POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews
i didn't make it to the flat side :( - Wellesley, MA
ORIGINAL POST
So many mixed feelings... First time writing and...
$11,710
So many mixed feelings... First time writing and honestly, I never thought I would. I guess, trying to figure out what went wrong. So here it goes...
I am a happy, energetic, perky, sassy, fit, 5' 4", happily marriage, 49 years young Latina woman, 133 lbs TT day, now 130. I work out hard core, M to F 5 times a week, no excuses.
I discovered this page 5/1/16 and I have been reading it ever since then daily. Personally PS, it is about improving yourself, fixing the things that have bothered you since you were little or changed your body the way it was before you had babies.
I had a nose job back in 2005. I had and paid 3 different consults and went back to Dr. #1. Amazing surgeon Dr. Cochran in Boston, but he is retired now. I got exactly what he said I would. He removed a bump on it and left it completed it straight. Just perfect!
Ever since my emergency appendix surgery at age 11, that went wrong, (it left a dent that looks like a second bigger belly button on the right side of my belly) I have hated my funny looking belly!! :( After two C-sections (now 14 and 17 years old girls) that left my appendix incision almost meeting the happy face of C-sections, I had wanted a tummy tuck really badly. Late March 2016, I learned we were staying home for April school vacation, so I knew it was now or never. I had to act fast, since there was no time to waste. I booked two consults, Dr. Driscoll April 8 and Dr. Howrigan that I canceled her after I saw Dr. D. since I was 100% satisfied with what I had heard.
I was highly recommended by a family doctor to get it done by Dr. Driscoll, the CHIEF of surgeons at a top hospital here in Boston, just 35 min from my house. I had my cons with him on 04/08/16. I wanted three things out of TT surgery and Lipo, I told Dr. Driscoll: Flat belly (obviously), appendix scar gone and give me a more curvy look. He told me: "MY BEST option would be an Umbilical Float Abdominoplasty". Which means belly button stay intact, just 2 cm. under original position. Plus liposuction on flanks. We talked about my fear of anesthesia that always make me so sick. He suggested to spent 24 hrs in the hospital to prevent that from happening.
I left so happy and excited, finally, I would have the belly I had dreamed of since I was 11 years old.
Within a few days, surgery was scheduled for April 19, 2016 school vacation week. It didn't even cross my mind to get a second opinion or question his decision, I trusted him 200%.
Everything went GREAT, better than I ever thought possible. He has angel hands. His staff is amazing, caring and kind. One night spent at N&W Hospital worth every cent. I followed every single post instruction to the T. I even rented a hospital bed for a month that helped tremendously. I wore that binder 24/7 for 8 weeks, then continued to wear it around the house and to sleep. I had my followed up appointment on June 7, before I left over seas June 11, almost two months after surgery.
Based on everything I read here and other websites, and dozens of videos I saw in YouTube, plus gym friends that had it done, my understanding was: "a full time tuck hip to hip, (not a mini tuck: small incision) IT WAS A GIVEN TO HAVE ALL wall muscle tightened UPPER (which I didn't) and LOWER belly".
At that time of the follow up appointment June 7, 2016 I expressed to him my disappointment of learning that my upper abdominal muscle were NOT TIGHTENED, I told him: "it looked like I have a muffin top now". He told me: "upper abdomen muscle tightened take a longer recovery, you didn't need it and when the swelling settle, everything would look proportion, be patient, you had major surgery".
Everything was going well, still pretty bulge and swelling, but normal he said, so I left for the summer over seas June 11. Within 10 days or so of arriving, the swelling/bulging was so bad that now I looked round, I looked pregnant! I went to see a PS in Beirut Dr. Jaklis on June 23 (just the CAPITAL of PS) he told me: it looks like I may have Seroma (fluid between the skin and the abdominal wall). He recommended an ultrasound to be sure. The next day I saw a OB-GYN-PS, Dr. Khouzami, he performed an ultrasound and injected a needle inside my belly to be sure, he said: "no Seroma" just "gas". He put me on medication to regulate me, big surprised to me because I wasn't constipated. Swelling went down some. At least I wasn't feeling blowed all the time and I no longer looked or feel pregnant. I just look like a 49 years old woman with a belly.
