POSTED UNDER Mommy Makeover Reviews
45, One Child, C-section, tt, and bl possibly with implant. Can't Get Rid of my Overhang and Belly - Saint Louis, MO
UPDATED FROM Umsmith
2 years post
Two years (and 3months) later
UmsmithSeptember 27, 2017
$15,000
So, I've been bummed since the 1st day of seeing my "new" stomach. I always noticed an "upper bloat" In the area above my belly button. And every time I eat my whole upper abdomen poofs out like crazy. I asked my doc about this early on (like week three). There are other issues as well but I have always felt like I am the one having to find my own answers for this! So, after two years of questions, speaking with others here in realself, and an MRI (which gave me no info, just a big bill) I started researching tummy tuck revision. After searching a couple of sites I came across an answer which was what I had asked my doc from the very beginning. It actually has a name and it has NEVER been shared with me. I'm posting a picture, from another website, which defines what I'm sure has been the issue from day one.
I'm
Posting this to help anyone else who may be experiencing the same thing.
I'm
Posting this to help anyone else who may be experiencing the same thing.
Umsmith's provider
UPDATED FROM Umsmith
8 months post
8 months
UmsmithFebruary 12, 2016
I had my eight month appointment with my doc. I had decided to bring a list with me of all the concerns I have had since day one. Mind you, I have mentioned each of these concerns at various appointments starting from my 2 week appointment.
The biggest concern has always been this upper swelling/bloat. Unfortunately, he agreed that I probably wasn't pulled in as tight in that area as the lower area so when I'm bloated that's the area that's going to expand the most. And there's really no solution. He said there is so much scar tissue there now that even redoing the surgery couldn't guarantee the result that I was initially looking for. I'm really disappointed. I feel very distorted now.
He will redo the dog ear on my left hip and my left breast. He also mentioned injecting some steroid into the scar where there is a lot of scar tissue build up due to the slight necrosis. Kind of bummed. That's my update.
The biggest concern has always been this upper swelling/bloat. Unfortunately, he agreed that I probably wasn't pulled in as tight in that area as the lower area so when I'm bloated that's the area that's going to expand the most. And there's really no solution. He said there is so much scar tissue there now that even redoing the surgery couldn't guarantee the result that I was initially looking for. I'm really disappointed. I feel very distorted now.
He will redo the dog ear on my left hip and my left breast. He also mentioned injecting some steroid into the scar where there is a lot of scar tissue build up due to the slight necrosis. Kind of bummed. That's my update.
Replies (3)
February 12, 2016
I have been thinking of you, tomorrow is my 6 month mark. Do you bloat after eating certain foods? or is it from still swelling? Where will he redo the dog ears? office or surgical center? what kind of scar therapy have you been doing? can he do a scar revision at the sight where you had necrosis? How are you feeling about about your boobs? Are you happy with them? I went back and looked at your before pics- you still look fantastic despite your disappointment. When I am struggling with my results, I go back and look at my before pics and that is the jolt I need to remind myself how much better I look now :-)
February 13, 2016
It's definitely not swelling. It's bloating. I did notice I ate a lot of salt the night I took this picture (soup and chips). The next morning was not as bad. It's not always like this. BUT I've never been flat in this upper portion.
He will repair the dig ears in the office. Do you have a dog ear issue? If so, which side is it on? I'll be curious if it's on the left side.
Hi did not discuss scar revision at this time. Just injection done steroids into that area of the scar, because there is a lot of scar tissue under there.
My boobs? Still not thrilled. Was thinking about getting another couple of docs opinion on them. My nipples are still flat. That's a total bummer. Especially when I see other women who had breast lifts and still have obvious nipple extension. ( he told me flat nipples are kind of the nature of this type of surgery).
I definitely do love the way I look in clothes! And I know I've come a loooong way from presurgery.
He will repair the dig ears in the office. Do you have a dog ear issue? If so, which side is it on? I'll be curious if it's on the left side.
Hi did not discuss scar revision at this time. Just injection done steroids into that area of the scar, because there is a lot of scar tissue under there.
