Dr. Bene is the goat of tummy tucks and muscle repair. I am so happy I went with him. Im almost 3 weeks post op and my stomach still looks good even with the swelling. The staff was very friendly. Can’t wait to book again for a different procedure.
I had an amazing experience with him and his team. He answered all my questions which were probably a million. I got a full tummy tuck with minimal liposuction the position of my Incision is very low and straight. My surgery was 12/27/21
I’ve done a lot of prep in advance of surgery day based on recommendations here. I’ve been drinking a gallon of water every day, added daily protein shakes to my diet, rented a hospital bed for two weeks, and just generally readied my house, work and whatnot. I have a very supportive husband and a 15 year old daughter, both of whom are eager to help me in any way possible. Prior to surgery, I weighed 155, I’m 5’3.5”. My weight has fluctuated within 5-10 pounds for the last 10 years. One 10 pound kiddo, one normal size baby, and a hysterectomy resulted in ongoing changes to my body composition that I can’t seem to resolve with diet and exercise. I’m sick of seeing myself in clothes, dressing to camouflage my stomach, holding my gut when I run down the stairs, etc. I scheduled 3 consults with surgeons when deciding which direction I would go. Dr. Bene was such an easy choice; he was kind, never made me feel uncomfortable sharing (or revealing) my biggest physical insecurity. I chose him on instinct, which is crazy in hindsight. I didn’t look at before and after pictures from his portfolio or anything. I just knew it was going to be him. I felt that good with him. I have had 2 c-sections and a full hysterectomy and I’ve been left with scars, loose skin, muscle separation and stubborn stomach fat. I’ve been a cross fitter and an avid hiker and even at my most physically fit, I still struggled with the stomach. Then, following the hysterectomy, the weight settled in. It’s hard to explain but menopause just hits different with that pre-existing belly fat! Surgery itself: Surgery at 7, out by 1! I made it clear that I nearly always vomit following anesthesia and they gave me a triple blend of avoidance and, so far so good! 12 hours later and I would say my pain is 3 or 4, primarily achey muscles. I had lipo but have no lipo sites because he went in in the tummy area he would later remove! I do have drains, 2 of them, and they are fine so far. I’m only taking a half of an oxy rather than a full to stay ahead of the pain as it comes on. But I’m a one ibuprofen at a time kind of girl so I’m not interesting in the full pill unless I have to. I had experal so I’m assuming the pain will worsen as that wears off. I’m also taking an antibiotic and a laxative and wearing a binder. I feel like I had such a great experience. The clinical staff at Advent Surgical Center were so kind and reassuring and attentive. I really can’t believe how great every person was, the nurses, the anesthesiologist, everyone. And Dr. Bene, he is everything! At consult, I asked about adding a breast lift (I just figured, while I’m sedated....)and he told me I didn’t need it and the results wouldn’t make much of a difference. He simply couldn’t recommend it. He could have easily talked me in to it snd charged me another couple thousand dollars, but he didn’t. And his work, thus far, looks great! I can’t wait to see the improvements over the coming days, weeks and months! Updated on 4 Dec 2020: I’m 24 hours past my surgery and I can definitely tell the exparel is wearing off. The pain is still manageable and I’m hoping to be off the narcotic tomorrow. I walk around the house every time I get up to use the bathroom and I’m drinking a gallon of water each day. The drains haven’t bothered me at all, nor has the incision site. I can feel some muscle spasms in my abs but that’s all manageable. I’m wearing a binder and Dr. Bene placed some memory foam inside. I suspect that improves comfort significantly because I have no complaints and I’ve seen many people on this site that struggle with the binder. I’ve peaked at the progress so far and I’m super excited about what I see, even with the bruising and swelling! Updated on 6 Dec 2020: I stopped the narcotics after 24 hours and switched to Tylenol. It definitely isn’t as effective but my digestive system doesn’t handle narcotics well. Yesterday, one of my drain sites began leaking, the drain itself had clogged unbeknownst to me. I was outside of the 48 hours so I decided to shower and clean up the mess and remove and replace dressings. I really felt pretty good so I didn’t expect to have an issue. Thankfully, my husband was with me. We got the dressings half way off in the shower and I passed out for the first time in my life. That became a whole ordeal, finishing what we started while trying to get me back in bed, dry and bound back up, as soon as