POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS
Scared to Death of the Pain but Wanting Tummy Tuck & Lipo More - Milwaukee, WI
ORIGINAL POST
I am 49 & have always had a tiny bit of a...
Leejay7October 13, 2016
WORTH IT$8,991
I am 49 & have always had a tiny bit of a tummy but in the years it has gotten so much worse. I have am an active person that watches her diet and exercises (but not an exercise freak or diet freak) regularly and nothing helps the tummy. SO this year I decided enough is enough---it is time I feel comfortable in my own skin! This summer I spoke with Ashley the RN at Quintessa--we had a wonderful conversation, she answered my questions and was so encouraging. Went in for my consultation and that was also wonderful---I met with Ashley and Dr Parkins. I went for it and scheduled my surgery--I was having a tummy tuck w/ muscle repair and lipo of the flanks. I felt great but obsessed with wanting more info so I would read the blogs from this site. I do feel the blogs really helped me be prepared but I will also say that the blogs also scared me to death --the talk of the pain! This is why I decided to write this.....the entire surgery was much better than I could have ever hoped it would be. I truly had no pain !!!!!!! I must say this is because of many things 1st Dr. Parkins was wonderful, she uses a pain pump that they lay along the muscle during surgery (this stays in for 3-4 days), 2nd I took the pain meds every 4 hours for the first three days --day three I stopped taking & only using Ibuprofen and 3rd listen to your body. I am happy to say today it has been a week and I am thrilled with results and how I feel. I know that much of this is because of Dr Parkins and Ashley. Ashley is there for every question I have had, she takes calls/texts any hour after surgery and very accommodating with whatever you need. My only regret is that I did not do this years ago!D
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Replies (158)
October 19, 2016
Just checking in - how are you feeling? How does your incision look? I hope you have continued to heal and move in to right direction. Your posts from last week made me think "I CAN DO THIS!" So excited - only a few more weeks to wait for my TT. Any advice or tips for recovery would be greatly appreciated. All the best to you!
October 19, 2016
Thank you for checking in on me. I feel good. The swelling is most irritating but part of recovery. My only advice is listen to your body.
And yes u can do this!!!!☺ So far it's much easier than I thought it would be but also longer recovery than i feel it should be. In other words I feel good so I want to do all the normal stuff I usually do but my body is not ready for that.
The best is how I look-even with the swelling my body looks amazing!!! ( At least I think it does
And yes u can do this!!!!☺ So far it's much easier than I thought it would be but also longer recovery than i feel it should be. In other words I feel good so I want to do all the normal stuff I usually do but my body is not ready for that.
The best is how I look-even with the swelling my body looks amazing!!! ( At least I think it does
October 19, 2016
November 10th!!! Yikes! Coming up so fast. Wish I could miraclaiously lose 20 pounds by then. I think I'm almost getting brave enough to post before/afters on my breast reduction. What about you? Are you thinking of posting any pics? I would love to see but totally understand how hard it is to put them out there. My pre-op is Tuesday and I'm hoping Dr. Parkins will tell me she's able to work some magic on my "mommy of twins belly" like she did on my breasts!
October 19, 2016
Keep listening to your body and hopefully the swelling will go down soon. How are you moving at this point? Would you be able to go a family function or work or do you feel like you need more time? The reason I'm asking is I'm wondering if I will be ready for Thanksgiving dinner two weeks out! I'm not hosting but wondering if I could go without everyone knowing I had a TT!
October 19, 2016
I think u will feel like visiting for Thanksgiving. I am not sure if no one would know you had something done--- I am stillI hunched over a bit. I am going back to work Monday. I keep busy just move slow. Today I made 3 loaves banana bread then parents came over. All 4 of our boys r coming over friday- I figure I will sleep well Friday night.
