Dr. Russell is everything I was looking for in a plastic surgeon. He understood what I wanted to achieve and he told me what I could realistically expect. My results exceeded my expectations! I'm grateful for the new me.
Overall all I am very satisfied. The facelift procedure was performed by a skillful and caring surgeon. The scars are barely noticeable after 3 months and I have to say I look great. I hardly had any swelling after the procedure and could go out I'd say after about a week. I did have a complication, not from the surgeon, but from a "perfect storm" scenario. Dr. Russell showed concern and repeatedly had checked up on me to see how things were progressing. At the 3 month mark, everything resolved on its own. I do appreciate the concern and I also knew not to panic after having other procedures. Everyone heals/reacts differently and one needs to know that before you have any surgery.
I am so excited to be joining you ladies! I am a 29 yr old mom of two very active boys- one and three, and we lost a baby girl before they were born in the third trimester of my pregnancy (hense the 3 babies). I breast fed both boys so my breasts are deflated looking, but the surgeon said that I did not need a lift so I was kinda happy about that. I am 5'9" and currently 149 lbs (trying to lose a couple before surgery). I am getting a full tummy tuck, lipo for my flanks, a breast augmentation and submental lipo for the oh so dreaded double chin. My surgery date is January 7th and my pre-op appointment is December 19th. I work in a hospital and talked to a lot of nurses and other staff there. I knew several that went to Specialists In Plastic Surgery so that is where I decided to have my consultation. I met with Dr. Roger Russell and loved him. My husband and I spent about two hours there. Everyone there was really nice and made me feel very comfortable and confident about choosing to have my procedures done there. The appointment was a little rushed because we had to pick up the kiddos from daycare but the office was so booked up I couldn't get another appointment unless I waited about a month or so. I can't wait for my pre-op appointment to discuss more about the breast augmentation, we did decide on the smooth round silicone implants but haven't finalized a profile or cc amount yet. My doctor did say that due to the amount of breast tissue that was there and the way I was built that he could fit "a good sized implant" , Go big or go home right?? The office did have the Vectra 3D imaging system so the did get a picture of me and tried moderate or moderate plus profile implants to 480cc and could hardly tell a difference. He did explain that it is only a computer and may not depict the actually results. When I go back I think I am going to ask about high profile implants and larger sizes. They also said I will be able to try out the different sizes at my pre-op appointment. Sorry if this is scattered but I am just SOOOOOO excited! Updated on 28 Oct 2014: I am uploading some wish pics of boobs I found online. I got some from this site as well so if I stole your boobs just know I really like them :). Updated on 28 Oct 2014: Updated on 28 Oct 2014: Updated on 4 Nov 2014: My pre op appointment isn't until Dec 19 which is less than a month before my surgery. I recently started a workout routine but am wondering what I need to get as far as vitamins and other necessities for post surgery. Any advice and recomendations are welcome. Updated on 16 Nov 2014: So today since I had to go to the store anyway I bought rice and knee highs :) I made Updated on 17 Dec 2014: I am so excited for my Pre-Op. I am disappointed my husband won't be able to go due to work responsibilities...bleh. I have one of my good friends going with me because I didn't want to go by myself. I am sad that my husband won't be there to come up with any questions and to help me make the decision in size. We have both looked at a ton of pictures and seem to be in totally agreement on the after picture though. I am looking forward to spending time with my awesome friend and can hardly wait until my surgery on the 7th! Updated on 21 Dec 2014: So I had one of my girl friends go to my pre-op and my husband was able to get out of court early so he was able to come as well. My friend lives about 45 min to an hour away so she had to travel a little. We go there and I was called back quickly. I was filling out more paperwork for surgery and then the lady (I cannot remember her name now) started going over some things. She was glossing over some things that I felt were very important and spending a lot of time on post-op care (I thought this was a pre-op) although I do know that immediate post-op care is important. Then I find out that I am not going to see my doctor, that she typically does not do pre-ops, the