POSTED UNDER Body Lift REVIEWS
20 Year Old Male 85lb Weight Loss - Nashville, TN
ORIGINAL POST
I am now 5'9" and 140lbs. When I was a child, I...
WORTH IT$12,000
I am now 5'9" and 140lbs. When I was a child, I gained a lot of weight from ages 10-14. At my heaviest, I was 233lbs and 14 years old. Both of my parents were attractive athletes, and while they never degraded me, they did encourage me to lose weight, buying me exercise machines, personal trainers, etc. My father died of hypothermia in an accident on December 21st, 2009. This caused me to reevaluate my life and jolted me into action. The answer to my problem finally came in the form of an excellent nutritionist and appetite control. I lost all of my excess weight within a year. In total I lost about 85lbs (a little more now). This left me with loose skin, which I thought would contract with age, but it didn't. I had always been fascinated with plastic surgery (I still am), and had minor procedures done on my face in the past. As I moved into adulthood, I began focusing on total health and wellness. I started exercising every day, doing strength training along with aerobic exercise. After all of this hard work, and being blessed with good genetics and a high metabolism, I still had loose skin. I didn't want to waste the gifts I'd been given in this life, and I thought it was a real shame that the rest of me looked good, but my butt and stomach were still saggy. I'd been told repeatedly by my doctor, dermatologist, nutritionist, and all three of the surgeons I interviewed prior to choosing my Doctor that the skin would never fully retract. So I talked to my family and we all agreed that this was the best option. I am currently 5 days post-op and while I AM swollen, I've done extensive research on this operation (as well as many others), and I'm already extremely pleased with the results and I'm feeling fantastic. I'm technically larger around than I was before the operation, but I know it's just swelling. There is no fat on my body, the skin was very thin and I asked them to take a picture of it (which they did) and you can see this in the picture. My amazing plastic surgeon was actually the first person to bring the fact that I have a well developed six pack to my attention. I hadn't noticed it before because it was covered by skin. It was the first time I realized that I wouldn't just feel more attractive after surgery, I would feel hot! Getting this surgery, especially as a boy, at my age, you must be prepared to lose friends. My now ex-girlfriend gave me an ultimatum, saying she "didn't want to be with a boy who gets plastic surgery". So I told her I didn't want to be with a girl who wouldn't let me get plastic surgery, I told her this probably wouldn't be the last either and we were done. Many of my friends, who I had been supportive of through all of their troubles and dramas are not conveniently busy or simply don't speak to me. As far as I'm concerned, good riddance to all of them! Plastic Makes Perfect. I believe that. I embody that, literally. I have NEVER felt so good about who I am, so assured of myself, so confident in my appearance and personality as I do now. This has also made me realize even more how wonderful my family is--especially my mother. She was always my favorite, but what they say about a mother's love is true, it has absolutely no limits and I just hope that one day I can do something to repay her for all of the time she's taken and the effort she's put into making sure I have a wonderful life and a safe, comfortable, quick recovery. I have had to want for little in my life, I've been very fortunate, and I don't intend to waste my new gift (or my old ones) doing anything (or with anyone) who is not deserving of the amount of effort, care, and artistry (on the part of Dr. Haws) that has been put into forging my new body through the fires of adversity and modern science.
plasticmakesperfect21's provider
UPDATED FROM plasticmakesperfect21
5 days post
Day 5--1st Post-op Appointment
Today I went in to have my drain removed. In the moment, I described it as both relieving and painful, a sensation which I crassly described in the moment as reminiscent of the burning relief of diarrhea--but it wasn't too bad and the pain dissipated immediately (in my defense, we HAD just been discussing the fine details of post-surgical constipation in all its variations).
For anyone who hasn't experienced it (drain removal, not diarrhea), it's a burning sensation followed by a cooling sensation, my stomach muscles involuntarily spasmed when she was pulling it out, but that didn't add to my discomfort, it was a natural reacton.
She said I'm healing wonderfully and quickly! I asked the nurse if I could use a compression garment that I bought myself and she said that it would be fine, as long as I'm comfortable. She also changed my steri-strips and bandages. I finally got to see my "new" belly button and got the best view of my body yet.
I was thin before the surgery, and I'm obviously still very swollen, so I'm a bit larger, but I know it's only temporary. And all my skin is gone! I've never felt so good about myself. I'm VERY happy with the results! My belly button looks great and everything flows with the symmetry of my body, which is precisely what I asked for. The nurses and other staff were polite, friendly, and supportive, as always. My plastic surgeon's office is honestly the place I feel the most at ease, the most like myself. The people there understand me and my goals--they make me feel validated and attractive. They always give me all the attention and time I need, addressing all of my questions and concerns. I have another appointment on Thursday to have some stitches removed and I will again update with pics and commentary.
For anyone who hasn't experienced it (drain removal, not diarrhea), it's a burning sensation followed by a cooling sensation, my stomach muscles involuntarily spasmed when she was pulling it out, but that didn't add to my discomfort, it was a natural reacton.
