As the largest practice of its kind in the United States, New York Plastic Surgical Group, a Division of Long Island Plastic Surgical Group is among the most well-established plastic surgery practices in the nation. Founded in 1948, New York Plastic Surgical Group offers compassionate and comprehensive care through the collective medical experience of its specialty-trained surgeons.
I am 52 and, over the years, I have had 2 c-sections, appendectomy, myomectomy and hysterectomy. All of those surgeries plus weight fluctuations have turned my stomach into a hot mess. Though I have being thinking about doing a tummy tuck for years, I tried lipo first (which helped but did not get rid of the pooch). So, I decided to finally have the tummy tuck with lipo around the flanks and breast augmentation. I am a little nervous but very excited. And, I am doing it for me :-) Will post "before" pictures as soon as I figure out how to do it. Initial consultation, pre-op visit and medical clearance completed. Now I am getting mentally prepared and this site is a great source of information. Updated on 25 Jun 2012: Finally got a photo up ... and it's after lipo, which did make a tremendous difference. Despite that change, I still have the C-section cliff (which is what I call it because I feel like you can jump right off of it). Like so many others on the site, I am just realizing how detrimental this has been to my self-confidence over the years. My husband of 24 years has always said that it doesn't matter - but it does matter to me. So I am glad that I am doing something about it for me. My tummy tuck, lipo of the flanks and breast augmentation procedures are this Thursday and I cannot wait :-) I am supposed to get the progressive suture technique but my PS says that I will still go home with 2 drains. Will try to post an update ob day 1 Post-Op. Updated on 27 Jun 2012: The big day is here and 7 hours away. I am so excited :-) Updated on 29 Jun 2012: Made it through the surgery. I have been napping since I got home. There is a little tenderness at my incision sites but the pain is not too bad. I am able to walk around to get to the bathroom and the kitchen. Going for my first post-op visit tomorrow. Updated on 1 Jul 2012: Post-op Day 3 is uneventful so far. Taking pain meds on time and that definitely helps. Walking around pretty good and PTS technique seems to make it easy to stand up straighter. Milking drains but there is less and less to collect. Maybe I can get them out tomorrow :-). Happy healing everyone! Updated on 2 Jul 2012: Just finished 2nd post-op visit. It's post-op Day 4 for me. I have to keep the drains in for now :-( but one might come out later this week. Love the new girls and abdomen looks great .... It is finally flat but there is a little swelling above my new BB and flank area. Will post new photos when the drains are removed. Pain has been very minimal - there is some discomfort but it is manageable (about a 3 or 4 on a scale of 1-10). Feeling good and moving around easily. Got the go-ahead to shower and walk. Hooray! My PS, Doctor Simpson, is phenomenal as is Patient Care Coordinator Janet. Facility and Long Island Plastic Surgical Group phave a great reputation, which is well-deserved. Reception staff not very friendly though but that is minor annoyance compared to benefits I received. This was definitely worth it! Updated on 3 Jul 2012: Hi - its Post-op Day 5 for me. I have been feeling pretty good (probably because I have some idea of what to expect having had so many previous surgeries in the same region of my body). But, I wouldn't be as prepared without all the feedback and advice from members of this site. Moved from painkillers to extra strength tylenol today. That kept me from being loopy but a little bit more aware of sensations. Today, I did some household tasks and some light grocery shopping. I think I overdid it through because I sure am tired. The breast band and drains are now driving me a little crazy. I may get one drain removed on Thursday but will wait until Friday if it means I can get rid of both of them. I love the new stomach though I am not crazy about the swelling. Updated on 5 Jul 2012: Drains still in ... It seems like the more I move around, the more drainage I see. Did anyone else experience this? Thanks also for the advice not to overdo it. It will knock you off your feet. Updated on 6 Jul 2012: Post-op day 7 Update: 1 drain down and 1 to go :-) Happy Healing and to all those who recently had surgery, please be careful in the heat. Updated on 8 Jul 2012: Day 10 post-op: getting stronger everyday but I still tire easily. Experiencing a lot of swelling but it seems like that is pretty normal based on the feedback from many other members on the site. Still waiting to get the second drain out. Hope that happens this week. Happy Healing Everyone! Updated on 12 Jul 2012: Hooray! Got the second drain removed today and I feel like a new woman :-) Updated on 16 Jul 2012: Went back to work today after 2 weeks ago. I have a desk job so it wasn't too bad but I am tired. Got a lot of compliments, which felt really good. Had another post-op visit today too. My healing is going well. Got the okay to switch to a soft bra. Still have to wear compression garment though to relieve swelling, which the doc said can increase with more activity. I just keep smiling because I am so happy with the results. Updated on 20 Jul 2012: Made it through my first week back at work. I am exhausted and now know what "Swell Hell" is. I turned into a sausage every night but am happy to report that the swelling was reduced in the morning. Updated on 8 Aug 2012: Here I am at 6 weeks out. This is one of the best things I have ever done for myself and I have reaped so many benefits: 1. Better Silhouette 2. Repaired Hiatal Hernia 3. Reduced Chronic Back Pain to Zero 4. Resolved Constipation Problems # 3 and 4 were a surprise to me. And, my cholesterol dropped 50 points since I had the surgery because I improved my eating habits as well. My PS has now lifted all restrictions and is very pleased with the wound healing. Since I tend to keloid, I cannot express how happy I am with the minimal scarring. I do have a dog ear on the right side, which he said he will fix if it doesn't smooth out by 3 months. This was worth the wait. So, if you're on the fence and you want an excellent place to go for services, check out Dr. Roger Simpson of Long Island Plastic Surgical Group, P.C. You won't regret it.