Still not sure of pictures- my new tummy still doesn't seem to be mine- it seems foreign.lol
Still not sure of pictures- my new tummy still doesn't seem to be mine- it seems foreign.lol
October 20, 2016
She will be able to work "magic". I can not believe how much she removed from my flanks and tummy..... from my flanks she removed almost 1 liter on each side! And from the TT almost 4 lbs of skin/fat. I may post pics once the swelling goes down. Yesterday I wore pants I have not fit into in years and that is with being swollen : ) So so far so good
October 20, 2016
Congratulations! That's amazing- so much smaller and only 2 weeks post-op. So happy for you and encouraged to move forward with mine. How often do you have to see the doctor? So far you've been in 3 times since surgery? Reason I ask is I'm driving from 4 hours away. Excited for my pre-op Tuesday. Then it's going to feel really real and it will be nice to know what Dr. Parkins thinks she can do. Wahoooo!
October 20, 2016
Yes I have been in 3x since surgery. Post op visit pain pump was taken out, 2 days later drain 1 taken out and belly button stitched taken out and 2 days later last drain taken out. Next week 3 week visit. That's a bummer u have a four hour drive-- the drains take seconds to Remove. But it is a good time for questions and of course Ashley is looking at you too.
October 20, 2016
Thanks for the info... I know - a long way to drive. They suggested that maybe my husband could pull a drain but I definitely want to go do and see them at least once or twice. Then he could learn how - haha! Nothing like that face to face time to ask questions and make sure everything looks good. How's your incision? Nice and low and thin? I'm sure it's wonderful - Dr. Parkins is the best!
October 20, 2016
Scar is really low hard to tell about thin- the tape is still on and it's sticky. It's coming off on Wednesday next week. I will hope to see more then.
October 20, 2016
The drains were not bad to take out - just felt weird when Ashley did them. But she just pulled then straight out
October 20, 2016
Yay!!! At least you know that it's low. Good luck with your family gathering - do your parents and children know about your surgery? Mine do not. I got through the breast reduction telling them I hurt my back but know the TT is going to be a little tougher to hide. How did you conceal your drains that first week?
October 20, 2016
My family and some friends know. My family felt go for it! I don't think there was any good way to hide the drain pump- I tried with a full cut tank and long sweater. It worked ok but felt like I had a growth. My last drain came out on the 9th day so that was quick.
Four hours away- where do u live? What hospital r they doing surgery at? Watertown?
Four hours away- where do u live? What hospital r they doing surgery at? Watertown?
October 20, 2016
Yes - that is really quick to get both drains out. Ashley said usually pain pump day 3-4, first drain at 1 week and 2nd at 2 weeks. Yes, Watertown Hospital. I was there for my breast reduction. Very nice hospital and nurses. I wish I could fast forward to where you are!! Just had a wave on anxiety thinking about having a 2nd surgery. Dr. Parkins and the doctor I got my first opinion from thought doing everything at the same time would make the surgery too long to be safe. I appreciate that safety is firt. Just a little anxious thinking about doing it again! Need to keep my eye on the prize - a nice flat tummy!!!
October 20, 2016
I forgot to ask - how is the pain now from the TT and from the flank lipo? Does one hurt more or the same?
October 20, 2016
yes my drains were taken out fast --but i was glad : ). I think the lipo in the flanks hurts more over all. The pain pump is wonderful!!!!!! But I will say the back is really, really sore from the TT! None of the pain is as bad as I would have thought it would be--it is taking longer than my mind thinks it should thou. My middle/back is the part holding me back but of course the rest is ready to go. : ) I was standing pretty straight today --yippeeeeee!
And yes Watertown was great! Dont worry you will be at this place soon. Take care.
And yes Watertown was great! Dont worry you will be at this place soon. Take care.
October 20, 2016
Oh that's good news - I had flank lipo with my breast reduction so I know it's tough but I can get through that pain so hopefully I'm good to go. The pain pump was one of the reasons I went to Dr. P for a consultation. I'm going to do the MR, TT and hip lipo this time. Thanks for all your advice and encouragement. Please update after your appointment next week once the tape comes off. Good luck with going back to work and take good care of yourself!
