POSTED UNDER Mommy Makeover Reviews
44 and After 4 Kids Needed Nips and Tucks (Tummy Tuck, BA/BL + Medial Thigh Lift) - Traveled Internationally from Asia to LA
UPDATED FROM circus ringmaster
1 year post
Brief Update - One Year Post
WORTH IT$16,500
I hardly ever log onto Realself, so I thought I'd provide a quick update. It's been almost exactly a year since the surgery. I'm still quite happy with it. One note - the scars have faded a bit but are definitely still there - I'm patient and didn't really expect them to be gone. I ran a half marathon last December and it was fun to train and run - 13+ miles and no stopping! One of the best things about the surgery has been making it much easier to run. The other highlight (of my life) was a woman last weekend asked me what I do to stay toned, and then commented that I have a "perfect waist and boobs..." Best of luck, all.
circus ringmaster's provider
UPDATED FROM circus ringmaster
2 months post
Six Weeks Post Op
Six weeks out, and things are progressing.
- Ditched the compression outfit (is there a place where we can donate these things???)
- Ditched wearing a bra at night
- Traded off Bio Oil for scar treatment with silicone gel strips
- Got a tiny granuloma (where the last drain had been) lopped off and stitched up by a local doc
- Snipping off suture knots I see as well as any I can feel right below the surface (even though they're dissolvable, until they dissolve, they're annoying...) - helpful Olga had given me pointy tweezers and scissors with a hook on them and my OCD loves them...
- Got the hubby mandate to toss and replace my "granny" underwear with a "no limit budget" but now find that my pre-kids La Perlas fit fine (did not seem to object to/notice that they were not new) - as the mother of three boys, I say without disparagement: men are so simple
- Booked a few beach adventures (Langkawi, Malacca, Bali, Krabi) - kids are dying to go to the beach and surf - but pledge to be covered up (lest scars become permanently dark - don't want that!)
- Started to exercise - man, I'm a tub of lard! - goal is the Angkor Wat Half Marathon in December
On the horizon:
- Underwire bras - can't wear until 6 months post op
- Scars fading - like waiting for a pot to boil
- Being more healthy in earnest - my husband has begged me to eat more healthily and exercise more; I should take as a compliment that he'd like me to kick around longer...
Conflicted: I think I have knots under some of my scars that are too imbedded for me to dig out. They are mildly annoying. Don't know whether I should (a) leave them alone - "they'll dissolve eventually in as long as 6-9 months," (b) massage the scars in line with the theory that massaging bumpy scars helps them heal and flatten out more quickly, (c) try to dig them /cut them out of the skin and cut off the knots - there was some doc commentary about desirability of removing pesky knots under the skin... (d) other? I'll ask Dr. Hughes...
Photos of where my daughter and I will spend next week and how things are shaping up at 6 weeks post op; you'll see silicone gel tape and bandage where granuloma was removed.
- Ditched the compression outfit (is there a place where we can donate these things???)
- Ditched wearing a bra at night
- Traded off Bio Oil for scar treatment with silicone gel strips
- Got a tiny granuloma (where the last drain had been) lopped off and stitched up by a local doc
- Snipping off suture knots I see as well as any I can feel right below the surface (even though they're dissolvable, until they dissolve, they're annoying...) - helpful Olga had given me pointy tweezers and scissors with a hook on them and my OCD loves them...
- Got the hubby mandate to toss and replace my "granny" underwear with a "no limit budget" but now find that my pre-kids La Perlas fit fine (did not seem to object to/notice that they were not new) - as the mother of three boys, I say without disparagement: men are so simple
- Booked a few beach adventures (Langkawi, Malacca, Bali, Krabi) - kids are dying to go to the beach and surf - but pledge to be covered up (lest scars become permanently dark - don't want that!)
- Started to exercise - man, I'm a tub of lard! - goal is the Angkor Wat Half Marathon in December
On the horizon:
- Underwire bras - can't wear until 6 months post op
- Scars fading - like waiting for a pot to boil
- Being more healthy in earnest - my husband has begged me to eat more healthily and exercise more; I should take as a compliment that he'd like me to kick around longer...
