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POSTED UNDER Body Lift Reviews

Going to Dr Hunstad to Correct Another Doctor's TT and a Butt and Thigh Lift - Huntersville, NC

UPDATED FROM Columbus557
2 months post

Open Wound on Hip Due to Protein Deficiency

Columbus557
WORTH IT$38,000
This picture is after a month of healing. Unfortunately, it was taken sideways. It opened up after a couple of weeks on my back incision on flank. I know this is gross but don't make the mistake I did and diet before surgery. I created healing complications. 3 of these wounds opened up after 2 weeks where stitches were under the surface. This one was as big as a walnut (Yes, in the shell!) to start. No bottom on the wound so doctor had us pack it with gauze soaked in sterile saline, then a large bandaid. My dear husband did this twice a day! When it finally formed a bottom, the doc had us put Idosorb on the gauze pad instead of water. Slowly it is closing up. It heals from the outside of the circle in, and from the bottom of the wound up. I don't know why they can't just stitch it but they cant. I will probably need scar revision when it heals if it looks really bad.
So DON'T DIET, and EAT EXTRA PROTEIN!
You can go on Amazon and order several boxes ($20) of "New Whey" vials. Mix with ice and water and slug 2-3 of these down in addition to healthy meals. (40 grams of protein in each one!) Start a couple weeks before surgery and continue until completely healed 3-4 months. Remember healing is going on under the skin too. The stuff is like sweet, thick syrup. So cut it with ice water and pretend it is kool-aid. Gulp. If you lose your resolve just print off this photo to remind yourself!

Columbus557's provider

Joseph Hunstad, MD

Joseph Hunstad, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Replies (4)

February 23, 2017
Please read ingredients on products before you buy. All protein sources are not okay. If there are chemicals or unnatural ingredients, sugars etc... chances are it will complicate healing not encourage it. All this slimfast and weight watchers stuff is so toxic. You can get your protein from legumes and clean juices and nut milks, grass fed beef and pasture chicken... why spend all the money on an elective surgery and then fill your gut and immune system with toxins? Please everybody, see a nutritionist or self-educate on healing foods before your surgeries...
February 24, 2017
I went to a specialist who tested my blood and I was very low on both Selenium and Iron. When she added the supplements, the now 2 wounds began healing up very quickly. Just heading into month 5 and the wounds will be closed in a few more days at the rate they are healing. I was never a big beef eater and with the Lap Bad I missed out on lots of leafy greens which would not go down. Then the HCG diet on top of it probably compromised my system nutritionally. I will hold off a year before planning any more surgeries.
April 16, 2017
Thanks so much for the advice!!! Congratulations on your procedures, you look great
September 24, 2019
Any updates? Did you do the second surgery?
UPDATED FROM Columbus557
2 months post

Week 6 photos

Columbus557
Still swollen and puffy but I am beginning to see a bit of a waist begin to take shape. I'd still like to lose 25 or 30 lbs before my breast and arm lift next year but my doc says "This is a time for healing not dieting." I'm on 120 EXTRA grams of protein a day to correct wound issues which have been slow to heal.

Replies (0)

UPDATED FROM Columbus557
30 days post

4 Weeks Post Op

Columbus557
I switched to Protein supplement called "New Whey" to help with my protein deficiency which was slowing down my wound healing. Looking back, I did several weeks of the HCG (shots) diet in order to take off a few extra lbs before surgery. I must have become protein deficient during that time. I have had several small and 2 larger holes open up. Very disconcerting but now that the supplemental protein is kicking in, I feel more optimistic. Dr H said he could fix any deformities in the scar next year at my final surgery on breasts and arms. My surgery was a pretty big one for a 60 yr old. Between being low on iron, and protein I have been exhausted. I am just now able to stand up relatively straight due to my (very tight) full body lift. I'm sure I will appreciate being tight soon but right now, I walk hunched over. My goal for this weekend is to go for a gentle walk without the walker.

Replies (1)

October 29, 2016
You look amazing I hope you are feeling better. I'm doing a make over in May considering the lower body lift. One question how are you able to maneuver with thigh reduction and butt lift
November 1, 2016
I am 56 years old and going to have a body lift and thigh lift on november16. I am worried this surgery will be to much for me. I have a pacemaker and was wondering if you had any health issues before surgery. I have lost 150 pounds and had a tummy tuck, breast lift, and arms done. I am really scared on this on, any advise you can give me would be vey welcome.
November 18, 2016
I am in pretty good health but not in great cardio shape. I huff and puff a bit when going up stairs. I was terrified of the long anesthetic but glad I had it done.

Butt lift has no pain at all. The incision meets at the waist. The thigh lift is a little tender. The skin is thin and delicate and my legs rubbed together. I had a few bandaids where some holes opened up and still sleep with a knee pillow to keep my legs apart. Once the bandaids were gone, I could wear stretch pants which surprisiongly felt better than skin rubbing together. I lost 155 lbs about 10 yrs ago. I have a complete left branch bundle block in my heart but the doc still approved me for surgery. (I bought life insurance in advance!)