Swelling never ceased, belly has NEVER been flat.
As soon as I came back in USA, I went for my followed up appointment, 9/7/16, 4 and 1/2 months since my surgery. This time he took photos, which clearly show: by far I DON'T HAVE A FLAT BELLY UPPER OR LOWER OR CURVES!! "The swelling is almost gone", he said, so this is it, this is what my TT looked like!!?????? :( He suggested Lipo to correct "imperfection", I said: thanks, but no thank. Lipo was very painful and unconformable, it took over 3 months to feel pain free.
When I left his office, I cry all the way home, WTH went wrong? I am not over weight, I am fit, I should be one of those success stories easy! I don't understand, how did I get here? I didn't go through all that pain, recovering time, pain and suffering to my husband (time off from work) and girls, not to mention the huge expense, to look just "better". And honestly, first time around hubby was all for it, "what ever makes you happy", he said, but to go through this again? I don't think so, I know, he is going to freak out!!
Am I dreaming? Please wake me up from this Plastic Surgery night mare!! I dream of a normal flat belly since I was 11 years old girl, I waited 38 years for this!! I wanted so bad to wear bikinis like my friends did :( Teenager years I spent them hiding my funny looking belly.
I did everything by the book, I didn't fly to some third world country to get it done (no offense to some of you ladies that got amazing results), I wore that stupid binder religiously, no gym for 7 weeks, and took it easy for several weeks after that since I was on vacation for the whole summer. Sure, we worked hard unpacking and cleaning when we arrived, but it only lasted 2 to 3 days. I don't smoke or drink, I made sure to eat extra healthy around my recovery time, no salt, drink lots of water, I rested a lot, I babied that incision like a new born, I am on my 4th tube of New Gel + E scar cream.
To all the ladies out there planning to have a TT or any other PS please, please take with you "dream" photos, ask a million questions, please don't assume like I did, because you had educated yourself in the subject, it doesn't mean you two are on the same page. I am type A personality, I rarely make life decisions mistakes because I am very meticulous. Trust me if this happen to me, it can happen to anybody.
Please advise what did you ladies look like at 5 months post TT? Did this happen to any one?
Advise Doctors please, what is going on? What do you think happen? Can it be fix? I really don't want to go under again, but it seems I don't have a choice if I want upper muscles to be tightened and lower to be fix?????
So sorry all, I am embarrassed for writing so long, but I know I needed to give out all the facts to understand where I am at. Thank you!
I am a happy, energetic, perky, sassy, fit, 5' 4", happily marriage, 49 years young Latina woman, 133 lbs TT day, now 130. I work out hard core, M to F 5 times a week, no excuses.
I discovered this page 5/1/16 and I have been reading it ever since then daily. Personally PS, it is about improving yourself, fixing the things that have bothered you since you were little or changed your body the way it was before you had babies.
I had a nose job back in 2005. I had and paid 3 different consults and went back to Dr. #1. Amazing surgeon Dr. Cochran in Boston, but he is retired now. I got exactly what he said I would. He removed a bump on it and left it completed it straight. Just perfect!
Ever since my emergency appendix surgery at age 11, that went wrong, (it left a dent that looks like a second bigger belly button on the right side of my belly) I have hated my funny looking belly!! :( After two C-sections (now 14 and 17 years old girls) that left my appendix incision almost meeting the happy face of C-sections, I had wanted a tummy tuck really badly. Late March 2016, I learned we were staying home for April school vacation, so I knew it was now or never. I had to act fast, since there was no time to waste. I booked two consults, Dr. Driscoll April 8 and Dr. Howrigan that I canceled her after I saw Dr. D. since I was 100% satisfied with what I had heard.
I was highly recommended by a family doctor to get it done by Dr. Driscoll, the CHIEF of surgeons at a top hospital here in Boston, just 35 min from my house. I had my cons with him on 04/08/16. I wanted three things out of TT surgery and Lipo, I told Dr. Driscoll: Flat belly (obviously), appendix scar gone and give me a more curvy look. He told me: "MY BEST option would be an Umbilical Float Abdominoplasty". Which means belly button stay intact, just 2 cm. under original position. Plus liposuction on flanks. We talked about my fear of anesthesia that always make me so sick. He suggested to spent 24 hrs in the hospital to prevent that from happening.
