I have been in need of a tummy tuck since the birth of my first daughter 15 years ago. I was 19 years old and a size 3 when I got pregnant and my poor tummy got stretched out BIG time. I ended up having to have C-section due to her breech presentation. 5 years later I had a second daughter and another C-section due to pregnancy complications. This left my poor tummy a complete wreck. My muscles were completely separated and I had hanging skin, not to mention that when I would gain weight it mostly went to my belly. People would think I was a few months pregnant years after my youngest was born. Over the last couple of years I really started getting serious about getting my body back. I began to eat healthy and exercise regularly. I lost 30 pounds and kept it off for over a year. I was very proud of myself and my new lifestyle, but no matter how hard I tried there was just nothing I could do about my poor belly. Now that I had lost weight the skin hung down even more so and honestly just looked terrible. I had to stuff my tummy skin into my pants when I stood up and sat down. I turned 35 years old in September of 2015 and really began to reflect on my life. I knew that I sincerely did not want to spend the rest of my life with "Jabba the Gut" (as I cleverly nicknamed it). I looked into some less evasive options such as cool sculpting first. As I looked at the price compared to the results I really felt that wasn't the route I wanted to go. Having come to the conclusion that other procedures weren't going to work for me, I began to do my research on tummy tuck surgery. I read every article and review I came across just trying to get an idea of hat to expect. The experiences that people shared ranged from no big woop to the most excruciating experience of one's life. The more research I did the more I came to the conclusion that this was what I wanted to do. I began to seek out doctors, and after a few unimpressive consultations with surgeons in my area I came across Dr. Chhatre. I found nothing but positive reviews online about him and his staff and decided to check him out in person. The cost for the consultation was $50, but it would be used towards the procedure if I decided to do it so I figured it was worth it to take a gamble. I was very pleased when I arrived for my appointment. The waiting area was very clean and well decorated. The ladies at the front desk were polite and friendly and made me feel welcome right away. I first met Dr. Chhatre's nurse Anne. She was very warm and friendly and ready to answer any question I had right away. Very soon after meeting Dr. Chhatre I had a good feeling that I had found "the one". He was gentle and soft spoken and kind. I never got the feeling that he was trying to "sell" me on anything. He explained the procedure in detail and was honest about what results I could expect. After the consultation with Dr. Chhatre was done, Anne took me to an office where she showed me before and after photos of some of his patients and I was very impressed! Other than the low thin scars, I was most impressed with the belly buttons. I have seen the belly buttons of women that have had tummy tucks before, and more often than not they look very strange and unnatural so this was a big thing for me. The price I was quoted was very reasonable but not an amount that I had all at once, so I told Anne I was going to think on it for a while and if I decided to do it I would apply for financing through CareCredit. I spent the next week really considering everything that going through with this procedure would entail. The time I would have to take off work, arranging to have someone take care of me for at least the first few days, the healing process itself...it was a very big decision that would have a major impact on my life. I decided to just start planning and see if everything would work out, and each step of the way it all just fell into place. I was approved for financing, my manager at work approved two weeks of paid vacation for me to recover, my boyfriend was able to adjust his work schedule so that he could stay home with me for the first three days...it was all working out. It was meant to be! I called and scheduled my surgery for February 19th. For the next few months I kept myself busy reading reviews and watching every tummy tuck YouTube video ever made. I bought almost every supply recommended...I was beyond prepared (I think I will add a list of the things I bought that I actually used later so that maybe I can save others some time and money). The day of my surgery finally came. I had a few moments of panic on the days leading up to it but on the actual day I was oddly calm and ready. Anne came out and got me moments after I arrived and instructed me to put on a robe and a netted hair cap. I went to a waiting area with a curtain and Anne gave me a warm blanket that was heavenly and helped to relax me a little as I was now beginning to get nervous. Moments later Dr