POSTED UNDER Mommy Makeover REVIEWS
44 y/o - Mommy Makeover - time to do something for me! :) Denver, CO
ORIGINAL POST
Hello Real Selfers! I have been reviewing this...
WORTH IT$17,000
Hello Real Selfers! I have been reviewing this site for the past 6 weeks - before and after my surgery. It has been one month since my Mommy Makeover with Dr. Andrew Wolfe. Ladies, I was motivated but nervous! I have had one set of twins (sadly, both deceased) and 2 more babies, the most recent when I was 36. I recovered well from pregnancies but was left with saggy breasts and muscle laxity in my abdomen. Hubby and I started looking into this procedure a few months ago and now, here I am 1 month post op!
I had a BL, BA and a drainless TT but was most interested in the TT. I am 5'7" and 162 lbs pre-surgery and only about 4 lbs lighter today, but I look a lot different! I predict I will lose more weight once I get the clearance to workout around 6 wks post - op - that's my plan anyway! :)
Now, back to the breasts: I never thought I would ever consider a BA because I've always been blessed with a decent breast size (36 D, nice cleavage when I was younger, etc.) I was sooo nervous about getting a BL/BA because I did not want to go too big. I started out at a deflated full C cup and only wanted to restore what I once had (full D). At my consult, I was able to use sizers and also see my possible outcome on the Vectra imaging machine at my doctor's office. I liked the Vectra, but it doesn't really show you the outcome of the BL very well, but it was still helpful. I changed my mind on size 3 times! But finally, with my doctor and his coordinator's help, I chose Sientra 355ccs, mod plus, textured round implants under the muscle. I LOVE THEM!!! Seriously, I am so very happy! Dr. Wolfe is a true artist! I am getting everything I wanted with this BA, BL: upper pole fullness, nice cleavage, perkiness, and shape. If you are considering a breast surgery, don't be afraid! I know, some of you aren't at all ;). The fact that I am thrilled with my BL/BA is what is getting me through the much longer TT recovery.
Now to the TT: I had a drainless TT with Exparel for added pain management. The recovery from the MM in general really wasn't bad at all. I was sent home in a surgical bra and compression garment. I stayed on top of the pain - waking myself up in the middle of the night to take meds. I preferred to sleep in our guest bed alone the first 3 nights propped with pillows under my head/shoulders and legs rather than in a recliner. I was tired and had very little appetite for about the first week and then by week 2, started feeling a little more normal. I was able to walk and do stairs from Day 1, but I would often hold on to hubby's arm just because of the meds rather than the surgery. Standing straight was not a huge issue for me, I think I was standing nearly straight after a couple of days - I expected this to be much more of a problem. It was nice not to have drains - I could shower 24 hours after my surgery and could even raise my arms to wash my hair. I went for my first post-op on Day 6 and had the dressings changed and was told I could start wearing a Spanx if I wanted; also by this point, I was only taking Advil.
Today, I am still swelling in my lower abdomen even though I wear a Spanx or compression garment 24/7. I knew going in, swelling would be a factor, but it's hard when you're actually living with it day after day, after day, after day! I would describe it as either wearing a weight belt you can never remove or having someone tape 2 tubes of cookie dough to your lower abdomen! :- I have been told this is normal and I don't have a seroma or a hematoma it's just....swelling. I do like my new shape though and hopefully - SOMEDAY when my swelling is gone, I will get to enjoy my final results!
I will post pictures later. Thanks for all you're inspiring stories and pictures! Happy Healing!
tpn72's provider
Replies (8)
May 26, 2016
I know what you mean about the swelling! It really stinks! I thought at first that it would go away after a couple weeks but after reading everyone's reviews it sounds like it can hang around for two to three months??
I never thought I would get implants either but once I started talking about a tummy tuck, the idea of a mommy makeover got in my head and never left. I'm still surprised sometimes that I went for it.
I'm very sorry to hear about your twins.