I left so happy and excited, finally, I would have the belly I had dreamed of since I was 11 years old.
Within a few days, surgery was scheduled for April 19, 2016 school vacation week. It didn't even cross my mind to get a second opinion or question his decision, I trusted him 200%.
Everything went GREAT, better than I ever thought possible. He has angel hands. His staff is amazing, caring and kind. One night spent at N&W Hospital worth every cent. I followed every single post instruction to the T. I even rented a hospital bed for a month that helped tremendously. I wore that binder 24/7 for 8 weeks, then continued to wear it around the house and to sleep. I had my followed up appointment on June 7, before I left over seas June 11, almost two months after surgery.
Based on everything I read here and other websites, and dozens of videos I saw in YouTube, plus gym friends that had it done, my understanding was: "a full time tuck hip to hip, (not a mini tuck: small incision) IT WAS A GIVEN TO HAVE ALL wall muscle tightened UPPER (which I didn't) and LOWER belly".
At that time of the follow up appointment June 7, 2016 I expressed to him my disappointment of learning that my upper abdominal muscle were NOT TIGHTENED, I told him: "it looked like I have a muffin top now". He told me: "upper abdomen muscle tightened take a longer recovery, you didn't need it and when the swelling settle, everything would look proportion, be patient, you had major surgery".
Everything was going well, still pretty bulge and swelling, but normal he said, so I left for the summer over seas June 11. Within 10 days or so of arriving, the swelling/bulging was so bad that now I looked round, I looked pregnant! I went to see a PS in Beirut Dr. Jaklis on June 23 (just the CAPITAL of PS) he told me: it looks like I may have Seroma (fluid between the skin and the abdominal wall). He recommended an ultrasound to be sure. The next day I saw a OB-GYN-PS, Dr. Khouzami, he performed an ultrasound and injected a needle inside my belly to be sure, he said: "no Seroma" just "gas". He put me on medication to regulate me, big surprised to me because I wasn't constipated. Swelling went down some. At least I wasn't feeling blowed all the time and I no longer looked or feel pregnant. I just look like a 49 years old woman with a belly.
Swelling never ceased, belly has NEVER been flat.
As soon as I came back in USA, I went for my followed up appointment, 9/7/16, 4 and 1/2 months since my surgery. This time he took photos, which clearly show: by far I DON'T HAVE A FLAT BELLY UPPER OR LOWER OR CURVES!! "The swelling is almost gone", he said, so this is it, this is what my TT looked like!!?????? :( He suggested Lipo to correct "imperfection", I said: thanks, but no thank. Lipo was very painful and unconformable, it took over 3 months to feel pain free.
When I left his office, I cry all the way home, WTH went wrong? I am not over weight, I am fit, I should be one of those success stories easy! I don't understand, how did I get here? I didn't go through all that pain, recovering time, pain and suffering to my husband (time off from work) and girls, not to mention the huge expense, to look just "better". And honestly, first time around hubby was all for it, "what ever makes you happy", he said, but to go through this again? I don't think so, I know, he is going to freak out!!
Am I dreaming? Please wake me up from this Plastic Surgery night mare!! I dream of a normal flat belly since I was 11 years old girl, I waited 38 years for this!! I wanted so bad to wear bikinis like my friends did :( Teenager years I spent them hiding my funny looking belly.
I did everything by the book, I didn't fly to some third world country to get it done (no offense to some of you ladies that got amazing results), I wore that stupid binder religiously, no gym for 7 weeks, and took it easy for several weeks after that since I was on vacation for the whole summer. Sure, we worked hard unpacking and cleaning when we arrived, but it only lasted 2 to 3 days. I don't smoke or drink, I made sure to eat extra healthy around my recovery time, no salt, drink lots of water, I rested a lot, I babied that incision like a new born, I am on my 4th tube of New Gel + E scar cream.