CRNA that usually does the pre-ops was not there and neither was my Dr. She also said she was surprised to see me on the schedule for a pre-op on a day they typically don't do pre-ops. SO by now I am FLAMING!!!! If they knew this was a day pre-ops typically were not done why was I scheduled on this day? If they knew the appropriate people were not there to have this type of appointment, why didn't they call me in the morning to reschedule? I am also a stay at home mom now so we had to pay the crazy prices at a drop in daycare to go to this appointment, and not to mention I drug two people to thins appointment for virtually no reason. SO I told her that I also never finalized the implant size with the Dr. She flipped through my chart and saw where the Dr. put in that he was going to do 450-550cc moderate to high profile.....UMMM OK that leaves so many unknowns!!!!! so was I going to end up with 550cc High profile on a day he was in a good mood and 450 moderate if he was in a bad one? I never even showed him wish pictures so he didn't even know what I wanted to look like. At my consultation he pulled up 480- 520 cc moderate plus and those were not even close to what I wanted! The lady that did my so called "pre-op" was extremely apologetic and did schedule me another consultation appointment....yay another day of crazy expensive daycare that could have been avoided. So I now I am totally freaking out and in a panic. Did I rush into a decision? Did I choose the wrong practice? Should I have made sure everything was ironed out BEFORE I scheduled my surgery? As soon as it got home from the disappointing, seemingly pointless "pre-op" appointment I emailed Peggy, the patient coordinator. She emailed me back within about 30 minutes and made me feel so much better, even though I am still in a state of slight panic. She said that she was very sorry, agreed that it never should have happened. She is also going to pass on the issue to the practice manager and Dr. Russell, both of which will be very upset. I hope she's right. Needless to say I am expecting phone calls on Monday or at least emails. Updated on 30 Dec 2014: So after the cluster at my pre-op appointment (apparently there was a scheduling issue) I found myself questioning if I made the right decision about having the surgery and what doctor to go to. Today there is no doubt that I did. I met with Dr. Russell who was just as confused as I was about why my pre-op was scheduled when it was. He spent all the time with me I needed and made sure I didn't have any more questions but also let me know that if I thought of anymore that I would have time to ask before surgery or I could always call. We got to look at the Vectra imaging some more and I explained to Dr. Russell what exactly I wanted and showed him my wish pictures. He was very happy that I showed him pictures so he could actually see what I wanted to look like. We also decided to up the implant size to 500-600 cc high profile silicone. Dr. Russell did another exam just to make sure I had enough skin and tissue to handle and implant that size and he was very confident that I did and that I would have excellent results. HIs nurse helped me try on sizers and my husband and I definitely liked the 600 the best (if he decides to go 550 my heart would not be broken either). Dr. Russell's nurse was laughing at how excited I got when I got to try on the implant sizers and visually see myself with boobs. Dr. Russell also reminded me that he gets to make the final decision on size in surgery but will start with the 600 and go from there based on my wish pic. Because some of the pre-op information was vague he also had the nurse that handles those come in to talk to me about any issues and questions that I had. I was very happy today and through all of that my appointment only lasted an hour but I never felt rushed at all. There is no doubt I picked the right doctor! I left feeling at ease and excited about my surgery again. Now if I could just shake this congestion.... Updated on 1 Jan 2015: I cannot believe my sx is only 5 1/2 days away! I am so excited! I am just in overdrive trying to get the house ready. Trying to get everything picked up, Christmas stuff packed up, and a ton of stuff to take to be donated. Things are far from where I wanted them to be right now but I am just going to try to do what I can and be happy with that- I can't do any more than I can do. I am so excited I can't stand it! I found a lift recliner in excellent condition for $75 on Craigslist and we are going to pick it up on Sunday! What a find! I hope I have everything I need! I got compression garments, front closure bras, slippers, 2 zip up nightgowns/robes, the chair, extra pillows, I'm taking my rx's to be filled on Monday, my dr said I shouldn't need to change my dressings