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*Treatment results may vary

12 weeks

Just wanted to post some before and after pics. Truly amazing! I feel great, still have swelling but I know eventually that will stop, I'm trying to be patient. I really have no limitations at this point. No regrets!!

26 days PO

Hi All
Am finally posting some updated pics. Things are moving along great. I went kayaking on Saturday, relax, I didn't actually paddle, well I did a little just to see how I felt but I was in a double and my husband did almost all the work. went to a concert on Sunday and was totally fine. Shopped for a few hours today and no problems. At 3 weeks I started wearing spanx type undergarment with my binder over them and although snug, I feel so good with them on. It's even helping the puffiness in my scar. The binder is like a security blanket (even tho u should be wearing it) because it gives me confidence as far as accidentally bumping my stomach. I just bought scar away strips which I will be trying for the first time. I like the idea of them because you are not putting clothing over the wet gel. Does anybody have any comments good or bad about it?

17 days post op

Well I'm making great progress! I have always had a high energy level and I am feeling pretty energetic at this point. I went back to work 2 weeks post op. I am a florist and am on my feet all day. I worked a 5 hour shift for my first day back. I will say, my back was definitely starting to bother me, but I took Bayer back and body and it truly is a wonder drug. Took the pain away. When I got home, I was done for the day. Not that I was tired, but I knew that my body needed down time. I put my feet up for the rest of the day pretty much, and iced my belly. I have been icing it every day, late afternoon and it makes me feel so much better. The tape on my stitches is still there and I will let it fall off on its own. My drains were removed (by my husband????) at two weeks and they are starting to scab up. Today I did some weeding in my garden, planted some window boxes and cleaned my craft room. Not bad for 17 days post op. Every day is a better day and I'm looking forward to the day my belly isn't swollen and I can begin exercising again. I'm not going to rush that though, I've come to far to have any setbacks. Will post some updated pics soon!

Provider Review

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
51 SW 42nd Ave., Miami, Florida
Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
Time spent with me
Phone or email responsiveness
Staff professionalism & courtesy
Payment process
Wait times

Dr. Mel Ortega is the bomb! I did so much research on Drs and tummy tucks. I new for sure that I would def have the surgery, I just had to find the right dr. I conversed with quite a few folks on real self, and that sealed the deal on my choice of Dr. Ortega. I couldn't be happier with my results and I'm only 11 days post op. Dr. Ortega has a wonderful bedside manner. He made me feel completely at ease and his staff is super friendly if not a bit disorganized. The only criticism I will make is: I wish the website was more organized or that after your surgery they gave you a packet containing home care for after surgery and what you could typically expect. I was told many things of which I knew I wouldn't remember and could not find my answers on his website. If you want to save paper, it would be helpful to have a link for all patients post op, with answers to all questions per your type of surgery. Just saying. One other comment, I called his office twice over the weekend after surgery and nobody returned my calls. I was in his office on Tuesday for a follow up and when I got back to my hotel, I received a return phone call from my weekend message. Not cool! I would wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Ortega as your dr of choice!