I had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Ambay and his team last month. I have lost over 100 pounds and have been waiting for the right time and right doctor to do my tummy tuck and breast lift. I have been on a few consultations and Dr. Ambay is by far the most impressive doctor I have met. The consultation was over two hours. Dr. Ambay spoke with me as if we were friends. He took time to get to know me and listened to my concerns. He answered my list of questions and made me feel very comfortable. I highly recommend Dr. Ambay.
We decided on a tummy tuck, after an emergency C-section left my stomach muscles separated. Dr. Ambay is completely professional, transparent with prices, and performed my surgery flawlessly. Afterwards I was given compression garments and scar cream. Absolutely a pleasure to work with and also a fellow combat veteran!!!
From the moment I met Dr. Ambay I knew. The sense of professionalism from my first call with Jackie to shaking his hand. He answered all my questions. Explained in detail to address what we both felt were my best options. I felt completely at ease. I booked my procedures that day and do not regret for a moment anything. He restored a very tired 60 year old woman’s face and brought my smile back. To say I adore him is an understatement!
I am 6 weeks post-op from my breast reduction. This is a surgery I had a consultation for 10 years ago with another surgeon, decided not to do it then, and since had gotten even larger. I was wearing 34H bras when I had surgery (they were close to the right size but probably not exactly... you know how it is when you have to order online and different brands fit different). I had a comprehensive consultation discussing what to expect, how it would be done, etc. I scheduled the surgery. I had bilateral breast reduction with liposuction of axillary at the surgery center. It took 3 1/2 to 4 hours. Then after I woke up I went home. No drains (it was a possibility depending on his judgment of how things looked). The first few days I slept sitting up on the couch with my feet propped up, took meds around the clock as prescribed. Pain that I had was incisional pain and discomfort really. It wasn't no pain but by Monday I was able to stop taking prescription pain meds and use OTC as needed. I was instructed to start showering the next day and daily after, apply neosporin to incisions. The first week was a mindf$^%, they were so swollen still, the incisions hurt, they felt tight and like they weren't even part of my body, I didn't want to do something that would open incisions, it was hard to not feel like I could just totally open up my breast in some way. I had to keep reminding myself to just follow the instructions, be patient for healing. The worst was the first couple of weeks. After that, I was less worried about those things and focused on making sure there was no infection, wanting the pieces of stitches sticking out to go away (dissolvable stitches), wanting swelling to go down, etc. I did have a couple places where stitches started to create a small abscess. I used q tip to make sure it was clean and applied neosporin and they resolved within a few days. Even from week 5 to 6 I feel like they feel more natural, that's when the piece of stitches all finally fell away, incisions finished closing up. It is still uncomfortable to do some things, only started laying on my side some. They do still change through the day. I have taken weekly photos (have to figure out how to get them small enough to add) I'm still bigger than I'd hoped but: 1) I'm sure I still have swelling 2) we discussed prior to surgery that he might not be able to get me as small as I wanted (c cup) but could possibly get me to D. He would do what he could while also being confident that the result would maintain nipple viability. My nipples are viable and that was very important, I'm confident my surgeon did what was necessary. 3) even though looking in a mirror they are larger still than I hoped, when I'm dressed they look proportionate 4) I am able to wear straight size sports bras!! (S,M,L depending on sizing) 5) I know in the coming months they will continue to change in shape and size and very likely will be exactly what we discussed I love that I made this decisions for myself. I'm thankful that I have not had complications. I can already see that when all is said and done I will love the results. Updated on 9 Apr 2022: These are the photos from my breast reduction preop, 1 day post, and weekly after that. Hope they help show progression. I know it can be hard to find photos of where you are in your recovery. I will add 3 month photo once I'm there. Updated on 10 Apr 2022: 1) Through five weeks, I was aware of my breasts 24/7. They are uncomfortable, tight, foreign, itchy, having sharp zings of sensation, etc. It was annoying! Between 5-6 weeks is when some of that started going away for me. 2) my cousin who had breast reduction surgery recommended a u shape pregnancy pillow. This was a lifesaver for the purposes of propping myself up at night 3) they itch! - I took antihistamines and lightly rubbed the itchy areas Updated on 25 May 2022: Now 3 months post-op, using scar gel and vitamin E. Occasionally still tingle/itch, some sensitivity with scar tissue, able to sleep on my side and stomach, no noticeable fluctuations in size or shape.
