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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS

MissNewBooty2016

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Hello all. I will soon be 50 years old and as a...

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Briteyes227
$4,000
Hello all. I will soon be 50 years old and as a gift to myself I am having a Tummy Tuck (Upper & lower abs, back, sides and flanks) & Fat Transfer to buttocks. I have been trying to gather all of the information and tips from others that have had the surgery performed (thank you all for your wonderful advise). I am both excited and nervous. Here are a few things that I'm worried about 1) How do I determine how many cc's to have injected? I want a fuller bottom but I want it to be proportioned. 2) I've heard a lot of complaints about the pain level. 3) My doctor (Dr. Pillai/Charlotte, NC) said the surgery will last about 6 hours. I would appreciate any tips, suggestions for pre & post surgery, nutrition and general overall guidance. Again, thank you all for the wonderful posts and I will be posting & blogging along the way and sharing my experience with others as well.

Briteyes227's provider

Mohan V. Pillai

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Briteyes227

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Replies (7)

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October 12, 2015
Did you op to stay overnight in a hospital? That helps other than the annoying shift change of nurses if you get some uncompassionate ones. Will you get a pain pump. I had the one with two tiny wires places in my upper abdomen between my breast that lasted 3 days and I took home. It helped alot. Drink alot of water, have some protein shakes on hand already mixed because you may not feel like getting up and cooking. If you have someone around to get you good healthy meals with lots of greens thats even better. Take a multi vitamin. Stay away from caffiene products it will deplete your water. You do not want to get dehydrated. I am sure you have seen all the other tips so i won't bore you. Ask about the pain pump though. It is automatically released in your body once every hour. Good luck to you!
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October 12, 2015
Thank you "Dvw19". I watched the procedure on YouTube and the surgeon inserted a pain pump. I have it on my list of questions for my surgeon. I will make sure to stay away from caffeine and drink plenty of fluids. I hope you are doing well and love your results.
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October 13, 2015
As soon as hevtook off my bandages the next day I was happy. I just can't wait for swelling do go down. Takes time. The more you learn the better questions you will have.
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October 23, 2015
Im on the same Journey I said I'm almost 50 so I wanted to give myself a nice 50th birthday gift but I decided to go overseas to DR I will be following your journey I'm excited for you :) I still have time my Surgery is scheduled for July so I am reading about all the great experiences everyone has had hopefully I will have the same and I'm wishing you the same experience :)
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October 23, 2015
Thank you BarbieDoll1967. I am very excited as I have wanted to do this for many years. I think 50 is the perfect time for me. I thought about going abroad to have the surgery performed but I just feel safer being close to home and my loved ones. Plus I wanted to recover around familiar faces. I'm going to start posting my before pics about 30 days pre (that will be the hardest part) lol...but I will be too happy to do away with the old me and welcome the new and improved me. I will be following your journey as well and praying for us both.
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October 23, 2015
You are so lucky to have your family there to help you through your journey :) I have some family but others feel at my age I'm doing too much :( I'm a healthy young woman who just want a enhancement to the old me :) that is why I'm glad they have this site
December 9, 2015
How much does all of that cost?
UPDATED FROM Briteyes227
2 months pre

IN PREPARATION - PLEASE HELP!!!

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Briteyes227
Hello ladies! I am currently trying to prepare for my upcoming surgery. Although my surgery isn't until December 2015, I want to have everything purchased and readily available. I have been on AMAZON looking at Compression Garments/FAJA. What is the best brand/kind to purchase for post-op? Should I purchase on that is thigh length, long (down to calf), with straps, w/o straps? Please HELP! I want the best garment to maximize my results (and comfort). Also, can anyone tell me if I need "foam boards"? My surgery is being done locally, not long travel time to/from surgery facility. One other question that's been on my mind. For the beautiful ladies that had TT, Lipo along with BBL, what was the most comfortable position to sleep/rest in?

Replies (11)

