POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS
Tummy Tuck / Liposuction Revision
ORIGINAL POST
I have been down a long plastic surgery road over...
WORTH IT$7,750
I have been down a long plastic surgery road over the last year. I had to replace my breast implants do to them being older and one was capsulized. My past PS replaced 460cc saline with 700cc hp silicone. (he thought the old ones were bigger before the surgery) I wish he had at the time of surgery just put in smaller implants knowing that he was wrong about the size.
They were way to big for my 126 lb 5'5 frame. I had many problems with them. Rippling, indentations and they were very heavy on my neck. The PS said I needed to do a fat transfer to cover all the irregularities. This would be a much easier approach and "I would get used to them" I was hesitant, but at the time I trusted my doctor.
The fat transfer didn't take. The areas where the lipo fat transfer was taken from in my abdomen was left in horrible condition. I had lumps and bumps. A cobblestone effect.
I did not get use to them. The rippling and pulling in the center of my chest was horrible. Months later the PS replaced my implants with a more suitable size of 560cc uhp silicone. Three months after that he did a lipo revision of my abdomen.
Fast forward almost 5 months after that (now), my abdomen is in worse shape than ever.
I went back for a post op a month ago and he told me I would definitely need a tummy tuck now.
I was devastated! Having surgery after surgery, and countless amounts of surgery fees just to end up here.
I have had four children, 21 19 16 13. All with out any stretch marks, scars, or any loose skin. I prided myself on being fit, healthy and having a six pack at 40.
Now that I have been dealt these cards, I will have to deal with the outcome.
I have spoke to four board certified plastic surgeons all in which tell me that looking at my before pictures I did not need a tummy tuck, however I definitely do now. I have lack of support under my skin that should have never been taken away. I was to thin to have had a fat transfer or liposuction from my abdomen. Or any part of my body.
***I have found another doctor in La Jolla who I think is a wonderful doctor. I have done a lot of research on all the doctors I have seen. A tummy tuck at this point is my only option to ever have a nice looking abdomen again. I am nervous about the scar but confident in this new surgeons skills to do the best job possible in placement as well as in the whole process of the tummy tuck surgery and healing.
I am looking into the middle of October as my surgery date. I will take pics and document the process as I take this next step.
If you are thin I highly caution you to seek second options before doing any fat transfers or liposuction. It is not worth it to end up where am.
They were way to big for my 126 lb 5'5 frame. I had many problems with them. Rippling, indentations and they were very heavy on my neck. The PS said I needed to do a fat transfer to cover all the irregularities. This would be a much easier approach and "I would get used to them" I was hesitant, but at the time I trusted my doctor.
The fat transfer didn't take. The areas where the lipo fat transfer was taken from in my abdomen was left in horrible condition. I had lumps and bumps. A cobblestone effect.
I did not get use to them. The rippling and pulling in the center of my chest was horrible. Months later the PS replaced my implants with a more suitable size of 560cc uhp silicone. Three months after that he did a lipo revision of my abdomen.
Fast forward almost 5 months after that (now), my abdomen is in worse shape than ever.
I went back for a post op a month ago and he told me I would definitely need a tummy tuck now.
I was devastated! Having surgery after surgery, and countless amounts of surgery fees just to end up here.
I have had four children, 21 19 16 13. All with out any stretch marks, scars, or any loose skin. I prided myself on being fit, healthy and having a six pack at 40.
Now that I have been dealt these cards, I will have to deal with the outcome.
I have spoke to four board certified plastic surgeons all in which tell me that looking at my before pictures I did not need a tummy tuck, however I definitely do now. I have lack of support under my skin that should have never been taken away. I was to thin to have had a fat transfer or liposuction from my abdomen. Or any part of my body.
***I have found another doctor in La Jolla who I think is a wonderful doctor. I have done a lot of research on all the doctors I have seen. A tummy tuck at this point is my only option to ever have a nice looking abdomen again. I am nervous about the scar but confident in this new surgeons skills to do the best job possible in placement as well as in the whole process of the tummy tuck surgery and healing.
I am looking into the middle of October as my surgery date. I will take pics and document the process as I take this next step.