October 25, 2016
Your appointment is tomorrow? I hope it goes really well. I am anxious for mine on wed. --just to make sure everything is progressing as it should.
October 25, 2016
Hello Leejay! Yes, thanks for remembering. So excited and hopeful for tomorrow! I have to pay in full so final decision time is here. I want to make sure I'm still a good candidate for the TT with MR and that Dr. Parkins thinks can make a real difference on my stomach/hip area. I'm a size 14 and so hoping I'm not too "thick" for good results. I've always been this size but carrying twins full term really did a number on my once nice flat stomach! I'm so happy with my breast reduction so I know Dr. Parkins the best just need to ask those questions. Also looking forward to her taking a look at a few areas on my breasts. I have a stitch poking out on one side and an open area (now looking so much better) but still want her to take a look.
October 25, 2016
Good luck with your appointment on Wednesday- I'll be thinking about you. Do you still feel good - like you're moving in the right direction? Do you have any sore areas? You must be so excited to see the incision! I hope when all the tapes come off everything looks healthy and scar is low and thin. Please let me know how it goes!
October 25, 2016
Super swollen feeling today after first day back to work. Not as tired as I thought I would be - just burning and swollen. I hope u get all your questions answered. I think it's worth it --- only one co-worker knows at work and she said I looked amazing. She could see a big difference
October 25, 2016
Yay! So happy your coworker said you look amazing (AMESOME - eeehhhhhh!) and you didn't feel too tired after your first day back. Sorry you're feeling pain and increased swelling. I hope you can get your feet up, drink a lot of water and get a good compression garment on. That should help. I don't know about TTs but I felt like a turned a real corner at 3 weeks after my BR. I hope the same is true for you and things continue to get easier and more comfortable. Eeeeek! Just got nervous for tomorrow! Wish I could just do it and get on to the healing process.
October 25, 2016
Well how did the appointment go? : )
October 26, 2016
Hello! Thanks for checking on me. It went great. Always so nice to see Dr. Parkins and Ashley. Sets me at ease. They are both so knowledgeable and encouraging. They looked at my breasts and took pics. Said I'm healing nicely. I am going to do a review soon. I am so happy with the results so far. Dr. Parkins looked me over and said I am a good candidate for the TT. I paid in full and only have 2 1/2 weeks to wait! Your review was a big reason why I had the courage to go on to part 2 of my mommy makeover. I really was terrified of the pain but hoping I can tolerate it as well as you have. Good luck tomorrow!!!! Can't wait to hear how your appointment goes and what your incision looks like. Best wishes! Please let me know how it goes.
October 27, 2016
sorry I didn't let you know how it went. I was actually quite bummed. I have more swelling than I should and they tried to remove fluid but there was none to be removed. So it's just natural swelling and I have to be patient. I am going to try a massage therapist to see if I can get things going. So this was the first visit that didn't go as well as I would have liked
October 27, 2016
Oh darn. That's not what I was hoping you were going to say. Where is the swelling? When I had my breast reduction/lift one side had a weird bulge on the side of my torso - they told me to rub it or try a lymphatic massage. I was being so tender with it while I showered because I didn't want to hurt the incision but for the next two nights my husband gave me a really nice massage and got the fluid moving. It disappeared and never came back. I hope the same is true for you!!! I also have read on here to drink a lot of water, eat a low sodium diet, make sure you're getting compression from your garment and put your feet up to help with swelling. What about the incision? How did everything look? Any areas of concern or does everything look good? Fingers crossed!!!
