Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

POSTED UNDER Mommy Makeover Reviews REVIEWS

45 Yrs Old, Tummy Tuck and Breast Lift Without Implants - Albuquerque, NM

ORIGINAL POST

Hi. I'm on day 4 of recovery and thought since...

User Avatar
Sunshine_2
WORTH IT$10,000
Hi. I'm on day 4 of recovery and thought since I've gotten a lot of inspiration and education from reading all the posts here, I'd finally add my own story. Also, it seems there aren't a lot of tummy tuck with breast lifts that don't include implants. So hopefully my results can give someone else something to reference too.

I'm 45 years old and have 2 kids (20 and 13) both born via c-section. Add to that a Lap band surgery 7 years ago which resulted in a 96 pound weightloss. Needless to say, my body has some...OK...a lot of damage from all of that.

My procedures were done early morning 9/29/15 and all went well. I was very nervous going in. In past surgeries, I've had some issues with nausea and waking up from anesthesia. This time was no different. Although, everything turned out OK and I'm on the road to recovery thanks to my awesome boyfriend. It's true what everyone says here. Having a good support system is key. I also purchased a power recliner which I'm beyond grateful to have.

I was overweight pretty much all my life and since my Lap band surgery and 96 pound weightloss , I've maintained a size 10. I have a C cup and didn't really want larger than that which is why I opted only for the lift.

I enjoy fashion and have had to be strategic in what I purchased making sure i hid my tummy apron. That, on top of never being able to tuck things in, I'm often discouraged during shopping trips.

I debated getting this done for several years. Early this year, I lost my mom which was a huge blow to me. I'm still grieving but decided to go back for a consultation knowing my mom was encouraging me to be the best version of me.

I picked my date to correlate when my youngest would be with her dad (we switch off every other week for custody). I took a week off and here I am. I'm lucky to have a job where I can work from home so I'll go back next week.

My first follow up appt is Monday. I have yet to see the results under my bandages. It's driving me crazy. ..or maybe it's that I haven't been able to shower yet. Either way, I'm highly discouraged to leave the bandages as is until I see my Dr again. I can see cleavage that I haven't seen in years, if ever. And I can tell there's some big changes to my tummy and waist. I can't wait to see it.

So, that's my story. I'll update more pictures after my appt Monday...and a shower (hopefully).

Sunshine_2's provider

Neil T. Chen, MD

Neil T. Chen, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Sunshine_2

Sunshine_2 rating for Dr. Chen:

Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
Time spent with me
Phone or email responsiveness
Staff professionalism & courtesy
Payment process
Wait times

Replies (1)

User Avatar
October 5, 2015

Thanks for sharing your story with this community. I am so excited to see your results, I hope you're happy with the outcome. Please keep us posted on how your appointment goes.

UPDATED FROM Sunshine_2
6 days post

Had my first follow up today!

User Avatar
Sunshine_2
Went for my first follow up today. Unfortunately, I still have a few more days of living with the drains. But, at least I know everything is coming along nicely. Seeing the scars was a lot to take in, but I know (thanks to reading everyones posts and pictures here) that they will look better soon enough.
First, I don't think my boobs have ever been this perky. I went from flat to fat in my youth so it was quite a surprise..a welcome surprise. I feel like they loom smaller, but I understand that it's just less skin, but the same cup size. I'm happy with what I see. My belly is still pretty swollen but there's no more apron. It's weird and I couldn't be happier with what's to come as I continue to heal.
Oh! And I finally pooped today! Yay! Haha.
After staying with my boyfriend for a week, I'm back home now. My daughter comes back tonight from being with her dad last week so I'm awaiting her arrival. I miss having my bf with me to care for me but I'm really excited to see my girl. I know she's going to want to see what I look like now bit even I think it's a little scary so I'll tell her she can see when I heal a little bit more.
The bf took me out to dinner before bringing me home. It was my first venture out in public. I had to be strategic with hiding my drains, but it was nice to feel like life is moving again.
I've added a couple pictures from today. I'm bruised and swollen but I know the coming weeks will get better.