My boobs? Still not thrilled. Was thinking about getting another couple of docs opinion on them. My nipples are still flat. That's a total bummer. Especially when I see other women who had breast lifts and still have obvious nipple extension. ( he told me flat nipples are kind of the nature of this type of surgery).
I definitely do love the way I look in clothes! And I know I've come a loooong way from presurgery.
February 12, 2016
So has he not had this problem with other tummy tucks? You'd think he'd learn from this. Once your open during surgery, what does it hurt to MAKE SURE everything is tightened up the correct way before he closes you up? Since he can't tighten it up after wards? And by the way, I've seen others who have had this upper belly problem after a tummy tuck and the dr did another tummy tuck and made it right. And they were flat afterwards, so it can happen.... He just may not be able to do it, which is sad, because that's something that he should have made sure was done right in the beginning.... Sorry you're having to pay a ton of money and not get the results you're supposed to.
February 13, 2016
I feel the same way about every point you made here. It is frustrating because if the expense but even more importantly the recovery time after this surgery! I really can't imagine doing it again.
February 13, 2016
Hi, I know his is an old post but I'm using Dr. Kofkoff. My surgery is in April. Did you have the muscle repair and if so, was this upper part where your hernia was? I find Dr. Kofkoff to be so nice and professional. I've been to three PS consults and none of them spend time with me as he did. Even so, I'm concerned now. I've gone back and forth about the muscle repair but decided to do it. Are you happy now with your results? My stomach is so much bigger than your before. Any improvement I will be happy with. :) Hope all is well for you now.
February 13, 2016
It's actually a recent post! So, good timing! I just looked at your pictures and while your lower stomach does look larger than mine did (presurgery) your upper abs do not protrude like mine did. I did have muscle repair, to an extent I guess. He told me two months ago I was pulled
As tight as he could. I think he'll do a great job and you will be extremely happy with your results. But, I hope you have discussed your concerns about the muscle repair (gerd etc) with him. Based on our physiology I can almost guarantee your outcome will be way better than mine! By the way he did not find any hernia in my upper area so he did not have a hernia to fix.
I do love the way I look in clothes!!
As tight as he could. I think he'll do a great job and you will be extremely happy with your results. But, I hope you have discussed your concerns about the muscle repair (gerd etc) with him. Based on our physiology I can almost guarantee your outcome will be way better than mine! By the way he did not find any hernia in my upper area so he did not have a hernia to fix.
I do love the way I look in clothes!!
February 13, 2016
Thank you so much for responding! I have talked to him about my GERD and have gone back and forth about doing the MR. He said he cannot guarantee that it will make it worse. Some people on a facebook page with the same issues I have had positive results. So I pray for the same. :) Did you have the Exparel? If so did it work well? I've been researching this surgery for years and trying to get the nerve to do it. My husband passed away from cancer in 2014 and I just feel I need this to do something for me. I know I will miss him taking care of me. My daughter is an RN and will be with me for a week but lives a few hour away and can only stay 7 days. I hope all is uneventful for me. So glad I found someone here that used Dr. Kofkoff. Thanks again!
February 14, 2016
I'm sorry about the loss of your husband. I cannot imagine. Your daughter will be a great help for the week! Especially given her profession. I did use exparel. I think it helped. Definitely staying overnight at the surgery center was needed! I did rent a hospital bed from a med supply company off of Olive and I-70. It was only $150 for a month. I loved it!
You should click on Koffkoff's name and see how many other recent reviews you can find. There should be quite a few. If you feel uncomfortable about any question either not being answered clearly or not understood, don't second guess yourself and ASK again.
You should click on Koffkoff's name and see how many other recent reviews you can find. There should be quite a few. If you feel uncomfortable about any question either not being answered clearly or not understood, don't second guess yourself and ASK again.
UPDATED FROM Umsmith
5 months post
Scar at 5 months
UmsmithNovember 12, 2015
I'm ousting two pics of my scar. It's really showing the worst area, where I had my slight necrosis. Again, I think the wurst of it was caused not by that but by continued use of Polysporin And now I think the pics look much better than in real life! Ps. I can't edit my post. Sorry for the mispellings!