If you are thin I highly caution you to seek second options before doing any fat transfers or liposuction. It is not worth it to end up where am.
calimom4's provider
Replies (17)
September 23, 2016
Looking at your pre pictures, where did they think they were going to get any fat from?! I'm sorry that it messed with your body!
September 25, 2016
That's what I was thinking!!! There's no fat there to transfer. And my next question is why didn't the Dr use the correct sized implant to begin with? And at whose expense was the "fat transfer" and the eventual replacing of the implants? I hope not yours! The dr would be paying for my TT as well as pain and suffering. If I were you, I'd consult an attorney. Good luck with your surgery. I hope it goes well and you get your abs back!
September 28, 2016
Thanks for the comment. I am thinking the same thing. I hope that anyone thinking about getting a fat transfer or liposuction can learn from my mistakes. I also hope that anyone thinking about this procedure and is already on the thin side thinks about what can happen and weighs the pros and cons. I didn't even know this could happen. Very frustrating.
September 29, 2016
Thank you.. I am so happy to have this community as a sanity saver.. If even if just to get things out of my head and on paper so to speak.. Everyone has been so sweet and helpful!
November 1, 2016
I don't understand why you went for first procedure in first place, seeing that u were already in shape and skinny. Glad the end results went well. But I think this should be more of a lesson learned for a lot of woman out there. Some things are better left alone, and be happy with what u have. I'm all for plastic surgery, but there was honestly nothing wrong with you in first place.
November 2, 2016
There are a lot of beautiful woman on this site that might not need to have a procedure, or fix whats not broken. However, it might make them personally feel more confident and happy for whatever their situation is.
I have found this site to be helpful because no one judges you. Or their not supposed to. Its kind of tabu. We are all here to help one another. We help each other through what we have been through, what we are about to go through, or to even to get an idea of what we may want in the future.
Thank you.. You're right I was In shape and fit.. (Skinny no. I would never want to be skinny) Fit and healthy Yes...
This is a heartbreaking, painful and a expensive "lesson".
I wish I had not experienced this horrible situation. I wish it on no one.
I am hoping my story helps at least one person. As it was not elective to do the fat transfer. .
Your'e right there was nothing "wrong" with me except I trusted my doctor, which most of us do. That is a hard "lesson" to teach "a lot of woman out there". Its often to late before one realizes their doctor has made a mistake.
"My something that was better left alone" had started with 2 painful saline capsulated implants that were 9 years old and had to be replaced. Something no one could see but myself or my husband. but i still wanted to get a BA done.
Not in a million years would I have thought I would've been through all this..
I think that is why they have a multiple forums for revisions, for many types of procedures.
When I went to find a plastic surgeon to replace my implants,
I was in shape, something I prided myself on! Something I worked very hard for. I had a six pack, No stretch marks, or scars after having four beautiful healthy kids.
The Doctor I went to screwed up when replacing 600cc with 700cc implants. He was actually replacing 480cc but still used the 700cc implants.
When I woke up I was shocked at how big I was. I asked why he would still use a 700cc and he said I'd get used to them. (which I did not, and never would as mother with a little frame)
I also developed pain in the center on my chest with irregularities. I could see the implant, it was pulling and rippling.
I trusted my doctor. My mistake. I thought he knew what was best for me. I didn't do much research because I thought about him being board certified.
I thought he knows better than me.
He said doing a fat transfer over the implant would be my best option available.
He said I would not see the irregularities. He said he didn't think I should replace them.
Especially since it had only been a few months. He said they were swollen
he said I should let them settle and get use to them.
So making the worse decision ever, I didn't trust my gut instincts.
I should've replace them...However, I trusted in the doctor and that the fat transfer would be best.
After the fat transfer I knew right away something was wrong with my abdomen. It was lumpy. It was so painful. My muscle were right there, and they felt wrong. There was no tissue support.
As well the transfer didn't take.
Then I ended up having him take out the huge implants four months later. I didn't get used to them and they were awful.
I had him replace them with what he should've used in the first place a 560cc.
After that my breast size was fine, but the fat transfer was all for nothing.
My frustration levels were through the roof.
I had to go in for another surgery a couple months after that to revise my abdomen.
He told me that the revision would look great. He just needed to smooth things out.
I thought think God because I couldn't take anymore...
After this it was even worse and he pain was awful!
I also had to pay full price for every surgery.
When I went back to my post op he told me so carelessly "oh well now you need a tummy tuck" I was sent out of the office with a pre op fee and another appointment for a couple month down the road. $8000+ I swore I'd never go back there again and didn't!
I was in shock crying. He was running off to see another patient.
My abdomen was in horrible shape. Mentally I was exhausted. Physically I was wounded. Financially I had gone trough the $5,500 I saved for the original BA. I had also gone through a chunk of my savings. $7,000 more for the other augmentation then $4,000 for a fat transfer, another $6,500 for the lipo revisions.
Not to mention all the time off from work. All the missed events with my kids and family. I missed our annual vacation that had been paid for. I had to just pay for my tummy tuck with the new doctor Doctor that was $7,850.00
The lesson to be learned here is make sure you have the best plastic surgeon. I had gone to 5 different Doctors after the 1st to find the right one for me. I ended up with some one who had amazing referrals. Someone highly recommended!
The last Doctor I went to was because my old Dr retired and he referred all his patients to him because he was in the same office.
I assumed he was very good since my old Dr was. I did not do the research. If you feel slightly off about a doctor for any reason, do not hesitate to walk away.,
Of course I'm all for plastic surgery as well, but there are always risk. We all know that going into it. We always pray nothing will happen. Sometimes, like with me something does happen.
Or you never know what someone may be dealing with unless your'e walking in their shoes so just try to be supportive and friendly.
I'm grateful for real self and the people here who care. You are needed. Or if you need someone else for help, maybe just for advise there is someone here for you. .. This site has been very useful.
Not to learn "lessons" but to learn about whats best for you.
To reach out to someone going through a recovery or experience, or just about to.
To share with others.. Pictures, products or tricks that work best for procedures..
To stay sane when you need to talk about your surgery but your husband is sick of it all or you need someone going through the whole thing to understand completely....
I have found this site to be helpful because no one judges you. Or their not supposed to. Its kind of tabu. We are all here to help one another. We help each other through what we have been through, what we are about to go through, or to even to get an idea of what we may want in the future.
Thank you.. You're right I was In shape and fit.. (Skinny no. I would never want to be skinny) Fit and healthy Yes...
This is a heartbreaking, painful and a expensive "lesson".
I wish I had not experienced this horrible situation. I wish it on no one.
I am hoping my story helps at least one person. As it was not elective to do the fat transfer. .
Your'e right there was nothing "wrong" with me except I trusted my doctor, which most of us do. That is a hard "lesson" to teach "a lot of woman out there". Its often to late before one realizes their doctor has made a mistake.
"My something that was better left alone" had started with 2 painful saline capsulated implants that were 9 years old and had to be replaced. Something no one could see but myself or my husband. but i still wanted to get a BA done.
Not in a million years would I have thought I would've been through all this..
I think that is why they have a multiple forums for revisions, for many types of procedures.
When I went to find a plastic surgeon to replace my implants,
I was in shape, something I prided myself on! Something I worked very hard for. I had a six pack, No stretch marks, or scars after having four beautiful healthy kids.
The Doctor I went to screwed up when replacing 600cc with 700cc implants. He was actually replacing 480cc but still used the 700cc implants.
When I woke up I was shocked at how big I was. I asked why he would still use a 700cc and he said I'd get used to them. (which I did not, and never would as mother with a little frame)
I also developed pain in the center on my chest with irregularities. I could see the implant, it was pulling and rippling.
I trusted my doctor. My mistake. I thought he knew what was best for me. I didn't do much research because I thought about him being board certified.
I thought he knows better than me.
He said doing a fat transfer over the implant would be my best option available.
He said I would not see the irregularities. He said he didn't think I should replace them.
Especially since it had only been a few months. He said they were swollen
he said I should let them settle and get use to them.
So making the worse decision ever, I didn't trust my gut instincts.
I should've replace them...However, I trusted in the doctor and that the fat transfer would be best.
After the fat transfer I knew right away something was wrong with my abdomen. It was lumpy. It was so painful. My muscle were right there, and they felt wrong. There was no tissue support.
As well the transfer didn't take.
Then I ended up having him take out the huge implants four months later. I didn't get used to them and they were awful.
I had him replace them with what he should've used in the first place a 560cc.
After that my breast size was fine, but the fat transfer was all for nothing.
My frustration levels were through the roof.
I had to go in for another surgery a couple months after that to revise my abdomen.
He told me that the revision would look great. He just needed to smooth things out.
I thought think God because I couldn't take anymore...
After this it was even worse and he pain was awful!
I also had to pay full price for every surgery.
When I went back to my post op he told me so carelessly "oh well now you need a tummy tuck" I was sent out of the office with a pre op fee and another appointment for a couple month down the road. $8000+ I swore I'd never go back there again and didn't!
I was in shock crying. He was running off to see another patient.
My abdomen was in horrible shape. Mentally I was exhausted. Physically I was wounded. Financially I had gone trough the $5,500 I saved for the original BA. I had also gone through a chunk of my savings. $7,000 more for the other augmentation then $4,000 for a fat transfer, another $6,500 for the lipo revisions.
Not to mention all the time off from work. All the missed events with my kids and family. I missed our annual vacation that had been paid for. I had to just pay for my tummy tuck with the new doctor Doctor that was $7,850.00
The lesson to be learned here is make sure you have the best plastic surgeon. I had gone to 5 different Doctors after the 1st to find the right one for me. I ended up with some one who had amazing referrals. Someone highly recommended!
The last Doctor I went to was because my old Dr retired and he referred all his patients to him because he was in the same office.
I assumed he was very good since my old Dr was. I did not do the research. If you feel slightly off about a doctor for any reason, do not hesitate to walk away.,
Of course I'm all for plastic surgery as well, but there are always risk. We all know that going into it. We always pray nothing will happen. Sometimes, like with me something does happen.
Or you never know what someone may be dealing with unless your'e walking in their shoes so just try to be supportive and friendly.
I'm grateful for real self and the people here who care. You are needed. Or if you need someone else for help, maybe just for advise there is someone here for you. .. This site has been very useful.
Not to learn "lessons" but to learn about whats best for you.
To reach out to someone going through a recovery or experience, or just about to.
To share with others.. Pictures, products or tricks that work best for procedures..
To stay sane when you need to talk about your surgery but your husband is sick of it all or you need someone going through the whole thing to understand completely....
March 20, 2017
Thank you calimom4 for sharing ur experiences, Thank God you were able to regain your beautiful figure back. For sure you will help others to do better decisions based on your experiences. You are so generous in sharing pictures along with journey as for myself I really appreciate learning from your experiences and I'm pretty sure others will do too. And again you have an amazing figure.
UPDATED FROM calimom4
28 days pre
Before lipo/fat transfer I had a nice stomach. Pic of my disastrous abdomen after. Tummy tuck on Oct. 20th
Wish I would have never let the fat transfer or liposuction happen. It ruined my tummy! Now I need a tummy tuck. And all for nothing I ended up having to replace the implants and the transfer didn't take.
Replies (10)
September 23, 2016
Sorry you've experienced this, and hope your new PS can sort it out for you. Well done on being so fit too! Don't beat yourself up on past decisions, we all make the best decisions we can at the time and then hindsight gives us 20-20 afterwards! You look great, once this is fixed you can move on. Good luck!
September 25, 2016
Thank you.. :) I'm grateful for this site. Its nice to hear that.. I'm moving forward now.. My surgery is set.
October 2, 2016
What a gorgeous body you had. So sorry you have to undergo another surgery. Best of luck to you
October 6, 2016
Thanks so much. I have wrote a new review to keep track of this. I am undergoing a tummy tuck in 2 weeks. I hope I can be fixed. I will post after pics there. I'm so grateful for all the support in this community
January 13, 2017
Um no. To say you had a "nice stomach" before lipo is a gross exaggeration. You had a PERFECTLY gorgeous stomach for any woman of any age! You looked like you had never had any children! Amazing!!! I can't believe the arrogance of that first doc who dared to even touch you with a cannula! Good grief! But your new tummy tuck looks like it has restored you so that is wonderful news! I absolutely love love love that low scar line!!! So cute! Was it a modified mini TT?
Thanks so much for your review!! I am thinking maybe I'll do a tummy tuck now that I see yours :)
Thanks so much for your review!! I am thinking maybe I'll do a tummy tuck now that I see yours :)
UPDATED FROM calimom4
25 days pre
My Tummy tuck surgery is set.. Deposit made.. Count down to October 20th..
Time to hit the gym as much as possible and stay as healthy as possible.. Time to gather a list of things needed for pre and post surgery..
Replies (14)
September 25, 2016
Hi I had my tt on the 20th of September and if honest it is a roller coaster of emotions and tears. At times you feel like yes I'm on the mend and at other times u feel like ouch it really hurts, but will look amazing when nice got through my journey ( fingers crossed ), my advice is have very comfy trousers and listen to your body at all times, tears will fall but will dry to xx
September 26, 2016
I hope you are feeling better everyday.. Please keep me posted on how you are doing.. I am expecting the roller coaster of emotions but I honestly don't think I ever be ready from what i've heard. I have started nesting for my surgery. I've bought several comfortable items to wear for my recovery. Any other suggestions are grateful!!
Take care of yourself!!
Take care of yourself!!
September 27, 2016
Morning and I will keep you posted, today is day 7 after my tummy tuck and every morning gets that tiny bit better, little nervous cause my husband goes back to work tomorrow,so got to do little bits around the house, wash up, fold clothes. Won't be able to vacuum or bend any time yet. It really is a bumpy ride but everyday u start to realise that as long you take care of yourself you are slowly healing. I would suggest very very comfy clothes and underwear to get u started after your op, but any questions please do ask and I will keep you up to date with my belly, think today is going to be a day of nerve endings coming back and slowly hobbling around
September 29, 2016
Hi calimom4, day 10 post op, and still swollen and feel like my skin is pulled really hard. See my surgeon today, bit nervous because it's the first time my dressings will come off and I've got a bit of dried blood on them, still getting sharp stinging on 2 little parts of my scar, so will be glad to show my surgeon where and what's going on, still bit tearful at times. My mum helped me shower and she said will look amazing when flat, still got bumpy road though. Hope you r ok 2 :-) x
September 27, 2016
I had the same thing happen botched tummy lipo and then let the same surgeon talk me into a revision that made things worse. I had a tummy tuck 5 weeks ago and it did the trick. So keep the faith you'll be happy after the tummy tuck :)
September 27, 2016
I'm so sorry to hear you went through the same thing. It sounds about exact. Thank you so much for this. It brings me hope!!! I am keeping the faith.. :)
October 7, 2016
You look like your set to go. Best of luck! I'm week 6 post op and very happy with my results completely flat tummy. Just take it easy and don't work out too soon. If you have any questions I'd be happy to answer
October 7, 2016
I had a mommy makeover with breast implant swap reconstruction and lift along with the tummy tuck. The breast took a beating lol the tummy tuck is perfect. The first few days are the worst after that you continuously feel better. But you are do fit it should be a lot easier to heal
October 7, 2016
Thanks I'm a little nervous but excited to get it over with. I heard the first few days are pretty bad. I plan to work out up until 5 days before surgery then just walk morning and night until surgery day. I hope all is well with you and you are healing well!!
October 7, 2016
You'll do great! I was nervous but the minute I woke up I felt so relieved then when I saw my flat undented smooth tummy I cried tears of joy! The scar will fade but the dents and scar tissue I was left with would have lasted forever!
November 10, 2016
Thank you.. You were so right!!! I am now relieved and I also had tears of joy!! I'm so happy!!
October 10, 2016
Hi Kelly I s How are things going for you?? I hope you are doing well. I hope the pain has subsided a bit more? I have just learned at my pre op that the doc is not just doing a a skin only tummy tuck but muscle repair a well. He said this is much more painful. I am scared..
October 10, 2016
Hi Kelly I s How are things going for you?? I hope you are doing well. I hope the pain has subsided a bit more? I have just learned at my pre op that the doc is not just doing a a skin only tummy tuck but muscle repair a well. He said this is much more painful. I am scared..
IÂ am happy that you joined the community for this journey. Â I am sending positive thoughts your way for a successful procedure. Â Please update us often so we know how you are doing. Â