To all the ladies out there planning to have a TT or any other PS please, please take with you "dream" photos, ask a million questions, please don't assume like I did, because you had educated yourself in the subject, it doesn't mean you two are on the same page. I am type A personality, I rarely make life decisions mistakes because I am very meticulous. Trust me if this happen to me, it can happen to anybody.
Please advise what did you ladies look like at 5 months post TT? Did this happen to any one?
Advise Doctors please, what is going on? What do you think happen? Can it be fix? I really don't want to go under again, but it seems I don't have a choice if I want upper muscles to be tightened and lower to be fix?????
So sorry all, I am embarrassed for writing so long, but I know I needed to give out all the facts to understand where I am at. Thank you!
Latina1967's provider
Replies (5)
September 24, 2016
I hate to hear an unhappy story:( I haven't had my procedure yet. I had 7 consults before I Picked my PS which 3 of the 7 was with the chosen doctor. I have been reading and researching since before I started my PS search. Just on my thoughts it sound like your PS should have gave you a muscle repair. I have read at least 100 reviews and all the ones with results like yours did not get muscles repaired. After pregnancies the muscles stretch wide so a TT alone won't give you flat results.
September 24, 2016
Exactly my thoughts Neisha. Thank you for your comment. Good luck with your procedure
September 26, 2016
If you want a doctor's advice I think you need to ask some specific questions on the Q&A page.
September 26, 2016
Hi Irish for sure that is next. For now I am gathering more information. Meeting with a
Nutritionist and private trainer this week. Maybe I am naive, but I would like to believe something can be done old school. Will do Q&A page later this week. Wish me luck! Thanks I appreciate your input ☺️
Nutritionist and private trainer this week. Maybe I am naive, but I would like to believe something can be done old school. Will do Q&A page later this week. Wish me luck! Thanks I appreciate your input ☺️
October 9, 2016
Sorry your going through this. All the money spent and time healing, you should expect to be flat. I noticed in your after picture you still have your belly button ring hole. I had the same ring hole and my sergeon pulled from that hole all the way down and cut off. I'm wondering why your sergeon left all that skin on you? I wonder if he only did a mini TT on you? Im small like you and didn't have a ton of skin and he still was able to take all the skin off.
October 13, 2016
Hi Allison, base on Doctor's answers and a second opinion that I had, he didn't tight my upper muscles, and he wasn't aggressive enough with my lower. With all the swelling I experienced and I still have, it didn't help the lower belly, my skin got stretched out, and I am not flat at all. He did an umbilical float TT, which means he moved my belly b. two inches down, that's why he didn't touch the piercing. Instead he should had done a FULL TT with a new belly b. with uppers and lowers tighten. I think you right, for sure I had more skin to pull down and cut. Now, I am working out like a mad woman with a personal trainer. I will post photos soon. So far nothing impressive :( Gravity just take over as we age, the only thing that works is Plastic Surgery, and we know how that one turned out for me. Thank you for your kind words :) I am going to read your profile now :)
October 25, 2016
I would definitely change your rating on your doctor. Despite his "kind" demeanor he was obviously lazy and didn't do your TT correctly by not tightening ALL your abdominal muscles. In fact I've never heard of a surgeon doing a tummy tuck to only do the lower portion? Sorry for all the sorrow you are going through. Might want to consider a revision TT with a better surgeon.
October 30, 2016
Hi Ambition, I agreed with you that I was generous with my rating. Despite everything, I am greatfull that I didn't have issues with my incision like infections, opening, etc, etc. I am waiting a year to fully heal, this time I am consulting as many times as needed to make sure we are on the same page, and I get a full TT from my chest down. Despite everything, I believe Dr. Driscoll is a great surgeon that made the wrong call with me. I haven't read your story yet, I don't know what you had done yet, but plastic surgery in the wrong hands can almost kill you. Thank you for your comment and support!
November 27, 2016
I am so sorry you had to go through so much. I have had a long journey also. I totally agree with you Dr Driscoll is an amazing surgeon. I had some results I didn't like and he fixed them for me. I also had some complications from scars that I knew about before the surgery. I just had my last surgery a few weeks ago and so far I am pleased with my results. I know how you feel about the disappointment. It is hard to deal with. I agree Lipo sucks. I will never get anything liposuctioned ever again. It was so painful. But now I am glad I did. No more side boobs. I hope you can find someone to help you. I stuck with him because I believed in him. And because I know he is a great surgeon. I had no infections or any of that stuff that I see others have gone through. Good Luck.