Replies (7)

October 6, 2015
Thank you for sharing! You look wonderful and will continue to look better as you heal. Be patient with yourself...
User Avatar
October 6, 2015
Thank you. :) I'm trying. Being patient with living with the drains is my current battle. haha
October 6, 2015
Your way ahead of me... My consult is tomorrow and will schedule surgery as soon as PS has opening. I am reading all I can from you wonderful ladies. I am Sooo nervous to get naked in fluorescent lighting in front of them and the hubby. Lights are usually out :(
October 7, 2015
Please continue to update us on your healing. I think you look great. I've contemplated getting a lift, but don't want implants. I go for my tummy tuck consultation this Friday; hopefully, we can discuss a lift as well.
User Avatar
October 7, 2015
Hi! I will continue to update. I know pre-op, I was on here constantly reading and looking at pictures of other's results. Just wanted to let you know that initially, I thought I was just going to do a tummy tuck. A breast lift was in the back of my mind but I was mostly focused on the TT. I decided to go forward with the lift because 1. I don't really want to have anymore surgeries in life if I can help it and I didn't want to have any regrets that I didn't get a lift at the same time. And, 2. My surgeon offered a discount to do them both at the same time. I thought about implants but I guess I just didn't really want them. As I said in my post, I feel like they look a bit smaller. But I'm pretty sure that's mostly because the extra skin was removed. My Dr. said they are still the same cup size, which was a C. We'll see as they heal. But I was taken back a little by how perky they were the first time I saw them. Anyway, just wanted to give you a little input as to why I decided to go with the lift since we seemed to be in the same place regarding that. Really, the pain has been very minimal. Maybe that's because the tummy was such a big deal. Good luck with your consultation!
User Avatar
October 7, 2015
You look like you are doing so well, the tummy looks great! My date is one behind you and I feel so far away from feeling normal.
Happy Healing and thanks for sharing!
User Avatar
October 7, 2015
Ha. I'm definitely no where close to feeling normal! And, I still have my stupid drains. Dr. said they stay in until I'm producing less than 25 cc's a day. I'm holding steady at 35 cc's a day. Ugh. I think once those come out and I can actually stand in the shower, it will help to get back to whatever normal is. haha.
The pain has gotten easier to tolerate, though. I had to stop taking those pain meds. I hate the way they make me feel. I'm just taking regular Tylenol now and use the heavy stuff at night to help me sleep. Again, once these drains are out, maybe I can get back in my bed and out of the recliner. Your results look great. You're coming along nicely, I think.
Happy Healing to you too!
UPDATED FROM Sunshine_2
16 days post

16 Days PO, No More Drains, Analyzing Results

User Avatar
Sunshine_2
Hi everyone,

My right drain was finally removed yesterday at 15 Days PO. I think my body was rejecting that tube because Monday it started to really hurt me. So much ao, I had to break into the pain meds again. However, fluid was reducing so the Dr took it out for me yesterday. It was instant relief. Then I took the best shower I've ever had in my entire life. It was glorious. My steri-strips all came off as of today's shower so I figured it was time to post and share some pictures and thoughts.
First, I have accepted that no matter how much weight I lose or how much money I spend, I'll always find something wrong with my body. However, having a flat belly and having underwear that actually stay put and don't roll down is a huge thrill. Initially, I was on the fence about doing anything to my breasts. I didn't really want implants. But, I didn't want to have regrets so I decided on a lift. I'm happy with how perky they are and their shape. But, I guess I kind of feel like they look small. I want to look proportionate. I know I have a lot of healing to do yet so I'm hoping things will look more proportionate as time goes on. But, that's what I mean about saying I'll probably always have body issues.
I'm 5'9" and weigh 175. That's a long way from the 265 I weighed once upon a time. So, having said that, I'm trying to give myself a break. I look so much better than I did. I didn't get lipo or anything else, so I'm trying to focus on the positive. Maybe some of what I'm feeling is normal and I'll adjust. What's great are my incisions. My Dr made very straight, thin lines. I know they'll look good as they heal.

I look way better than I ever have (especially in clothes).

So there's my update. Overall...no regrets and looking forward to healing more and doing some shopping. ????

Replies (6)

User Avatar
October 16, 2015
Your looking great! Your lift turned out wonderful.
October 17, 2015
You look fantastic. I'm having the same procedures on the 3rd of Nov. I hope my results are as good as yours, especially the lift!! Thanks for sharing your experience.
User Avatar
October 17, 2015
Thank you. :) I'm happy with things. Considering how much my body has changed in the last 7 years, I have to not nitpick. I once wore a size 22. Pre-op I wore a 10 and strategically covered my extra belly. Now I won't have to do that anymore. Yay! I'm a different person now. Inside and out. :) Good luck to you on your upcoming procedures! I'd love to hear how things go.
User Avatar
October 19, 2015
You are looking great and will continue to love your results the more time that passes. I appreciate and relate to your analyzations. I am close to your height and weight and know that my doctor does not have a magic wand. Lets just learn to love our flat tummies and worry about everything else another day :)
October 31, 2015
Did you have a lollipop lift? I hear that procedure is easier to heal from?
User Avatar
November 1, 2015
I actually got an anchor lift. Overall, the pain was minimal. Really only a burning sensation in my nipples. Maybe it was the pain comparison to the tummy tuck since that was so much more. Today, my nipples are still very sensitive.