I had my surgery on June 13, 2019 with Dra Jaqueline Miranda and her husband Dr. Robert Langlands in Santiago, Dominican Republic. They are amazing surgeons. Recommend by my
sister-n-law who lives there. I did a lot of research about these procedures since I knew I wanted to do it.
I’m 44 years old, a mom of two kids. I have always taken care of myself by eating healthy and doing daily workouts. But I couldn’t get rid of my belly fat.
I knew that part of it was due to family heritages. I decided to make a difference in my life so had a conversation with my husband and he supported me in anything I decided to do. So I did and I don’t regret it at all.
Updated on 23 Jun 2019:
Let me tell you a little bit of the preparation process before I continue to describe my post- op.
I met with Dr Jaqueline Medina and Dr Robert Langlands on June 3. They have their office at the Hospital Metropolitano de Santiago HOMS. Contact: (809)241-2300. They answered all my questions, told me about the whole process and how much it was. She told me that it will be good to do the surgery soon and have a longer recovery time before I leave to the USA. We agreed on June 13 as the surgery date. That same day she send me to get blood work done, a scan of my upper body and a cardiac exam. Those 3 exams are not included with the surgery price so I had to pay around $240 for them and expend a whole day at the hospital to get them done. I came back June 7 to the hospital to pick up my results and bring them to Dr Miranda for our final consultation before surgery. She checked them and took pictures of my naked body as well. Gave me the list of medications that I will need for after the surgery and other preparation. I already have her cell number so if I had more questions just text her. I left her office confident that I’m in good hands.
Updated on 23 Jun 2019:
Feeling good but nervous at the same time. My beautiful sister-n-law drove me to the hospital and we arrived at 7am to Dr Miranda’s office and her wonderful assistant Eyleen took us to the surgery area of the hospital so I can start getting prepared. I laid on the hospital bed and see both Dr Miranda and her husband Dr Langlands come in and ask me to stand up and draw on me to point out the areas where they where going to perform the surgery.
They took me to the surgery room and Dr Miranda was holding my hand and making me feel comfortable and relax while the anesthesiologist was doing her job on me. Next thing, I remember waking up feeling drowsy but no pain yet. They took me to my private room where my sister—n-law was waiting for me. I spend the night at the hospital and well looked after by the nurses. The next day around 10am my Doctors came in and checked me, told me everything went well and I’m good to be discharge from the hospital but before I go they put a faja on me. (See picture of the box).
Updated on 23 Jun 2019:
The medication has worn out and started to feel the pain from the liposuction on my back. No pain in my abdominal yet. Dr Miranda recommend to start my lymphatic massages with Naty she is a masseuse that works close with the Dr.
The massages are $20-25 each for every day needed. Naty comes and cleans the tummy tuck insicion, checks the drainage, massages the whole abdominal area and my entire back where I feel the pain the most. Then she helps me get into my faja which is hard when you are still in pain. I told Naty & Dr Miranda that I wanted the massage every day while I’m here recuperating.
It is painful but I do feel much better after it.
In the picture you will see my tummy tuck insicion which is different from what I have seen from other surgeons. The cut is so thin and the drainages are below the cut. My back lipo with little bruising because of the Lipo Vaser ( google it for more info) The items used to clean and massage are: sterile gauzes 4x4. Alcohol 70%. gloves, 100% pure cold pressed Organic Rosehip seed oil. Sterile tape, cotton swabs and Curaderm power.
Updated on 23 Jun 2019:
When you research about tummy tucks and liposuction you hardly hear the real bad moments.
I want to share some with you. Prepare mentally and physically for these procedures because it is rough.
You won’t be able to sleep well for the first week. You will sleep in a chair or recliner surrounded with many pillows sometimes. You need help to get up from the chair or bed. You need help to go to the bathroom because you won’t be able to clean yourself (that was my lowest point, feeling helpless). Ask for help the first two weeks because if you don’t then you can open your wound and make recovery time longer than what should it be.
You will be stuck inside for a while unless you don’t have any pain. It will be a good time to catch up on anything.
You can’t shower while you have the drainages so personal cleaning wipes will help stay clean. Drink a lot of water or pure fruit juices. Pineapple juice is great for inflammation. If your feet swollen take a natural herb capsule called Horsetail and maintain your feet lift up most of the time. (Consult with your doctor first)
You will wear a faja (gridle) all the time for compression (3-6 months) just take it off to have it washed. Eventually you will need to buy a smaller size faja once imflamation goes down.
Try to eat healthy, avoid foods that can make you gassi or constipated. I will let you know if I have anymore
Updated on 27 Jun 2019:
On day 9 post- op my drainages came off. It didn’t hurt since the area still a little dumb. I’m so happy because I’m able to take full showers now. I still need help from my sister-n-law since I can’t stretch my body completely yet.
I keep getting the lymphatic massages every day and I feel much better every time.
On June 25th I went to see Dr Jacqueline Miranda and Dr Langlands for my 2nd post check-up visit. She told me everything looks really good that I’m healing really well. My belly button looks great but she will wait until next week to take off the stiches. Once they do then I will be able to get into and out of bed by myself. I’m not sleeping well since it is uncomfortable. My back still hurts and sleeping on it is not comfortable.
I’m still taking my vitamins and iron pills. Drinking a lot of water and 100% pineapple juice. Eating healthy and taking walks through out the day.
Today is 2 weeks post-ops and I’m happy with my recuperation. The swelling still there and now the itching has started in some areas. At this point I know things will be better. Feel free to ask me anything if you have any questions.
Updated on 28 Jun 2019:
It wasn’t painful because the area still numb from the surgery. Doctor says that it is healing very good.
If you see something white in the hole drainages it is a medical powder to help close the holes. Look at the surgery cut it is so thin. So happy with it. Dr Miranda did a great job.