October 27, 2016
That's what's discouraging. I have watched my diet I'm wearing the compression garment and I have been putting my feet up as much as possible. And I still look for 4 months pregnant. I am going for a massage on Tuesday so I'm really hoping that helps. My husband has been doing massages for the last couple weeks but yesterday we did a little bit more research on how we should be doing those massages and hopefully that helps too. I still look better than I had before the surgery I just want to look even better. And feel more comfortable
October 29, 2016
I feel better today--just tired (it was my week to work 6 days--this happens once a month). Swelling is not as bad--my husband has been doing more massages and I have an appointment for the lymphatic massage on tues. I also go back to see dr. parkins on wed next week. I think the last two days I hit the "emotional days" that everyone talks about. I should feel more like myself after the weekend--more sleep. Even though the swelling is alot I still look way better that I had before the surgery. Happy Saturday : )
October 30, 2016
Oh good, I'm so glad you're feeling better. I was worried about you! Great to hear you're moving in the right direction, your husband is giving you nice massages, professional massage next week and you get to see Dr. Parkins too. Phew!! I had crazy emotional days after breast reduction. It was so weird - I would cry at the drop of a hat. Thankfully it didn't last long. I would say I felt totally (mentally) like myself at 3 weeks physically I'm getting close - just wish this spot would heal under my breast. Starting to get nervous about my TT - under 2 weeks away. Yikes!!! I know it will be so worth it just want to get on to the healing process!
October 30, 2016
Today is so much better--I can start to see the swelling go down alittle but I'll take it! I am not having an emotional day so that is good too (didn't think I would have those -I am pretty upbeat person)!!!! I did try on a new dress today it looked awesome --so that helped to. the incision looks pretty good --still scabby but good! I hope it keeps going in this direction.
Your turn is almost here : ) it will be good!!!! I will be here for you : ) Some days it is just good to be heard cuz you really don,t understand unless you have had something like this done. Thank you for listening to me : ) Have a wonderful Sunday!!!!!
Your turn is almost here : ) it will be good!!!! I will be here for you : ) Some days it is just good to be heard cuz you really don,t understand unless you have had something like this done. Thank you for listening to me : ) Have a wonderful Sunday!!!!!
October 31, 2016
Yay! So glad that you are feeling better and awesome that you feel great and a new dress! Nothing like a little retail therapy! I remember that feeling after my breast reduction when the day comes where you finally feel like it was so worth it. I am still shocked when I look in the mirror now because I'm so happy with my lift/reduction. Can't wait for my tummy tuck because it's my stomach that really bothers me the most!! I understand completely what you mean about being an upbeat person and not expecting to have those "down days". It gave me empathy for people that deal with depression on a daily basis because it felt awful! So glad it is over for both of us. Good luck with your massage and your appointment with Dr. Parkins this week. Please let me know how things go. Do you remember about how long your surgery took? Ashley thought mine would be about 5 1/2 hours. I'm nervous and excited. Just can't wait for the surgery to be over and get on with the healing. I know it will be worth it! Thanks for all your positive words of encouragement.
November 1, 2016
Ashley originally told me the surgery would take four and a half hours but it actually took five and a half. And I come out badly of surgery so we didn't leave there till almost 5 o'clock. And my surgery was at 7:30. A very long day for my husband but he was a trooper. I will stay at Watertown they were quite fast in the morning and got things going and the day flew for me☺ it'll go great you'll see☺
November 1, 2016
Thanks LeeJay! Let me know how your appointments go and hope your swelling continues to subside and incision continues to heal.
November 2, 2016
Good morning! Things r looking better. Went for massage yesterday- it was great. I notice a difference already. I go back on Friday. We will see what dr parkins says today. I thought of something that really helped me. I utubed getting up and out of bed-- my husband was home for 4 days but after that it was up to me. It really gave me good ideas. Have a good Wednesday
November 2, 2016
Getting a little more nervous as the days are flying by. A week from tomorrow! Wow - just trying to focus on all the positive things. I know I am going to be so happy I did this in a month but today I'm a little anxious. How were your appointments this week? Still feeling good?
November 3, 2016
I feel really good!!! Dr Parkins was pleased with everything so I dont need to see her until Jan!!! : ) One week for you : ) SO SO excited for you. It is a long recovery --which I dont think I realized or at least chose not to, But I am seeing its worth it. Have a good night!
