I a few days it will be fine and should barely bruise.. So in about 3 weeks [maybe two\ on a friday I will be fixed.. I hope. I have total confidence in him... I told him the day he did it to expect something to go wrong, with me it usually does..... I am going to try to post a new picture just showing what I see when I look in the mirror

Updated on 6 Mar 2013:
Ok had the neck repair three weeks ago this. Fri. Still healing but it looks much better so far. Slept in chin strap for two weeks. Stitches are in the inside now. Still tender but no bruises there was no pain at all. It took about 45min. Will post pics in few days. It will never be perfect had tool much skin there but I think if it stays just the way it is I will be happy

Updated on 2 Apr 2013:
Still waiting for my neck to totally tighten up. I am probably too critical I know I had such a Horrible neck. And I didnt do my eyes. My family didnt want me to. Don't get me wrong. I look sooo different and everywhere I go people tell me I look soo different. I will wait until the one yr mark for my final decision. It is none months and s seeing changes. I thought people were kidding but it does take that long. Does anyone know why. I will pat a new photo this week

Updated on 15 Oct 2013:
It is so funny that this turned up as an email to me today as I actually went back to the dr today for a followup.. I still have a few small lumps under my chin that bother me, but everyone else says it is no big deal.I asked the Dr what he could do , he said it certainly fixable but I would have to have it done in the hospital becuase it would have to be done behind my ears again. I had SOOOO much extra skin... I looked at him and said No never mind.. I didnt expect perfection when I had it done and I am about 90 percent better than I was.. I told him on that day if I could look 50 percent better I would be thrilled. ......... I asked a few people what they thought and all said the same thing Unless you stare at it no one sees it...... so It is what it is.. Once all the swelling does go down which takes about one year to see all the changes you really dont see the final results.. I am happy I did it.. I didnt have my eyes done as I wanted to look real and not plastic as my kids say......... I will still say Dr Lalla is awesome ,kind caring and gentle He is a gift from God.............. Included is my update photo 16 months since surgery

Updated on 15 Oct 2013:
It is so funny that this email came to me today as I actually went to the PS tonight for a follow up.. I still have couple lumps under my chin that most days dont bother me at all .. Actually I dont see it unless I take a close up picture then it shows up... I have asked several people and they all said the same thing they don't notice it.. I asked the dr what he thought and he said what I knew he would say It was because I had SOOO much excess skin in my neck before he could tighten it more but would need to have it done in the hospital because it it would have to be pulled behind my ears again...... I asked if it would get worse if I didnt and he said no, it is what it is When I had my surgery I was hoping for like a 50 percent change and said I would be Estatic. well I have about a 90 percent change so I have decided to accept it and just be grateful I read before I had it done that it takes a year to 18 months to see the final results and I am at the 16 month mark.. I am happy with my results and most grateful to the dr.. I didnt have my eyes done and I dont regret that . I am most grateful that I do not have any pain I still have little bit of numbness on one side but very very little Check my latest photo and see if you can see it....... If you want pm me and I will send a close up where it looks sooo much different If I hold the camera head on and close up is when it is visable otherwise not so bad........ Have a good day all..Hope everyone is doing well Praying for all

I've did it, I've schduled my tummy tuckd surgery for Friday, April 6th. I'm so excited. This has been a long time coming and I'm happy I finally made the decsion to go through with it, over the course of four years I have lost a totally of 60 pounds with more to go. The doctor I chose was actually referred to me from another realself blogger (thanks girl), he is very sweet, undertanding and he listens and answers every question that me and my boyfriend had. I can't wait to post pictures of before and after. Until then, stay tune realself bloggers.

My story is like everyone elses. One nearly 8 pound boy followed by another nearly 10 pound boy. If I'm being honest, my belly was always a bit big. It just became super noticeable after the birth of my boys.

I had a big umbilical hernia so I decided to have a general and plastic surgeon work on my tummy. Unfortunately, I did not take a before pic. I don't really want to remember what I looked like honestly. It was so depressing to get dressed, or shop. Hoping I could just get through the day without people assuming I'm expecting.

It is now day 5 and I am doing really well. The first day was horrible for me (as far as pain). I kept having to beg for more medication until my general surgeon changed my schedule. My mom helped me with my 5-year-old and 2-year-old sons. My hubby helped take take of me. I am home alone today with the boys. Hubby went back to work (part--time summer work)and my mom just left back for NYC. I am having my 5-year-old help with my toddler. I think he is excited to help mom for a change. He helps me with diaper changes (we are not potty-trained yet...this is our summer plan though) and prepare for lunch (hubby will help them with breakfast).

I will try to post my 5 day post op. SO excited that Dr. D managed to get me an inny!! I really give God all the glory for this surgery because Dr. L said I would have not have a totally flat belly (b/c of the stretching my muscles had gone through) and I would not have an inny (b/c of the size of my hernia.) I know this is far better than what I started out with!

So greateful to all you ladies for posting your stories! It helped me have the courage to go through with this!