She said I'm healing wonderfully and quickly! I asked the nurse if I could use a compression garment that I bought myself and she said that it would be fine, as long as I'm comfortable. She also changed my steri-strips and bandages. I finally got to see my "new" belly button and got the best view of my body yet.
I was thin before the surgery, and I'm obviously still very swollen, so I'm a bit larger, but I know it's only temporary. And all my skin is gone! I've never felt so good about myself. I'm VERY happy with the results! My belly button looks great and everything flows with the symmetry of my body, which is precisely what I asked for. The nurses and other staff were polite, friendly, and supportive, as always. My plastic surgeon's office is honestly the place I feel the most at ease, the most like myself. The people there understand me and my goals--they make me feel validated and attractive. They always give me all the attention and time I need, addressing all of my questions and concerns. I have another appointment on Thursday to have some stitches removed and I will again update with pics and commentary.
Replies (6)
February 25, 2016
Glad to hear u are happy with your choice. I would love to see some pics of the scars and how they progress during the healing process. Did she use your own tissue to augment the butt? I know some surgeons like to do that because the butt can become flat after a beltectomy. I ask because I'm wanting a lbl, but I'm debating how I want to augment my booty.
February 26, 2016
Sure, I'll post some pics! The only reason I haven't is because I keep the steri-strips on all the time, but the next time I change them I'll take some for sure! I saw the question you posted about growing tissues. I asked my PS about that too, I find it incredibly interesting. For my body, I used my own tissues. I didn't have any fat on my body, you can see that in the pictures of the skin they cut off, so they didn't have anything to inject. However, I have muscles in my butt, so it's filled out (and will continue to as I work out more). I might get implants later on, maybe in a year or two, but for now I'm extremely happy with the shape and size of my butt post-op. It flows with my body and it looks proportional. Squats can go a long way when it comes to shaping the butt. During the LBL they're going to pull your skin TIGHT, I mean so tight that you'll wonder if they cut too much off, but skin is amazing and as you heal it will fit over your body against your muscles and bones like a latex glove, it won't get loose AT ALL but they call this process "re-draping". The worst part aesthetically of getting the surgery is the 3 months of swelling. As I've said before, my swelling is going down quicker than most. You're definitely going to want to wear your compression garment until the swelling goes down completely (3 months~) just to make sure. The pressure helps to prevent seromas from forming, which could require a future operation to correct. Not to mention sleeping in a symmetrical position (on your back) is also important. I'll unabashedly admit that I'm a perfectionist, so I've taken every possible step I can to make sure I have the best results possible. I've followed my surgeon's advice exactly and then some just to be safe. I think that all of these measures I've taken along with my overall health and genetics are the reason I've had such a quick and painless recovery. I take vitamin C 2x daily (2 doses of 500mg) plus a multivitamin. The compression garment I use is a full body compression garment that is extremely tight, yet breathable. It goes from my knees all the way to my shoulders (fitting with straps like a tank top). It's black and you can't even tell it's on when I'm dressed, even in shorts. It's also makes walking easier and improves your posture. I know I've gotten a bit off topic, but since you're considering the procedure, I thought I'd share some of the things that I've done that have really helped me. They make a female version of the garment I'm using and based on your pics it seems like you'd be the perfect shape for it post-op. When you're putting it on, you have to be careful that it doesn't make your steri-strips (the tape they put on your incision) roll up. I kind of use my hands to put a little space between the garment and the incision when I'm putting it on to prevent this. The shoulder straps will feel really tight at first, but after about 10 minutes you'll totally forget it's even on, despite the fact that putting it on feels like squeezing through a keyhole.
February 26, 2016
If you have any more questions or pic requests don't hesitate to ask! This is really fun for me. I love plastic surgery, botox, juvederm, anything cosmetic--all of it. I'm never happier or more comfortable than when I'm in my plastic surgeon or dermatologist's office. I wish I wouldn't started posting my experiences on here years ago when I was in high school, but I didn't quite have the courage back then. Now I'm totally proud of everything I do. I've endured a lot of pain to look this way from head to toe and it's totally worth it and I've loved every minute of my time spent in this world of plastic surgery and aesthetic dermatology. To me, vanity is a virtue, not a sin. ;-)
February 26, 2016
I'm proud of everything I do and everything I've done*
(I really wish I could edit comments on here, I type fast and make a lot of errors)
(I really wish I could edit comments on here, I type fast and make a lot of errors)
February 15, 2019
I had a massive weight loss and I was in excellent physical condition. I didn't have ANY fat on my body for a BBL but I'm planning on going in for a consult within the next few months to see about having a thigh lift and to see what the risks of the different types of butt implants are because I still have fat. I'll add this, it's been 2 years and I look exactly the same as after I healed from surgery, better actually, my body was still growing when I had the surgery, because I was quite young, and Dr. Haws took this into consideration and discussed it with me and my mom.
