POSTED UNDER Drainless Tummy Tuck REVIEWS
Full TT W/ MR and Lipo - Raleigh, NC
ORIGINAL POST
So I took the plunge, and decided to start this...
HealthGirlJuly 11, 2014
WORTH IT$7,900
So I took the plunge, and decided to start this review. I've been on RealSelf for well over a year while I'll thought about finally doing this. I figured if I started writing this here, it will be more real. At this point, I've had three consults, with a fourth next week. I have a fifth scheduled, but think I will cancel. I had a great consult yesterday, so unless next week's knocks my socks off, he will be it.
My dilemma has been that I have gotten three different opinions about my abdomen. #1 recommended a mini TT, #2 a full TT but the skin he would remove would be below the belly button, leaving me with a "T" scar to close up my old bb. Wasn't really psyched about either. Yesterday's PS said he could do a full, and that the scar would still be low- he asked if I would be happy if it ended up at the level of my c/s scar, which I would be. It's just slightly higher than where he traditionally would do it, but it's still in my hair line and low enough for this old gal :) I guess I have a pretty high belly button, but if he can do it, that's fab. He really emphasized he would do everything to give me the very best outcome. He almost always does lipo to give the best sculpted result, and went into fine detail about how he performs the actual repair. He mentioned that he will sinch the skin in to the scar giving it an initial pleated look (I've seen some here on RS), but that is expected, normal and will smooth out. He said that's how he maximizes the curve of the waist and prevents dog ears.
I'm likely also going to do the breast lift (no implants)- will write that review elsewhere.
A little about me, then I have to get back to work! I'm 40 years old, have two children- typical story- gained way too much weight with the pregnancies. I've had two c/sections, which is probably why I'm not that concerned about a scar. I can imagine if one had a vaginal birth, she would be hesitant to mark up her abdomen. Mine can (hopefully) only improve! I'm really fit- I work out about 5-6 times a day, and of course, chasing after kids!! I'm 5'8.5" and as of this morning I weigh 149.5 ;) I'm looking to schedule the surgery in December because I teach and I will get the longest break between semesters. Between now and then, I'm hoping to lose about 5-10 lbs so I can maximize results.
Will post pictures soon, probably when I book this next week!
My dilemma has been that I have gotten three different opinions about my abdomen. #1 recommended a mini TT, #2 a full TT but the skin he would remove would be below the belly button, leaving me with a "T" scar to close up my old bb. Wasn't really psyched about either. Yesterday's PS said he could do a full, and that the scar would still be low- he asked if I would be happy if it ended up at the level of my c/s scar, which I would be. It's just slightly higher than where he traditionally would do it, but it's still in my hair line and low enough for this old gal :) I guess I have a pretty high belly button, but if he can do it, that's fab. He really emphasized he would do everything to give me the very best outcome. He almost always does lipo to give the best sculpted result, and went into fine detail about how he performs the actual repair. He mentioned that he will sinch the skin in to the scar giving it an initial pleated look (I've seen some here on RS), but that is expected, normal and will smooth out. He said that's how he maximizes the curve of the waist and prevents dog ears.
I'm likely also going to do the breast lift (no implants)- will write that review elsewhere.
A little about me, then I have to get back to work! I'm 40 years old, have two children- typical story- gained way too much weight with the pregnancies. I've had two c/sections, which is probably why I'm not that concerned about a scar. I can imagine if one had a vaginal birth, she would be hesitant to mark up her abdomen. Mine can (hopefully) only improve! I'm really fit- I work out about 5-6 times a day, and of course, chasing after kids!! I'm 5'8.5" and as of this morning I weigh 149.5 ;) I'm looking to schedule the surgery in December because I teach and I will get the longest break between semesters. Between now and then, I'm hoping to lose about 5-10 lbs so I can maximize results.
Will post pictures soon, probably when I book this next week!
HealthGirl's provider
UPDATED FROM HealthGirl
5 months pre
Fourth consult- still confused!
HealthGirlJuly 19, 2014
So I'm adding before pictures- they are a few months old and I've lost about 6-7lbs since them but it's a good idea of my overall shape.
I had a 4th consult a few days ago- was hoping he would help me figure out what procedure was most appropriate/realistic but it didn't! He told me he felt I was a candidate for a full TT but mentioned that I might have a t scar from my bb like consult #2. I've come to realize I really do want a low scar without a t to close up my bb, but worry if I go with PS #3 he might get in there and realize he can get enough skin to stretch down, and I'll either end up with a t scar or worse, one that's high up.
Further, while I really liked #3, he's pretty young- been a PS for 3 years following his residency/fellowship (which was 6 years). Any opinions about this? Younger could mean cutting edge latest techniques, tho he just hasn't had the time to log hundreds if these surgeries.
I have one last consult in a couple weeks- still deciding if I'll keep it. Leaning towards another meeting with #3 to have more questions answered. Goal is to have it booked by mid-august. More to follow!
I had a 4th consult a few days ago- was hoping he would help me figure out what procedure was most appropriate/realistic but it didn't! He told me he felt I was a candidate for a full TT but mentioned that I might have a t scar from my bb like consult #2. I've come to realize I really do want a low scar without a t to close up my bb, but worry if I go with PS #3 he might get in there and realize he can get enough skin to stretch down, and I'll either end up with a t scar or worse, one that's high up.
Further, while I really liked #3, he's pretty young- been a PS for 3 years following his residency/fellowship (which was 6 years). Any opinions about this? Younger could mean cutting edge latest techniques, tho he just hasn't had the time to log hundreds if these surgeries.
I have one last consult in a couple weeks- still deciding if I'll keep it. Leaning towards another meeting with #3 to have more questions answered. Goal is to have it booked by mid-august. More to follow!
Replies (2)
July 19, 2014
My surgeon for my Oxford unicompartmental left knee replacement (like a total knee but only half and far more successful) was done by a 38 yo surgeon (and I was 62). I thought "What the heck am I doing having a mere kid do life-changing surgery. (We have DOZENS of more experienced orthos in my area and I know their work.) THEN I remembered my daughter (then) was only 33 and changing, saving people's lives as a trauma surgeon, and winning awards. LOL So I took a mental chance with the younger ortho and my knee has been a total success, and likely means I will NEVER need a total knee replacement, even on the OTHER knee. He was the only one who could do this surgery in the area and was part of a huge ortho team in Savannah. My opinion (if it helps) is to DO YOUR RESEARCH like you already are, go with your instincts, and do not assume someone "more experienced" is NECESSARILY the best. He/she MIGHT be, but your research is worth more than just the age/experience of the MD. Hope this helps slightly.
July 31, 2014
Thank you so much for this perspective- I've asked the practice a lot of questions about him and his experience, and have reached out to former patients. My gut is that he's the one to go with!
UPDATED FROM HealthGirl
5 months pre
Booked a date!
HealthGirlJuly 31, 2014
Ok- so it's not until December, but it's a step in that direction! I'm meeting with the PS for one last short consult in one week- just have a few questions to be answered and assume all will go well and I'll put the deposit down.
Replies (5)