POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews
Horrible, Horrible Results. Thankful to Be Alive.
UPDATED FROM 4everAKA
3 years post
Pictures!!
$250,000
These are some of the pictures to go with my review. I showed my plastic surgeon all of these things when they occurred , but he ignored me!
Thankfully, I knew enough to be an advocate for myself. If something does not feel or seem right, you must speak up!!
I will post more later. They are still very difficult to look at.
Thankfully, I knew enough to be an advocate for myself. If something does not feel or seem right, you must speak up!!
I will post more later. They are still very difficult to look at.
4everAKA's provider
UPDATED FROM 4everAKA
3 years post
Recent Conversation with a surgeon
Good evening, I am just checking in with an update.
I have met with some very good surgeons here in Memphis and most recently attended an event that another also attended. I showed him my stomach and he actually gasped out loud. At one of the office appointments, another well known surgeon here was nice enough to see me. I mentioned in a previous post that I had these cyst that would pop up every now and again. They start as a red, hard, painful spot that progresses to anywhere from the size of a dime to a quarter. Then, they burst. These areas do not heal well and most recently I have seen blue/green sutures coming up from out of my skin. These areas also resemble gunshot wounds or a hole. The thing is that they all go down the plane down from mid-chest to my TT incision line.
In the last several months, I have had multiple emergency room visits because of this issue and the abdominal pain. In the E.R. alone, I had to ask the physician for my lab results AND ask them to swab the open area for C&S. I think sometimes (No, I know) that some doctors just miss it. Respectfully, this may be nothing about their training or lack thereof. I think that they just miss it. In my case, the other night I wrote down every symptom that I have had and continue to experience. I looked over my list several times and I believe that I know what is wrong. If I am not 100% sure, I believe that I am in the right ballpark.
My question is... what plastic surgeons in Memphis or TN have you had great results from? I just need one person to listen to me and not just look at my case like a "textbook" case. My abdomen is like a bag of rocks. I hate undressing now. It's so hard to disguise these dog ears in clothing.
About a week or so ago, one of the surgeons that I mentioned suggested that I contact Dr. Aldea and give him a chance to make this right. He told me that he believes if Dr. Aldea knew what condition I have been in since he last saw me, he is certain that he would work to correct it. I don't know. Honestly, like I told the other doctor, I have some fear because of how badly the initial surgery went and everything that followed. This physician told me that he understood, but he really believes that my doctor would work to make this situation right. He stressed that he believes that "we (Dr. Aldea and I) need to make-up and fix this situation".
I am NOT a doctor, but I am a pretty darn good nurse. One thing that I thought about the other day is that perhaps all of this goes back to my permanent sutures. This would explain why I am still having issues AND why these areas keep popping up. I have literally had sutures coming out through my abdomen. Has anyone experienced infection related to their permanent sutures?
Thanks so much!
I have met with some very good surgeons here in Memphis and most recently attended an event that another also attended. I showed him my stomach and he actually gasped out loud. At one of the office appointments, another well known surgeon here was nice enough to see me. I mentioned in a previous post that I had these cyst that would pop up every now and again. They start as a red, hard, painful spot that progresses to anywhere from the size of a dime to a quarter. Then, they burst. These areas do not heal well and most recently I have seen blue/green sutures coming up from out of my skin. These areas also resemble gunshot wounds or a hole. The thing is that they all go down the plane down from mid-chest to my TT incision line.
In the last several months, I have had multiple emergency room visits because of this issue and the abdominal pain. In the E.R. alone, I had to ask the physician for my lab results AND ask them to swab the open area for C&S. I think sometimes (No, I know) that some doctors just miss it. Respectfully, this may be nothing about their training or lack thereof. I think that they just miss it. In my case, the other night I wrote down every symptom that I have had and continue to experience. I looked over my list several times and I believe that I know what is wrong. If I am not 100% sure, I believe that I am in the right ballpark.