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October 15, 2015
Your surgeon should supply the garment. He/she has one in mind. Sleep in a recliner. Don't have one than sleep with pillows around you sitting up with your feet elevated on a good stool or coffee table on a pillow. What are foam boards? For sitting in car? Take your pain med (get script filled before you leave hospital by a friend or loved one while your out to have available rt when you get home.) You don't want to wait long after.
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October 16, 2015
Thank you soooo much for your answers! I have no idea what "foam boards" are, i just saw a lot of reviews from others (mainly out of country surgeries) mentioning foam boards. I don't want to buy anything that is not needed. Again, thank you for your reaoonse.
October 23, 2015
Hi there..I'm Lisa and am 2.5 weeks post op from TT and lipo of flanks! Let me say that although it was tough at times, I don't regret my choice to have the surgery! OK, so in all honesty, get a compression garment that fits from knees to under your chest with the straps (they are removable) it really gives the best whole body support and compression and helps with swelling! The surgeon supplied me with it right after surgery so I didn't buy it but I did go buy a Flexee garment to switch to while the other was being washed...there us a hole in the bottom of the compression garment so u can go to bathroom but unless you pee strait as an arrow..it could get wet...but it is the best I found for comfort! Feel free to try a nice tight fitting SPANX...that is my go to now for half the day, its easier also for going to bathroom!
October 23, 2015
It's Lisa again, the best position to be in is a lounge chair position ...semi flexed as it is easier on the belly and stitches. I sit in my recliner, put the bottom up to elevate my legs and put a couple pillows or towels rolled up under my knees.,.same at night in bed, prop yourself up with some pillows behind your head/back and under your knees...get help doing it...trust me, its the best position and helps with pain!
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November 23, 2015
Thank you Lisa. My PCP told me to try to sleep in a recliner and I've purchased one just for this surgery. I did go ahead and order a second garment to have at home. I don't know if it will be a waste or not but I'm sure I will be able to use it at some point during my recovery. I hope you are healing well and feeling better.
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November 17, 2015
Sooooooo....... My post op garment or garments were provided by my physician n they were or are by Merena. Mid thigh length w/ straps n the butt out. Although I had the lawn chair with the hole for my buttocks, I never slept in it nt even once. I had 6 pillows, 2 body that I laid flat on the bed side by side with the slightest slither of space in between them so that my hip coupd fit in between them and I slept on my sides. I switched sides through out the night and slept on a different side of the bed everyday even up until now. Back to the pillows so 6 total 2 body, 2 king size and 2 regular. I put a king size flat then a regular one in top of that n 2 the same way on whichever side u'll b laying on for your head. Good luck
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November 23, 2015
Thank you, thank you, thank you! I will be purchasing my body pillows today! I have been going crazy trying to figure out how I will be able to sleep. Experimenting with all kinds of things...lol... thank you for this great advice.
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November 23, 2015
Hi Dvw19. Apparently "foam boards" are what ladies are using to put inside of their CGs to minimize lines/intentions from the CGs and they can also be used to get maximum compression if your CG has become a little big/loose. I ordered 4 sheets from Amazon ($7.50/per sheet) just to have in case i may need it.
November 25, 2015
My surgery was November 17, 2015 I advise to have someone help you at all time for at least the Frist 2 weeks. Also be careful with the pain killer alhough there for pain after the surgery try liquid tylenol extra strength you will not get nausea and dizzy. If you suffer with allergy have your allergy pill ready and halls . Have lots of food especially with iron ready.
UPDATED FROM Briteyes227
2 months pre

Getting A Headstart

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Briteyes227
Soooo, I'm 2 mos pre surgery and I'm super excited! Decided to get a jump start on purchasing a few items I will need and thanks to all of the wonderful guides & preparation lists I think I've made a few good decisions. My current preparation list included: Bio Oil (Walmart 2 oz $9.88), Hibicleanse, Northshore Chux, Anti Embolism
Support Stocking, Ab Support Flattening Board, Scar Away Silicone Strips, EZ Pee
Urinal (all ordered from Amazon total of
$93.24), Vitamin C, Iron & Multivitamin. I would like to purchase a second comp

Replies (6)

November 15, 2015
What are these for:Hibicleanse, Northshore Chux, ? And who suggested you buy the other items, your Dr? Or? My Dr says Arnica does not work. I am wondering about that I have heard it does! Also, anyone know the name for the best compression garment for after surgery I know he sends you home with one but I want another just in case. Also, how can I decide the size to buy? Thanks ,
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November 23, 2015
Hi mlaldyraven! Hibicleanse is an antibacterial soap my surgeon suggested that I bathe in the night before and the day of surgery and to continue to use once he gives the ok to shower. Chux are just bed padding (Northshore is the brand @ Amazon). He advised to use on my bed to catch any fluid that may drain. I ordered a second compression garment to have at home. I just went to several websites and read reviews about the particular brand and chose one that I thought would be best for me. I ultimately ordered one from Amazon for $80.00. Most reviews said the compression garments fit smaller than the size and was tight. I ordered the "After Tummy Tuck Mocha Girdle Compression #9152" on Amazon. The reviews stated it fit to size per the size chart and it didn't break my bank (reasonable price). I also like that it is mocha colored and not white which shows everything. I ordered foam board as well ($7.50/ea @ Amazon) in case the compression garment gets a little loose as our bodies will be changing everyday. Just do a little research before purchasing. Other websites to visit are www.inthepinkroom.com, www.lipoexpress.com, www.fajasmariae.com, www.theperfectbodies.com and don't forget about Amazon.com. Hope this helps.
December 12, 2015
Since the surgeon provide you with the first and second compression garment, should you have waited to purchase yours to make sure you have the correct size. From what I have read your body will be very swollen for awhile.
December 12, 2015
I recently turned 50 this year. I am also going to have a tummy tuck, liposuction of back, flanks and stomach with also a BBL. I will be having my procedure on 12-22-15. Hopefully we can both communicate to see how we come through it all. Unlike you, I will be traveling out of state to Atlanta for my surgery. My husband is supportive of my decision and he will be traveling with me. I'm excited and a little nervous, however I do know that this is what I want to do. It took me two years of research before I decided to move forward with it. I wish you the best of luck with your surgery procedure. I too have ordered and received my supplies. I was waiting on ordering the compression garment because I am not sure what size I will need. I figured I would be alright for the moment since I will have a garment the day of surgery and another one a week later after my post-op visit. I will order my compression garment while I am still in Atlanta and hopefully it will be waiting for me when I return home from Atlanta. You and I will be recovering about the same time.
January 31, 2016
What size faja and flattening board did u order pre op? How did u know the size u would be post op?
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February 1, 2016
I didn't know what size I'd be and that was mistake numerous uno! Lol. I actually have 2 expensive fajas that are pretty useless to me right now simply because my first tt & bbl was not performed well. I think once I see Dr. Osak in June, I will be able to wear them very well. I prejudge every other recovery garment pretty good but the fajas are made differently from manufacturer to manufacturer. I would honestly suggest waiting until after your surgery be for ordering that 2nd stage garment.