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POSTED UNDER Mommy Makeover Reviews

42 Years Old---I had a Mommy Makeover and I'm so glad I did!

UPDATED FROM CoffeeAddict
2 years post

42 with 3 Children and Lots of Extra Belly Skin

WORTH IT$11,280

Growing up, I had always been active and had a very flat stomach. After 3 pregnancies and my largest baby weighing nearly 9lbs, I was left with a saggy, floppy tummy...or as I used to endearingly call it, my "front butt." I wouldn't trade my children for anything in the world, but mental health is very important and I just didn't feel good about myself due to my protruding tummy. I exercised and was weighing around 125lbs which is good for my 5'2" body, but the saggy front butt stayed put. It was hard underneath, but it was obvious that nothing short of surgical removal was going to get rid of the stealer of my self-esteem. I sought out plastic surgeons on realself and had 2 consultations. The 2nd consultation was with Dr. JJ Wendel, and the rest is history. I feel so much better about myself and at age 44, I look much better than many women half my age. I'm so glad I had a tummy tuck and I would definitely do it all again (not that I'm planning to gain weight or get pregnant again!).


CoffeeAddict's provider

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS

J. Jason Wendel, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 390 Reviews
PROFILE
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

Through reviews on realself, I found the perfect plastic surgeon for me: Dr. JJ Wendel. I had my consultation and knew right away he was the best PS for the job. He and his office staff are very down-to-earth yet professional. His work is absolutely amazing. I had minimal pain after the procedure and I really think this has to do with physician technique. I work in healthcare (I'm an APRN), so I've seen the good, the bad, and the ugly. Dr. Wendel is top-notch. I would recommend anyone to go to him. My scars are minimal and my breasts look like they did when I was 18. Not bad for someone who is 44! Thank you, Dr. Wendel for your precision and expertise! Dr. Wendel and his office staff are top-notch. Everyone is very professional and I cannot give enough praise for Dr. Wendel's talent as a surgeon and an artist! I was really concerned about post-op pain following the abdominoplasty. I have really only been sore. I never had pain and took my pain meds for only 3 1/2 days post-op, mainly because I was afraid I might hurt. I could be wrong, but I believe post-op pain is linked to not only one's pain tolerance, but also physician technique. I highly recommend (and have been recommending) Dr. Wendel to anyone for any plastic surgery needs/desires. My incision lines have minimal scarring, especially since I'm not even 4 weeks post-procedure. I only gave 4 stars on the payment process because I wish I'd known sooner that the anesthesia group and facility in which I had my surgery do not accept Care Credit although Dr. Wendel does. I had to come up with other methods of payment just 3 weeks before surgery when I had planned to use Care Credit for the majority of it. Faux pas on my part for not asking but I feel that this should have been mentioned on the day I scheduled my surgery.

Replies (2)

Glad to see your 2 year post : )
Thank you so much for your detailed experience i appreciate this so much
UPDATED FROM CoffeeAddict
2 years post

Breast Lift--Dr. JJ Wendel

After having 3 children, breastfeeding, and weight fluctuations throughout the years, my breasts were sagging, to say the least. I wasn't happy about the way I looked and wanted to get the girls back up where they belong. They look amazing and most people think I have implants. No, I have decent genetics and an awesome plastic surgeon! I would do this all over again in a heart beat. Best money I've ever spent.

Replies (1)

Only a breast reduction or lift? If so they look awesom
UPDATED FROM CoffeeAddict
28 days post

28 days post-op mastopexy and full abdominoplasty

I took my 4 week pics tonight because I was watching my grandbaby first thing this morning. My breasts are no longer swollen and settling nicely. I still have abdominal and mons pubis swelling but I know the mons is the last to de-puff! I have binder wrinkles from my mons to my breasts! I've come to terms that the binder is my friend and I'm having mixed feelings about parting with it in a couple of weeks. Call me crazy!

Replies (16)

You look amazing! I'm only just over two weeks po and am looking forward to being where you are now. Congrats on a great result!
Thanks so much! You will be where I am before you know it! :)
U look great
Thank you!
You look amazing! You, naturally, have amazing curves. I love that hourglass figure! As for your binder...you'll be happy when you no longer need it. I felt as if I could breath again and it made it easier to wear shirts. However, it felt as if I was forgetting something every time I left the house without it on.
Thank you! You are too sweet! I have a couple pair of breast-high Spanx but they don't support like the binder. Did you wear anything like that after you tossed the binder or were you good to go without any added support?
I wore a spanx tank for a week and then I just gave up. I felt free and my Dr. told me I didn't need it anymore. I was 3 weeks post-op when I stopped wearing mine. No more sweaty nights!
Awesome! I have to keep the binder for the full 6 weeks, per my PS. I'll have to see how the Spanx go. I may do the same thing you did! Lol
How does your scar feel? Do you still feel numb? Mine is hit or miss. I had a spray tan mishap and tried to scrub it off. I ended up rubbing myself raw because I couldn't feel it. However, 3 days later I had all of my feeling back. I'd say 2 months is a good milestone to feel almost 100%. It is so weird. Kind of felt like how you feel when your hand falls asleep or when your milk comes in. Tingly and very strange....
I'm still pretty numb, but I can tell the feeling is coming back. My breast scars are a little tender underneath. The vertical ones aren't tender at all. The areolar scars are slightly tender but what bothers me most is the nipple hypersensitivity. It's not horrible but I am quickly reminded when I put on and take off my bra. I'll be glad when the swelling of the mons and just above the incision goes away. I know it takes time and I'm a little impatient.
You look so beautiful. You have to be so happy!
Awww! Thank you! I'm very pleased thus far! Dr. Wendel is awesome!
Looking good. .. btw...love the yellow bathing suit.
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