Andrew M. Schneider, MD

I’m on day 2 of my peel and wanted to share for those of you considering it. I’m 63 with very fair skin and rosacea. I originally went in to talk about a facelift. My dr suggested instead a smart exude dot laser treatment. I have thin loose skin that wrinkles with every expression and he thought I would be disappointed that a facelift wouldn’t give me a lasting tighter look. So I agreed to try the peel first. So far, it has not been as bad as I thought. I was numbed up very well with both topical and injections.The laser moved fairly fast over my skin and the pain was around a 4 out of 10, except upper eyelids and forehead (about a 6). Dr explained those areas don’t numb up as well. They had drawn my blood to do a prp type facial over my lasered skin. I went home with extra prp serum and was told to apply this several more times for the next 24 hours. Now t day 2 I am doing vinegar/water soaks and applying Aquaphor. Face swelling is substantial, but very little pain. I do have the red grid marks but have been told they will o away. So far, the experience has been much easier than I expected. Will keep you posted. Updated on 12 Nov 2018: Swelling has gone down considerably with frequent cold water/vinegar soaks and sleeping upright. Still very red with grid and tracks marks all over my face. No peeling yet. Trying to take it easy and not worry about the outcome. Hydrating and eating lots of fruit, especially pineapple. Updated on 14 Nov 2018: Peeling and flaking now. Have switched from vinegar/water soaks and Aquaphor to Avene skin care kit from the dr. Love the cleanser and cicalfate cream, as it is helping skin peel and hopefully heal. Itching not as bad as I had thought , nor was overall swelling. Updated on 18 Nov 2018: Almost all peeling and flaking is over. My skin is smooth and very red, like expected. I went in for the one week “checkup” with Dr. Schneider and bought some foundation called Oxygenist to help with coverage and more healing. I am still using the Avene skin cream called Cilcafate which came in a skin care kit they provided. I do have some pimple-like breakouts, like others have mentioned. But I can definitely see my face has better texture, smoother crows feet, and all the dark spots and precancerous lesions are gone. I know I’ll have to wear mineral sunscreen fanatically and get some Botox to stop future wrinkles. Hopefully, in the months coming, I’ll see some tightening in the jaw and eyes, as collagen builds up. But, t this point, I am satisfied. To summarize, I had a Deka Dot Fractional CO2 laser at medium aggressive level over the face and eyelids. I also decided to do a Vampire facial where your blood is filtered down to a platelet rich serum and applied back over your face. I took some home to use for the next 24 hours. I think this PRP stuff really helped my skin heal faster too.

I have always disliked my lips. They weren't tiny just not wanted I envisioned for myself. So I ended up getting Juvederm xc and the dental block before hand. It was a quick and totally painless procedure. I used one syringe. Right after the treatment I was given a bag of ice to keep on my lips to below oth swelling and bruising. I iced on and off all night. I did swell a pretty great amount the next day and they were sore. I'm on day two now and they are very swollen and painful. Will update when I know more! Updated on 4 Dec 2014: So today they are super swollen and bruised. Hoping when they settle I enjoy them. Updated on 17 Dec 2014: So it is exactly two weeks after my procedure. My bruising is pretty much all gone and my lips have settled to where they will stay. I had a bit of regret the very next day but, I have heard that is pretty normal! I LOVE them and highly highly recommend Dr Schneider. He did exactly what I wanted and really took care of me. I will definitely be going back again! Updated on 21 Dec 2014: Now that I have had my lips done for about 2 and a half weeks I LOVE putting my makeup on even more. Lipstick just looks perfect now.

I had the Deka Dot laser resurfacing with Dr. Andy Schneider at Forsyth Plastic Surgery in Winston Salem, NC for general superficial signs of aging (dark spots, light lines and wrinkles, under-eye puffiness). The staff, including Dr. Shcnieder, was AWESOME and very quick to respond to emails/questions promptly---Dr. Schneider even responded while on vacation! The procedure was painless with numbing and just some general tightening, scabbing, peeling afterwards. It did improve the texture and luminosity of my skin and I am glad I did it. The only drawback is residual "laser tracks" below each eye even now were the undereye are was treated aggressively for the puffiness and bags there. The Deka Dot made very little difference in these areas. I am now scheduling under eye bleph. for this. But overall, the procedure was worth it and I would do it again. Updated on 23 Mar 2014: I wanted to stress that the procedure was WORTH IT and I'd do it again (the doctor and staff are great), I was not warned of the possibility of permanent laser marks. I have read of similar experiences on this board and seems more lasering is the only way to remove them. I am not happy about that.

I had the Deka Dot resurfacing today. I'll be 57 next month and eant to improve the texture and appearance of my skin. I returned to Forsyth Plastic Surgery, Dr. Schneider, that did the treatment 4 years ago. Face was numbed with lidocaine and also injections. This time, eye goggles with metal shields in them were used rather than the metal contacs used 4 yrs ago. Also, I took the medication to prevent cold sores one week prior to the surgery. This time I was not offered Valium or anything to help me relax but feel it was not needed. I laid on a table in the "laser room" while the laser was applied to my face and neck. Also, I had a few snaps of the Vera Pulse on cheeks for redness from spider veins. Updated on 20 Dec 2017: Restless night, face throbbed most of night, ended up taking Tylenol. Attached are pics from today, befote vinegar bath cleansing and after. Face feels tight, dry, and goopy. Will be glad when cleansing removes the dried blood. I am not rubbing at this point. No throbbing today, no pain. Updated on 21 Dec 2017: Was up and down all night due to very bad itching. I tried Benadryl, vinegar soak, ice pack, nothing helped. I called sirgeon's office and they said to get over- the- counter hydrocortisone cream and apply 2-3 times daily. I am miserable and want to hurry up and heal. Skin is still burning a little bit the itching is the worst thing. Updated on 22 Dec 2017: Cannot believe how bad my face was yesterday, and so much better today. The peeling has started. It's pretty red with white flaky patches. I see new dark pink skin peeking underneath the flaking. I am liking what I see. So relieved it's not itching today. Updated on 23 Dec 2017: Skin looks and feels better but still tight and dry. I have mafe neck raw by constantly touching it to brush off peeling skin so don't do that! Still very red, a bit hot and dry. Continuing with post procedure products given by plastic surgeon in kit. Updated on 23 Dec 2017: Updated on 5 Jan 2018: I'm completely healed now and pleased with my results. The attachedphoto is 2 weeks post laser.

