Despite trepidations, I had lipo on back of arms, back, love handles and inner thighs. Coming off the anesthesia was harder than I remember for the tummy tuck (tt) - really groggy. I kept expecting the discomfort and pain from the TT but this was a lot better/easier. I took a pain pill when I got home, took a nap and actually felt pretty normal when I got up. Little aches - mostly in the inner thigh areas. My PS called to check on me and I asked him how to go to the potty with the compression garment on - and he said I could pull it down to potty. Wow - what a luxury! None of that with the tt. Shower in 2 days. The compression garment (cg) feels good - the only problem with keeping it on so long is that with my arms, it extends to my wrists and it is HOT outside - weather-wise. I may go to taking it off for quick trips to the store...? I'll ask my ps about that. I was religious about stopping meds that could cause bruising so I am hoping that the bruising is minimal. I'd like to go back to wearing shorts asap. Before the procedure, I asked my ps if my skin would hang after the lipo since the best results are for young-uns (20-30 year olds). He said that my skin was 'actually in pretty good shape' and I should be happy with the results. I'm glad it's over! And very glad the discomfort is minimal! No photos yet ... maybe in a day or so.... Updated on 5 Jun 2016: Still feel pretty good. The bruising is starting to get worse but I feel good. Sore mostly in the back/ flanks. Arms and thighs don't hurt much at
For a few years now I noticed my face falling and my turkey neck. It adds years and I noticed people treating me differently. Maybe I look more tired than I feel? As many women have written on this site, it sneaks up on you and one day you look in the mirror and can't believe the reflection. I like to wear my hair pulled back or up but am embarrassed to do this now. Physically I am in great shape for my years, exercise daily and eat right. My husband is 5 years my junior and we have been married for 34 years. He is aging beautifully. I want to keep up with him. My husband and I had several consultations with plastic surgeons in our local area. All promised the moon. We decided to consult with Dr Prescott although he is 3 hours away for several reasons. My friend had her upper and lower eyes done about by Dr Prescott about 10 years ago and her eyes still look amazing. He didn't promise me the moon and seemed very conservative in his approach. Somehow, this gave me confidence in him. Long story short I am scheduled for a facelift and necklift in two weeks. My facelift will be short scar and the necklift will correct my platysma muscle. I opted to have my upper eyelids done at a later date. I have one lid that is noticably droopy. But not a huge deal. I opted to post on this site as reading all the great stories and seeing pictures others have posted is extremely helpful. I plan to post pictures as I go through this process. Here are a couple taken today, two weeks post opp. Updated on 11 Mar 2016: I am ready for my surgery but nervous. Trying to keep myself busy, my husband is so supportive. I just love him. Hoping to see my jawline again in a couple of weeks. Updated on 16 Mar 2016: My surgery is scheduled for 12:30. Mixed emotions this AM but fairly positive. Will be posting recovery pictures. Updated on 16 Mar 2016: My experience today was wonderful. Although I was very nervous, I did not have much to think about it. I can't remember all the names of folks who were there but will later on. Dr Prescott was perfect for me. He made me feel much more relaxed. No real pain right now. Just tightness around the neck. Ice 20 minutes per hour for swelling in the eye area although no surgery was done in that area. Can't see any bruising at all. Here are the pics. Until tomorrow Updated on 17 Mar 2016: My post op appointment went great. My neck is tight, tight. To feel it anyway, I haven't looked yet. No brusing anywhere at all, which might come later. But was told it probably won't be bad if it does. Dr Prescott removed a significant amount of skin and explained how he secured the pytisma muscle. Now I understand why my neck feels so tight. I can't wait to see the final results. So, all is well 24 hours out and he encouraged me to just take it easy for the next couple of weeks. No bending over (especially), housework or gardening. I should start feeling better by Monday. So, no pictures today as I am so tired. Make sure to follow the advice of the doctor regarding all the before and after instructions. One thing I did was eat lots of leafy greens high in vitamin K prior to surgery. Not sure if that helped but my bleeding was in check. Dr Prescott also gave me some Arnica caps to take before and after surgery. Follow the pain med instructions. Very important. Although this was not a super painful procedure don't let the pain get ahead of you. Dr Prescott's staff are absolutely wonderful and Dr