My question is... what plastic surgeons in Memphis or TN have you had great results from? I just need one person to listen to me and not just look at my case like a "textbook" case. My abdomen is like a bag of rocks. I hate undressing now. It's so hard to disguise these dog ears in clothing.
About a week or so ago, one of the surgeons that I mentioned suggested that I contact Dr. Aldea and give him a chance to make this right. He told me that he believes if Dr. Aldea knew what condition I have been in since he last saw me, he is certain that he would work to correct it. I don't know. Honestly, like I told the other doctor, I have some fear because of how badly the initial surgery went and everything that followed. This physician told me that he understood, but he really believes that my doctor would work to make this situation right. He stressed that he believes that "we (Dr. Aldea and I) need to make-up and fix this situation".
I am NOT a doctor, but I am a pretty darn good nurse. One thing that I thought about the other day is that perhaps all of this goes back to my permanent sutures. This would explain why I am still having issues AND why these areas keep popping up. I have literally had sutures coming out through my abdomen. Has anyone experienced infection related to their permanent sutures?
Thanks so much!
Replies (4)
October 19, 2016
I am soooooooooo sorry for everything that has happened to you. You're alive and here which is the most important thing! Have you ever considered going out of state to consult with board certified PS for revision surgeries. There are some really wonderful top board certified surgeons all across the country. Many of which you can find right here on Realself. I get my surgery done Nov 14th. I found my surgeon on Realself from so many other reviews of patients who all gave him 5 stars. And I don't play with my life so I made sure he is certified In many aspects. And he's local to me. My point is just take your time. Check out some other doctors on this site. Read the actual reviews and before and after photos. Check their credentials (Board certified,Education and Training,Degrees andTop surgical Groups they might be a member of). Make sure it's all up to date and current. I had several consultations little over 2 years ago when I first considered TT. One of the doctors offices I went to was the cheapest in cost and the other cost way more. Most people would consider going with the one that's cheapest to save money. And NO, I'm far from rich but as soon as I walked into the office that was most expensive, both my husband and I looked at each other and said this is the one. It wasn't about the money, but about the feeling we got immediately. The compassion and hospitality and sense of we mattered made all the difference. Even though it took us 2 years to save up the funds for the surgery. I knew that no matter when we saved the money up that he would be the plastic surgeon for me. And he will be doing my surgery next month. You CAN and you WILL find a wonderful Plastic Surgeon who will be able to fix everything!!! Take some pictures and post it as a question on this site to the doctors. Ask is it fixable and safely fixable most importantly? Trust me you will get multiple responses from doctors across the world. Then it will just be in your hands to do your research and choose! Good Luck Sweetie!!!
October 19, 2016
Good afternoon, thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. Did you read my entire post?
I DID check the credentials and experience of the plastic surgeon, Dr. Peter Aldea, who did my surgery. I took my time AND did my research. This was my result and the doctor is on this forum. I even read about him on this site.
I research any person that I or my family may potentially go to. Whether that is an internist, dentist, or even vet for my dog. I did my due diligence as a patient and consumer. Quite frankly, his incessant need to not be wrong almost cost me my life!
I pray that you will have better results, but don't assume because an office has great interior decorating - that your results will be great. I hope that you will not ever be placed in a position where you will see if your doctor is truly compassionate or not.
By the way, I don't know people who would consider going with a cheaper physician to save a buck. There is NOT enough money in the world that would equal my life.
You be blessed and enjoy your day!
I DID check the credentials and experience of the plastic surgeon, Dr. Peter Aldea, who did my surgery. I took my time AND did my research. This was my result and the doctor is on this forum. I even read about him on this site.
I research any person that I or my family may potentially go to. Whether that is an internist, dentist, or even vet for my dog. I did my due diligence as a patient and consumer. Quite frankly, his incessant need to not be wrong almost cost me my life!
I pray that you will have better results, but don't assume because an office has great interior decorating - that your results will be great. I hope that you will not ever be placed in a position where you will see if your doctor is truly compassionate or not.