I just got the new Mentor Memorygel Xtra (HP) today (I put in tomorrow’s date to give me a fair chance to rate follow up care etc). I couldn’t find any reviews on these because they are very new but I’m excited to try them out. I just got out of surgery an hour ago and will brainstorm on the best way to go about the review so I capture all of the stages! Updated on 18 Nov 2017: I had my 1st BA with a lift in 2015 with another surgeon in the area. I picked 500cc saline under the muscle, I wanted high profile but he suggested mod + would be best for me. A month later I decided to get a tummy tuck by the same doctor, after having one kid, I needed one for my self esteem. I had him work on the nipples during the TT because they weren’t even. About a year later my skin completely stretched out and could not hold the implants up making them look deflated. I then shopped around for a surgeon to do a revision but the best price was with my original surgeon so I went for it again. This time I did not heal well, I blistered all around the Areola causing a lot of discoloration. My right boob did not close and was completely open. My surgeon waited to see if it would resolve itself using algicell sheets but it did not. He sewed it shut resulting in a square shape and ugly scarring. They were perkier this time after a year but still started to sag a little and the scaring was terrible, they looked nice in bras and clothes but not nude. I decided I needed another revision and this time I would go with a different surgeon. I ended up going to Dr.Schneider who agreed I needed to downsize and suggested I get silicone impants to maintain a better shape. This time during the revision it was all about the shape, big boobs to me are pointless if they don’t have a nice shape. We worked things out for me to get the new mentor xtra memorygel in HP. The projection is higher than that of my salines, also I did not like how much my boob stuck out to the side before, it made me look odd, so Dr.Schneider did a lot of work on my side boob area to hopefully stop the new implants from falling to the side. Here are some pictures of the 500cc saline mod + that I had. I also got my nipples tattooed darker after the surgery before this, because they were shinny and an odd color after the surgeries. This time there was no work on my nipples, I haven’t gotten to ask the doctor about this yet, but I’m hoping because of the way he positioned these they look even. Updated on 7 Dec 2017: So I feel like I have some asymmetry going on. My right one seems bigger than my left one. And when I look down I notice a slight slant. It’s really frustrating because when I put on normal bras the right side doesn’t fill out the bra enough to match the cleavage of the left. So I like the left side but the right side is still depressing, especially since I blistered on a previous revision augmentation and was expecting most of it gone with this revision. My surgeon wants to wait and see how these heal before he decides to cut out the scars even though I thought we agreed to do it with this revision. I feel like we have to redo that boob anyway because it’s way smaller than the other. Now I have to probably wait 2 more months before this is solved ahhhhhh. I’m trying to not look down this asymmetry is killing me. Updated on 27 Dec 2017: Not sure how long it’s been...over a month is all I know. I want another revision but have to wait for the 3 month mark in February. I think my frame is a tad too big for high profile and I want to go back to moderate plus...I also want them a little bigger...I’m not getting the satisfaction out of wearing bras and bra-like tops as I once did with my 500cc saline. But I do like the memorygel xtra...just probably going to have to try it in moderate plus this next time. Also one boob is deff bigger than the other...no mistaken it now...so I’m having to fake it until February. Updated on 5 Jan 2018: I go in for a check up next week, I’m ok with the size now...kind of lol. I still think one is bigger than the other or one is placed higher so I’m still looking at a revision. But here are some pictures if it helps anyone to see my progression:) Updated on 9 Jan 2018: I went to in for a follow up. My left boob is doing great, and so is my right. He thinks my right is just placed higher and will even out once he pushes it down. We talked about upsizing because I really miss the look of my tops when I had the (425 or 435) overfilled to 500cc saline. He thinks we can go bigger which I am excited about...but he thinks for a difference we have to go to like 450-500 route. I was hoping for a little bigger not sure if I want them as huge as they were before because the weight may have been why they shifted downward and out of pocket. And of course if I go bigger I can’t cut out some of the scaring on my right side from blistering from my second surgery. I’m at a crossroads, these are 355 and they aren’t small...they’re really cute...I want them a tiny bit bigger, maybe 450 max...but I don’t want to ruin the shape and I really want the scar on the right fixed and the Areola rounded out like my left. Decisions, decisionssss. Updated on 2 Feb 2018: I’m going to go a little bigger, it’s been almost 3 months and my right implant is still high and really firm, I’m pretty sure I have a capsular contracture so this implant exchange will also hopefully correct that. I currently have the HP 355s and I’m looking to go 450,465, or 490. Preferably the first two, but my BWD would look better with the 490s...I just don’t want to be too top heavy again or run in to the same problem of my implants bottoming out. But my left implant is reallllllllllly soft and it just got really soft maybe a week ago, I was questioning if I would want these implants again because they were very firm for a long time but the left one is really squishy and feels real! Updated on 24 Feb 2018: After having the 355cc HP xtras I wanted to upsize, I’m 5’7” 165-170 pounds and felt the 355cc were too small and did not give me the frame I wanted, but the projection was great. I also had a little bit of capsular contracture in the right breast so I decided it would be a great time to upsize! I now have the Xtras in 490cc HP which I’m hoping will get me back to a DD ( I started this journey with 500cc Saline mod+) so far I think it might be exactly what I am looking for, but it’s only been a few hours since post OP. My surgeon is amazing and did amazing on the revision work from my saline’s (pocket revision) I was pleased with aesthetics of the implants at 355cc I just needed them bigger for my frame! I will try to update as I go through the healing process, but as before I LOVE the projection of the Xtras! Updated on 28 Feb 2018: Here are some pictures. I don’t even feel like I had surgery! After the 2nd day, I had to remind myself to take it easy! Updated on 13 Mar 2018: With the exchange there really wasn’t any down time, I felt normal on day 2 or 3! I still feel pretty great, of course having boobie greed and wishing I went bigger but that always happens! I think it’s a pretty good size for me and I plan on losing some weight this summer so hopefully they will look even bigger on me. I’ve had a cold for the last week and a half so I haven’t taken many photos, excited to see how they look in a few months! Updated on 26 May 2018: Yayyyy! I really love the shape...personally I have some scarring thing to work on but overall I’m very happy! Updated on 20 Jun 2018: Here are some more pictures! Updated on 16 Sep 2018: Still looking great, they are super super super soft it’s really incredible. They keep their shape well and Dr.Schneider did an amazing job on revising my pockets, I really could not have imagined a revision this great in comparison to where I started and trust me I came to him in pretty bad shape, stretched pockets, bottomed out, significant scarring on my right breast from where the incision blistered and reopened then after weeks stitched closed to a square shape (work from another surgeon) he is really a magician and an amazing surgeon!

