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Mommy Make-Over (Tummy Tuck, Lipo, and Breast Lift (No Implants) - Minneapolis, MN

UPDATED FROM mommamiaof3
28 days post

Question...

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mommamiaof3
$14,500
Is the 'puckering' around the incision normal? It's almost like ruching..? Also, I'm 4 weeks post op; I had quite a bit of MR done. My upper abdominal muscles starting hurting last week, more so one one side, just below my ribs. Is it easy to 'pop a stitch?' Hmmm...??? I see my doc tomorrow. I'm anxious to see what he says.

mommamiaof3's provider

Nathan T. Leigh, MD

Nathan T. Leigh, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Replies (2)

September 4, 2013
Just wanted to say, I do have a bit of puckering. I had a couple of really noticeable puckers right after surgery, but they've mostly already settled at 6 weeks PO!! I'm sure your surgeon will revise anything that doesn't settle!! Also, I'm quite certain I've popped a couple of stitches, and had some discomfort, but my surgeon said I won't have done any damage to the results if that did happen. Let us know how it goes tomorrow!
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September 4, 2013
Thank you- the doc said that the puckering was exactly that, sutures under the skin that start to pop at about six weeks, but that is totally normal. He said that the tenderness is where the muscles are attached, closer to my ribs (I'm not articulating that well, but you gals probably understand that better then I). It made sense when he said it- lol. No core workouts for a bit, but other exercise is a-okay! Yay!
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September 24, 2013
Very inspiring, thank you for the details. Last year I started losing weight. I am 5'3" was 197lbs now been fluctuating between 145-155lbs. I should weight 115 but I can not for the life of me lose it. That being said it takes longer I realize to lose those last few pounds. I eat clean, cardio & core exercise every other day in between days lift weights with one day off. I am not sure if I should continue for one more year or go in & have surgery done. One doctor said get down to weight you desire or final weight. I think I made my final weight. But I can still feel/see the fat. Grr...any suggestions? Should I see doctor again or another one & get advise?
UPDATED FROM mommamiaof3
19 days post

Has it been 3 weeks Tuesday?

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mommamiaof3
Crazy. I am feeling good. Energy is creeping up. I think since the surgery I have been going crazy with my eating, almost telling myself that I need more consumption to heal and I should probably get a grip on that. Eat cleaner (that's not as fun though).
I'm definitely going thru the typical swelling stages: nice and taught in the morning, swollen like a Christmas Dinner by 3 pm. Oh well- it will pass. Healing takes time.
I have gone on a few light walks however we were just hit with an intense heat wave, so I'm reluctant to push it. It was nice to have that 'me' time. Put on my headphones and go... Fall is just around the corner; that is absolutely my favorite time of year :)
Hope everyone is healing well!

Replies (2)

August 26, 2013
You look great! Do you mind if I ask what your bra size is now? I'm just curious. Without before pics, it's hard to tell how much size you lost. Maybe you had great boobs before. :). Thanks for telling your story!
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August 26, 2013
I am a 34 C. I was a 36 C, however I was not a 'true' C. Prior to surgery my breasts were wide and deflated. They are much fuller and rounder now. I would guess that when all is said and done (swelling gone, healing complete, tape off) I will be a larger 34 B. Mh breasts look larger now then before just because of their shape. I am very tall and have broad shoulders; my goal was small perky breasts. When my breasts are much larger, I start to feel too domineering. I don't have my before pics anymore, otherwise I'd be happy to repost. :(
August 28, 2013
You're looking great!! I remember after week 3, my energy levels really seemed to increase, hoping the same for you!! I had a period of time after my surgery (for about a week) where I ate poorly. I think I just felt sorry for myself!! lol. I'm back at clean eating now, but it certainly takes a ton of work to prepare healthy meals!! I'm drinking a lot of kale smoothies to help the water retention along :) Keep us posted!!
UPDATED FROM mommamiaof3
15 days post

Liking the Ladies!

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mommamiaof3

Replies (3)

August 22, 2013
are you putting anything on your breasts yet? Ive got my tape off too, and I am starting to get dry feeling. You look great by the way! Happy healing!
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August 24, 2013
Sorry for the delayed response! So? The heavy duty tape from the actual surgery came off, doc says that usually happens 2-3 weeks post op. I am, however still using tape, just a lighter tape to support the incisions to reduce scarring. My doc told me not to use lotion, etc yet- just tape. I am eager to ditch the tape and lather the scars with vitamin E. I am so itchy! :(
August 22, 2013
You look amazing! I am having the same thing done on Sept. 9 and am freaking out! I am scared I am going to swell up forever...I just lost 50 pounds and I know I will freak with the post fluid weight..lol..Did you lose any cup size with the lift?...my dr. says I will not but I do not trust him since I have tons of extra skin..I own a business and have to be back in a week...with the drains my dr. says have to be in for 3 to 4 weeks...
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August 24, 2013
Don't be nervous! It is *intense* but well worth it. I would recommend 'overstocking' on help the week following surgery. Anyone that wants to hang out and watch movies, etc was greatly appreciated initially as doing little things even was a challenge. I was feeling good at a week, but to head back to work after week would have been tight for me. If you can work from home, or have extra staff to help out, I would. You might be just fine, but my main 'advice' (as if I'm some old pro- lol) is to over prepare rather then not. If you have too much help, you are much better off then not having enough, right?! :) I'm excited for you! Losing 50 lbs is not easy- you can tackle this! Regarding my cup size- I think my breast look fuller post op. I was very nervous about just getting a lift, but they look much rounder then before. The shape is nicer. Good luck! Keep us posted!! :)
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August 24, 2013
Congrats on the weight loss. I agree with momma. I thought I would be ready for work and I was only doing part time admin. I was so wrong. I took 2 weeks off and had help the whole time. I sure did need it. I feel like why take a chance of delaying your healing, swelling more, or some other unwanted result. I did however do work from home and that was easy however with my meds I found I made some mistakes ;) Good luck with everything and cant wait to see your results!
August 25, 2013
You look amazing! These results are inspiring. Thank you for sharing.
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August 26, 2013
Thank you. That is very kind of you to say.