Conflicted: I think I have knots under some of my scars that are too imbedded for me to dig out. They are mildly annoying. Don't know whether I should (a) leave them alone - "they'll dissolve eventually in as long as 6-9 months," (b) massage the scars in line with the theory that massaging bumpy scars helps them heal and flatten out more quickly, (c) try to dig them /cut them out of the skin and cut off the knots - there was some doc commentary about desirability of removing pesky knots under the skin... (d) other? I'll ask Dr. Hughes...
Photos of where my daughter and I will spend next week and how things are shaping up at 6 weeks post op; you'll see silicone gel tape and bandage where granuloma was removed.
Replies (22)
Wow, congrats on your mommy makeover. I was in awe reading your review because not only did you have multiple procedures done, but you had to travel to the US to do this and then back, and then went back to work in 2 weeks! You are so brave and an inspiration. I'm a patient of Dr Hughes. So glad to hear everything went well for you.
Thank you! Seems like a long time ago. I felt like I've been on the "slower end" of the scale in terms of recovery, but it's progressing :)
Wow, you look fantastic! I'm glad things worked out for you. I'm going for Hughes too in a few months from abroad, though not as far as you. You were a champ about your flight!!
My question to you was is "How did you deal with the initial set up of appointments and what not?" Like scheduling and so forth. Hughes has been great at responding but I've been having trouble trying to set up an appointment with the scheduler. Like when did you call? I keep missing him!
Loved reading your posts! very funny! :) Hughes seems like an awesome PS... how does he navigate the delicate areas with those big guns?!!
Ha! Have no idea - I was out!
You look amazing. I'm going to see Dr. Hughes in January! This is so encouraging. Best of luck with the rest of your healing and please do post updated pictures!
Very kind - thank you. Best of luck!
Hello Circus Ringmaster,
Thank you for posting your photos and documenting your journey. I agree with the others in that you look great! I'm trying to finalize the right surgeon and I agree with you that Dr. Hughes is great in responding back. He's actually very kind in person as well respectful to of those of who can be shy when removing our clothes.
I'm in interested in hearing more about your medial thigh lift, where the incisions only placed in the groin area? How have the incisions healed and have you noticed any scar migration or labia stretching? Would love if you could post more photos. I'm so nervous about the procedure and anything you can share, I would grateful.
Thank you. Best way to describe it is that the incisions were made more or less following the "panty line." Therefore, when you wear panties, the incisions should either be right there or be on the inside of that line. In the front, the start at around 1/3 of the way toward the inner thigh; they end about 1/3 of the way around the back (by the buttocks). They are probably about 7-8 inches long each. They have been healing over time. There is some sensitivity, some numbness, and some tightness. While the scar has faded over time, I would expect this to be a long process and take a couple of years + to fade so that you don't notice it. Scar migration and labia stretching - there may be some of this happening but not to the extent that I worry about it. Nothing like photos I've seen that have shown issues in these areas. Will post photos when I get a chance... Good luck!
Hi Circus Ringmaster, I appreciate your reply and the detail description. I'm sorry if I am repeating myself in asking you this question. Have you personally notice a change in the scar and your labia? Are your incisions thin where they can be hidden in a bathing suit or the smaller cut underwear? Are you still happy you did the thigh lift? Sorry to ask you so many questions. I'm so confused and meeting with the different PS, they all have had something different to say and most have tried to steer me away from the TL. One PS even had the nerve to suggest that men would find it unappealing... I walked away from that feeling hopeless and disappointmented with possibilities. Thank you for your time. Best wishes and continued healing.
1. Have I noticed a change in the scar (placement)? No
2. Has the labia stretched? No. There is not any visible difference. I do feel slightly less "cushy" in that region - as if I've lost weight. Don't know if that makes sense. I have not had any negative feedback from my husband. In fact, the overall package has received quite positive feedback from that audience.
3. Are the incisions thin? No. The incisions are on a part of your body that moves, so the scar naturally has to move also.