December 1, 2016
Hi Fixerupper74, so happy to meet an other Dr. Driscoll's girl! Because you know him, I feel you totally get what I mean. I know, he will do right by me. I have a follow up in February 2017. I believe in him. I just read your story, you poor thing. We see soooo many happy stories here in Realself, youtube and other places that we just don't spend time wondering if it just us unhappy with our results, we know for a fact that things didn't turn out the way they were supposed. I hope you no longer suffer from back aches, and your boobies are looking spectacular! Keep us posted it, please add new photos with final results. Good Luck!
March 29, 2017
Thanks. I am excited for you. My boobs are doing wonderful!! I could not be happier!! It is so great. They are nice and small. I wish I was brave enough to do a tt But that ish hurts. Omg. I could not take that lipo. But I am not gonna lie I love the results from it. No under arm boobs. Good luck to you my friend.
April 14, 2017
Hi fixerupper74, so happy for you and your results! That is wonderful, keep up the good job with a healthy diet and exercise. Take care :)
UPDATED FROM Latina1967
11 months post
"50 Grades of Gray in Plastic Surgery Gone Wrong"
Ladies please, be aware, plastic surgery IS NOT black or white! In fact there are "50 Grades of Gray." I had my 10 months (and so I was told) final followed up TT on 2/15/17. Every time I go there, Dr. Driscoll managed to sent me home depressed, that it takes me weeks to bounce back :(
Pretty much was like: "don't let the door hit you on your butt in the way out."
Talk about dissatisfied, and pretty hideous by anyone's standards job! I was told, it is what it is. "You are an Apple shaped woman with a short torse and long skinny legs, that accumulate all fats around your waist" Helloooooo, Isn't why I got a TT?
"You gain 5 lbs every winter Dr. Driscoll said, that if you were to keep it off, it would show on your core".
Facts: I was 133 lbs at time of surgery. I am 5' 4" size 6, 135 lbs (at my highest during winter) which by all standards make me "normal". To make a point, I just LOST 5 lbs, I am 130 at the moment, 3 lbs less than before surgery.
He agreed with me that I didn't get the WOW factor and he didn't communicated with me at all. In fact, let's face it, I have NOTHING to show for! He said: "he would be happy to refer me to someone if I would like to get liposuction done." He also said if I continue to gain weight around my belly's fascia, I will end up with diabetes or any others fat waist issues". Thanks a lot Dr. Driscoll! For the record, I love my skinny legs, I am happy with my weight, anything under 128 lbs makes my face look anorexic. Sure, weight gain, aging, sagging skin, etc, etc, will affect a TT over the years, but this lower TT HAS NEVER BEEN FLAT!
Why did I get a $12,000 tummy tuck to begin with? I went though pain, suffering, risks, downtime and a huge expense, not to mention the emotional roller coaster that I am left with.... for what? I am beyond disappointed, I am appalled of how I got nothing, but excuses to cover up his lousy so called Tummy Tuck. Imaging being bold and going for hair implant and come out a year later as bold as you were in, really? Or have a root canal, post and crown to ended up pulling the tooth due to Dr's negligence, are you kidding me?
Lower belly: TT I still have lots of extra skin which looked like I never had a TT at all. I have a roll above the navel. At time of TT my belly button went down 2 inches, which it gave me extra skin on the sides that stick out like mass of fat in both side (where my waist supposed to be). When I am sitting, I have 4 layers of fat just hanging in there, front and sides. Unacceptable results, IT IS CLEAR TO ANYONE'S STANDARDS that I need a revision to get a true tummy tuck, with tightening of upper and lower muscles plus Lipo to waist... Dr. Driscoll, see here before and after photos from "apple shape" ladies done by your colleagues, some of them are even on the heavy side. It can totally be done, specially on my particular case that I was only 133 lbs.
