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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS

First Skin Reduction Surgery After 120+ Lb. Weight Loss (Abdominoplasty with Mons Lift)

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First Skin Reduction Surgery After 120+ Lb. Weight Loss (Abdominoplasty with Mons Lift)

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Marla65
WORTH IT
I'm 53, and had 4 previous C-sections. I spent the majority of my life overweight/obese and was borderline diabetic and developing fatty liver disease when my GP suggested (for the umpteenth time) that I try a low-carb diet. I thought he was full of BS but my weight had reached an all-time high of 274 lbs. and I am only 5'2-1/2," so I decided to give a 'diet' one last chance before resorting to bariatric surgery. It worked. My Dr.'s recommendations (he was/is a very fit, "CrossFit dude", lol) plus marathon YouTube/other research on low carb/keto lifestyles, etc. gave me the tools needed to make a genuine effort. The first week I lost 8 lbs. and the first month I was down 17 lbs. and several sizes. I lost weight so fast that a family friend thought I had a gastric bypass. It's that fast. The key is to keep carbs at 20 (TOTAL, not net) grams per day, or less; eat fatty sources of protein; and eat only when hungry (don't be afraid to skip a meal; ignore the clock & listen to your body).
To make a long story short, I went from a (tight) plus-size 20W jeans and 3X tops to my present size junior small tops and size 4 jeans (I can wear some size 0-2's) and x-small panties. I had 49-50 inch hips when I began my weight-loss journey and now I have 35 inch hips.
After moving to Madison, WI, in June 2018, I decided to address my loose skin (I carried most of my weight in my torso and it was severely impacted by the loss of fat/volume) by consulting several area plastic surgeons in the fall. I chose Dr. Clifford King because of his stellar reputation and his excellent bedside manner. During my (free)consultation he took the time to examine the area (abdominal region) and answer my multiple questions. I never felt like I was being rushed or getting the "hard sell." He prepared a quote and it was presented to me shortly afterward. He's a wonderful man and I can truthfully say that as long he practices and I have a need for his care I will only go to him--he's THAT good. I had my abdominoplasty with mons lift (no muscle repair was needed) on December 5, 2018, and I healed quickly and easily. I recently had my 2nd surgery, a brachioplasty, on April 25, 2019, and it also went extremely well. Dr. King removed 13 centimeters of skin from each arm and I felt so good afterward that I didn't need prescription pain meds after the first night. I used Advil/ibuprophen for the next several days until even that was unnecessary. My future plans include: mastoplexy with augmentation (my chest is completely deflated); neck lift, lower face lift, lower blepharoplasty, and fat transfer; medial thigh lift and possible butt lift/augmentation (not massive, just to give my flat bottom a little more roundness).
I had such a positive experience that I decided to go back to graduate school to become a PA-C and eventually work with a plastic surgeon like Dr. King. I want to pay it forward and have even started a Facebook page and Madison area Meetup group to offer free low carb/keto/carnivore lifestyle coaching to people (especially those over 40, for I was 49 and thought it was "too late" when I gave it 'one last try') who want and need the benefit of my knowledge and experience.
In conclusion, it was/is worth every penny. I feel like I'm in my 20's and I don't think that I look like the typical woman in her 50's, either;-)
I will share additional photos and updates in the future.

Marla65's provider

Clifford King, MD

Clifford King, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Marla65

Marla65 rating for Dr. King:

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Replies (7)

May 3, 2019
Beautiful and what is your FB page?
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May 8, 2019
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May 9, 2019
They won't let me link or refer anyone to it. Sorry.
May 4, 2019
Just wondering- has insurance helped at all with costs? All those surgeries would make it impossible for me to ever retire, and dies in debt.
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May 5, 2019
No, insurance doesn't cover my skin surgeries. I decided to drive my older car for a few more years and spend the money for a new one on my skin surgeries. I financed most of it but the payments have been manageable.
May 6, 2019
You look amazing!! Congratulations...I'm ready for my tummy tuck in July
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May 6, 2019
Thank you! Tummy tucks aren't that bad; you're going to do great.