4. Are the scars completely hidden? On my left side, they are completely hidden by a bathing suit or underwear. On my right side, they show a little with a bathing suit. All of my scars are still a little purplish - though fading over time. It's like waiting for the pot to boil. I have had other major accidents/scars in the past, and they have faded almost entirely over time - so I think it's just a matter of time…
I think every case is going to be different. I'm very glad I did this. Even if the scars don't fade more, I now can run (and walk) without my legs rubbing (thigh lift) and without my tummy jiggling (tummy tuck). It's a big deal to me - it makes me more excited about and less self conscious about going out and exercising, swimming, etc.
Hello Circus Ringmaster, your responses have been soooo helpful and thank you you so so much. You have helped put my mind at ease and reminded me that I need to go with what makes me feel better about myself and confidence is truly everything. I meeting with another PS who specializes in all body lifts and I'm praying this is it. Again thank you SO much and if you have time would love if you could post current photos. Happy healing. :)
Just noticed all my grammar errors ... Sorry about that. Typing on my small phone screen. :)
UPDATED FROM circus ringmaster
30 days post
Medial Thigh Lift Update - Healing! :)
I'm 4 weeks and 2 days post op, and I'm feeling great. I give it another week or two before I feel complete flexibility around where my thigh lift incisions are. Things are still a little tight at the incisions because - by definition - you're tightening the skin there. I don't want to over-do it there - I want to let the incisions heal, and that takes patience and time. When you think of it, it's actually amazing how quickly the body recovers!
I've read Q&As about doing a tummy tuck, breast lift and augmentation + medial thigh lift in the same surgical procedure. Most doctors responded from the doctor's perspective, saying it's best to do it in 2 separate procedures since the multiple procedures can result in a longer surgery time so that's more time under the knife, under anesthesia and puts you at higher risk. All makes sense. I would guess the most important thing is going with a surgeon with lots of experience doing the procedures at one time.
From a recovery perspective, from my experience, I had the tummy tuck, breast augmentation and lift and medial thigh lift done at once. I think that my total recovery time is taking about as long as it takes to recover from the single procedure that takes the longest to recover from: the thigh lift. The incisions for the thigh lift are in a place that gets a lot of action (not like the breasts which were fine immediately or the tummy tuck which just sits there). It's at a joint that gets movement incessantly (like trying to heal an injury on your knee). Also, it's right where you go to the bathroom, so there's no avoiding that. The recovery is tough, no doubt about it. I'm relieved that I got the surgeries done at once.
I've been extremely fortunate to have had no complications - and my heart goes out to anyone who has encountered any - because God knows, just recovering is hard enough!
I was concerned about blood clots. I've read that the chances of developing blood clots is higher with thigh lifts and also with multiple procedures. I guess that's one reason why I went with an experienced surgeon. I know that there are a lot of great success stories from traveling outside of the US, but it was very important for me to get the surgery done in the United States. These are serious and complex surgeries. The medical standards, regulations and certifications are much more stringent than anywhere else in the world. And having had family members who have tried to get into med school or pass the boards in the US (and then have gone to the Caribbean when they failed in the US) - I just couldn't take that kind of risk. (Believe me, I'd never want my cousin performing surgery on me!)
Moving around after the surgery and walking around during my long 24 hour flight back home - 11 days post op were also things I did. Finally, keeping the drains in (even though they were a MAJOR pain), taking the antibiotics as long as the drains were in and being religiously clean with rubbing alcohol - probably helped ward off infection. Again, I don't know if any of this had any bearing on not having any complications - but I'm glad I followed my doctor's advice.
Finally, it's been reassuring having chosen a surgeon who is extremely responsive whenever I have a question post op. I happen to live half way around the world from my surgeon. But even if I lived in the same town, when you go through this, you have all kinds of inconsequential questions you want to ask and not feel like you're bugging someone. Dr. Hughes responds quickly and decisively with specific instructions on what you should do - regardless of whether it's the weekend, before 9AM or after 5PM. Clearly, his work and his patients are very important to him. So I was impressed when he was available to talk with me live when I was interviewing doctors - but that shouldn't be surprising - he's trying to win my business. (And anyone who is unresponsive during the marketing/sell phase should be a red flag! Imagine how responsive they'll be when you're having an emergency problem after the surgery! And even worse - what if you're having an emergency problem and they're not in the US and therefore aren't subject to US liability???) Dr. Hughes has been great with answering questions before, during and after the surgery date.