Let me first start by saying I LOVE my body! It's grown 6 beautiful and amazing children and breastfed each and every one of them anywhere from 13 months to 2.5 years. I just did a gentle wean with my last baby who is now 20 months old. I exercise regularly but don't obsess, just try to stay active with my kids. I work part-time and I'm enrolled in school part-time (currently) and plan on becoming a full-time student in a couple years. My breasts have always been small, but perky, like most of you I'm sure. When breastfeeding they were as big as a D in the first few months then leveled out to a nice full B. I'm amazed at how much volume is now gone. I've thought about a breast augmentation since the birth of number 4. I don't think I would ever have had the courage to do it until a close friend of mine had hers done back in November. I met with my PS back in January and called to schedule the surgery a week later. I waited until June so I could breastfeed a little longer and so my husband could be home with me for a longer period of time after the surgery. When I met with my surgeon I had not done ANY research. He suggested round, high profile 300cc silicone. I've e-mailed him a few times since the consult and have decided I'm more comfortable with saline and possibly doing 350-400cc but nothing is final yet. I have my pre-op appt on May 27 and I'm hoping to try on the sizers again and see what his recommendation is for me. I'm also really worried about high profile, I do NOT want a lot of projection but I do want fullness and that nice slope natural breasts have. I mean I'm 36 not 18! I want to look like a woman that had 6 kids, if that makes any sense. Anyway, I'll hopefully get the courage to post some pictures in the next couple weeks :) Updated on 1 May 2015: I'm going to start adding wish pics. I wasn't totally sure how to do it. So I'll add the pics with a caption thanking the realself member! Updated on 11 May 2015: I definitely never thought I would be at this point. Some weeks felt like forever!! I've read a lot of posts about women being a month out and they seemed more prepared than me. Is there something I should be doing? No clue. Just waiting for my preop appt to go over everything with my PS for the last time. I'm not as concerned with size as I was when I first started researching. I think 325-375cc will be perfect. I am worried about profile! He suggested high profile but I don't want a ton of upper pole. Attaching my original wish pic, wish she posted more results!! Updated on 23 May 2015: Well the closer I get the more I'm starting to have some anxiety. Some days I think "why can't I just accept my small chest? It makes me look slimmer" and other days I literally want to cry because my Breasts are so small and empty now. Last night I had my first dream about the surgery (I routinely have vivid dreams) and in it I woke up thinking I was late for my surgery, then tealized it was just my pre-op I was late for, and then I was staring down at my left Breast and it looked perfect! But then it was like I was fast forwarding years staring at it and it got smaller, and saggier and my first thought was "damn! I should have gone bigger!" Clearly I'm concerned about going too small rather than too big. Anyway, I'm thinking its time to get some pre-op pictures posted. I'll try to do that this week early in the morning when I'm not bloated and my muscle seperation isn't as obvious :) Updated on 31 May 2015: I had my pre-op appt this past Wednesday. After reading other women's stories I kind of expected more to happen but it was pretty uneventful. I initialed maybe 8 warnings (none too scary or unexpected), signed my permission to operate, and signed my pre-op instructions. He took pictures and discussed size again. I got prescriptions for pain, nausea, muscle relaxers, and antibiotics. I'm thankful for all of those because some reviews I read said women had to ask for more than one of those! Still trying to get the guts to take my own photos to post to this review. Just so embarrassed! But plenty of women have the same size so we all get it :) Updated on 11 Jun 2015: I had my surgery yesterday, June 10 and it went great! Got there at 7am, signed some more paperwork, went over my fears with my CRNA, then my PS marked me up and we went to the room. The surgery center is part of the office, just in the basement. The CRNA did my IV and blood pressure cuff, I got a warm blanket and pressure cuffs on my legs, then she said I'm going to give you something to relax and maybe 2 minutes later I was out. I woke up and immediately felt sick so I asked for a bowl. I had gotten some meds in my IV preemptively before I woke up and she added 2 more doeses while I sat there. I didn't have any pain in my left but my right one, the smaller one, was painful. She moved me to a recliner after helping me get dressed. My husband came back and she went over all the aftercare instructions with us (mostly him, I couldn't keep my eyes open!). Wheeled me out and we were home around 11am. Oh and I vaguely remember my PS coming in and saying it went well and that I got 325cc because that's all he could fit. We got home and I got settled in bed, snacked a little then took a Valium. 2 hours later up to pee and snack more so I could take 2 Percocet. I felt so much better after the pain meds, prior to that my pain was a 10. Once it kicked in I was a 5 and after another dose of Valium it was down to a 3 or 4. I pretty much slept all day with the exception of getting up to pee. By about 9pm I moved from the bed to the couch and got my first peek! I'll do another update about all that. Sleeping wasn't terrible, about 6 pillows propped behind me and a heating pad for my back. The meds really help me sleep. I woke up only to take meds, pee, and drink more water. Waking up and moving is still hard but once I'm going I feel better. I'm down to 1 Percocet every 6 hours and the Valium I haven't taken since midnight. I might take another tonight before bed or middle of the night to help me sleep. I'm not bloated yet but I guess that's coming? I was also supposed to start my period but that hasn't happened yet and the cramping has stopped. I guess it'll be really delayed from the surgery. Updated on 11 Jun 2015: I was really, really , really embarrassed to show my before pictures until I had my afters. I know I shouldn't be, we all have the same insecurities I guess. But here ya go. Before pics going up