POSTED UNDER Mommy Makeover Reviews
I've Been Waiting 19 Years for This and It is Time !!
UPDATED FROM yyds83
2 months post
Update, still swollen
$8,000
It's been 7 weeks since my surgery and I am still very swollen, sore and stiff. My stomach incision, about 2 stitches, have also been open for about 3 weeks and still draining fluid through the wound. Never imagined swelling would be this bad and this long. My pants still don't fit, I've had to get a new wardrobe of dresses and skirts.
I still can't say I'm thrilled with my results like many do after their surgery. I am happy that I no longer have the hanging stomach but I've encountered other "deformities " I didn't expect to have. I call them deformities because that is how I see it. There's a sack of accumulated fluid on the lower right side of my stomach that pulls my stomach in such a way that it looks uneven, therefore deformed. My breasts are so inflamed on the top, the implants haven't dropped, and it's giving my breasts a weird elongated shape on the bottom.
I've also been noticing that the skin on my upper stomach is starting to fold vertically. Idk if this is as a result of my skin not retracting after the lipo or as a cause of the swelling.
Anyway, nothing I can do except be patient, give my body more time, eat right and try to be more kind to myself.
I still can't say I'm thrilled with my results like many do after their surgery. I am happy that I no longer have the hanging stomach but I've encountered other "deformities " I didn't expect to have. I call them deformities because that is how I see it. There's a sack of accumulated fluid on the lower right side of my stomach that pulls my stomach in such a way that it looks uneven, therefore deformed. My breasts are so inflamed on the top, the implants haven't dropped, and it's giving my breasts a weird elongated shape on the bottom.
I've also been noticing that the skin on my upper stomach is starting to fold vertically. Idk if this is as a result of my skin not retracting after the lipo or as a cause of the swelling.
Anyway, nothing I can do except be patient, give my body more time, eat right and try to be more kind to myself.
yyds83's provider
UPDATED FROM yyds83
16 days post
Swelling and More Swelling
16 days since my surgery, got the drained removed today and the swelling is still pretty bad. Haven't experienced any pain lately, mostly discomfort due to the swelling which is extremely slowly subsiding. I'm not able to fit into any of my clothes asides from sweats, yoga pants and summer dresses. I am so swollen that I can bearly wear my compression garment. Some say to wear the garment to aid with the swelling but for me it has the opposite effect, sometimes is just unbearable to keep it on.
The implants are still sitting quite high. I've been massaging my breasts gently to prevent any issues with the incisions from the breast lift. Hopefully this resolves and the implants settle into place soon.
So far I can't say it's been a pleasant experience with amazing results, no. I'm glad I haven't encountered any complications but all this swelling has caused me to get a bit depressed. I wasn't expecting to have plastic surgery to come out much bigger than when I went in.
Sorry for not posting any pics yet, haven't really taken any. The after is nothing but a much rounder version of the old and in sweats ?
The implants are still sitting quite high. I've been massaging my breasts gently to prevent any issues with the incisions from the breast lift. Hopefully this resolves and the implants settle into place soon.
So far I can't say it's been a pleasant experience with amazing results, no. I'm glad I haven't encountered any complications but all this swelling has caused me to get a bit depressed. I wasn't expecting to have plastic surgery to come out much bigger than when I went in.
Sorry for not posting any pics yet, haven't really taken any. The after is nothing but a much rounder version of the old and in sweats ?
Replies (5)
May 4, 2018
Thinking of you. Wishing you only the best as you recover. Thank you for sharing your very personal and private journey. I’m in the research stage and I’m learning so much from each of you that share your candid experiences. Thank you and take care as you recover from this amazing thing you’re doing for yourself
May 6, 2018
I had my surgery (MM) on April 17th, I still have 1 drain in. Swelling in my lower abdomen, above my incision; looks like a pooch! Totally thought I got rid of that thing with the surgery! I know we all heal at different speeds but the swelling is awful! Hang in there and hope your swelling subsides!
May 6, 2018
Thank you for being open with your recovery process. I'm so sorry to hear about your swelling. I hope you get relief soon. I've also read on other reviews about the swelling and that it does get better as time passes. Feel better!
May 7, 2018
Hang in there and thank you for sharing your journey. I do want to say you have a beautiful smile even though you are in such pain. I go to the DR in a week for my surgery and I need to be reminded of the expectations. Positive energy to you for comfort during your healing process. Thank you again for sharing!
May 8, 2018
I hope you’re swelling starts going down, I really appreciate your honesty throughout your experience. I’m going to Arenas at the beginning of August so this really helps me in mentally preparing myself. Hope you get well soon girl!!
UPDATED FROM yyds83
1 day post
The pain and the swelling are REAL
Pain has finally kicked in tonight. The pressure on my chest is something I've never experienced before, I got scared for a bit. Taking meds for the pain and muscle relaxers cause I finally broke down and cried. Hopefully tomorrow is a better day.
Replies (5)
April 22, 2018
im glad everything went well! I hope you're doing better now! can't wait for you to post your after pictures!!!
April 23, 2018
I'm considering Dr.Arenas for bbl and tummy tuck. I would love to keep getting updates on your experience. How's it going? were you prescribed enough meds to manage your pain? Was the hospital clean and up to your standards from the US? Where are you staying afterward?
April 23, 2018
Dr. Arenas is a great doctor and human being. I've had the opportunity to meet some of his patients and not only do they look amazing but they also have nothing but good things to say about him. The hospital is very clean and modern. I've worked in hospitals in the U.S. and you're better off at Innovare. I doubt you get the same type of treatment in the U.S.
I was prescribed antibiotics, pain meds and diuretics. I've stuck with Tylenol 500mg for pain because that's my preference but you'll get all meds you need.
As far as lodging, I rented a house thorough Airbnb at approximately $20 a day. It's a two story house with the master bedroom and full bathroom downstairs. It's fully equipped, across from a park and pharmacy, grocery store and other shops within steps. I can share the owner's contact info if you would like.
The first few days were rough but it's getting better. The hardest thing has been having to depend on someone 100% to do things such as getting up, going to the bathroom, getting dressed but I'm getting better.
I was prescribed antibiotics, pain meds and diuretics. I've stuck with Tylenol 500mg for pain because that's my preference but you'll get all meds you need.
As far as lodging, I rented a house thorough Airbnb at approximately $20 a day. It's a two story house with the master bedroom and full bathroom downstairs. It's fully equipped, across from a park and pharmacy, grocery store and other shops within steps. I can share the owner's contact info if you would like.
The first few days were rough but it's getting better. The hardest thing has been having to depend on someone 100% to do things such as getting up, going to the bathroom, getting dressed but I'm getting better.
April 23, 2018
Thank you so much for your reply. I would love to have the contact into to the airbnb. I can imagine the discomfort of having someone else take credo personal care needs and that's something I think about too. I'm hoping my mom can come with me during my procedure. Do you know if the clinics has nurses for hire with recovery?Any massages after surgery? I'm looking forward to hearing about your journey! Feel better soon!
April 23, 2018
After the procedure you will have a designated nurse to stay in your room over night, her name is Veronica. After you're released, she will visit you once daily for about an hour and will drain you, help you bathe, change your bandages and garment. These services are separate from whatever the Dr. quotes you; Veronica's charge is approx. $30 usd. I don't believe there are any other nurses there that would offer their svc 24/7. This is the link to the house on Airbnb https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/22921873?s=51
April 24, 2018
Tank you so much for your reply. keep me posted on your progress! Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Replies (1)