November 3, 2016
That's great news! So glad you're feeling better than you were last week! Are you cleared to exercise/all restrictions?? Are you feeling better to the point you might be able to get away for 2 days? Reason I ask is one of my friends is turning 40 and as a surprise her husband is planning a 2 day getaway in a few of her friends 4 weeks after my TT. No one knows I'm having a TT so I am just going along with the planning and hope I'll be well enough to go. Yikes!!! I hate trying to keep a secret! Thanks for any pointers and continued healing to you!!!
November 4, 2016
I am cleared to exercise--cardio not strength training, and i need to take it slow. Listen to my body. Yes and I would definitely feel good enough to do a 2 day get away. I do hunch over alittle at night but I think that is cuz my swelling. But otherwise I am walking fast and standing tall : ) I do still have to wear the compression garment for 4 more weeks but we went to Kohls before I went back to work so I could feel better about me (hubbies idea). I also think it would be great to have something to look forward cuz this is a long recovery : )
November 4, 2016
That's great news! I'm hopeful I'll be able to join them to celebrate my friend's bday. So happy that you're feeling well and continue to heal. Your post 3 weeks ago is really what gave me the courage to move forward with the TT. I was pretty scared to do it all over again just 2 months after the breasts. Thanks for all the pep talks along the way!!
November 5, 2016
Happy Saturday!!!! I feel so good --the second massage made another big difference. My stomach went down over 2 inches between tuesday and friday : ) I had a rough two weeks with the swelling --mostly because I was worried but now its all good and I am happier with results. I really feel you will be thrilled!!! Less than a week to go :) Have an outstanding day
November 5, 2016
Thanks Leejay! Great to hear from you and so happy that you are feeling better. 2" - that's amazing!!!! You keep giving me more and more hope. Most parts of the day I'm fine and then I start to think of what I'm about to do and a wave of anxiety washes over me. Can't wait to be in the recovery phase of this. :) Could you share where you're going to get massages in the Milwaukee area? I'm thinking I could book a massage in conjunction with my follow up appointments with Dr. Parkins. I live in a tiny town 1 1/2 hours north of Green Bay and I don't think we have anyone in the area. Maybe GB might - I could look into that too. When did you start to get them? 3 weeks post op? Thanks for the positive post and I hope you have an outstanding day too! I bet it's hard not to!!
November 6, 2016
The massage therapist I am going to is wonderful and Dr Parkins recommended her---she is beyond outstanding!!! Her name is Kim Ruffolo she works out of Watertown and Fort Atkinson. They actually had suggested seeing someone at about 2 weeks but I could not find anyone then at 3 weeks we decided this was necessary. At that point Dr Parkins had Ashley do some research on the therapists she worked with before. She is super easy to get in with ---she has made all the difference for me.
I went to work out this morning--i feel good. Aliitle swelling but not bad : )
4 more days for you : )
I went to work out this morning--i feel good. Aliitle swelling but not bad : )
4 more days for you : )
November 8, 2016
Thank you Leejay! All kinds of emotions but mostly so excited. I have wanted to do this for 10 years!!! Today was my original date for surgery until I realized it was Election Day. I thought it was an important night to be home with my 10 year old girls! How does your incision look? Is it healing nicely? Any open spots? You have been my inspiration through this. Thank you!!! My husband is awesome and a total rock but there is nothing like talking to someone who has gone through this procedure with the same doctor, nurse, hospital, etc. I'm so lucky I found your review!! I've been working a ton the last week or so trying to get ahead. Tonight I have to focus on getting the family's laundry done and turning my bedroom into a nest! Was there anything you couldn't live without?? I'm just trying to make a nice comfortable spot to heal and make sure I have books, my phone charger and TV remote!
November 17, 2016
Would you recommend a recliner I see a lot of people getting them for the tt just to help. I'm currently pregnant and wanted to the mommy makeover about a year after I have the baby did you have to be a certain BMI before she did it
November 20, 2016
I didn't get one and I feel I didn't need one. Just did a bunch of pillows. No dr parkins didn't say anything about BMI.
