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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews REVIEWS

Day 1 post-op - cannot believe how amazing my stomach and sides look

Name: Day 1 post-op - cannot believe how amazing my stomach and sides look
Item: Christopher L. McLendon, MD
Rating: 5
Author: GoDawgsR1

ORIGINAL POST

5 Weeks Pre-Op - So Far Great Experience

GoDawgsR1February 15, 2022

WORTH IT$11,000

I’ve battled everyday with a thick middle area including lower pouch and flabby sides since my late teens. Dr McLendon told it is hereditary, and I don’t doubt it. I can’t help to think that my mid section’s disproportionate figure has to do with cortisol from life’s trauma. Regardless, I have worked hard on eliminating it by run three marathons, taking phentermine, CrossFit and 5:00 am boot camp for years. The midsection tightened up but never left. My last full marathon I would not even remove my tank top that caused me to bleed from chaffing at mile 11. I suffered through miles, burning and bleeding because I would not remove my shirt. It revealed my flabby stomach. This summer I gave up the idea of a flat stomach. I started a Botox regime with a trusted provider this past fall. I asked her about different plastic surgeries and if they were really what everyone hypes them up to be. She said that her tummy tuck was the best thing she had ever done and she had recently gained some weight, that she had a flat stomach. I asked her for the surgeon’s number. 6 months I waited for a consultation with Dr. McLendon. I respect that. I did not want to make such a big decision with out marinating on it. I went to the consult where he showed me exactly what he would do and explained the results. He and his nurse were very warm hearted, approachable and funny. I was actually comfortable naked and being marked up with a Sharpie. That makes a world of difference. He mentioned the recovery process of 2-3 weeks of not working and really 6 weeks of real recovery. He and his nurse were very thorough. I got dressed and met with his Patient Coordinator we’re she booked me for his next surgery appointment, 6 weeks out. It required 10% down. I have a pre-op appt a week prior to surgery. I’ve called to ask silly questions like, I’m switching birth control, is that OK? And, I am getting my booster, is that cool? Every time I have called, I have left a message and received a phone call within a hour. That speaks volumes to me as a patient.

I’ll continue to update as my journey proceeds.

GoDawgsR1's provider

Christopher L. McLendon, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

GoDawgsR1 rating for Dr. McLendon:

Overall rating

Doctor's bedside manner

Answered my questions

After care follow-up

Time spent with me

Phone or email responsiveness

Staff professionalism & courtesy

Payment process

Wait times

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UPDATED FROM GoDawgsR1

6 days pre

Pre Operation Appointment - Today

GoDawgsR1March 23, 2022

Today I completed my pre operation appointment at the surgical center, which is 1 hour and 40 minutes away from our home. For some reason, in my mind, this was supposed to be a quick overviews drive clearly I am ignorant to surgery operations ????. I brought my 23 year old step daughter who will be assisting me post surgery. We arrived 30 minutes early which was convenient as the front desk received my payment. I decided to finance it with 0% interest through care credit. I recommend researching the financing options and choosing one best for you. Payment took about 15 minutes and was a super easy and great experience. Kudos to the front desk. We then sat down, again early for the appointment, and was seen with in 5 minutes. I was impressed. I met with a younger, new nurse that went over 3 disclosures and I signed. She escorted me to the photography room where I had my “Glamor Shots” or, “Money Shots”. I called them that to be funny because it is about as comfortable as a whore in church. Moving along, fortunately my supportive step daughter was not required to be a part of that duty so she rejoined me for the Surgical Nurse’s instructions. This is important. This nurse, Charmain, was everything. She laid down the expectations, requirements, legals and everything in between. She was a God send to me because I was truly a nervous wreck and on the verge of tears. Disclosing the pre op, operation and recovery is not easy, especially to a very scared patient. I know this is an elective, cosmetic surgery. I know I have run three full marathons. I know I have delivered 2 children within 2 years, one completely natural. But still, this is a big 4 hour surgery and I am supremely nervous. I walked away from that appointment feeling confident and ready. Many blessing to that woman. God put her on earth for that job. She reassured me by sharing her experience with this surgery and that was the icing on the cake for me. I will continue this update

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UPDATED FROM GoDawgsR1

2 days post

Day One Post Op for Tummy Tuck and Flanks Lipo

GoDawgsR1March 31, 2022

Yesterday was surgery day. My fiancé, Eric and I arrived at 7:45 at Renaissance Surgical Center in Macon. I felt completely comfortable for two reasons, one, I was on 1 MG of prescribed Xanax and two, the pre op staff were warm and kind. They seem to have a great work culture there. I answered questions verifying my identity, then I disrobed and was escorted to the surgical room. The Nurse Anesthetist was a sweet man that had no problems with finding an injection vein for my anesthesia. I was asleep in less than 2 minutes. Once I woke up, I felt no pain but was a bit diasporas expected. If I remember correctly, a nurse verified through some tests to ensure I was ready to go home. I hopped in a wheel chair and my fiancée drove us home, about 1 3/4 hours away. I slept the entire ride home. I had no problem getting out of the SUV and walking up 2 stairs where my walker awaited me. I borrowed a power lift chair, walker and shower chair. I should have bought a toilet riser but it is not 100%needed. Once I woke up after a small nap, the pain began. I did not feel pain in the stitches area because I opted in for the slow release pain medicine which was placed right under my stitches and cost $400, well worth it. The pain was from the liposuction in the flanks and belly. Wow, I did not expect for lipo to be that painful. I compare it to severe period paid. Oh, and the bruising from lipo is a lot. Luckily I was prescribed muscle relaxers and Percocet. I am not a fan of prescription pills as I was once married to an addict. I decided this was not the time to be a “Pain Hero” and took them as prescribed. I have taken the Percocet every 5 hours since then so avoid that pain. So, as a skeptical prescription person, I do 100% recommend having Xanax the night before and the morning of surgery. Also, the pain pills- take them. Any who, I was able to walk around hunched over and using my walker so I decided yo drain my 2 drains. There were some 6” narrow blood clots in the tubes. That was a bit scary so I called to surgical center and they had a DR call back with in 10 minutes. Dr Powell explained that was to be expected. I have been on top managing of my drains because I want to have them removed during my one week post op appointment. I forgot to mention that my throat was a touch scratchy as I was tubed during surgery. That has begun to go away. Tonight I finally opened up the binder/ girdle to take a peek and wow, just wow. I can not believe how amazing my stomach and sides look. The way it looks reminds me of what I looked like as a teenager. I can not believe what he was able to do. I’ve tried so hard in the past to achieve a more slender stomach through diet, exercise, running, etc. Dr McLendon far exceeded my expectations. The pain, recovery time and cost is worth it.

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