Replies (4)
November 12, 2015
You look great in these. Really good, waist looks lovely and narrow and can't any dog ears. Scars really look pretty good. I can see what you mean about where the necrosis was but that will fade so much in time.
November 12, 2015
Thanks!
It's funny, the pic does looks great! I don't know where the dog ear went, because I still have it. Chalk it up to a rare view. Or maybe I have to lower my sight to see a good looking view, lol! I dont think it looks this good normally. I've taken all of my other pictures from higher up.
I will take my "after" pics in Feb, at my docs. That will tell the true story!
It's funny, the pic does looks great! I don't know where the dog ear went, because I still have it. Chalk it up to a rare view. Or maybe I have to lower my sight to see a good looking view, lol! I dont think it looks this good normally. I've taken all of my other pictures from higher up.
I will take my "after" pics in Feb, at my docs. That will tell the true story!
November 12, 2015
Yea I too find certain angles show a completely different picture. It's hard to trust the camera or even the mirror! gets confusing.
November 25, 2015
Thank you for your comment. You have been a great support and you look awesome. Best of luck with everything.
November 25, 2015
Thank you so much! I think this site has been tremendous for support! I think the experience would have been so different (stressful) without this site and all of the ladies who share their stories and supportive comments. It has helped my outlook on life too!
December 4, 2015
You look great! Did your doctor use any dermabond? I don't have any "open" areas from my abdominoplasty or breast reduction incisions and am not wearing any gauze or bandages over the incisions, either. I'm wondering if that's the difference?
December 4, 2015
I'm not sure if he used dermabond.
I do know my open areas (very slight) started around day 19. I don't believe I was wearing any type of tape, gauze, or coverings at that point. Once I got the go ahead from my doc I started using the silicon scar therapy strips.
I do know my open areas (very slight) started around day 19. I don't believe I was wearing any type of tape, gauze, or coverings at that point. Once I got the go ahead from my doc I started using the silicon scar therapy strips.
December 8, 2015
I am also coming up on four months post-Op and your scars look very good. Even where you had necrosis. I will post my pics and you will see the difference...you are healing much better than I am - after my wound closed up last month- I started using Bio Oil, I am not sure if it is doing much- but it smells lovely and I think it calms down the area. My scars look good, bad and then worse at different times of the day.
December 8, 2015
I may look into Bio oil!
I'm 6 months this week now (time flies)! I just noticed this morning the very center part of my vertical scar has turned white. I've been using my silicone scar therapy consistently, on this area, not sure if it's a result from that or just the length of time it's been. I'll post an update soon.
I'm 6 months this week now (time flies)! I just noticed this morning the very center part of my vertical scar has turned white. I've been using my silicone scar therapy consistently, on this area, not sure if it's a result from that or just the length of time it's been. I'll post an update soon.
January 10, 2016
I am using the BioOil
Thank you - I believe it is helping and I find it very soothing and it smells yummy
Replies (5)
Shortly after the surgery I asked him if did a mini tuck because I thought the same as you. His response was oh no, it was stem to stern., meaning full tt. So my next question was if he had done the entire surgery or if anyone else stepped in? It was over 6 hours. Nope, all him. No others. I've complained of a tightness, like a shelf, just above my belly button, which is still there. And I have to hold that area still, 2 years later, when I sneeze or cough. I also can't do ab exercises because of pain. I feel like it's just so messed up. I started looking for docs who do tt revisions in my area.
Thank you for your positive thoughts and I will keep posting.
My first tummy tuck was not done properly. Not sure why it wasn’t , I paid For a full tummy tuck ! When I started Going for consults for a revision every ps said it looked like I only Got a limited tummy tuck which means a mini !! They did find sutures from breast bone to pubic bone that they had to remove one by one during my revision surgery..whatever sutures we’re used the first time did nothing for me .
I wonder of both of our first surgeons used an inferior suturing technique or maybe just had a bad day in the operating room. Frustrating and expensive for us!
Dr Shifrin the PS I chose for my revision couldn’t believe what he saw and what I was Charged for . He asked if he could look the dr up to even make sure he was legit !!!