first followed by after. Updated on 13 Jun 2015: Just to catch you ladies up I'm doing a quick review of the last couple days. I have no trouble falling asleep, in fact I can barely keep my eyes open most of the day. I woke up with a nasty headache early Friday morning and called the docs office later that day to help me get on a better pain med schedule to avoid more headaches. Plan was to take Valium every 4 hours combined with 400-600mg ibuprofen and take 1/2 oxy pill as needed 2 hours later. So far I haven't needed the oxy, the Valium and ibuprofen have been working great! I no longer wake up in severe pain and can get up on my own to go to the bathroom, get my pills, etc. I haven't needed the heating pad nearly as much, more just for pain from passing out in the same position. Last night I experimneted with sleeping on my side in an elevated position and it worked great! Phew! I'm a stomach sleeper so my goal is stomach within the next couple weeks. I've still been icing a couple times a day for my ribs along the side and my sternum but even those are showing improvement. I would say my biggest complaint at this point is feeling weak from not getting to move around like I'm used to and the tightness in my chest that really isn't that bad. I've had the weird squishy noises and feeling the implant moving here and there so I'm glad I read about it as a side effect. My goal tomorrow is walking more and spacing my Valium to 6 hours instead of 4. It's my husbands birthday I want to be somewhat coherent! Oh! And I have a sore throat out of nowhere, I would have expected that the first couple days but oh well. Does anyone else get tingling in their nipples like milk is letting down? Such a weird feeling. Anyway, hope this teview helps someone! Positing pics from the past couple days. And lucky me period started day after surgery!! Updated on 18 Jun 2015: I'm loving them. They've never once felt not a part of me even when I woke up. I think mostly because I've has this engorged feeling 6 times now. Every morning I wake up and feel to make sure they're still there :). I have full range of motion. My left (bigger one originally) is softening quicker but my right one isn't so firm it really bothers me. I had a muscle spasm in my left that woulent relent so I finally caved and called my PS so I'm back on ibuprofen regularly for the next 24 hours. I'm sleeping good, on my back or side. I do wake up with "morning boob" but it passes quickly when I get up and moving. I'm starting to fell less worn out and yesterday was the first day I didn't need a nap. Posting some pictures because I know that's mostly what I obsessed with!! Oh also has my first follow up and all looks as it should. One more week of stitches and steri strips then he said we'll start some scar cream. I don't even have a clue how long they are and I'm anxious to see them!! Updated on 27 Jun 2015: Had a big week, I got my stitches out, started exercising, and overall started to feel more myself. My biggest complaint at this point is how painful my nipples are but I've read that could take awhile to feel better. My incisions are slowly starting to look a little better but I'm paranoid I'll end up with horrible raised scars. I was told to put silicone sheets on them for the next 6 weeks, still waiting for those to arrive in the mail. Exercising hasn't been as bad as I expected, I thought I lost all my muscle and endurance in 2 weeks of doing nothing but its felt pretty good. Still have to wait a couple weeks before I can do chest exercises. I'm uploading some pics, my nipple is finally not pointed down but still pointed straight out. Definitely a lot more squish! But for the most part pretty firm and I still can't push them together comfortably. I'm massaging a couple times a day but I don't know if it makes much of a difference. Still get achy and sore depending upon how much activity I had that day. Looking forward to more dropping!! Updated on 15 Jul 2015: Well I've definitlet had some ups and downs emotionally. Overall I'm very happy, but every once in awhile I wish I could have gone bigger. Not really big, just 375-400cc. I had an appt with my PS today and we talked about his reasons for only doing 325 and I totally get it. So I'm just trying to love my new Breasts now! I have pretty much 0 pain, the only discomfort I have is on the incision area but it's minor. PS said today incisions are healing nicely and I don't have to put anything on them anymore. I'll probably continue the scaraway strips just because I have them already! There's still some firmness in the middle that should soften in the next month or so. Next appt is when I'll be 11 weeks post op and he does pictures at that appt. Of course I've taken a ton!! Oh and my nipples are still sore, some areas of the Breast are still numb, but no more burning sensations anywhere. My husband has doing my massages for the past week or so, it actually feels better when he does them. I guess because his hand can cover the entire implant. I do notice a difference when I massage regularly. I try to do it in the morning and at night. I'm still sleeping in a bra just because it's more comfortable. I tried without and I woke up to a pulling sensation. I'll probably try again without after I'm 2 months post op. I'm pretty much doing normal exercise, actually training for a sprint triathlon. I'm thinking about attempting push ups in a couple weeks. My PS said it should be fine but I really don't like the sensation of the implant sliding in there and how it looks. Ok, hopefully this was helpful to someone! Happy to answer questions :)