possible. Everything turned out okay but it was scary. We called the after hours line at Dr. Bene’s office and the on call doctor called back in 2 minutes. I hadn’t planned to test their after hours service but it was definitely responsive and helpful. I have some hardness and swelling in my upper stomach but I believe that’s all to be expected and normal. As far as I’m concerned, nothing in this recovery is surprisingly difficult or reason not to pursue the surgery. I’m looking forward to seeing Dr. Bene on Tuesday for a follow up, learning next steps, and just thanking him for his great work! Updated on 12 Dec 2020: Day 9 for me and I feel great. I have to force myself to take it easy and keep my feet up. I have little to no incision pain, my back feels better with less hunching over. I do feel some “pull” in the muscles around the belly button and up so I still can’t stand entirely straight, but I’m close! For me, it’s been significantly easier than I anticipated. I’m not done healing by a long shot but I feel mobile, I have energy, no regrets, not feeling emotional. I never lost my appetite through this and I’m convinced that eating plenty of calories and protein coupled with the water intake have really expedited my healing process. Of course, it helps to have a great surgeon and support at home! I had one drain removed on day 5 but the other was still putting out just more than 30 so it stayed in. On day 7, that second drain came out and that was very freeing! Showers, dressing, moving in and out of bed- everything is a little easier when you aren’t worried about pulling on the drains. I do still have some swelling and I feel a little boxy thru the waist but I know it is really early in the process and I probably haven’t even peaked with my swelling let alone begun to see the final shape. Dr. Bene and Susan have continued to be highly responsive and helpful and I feel great in their care! Updated on 30 Dec 2020: I couldn’t be happier with my progress at one month! I saw Dr. Bene yesterday and he was happy with my progress as well. His demeanor is so great and I adore his nurses; they share in your excitement and being such great energy to the process. I have what I would consider mild swelling and hardening of certain areas in my midsection- all normal and less than what I’m seeing in most other women. Dr. Bene gave me instructions on massaging and scar care for best results. I’m also cleared to start working out which is surely to be a slow and experimental process! I’ve been trying on clothes in my own closet. I’m down 8 pounds but not a full clothing size but my clothes sure fit better! I’m excited to shop for the clothes I felt I couldn’t wear before! I do think it’s making sense to me what I read so frequently before my surgery, that this is a contouring procedure and not a weight loss procedure. My abdomen is contoured for sure but my thighs and my rear are just as they were. I know that I can improve those areas with working out and eating healthy but to expect your entire body to change when you are only having a TT with lipo and muscle repair is out of touch. I think having reasonable expectations, having the strength of mind to know you can get through a couple of weeks of “difficult” AND choosing a great plastic surgeon are the keys to success here. Not just in your physical outcome but in your overall emotional outlook during recovery. I’m attaching recent pics in clothes. Pants I wanted to love before but my gut looked awful in. These are the types of pics you have to continue to update and look at to remind you of your changes and improvements! Perspective is key! I can look at pictures of other women all day long and compare myself to them but comparison is the thief of joy! There are so many variables; body composition, work done, weight and height- all of it. If you can stick to comparing to your old self, you will be far happier!
Dr. Bene recommended a breast reduction for me and I got it on Valentine's Day. I was a 36DDD and really wanted to be a B. I have fought back pain & a smaller size was not a concern. He was very genuine and listened to what I asked and said. His nurse, Susan, is fantastic. She made herself available after surgery, always. I stayed in the hospital 23 hours and they took my drains out which was nice but 1 week later, I had a hematoma in my left breast and Dr. Bene addressed it the next day, by having a follow up surgery to put the drain in again. He took great care in making sure all healed nicely. I am now 2 months out, scars are doing well and I am so grateful I had it done. I am now, by bra size a 34 c or 36b, but my posture is wonderful, easier to walk, sit, etc I go back again in 2 months. I am using scar silicone strips and in between, I massage with BioCorneum. Due to good instructions from Dr. Bene and my help from Susan, I am so happy I saw him and am now able to feel better about myself.