so I am not worried about that. I also have a walker and a shower chair. I have my bromaline tablets and my arnica, and I got some protein powder to make shakes and stuff with for post op. I think I am going to get a female urinal for the first few days too. Anyone see anything I am missing? Sorry if this post was really scattered- I feel like that's kinda how my brain is right now lol Updated on 6 Jan 2015: So this is my last night before surgery. The office called and bumped my surgery time up 45 minutes. I have been on a liquid diet all day and I am STARVING! I feel like I could chew my arm off! they also made me do an enema tonight...which was not at all pleasant. The things we do to look good! I have to go through all my bottoms tonight to figure out what I want to wear for my surgeon to draw THE line. I am seriously starting to get nervous. I hope my implants don't end up being too big. My kids have also been super clingy tonight which kind of makes me sad because I am going to miss that during recovery, and they aren't like that very often. It also makes me wonder if they feel that something bad is going to happen????? No turning back now! See you ladies on the flat and perky side :) Updated on 7 Jan 2015: Stopped by Walmart to get some new slippers and headed to the office. I skipped my usual caffeine yesterday so naturally I have a headache this morning :( my stomach feels funny which I think is a mix from being empty and nerves. See Ya on the flat side!!!! Updated on 9 Jan 2015: I am absolutely miserable! So far I love my recliner, urinal, and walker the most. Getting up and going to the bathroom exhausts me! Dr. Russell ended up going with 600cc HP implants. And he was super excited about my TT results. Everything is all wrapped up so I can't see what anything looks like. They are not expecting me to have my drains out before Tuesday. My compression garment is making me supper itchy and my left breast incision hurts the most. Today I have been coughing like crazy.... It hurts soooo bad. I want to see what everything looks like because I thinknit would make me feel a little more positive, but I want everything to heal properly too- so I don't wanna chance messing with anything. Updated on 9 Jan 2015: My binder is making me feel like I am going to itch to death! I feel like I want to scratch it off!! Anyone have any tips on how to deal with it???!! Updated on 15 Jan 2015: Wow! I was so thrilled I got my drains out today! They Dr and his nurse pulled them both out at the same time which I thought was a smart idea. The left one burned really bad but it went away shortly after. I felt so good today me and my husband even went out to lunch. I am amazed at how low and straight my tummy tuck scar is. The only thing I am disappointed about is that I did not have enough extra skin for him to remove my bellybutton and bellybutton ring scar completely so I am stuck with a little scar that goes up in the middle also :( Overall I am thrilled with my results. My boobs are not as big as I expected but I already feel like they are pretty even and I am in love with them. I think my submental lipo (uncer my chin) also looks fantasitic already and feel like it took a ton of weight and age off my face! I am also feeling soooo much better (especially since the drains are out). My butt is starting to hurt from sitting in the same chair all the time so the last few days I have been going into the living room and sitting there for a while. It seems like I hurt worse in the morning than any other time and I think the best way to describe it is just sore and stiff. I only take my pain meds at night and in the morning when I get up. I have managed to get through two days without any more than that. I use my heating pad on my back a lot, especially when I am relaxing at night and it helps a ton. I'm having a problem uploading pictures but I will try to get some up ASAP Updated on 15 Jan 2015: Pictures! But for some reason they are loading sideways but not showing up on my phone that way and it is not letting me correct it ??? Updated on 24 Jan 2015: My two week post-op was this past Thursday. I got my stiches out from under my chin from the submental lipo and my breast augmentation. He put tape back over my breast incisions and told me that it would come off in a few days and then I will be able to start scar treatment with coca butter. He told me to keep up with my breast massages and massaging my neck from my lipo. He also still has me in my head strap whenever I am at my house, but at least I can take it off if I go out. He also has me in a girdle with my binder over it- It is making my waist tiny!! I am so thrilled with my results. He is really happy with the way I am healing and he is going to take out my belly button stiches this week. My tt scar is doing