January 25, 2017
Hi Leejay! It's been a while and I'm not on RS too often since I'm feeling so well. How are you doing? All healed? How did your January appt go? I ended up rescheduling mine and now going in February. My incision is finally healed and it's so weird - because I'm starting to forget about it where I used to think about it all the time. Checking it, the pain, bandage changes, etc. I'm feeling really good and only have a little tightness in my stomach and still a little discomfort from the thigh lipo. So happy
I did this. Thanks for your encouragement along the way! After my 3 month in February I'm thinking about asking Cathy to send me my before and after photos so I can do a review. It would be a nice reminder to see how far I've come!! All the best to you!
I did this. Thanks for your encouragement along the way! After my 3 month in February I'm thinking about asking Cathy to send me my before and after photos so I can do a review. It would be a nice reminder to see how far I've come!! All the best to you!
January 26, 2017
Hello Kassidy!!!! Its funny I was just thinking of send you a message--actually sat down to send you a message and got interrupted. I am glad you are doing so well : )
My appointment went very well---I do have alittle bit of dog ears because they took so much fat out. But they are fixing that at my 6 month appt. in the office. They also mentioned if I want they can use a lazer on the scar to help get rid of some of the redness. Both these are in office and no charge. I am very pleased with the results. There is a bit of swelling here and there still but it keeps getting better and better. I will request my photos then : )
I hope your 3 month appt goes well too!!!
My appointment went very well---I do have alittle bit of dog ears because they took so much fat out. But they are fixing that at my 6 month appt. in the office. They also mentioned if I want they can use a lazer on the scar to help get rid of some of the redness. Both these are in office and no charge. I am very pleased with the results. There is a bit of swelling here and there still but it keeps getting better and better. I will request my photos then : )
I hope your 3 month appt goes well too!!!
January 26, 2017
Great to hear from you! So happy you're well and so awesome that Dr. Parkins is fixing your dog ears and offered laser at no charge!! She's the BEST!! I'm sorry you need to have something fixed but nice you don't have to pay. I am still in a compression garment most of the time. When I am I feel great but when I'm not my thighs hurt more and my stomach swells and feels weird. I don't have feeling everywhere by the incision yet but when I'm not in a garment it feels like the whole front of my stomach is "asleep" - like when your foot falls asleep if that makes sense. I hope they offer the laser to me too - anything to help move my scar along is much appreciated! I have a few larger spots along the incision line from the areas that took longer to heal. Did you do the laser at the same time as your follow up? Hugs!
January 27, 2017
Yes I was thrilled she was going to take care of everything! I am still so happy with the results that this is frosting on the cake : ) I haven't had the laser treatment done yet--they wanted to wait until 6 months. I stopped wearing the compression garment after 9 weeks--could not stand it. By that time it was too big and it would not stay in place--good problem to have i guess : ) My flanks have taken the longest--they felt like they were on fire or like the skin was being pulled apart from my outsides : ( But now it is so much better!!! Have you gone back to working out? I can finally do ab stuff without so much pain! Have you had to replace some of your clothes? I now wear my clothes differently so I have replaced quite a bit. But I love the super roomy pants---it reminds me of the wonderful difference : ) Love it!!! Have a wonderful weekend!!!!
January 27, 2017
Yay! So happy for you! So glad you're feeling good and getting a new wardrobe to boot. So exciting! I'm doing well, back to exercising but need to be doing things more frequently. My body is ready but I feel like I've lost a lot of conditioning. Get winded much quicker than before. Just need to build my endurance up. Also need to continue watching my diet. I'm eating much healthier but still room for improvement. Looking forward to seeing everyone at my appointment in Febraury and hope they agree that everything is moving in the right direction. I haven't done a ton of shopping. My old clothes just look ALOT better on me - flat stomach and room in the waist and hips. Dream come true!!!
February 24, 2017
How are you doing? Did you have your appointment this month? How did that go? I hope you are doing well!!!