I Received alot of information yesterday at Pre-Op visit....I'm getting a bit nervous but excited at the same time. I will be getting everything I need this weekend..(sports bra, antibacterial soap, button up shirts...etc...) I did learn that I can stay the night, so I opted for that/I can shower at 48 hours..yay!! I will have dissolvable sutures.. I am hitting the gym hard for until surgery. Can't hurt!.. Just praying that everything goes well. I should hear from the surgery center soon.... Good Luck to All!! Updated on 10 Dec 2014: It is Hump Day today, in one week, I will not be able to sleep!. I have to get everything ready for the holidays before the 18th. After that, well....I will be resting. I have all most of my things ready...i.e...antibiotic ointment/bras/Hibiclens/Tylenol/Recliner, etc...I have to get everything at work finished.....my house ready! I love reading everyone's reviews.. All of the information is VERY helpful. I will post before/after pics after surgery. Just put my faith in my Physician and his staff. Happy Healing all!! Updated on 17 Dec 2014: tomorrow is the big day.....I tried to upload a before shot, but I can't seem to get the pic to upload from my phone to my pc....or even the pic from the phone using the app....boo.....not sure what to do now....anyway...I'm not tech savvy on the phone. I tried to write a review on my phone, and when I hit...upload...it would delete all that I have typed...anyway...surgery is tomorrow at 11 am. I have to arrive at 9:30 for pre-op. It is supposed to snow here so we will be leaving a bit earlier. I'm excited and nervous....(just wish I could get pic to load) the girls hang low...low beams...and one is just a bit lower than the other. Physician said should take about 3 hours. I won't post any review until I get back home on Friday and sit at my computer. Its midnight.. time to go and take the "antibacterial" shower and attempt to sleep. God please guide my physician and his staff. See you on the other side of the BR. Updated on 18 Dec 2014: We have arrived I'm sitting n parking lot watching it snow. I get stressed and my face gets blotchy. Ok. Here i go goodbye big uns Updated on 19 Dec 2014: Surgery went well. Staff was great. I stayed overnight and had drains removed. I had alot of drugs. I remember moving to operating table and nothibg else till recovery room. I looked down and wow how small! Doc said he took off 2 lbs on right and almost 2 lbs on left. Hope that it wasnt too much. In a sports bra with a few blood spots. I will get photos soon. Doc did say that lefty had to have 2 more stiches he did say that i will probably have a wound. Man they look small. Not sure what size i am now. Will post more later. Happy healing everyone Updated on 22 Dec 2014: Finally took a shower today. It felt great! I carefully washed my hair. I did leave sports bra on while i showered. Learned that trick from a girl at work. When i dried off, i had the boyfriend help me carefully take off bra. I was a nervous wreck. Much surprize as they didn't scare me at all. Tape is still in tact. I am just resting and taking it easy. The bf was shaking so bad when we put a dry bra back on. Once we got all gauze back n place and bra clasped, we realized the silly thing was on inside out! Ugh... had a good laugh. I just pray healing is going smoothly. Just remember to take it easy. Updated on 26 Dec 2014: Well after sleeping in a recliner since day after surgery, l tried sleeping in my bed. I am a side sleeper so right now, the bed is losing. Back to the recliner I go. I will have my first post-op visit on Tuesday. Will be 12 days post op. Hope it goes well. Happy healing everyone Updated on 30 Dec 2014: Well, back to work yesterday and post op visit today. Dr Bene and his nurse Susan r wonderful. I took his advice and some from this site. He said i am healing wonderfully. I still have tape on and i wear gauze to cover up