I was originally going to do a laparoscopic or DaVinci hysterectomy, but after reading about the possible complications (and really not wanting anything pulled down through my V!!) and knowing that I have some large fibroids anyway, I decided to go ahead and do the open procedure, and have a TT at the same time. My surgery is scheduled at the end of January, and I am still shopping for a surgeon. I I might have to delay the surgery to get two docs to work on the same date.. I know the first 2-3 weeks are going to be extremely difficult, but I'm getting prepared. I did not gain more than 30 pounds with my pregnancies, but from the age of 36, it seemed like I kept gaining another 8-10 pounds each year. Early in 2014 I was a pu$$y hair away from 200 lbs. I thought about all the ways being overweight had changed my personality- all the things I would not do, how panic-inducing it was to go anywhere other than work or the grocery store. Through a lot of self-examining I saw that I was using food in all the wrong ways- from the choices, the exact way that I ate (standing at the fridge) and all sorts of other stuff. I decided on a very strict low calorie diet with several periods of fasting. It was during this time that food was not an option that I was able to examine my (inappropriate) relationship with food. Also, because I was on such a low calorie plan- there is no way I could eat anything with flour. It was then that I discovered a lot of the "fibromyalgia" pains I had were completely absent when I was gluten free. I lost about 40-45 pounds, now I'm just under 160 and comfortable. I don't think I need to loose much more- just tone up a little and get rid of that skin. I've been stable at this weight since March (yes- I lost the weight VERY quickly).. I'll post more as I interview docs.. Updated on 14 Jan 2015: Hello ladies! I need to ask all the post-op princesses if they slept in a recliner or in bed- and if a recliner, for how long. At first I was like heck yeah- we're getting one, but now that I see what I'm going to have to ask my husband to do- rearranging bedroom furniture in 3 rooms- I just hate to do it if it's only going to be for a few days. Getting a compact one to sit in during the day is no big deal, but having a full size recliner in *any* bedroom is going to be a pain, and staying downstairs in livingroom is not happening. So if it's really necessary, I'll empty a guest room, take the dresser out of my room or whatever- I just hate to ask my husband to do all that (on TOP of everything I'll need him for in the first few weeks) and then a few days later tell him"OK, the recliner can go now".... My bed is not high off the ground, I have a thousand pillows- is the turning and getting your legs into the bed the problem? Just painful or are we usually instructed not to move that way to protect the stitches/incision ? Thanks for any input:) Updated on 14 Jan 2015: Had my pre-op today with obgyn- apparently he forgot, I forgot, or that is not his usual practice, but since I have to ask for them, I figured I might as well ask for specifics... What is the latest and greatest (old old, reliable, and cheap) thing for nausea? I'm used to having strong pain medicines on board, not expecting that to cause a problem, but if I end up with antibiotics, or just have a reaction to the anesthesia, I sure don't want to puke!!! and there are NO otc meds for nausea that are worth a crap. I noticed a few people mentioned muscle relaxers- I suppose this is for the impending backache from being hunched over? If you are post-op and you took percocet or vicodin, how many days did you take it? Seems like the thing to do is to get off asap- just curious about averages...thanks, ladies:) Updated on 23 Jan 2015: Starting to feel a little guilty about spending the money on myself.. I KNOW that comparing my situation to anyone else's is dangerous business, but sometimes I just can't help myself. .Honestly I can't say I've "tried everything" or that my belly is ruining my life. (well, maybe just the summer)...Most days I still look OK in clothes- I have more of an issue paying for the clothes than finding them.... I had not even entertained the idea of TT until the hysterectomy plan.. I am bothered by the droopy mons and the pu$$y boobs hanging out the sides of my underwear, bathing suit, or whatever. I hate when I start second-guessing myself!!! argh!! It's paid for, my husband was OK with it, both surgeons are OK with it (PS sais PLENTY of laxity- no chance of vertical scar). I really should focus on all my ruined summers- because that's when it's worst. Yesterday I even mentioned to someone that with the weight gain (and subsequent loss) it's like some of the...eh.. "equipment" on the "playground" has relocated itself.... OK, I think I'm over it, I just took a really good ugly belly picture. Thanks for listening:) Updated on 23 Jan 2015: Updated on 23 Jan 2015: Forgot to mention this earlier... Surgeon- $5,400 Operating room fee (extra beyond hysterectomy) $1300 Extra anesthesia cost (beyond hysterectomy) $980 Compression garment not included Updated on 27 Jan 2015: Well, I am finally hours away from being rid of my big belly!!! I don't think I had that long of a wait compared to others, but jeez, the last 2 months have just dragged on.. I am finally at peace with spending the money (in fact I already am thinking of what I'll do next-lol).. I wasn't able to lose any more weight before- meds to stop the bleeding make it impossible (and wouldn't you know despite the meds my uterus still was able to make a last stand...)BUT I did quit smoking before Christmas and have stayed "quit".. I'll be staying in the hospital for 3 days, and believe it or not, I'm looking forward to it. I knew it was a small hospital, but I just saw last night it's only a 22 bed hospital!! I didn't sleep a bit last night, and of course I was told to wear "loose clothes" so I'm wearing my fat clothes- then of course no makeup- etc.... I look awesome!!! See y'all on the flat side, and happy healing to everyone!! Updated on 30 Jan 2015: Surgery time is 11- so grateful it isn't later in the day. Updated on 30 Jan 2015: Feeling almost ok today- I'm not gonna lie, but the first two days were horrible. Even though I discussed pain mgmt *at length* with my doctor, he really didnt take into consideration my high tolerance for medications. Once he finally bumped up the dilaudid, my iv came out, so he gave me the dilaudid tablets which are working if I stay on top of it. I had the exparel, and I would say it definitely worked for about 48 hours.. Updated on 30 Jan 2015: i'll see your coughing fit, and raise you an hour long case of hiccups!! ouchie!! Updated on 31 Jan 2015: Swollen, of course.... Updated on 31 Jan 2015: lets try it again!! Updated on 31 Jan 2015: I just realized I never posted before pics- I posted two questions with lots of pics, but never added them to profile.. Updated on 31 Jan 2015: I had no idea the back pain was going to start so early!!! wow, it really is a killer!! The incision pain wasn't there (I had the exparel) of course I had the pain from the MR- the 10,000 sit ups pain...the gas pain- totally catches me off guard- sometime I can't help but yell out "aaaaarrrgghhh!!"