great, it looks a little funny because I had a black girdle on and some of the fuzz from the inside of it stuck to the glue around the incision. He also checked me for swelling at my appointment which was at 1 in the afternoon and said I didn't really have any to speak of which also made me happy. Dr. Russell is thrilled with my results so far and the way that I am healing. I started taking care of the kids some by myself last night because my husband had to go back to work. I am doing pretty good with it. Today is also the first day I have taken a shower and haven't had to sit down as soon as I got out. I will take some more pictures tomorrow if I have time. So far I think my results are FANTASTIC and it has me feeling like a million bucks! I can't wait for some time to pass to go bra shopping!!! Updated on 24 Jan 2015: I meant to put this in my post but it slipped my mind. I tried sleeping in bed last night, stuck it out for about 5 hours, when I woke up my back was killing me! I am so tired of sleeping in the recliner and just want to get back in bed. How long before anyone was able to get back into bed???? Last night I was using a wedge pillow and another pillow under my head and then another under my knees. I cant lay flat or on my side because it feels like everything is pulling. I JUST WANT MY BED :( Updated on 25 Jan 2015: Updated on 8 Feb 2015: Yesterday was 1 month PO for me! Overall I feel great. Sometimes if I do to much my abdominal muscles start to get a little sore. I got a little let down yesterday because I went to Adam and Eves and was looking for a corset for Valentines day and I probably tried on 4 or so before I gave up. Apparently they are made for stick skinny chicks not a healthy 8-10 and I was trying on larges :/ I am using cocoa butter and massaging my scars and they are all starting to look better. I cant wait to go bra shopping, wearing wire-free bras is starting to get to me. I'm hoping to be able to wear them after my 6 week appointment. In the mean time, does anyone know where to buy cute wire-free ones? I also was looking in to tanning. I bought a package at my local tanning salon on Groupon and then found out its not recommended because it can darken scars (among other reasons- yes I know it is bad for you and can cause skin cancer). I am planning on discussing it with my doctor at my 6 week follow up. Anyone know any ways to cover and protect my scars for tanning beds??? My husband and I are going to St. Lucia in May and I def don't want to go as pasty as I am, and I was considering spray tan but I am sure we will be in the water a majority of the time and don't want to risk it fading/washing off. I would love some tips from the tanners out there. Updated on 8 Feb 2015: Updated on 8 Feb 2015: The solid real one is my pre baby bikini; that's why the top looks small (I had no boobs then). Please excuse the red marks across my stomach from my CG also these were taken tonight and apparently I was a little swollen. Updated on 15 Feb 2015: I broke down and went to Victoria's Secret which my husband. I bought one bra set, some lingere and some pjs (sexy I know). I also ordered a couple bra and panty sets and a corset from Adore Me online and the feel, look, and fit fantastic. They were pretty reasonably priced and shipped within a couple days. I haven't tried the corset yet though. I hope everyone had a fantastic V Dat! Updated on 20 Feb 2015: So up until now. Have been Exparil about my results. Today not so much. I love my tummy tuck but with 600ccs I expect my boobs to be a lot bigger. I am only a 38c and started at a 36-38 b. I expected a lot bigger. I think now my swelling is going down and i feel like I am still small. Updated on 7 Apr 2015: I went to my last appointment today with Dr. Russell. I must say I could not be happier with my results and I feel fantastic! It is a great feeling to hear my husband tell me how skinny I am :) I wasn't huge to begin with but definitely had a body that was destroyed by babies. I had the nurse email me before and afters so I could share them. They didn't take before picture of my chin but I did post some pre op. I feel fabulous, am so excited for my trip in May. I can't wait to wear a bikini on the beach!!!! Dr. Russell is thrilled with my healing and results and even released me from his care today. I highly, Highly recomend him to anyone in the Raleigh area. He is excellent and a very skilled surgeon. Updated on 9 Sep 2015: I know it has been FOREVER since I have updated my profile so I wanted to add some more recent pictures. It has been about 8 months since my surgery. My scar is constantly lightening. I have really tiny dog ears that don't bother me enough to get fixed and my underwear/bathing suit cover it so it's not that big of a deal. All in all I am thrilled with my results!