Chhatre arrived, and as always,his presence immediately put me at ease. They had me wear a pair of panties that I would want to wear after the surgery so that he would know where to make my incision (clever idea, I thought). He then made markings on my belly so he would know where to make his incisions. At one point I had to hold my belly skin up for him to mark under. I cringed with familiar embarrassment and said "I really hope I never have to hold my belly up like this again." Dr Chhatre smiled at me reassuringly and said "No, you will never have to again." I can't explain how good that made me feel. I next met with Kim, his anesthetist, who was also very warm and friendly. She walked me through what to expect with the anesthesia and other medicines she would be using during my procedure. I mentioned to her that I had gotten extremely nauseous after my C-sections and that this was a concern of mine as I had read plenty of nightmare stories about women vomiting after their tummy tuck and couldn't imagine how awful that would be. She reassured me that she would be using a medication to help with that as well. They took me back to the operating room. I hadn't known what to expect with it being a surgical center instead of a hospital. It was very clean and sterile and well equipped. I was instructed to lay on the bed and Kim inserted my IV. I must say, this woman is a master at this...no pain. At all. She gave me a medication through the IV to relax me before they put me under. I felt myself start to relax and that is the last thing I remember until I woke up to Anne gently calling my name. Waking up was a surreal experience. My first thought was that I was glad that I lived. Haha! I'm sure that I'm not the only one who had the horrific thought "What if I die during the surgery..." creep through their mind a time or two pre-op. I was completely dressed and covered in warm blankets. My body felt heavy and tight around the middle (that's the best way that I can describe it) but I was not in pain. Anne helped me stand up and get into a wheel chair and wheeled me out to where my boyfriend was waiting for me with the car. I was loopy as all get out on the way home but not even a little bit nauseous. I will go into detail on my healing process in the days to follow in a different post, but I will say that I had been expecting the absolute worst and honestly had the best outcome I could have hoped for. Dr Chhatre called me himself the evening of my surgery to check on me and he and his staff have been there every step of the way to address any concerns and answer any questions I've had. I look forward to each follow-up appointment because it's so great to see them and I always leave happier than I already was that I chose to have my surgery done at this facility. Even though I am only a month out I am thrilled with my results so far. I can't believe how flat my tummy is!!! My incision is way low and will be so easy to hide. I still keep it covered with steri-strips but when Dr. Chhatre removed them to replace them at my last visit I was blown away at how great it looks! It's already mostly flat and very thin. I've seen many different scars on my YouTube endeavors and most of them are not thin like this. I can only imagine how great it is going to look when it's fully healed. When he made my new belly button he was detailed with his work and even though right now it's still trying to be an "outie" it looks like a real belly button and I think it's going to be perfect when its done healing. I absolutely adore Dr. Chhatre and everyone that works with him. I made the best decision ever when I chose to have my surgery at Summit Plastic Surgery & Med Spa. I will be posting pics of my results as soon as I figure out how and will continue to update on my results as they progress. Thanks for reading!
Today i went for my SculpSure consult. From the initial call to set up my appointment to my consult. Everything went great. I was hoping my lower tummy would qualify but the doctor says i don’t have enough fat in that area. I was qualified to have my flanks done (2 treatments is all i need) so I’m excited about that. Jennifer is the SculpSure specialist that will perform the procedure. The procedure was explained that it’s heat then cool waves every 30 secs. First 4 mins may be the most uncomfortable time. Take note; if you have tats in the areas treated theres a possibility of scaring and/or the tat fading. I’m looking forward in hearing from the rep tomorrow to schedule my appt. i will keep you guys updated.I received this complimentary treatment through the RealFriends program. Updated on 6 Jun 2018: ???? just got a call that i may not be a good candidate because of my side tattoo. I googled it after i got off the phone with the office and on RealSelf the docs say it’s not damaging. I don’t care about if it did mess it up (could always have it done over) but what i don’t won’t is the scaring. She says she’s not sure