... but the worst pain is the hysterectomy pain. Imagine the worst period cramps you've ever had and multiply by 10.. Did you know even after they take that little troublemaker out you can still have "phantom pains" I thought that only applied to missing limbs/amputations... So with all of this right patient/ right operation / right location jazz, when I get into the operating room, the nurse asks my name, b-day, what I'm having done.. I tell her my uterus had been misbehaving, it used up it's last chance, and it had to go!! So my GYN walks over and says "hey, do you want me to throw it against the wall and then stomp on it a few times? say it's from you?" bahahahaaa!! I mentioned the the extra skin had to go and it was lights out!! i was in surgery for 4 hours. I was lucky enough to get to keep the catheter overnight- I was not ready to get out of bed yet. Overall my 3 day stay in the hospital was good. My one complaint- and I'm not sure if I'm going to do anything, is that the nurse I had the first two nights would not call the doctor. The first night- it was just for unrelieved pain. the second night I wanted him to turn the iv down to a low rate so I didn't have to get up to pee every hour. Anyhow, when I saw the PS the next morning, the first thing he said was having the hysterectomy was the right thing to do- like THAT really needed to come out!! When I saw the GYN, he said it was one of the ugliest uteruses he'd ever seen. I was kind of relieved because I had doubts if it was really necessary, it it was the cause of a lot of my pain, etc.. I asked to see the pathology report and it was adenomyosis- which is endometriosis of the uterus- I also had 2 uterus sized fibroids hiding *behind* the uterus in the ultrasound (for a grand total of 14 fibroids!) SO although I'm still having a good deal of pain, I'm confident I made the right choices, and in a month or so, I'm going to be on top of the world!! Updated on 4 Feb 2015: just a few pics- none really great. Glad to have the drains out- DID NOT HURT, but jeez that felt SO creepy-reminded me of how it feels the first time you feel a baby kick inside you. (shivers) Updated on 10 Feb 2015: I haven't updated much lately- no huge changes. Today I get the tape off and stitches out, so I'll do new pics later today..BUT What's really burning a hole in my mind is this- what will I fix next?! Is anyone else thinking about another procedure? like what? how soon? Even though I get lots of compliments on my boobs (!!ikr?) They only look good with a bra on (and if you had to pay your bra based on how hard it works for you, mine would require continuous OT, bonuses, raises, company car, & many other incentives!!) I had a BA in 2002- I could use a lift now, and would like to replace the round salines for silicone- possibly contoured. I'm learning that apparently it's way more complicated than what I though because of the pocket that is already formed, etc, etc. i would also be tempted to go back to my original surgeon, Dr. Roudner aka "Dr. Boobner" in Miami which would also complicate things- being that I don't live there anymore, and travelling there for work is pretty limited.. Then I looked at lipo. With my new flat stomach, the rest of my body is looking pretty flabby... but the pain.... and after just having a hysterectomy, I feel like I've used up my tolerance for pain for the rest of the decade.. holy [RS bleep]! who new that little troublemaker would cause so much pain on the way out!!!!! so what else? my face maybe? I could most definitely use some aggressive treatment on my forehead/frown lines and my deepening "nasolabial folds" I think they're called... So how about y'all?? oh, and did anyone develop any stretch marks *after* the TT ?? Updated on 13 Feb 2015: Well, it's been 18 days. I can't say there have been any *huge* surprises along the way. I feel like I recovered fairly quickly- not necessarily to my previous, but I've been driving, out shopping, showering by myself, cooking, walking the dog etc since the beginning of the second week. I have a very bad arthritis in my lower back and sacroiliac joints, so I am used to not being able to stay still for more than 20 minutes or so (unless I'm trying to increase my pain and stiffness). …………………..I believe this may have contributed to my quick return to being almost completely un-hunched. I was explaining it to a friend that when I first get up in the morning, I am definitely hunched, but as I move around, I gradually unhunch. If I sit for too long- particularly in the recliner where my back is somewhat rounded- I end up getting re-hunched. If I keep getting up and moving around, there is no time for the re-hunching to happen. Gradually spending some time sitting in a regular chair has helped. Conversely, if I spend too long on my feet- especially late in the day, I start bending over little by little and I will be completely hunched over again. lol- it can be like a time-keeping device.. .. oH, look! Denise is at a 70 degree angle- it must be about 830pm!..................................................I did have a few moments where I thought I had developed stretch marks. Now I need to mention I had not a one, anywhere on my body. As far as genetics go- I got some pretty lousy crap- acne, cellulite, skin that only burns, bad enamel... so for me to not get stretch marks from a 9 then 10 pound baby, it was a miracle……………………………………….. I also felt I was pretty borderline in needing this procedure compared to others... you can imagine how pissed I was when I looked down and saw a 6 inch section of multiple pink and purple lines above the incision on each side……………………….. Just that morning I was talking to my mom about why the TT has one of the top satisfaction ratings. I told her if you just go through and look at other people's end result, you might not think it's that great, but when you look at the before and after- ESPECIALLY 6+months post-op, then you understand. I went on and told her no, you might end up with a scar that isn't symmetrical, maybe a little ridge above the incision, maybe a dog ear, and of course the 14 inch scar-no matter how well it heals…………….but the only question you have to ask yourself is: Would I rather have this, or would I rather have my skin back?............................well, at the moment when I thought I had a belly full of stretch marks, I nearly lost it- I did want my skin back!! I can't say I did everything I could about the belly, or that I'd been dreaming of a TT forever. I found out I needed a hysterectomy, and that it was highly recommended that I do it open and have the uterus and fibroids removed in one piece. I was down with that- I didn't want morcellation, wasn't sold on the DaVinci, and by no means did I want anything pulled out of my vagina!