One correction - finally found my breast implant tags, and they are Natrelle Allergan 234 ccs.
Good luck to all out there.
I've read Q&As about doing a tummy tuck, breast lift and augmentation + medial thigh lift in the same surgical procedure. Most doctors responded from the doctor's perspective, saying it's best to do it in 2 separate procedures since the multiple procedures can result in a longer surgery time so that's more time under the knife, under anesthesia and puts you at higher risk. All makes sense. I would guess the most important thing is going with a surgeon with lots of experience doing the procedures at one time.
From a recovery perspective, from my experience, I had the tummy tuck, breast augmentation and lift and medial thigh lift done at once. I think that my total recovery time is taking about as long as it takes to recover from the single procedure that takes the longest to recover from: the thigh lift. The incisions for the thigh lift are in a place that gets a lot of action (not like the breasts which were fine immediately or the tummy tuck which just sits there). It's at a joint that gets movement incessantly (like trying to heal an injury on your knee). Also, it's right where you go to the bathroom, so there's no avoiding that. The recovery is tough, no doubt about it. I'm relieved that I got the surgeries done at once.
I've been extremely fortunate to have had no complications - and my heart goes out to anyone who has encountered any - because God knows, just recovering is hard enough!
I was concerned about blood clots. I've read that the chances of developing blood clots is higher with thigh lifts and also with multiple procedures. I guess that's one reason why I went with an experienced surgeon. I know that there are a lot of great success stories from traveling outside of the US, but it was very important for me to get the surgery done in the United States. These are serious and complex surgeries. The medical standards, regulations and certifications are much more stringent than anywhere else in the world. And having had family members who have tried to get into med school or pass the boards in the US (and then have gone to the Caribbean when they failed in the US) - I just couldn't take that kind of risk. (Believe me, I'd never want my cousin performing surgery on me!)
Moving around after the surgery and walking around during my long 24 hour flight back home - 11 days post op were also things I did. Finally, keeping the drains in (even though they were a MAJOR pain), taking the antibiotics as long as the drains were in and being religiously clean with rubbing alcohol - probably helped ward off infection. Again, I don't know if any of this had any bearing on not having any complications - but I'm glad I followed my doctor's advice.
Finally, it's been reassuring having chosen a surgeon who is extremely responsive whenever I have a question post op. I happen to live half way around the world from my surgeon. But even if I lived in the same town, when you go through this, you have all kinds of inconsequential questions you want to ask and not feel like you're bugging someone. Dr. Hughes responds quickly and decisively with specific instructions on what you should do - regardless of whether it's the weekend, before 9AM or after 5PM. Clearly, his work and his patients are very important to him. So I was impressed when he was available to talk with me live when I was interviewing doctors - but that shouldn't be surprising - he's trying to win my business. (And anyone who is unresponsive during the marketing/sell phase should be a red flag! Imagine how responsive they'll be when you're having an emergency problem after the surgery! And even worse - what if you're having an emergency problem and they're not in the US and therefore aren't subject to US liability???) Dr. Hughes has been great with answering questions before, during and after the surgery date.
One correction - finally found my breast implant tags, and they are Natrelle Allergan 234 ccs.
Good luck to all out there.
Replies (7)
You are looking fantastic! Congrats! =)
Thank you!
Your results are great! Thanks for recommending Dr. Hughes.
Your updates are amazing and so very helpful. Thanks so much for all the information you gave to me. You definitely helped me make my decision to go with Dr. Hughes.
I'm glad it's been helpful. If you'd have any questions or concerns and would want to talk live, just let me know. I found having a "buddy" really helpful. :)
Congrats on the beautiful results. I recently traveled for 24 hours (one leg was 14/15 hours straight). I don't know how you did it! Flying to that far sucks. Did you pick the getaway location yet???
Thank you - you're sweet. Travel wasn't that bad - I just slept, got spoiled by the attractive airline attendants (on nearly all Asian airlines, the attendants actually provide customer service) and caught up on a zillion movies. Oh - except when I inadvertently missed my funnel and ended up having to get down on the floor of the airline lavatory to mop things up. lol - seems like eons ago!
Replies (4)
Thanks