Transformative results - my contours are greatly improved

I spent an obscene amount of time researching procedures and doctors. I had never had surgery, so this has been a huge deal for me. Its a lot of trust, money, time off work, ask of friends and family for care.. so I knew I wouldn't commit to doing this unless I felt very confident in the surgeon and my predicted outcome. I didnt come across another doctor that had as many glowing reviews and pictures that matched them. When youve looked at hundreds of tummy tuck belly buttons, you appreciate how legit Dr. Hayes makes his. For me, I didnt want to do all of this if I still felt like I would need to hide my body. Details matter to me.
I can tell you I was amazed by the transformation even the night I got home and that amazement is still hitting, a few weeks out now. Its hard to comprehend how much has changed even when im looking down at this new body - and i dont even have a bruise?! I had prepared myself for ghastly incisions and discoloration and was surprised to find a very thin and neat cut - tidy under bandage. No visible stitching. To have a bikini ready stomach the day after and a waist i haven't seen in a couple decades - INCREDIBLE.
Im so swollen still but already my contours are greatly improved, i can fit into smaller sized clothes than when i was even 20lbs lighter cause my shape is just more proportionate, I can tell that ill be able to move more comfortably with the burden of extra skin gone AND I may have received his best belly button yet! It hasnt finished healing and you could easily believe I was born with this one!
When I met the doctor, I had the same experience reflected in so many of his reviews. Professional and kind. Informative and ready to listen to my wants and concerns. Generous with his time. He not only answered all of my questions during our first consult, he was willing to meet with me again when I had more questions still.
Surgery day came and I have to admit that while I felt confidence in him and his team, I was also SCARED.
While he was meticulously marking me up, I felt like I might pass out. I was cold and he kindly paused to drape me with a blanket before continuing with his work. His professional and kind demeanor helped me keep it together. When I woke from my surgery I was surprised to find I was in 0 pain and had no nausea. I was very cold but the nurses were already dressing and reassuring me that everything went well. Over the next few days, while I was definitely recliner bound for the most part, I was surprisingly comfortable. The local anesthetic he uses works! My recovery did have a set back a week later when a drain failed and a minor hematoma was suspected. A check up turned into a second small operation. While it was disappointing to be a rare case for such complications, I was grateful that my doctor could just walk me across the hall to his own surgical suit with minutes notice and quickly resolve them with no further fuss or expense.
The doctors share on call duties and someone is always fast to respond personally.
There are other team members a chat message or phone call away as well.
Im so glad I chose Dr. Hayes and that I made this investment in myself.
I look forward to my

4 weeks healed belly button looks legit!
Feel a little better each day. Big surgery a big healing process, and I have to keep reminding myself of that - but I can tell it will be worth it.
Swelling remains the same for weeks - does seem to get a little better on the days i try to be more mobile. Just a little waking short distances for a few minutes seeks to help - but then it returns. Im staying in my recommended compression garment 24/7 except for showering. incision is healing nicely now that ive been able to start the silicone tape. Even a few days use has made a noticeable difference.

Feeling so much more confident in myself! Seems like everyone around me is noticing what must be more than a smaller waist line. Im ecstatic.
I thought that I would stay pretty private about having done this procedure, but turns out I cant stop myself from over sharing lol.
I hope that I can help someone else who is considering something like this, to feel comfortable enough to do so.
If anything, my confidence in my doctor has grown.
Research and paying for what you get is real.

I actually enjoy getting dressed now and catching myself in the mirror. The focus isnt on how to hide myself - im having fun with styles again. I wore a crop top on New Years!
Still am swollen all the way around but its slowly going down. Incisions are closed but still slightly tender but no real discomfort. Ive been using the silicone tape religiously as directed. Had my 6 week appointment and was cleared to return to all activity.
Dr. Hayes noticed a couple small places along my incision that could benefit from a steroid injection and treated them without my even asking about it.
I think he knows how concerned I am about any scaring. Honestly, my incisions are healing pretty nicely already. I have been having issues with “suture spitting” which is rare - when your body pushes your under the skin dissolvable sutures up to the surface. I had gone into office a couple of times to have them removed/trimmed. The areas where this occurred, there is only slightly less healing/discoloration to the skin. I know it will take months to heal along that line and to trust that process.
If anyone reads these reviews and wants to talk about any part of this process, please feel free to reach out. I understand the anxiety of the unknowns and each doctor is surly different.