Doctor Driscoll shame on you for such a lousy job, shame on you for blaming it on my apple shape and even worse how you brushed me off as a patient, shame on you, you screwed up as simple as that!
Pretty much was like: "don't let the door hit you on your butt in the way out."
Talk about dissatisfied, and pretty hideous by anyone's standards job! I was told, it is what it is. "You are an Apple shaped woman with a short torse and long skinny legs, that accumulate all fats around your waist" Helloooooo, Isn't why I got a TT?
"You gain 5 lbs every winter Dr. Driscoll said, that if you were to keep it off, it would show on your core".
Facts: I was 133 lbs at time of surgery. I am 5' 4" size 6, 135 lbs (at my highest during winter) which by all standards make me "normal". To make a point, I just LOST 5 lbs, I am 130 at the moment, 3 lbs less than before surgery.
He agreed with me that I didn't get the WOW factor and he didn't communicated with me at all. In fact, let's face it, I have NOTHING to show for! He said: "he would be happy to refer me to someone if I would like to get liposuction done." He also said if I continue to gain weight around my belly's fascia, I will end up with diabetes or any others fat waist issues". Thanks a lot Dr. Driscoll! For the record, I love my skinny legs, I am happy with my weight, anything under 128 lbs makes my face look anorexic. Sure, weight gain, aging, sagging skin, etc, etc, will affect a TT over the years, but this lower TT HAS NEVER BEEN FLAT!
Why did I get a $12,000 tummy tuck to begin with? I went though pain, suffering, risks, downtime and a huge expense, not to mention the emotional roller coaster that I am left with.... for what? I am beyond disappointed, I am appalled of how I got nothing, but excuses to cover up his lousy so called Tummy Tuck. Imaging being bold and going for hair implant and come out a year later as bold as you were in, really? Or have a root canal, post and crown to ended up pulling the tooth due to Dr's negligence, are you kidding me?
Lower belly: TT I still have lots of extra skin which looked like I never had a TT at all. I have a roll above the navel. At time of TT my belly button went down 2 inches, which it gave me extra skin on the sides that stick out like mass of fat in both side (where my waist supposed to be). When I am sitting, I have 4 layers of fat just hanging in there, front and sides. Unacceptable results, IT IS CLEAR TO ANYONE'S STANDARDS that I need a revision to get a true tummy tuck, with tightening of upper and lower muscles plus Lipo to waist... Dr. Driscoll, see here before and after photos from "apple shape" ladies done by your colleagues, some of them are even on the heavy side. It can totally be done, specially on my particular case that I was only 133 lbs.
Doctor Driscoll shame on you for such a lousy job, shame on you for blaming it on my apple shape and even worse how you brushed me off as a patient, shame on you, you screwed up as simple as that!
Replies (4)
March 17, 2017
Just to play devil's advocate the doctor cannot be 100% wrong. He said you did not need muscle repair. Did any of your other PS consults tell you that you did?
He said given your body type you will always gain weight in your core. I think he was saying that you might lose weight evenly all over but when you gain it tends to be your core. For me it's my breasts. So even if you are 130 if you went up and down you might still gain within your core. I went from a C cup to an E by gaining and losing weight in my twenties. Have you been measuring yourself over this period of time to see where the inches are coming and going from?
Your before pictures do show that you do not have much of a waist. Were you hoping for a more hour glass figure? Did you tell him? Because I don't think you'd get it without lipo. I am an hour glass and post TT it is very accentuated particularly given the pregnancy hip expansion.
As for others, you can be flat post TT but end up more rounded if you have a lot of viseral fat i.e. fat around your organs. They can get rid of subcutaneous fat but not viseral. This means that initially your tightened skin is holding it down but eventually the skin stretches and this fat pushes back out. If they have ruled out swelling and seroma then it could be this. This may be what he is alluding to. Has this been discussed that with you by any of the doctors you consulted?
i see you asked a Q&A but it did not get much of a response . Why not ask again? You might get more input from other doctors?
As for others, over on the Sept-Oct 2016 forum we are discussing some lack lustre results. See https://www.realself.com/forum/september-october-2016-tummy-tuckers-check.