By the way, I don't know people who would consider going with a cheaper physician to save a buck. There is NOT enough money in the world that would equal my life.
You be blessed and enjoy your day!
October 20, 2016
Oh no, I wasn't saying that I chose my doctor based on the interior decorating of the office. NEVER, that would be foolish! I said the compassion and hospitality of everyone within the office made me feel instantly that it was the one. After reading all the reviews on my doctor and every single person giving him 5 stars and explaining the same since of warmth when walking into the office it only secured my feeling. But that alone would not and should not be enough to make anyone decide to choose a Plastic Surgeon. No, I did my research and read others as well. He is not only Board certified in several institutions but his education is extensive as well as to where he learned his practice and he also was chief surgical resident as a student and earned his BA in biology and a current member of over 6 different Surgical board certified practices. Not to mention he has NEVER had a single complaint or death. He is a Top Doctor and won the Top Doctor award in my state two years in a row 2012 2013 and many other awards like Most Compassionate doctor and Patients choice award. So when I say I did my research or when I kindly suggested the same words to you, that is the type of research I meant.
I never once said I chose a doctor based off of interior decorating of their office. Nor did I say you didn't do any research. I did however mention that if you decided to go further with corrective surgery that maybe look into the doctor a bit more. And I meant that in the nicest and most compassionate way. My heart actually saddened while reading your post. Trust me, their was no cruel intent intended what so ever!!!
Also, once more I said that I have heard some on this site mention they went with the cheaper doctor because it was best for them financially. And a lot of those people still had great results. Cheaper doctor doesn't necessarily mean bad results. But I personally went with the more costly doctor.
My previous and original words were not to cause any frustration but just to simply say I'm sorry that happened to you. And as I mentioned in the original comment I wrote, Thank god you are alive and still here. That's most important!!!
Best wishes!!!!!
I never once said I chose a doctor based off of interior decorating of their office. Nor did I say you didn't do any research. I did however mention that if you decided to go further with corrective surgery that maybe look into the doctor a bit more. And I meant that in the nicest and most compassionate way. My heart actually saddened while reading your post. Trust me, their was no cruel intent intended what so ever!!!
Also, once more I said that I have heard some on this site mention they went with the cheaper doctor because it was best for them financially. And a lot of those people still had great results. Cheaper doctor doesn't necessarily mean bad results. But I personally went with the more costly doctor.
My previous and original words were not to cause any frustration but just to simply say I'm sorry that happened to you. And as I mentioned in the original comment I wrote, Thank god you are alive and still here. That's most important!!!
Best wishes!!!!!
October 28, 2016
I have a horror story too from Louisville, KY. I had an abdominoplasty 9Sep and am still in bed. The first 4.5 weeks the wound opened about 7" and the surgeon said he could manage it but finally admitted it was full thickness. I was weak, shaky, nauseated, increased heart rate, anorexic, purple in color, and going to the office visits was difficult. He, too, only has lay people in the office to take care of skin products. Finally he set me up with a wound care doc and he took me to the OR the next day. I stayed 5 days in the hospital and had 2 debridements and a wound vac dressing. I was so glad to get some care!!! Finally. It is now 2.5 weeks since hospital and the wound is dry and healing slowly, but I have some color in my face and less nausea and can eat. Sooo much better but I wasted 4.5 weeks just trying not to die. I am very disappointed with the surgeon and his lack of care.
November 1, 2016
O.k. I live here too and I specialize in emergency medicine.True, most physicians DO NOT want to go behind another physician's botched job. There are a lot of things to consider when choosing anothee surgeon. Or letting a surgeon 'choose you'. Real talk praying woman. Let's pray that God will guide the surgeon's hands, you will get perfect results, free of charge & that justice will be served.
Replies (2)
October 12, 2016
How are you doing? Are you still experiencing complications from surgery 3yrs post op?
October 31, 2016
My prayers are with you.... Always listen to your body only you know it better than anyone. Sad situation Bottom line it pays to listen.....
Replies (5)