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CLAIM YOUR PROFILEFrom your photos it appears as if you have several options that vary depending upon the degree of improvement you seek, particularly since it appears as if you have good skin tone. At one end of the spectrum is liposuction that will diminish your bulge by reducing most of the excess fat in the area. At the other end is a tummy tuck which will tighten the abdominal musculature and remove fat/skin of the lower abdomen. Consideration for a mini-tummy tuck is an in between option. Simply making a photo appraisal is generally inadequate to give sound advice and so your best next move is to see a board-certified plastic surgeon. If you are still planning on being pregnant in the future, I would probably steer you toward a liposuction, or CoolSculpting in the office.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
These small healing areas along the incision line occur at times. Your photograph demonstrates an area of delayed healing with a persistent scab overlying an open wound. You appear to be caring for the wound properly since there isn't any obvious signs for a surrounding infection. The moisture emanating from the wound is common for this sort of problem. Continue to follow the advice of your plastic surgeon about wound care. In the weeks to come the scab will be shed and you will note a scar the will be a bit wider there than the adjacent scars. Since it will be hidden under your pantyline, you might not feel any need to do anything about the scar, but if you feel otherwise, ask your surgeon in about one year about a scar revision.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
You are likely to receive sage, but varying, advice from well-qualified plastic surgeons on this topic. I provide a binder or garment for all my tummy tuck patients. However, when asked about the length of time they should use these devices, I suggest that they stay in place for at least 5 days to as long as 6 weeks. My belief is that they serve in at least two different ways. Yes, they compress the tissues and might alleviate swelling as many plastic surgeons advocate. But they also help support the vertebral column and support a weakened back which is compromised when the rectus abdominis muscles are realigned during the TT surgery. In either case I don't believe these "outer-wares" are critical for the post-operative care or eventual outcomes and that is the basic reason why my advice on this question is not rigid.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
The short answer is that the majority of the swelling usually resolves in 2-3 months, but at times residual swelling can persist much longer. Like many other situations in plastic surgery, more substantial changes are usually accompanied with longer healing times. Another way of expressing this is that a person who is 5'4" tall and weighs 190 pounds is more likely to have more swelling that persists longer than a 5'4", 135# person. In my hands a more extensive operation would be conducted in the latter case as compared to the former, which would generally translate into a longer healing time.
At 3 weeks everyone has swelling. In another 3-6 weeks you should experience a substantial relief of your swelling.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Hi everyone - I'm 39 years old with three kids. For as long as I can remember, I've always wanted breast augmentation. I never really had a problem with breast size, but more with sagging and weight. Fast forward to today - my once voluminous (but saggy breasts) have now been deflated from breastfeeding and weight loss. After years of thinking about it, I decided to finally schedule my appt. Starting this review to document my progress. Updated on 17 Apr 2021: Adding my before photos - very deflated and saggy. I originally chose 425cc saline moderate profile implants, below the muscle. My dr decided to put in 425cc on my right and 445cc on the left. I also opted for liposuction in my armpit area since I had a large pocket of fat that hasn’t gone away even with diet and exercise. Recovery has been tough but gets easier by the day. My implants are still very high and tight. I’m looking forward to having them drop and fluff soon! Updated on 18 Apr 2021: Finally off my prescription pain-killers and only taking otc medication now. Still pretty tired but I notice that my strength is coming back slowly. Hardest of recovery is not being able to pick up my kids... and sleeping on my back, my aching back! All I want to do is roll on my side to sleep. Updated on 16 May 2021: At my 1 week post op appt, my left implant accidentally ruptured and unfortunately, I had to go back in for revision for that breast. Unfortunate that I had to go back under the knife but Dr Okamoto was kind enough to get me in ASAP and didn’t charge me a thing. As of today, my left breast is 3 weeks post op / right breast is 4 weeks post op. Both are healing great and tapes have been removed. I have noticed that my right breast seems to be slightly smaller but I’m not sure if I’m over-analyzing or not. Updated on 16 May 2021: Sharing my before and after photos. My left breast is 3 weeks post op/ right breast is 4 weeks post op. Huge difference from before, I don’t know why I didn’t do this surgery sooner! My left breast still feels a little numb sometimes but I think it’s because it’s a week behind in recovery from my right side.
My experience with Dr. Okamoto was AMAZING from beginning to end. I had been doing a lot of research when I came across Dr. Okamoto. I called their office nervous as hell. I spoke to Lisa, she was able to answer all questions I had about a Tummy Tuck procedure, which put me at ease. Dr. Okamoto really listened to me. I made it clear that I wanted something natural and nothing exaggerated, which is exactly what I got. Seven months later... I couldn't be happier. My body looks AMAZING!! I love IT!! Thank you, Dr. Okamoto!!
My experience with Dr. Okamoto was wonderful. I was referred to him by a friend who said he came very highly recommended and now I know why. I would highly recommend him as well. He’s very truthful and very thorough.
I am extremely pleased with the results of Ultherapy. I am in my mid 40's and was unhappy with my sagging jowls. Dr. Okamoto recommended Ultherapy for tightening the skin on my lower face and neck. I can't be any more pleased with the results. Dr. Okamoto gave me the best advice suited for my age and concern. He is very caring, honest, meticulous and a true professional. If I could give him more than five stars I would.
Dr Okamoto completed my breast augmentation in 2006 and liposuction in 2018. He is the absolute best. He is professional, talented and brilliant. I could not recommend him any higher. He is truly the best. I would never go to anyone else.
I am a mother 4 of the most amazing children and a Gma to 10 beautiful grandkids. I had 4 c sections and i felt i needed to do something nice for myself. So, I started doing my research. My experience with Dr. Okamoto was Excellent. During my consultation he explained the procedure from start to finish. He answered any question that i had. I spoke with other Doctors but Dr Okamoto passion stood out to me. I am extremely happy with my result. I would do it all over again.
Dr. Okamoto repaired my gauged ears. He was very honest and up front about his doubts that it would look good—I had a lot of tissue lost and he had to get creative in the repair. It turned out pretty great, after all, and Dr. Okamoto is committed to improvements, if necessary. It’s a tricky procedure and he performed it incredibly skillfully. Lots of things that could have easily gone wrong didn’t. Dr. Okamoto doesn’t talk a lot and is very blunt and to the point. When I first met him I was a little intimidated by his demeanor, to be honest, but I quickly realized it’s a great quality in a doctor. No [RS bleep], and he really does care about his patients and doing a good job by them.
The first time I met Dr. Okamoto was 2013 finally in 2018 he change my life in unspeakable words. He was the best 1st 2nd and 3rd opinion and I did check out others, he IS the abosulate best.....this was the best experience ever....Thank you Dr. Okamoto!!!!
Dr.Okamoto is an AMAZING Plastic Surgeon. He is extremely knowledgeable, experienced and honest. I first went to Dr. O back in 1999 for a Breast Augmentation and 2006 for Lipo. I recently saw him for my second Breast Augmentation (18 years later) followed by a TT, fat transfer and lipo. I highly recommend Dr. Okamoto and his staff, as well as the outpatient surgery center he uses.
I had a great experience with Dr. Okamoto. He was very informative and talked to me about every little detail and concern. I felt like he really new exactly what was best for me. I felt very comfortable and safe going into surgery. Thank you, Dr. Okamoto for taking good care of me.
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