I lost a baby too. A little girl. She was born sleeping and would be six and a half now. She had a condition that caused my body to hold on to amniotic fluid so my belly got huge and stretched my skin to the max.
I went on to have two more baby girls after that and they are doing well!
After losing all the baby weight, (four babies in five years) and getting back in shape, my poor tummy still didn't get back to normal. Or anywhere near it. It had a lot of loose and wrinkly skin and pretty distended looking as my abs never recovered and I had significant diastis. So after years of contemplating it, I finally did it. My surgery was two weeks ago.
I am so anxious to see results but so far, I'm still really swollen and, because of that, my waist is bigger than before.
I know it will take time and I'm hopeful that I will love my results. : )
May 27, 2016
Thank you for the reply. I'm sorry about your baby girl, my twins were boy/girl; we lost our daughter after 10 days and then our son passed away at 17 because he was severely disabled (both were preemies). It was extremely difficult. We had 2 more boys after the twins, although my youngest is autistic, but adorable! I have literally spent years to decades taking care of others (happily, but still...) and now I wanted to do this for me.
I agree with the swelling, some days I feel like I've just traded one problem for another! But....other ladies' reviews inspire me; those that are ahead of me who say their swelling is gone or almost gone gives me hope! :)
I agree with the swelling, some days I feel like I've just traded one problem for another! But....other ladies' reviews inspire me; those that are ahead of me who say their swelling is gone or almost gone gives me hope! :)
May 27, 2016
OMG I'm so happy I stumbled across your post! We are the same weight and close to the same height. I'm scheduled for a mommy makeover July 12th and I'm so scared.... Seeing your great results make me feel more calm! Is ok if I message you when my date gets closer???
May 27, 2016
Hi!! Thank you so much for your comments. Absolutely, you can! Please message me anytime, I'm happy to answer any questions. I'm excited for you! :)
May 27, 2016
Yes, I do. PS said natural BB was high so couldn't quite get it down to incision line. Kind of a bummer, but supposedly they fade quite well, so we'll see!
May 28, 2016
I'm hoping to avoid it, but probably will have one too ... I'm nervous about that
Replies (11)
May 26, 2016
Looking great so far!
Just curious, how come your PS chose to not do drains?
May 27, 2016
Thank you! He does a drainless TT which involves the use of progressive tension sutures. These sutures help the abdominal flap adhere to the muscle wall more quickly and eliminates the pockets and empty spaces for fluid to build up, which then requires drains. Not to say there isn't swelling, there is in all TT's but there is just isn't a need for the drains.
May 27, 2016
I'm so excited to have come across your review. I am scheduled to have a Mommy Makeover (BL, BA & TT) with Dr. Wolfe this August. How was your experience with Exparel? I have not decided if I'm going to add it or not. Most pain meds make me nauseous. Do you feel it helped a lot with the pain? You look great and I'm looking forward to seeing more pics and hearing how your recovery goes. Thanks for sharing!
May 27, 2016
Hi! Thank you so much for the comments. I debated with the Exparel too because of the cost, but I tell you, I think it was worth it. Between that and then the Percocet and Valium, I had very little discomfort the first few days with the TT. The Exparel just numbs everything in the tummy area for about 3 days or so which is typically when the pain is most intense. After it wears off, the pain is manageable with either Percocet or Advil. Best of luck to you, glad you are going with Dr. Wolfe! :)
May 27, 2016
Thanks for sharing! From what you explained about the Exparel, It sounds like it's probably worth the cost. I've had 4 c-sections, but I really don't know how that pain compares to the pain of a TT. It's expensive, but if I'm already paying thousands for the surgery, what's a few hundred more, especially if it means less pain during the first few days.
May 28, 2016
That is exactly what I thought too!! What's a few hundred more? My comfort is worth it. I've had one c- section but it was 20 yrs ago and I don't remember much about it, to be honest. I think you'll be glad if u choose the Exparel. Also, many ladies state they are hunched over and can't stand up straight and then their backs ache. As I said in my review, I was able to stand straight after only a day or 2, I think again because I was numb from the Exparel.