I booked a consultation for inner thigh liposuction with Dr. Reish. When booking the consultation, his staff informed me he is only doing video consults (not in person) at the moment, and if I moved forward following the consultation I would not see Dr. Reish until the day of the surgery. I didn't love this approach but went ahead and booked the consultation for his first availability, which was over a month out. After waiting over a month, 2 days before the consultation his staff called and told me the liposuction would cost at a minimum $9k. I asked what that cost breakdown (i.e. anesthesia, surgical suite, etc.) was because when I booked the consultation they originally quoted me $6k. They were unable to provide the breakdown but I nonetheless wanted to proceed with the consultation. The following day, less than 24 hours prior to the video consultation, his staff called again and told me Dr. Reish would not do just the thigh liposuction, he would only be willing to do a thigh lift and liposuction. I explained that I do not need a thigh lift (I am in my 20s and healthy), and he clearly had never seen me so I did not understand why the additional surgery was now mandatory. It clearly was not being recommended based on need. I am assuming it was motivated by profit margins. In addition, how this was brought up less than 24 hours prior to the consultation when I had been waiting for the consultation for over a month was completely unprofessional. I would have moved forward with another provider already if I had not been waiting for the consultation with Dr. Reish. I am severely disappointed with the lack of professionalism. I hope others do not have their time wasted in a similar manner, and are not made to get additional unnecessary procedures without explanation.
If you are done having kids you can have a procedure to either address the abdomen and/or breasts.
A mommy make over addresses the excess skin and laxity in the stomach. It is a tummy tuck or abdominoplasty. The goal is to restore the natural anatomy of the rectus muscles and correct any separation (diastasis). The excess skin is then trimmed, and a new home for your belly button made. This give a more defined flat waist line. The breasts usually due to age and breast feeding have decreased volume in the upper pole (cleavage goes down). The nipples may point down. The repositioning of the nipples alone is a lift or mastopexy. The addition of implants helps correct the deficiency of the upper pole in your breasts, and adds back the cleavage.
Happy to layer discussion with a virtual consultation.
Combining procedures can be more expensive but cheaper overall. Recovery 2 weeks off work. Perhaps option of the third.
Hello,
Thank you for the question.
Compression garments are important to help minimize swelling after tummy tuck and/or liposuction surgery.
I typically recommend patients to wear compression garments for 4-6 weeks after the procedure but some patients prefer wearing it for a few months after the surgery, and they feel that compression garments provide them with better core support.
I suggest that you discuss your questions and concerns with your Plastic Surgeon. I hope this helps.Best regards, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzBreast Fellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
Hello and thank you for your question.
It's difficult to answer your question without seeing any photos.
Wound healing can take up to 1 year to be fully completed.
I would discuss your questions and concerns with your Plastic Surgeon.
I hope this helps.Best, Dr. Karanetz
Dr. Irena KaranetzFellowship-TrainedBoard Certified Plastic Surgeon
Based on your photos, you appear to be a great candidate for a tummy tuck with liposuction. This can be done through a low and short incision, all completely below the bikini line. The belly button can be designed to look natural and have no scars on the exterior.
During tummy tuck, your muscles are plicated resulting in a flatter abdominal profile.
I would recommend to obtain an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to further discuss your options and expectations. Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and evaluate their results.
Based on your photos, your main issue appears to be recuts diastasis in the lower portion of your abdomen which is common after pregnancies. You have very minimal skin excess and fatty tissue excess.
You may be a candidate for a mini-tummy tuck procedure with "floating" your belly button in order to to tighten the recuts (abs) muscle and achieve a flatter abdominal contour.
I would recommend to obtain an in person consultation with a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon to further discuss your options and expectations.
I hope this helps.
Best,Dr. Karanetz