Prescott, I feel, is an honest man. I spoke with my sister-in-law who is a retired OR nurse from John Muir Hospital here in Walnut Creek. She meet the doctor when he first arrived and worked with him in the OR. She said she was impressed with him immediately and that he is so precise. A very good recommendation for a plastic surgeon. At 67 I have realistic expectations and feel like my final outcome will be one in which I am very satisfied. Pictures coming. Updated on 18 Mar 2016: Ok. My neck is tight (very tight) and I have a chin strap on, but as you can see no brusing at all. Not even on on my neck. Of course it's like a rollercoaster, when the Tylenol wears off I am uncomfortable. Dr Prescott's nurse, Shiela, said I will be much better by Monday. More pictures tomorrow. Updated on 19 Mar 2016: Today is Sat. My husband tells me this is day 3. Plan to shower today. The pain yesterday was uncomfortable and so I took a vicodin 5/325 and extra strength Tylenol 500 mg every 6 hours. Close to the 6 hour point i was uncomfortable. Hoping today is hump day. My neck is better, tight, but better. I can turn my head from side to side. There is no pain in the mid portion of my face at all. It's still numb. Will post pics after my shower and shampoo. Updated on 19 Mar 2016: Washed my hair and here are the pictures. A little swollen but no bruising at all. All the sutures look good. I like seeing my neckline again. Oh my...make sure I wear this chin strap. Pain is 100% better and think all is good. Hoping for a lasting result. Will post pics as the swelling goes down. Updated on 22 Mar 2016: My swelling is up and down. I find keeping the head elavated helps. Wearing a chin strap 8 to 12 hours a day. I am very swollen (or it just feels that way) around the ears. Pain is very little now but still taking a tylenol every 8 hours. Hopefully the swelling just keeps going down each day. Tonight, all is good!! Updated on 24 Mar 2016: I have included a before and after pic. This is day 8. Still tight and swollen but feeling better. Yesterday was a bad day, just felt drained. My Cis' is coming today for a visit. So far my profile is 100% better. I am happy. Hoping all will stay put!! Updated on 25 Mar 2016: Things are much better today. Less swollen and less uncomfortable. I look so different that it is crazy. Hopefully this won't relax, but today all is good. Thank you for all your kind comments. Updated on 27 Mar 2016: My face is still swollen and feels tight. One side will swell more than the other, and then it will switch. I used ice yesterday. See the doc tomorrow. Anyone have this issue. Too much activity?? Weird. Updated on 28 Mar 2016: My appointment with Dr Prescott went fine today. I really like him and feel confident that he is paying attention. My healing is normal. So I am going to start light exercise. Light weights and walking more. He encouraged me to turn my head and not to worry about it although it is very tight.. And not complaining! Tight is good. My swelling is moving around a bit and all that is normal too. He showed me how to massage along my incisions, which are all pretty much hidden and the little bumpy places. So, day by day, this all should start to feel better and look better. Sometimes I don't recognize myself. Not afraid of those candid photos. It's crazy. Wish I had done this when I first started hiding from the camera, about 10 years ago. More pics in a few days... Updated on 29 Mar 2016: Swelling is settling down. Jawline is back and incisions are much better. Just a couple of pics here.....I think it's going along well. Updated on 31 Mar 2016: This is one of those down days in the up/down cycle. I have less swelling in my face and more in the neck, jaw area. Just want to sleep and rest after spending 2 hours at the Verizon store. walked about 2 miles yesterday and the same thing happened. Patience is a virtue..... Also, I think salt is a big issue like many have mentioned. Those of you who are behind me in the healing process, this is all normal. More pics in a couple of days. Updated on 6 Apr 2016: It's been 3 weeks sine my face/neck lift and I still have considerable swelling . I have taken it easy the last few days but the swelling and tightness is pulling my ears ( behind and in front) and sides of the neck. The under chin area is swelling as well. It doesn't look horrible but feels very uncomfortable. I feel as if my lymphatic system isn't draining properly. Tomorrow i will have light lymphatic massage. Hopefully this will help. If anyone else has experienced swelling like this post surgery I would greatly appreciate hearing about it. Thanks. Updated on 18 Apr 2016: Continued swelling under left ear and pulling sensation on that side. Right side is feeling pretty good. I have to ask the doctor the exact type of neck lift he preformed. My platysma muscle was stitched in the middle and on the sides as well. Lymphatic massage made the area feel so much better today. I made