the tape. That way the sports bra doesnt rub. I finally slept n my bed last night. He did tell me i didnt have to wear bra to sleep n. I will have pics up this weekend. I am glad i had the surgery. Hope everyone is healing well and has a Happy New Year. Remember to take care of yourself! Updated on 3 Jan 2015: Well, i have it too. The dreaded wound. Looks like 3 small ones. I can also see a dissolvable stitch poking out. I took my blowdryer to the area. Any other suggestions? Oh, but i don't mind roaming the house with no bra on.....perky works for me! Happy healing all Updated on 4 Jan 2015: the last one is my open wound on my left side....creeps me out a bit.... Updated on 6 Jan 2015: So my wound lookedworse so I called and got into my PS. He said it did look worse. Dr Bene had nurse put a Xeroform gauze over wound. I am ok to shower with it on. They gave ne extra n case it falls off. He also cut the stitches I had poking out. I do feel relieved. He did say i should almost be healed by next aappointment. On a jealous note, my right side is trying to open a wound. He said it would be ok. Happy Healing all!! Updated on 7 Jan 2015: Ok, has anyone had problems with their incisions seeming to split? The doc gave me the xeroform gauze to cover wound. Today i noticed a bigger split so i covered it with more of the gauze. Im doing nothing this weekend to see if i can get it to heal. 3 weeks post op so i dont understand. Updated on 20 Jan 2015: Had post op visit today. Healing slowly but PS said it all looks good. Just keep doing what i am doing. Separations are closing. Had to have a stitch cut off. I showed him where the tape i was using pulled my skin off. Of course...i quit using it after that. I'm not to report back for 5 weeks. Dr Bene said by then, I will be loving my new look. And i am doing well since he took so much off. I love it already. I have the OK to hit the treadmill,,,,,slowly.,, and work on getting n better shape. As far as the emotions,,yes they r running amuck. I'm dealing the pre menopause too...yes still dealing with her! All n all, GLAD I DID IT AND WOULD RECOMMEND TO ALL HAPPY HEALING ALL MY SMALLER BBREASTED FRIENDS Updated on 5 Feb 2015: 7 weeks post-op. I have just 2 minimal wounds to heal. Not sleeping on side yet. All n all, very pleased with the results. I have been wearing a cami at night. How sweet it is not to be afraid to go braless!! No bowling or hitting the gym hard yet...just a few more weeks. Got my EOB's from insurance company..thank you insurance! Hope everyone is healing well! We can and we did it! Updated on 1 Mar 2015: 10 weeks ago, I wasn't sure about surgery. Boy, am I glad that I did it! It took me a bit for the wounds to heal but they finally did. I have the go ahead from PS to do what I like. Back to bowling and the gym and feeling normal. I haven't been bra shopping yet but I will. I need to work on the rest of the body now. My advice, take it easy, eat plenty of protein and drink a lot of water. time will heal them and you will be happy you did it! I now have to massage the scars,,but they are looking great. will try to post a pic. Happy Healing all!
Contrapture and possible rupture (confirmed in surgery) removed and replaced. New implants were different in size, shape, and width. severe rippling around full circumference of both implants (silicone)left implant was originally significantly higher than right (6 weeks post op) now left breast is actually lower 9 weeks post op. Severe pain, pulling and burning when sitting up or any "weight" on breast for any significan amount of time (sitting up all day, severely sore by evening)If do alot of bending severely sore sooner. Previous implants had no rippling or pain. Removal and replacement of implants resulted in new implants severely rippling (silicone) and pain/burning/soreness even at 9 weeks post op. Has anyone else experienced this? What actions did you take?