My surgery went so well, and I couldn't be happier with my results. My nose is now small, and shaped exactly as I hope without making the rest of my face look different. It is a much better rhinoplasty than anything I have seen on film stars, it looks so natural. I was completely normal looking in 10 days, and consider it one of the best decisions I have ever made.
I had a full TT 6 years ago. Since then I lost 60 pounds and had another baby. Also the doctor I had last time was HORRIBLE! The scar was just below my belly button, jagged, puckered. I had an extended mini TT this time with some lipo on the flanks. The scar is so thin and VERY low! He is very meticulous and detailed. After having such a hideous experience the first time, I am so happy this one was wonderful!
I am scheduled for my surgery tomorrow morning (despite having gotten 7+ inches of snow today!). I’ve always been small and after having my daughter got a bit saggier. This hasn’t always been a dream of mine, but something nice I am doing for myself that I am hoping will make going to the beach and wearing tank tops more fun. It would also be nice to feel sexier! My surgeon is Dr. Roger Russell at Specialists in Plastic Surgery in Raleigh. He was initially referred by a friend. During my consult he took a lot of measurements and really considered different options in terms of lift versus no lift. I thought he was very thorough and I was comfortable with him. I will hopefully post an update tomorrow! Updated on 22 Jan 2018: Surgery went well. Sore by pain isn’t too bad. Side with mastoplexy has to stay covered with the gauze for another 2 days. Emotionally feeling overall happy that I am doing this but a bit of a roller coaster of up and then down moment to moment. Updated on 22 Jan 2018: Took a shower yesterday and got to take off the gauze and surgical tape. Haven’t taken pain pills for past 3 days, only Tylenol happy with the shape and size so far. Still pretty sore but can sleep so not too bad. Have first postoperative appointment with the surgeon tomorrow.
I had adomible separation and a significant mommmy pooch from having kids. I've been thinking about doing this for years, but it's never been a good time. There never is though. I was sick for a week prior to my procedure and I'm still not 100% with my congestion and cough. I can't cough though, it hurts too bad. Somehow my self preservation has kicked in, and even though I get the urge I'm able to fight it. Went In Yesterday for my procedure and don't remember anything after the anesthesia. It was strange b/c I woke up and it was a done deal. Now I'm dealing with the pain, unable to move much and I'm not hungry, but drinking protein shakes. I'm hoping the pain will get better or more manageable, but I think it will get worse before it gets better. I'm hoping this will all be worth it and I will post some pictures soon. Updated on 19 Jan 2018: Updated on 19 Jan 2018: Updated on 25 Jan 2018: Updated on 3 Feb 2018: Here is a pic for those interested. I know it helps to see all the stages in the healing process. Incision and BB still raw and I’m still very swollen. I have the T-shaped incision under BB where my old BB was pulled as tight as they could get it. I didn’t have much excess skin, so hopefully I won’t need scar revision. Dr said looks good though. I understand if you do the lipo with TT the swelling is worse. Didn’t help I ate Mexican food last night....I could feel myself swell afterwards...haha Updated on 25 Feb 2018: End of day, so I’m very swollen as I haven’t stopped moving and even lifted heavy stuff today. Very hard still and numb, but I’m basically feeling back to normal. Wearing a light control Spanx during day and my binder at night. Need to get back to my excersize and clean eating. I’ve been bad this weekend.