the mistake of lifting my one year old grandson, several times. Not a good choice. The pros: neck looks fabulous even with swelling and my cheeks are lifted elimating the hollow areas. Jaw line is back and smooth. My recommendation is the same as many of you commented. Take it easy, be patient. It takes quite a few weeks for all this to resolve. Well worth it. Updated on 18 Apr 2016: They didn't upload. Updated on 3 May 2016: Reporting in at the 7 week point. The thing I have not done for years is to wear my hair up because my profile was so bad, but today I pulled it up! I know it's not perfect but it is 300% better. Last Friday wa my 6 week checkup with Dr Prescott. He said all looked good. Still swelling especially after exercise or salty foods. Exercise is in, salty foods out. He also explained the course of my recovery so it will be no surprise. He said a year from surgery I will see the best result. It's been a tough few weeks but worth every minute. So happy I took the plunge. Updated on 1 Jun 2016: Just posting at 11 weeks. I finally feel comfortable in my new face. Swelling is significantly better. The tightness and numbness is much better. I can exercise, practice yoga and sleep comfortably. Have hope, those of you who are in the first stages of recovery. Well worth the discomfort. Only my best friends can tell something is radically different. Most folks just stare for awhile and say I look good and rested. I have had some massage on the face now for about a month. Very gentle release. I love this..... Now I look the same age as my husband... Thank you Dr Prescott.
My sister inlaw had her BA done a few years back with Dr.Prescott. I had been thinking about having a BA done over 8 years ago, it was just so hard for me to make a decision. However, I took my time to understand that it was not just an "itch that I needed to scratch", but it was something that I really wanted. It was a big decision to make but after having my son 8 years ago, I have decided that I am no longer having anymore children and that I want to do this BA to look and feel better in clothes and bathing suits. Anyway, I called in for a consultation, to make the long story short, the staff was nice, very friendly, they don't look over done with plastic surgery. They were all professional and helpful. I had overall outstanding service from beginning to end of my journey. Now as you read down, I'll be talking about my PS, I highly recommend him. :)
Surgery took 3 hours. First night home - fuzzy. I only had a tummy tuck. At the last minute, I asked my ps to do the internal stitches loose because I'm 60 and don't have 50 years to enjoy the tight tummy. We decided right before surgery that he wouldn't put in the cross-stitches - up the breast-bone. Here are pictures 3 days PO. Updated on 13 Mar 2013: 7 days post op - feeling pretty good. I notice when i do more walking around, even though I'm not hunched over anymore, my back really gets hurting after an hour or so. I have noticed swelling in my tummy now - and I'm so itchy under the CG even with benadryl. I see the doctor on Friday for 2nd post op visit. I hope I can lose the CG and go with something firm yet smoother. I added more pictures from today and notice all the wrinkles from the CG and my tanktop - that I wear between me and the CG. So far, it hasn't been that bad a recovery. I am very, very thankful I opted out of the 'down the front' stitches and no lipo. I wasn't up for the added misery and give big KUDOs to the ladies who did multiple things plus their TT! Updated on 20 Mar 2013: 14 days po. I think i am in the slump time. On day 6, i developed a really bad rash. I thought i was going to scream it itched so badly. My ps took the tape off on day 8 and said the rash was an allergic response to the surgical tape. We hoped that it would get better. Instead, it began spreading up from the incision to cover my entire tummy. My ps prescribed prednisolone pack on day 9. Prednisolone is awful stuff. I don't know how the baseball players could stand the aggitated, hard to get comfortable, insomniac side effects. I am feeling bummed now probably due to the prednisolone. Tummy is now a purply pink - the rash is finally subsiding - but the side incisions are bumpy and look awful. I am probably swollen and wish i could massage my tummy but it feels numb and tingly like when you feet fall asleep. I have read in other posts that around day 10 people feel the blues about the procedure. The worst is behind yet the road is not paved in beautiful tummy yet. Updated on 11 Apr 2013: I am back to normal walking exercise - 3 miles/4 times week. Looking forward to swimming soon - maybe next week - and getting back to tahitian dance. I'm 60 but very acive. Now I have my 28 year old tummy back... before kids and 2 c-sections. I'm 5'2 and was 125 lbs before kids - and had two 10 lb babies. That is like huge for a small woman. Now I'm 134 lbs and feeling great. There is hope!
