42 Yr Old Fit Mom Getting Reconstructive Surgery After Mommy Makeover Gone Wrong - Atlanta, GA

I had a mommy makeover last year that went horribly wrong and have since switched doctors and am getting a reconstructive revision and implants.

I had a full tummy tuck, umbilical hernia repair, and breast lift last year. I am not sure if there was a surgical error or if it was a freak healing response, but I had necrosis under my belly button (not a smoker, 115 pounds, non diabetic). It was a harrowing experience that included a wound vac to expedite healing and a seroma (despite having 2 drains in for 9 days and followed instructions implicitly). I have a very disfigured belly and my belly button is horribly scarred and stretched.

My original surgeon gave me the choice to have implants or just a lift. I opted for a lift because I thought I had decent size breasts to begin with. Turns out that once the swelling went down, I could barely fill out a bra or a shirt and have been largely unhappy with unsightly scars underneath and areolas that look terrible. The other docs I had originally consulted with really pushed for implants and I wish I had listened.

Even though my original PS offered to fix most everything at no charge and has been extremely attentive post op, I didn't feel comfortable going back.

After an extensive search for the best reconstructive doctor, I have chosen Dr Deutsch in Atlanta. Armed with an impeccable record and a humble demeanor, I am scheduled for my surgery tomorrow.

I will be getting small implants and revisions to my breast scars, and also hopefully being able to cut out part of my abdominal scar and reconstruct my belly button.

I am so disappointed in the amount of time, money, and head space this unfortunate result has taken up for the past year. I have tried to convince myself that my original PS did everything right but as I have gotten more consultations, I'm thinking that she just wasn't that good of a surgeon.

I am hopeful for positive results and trying to remain positive - but I am much more nervous this time and my expectations are very conservative. Wish me luck!

Surgery was yesterday and I presume it went well. The PS said he was able to get 1/2 my scar out, reconstruct my belly button and put in smaller implants in my breasts. My abdomen is extremely sore and I'm hunched over while walking around- but I had a decent night's rest. I slept on my sofa chaise with a pillow under my knees and pillows propped all around me so basically sitting in a beach chair position.

I have one drain and we are hoping it will come out on day 4! The PS put a special bandage across my abdomen and a Pico device which quietly suctions any drainage. I don't have a lot of blood in my bulb at this point and I noticed that there was blood leaking out of the dressing. Since the pico is still working, I'm told this is fine. I'm soooooo nervous to get necrosis again so I am hopeful and trying to be optimistic that it won't happen this time.

Although I don't feel much pain in my breasts (I'm also on painkillers), believe it or not, the hardest task I have is to open my pill bottles. Because I'm squeezing with my arm and is mostly adult-proof, that part hurts.

My doc called me directly to check on me and that is always a nice touch.

I'll keep posting my progress but so far, so good!

I was FREAKING out that once the doctor removed the tape, that there would be black skin again. Nope! It looks so much better than I had anticipated! I was crying tears of joy! Doctor said he went in and tightened the muscles (he said they had come a bit loose from the last surgery) and it made my belly flatter.

I'm moving around pretty well and went back to the office 6 days PO. I'm standing almost upright. I do get a little tired and sore when I'm walking around so I try and limit my mobility.

PS is waiting a few more days to take the belly button stitches out and I'll go back in 2 weeks to remove the stitches from under my breasts.

PS originally was going to reduce my areola and make them a little more attractive but he said the skin was so thin and stretched, he didn't want to risk my nipples falling apart. Which I am grateful for.

I'll update more as we go. So far, I'm so happy I chose Dr Deutsch and wish I knew about him in the first place.