I went for my consultation for breast augmentation. From the initial phone to the end of the visit was more than amazing! Staff was amazing, and friendly. Dr. Ambay was very personable and answered all my questions. Made me feel comfortable, and took my worries away. In the beginning of the consult, Dr. Ambay said by the end of this visit you will know what’s best for you. Whether that was to go through with surgery or not. He truly cares about the patients decision, which I loved. After leaving, I know that I’m choosing the right doctor.
I met with Dr. Raj late summer/early fall 2018 for a BBL consultation (fat transfer from stomach, legs and back area to buttocks). He was very friendly and polite and came rolling in on an electric type scooter lol. He was very informative and added to the knowledge I accumulated through my own research. Granted, Ambay Center is a little pricey however, surgery is extremely serious and I'd rather pay a bit more for a safe, well-experienced professional that I trust and peace of mind. I booked the appointment for fall. Day of surgery, again very professional and comforting both Dr. Raj and the staff! Surgery can be a scary process for most and you need to be able to trust your Dr. and the staff. They provided a positive environment and informed me of what to expect during/after surgery. They were all so kind, I not only felt excited but also safe and at ease. Once I woke up after the surgery, I'm obviously in a lot of pain... sore, dizzy, tired. Sort of feels like you were hit by a bus Lol, my bum was swollen to the maximum. This is to be expected with a procedure like this. Now healing wasn't an easy road for me, I do not take well to pain medication. I was nauseas, anxious, in pain, swollen, bruised and could barely walk. Dr. Raj and the PA were very attentive and responsive as I emailed them A LOT during my first week or so. NOW, lol here is some insight for the patients: It's important to know yourself and state of mind when doing a serious procedure such as this. I know I am an anxious gal, lol...so therefore I expected a lot of uneasy thoughts about my healing process. Trust your doctor, and trust the process. 1) The Dr. will do his best to provide the results discussed. 2) Results MAY vary, plastic surgery is subjective. 3) Your body is going through a lot of changes, swelling, bruising, fat unevenness, asymmetry, weird nerve twitches, aches, etc. 4) GIVE YOUR BODY TIME TO ADJUST. 5) Contact your Dr. with specifics if something seems completely out the realm of normalcy from what your Dr. told you to expect post op. 6) If your'e body is going through changes... so is your mind... you might be wondering, "How am I going to look?", "Omg did I make the right choice?", "Omg what have I done?! What If I'm botched?!"... Lol if you're anything like me, you'll be over analyzing everything. DON'T lol. Irrational stress is also not conducive to healing. Keep reminding yourself that awesome things take time even though were all looking for instant gratification and expecting to wake up from the anesthesia looking like Jennifer Lopez lol. Sorry, but no. 7) I can't stress enough the importance of following the Dr.'s directions verbatim, take care of yourself, relax, drink plenty of water while your body is healing. 8) Don't expect to lose weight in terms of pounds on the scale with liposuction, you wont. Lol 9) Results can take up to a year to see! Accept this and be patient. It's been 9 months since my surgery and I LOVE THE RESULTS! My waist is much smaller, even toned and my butt has taken a cute shape. I would definitely go back to see Dr. Raj again if I decide on another procedure in the future. During my initial consultation with the Dr. we did discuss a larger size for my bottom... unfortunately it did not completely turn out that way. It is slightly a bit more plump than it's original/natural state however Dr. Raj did discuss with me ahead of time that because I've had lipo once before on my back/stomach, that the scar tissue in those particular areas would be untransferable. Also, with BBL's you may lose a lot of the volume regardless of how well you follow post op care directions. It really just depends on how your body decides to take the new fat placement.... so that out of everyone hands-I was realistic in my expectations with this. Despite that one factor, I am still very happy with the results. I feel very proportional and toned. Plastic surgery in a way is artistry and I love what Dr. Raj sculpted for me. Thank you Dr. Raj and the staff for bringing confidence back into my life! P.S. Since my surgery I have also lost 20lbs and the results are even better than before. Eat healthier, drink water for upkeep and enhanced results. I hope this helps someone with their experience, cheers and good luck!
Dr. Ambay is not only an amazing doctor but he is truly an amazing person. He’s so personable and truly cares about those he’s treating. I was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 31 and I needed someone to walk me through all options and be able to make me feel put back together. I saw many other doctors after talking witth Dr.Ambay but no one else felt quite right. He never promised that everything would go 100% perfect but he promised he’d give me 100% of his ability and he did just that. After surgery he made sure to stop by and see me even when it was 11pm after his already 12 hour surgery day.