I chose to have a breast lift because I was getting to the point where my breasts were starting to droop and do the "pancake" thing. I expected the whole thing to be more painful, but it wasn't. I healed quickly except fot the right breast incision running from the areola down. I developed an infection and was sure it was staph! The Doctor ensured me it was not staph and said it was a frequent problem (not sure about that). Problem area cleared up but left a bad scar. I only went down one cup size but the Doctor made my areolas smaller and I was perkier than when I was 25. This procedure was expensive but worth it. I am more comfortable at rest and while exercising. I can go braless with a cute top or dress where the bra would normally show. Before, I tried everything under the sun to keep my breasts concealed and in thier correct place, or move. Certain fashion choices were just not an option. Now, I dont have to think or worry about it. It has been two years since the procedure, The only con are the scars but the many pro's outweigh the scars and my breasts feel young and not old lady. Updated on 11 Sep 2018:
I am unhappy with the results of my rhinoplasty with Dr. Prescott. I am looking into getting revision rhinoplasty. My nose is very asymmetrical. When I look straight on, I can see that it pulls to the left, and kind of hooks. The profile from the right side is okay, but I really dislike the left. The left nostril is pointed, and when I smile my nose hooks down. If you look from underneath at the nostrils, they are very crooked, and the scar from the open procedure is still very visible. The profile slopes down, and instead of slightly sloping up. I also have a dent on the left side of my nose from the cast that never filled back out. I'm upset that I didn't get the result I was looking for, because this is a very expensive procedure, and I am now looking for revision rhinoplasty.
I'm not sure if I really recieved smart lipo! The procedure is expensive. Dr would not show me the fat he removed. Wasn't that bruised. As I got better, I could not tell any difference from before! The Doctor kept telling me the swelling had to go down and sometimes took up to two years to see the full effect. There was no skin tightening and my bra hang over was still there and the back of my waist had rolls that were not there before! Im not really sure how to review this, I picked a well known and trusted Dr. but felt this was about the worst outcome I could have had.Updated on 11 Sep 2018: Hello Everyone, I have been away for a while, I think because I was traumatized and depressed by the money I spent with absolutely NO results. I exercise 8-10 hrs per week and eat very healthy but I still have my problem areas. I recently starting having hip pain and went to an Orthopedic Surgeon who said I need a hip replacement! I cut back on exercise because of my hip and now I am just getting flabbier and fatter! I am considering Cool-sculpting at this point, any suggestions?
Hi ladies, let me just say this website helped me prepare so much for my surgery thank you everyone for sharing your experiences! I started with a 34c but really I'm a 36 b but the bra cup would always fit me loose so went with the sister size and wore 34c I probly could've worn an A cup but because I wear fitted shirts and you can sometimes see the outline of my bra I refused to buy an A Cup bra. I was tired of buying padded bras not being able to but the cute love V shirts and bodysuits that all girls are wearing because I was so flat chested. I found my PS in May and just had my surgery a few days ago. I went from 390cc to 475cc to my final decision of 535cc I went with535 because I knew I would loose cc from going under the muscle and because I wanted to be more fuller but not be top heavy, I guess I was getting [RS bleep] greedy lol I read a lot of stories where a lot of girls regretted not going bigger and I didn't want to have any regrets and so far I have none. Today will be the first day I get to shower and see the new girls! My boyfriend went back toward today so I have to wait for him to get home he's been so good to me and putting up with me. My friend came over to and brought an ice machine which has been a life saver! I'll post a picture of it but it's great because it's not heavy it's just a pad that has cold water running through it that helps with swelling. The first 2 days were rough a lot of stiffness I could barely move my arms I sleep sitting up. I just wanted to share my story and hope it's helps someone out there as all your stories helped me Updated on 2 Aug 2015: Updated on 3 Aug 2015: Hi there, day 6 and they're finally starting to settle a little I'm having a lot of heartburn which I never did , some numbness and sleeping has become easier for me as I can get out of bed by myself now these things are like rocks right now don't get me wrong I love them and I can finally fill out my shirt now even my boyfriend noticed when I tried on a new tank top that he loved the fit and mentioned I was curvier on top ;)) on my way to my post op I'm sure all my symptoms are normal but I'll bring them up to ps anyway Updated on 3 Aug 2015: Updated on 25 Oct 2016: It's been a very emotional year. I have not posted anything because of how embarrassed I looked. I couldn't live with my first results . I had to go under again, of course with a different PS surgeon. I love my new results!! Updated on 26 Oct 2016: 1 year update