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It just made sense to go ahead and do it at the same time…….. I already had a hypertrophic scar in the middle of my pubic hair, and a few weird ridges above it, and a little something I called "[RS bleep] boobs" where the area next to the mons was extremely flabby and saggy -especially compared to the rest of my body. Now THAT I knew would not respond to diet or exercise, so my FUPA (fat upper pubic area) and my FMPA (mid- lol) is really what I wanted fixed- but holy crap!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! not at the expense of stretch marks!! I can't explain what happened- neither can my PS. These were not like the lines we get from compression garments. All I could do (besides whimper) is moisturize the heck out of my belly with bio-oil, and a few hours later it was gone…………… So anyhow, I told my PS about it, and he was like "hmm..I've never heard of that happening, but y'know, it IS a mystery why it doesn't happen. In a matter of an hour, your skin is stretched almost as tight as it is during pregnancy, and THAT had 9 months to adjust!"... .......*********So has anyone else had anything like this happen? I remember one of you beautiful ladies thought she had one, but it turned out to only be a scratch, thank God.. Updated on 13 Feb 2015: A few nights ago I was out late, and my stomach felt so tight and puffy and just horrible. I felt like I was pulling the ass up all day, as well as a weird sensation in the crotch area- like I could feel the wind or something... I was wearing the smallest jeans I have, so I just assumed they were too tight and I needed to put them away for awhile.. When I got in front of the mirror I realized they were loose in the waist -not my butt or gutt pulling them down!!! It's CRAZY how at the end of the day I felt like it was huge, and it was actually smaller......and to add to the crazy- last night, same icky feeling... measured a 34 in the waist. worse binder to bed, woke up with a 31 inch waist!! Updated on 21 Feb 2015: I just saw this on another RSer and HAd to share!!! (please comment where you stand- your expected stage and your actual stage) THE PSYCHOLOGICAL STAGES OF THE ABDOMINOPLASTY EXPERIENCE By Susan Hall and Renee Sullins THE PSYCHOLOGICAL STAGES OF THE ABDOMINOPLASTY EXPERIENCE I. The Adrenaline Phase: Healthy individuals choosing to undergo elective surgery have to overcome the fear of "going under the knife." This willful act of putting oneself in harms way is only possible if rationalization ("the thinking brain") is turned off for a brief interval of time. The mechanism is relatively simple: The intense desire for an improved self-image ("The Quest") gradually floods the system with Adrenaline, a hormone that allows us to sustain the rigors of fighting. Adrenaline production will gradually rise throughout the process preceding the surgery and will reach a peak on the day of the operation. It is the most effective way to keep fear at bay. II. The Surgical Phase: Once surgery is rendered, "The Quest" has been fulfilled. The goal that had been driving the patient throughout the process has been achieved and the production of Adrenaline tapers off. The entire stock of this hormone will typically be used within the ten days following the operation. As Adrenaline levels slowly dwindle, the "thinking brain" gradually emerges from its slumber and starts asking hard questions. This scrutinization of ones acts coincides with the period of physical hardship: Abdominal tightness; Uncomfortable posture; Visibility of the incision; Pain of surgery and the uncertainty of the outcome. III. The Depressive Phase: This can happen between 10 days to two weeks following the operation and is short lived. The sudden realization that one has put her/himself in harms way and has paid money for such a reckless act can hit the unprepaired patient like a freight train. Common false assumptions run from: "I will never stand straight again" to "I am disfigured for life." These assumptions are mixed with questions like: "Why have I done this to myself?", "Was it worth it?" and "Will I ever be normal again?" Patients who do not have a strong support team (spouse; family; friends) can be overwhelmed by this line of thinking and rapidly sink into depression. The support network acts as the safety net for the patients, reminding them that they are loved and that they are not alone in this process. IV. The Emergence Phase: Gradually, the veil of uncertainty lifts off and the patient regains her/his composure. The reasons that had mandated the surgery in the first place slowly come back into focus. This is helped by the regaining of an upright posture and the gradual elimination of the discomfort experienced immediately following the intervention. This is when the patient starts appreciating the fruits of the experience and finally realizes that her/his troubles have not been in vain. Typically, this happens three weeks after the operation. V. The Excitement Phase: With the elimination of fluid retention and the resolution of swelling, body contour and weight change. Surprisingly, I see this in my practice more as a SUDDEN occurence rather than a GRADUAL one. Tales related by my patients are too similar to be dismissed as a mere coincidence: "I woke up this morning and my pants were too loose" or "I could not believe that my weight dropped by (X) pounds when I stepped on my scales." This phase is commonly seen around 6 weeks following the operation. VI. The Ecstasy Phase: Three months following the tummy-tuck surgery, the patient is back in full control of her/his destiny. Any remorse about having had the operation in the first place is long gone by then and is replaced by "Best thing I have ever done for myself." Strange enough, this great joy and satisfaction of having had the courage to undergo such a grueling process coincides with the stage of maximal visibility of the scar. VII. The Crying (from joy) Phase: When the scars have faded at six months following the surgery, I take the "AFTER" photographs and put them side-by-side with the "BEFORE" pictures for my patients to see. This is when everyone happily cries.