if it’s because the tat is large or just the pigmentation of my skin. Anyhoot, because of my disappointment she ask me to send her a picture so that they can submit to another that’s higher up and maybe more qualified for a second opinion. She said i could get another part of my body done....my sides are the only thing i wanted done. My thighs i refuse to mess with. They are huge so I’d hate for them to get saggy due too loss of fat cells. Here’s a pic of my side. Updated on 8 Jun 2018: July 5th i will be having my flanks done. I’m exited to be given this opportunity. I will keep you guys updated. The rep I’ve been dealing with Ms. Jennifer has been the nicest and very resourceful looking into me being a good candidate due to the tattoo i have. Updated on 12 Jun 2018: For the doll that ask o see what i look like now, here’s pic that i took tonight. These will be my before pics. Procedure is July 5th. Updated on 5 Jul 2018: Today i had my first treatment of SculpSure. First let me start out by saying my tech Jennifer with Summit Plastic Surgery made the procedure so much fun and very easy. She started out taking pics of the area. 2nd: she took me to the procedure room where she explained everything in great detail. I signed consents, was given more water to drink (want you well hydrated). 3rd: laid me on the table on my belly. She then adjusted the belts to position the treated area. As she attached the pillows (as she called it) she kept asking if I felt pinching...i was given a card that had each level of sensation that i would feel. 4th: procedure begins. It was pain free for me...no discomfort at all. I did feel the cold/hot sensation but nothing like i expected. Before i knew it, it was over. :-) I was instructed to drink plenty of water and walk this evening. So far, it’s been 3 hours since my procedure and i still don’t feel the irritation that may come it’s it. I will go back in 2 weeks for the v-wave to be performed...it’s something that they use to help with cellulite and also to massage the treated area by pushing out those nodules that my build up. I was instructed to massage the area in a few days for about 5/10 min. I will keep my lovely RS community updated as i see or feel anything or any changes. Updated on 6 Jul 2018: I was starting to feel little concerned that i wasn’t feeling anything at. I actually feel great. I went to the Q&A section to see if i could find my question about not feeling anything. Well i did and now I feel relieved on what i read. Attached you will see the answer. Updated on 23 Jul 2018: 3weeks since my SculpSure. Today i ent in to have the zwave performed to smooth out any nodules that may be there. My tech (which is the greatest and most sweetest person) said she felt small just a couple of really small ones. It didn’t hurt, it actually felt good. It felt like a massage. Here’s some pics of the machine. The machine specializes in smoothing our cellulite. Updated on 31 Jul 2018: I feel i need to have the top of my tummy done. I seems like I’m storing fat in this area. I believe SculpSure would be perfect but doc says i don’t have a lot of fat there. I’m going to ask again when i go back for my second treatment. I need SculpSure or smart lipo. :-) or i need to do sit-ups. Lol Updated on 22 Aug 2018: My second SculpSure treatment will be on my bday, Aug 23rd. I hope the procedure is as easy as my first procedure but with visible results. I’ll update you guys tomorrow afternoon. Updated on 23 Aug 2018: Hi guys, well i had my 2nd treatment on my flanks today. Everything went great as it did the first time. It actually felt good o me...the hot cold sensation. My tech had the machine up on the highest level. When i went for my consult back in June i weighed 163lbs....today, 2 mos later i weighed in at 172 :-0. But i know it’s from all that pina colada drinks (3-4 a day) and food I took in on my vacation in Jamaica for a week. Any-hoot, i know what to do and I’m on it...back to eating right and exercising. Here’s before and after pics. Updated on 26 Aug 2018: Just a Lil update in my pants. I had my second SculpSure on 8/23. Updated on 1 Oct 2018: Hi ladies. How’s my SculpSure sisters doing? I’m not seeing much of a difference in my second round. I hope everyone else is doing well with their 2nd round. I’m happy I had the opportunity to have it done thru he RealFriends program. ???? Updated on 15 Oct 2018: I will be going For my 12wk check up to determine if i need a third round of SculpSure on 11/9. Hers an updated pic. Updated on 15 Nov 2018: I tried to update the worth it or not but the site won’t allow me too. I will say the experience was awesome and my Tech Jennifer was the best...very nice lady. Was it worth it? Ummmm, I think maybe for someone that’s really small with a very little bit of fat will be a great candidate. I was told my skin is thick. My inches didn’t change much at all. So for me; it wasn’t worth it but I’m grateful to RS and for this opportunity.