From the second I met Dr. Ambay, I knew he was the one!!!! He is personable, informative, and his experience and knowledge are stellar! He really cares and takes time to explain and answer every question. I get at ease and in the best hands under the care of Dr. Ambay! His staff in every level are just as amazing. I highly recommend him!!! Updated on 14 Aug 2018: So impressed with results! Beautiful neck, eyes wide open, no jawls! Dr. Ambay has changed my life! I highly recommend Dr. Ambay and his staff, they are all wonderful! I would do this again for sure! If you ever thought about a facelift, just know it takes some time for full recovery but it is so worth it! Updated on 8 Oct 2018: Every month that passes I feel better and look better thanks to Dr. Ambay. Very happy I finally overcame my fear and went thru doing this! Best decision ever made! Dr. Ambay not only made me look younger, refresh, he also healed my spirit! I feel energized, happy with myself and more confident!
I had an absolute great experience with Dr. Ambay and his entire staff. Dr. Ambay is very informative and patient. He gave me every opportunity to get any questions I had answered day or night both before and after surgery. It has been 8 months since my tummy tuck and I am very pleased with the results. I've always been a confident person but the tummy tuck has lifted my confidence a bit more.
Amazing experience with Dr. Ambay and staff. From consult to procedure, all my questions were answered and I felt comfortable. Lauren (my nurse) was so helpful with questions I had and calmed any nerves I had before the procedure. I would recommend them to anyone!
Thanks for your question. The deep plane facelift is an older technique where the main dissection is done below the level of the muscle. Very few people do this technique because it is more invasive and has a chance for higher complications. The next technique is called SMAS. This is more common even today. Last, there is a technique where only the skin is lifted (think "lunch-time lift" and threads) but the issue is that this technique, while quicker, does not last like a proper facelift. The real reason why the under structures and the skin have to be lifted lies in the science of normal aging. Skin ages downward creating a jowl and redundant neck skin. The deeper structures (muscles) age at a different vector than the skin. That’s the primary reason for why the skin should be separated. No damage is caused to the skin. The last change is there is loss of fat volume which is why the cheeks deflate as we age. In summary, fat deflates, muscles drop in a 45 degree angle and skin drop straight down creating jowls. If a facelift is done right each element is restored from where it came from, not simply pulled back like a mask. Please see a plastic surgeon to truly understand your unique circumstances.
Thank you for your question. I think your question is two-fold: first it seems like you are wondering about the variation in the time of surgery from surgeon to surgeon. Second, is your question about complications for extended times under anesthesia. Last, please understand that the term mommy makeover is more of a concept rather than a strict definition of procedures that are included in that term. With regards to the time it takes surgeons to do procedures, every surgeon is different and it’s hard to tie quality strictly to the amount of time it takes a surgeon to do a procedure. In the end, no matter how long it takes, you will be disappointed if the quality of the procedure doesn’t meet your expectations. So my first point of advice is to pick the surgeon that has experience and with whom you are comfortable. Second, the time under anesthesia is important, but there are caveats such as your health status before the procedure, precautions taken during the procedure to prevent blood clots, meds given after to also prevent clots, walking as much as you can after the procedure is completed and the skill level of the anesthesiologist to not overdo the medications during the surgery. I only use MD anesthesia and not nurse anesthesia. In the end do your research about the doctor, ask questions about the safety and certifications of the surgery center as well as the anesthesiologist. Have a frank conversation with the surgeon that you have chosen to place your trust. To some extent, you will have to trust the surgeon and that decision outside of research can simply be a gut feeling.
You may be a good candidate for the belly button float (umbilical float). In this technique you can achieve the same level of tightening as a full except that the belly button is not cut away from the skin. This technique is only good for people who don’t have a lot of excess skin but need the full abdominal tightening. See a plastic surgeon to see if you are a candidate for this technique and that has the experience to perform this technique.
This is an unproven method and I would be wary of spending money for that. A facelift has definitive surgical outcomes that have a predictable longevity. The entire facelift procedure is based in anatomy. Elevate the understructures to their youthful location, volumize and highlight cheeekbones, define jawline and remove redundant tissue. Half effort is half result and worse, a total waste of your hard earned money. Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon to get real answers.
In my mind, there is no question that you need a facelift which includes the neck. Peels are superficial and improve the quality and texture of the skin. It will do absolutely nothing for the jowls, separation in neck muscle which is evident in your neck bands and aging midface. Consider solving the main issues first before deciding to undergo ancillary peels and laser which will not have a lasting effect for you. I have done laser and facelifts together with great results. I always tell patients that half effort is half result at best and a waste of hard earned money at worst. Visit with a board certified plastic surgeon to get the real answers based on your particular situation. Dr Ambay Wesley Chapel, Fl