February 24, 2017
Hi!! Doing great. Yes, went to my appointment 2 weeks ago. Everything is healed and no restrictions. Yay! I am also going to do the laser at 6 months to help with scar redness but really happy how things are fading. I do feel like I have a little extra skin/looseness on my hips. Is that a dog ear? If there was a way to tighten that up in the office I would love to do that but I wouldn't do anything about it if it means going back to the hospital and going under. I didn't ask about it because I only started noticing the last week or two. Probably some swelling went down leaving looser skin. All in all totally thrilled. I just love Dr. Parkins and my new stomach/belly button!! I asked Cathy to send photos so I could do a review but she hasn't sent yet. How are you doing/feeling??? All good I hope! Do you wear a binder or garment at all anymore?
February 24, 2017
Yes if that is dog ears they can fix in the office--they said an hour so that is what I am doing and an hour for the laser treatment. They just wont do the laser over the "fix". Super excited to do both : ) I wore the binder/garment about 1 week after they told me I didnt need to wear anymore cuz it drove me crazy--I think it was too big so it did not fit right. I love my tummy and how I look in clothes--I still do swell a bit though but overall super super happy and would do it again :) Have an awesome weekend : )
February 24, 2017
Thanks - you too! Crazy to think we went from 70 degrees two days ago and today my kids have a snow day! I love it though - I love all four seasons and wasn't ready to say goodbye to winter yet. :) When are you at 6 months for your dog ears and laser? April? I can't wait to hear how that goes since I may be doing the same? Take care!!
February 24, 2017
I know i was not ready for snow and winter to be done-I did not even get to snowmobile this year because of the surgery. And now we have no snow : (
Yes my appointment is in April--cant wait. I still look at my stomach and cant believe it!!!!
Yes my appointment is in April--cant wait. I still look at my stomach and cant believe it!!!!
March 24, 2017
Hello!!! How are you doing? Still happy with results? : ) I am. But I will say Dr Parkins did such a good job and made my waist and flanks so thin that I have decided to have lipo on my hips. I cant believe I am doing this : ) But I feel my hips stick out too far- it doesn't look natural. Kind of like Kim Kardashian but not as extreme. I feel lucky because my husband is very supportive. That is scheduled in April--they are doing it in the office which is very cool and I should be able to go back to work next day : )
Am I crazy?
Am I crazy?
March 25, 2017
Awesome!!!! Congratulations! I know - it's hard to stop knowing how much better she can make things! Are you asleep for the procedure? I am on a warm vacation with my family and feel happier and more confident than I have in years. Priceless!! I would love to do more in the future.... we will see. I do have a slight dog ear on one side. Maybe I could get that fixed while doing something else! Heehee!!! Good luck and please keep me posted!
March 25, 2017
You sound so happy!!! I am so thrilled for you! I hope you enjoy your vacation!!!
I will be awake for the procedure---just some Valium to relax me and the pain medicine I had from my TT. Dr Parkins is fixing the dog ears at the same time--she is actually using those spots to do the lipo first. I am excited all over again!
I will be awake for the procedure---just some Valium to relax me and the pain medicine I had from my TT. Dr Parkins is fixing the dog ears at the same time--she is actually using those spots to do the lipo first. I am excited all over again!
March 26, 2017
Oh my gosh - awesome!!! So happy for you. I didn't even know she could do that in the office. Wow! Now you've got my wheels turning! I am so happy - I've been eating too much lately though. Need to really hit it when we get home from vacation. My 6 month follow up is in May. I am doing the laser on my scar. I am definitely going to ask about future options at that appointment. Thanks for the info! I don't want to do the hospital or go under again but this makes it possible. ;)
March 26, 2017
Yeah they just started doing things in the office. Not as cheap as I had hoped but still thrilled!!
March 27, 2017
Oh darn - well it will be worth it!!! Do you mind me asking how much it costs - just a ballpark??
