After having 3 kids ages 22, 6 and 2 I decided to take the plunge and finally do something for myself. I had a tummy tuck, muscle repair and lipo of my flanks and waist with Dr. Reps Sundin on July 20, 2021.
I found him on RealSelf and through my boss who had heard Dr Reps and Burton excellent reputation. I made an appointment for a consult with Dr Reps and 2 other plastic surgeons. After my consult with Dr Reps I decided to cancel the other appointments and go with him. I so badly wanted to get the procedure done and it was now or never. I had a consult end of May, paid in full and scheduled my procedure in June and had the surgery in July. The whole process went down so fast! Still can't believe I did it.
I am currently 4 weeks and 1 day post-op and feeling pretty good. Everything seems to be healing well. I went back to work exactly 2 weeks after the procedure. Recovery process wasn't too bad. The day after was probably the most sore and whenever I coughed or sneezed was a killer. I took the narcotics for about 3 days and then switched to xtra strength Tylenol and that was enough for me.
I was hunched for about 2 weeks, and the drains were a bit of a nuisance. I had two drains and one was removed at 1 week post-op and the other at my 2 week mark. I wore the compression garment they gave me everyday and continue to do so with lipo foam boards. I also bought a few full body fajas to transition into. I started using silicone tape and the newer faja about 3rd week post-op. I am still a little swollen on my stomach area, above the pubic bone and the lipo areas are still a little tender/sore - which is to be expected.
Since this is my very first plastic surgery experience, I don't have anything else to compare it to except other medical experiences so I'll go with that.
Dr. Reps seems like a nice guy although my first encounter with him he seemed a little rushed. He did tell me that it was a very busy day for him and he was missing a nurse. Instead the practice manager/patient coordinator, Rachel, was in the room with him. I think he may have been slightly annoyed because whenever he asked me a question I had some off response, but that's simply because with the face masks on, it really is hard for me to hear well. Also being a dental assistant for many years and constantly hearing the drills has really done a number in the clarity of my hearing. Despite this, I figured it might just be an off day. All good, everyone has them.
My second encounter with Dr Reps was for my pre-op appt to get fitted for my garment and to take pictures. Again, another busy day for him but I get it. I work in a high volume dental office so I understand. As we were taking pictures I made a few mistakes and he did get a little frustrated. I was self conscious being half naked and getting my pictures taken that my comprehension became askew. Was a little embarrassed by it, but thank goodness for the face masks - it felt like a little shield to protect the embarrassment on my face.
Surgery day was good. It was done at the Bon Secours Hospital in Richmond, Va. I stayed overnight and my husband got to stay with me as well. It was a great facility with awesome nurses! They really made me feel so comfortable and well cared for. I also got to talk to Dr Reps a bit more and he was kind, concerned and attentive... he even joked around a bit. I can see he takes his work seriously and cared about my comfort and wellbeing.
The only negative thing I would have to say about the entire experience is the delay and mostly lack of response I get via email regarding post op questions and concerns I've had. In the beginning Rachel was great in getting back to me, setting up the appointments and getting payments. Post op wise, it hasn't been as great. I still have an email I sent a few weeks ago with no response back, but I don't want to be a nuisance so I've gotten a lot of my questions answered through RealSelf and reading other people's experiences... oh, and also Google. You can find the answer to anything with Google.
Also, this is the second time this has happened where my appointment had to be rescheduled because I was scheduled with the wrong doctor (I've saw Dr Burton once when Dr Reps was out on vacation and I really liked him!). The first time was for my pre-op appointment, and the second time was for my 1 month follow up. I mean it wouldn't be a big deal except it is an inconvenience since I already planned it out for that specific day and time to coincide with my bosses schedule. I can't really take off since I am my doctors main dental assistant.
I did like a nurse in their Tysons office named Claire, I think that's her name. She seemed really sweet, caring and informative when I saw her a few times. I really liked her bedside manner.
All in all, I think Dr. Reps did a great job! I'm loving how my body is looking each day and I can't wait for the full results! I'm happy I got the work done and I am contemplating of what else I'd like to do next.