Thrilled with my renewed look and function - exceeded expectations
Still thrilled at one year post-op
Most importantly, I can finally use my abs to do whatever exercises I want! Now that I've had many months to work out, I am really enjoying the additional core function for activities such as rowing, stroller running, sit-ups, and pull-ups. I have had no issues with swelling (which I've heard can continue for months, based on the experiences of people who went to other surgeons). There is still a small amount of numbness in the triangle under the belly button, but that is to be expected and is not bothersome.
In summary, I am quite pleased with my choice.
mommy159's provider
Exceeded my Best Expectations
After having three babies, my abdominal region was left with a significant diastasis and bulging appearance, including a protruding umbilical hernia. I was not only bothered by the look, but I also did not have full and safe core function. As an athlete, it was important to get that back. I interviewed several surgeons regarding an abdominoplasty and hernia repair, but did not feel entirely confident about what they would be doing. So I shelved the idea for a while. Fast forward to early 2022, and I suddenly had an optimal window in which to get surgery. I began researching surgeons again and was pleased to find Dr. Lowen, as well as talk with several happy former patients. I set up a consult and was impressed by his thoroughness and confidence. He was also able to work with my need to get a procedure booked fairly soon.
I went through with the abdominoplasty and hernia repair in mid-March and am so glad I did it! Dr. Lowen explained all the details before and after, which really put me at ease. He noted that I was a bit of a "complicated" case due to the laxity of my muscles but lack of loose skin. The surgery was quite long, but I got the sense he took the time to do the job really well, including the hernia (often a general surgeon comes in for this, but he didn't need one). Being a perfectionist myself, I felt that I was in good hands with someone as meticulous as him.
My recovery was not easy, but definitely more rapid than I expected. I was SO happy not to have drains. There were no complications but Dr. Lowen followed up with me regularly. I did light computer work in the few days following surgery and was happily walking all around outdoors without assistance by day five post-op. Of course, he was very clear that I should take it easy, so I made sure to get plenty of rest too. By week five I was itching to go running! I had minimal swelling, mostly in the lower abdominal region, and that cleared up nicely within the six-week initial recovery window. I was able to start some physical therapy at that point with no issue.
To say that I'm thrilled with my renewed look and function is an understatement. Now at 12 weeks out, everything is strong and flat. My scars are still a bit red, but that is expected and will improve with time. In addition to the standard hip-to-hip incision, I have a 2.5-inch vertical scar under my new belly button that I think is relatively unobtrusive and will eventually be invisible. There was initially a little wrinkle at the bottom of it, which Dr. Lowen insisted on revising along with a tiny dog ear repair at six weeks out. It all looks great now!
At my last follow-up appointment with Dr. Lowen, I told him I wasn't sure why I was there because I had zero complaints. He smiled and just did some photo documentation. I'm posting some of my own before/after photos here.
As others have noted, he is extremely careful when it comes to preventing covid
infection, and is essentially alone in his office now. Have a bit of patience with him
as he works through the paperwork and details that his admins presumably used to deal
with. He sometimes gets a little mixed up with the visit schedule, but when it comes to
actual surgery, he is laser focused on what getting the job done right.
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