March 28, 2017
Its approx. $2000.00. I hope it will be worth it--so excited to get it done. Just not happy with the darn hips :(
March 28, 2017
It will! That seems reasonable... I'm mean I wish it was $500 and I would be right behind you in line! Haha!! You'll be happy. I had my hips done and it made a big difference. I totally understand when you say the Kashdashian hips (although much bigger than the Ks always have had big hips with a smaller waist). I feel so much better but also have other areas that need work so I can't wait to go back and talk about other options. I REALLY need to get my eating under control or I'm going to ruin all of Dr P's hard work!!! Just so hard on vacation. We come home Sunday and will hit it hard. No sugar for a while!!!! Please keep me posted on your procedure. I'll be thinking of you!! Would love to hear what it was like in the office and how your recovery goes. All the best and continued joy to you!
March 29, 2017
Yeah I guess the price is not too bad--it still feel guilty about the last surgery! When did you have your hips done? How was the recovery on that? Ashley said I should be fine to go to work the next day. You said it made a big difference --what difference did you notice? My husband is worried that it wont be a smooth transition from my stomach to my hips then to my tush. He wants this to be the last procedure. Thank you for listening and giving me input--truly appreciate it! Enjoy your vacation : )
March 29, 2017
No! I love it!! You are my go to person for questions too. Really you're my only "friend" on RS. I had a breast reduction/lift with flank lipo in September. I felt like the flanks looked great but did seem like it made my hips feel bigger. Then in November I had TT with hip and thigh lipo. Hips and thighs looked smaller immediately. The hips didn't hurt too bad but the thighs were VERY tender for weeks. Super painful for the first week or two along with the TT and then swollen and painful for 4-6 weeks at least. So maybe the hips did hurt but the thighs and stomach hurt more so I didn't notice! I don't know what you look like but I think I remember you are a small/petite person. The opposite of me!!! I really do feel like Dr Parkins is an artist and will make you look proportionate for your body type. I have not told anyone about my surgery expect my husband. No one suspects anything because I look so natural. Myself - just a little smaller/tighter. People just think I've lost some weight. What they don't know is I finally got to ditch all the undergarments and contraptions holding everything up and in and now I can just wear a normal bra and underwear. Feels so free! Actually playing with my kids in the pool this year! Like I said - now I just need to reel things in so I don't undo all of Dr. P's work eating too much! Please keep me posted on everything!!
March 29, 2017
That is so great that you were in the pool with kids and felt comfortable --that is why I wish I would have done this 10 years ago!!!! I talked with Ashley today about my concerns and questions. I feel so much better--I am actually super excited!!!! Thank you for your support : )
March 30, 2017
Yay!! I love Ashley! She and Dr Parkins are quite an amazing team. So glad she was able to answer your questions and get you excited about it. You should be - this will be the final step in your transformation. It will be totally worth it and I'm sure you'll look and feel fantastic. Good luck and please keep me posted!! :)
April 12, 2017
Hi Leejay! Is today your in office visit for lipo and dog ear revision?? Good luck! Please keep me posted how things go!!
April 12, 2017
Your close but no next week ☺ so excited to get it done!!!! Thank so much for thinking of me!!!
April 12, 2017
Yay!!! I'm glad I didn't miss it. Thinking of you - good luck!!! I hope everything turns out perfectly (I'm sure it will) and the pain isn't too bad. Looking so forward to my follow up in May. Hopefully the laser will lighten up my scar and we can talk about dog ear/ excess skin around incision on hips. I'm fine with it the way it is but if there is an office procedure to improve it I would be interested. Please
Let me know how things go next week!!
Let me know how things go next week!!
April 12, 2017
The dog ear fix is no charge with the TT procedure otherwise I wouldn't have mine fixed. Now they are going to use that are to do the lipo. I am going to do the laser treatment on my follow up appointment. ☺
With the muscle repair the pain pump Dr. Parkins uses makes the difference!!! Plus she is a perfectionist!!! Good luck to you--you will love it.