UPDATED FROM plasticmakesperfect21
14 days post
2 Weeks Post-Op *UPDATE* (Also, NEW and AMAZING compression garment!)
Today was my two week post-op appointment (actually 13 days). I'm feeling fantastic, I can sit normally and walk 90% upright without any pain or tight feeling. Of course I'm wearing a compression garment 24/7, except for when I'm taking a shower. Dr. Haws said I'm healing wonderfully and incredibly fast. She said the scar looks great. She noticed that I had bought a new compression garment and seemed really impressed with the uniformity of the compression. She said "there's no lines! You look great, it's so streamlined, I want to know where you got that!" The original compression garment I was using was made of a rough material, so last week I asked the nurse (Lynn) and she said I could order one on my own. It's called the "Underworks Mens Compression Bodysuit Girdle Shirt" (I'll upload a picture and include the link).
So everything is going FANTASTIC, I feel wonderful, inside and out, and Dr. Haws said I can start light exercise tomorrow (at my 2 week mark). She knows I used to do 1 1/2 hours of HIIT every day plus strength training, so she really emphasized that I need to take it easy, ideally just walking on the treadmill or moving slowly on the elliptical.
So everything is going FANTASTIC, I feel wonderful, inside and out, and Dr. Haws said I can start light exercise tomorrow (at my 2 week mark). She knows I used to do 1 1/2 hours of HIIT every day plus strength training, so she really emphasized that I need to take it easy, ideally just walking on the treadmill or moving slowly on the elliptical.
Replies (2)
February 25, 2016
What day were you able to sit? Be careful with all the exercise. You don't want your heart muscle to get too large :-)
February 26, 2016
Well, technically all I could do for two weeks was sit or recline (obviously not on my actual butt), but I had excellent caregivers who went out and bought me a BBL pillow that kind of elevates your butt off of whatever you're sitting on. I also used a rolled up yoga matt with pillows (both a feather pillows and a wedge pillow) to elevate my legs. That was only for the first few days, then my lift chair arrived which was PERFECT. It's designed for recovering from procedures like this and it was an absolute lifesaver. I'm still sleeping in it because it's so comfortable.
Honestly, even now when I go out I obviously can't bring my chair with me, but I do bring my BBL pillow (it has gel and coccyx support) I balance myself on it so my weight is on my thighs and my butt isn't touching the chair.
If you mean what day was I able to sit down and stand up on my own, that was on day 6. I used a walker the first 4 days, but I transitioned to a cane on day 5 and I'm now able to walk unassisted. I still take my cane with me though, in case I lose my balance. My pain decreased exponentially from day 5-7 and my strength increased exponentially. I didn't require any assistance from another person after day 5. Showering was difficult until day 10.
For my first two showers (on day 4 and day 7) I had to use a shower seat from a medical supply store and the worst pain after day 5 was in my back from having to walk hunched over all the time, this was also making showering quite painful and unpleasant even with the medical chair with bars to lean on, but I told the nurse at my PS and they prescribed me Flexeril which fixed that problem!
Thanks for the advice, I'll keep that in mind! :) I've actually done quite a bit of research regarding athlete's heart syndrome and it's largely considered benign within the medical community. The biggest risk from what I've read is that it could be covering up a pre-existing heart condition. Luckily, I periodically get EKGs at my nutritionist's office and everything is in perfect order! :-) I do plan on decreasing my exercise to maintenance level instead of pushing myself to be able to run at close to top speed for 1 1/2 hours. I'm going to start doing equal parts strength training and cardio. I just really enjoy my cardio, it's an escape for me. I've always had anxiety (it probably started with my formerly poor body image) but through exercise and plastic surgery it's all gone and I feel wonderful! After all, plastic makes perfect! ;-)
Honestly, even now when I go out I obviously can't bring my chair with me, but I do bring my BBL pillow (it has gel and coccyx support) I balance myself on it so my weight is on my thighs and my butt isn't touching the chair.
If you mean what day was I able to sit down and stand up on my own, that was on day 6. I used a walker the first 4 days, but I transitioned to a cane on day 5 and I'm now able to walk unassisted. I still take my cane with me though, in case I lose my balance. My pain decreased exponentially from day 5-7 and my strength increased exponentially. I didn't require any assistance from another person after day 5. Showering was difficult until day 10.
For my first two showers (on day 4 and day 7) I had to use a shower seat from a medical supply store and the worst pain after day 5 was in my back from having to walk hunched over all the time, this was also making showering quite painful and unpleasant even with the medical chair with bars to lean on, but I told the nurse at my PS and they prescribed me Flexeril which fixed that problem!
Thanks for the advice, I'll keep that in mind! :) I've actually done quite a bit of research regarding athlete's heart syndrome and it's largely considered benign within the medical community. The biggest risk from what I've read is that it could be covering up a pre-existing heart condition. Luckily, I periodically get EKGs at my nutritionist's office and everything is in perfect order! :-) I do plan on decreasing my exercise to maintenance level instead of pushing myself to be able to run at close to top speed for 1 1/2 hours. I'm going to start doing equal parts strength training and cardio. I just really enjoy my cardio, it's an escape for me. I've always had anxiety (it probably started with my formerly poor body image) but through exercise and plastic surgery it's all gone and I feel wonderful! After all, plastic makes perfect! ;-)
Replies (2)