This is a long review... I felt this experience was amazing and in-case anyone wanted details, it could be helpful.
After losing more than 50 lbs post having children back to back, my stomach was a sad floppy mess. I exercised daily, ate cleanly, and just couldn't achieve the body I was working so hard to get back. I decided to meet with Dr. Lowenstein after reading many reviews on him, and other plastic surgery centers, and discussing the procedure I was looking into with family and friends.
I loved the attention and care I was given from start to finish. When I first walked in, the office was clean and inviting. Saida was friendly and helpful in setting up my appointments and making sure I had everything I needed. Rather than sitting in a crowded waiting room, I was almost always escorted to a private room for my appointments. I never had to wait long to see the doctor or nurse. I appreciate that my time was being respected.
The actual appointment. WOW. From the beginning, Suzanne (The most amazing and pleasant nurse I've ever had the pleasure of knowing) and Dr. Lowenstein (more on him in the next section,) were professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. I never felt pressured to commit to the procedure, or have any additional procedures done. They informed me of the pros and cons for my particular situation, gave me excellent and realistic expectations, and answered the hundreds of questions I threw their way. My comfort with Dr. Lowenstein and Suzanne, as well as their obvious expertise helped me make my decision to have abdominoplasty here.
Ruthie was wonderful in helping me set up my labs and other doctor appointments pre op, and also helped me find financing for a portion of my procedure. She was open about her own personal procedure she had had and even showed me photos when I asked. She helped me feel at ease with my decision while remaining professional and seemingly unbiased.
Surgery day! - Went very smoothly. Dr. Lowenstein was focused, thorough, and answered any last minute questions I had. Suzanne helped ease my jitters, and the Anesthesiologist was amazing, though I cat remember his name. He gave me a sedative, and honestly, I remember nothing after that until my husband was there getting directions from Suzanne about post op care. (Even that is a little fuzzy.)
Post op. - It hurt, but not SO bad. I only took the prescription pain killers for one day then switched to tylenol day 2, went completely drug free by the end of day 3. It felt like I had done thousands of situps and was sore. The incision area didn't hurt (It was mostly numb), but the muscle repair was sore. I will admit that sneezing or coughing that first week is NOT recommended. OUCH. The drains were mostly a nuisance but easy to strip and empty. Suzanne removed both fairly easily within a few days of the surgery. The abdominal binder was uncomfortable and the inability or stand upright for a couple of weeks was not pleasant, but expected. About a week post op, I developed an allergy to the adhesive/ surgical tape, which I didn't know I had. It was insanely itchy. After calling Dr. Lowenstein's office (on a weekend) and leaving a message, I was immediately called back by both Suzanne and Dr. Lowenstein. Dr. Lowenstein was on vacation but still called to check up on me and walk me through the next steps.
Post op care - I was treated to warm smiles and caring faces every time I came into the office post op. All of my follow up questions were answered and discussed. Within 4 weeks, I was cleared to ease back into activity. Because I had had a reaction to the adhesive, I wasn't a candidate for embrace scar therapy. I was disappointed as the results look promising, but Dr. Lowenstein recommended a silicone scar ointment (biocorneum) that I've been using religiously.
Results - my stomach is now flat! My abs are defined, a result of hard work that now can actually be seen. My belly button looks incredibly normal (I was very nervous about this pre surgery). The scar is pink and about the thickness of a thin marker line. I expected the scar to look worse at this point, so I am confident it will only get better with time (I'm 2 months post op now). Most importantly, I've gained a body confidence I have never had. I not only feel comfortable in my skin, I feel proud of my body for the first time in a very long time.
Amazing! I'd do it all over again in a heart beat. If you are debating having this surgery, do it. And if youre looking for an amazing surgeon as well as staff, look no further. Dr. Lowenstein is the best there is.
After losing more than 50 lbs post having children back to back, my stomach was a sad floppy mess. I exercised daily, ate cleanly, and just couldn't achieve the body I was working so hard to get back. I decided to meet with Dr. Lowenstein after reading many reviews on him, and other plastic surgery centers, and discussing the procedure I was looking into with family and friends.
I loved the attention and care I was given from start to finish. When I first walked in, the office was clean and inviting. Saida was friendly and helpful in setting up my appointments and making sure I had everything I needed. Rather than sitting in a crowded waiting room, I was almost always escorted to a private room for my appointments. I never had to wait long to see the doctor or nurse. I appreciate that my time was being respected.
The actual appointment. WOW. From the beginning, Suzanne (The most amazing and pleasant nurse I've ever had the pleasure of knowing) and Dr. Lowenstein (more on him in the next section,) were professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. I never felt pressured to commit to the procedure, or have any additional procedures done. They informed me of the pros and cons for my particular situation, gave me excellent and realistic expectations, and answered the hundreds of questions I threw their way. My comfort with Dr. Lowenstein and Suzanne, as well as their obvious expertise helped me make my decision to have abdominoplasty here.
Ruthie was wonderful in helping me set up my labs and other doctor appointments pre op, and also helped me find financing for a portion of my procedure. She was open about her own personal procedure she had had and even showed me photos when I asked. She helped me feel at ease with my decision while remaining professional and seemingly unbiased.
Surgery day! - Went very smoothly. Dr. Lowenstein was focused, thorough, and answered any last minute questions I had. Suzanne helped ease my jitters, and the Anesthesiologist was amazing, though I cat remember his name. He gave me a sedative, and honestly, I remember nothing after that until my husband was there getting directions from Suzanne about post op care. (Even that is a little fuzzy.)
Post op. - It hurt, but not SO bad. I only took the prescription pain killers for one day then switched to tylenol day 2, went completely drug free by the end of day 3. It felt like I had done thousands of situps and was sore. The incision area didn't hurt (It was mostly numb), but the muscle repair was sore. I will admit that sneezing or coughing that first week is NOT recommended. OUCH. The drains were mostly a nuisance but easy to strip and empty. Suzanne removed both fairly easily within a few days of the surgery. The abdominal binder was uncomfortable and the inability or stand upright for a couple of weeks was not pleasant, but expected. About a week post op, I developed an allergy to the adhesive/ surgical tape, which I didn't know I had. It was insanely itchy. After calling Dr. Lowenstein's office (on a weekend) and leaving a message, I was immediately called back by both Suzanne and Dr. Lowenstein. Dr. Lowenstein was on vacation but still called to check up on me and walk me through the next steps.
Post op care - I was treated to warm smiles and caring faces every time I came into the office post op. All of my follow up questions were answered and discussed. Within 4 weeks, I was cleared to ease back into activity. Because I had had a reaction to the adhesive, I wasn't a candidate for embrace scar therapy. I was disappointed as the results look promising, but Dr. Lowenstein recommended a silicone scar ointment (biocorneum) that I've been using religiously.
Results - my stomach is now flat! My abs are defined, a result of hard work that now can actually be seen. My belly button looks incredibly normal (I was very nervous about this pre surgery). The scar is pink and about the thickness of a thin marker line. I expected the scar to look worse at this point, so I am confident it will only get better with time (I'm 2 months post op now). Most importantly, I've gained a body confidence I have never had. I not only feel comfortable in my skin, I feel proud of my body for the first time in a very long time.
Amazing! I'd do it all over again in a heart beat. If you are debating having this surgery, do it. And if youre looking for an amazing surgeon as well as staff, look no further. Dr. Lowenstein is the best there is.