June 19, 2016
Hi Jewels411 - I didn't have a TT, just the BA with Dr. Vath (in same practice with Dr. Wolfe). I had the Exparel injections for my BA (requested it even with the $500 extra charge). Dr. Vath said they mostly use it for TTs because those are much more painful that the BA but he told me if I wanted it for the BA I could have it. I'm sooo glad I did. I'm not feeling a 100% at Day 1 after my BA on June 17 but sure am getting around pretty darn well and I attribute this to the Exparel and of course staying on top of my other meds. I also think Dr. Wolfe and Dr. Vath's surgical techniques are very gentle. Here's a link to Exparel if it's helpful: http://www.exparel.com/patient/faq.php. Good luck with your surgery. I love CCS and their staff.
June 19, 2016
Thanks so much for sharing your experience with Exparel with me. It sounds like it really helps make the recovery process a lot less miserable and I'm pretty sure I'm going to go ahead and spend the extra $ for it.
June 19, 2016
Cute sports bra - where did you get it?
July 16, 2016
I'm sorry, I just saw your question. I got it at Wal-Mart. It's a Danskin XL, about $12. They have a size chart on the packaging, which said I would have worn a L, but I'm glad I went a size up for the girls LOL!
July 28, 2019
You look great!!! I’m getting surgery in 2.5 weeks and I’m so nervous! Your post gives me hope!
UPDATED FROM tpn72
2 months post
6 wks post op!!
Hello RS! I am 6 wks post op and feeling great! Yes, I do still have swelling in lower abdomen but it is slowly decreasing. I am not wearing binder all the time either, mostly just a Spanx. Here are some recent pics. Hugs to all and happy healing! :)
Replies (7)
June 13, 2016
Glad you're healing well!
You look fantastic!
I'm four weeks post op and looking forward to having this swelling gone. It does seem to get a bit better everyday.
June 13, 2016
Hi! Ugh, I keep thinking that too with the swelling and then I'll have days where it's just bad and I'm not sure why. So frustrating!! I would be elated if that would FINALLY just go away. I see my doc in 2 days for my 6 wks checkup; I'm going to ask him about it and make sure I don't have a seroma, etc. It's just enough already!! Hope you're doing well!
June 19, 2016
Hey TPN72 - check out MamaGotHerGroove at https://www.realself.com/user/684751. She had her mommy makeover with Dr. Vath. I think she had swelling up until 9 weeks. She's the one who recommended cannabis salve which I'm going to buy tomorrow.
July 15, 2016
You look like you are healing so well! I'm not sure if I missed it, but what size and type of implants did you get? They are very proportionate and your shape is fantastic! Are you using any type of scar oils/treatments?
July 16, 2016
Hi! Thank u so much! I got Sientra round textured implants, 355ccs, under the muscle. I was very nervous about going too big but honestly I'm in the same bra size I was before (36D), I just fill it up much better! I am using Biocorneum on my scars because it was recommended by my PS; I like it but it is quite pricey, so now that I've healed a bit, I may switch to something cheaper. It also has SPF 30 already in it so that is nice. :)
July 19, 2016
I'm planning to get round textured implants as well, but we never discussed the profile. I guess I'll figure that out at my pre-op appt. I'm still debating implant size and change my mind every day, lol. Did you get the Biocorneum from Dr. Wolfe, or on Amazon?
July 19, 2016
Mine were mod plus profile and I'm glad I chose them! Just a little more projection than low profile and I didn't want too much side boob (low profile are flatter and wider).
Yes, you can get the Biocorneum from Dr. Wolfe's office or Amazon, but I got it at Overstock.com. They had the best price at the time.
Congratulations on getting the results you're happy with on your BA/BL. Please keep us posted on the swelling. It's definitely normal to have that after a TT, so hang in there!