My mom had breast reduction surgery back in the early 80s. Like mother like daughter... I take after her bustiness and I have never liked it. I’ve talked about a reduction for almost 30 years. I’m sick of the back pain, red itchy rash, buying expensive bras, pinching, shoulder ridges and all that goes with the big boob territory. I’m ready to take steps to see if I’m a candidate for BR surgery and (fingers crossed!!!) to know if insurance will pay for it. Consultation with PS scheduled for January 12! Updated on 1 Jan 2018: The one time I looked into BR surgery, not sure if my insurance would cover it... My old PCP said I’d need proof from PT or chiropractor that my back issues didn’t improve after 6 months. This was 5 years ago, in another state, and I never consulted with a plastic surgeon. The physical therapist wanted me to come in 2-3 times a week, which at the time was totally implausible with my schedule. I gave up after 2 PT visits and that was that. Well it’s a new year! New beginnings! Fingers crossed for the PS consultation on 1/12... Updated on 5 Feb 2018: My BR consultation was a few days ago on Feb 2. It went really well. Dr. Bene and his NP Karen we’re both optimistic that I will be approved for surgery by insurance. I contacted the chiropractor and they will forward my records in case Blue Cross needs the documentation. I’m trying not to get too excited or have high expectations. But my fingers are crossed!! Updated on 19 Feb 2018: Received the good news on Feb 12 that Blue Cross approved the surgery, 10 days after my consultation. Much quicker than expected and couldn’t be happier. I just scheduled the surgery for April 16, yay!!!! Pre-op is April 3rd. I am on Cloud 9, in total disbelief that after years and years of wishing and hoping, the time has finally come. No more $50-80 minimizer bras, no more shoulder grooves, no more back pain, rashes... I will buy large and (gasp!) medium tops. I will wear tank tops... Camisoles... oh man this is going to be fantastic! Updated on 10 Mar 2018: I found myself at Marshall’s yesterday, looking at tops and T-shirts... Out of habit looking at the XL, XXL & 1X sizes . Wondered what size T-shirt I’ll end up wearing after the surgery? I’d love to wear light and bright colored tops and dresses, which I’ve pretty much never done before. Everything in my closet is black, navy, charcoal gray, brown— anything to camouflage my G cup boobs. I’m looking forward to warmer weather & a smaller chest and less self-consciousness! No more under boob rash! Getting excited. I just hope everything goes well. Updated on 4 Apr 2018: Pre-op yesterday went well. Surgery in less than 2 weeks! Need to buy the clasp front sports bras and fill my pain med prescription. Hubby’s taking off work to be here for me 1st few days. Haven’t told a soul at work, except my male boss who received a copy of my FMLA paperwork for “mammoplasty”. Getting really EXCITED! Updated on 15 Apr 2018: It’s 10:45 the night before surgery. It’s scheduled for 7:30 tomorrow morning, and I am totally in disbelief! I showered with Dial soap, packed my overnight bag in case I stay over at the hospital. Set 4 alarms because there’s no WAY I’m gonna miss this. Wish me luck all my fellow chesty sisters. Good night ???????? Updated on 18 Apr 2018: Surgery went well, I don’t remember a thing. The pain meds are making me a bit nauseous, bu then I took them on an empty stomach. Honestly I am in disbelief that it’s over, and my boobs look smaller! Updated on 19 Apr 2018: Updated on 24 Apr 2018: Appointment went well. The nurse practitioner took off the surgery tape, said I have 2 small wounds on right breast. Still feeling tired, and breasts feeling major tight. My husband asked me how it feels, comparing the lost breasts to an amputee. It does feel odd to walk about without my heavy chest, the compression bra the sweaty under-boob area. It will take a while to get used to. But I looked at T-shirts today at Target, and little bras too. Yayyyyyy!!!!!!!! Updated on 26 Apr 2018: Updated on 15 May 2018: I see my PS today for my one month follow up. My girls are looking and feeling pretty good! Except for a wound that opened 2 nights ago, see pic. Updated on 30 May 2018: My boobs aren’t swollen anymore and sleeping comfortable on my side. Still a teeny bit of pain now and then but for the most part I’m feeling really good! My boobs look amazing! Updated on 25 Jun 2018:
