Treatment Provider
Reviews you can trust, from real people like you.
How it works
- Our highly-trained Review Moderation team evaluates all reviews before they're published to ensure they're written by people like you and not a member of a doctor's office.
- This multi-step process takes up to 24 hours from review submission to publication.
- Doctors can't pay to have reviews removed or hidden.
- Reviews are only removed at the reviewer's request or if they violate our Terms of Service.
If you have questions or believe we should re-evaluate a published review, let us know.
Sort by:
*Treatment results may vary
1 Year and 2 Months Post Op...
OK, so this wrap-up has been long overdue. This will be my last entry, as I don't have the time to monitor/update/reply to everyone's inquiry. I do appreciate all the support I've received from everyone!
So... 14 months out and I still think having the tummy tuck is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Positives: Well… just look at the pictures! The Negatives: (1.) Having a flatter tummy accentuates my huge breasts even more, so I've decided to have a breast reduction, perhaps later this year. (2.) My front is flat and tight; however my back NEEDS WORK! I've got alot of back fat and bra rolls that I'm eventually going to have lipo'd. I can't tell you how much I loved the way I looked in my form-fitting dresses this past summer… turned around to see myself from the back… and frowned. The body should be flat and smooth all over. (3.) You really-do have eat better and incorporate exercise in your life. Although I'll never go back to having the belly I had before the tuck, I can still gain weight and accumulate fat on top of my "new" belly (thus forming, a “pot belly”. Not to mention, if I don’t make a lifestyle change, I can also gain weight in other areas, such as my arms, thighs, and of course... BACK FAT, ugh.
More pictures for you to enjoy… again, thank you all, and good luck on your journeys!
So... 14 months out and I still think having the tummy tuck is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Positives: Well… just look at the pictures! The Negatives: (1.) Having a flatter tummy accentuates my huge breasts even more, so I've decided to have a breast reduction, perhaps later this year. (2.) My front is flat and tight; however my back NEEDS WORK! I've got alot of back fat and bra rolls that I'm eventually going to have lipo'd. I can't tell you how much I loved the way I looked in my form-fitting dresses this past summer… turned around to see myself from the back… and frowned. The body should be flat and smooth all over. (3.) You really-do have eat better and incorporate exercise in your life. Although I'll never go back to having the belly I had before the tuck, I can still gain weight and accumulate fat on top of my "new" belly (thus forming, a “pot belly”. Not to mention, if I don’t make a lifestyle change, I can also gain weight in other areas, such as my arms, thighs, and of course... BACK FAT, ugh.
More pictures for you to enjoy… again, thank you all, and good luck on your journeys!
Can't Believe it's Been Three Months Already...
Still wearing scar strips... scar is breaking-down very VERY slowly. I'll continue to wear the strips for as long as it takes until I'm satisfied with the final result of the scar. Still got some lower-belly swelling (above the pubic area), at the end of the day is the worst time. I'm back in the gym and going harder than ever. I want more surgery, liposuction of my back and bra rolls (this excess fat is affecting the way my flanks are looking, and I've already had THAT area lipo'd); however I'm hoping to stick to rigorous gym workouts to diminish the fat and tone-up those areas. Next year I'm going to consider breast reduction; the tummy tuck accentuates your breasts and butt. I was already super top-heavy to begin with, now my boobs just look insanely large, and it's time for them to go! New photo of me uploaded!
As of Monday 4/22/13 I’m two months post-op, and...
As of Monday 4/22/13 I’m two months post-op, and it’s been just over a month since my last update. I have so much to share with you guys!
The bad news…
I ended-up acquiring a seroma. *frowns* I wore the drains for a little over three weeks, and had them removed after a few consecutive days of low-drainage. Soon after they were removed I discovered that “waterbed” effect in my lower belly. It took three visits to my doc’s office for aspirations. During my 2-month post-op visit on Tuesday 4/23/13, we were both happy to discover that there was just a small amount of fluid remaining; at this point my body will absorb any remaining fluid on its own. *wipes forehead* Thank God! The alternative would have been to have the drains replaced, and the thought of this happening depressed me… Luckily all is well now.
Now, the good!...
I returned to the gym on Monday, two-months post-op to the day exactly. It felt good to be there, although the 30 minutes of cardio and another 30 minutes of strength training (arms and legs) kicked my ass. I would have returned to the gym sooner; however because of the seroma, the doc wanted me to “take it easy” until after it was resolved, “aggressive” movement would only lead to more drainage, thus prolonging the seroma. Luckily that’s over! Now, I’m determined to lose and tone… the goal is to avoid ANY more surgery, and now that I’ve gotten rid of the tummy, I’ve been contemplating other areas I’d like to get worked-on, like additional lipo for my back/bra rolls, not to mention, my arms look like THIGHS… they’re huge, and I’d like a breast reduction and lift… So I’m more determined to sweat every single day from this point forward. Now my diet, *sigh*, that’s definitely a work in progress… pray for me!
For the most part I’m feeling pretty good. My right side, however is still "tender," and the area below my belly button is still completely numb. I do feel “pressure” in my tummy from time to time, feels as if it’s from the muscle-tightening. And whenever I stretch, either standing or lying down… HOLY MOLY, my abs remind me that there was work done. LOL
Still wearing the scar strips religiously and my scar is flatter, I’m really impressed with the strips. I’m only one month out with two more months to go, so I’m anxious the scar will be damn-near nonexistent by the time I’m done wearing them. I’m also happy to report that the strips held-up well during my workouts… no issues with them peeling off from sweat and movement. Also, I discussed with the doc my concerns with hyper pigmentation around the scar, on the areas where the surgical tape and/or binder did a number of my skin; my skin is notorious for turning dark wherever there’s been some “trauma.” The doc wrote me a script for hydroquinone and it should take care of the marks left on those areas.
Also, I’m still wearing Spanx; I actually switched to Spanx "Assets," still the high waist brief (sold at Ashley Stewart). I like the fabric used in this new version, the fabric it’s stronger, the garment doesn’t wear nearly as fast as the traditional Higher Power brief, and the compression is alot better. I’m still wearing the one that I purchased more than a month ago!
I’ve been shopping like crazy and selling A LOT of stuff on ebay… God I love ebay! Most of my pants are just too big in the waist now that my belly is flatter. My blouses, now that’s a different story. Because my boobs are so big, my tops fit the same for the most part; HOWEVER, almost all of my blouses, sweaters AND dresses really need to be taken-in at the waist. Yay!
MAN I LOVE MY NEW BODY!
OK you guys, that’s all for now. I have another follow-up visit with my wonderful doc next month, I shall update at that time.
P.S. My doc is having a FREE SmartLipo seminar on May 2nd from 6 - 7:30 pm, and offering special pricing for those in attendance! Yes, I will be there!
TTYL
**new pics uploaded**
The bad news…
I ended-up acquiring a seroma. *frowns* I wore the drains for a little over three weeks, and had them removed after a few consecutive days of low-drainage. Soon after they were removed I discovered that “waterbed” effect in my lower belly. It took three visits to my doc’s office for aspirations. During my 2-month post-op visit on Tuesday 4/23/13, we were both happy to discover that there was just a small amount of fluid remaining; at this point my body will absorb any remaining fluid on its own. *wipes forehead* Thank God! The alternative would have been to have the drains replaced, and the thought of this happening depressed me… Luckily all is well now.
Now, the good!...
I returned to the gym on Monday, two-months post-op to the day exactly. It felt good to be there, although the 30 minutes of cardio and another 30 minutes of strength training (arms and legs) kicked my ass. I would have returned to the gym sooner; however because of the seroma, the doc wanted me to “take it easy” until after it was resolved, “aggressive” movement would only lead to more drainage, thus prolonging the seroma. Luckily that’s over! Now, I’m determined to lose and tone… the goal is to avoid ANY more surgery, and now that I’ve gotten rid of the tummy, I’ve been contemplating other areas I’d like to get worked-on, like additional lipo for my back/bra rolls, not to mention, my arms look like THIGHS… they’re huge, and I’d like a breast reduction and lift… So I’m more determined to sweat every single day from this point forward. Now my diet, *sigh*, that’s definitely a work in progress… pray for me!
For the most part I’m feeling pretty good. My right side, however is still "tender," and the area below my belly button is still completely numb. I do feel “pressure” in my tummy from time to time, feels as if it’s from the muscle-tightening. And whenever I stretch, either standing or lying down… HOLY MOLY, my abs remind me that there was work done. LOL
Still wearing the scar strips religiously and my scar is flatter, I’m really impressed with the strips. I’m only one month out with two more months to go, so I’m anxious the scar will be damn-near nonexistent by the time I’m done wearing them. I’m also happy to report that the strips held-up well during my workouts… no issues with them peeling off from sweat and movement. Also, I discussed with the doc my concerns with hyper pigmentation around the scar, on the areas where the surgical tape and/or binder did a number of my skin; my skin is notorious for turning dark wherever there’s been some “trauma.” The doc wrote me a script for hydroquinone and it should take care of the marks left on those areas.
Also, I’m still wearing Spanx; I actually switched to Spanx "Assets," still the high waist brief (sold at Ashley Stewart). I like the fabric used in this new version, the fabric it’s stronger, the garment doesn’t wear nearly as fast as the traditional Higher Power brief, and the compression is alot better. I’m still wearing the one that I purchased more than a month ago!
I’ve been shopping like crazy and selling A LOT of stuff on ebay… God I love ebay! Most of my pants are just too big in the waist now that my belly is flatter. My blouses, now that’s a different story. Because my boobs are so big, my tops fit the same for the most part; HOWEVER, almost all of my blouses, sweaters AND dresses really need to be taken-in at the waist. Yay!
MAN I LOVE MY NEW BODY!
OK you guys, that’s all for now. I have another follow-up visit with my wonderful doc next month, I shall update at that time.
P.S. My doc is having a FREE SmartLipo seminar on May 2nd from 6 - 7:30 pm, and offering special pricing for those in attendance! Yes, I will be there!
TTYL
**new pics uploaded**
Provider Review
After meeting with many doctors throughout the Washington, DC area, I'd come to the conclusion that it was important for me to find a reputable surgeon near my home, and through my research I found Dr. Banks. Her office is conveniently located relatively close to home, which makes followup visits very convenient. I had a great consultation and I felt confident my search for the right doctor for this procedure had finally came to an end. The procedure went very well, not to mention, for surgery so invasive, my quick recovery was almost surreal. For the first time in my life, I have a flat tummy!! She did an amazing job with the placement of my incision - a concern I had prior to surgery; needless to say I am very happy with the outcome, and have shared my experience and referred her to others.