24 Years Old, 1 Child. 170lbs. Stretch Marks, Love Handles, and Loose Skin - Newport News, VA

I had my one and only child when I was 17 years old. I don't think my body ever quite caught up. Ever since child birth I have had terrible stretch marks and skin that was just deflated and as my daughter described it, "scrumbly". I had love handles, they weren't major but it just wasn't what I wanted to continue looking like. I have worked out a lot in my previous time up until six seven months before the surgery. The struggle to get the weight off and to smooth out my skin on my belly took a toll on me and my self confidence. I always felt like my body was perfect except for that area! With clothes on I felt like I looked fantastic but as soon as it was time to face the mirror it became more and more depressing to me. I decided to do something about it which landed me at the Plastic Surgery Center of Hampton Roads.

After a lot of time researching and recommendations, I made an appointment with Dr. Blanchard. We had a fantastic consultation. It was really to the point and very informative. I asked questions about what the procedure consisted of and pricing. As time went on closer to the surgery date I had accumulated lots of questions about the procedure and the after care and all of the what ifs! Let me just tell you how amazing and comforting the entire staff is there. They answered every single question without fail. And always made me feel comfortable and important.

On the day of surgery, it was not as bad as I imagined!! Between the pain medicine and whatever they gave me to numb me, I felt great. Well, as great as I could at the time. I was sent home and I slept for most of the day. I got up to use the bathroom but that was about it. I HIGHLY recommend a recliner for this procedure as it is extremely complicated to lay down in a bed. I'm sure it could happen but I wouldn't attempt it. Pillow under my legs in a recliner was the best thing. I experienced a lot of phlegm in my lungs after the surgery. I'm not sure how common that is, but I would have coughing spells that hurt. I had a small pillow to press in my stomach for sneezing and coughing and believe it or not, laughing! And yes, please use the suppositories they recommend for nausea. The last thing you want to do is throw up. Plus the side effect of the suppositories is SLEEP!! Nice, huh? The next few days I spent on pain medicine, plenty of sleep, and a light diet. It was about the fourth day everything became un comfortable. My post opp appointment was on the 5th day! I had one of my drains removed. Everything looked wonderful! Healing great. And I was so shocked with how perfectly stitched my scar was. And how low it was too. I got a new belly button and it looks way better than I imagined as well. I was so bruised and sore on my flanks from the liposuction. But oh so worth it!!! Everyday gets better and better!

I am currently right now almost two weeks post opp and I would say I am doing just as expected. So far I haven't experienced complications what so ever. I am still slightly uncomfortable and having a hard time sleeping from being stuck in the same sleeping position but for the most part my skin tissue is still numb which i am thankful for. I am still unable to walk straight but that has improved as well. Everyday I am able to stand up tall little by little. Showering is becoming easier and so is getting up and doing small things like going to the refrigerator, bathroom, and just doing things with my daughter. She is now 7 and has been such a huge help alongside my fiancée who has been my biggest support through it all! It is really something you need help with once it's done and you're recovering. Since I am not through my healing period, I still have a ways to go, I don't want to rate everything in total. But I can promise as the day is long, I so far do not regret my decision and it was so worth it. I already see such a major difference and feel better about myself. Swelling hasn't been that bad for me. Everything is moving along just great. I can say I feel like the rest of my recovery period will be just as smooth sailing and easy. But just to be sure, I'll keep taking it easy and keep taking care of myself and hoping and wishing for a smooth ending to all of this. Dr. Blanchard and his staff are truly amazing. I would recommend him to anybody inquiring!

I will also keep this review updated until I am through my recovery. Thanks for reading.

Starting to acquire some swelling. Nothing major. Just have to keep on with the compression garment to keep that down. Starting to feel more sore as the numbness is going away. Still very very happy!