I have been lurking on this sight for weeks staying up very late reading every word of your experiences. I appreciate how candid and hilarious you all have been as you share your tt journey. I will be having a full tt with lipo on my flanks. The cost listed includes a nurse coming home with me and staying overnight to monitor my vitals and show my husband how to change the drains. She will also be communicating with my surgeon throughout the night. About me: I'm 49 and use my vertical space efficiently (I'm a shorty) at barely 5'0". I weigh 126 and wear a size 10 carrying my weight in the middle-more of an apple than a pear. I never had much of a waist even in my much thinner 20's and 30's. More about me: I had lifesaving surgery when I was 30 on my abdomen which required removal of part of my pancreas and my spleen- leaving a long vertical scar on my abdomen. Used to cry about the scar, but now I look at it and I'm thankful I'm alive. I have one daughter via c-section. I was 41 when she was born and looked like I was carrying twins. Sooo, my abdomen is all jacked up. Did my research using this site as my main source. What guardian angels you all are! I consulted with 3 excellent surgeons. I think is was Kimmers who wrote about going with your gut feeling/clicking with the surgeon. The prices amongst the 3 were quite varied. I considered aftercare offered by each surgeon (facility overnight stay, nurse staying in my home, just being sent home-this one scared me along with my husband). I just felt so safe and comfortable with the surgeon I chose. When I had my pre op appt. today, I told him so. There was something about his manner, his kind face and eyes that made me feel that I would be okay. I told him that too. I swear I made him blush! I told him that while I was lying on the table in front of him that I wanted him to remember my words. He told me that he would. I am not expecting miracles. My body looks like a roadmap with that long scar from my previous surgery. I want to look good in my clothes. When I asked my husband if he would help me post pictures,he told me I was insane. He is finally coming around with all this. I will try and post I am renting a bed for a month. Tried to get one of those overbed tables as well. The medical company didn't have them. But Amazon has them for about 50 dollars which is the same to rent from some other companies I've seen. Just have to assemble it. I love Walmart. Bought a swimsuit coverup to wear home. It's soft and zips. I also bought Pyrex storage containers to cook small meals and freeze.Updated on 4 Jul 2011:Question: How did you handle going up the stairs immediately after surgery? I have 13 stairs to climb to get to my hospital bed waiting for me in my room. Will I be screaming in pain with each step? I've read some of the responses from the surgeons on this site. Most say take it slowly. A couple said to avoid them if possible. But I would like to hear from anyone about their experience. Thank you!!
He was suggested by my promary care physician. Dr. Prescott is very knowledgeable. He listens to what i want. But he also tell me what my body could accumulate. I was very comfortable talking to him. He answered all of our questions with honesty. When i need to contact him, he response soon after. I cant wait to see his work on me :-) Updated on 8 Feb 2017: STAT: PRE-OP: 34AA-34A 600CC HIGH PROFILE, SMOOTH, ROUND, SILICONE, UNDER THE MUSCLE, CREASE INCISIONS. Tomorrow is the BIG day!!! :-) Feb. 9, 2017 @10am, but be there at 8:30am. Just listening to music right now to relax my nerves. Hoping to get D or DD...no more than that :-) Looking and talking to some ladies here really helps with my research. Wish me luck ladies!!! :-)??? Updated on 9 Feb 2017: Today is my 4 days post op. Everything is well. Spreading the time to take meds. Walked around for an hour at the mall, and it got my boobs so tight, and some spasms on the left side. Im in bed now resting. I think my doctor did a great job on being gentle and perfectionist. No bruising! Updated on 19 Feb 2017: Im feeling awesome!!! Still gets tight here and there, specially the left side. Lots of dropping still. I just wear tops that has a bra shelf for support. I cant wait to see the final result!!! :-):-) Updated on 9 Mar 2017: My boobs are dropping slowly. They definitely look much fluffier than last time. I am still massaging them regularly. I still get firmness here and there. But all in all, i am very happy with them....