I've wanted rhinoplasty for as long as I can remember, at the latest -12 years old when kids really started to point out the size of my nose. Money being what it is (hard to come by!), I've always put this desire on the back burner. My child is now out of college and I've been working very hard to be able to do this. Sometimes I think "is it silly to do it now?" But I am! A couple of years ago I had severe hyperthyroidism and since then my eyelids have been swollen and puffy. Thyroid is gone but puffiness remains. I've decided to combine surgeries and have both done same day. I've seen a few surgeons but the one I felt most comfortable with noted that I really need to go to dr. Roger Russell in Raleigh. That's a long drive for me but if he's as good as they say it'll be worth it. I go see him next week. I'm sooooo ready for this! I'm going to post pics to see what you all think. One surgeon didn't want to do alar base reduction, with my nose I can't imagine NOT doing it. Updated on 31 Jan 2016: Met with Dr. Russell last Thursday. He is very kind and patient, answering my questions thoroughly. My skin is pretty thick so he doesn't recommend alar base reduction. He will,however, be doing as much as he can to feminize my nose. He said that if I'm not happy we can do the reduction later. He's just wanting to be more conservative due to scarring. I'm also having upper and lower blepharoplasty due to the fat deposits in my lids and under my eyes due to hyperthyroid issues a few years ago. I'm very excited. My dear friend went with me and that made the whole trip even better. We made it a girls road trip for a couple of days. Enjoyed Raleigh and Charlotte. Updated on 2 Feb 2016: I need to figure out how to update cost since I've added lower blepharoplasty. I had planned on upper but lower was added on... Updated on 13 Feb 2016: Finally starting to get nervous. I've been so excited that I didn't really think about potential discomfort. I had stitches the other day for very small dermatological issue and they're itchy and kind of hurt. And that's only like three stitches! Putting pics of my eyes and their puffiness I'm hoping will be reduced by the blepharoplasty. Updated on 21 Feb 2016: Getting nervous! I'll admit that reading some of the reviews wher people are disappointed after their rhinoplasty is scaring me. Updated on 21 Mar 2016: Can't believe it's finally here. Rhinoplasty and upper/lower eyelids. In an hour! 30 + years of wanting this (the rhinoplasty :) not the lids). Updated on 25 Mar 2016: Feeling much better. Just itchy. Worst thing is having horrible spring allergies at the same time as healing. Also, I itch under the nasal splint. Can't wait for all to come off/out on Tuesday! Updated on 26 Mar 2016: Wow. I'm getting my eyelids back after a few years with minimal space for makeup. I'm getting very excited
I am so excited I never thought the day would come. This site has helped me feel so much better about my decision. I received my approval on April 28th. I only recently found this site...like last week. I had be denied for the BR in August, but I decided to go to another surgeon in November...it took 6 months of physical therapy, mammograms, back X-rays...to get approved. I can't believe it is only 4 days away...I go from excited to nervous everyday, but as I said earlier this site has helped me with the jitters tremendously will be posting pre-pictures tomorrow....Let the journey begin!! Updated on 9 Jun 2014: Just uploaded pictures...I am very nervous. Updated on 11 Jun 2014: I'm up with my nerves this morning. I go for marking at 915. Then to the hospital for Pre Op at 11. The surgery is at 1... think of me at that time. I will post a markings photo later. Thanks for all the support and encouragement!!!!!Stay turned.... Updated on 14 Jun 2014: I'm here in some pain I've been recording my drainage for two days. I have to keep the drains in til Monday. I can't wait to get the bandages off. I can tell a big difference already in my shoulders, back, and neck...Thanks for all the support!!! Updated on 16 Jun 2014: I called in my drainage totals for the weekend, if there are no changes I get the my drains out in the morning. One of my friends is a nurse ,she changed my dressing yesterday I got her to take a quick picture for you guys....I'm pleased!!!! Updated on 16 Jun 2014: Updated on 17 Jun 2014: I GOT MY DRAINS OUT TODAY!!!! I'm in alot less pain. The removal was quick and not as painful as I thought it would be. My PS is the best he is so caring...he said I was healing great and the pain would get better now that the drain was out...here is a picture Updated on 18 Jun 2014: I had my first shower today. I feel good...but Im really exhausted and I started hurting a little. The incisions have surgical glue over them. I go back to the PS on Tuesday, to get the stitches lines cut!.... Updated on 29 Jun 2014: I'm I'm still much pain. I feel that there is no end in sight. I don't have any pain medicine left. Not that it helped, it made me sleep, but never for a long time and never took the pain away. Has anybody else took this long to stop feeling pain. Is there anything I can do to help to pain subside. Updated on 14 Jul 2014: Still healing still in pain. Can't really say if it was worth it or not at this time, because the pain is so exhausting. Hopefully it will be over soon. I never thought I would be in pain this long....