Age: 28 H: 5'5" W: 176 (still loosing) Married w/ 2 kids! 11/4/13 Gastric Bypass RNY: Hw: 288 Seeking medical advice about full body makeover in September with Forsyth Plastic Surgery in Winston Salem, NC. Insurance may cover access skin removal. I have periodic episodes of rash's and skin infec.

Hi everyone! My name is Lori and I had a lap band in 2009 and have lost approximately 60 lbs. I have a Grade 4 (hangs mid thigh) pannus that I plan on having removed. I am having to write to my insurance company Cigna to see if they will grant prior-authorization, if not I will have to pay ~$10,000 out of pocket. I plan on mailing my letter and all of my supporting documents by the end of this week or early next week. Has anyone here had any experience with Cigna? Also, I would love to hear your experiences. I love reading all of the posts on here! Thanks, Lori Updated on 23 Sep 2013: I mailed my paperwork to Cigna on Friday (9/20/13) now I just have to wait patiently for an answer. I have faith that this is going to work out in my favor! Updated on 25 Sep 2013: I spoke with my insurance company today (Cigna) and they told me that they do not accept clinical notes from patients that they will only accept it from a doctor ... not sure how to proceed now. I guess I will have to let my plastic surgeon know and see if he will be willing to submit it on my behalf. Updated on 3 Oct 2013: I talked with Cigna today and they have received the paper work from my plastic surgeon. The said it will be a 30 day turn around time. I am hoping it is less than that, but at least I have a time period! Updated on 4 Nov 2013: I just found out yesterday that I was approved for my panniculectomy! I am so elated! I will keep everyone up to date as things happen. Updated on 11 Nov 2013: So, I have a surgery date of December 4th! I am so excited, but also know that I have a lot to do at work and home to make sure I am ready for my absence from work and my weeks at home recuperating. Does any one have any last minute advice? Updated on 18 Nov 2013: So it is getting closer & closer .... I have my pre-op appointment this Friday! Only 16 more days til surgery day!!!! Does anyone have any advice on clothing to wear the first few weeks? When were you able to return to work? Updated on 3 Dec 2013: Well tomorrow is the big day. I am excited, nervous, anxious and all those other normal emotions when getting ready for something this serious. I know I will do great. I will try to post pictures throughout my recovery. Updated on 4 Dec 2013: My surgery went as expected. I hope to post some pics in a few days. Thanks to everyone for all of your prayers. Updated on 11 Dec 2013: Today is 1 week since I had my procedure. I have had very little pain, just a little tenderness. My biggest complaint is itching from the irritation of the tape on the bandage, which I have been given permission to remove!!! I am not totally sure if I am happy with my results yet or not. I am happy that I can now see my lap, but the surgeon didn't do exactly what we talked about in my first visit. I am thinking he changed his approach because I was able to get insurance to cover so he just did what is text book per insurance. I hope to have some pictures soon. Updated on 13 Dec 2013: Here are some 10 day post op pics.... Updated on 16 Dec 2013: Today has been a good day, starting to feel like normal again. Still have 2 drains in my pubic area that are starting to get irritating. I am hoping to have them removed tomorrow and hoping to return to work later this week! Updated on 17 Dec 2013: They only removed 1 of the 2 remaining tubes. I have to return on Friday in hopes of having the last one removed. I won't be returning to work this week as I had hoped because I work at a hospital and can't go back with tubes and open surgical wounds. So hopefully I can return on Monday! Updated on 23 Dec 2013: I haven't been able to wear a pair of blue jeans in years! It was such a good Christmas present to myself to be able to fit in a pair! Updated on 26 Dec 2013: I am now 3 weeks post op. I returned to work on Monday and was only able to make it half of a day, I was so exhausted. On top of being 3 weeks post op I have a cold which I know isn't helping things. I took Tuesday and Wednesday off for Christmas and am back at work today. Still feeling very, very tired, just hoping I can make it a little longer today than Monday. My incision is looking great, still waiting on my stitches to dissolve. I do still have some swelling; worse at times than others. I have my next post op appointment next week. I hope everyone is well and had a Merry Christmas! Updated on 1 Jan 2014: So 4 weeks today I took a plunge and had a surgery to improve my quality of life. I do not regret that decision one bit and will work every day to make my life even better. I have attached some pics both with clothes and with my abdomen exposed and some close ups of my incision. I go for my 4 week post op appointment tomorrow and plan to ask how much swelling I have or if he thinks all of the swelling is gone. I have been having some burning sensations in my belly button, which wasn't touched during surgery, and under the incision on both the left and right sides. Nothing appears to be infected so I think maybe it is just some stretching or the sutures maybe on the inside ... Anyone else experienced this? Updated on 1 Jan 2014: Sorry these didn't post earlier... Updated on 4 Feb 2014: So today I am 2 months post op. It has been a good two months. Prior to surgery I was wearing a size 28 pants and can now comfortably fit in a size 22 and even a size 20 a little snug. I also feel more confident wearing shorter, tighter shirts. I do still have a good size abdomen that I am going to begin working on. Can I say that I don't still suffer from body image issues, no I can't but that is just part of it. I know my body will never be perfect no matter how much surgery I may or may not have and I just have to learn to accept it and love it just the way it is. I go for my 2 month post op appointment next week and will update again then. Hope everyone is doing well! Updated on 11 Feb 2014: I had my final visit with the PS today. He took some pictures and said that I looked good. He told me to lose the weight I needed to lose and come back to see him and we would go from there! Updated on 23 Jun 2014: I am six months post op now. My self esteem & confidence levels are really great and I feel a lot better than I did prior to surgery. Working on my additional weight loss must become more of a priority for me though ... I just can't get motivated. Any suggestions???