I say get a second opinion and don't accept this has been your last visit to this doctor. They all tell us 12 months so it "ain't over until it is over".
He said given your body type you will always gain weight in your core. I think he was saying that you might lose weight evenly all over but when you gain it tends to be your core. For me it's my breasts. So even if you are 130 if you went up and down you might still gain within your core. I went from a C cup to an E by gaining and losing weight in my twenties. Have you been measuring yourself over this period of time to see where the inches are coming and going from?
Your before pictures do show that you do not have much of a waist. Were you hoping for a more hour glass figure? Did you tell him? Because I don't think you'd get it without lipo. I am an hour glass and post TT it is very accentuated particularly given the pregnancy hip expansion.
As for others, you can be flat post TT but end up more rounded if you have a lot of viseral fat i.e. fat around your organs. They can get rid of subcutaneous fat but not viseral. This means that initially your tightened skin is holding it down but eventually the skin stretches and this fat pushes back out. If they have ruled out swelling and seroma then it could be this. This may be what he is alluding to. Has this been discussed that with you by any of the doctors you consulted?
i see you asked a Q&A but it did not get much of a response . Why not ask again? You might get more input from other doctors?
As for others, over on the Sept-Oct 2016 forum we are discussing some lack lustre results. See https://www.realself.com/forum/september-october-2016-tummy-tuckers-check.
I say get a second opinion and don't accept this has been your last visit to this doctor. They all tell us 12 months so it "ain't over until it is over".
March 18, 2017
Hi Irish thanks for your input. Yes, I had 2 Plastic Surgeons consults 3 months after TT while I thought I had a seroma since swelling wasn't going any where. Both surgeons said they would had given me a full body contour: "full TT with upper muscles tightening, liposuction all around to give me curves". Also, recently I had a PS cons for Cool Sculpting on my belly and waist of course. He too agreed he would had done full tummy upper and lower plus Lipo all around to make me glass shape", which is what I said I wanted out of surgery at my cons with Dr. Driscoll back in April 2016. Yes Irish, Dr. Driscoll did talk to me about visceral fat on my last followed up 9/15/17, 11 MONTHS AFTER MY TT, a little bit to late don't you think?? Visceral fat is a VERY IMPORTANT FACT in PS that definitely needs to be talk about on our first PS consul. We need to hear it, SPECIALLY on tummy tuck apple shape ladies like me. If he would had mentioned to me at our first visit, for sure no doubt, I would had gone for a second opinion and kept my appointment with top notch Dr. Howrigan.
Ever since I learned about visceral fat, I had cut down on sweets, got myself a Fitbit, I am counting calories, I lost 5 lbs in a month and I am going to get cool sculpting procedure done over seas this summer and of course continue to work out 5 times a week Monday to Friday. No doubt Irish that I only gain weight around my waistline.
I have a degree in business NOT plastic surgery. It is the surgeons job to advise, explain, show us what "REAL" expectation we can get out of surgery. Viseral fat or NOT I know I got a trashy job.... period!!!!
Ever since I learned about visceral fat, I had cut down on sweets, got myself a Fitbit, I am counting calories, I lost 5 lbs in a month and I am going to get cool sculpting procedure done over seas this summer and of course continue to work out 5 times a week Monday to Friday. No doubt Irish that I only gain weight around my waistline.
I have a degree in business NOT plastic surgery. It is the surgeons job to advise, explain, show us what "REAL" expectation we can get out of surgery. Viseral fat or NOT I know I got a trashy job.... period!!!!
March 18, 2017
claudettec best of luck with your procedure! :) Thank you for taking the time to read my story.
March 20, 2017
I know the feeling! I had a hematoma that was evacuated 4 weeks post op. I have a significant lower belly bulge now 4 months out. It is really discouraging. My PS has me returning in 2 months to see if it resolves. He said If not he would Lipo it out. (Wasn't that the point of the first surgery which included no Lipo?). I don't want more surgery and have no idea what my financial responsibility would be in that.
I lost nearly 100 pounds the old fashioned way before my surgery. I thought I would have an easy great result too. Good luck.
I lost nearly 100 pounds the old fashioned way before my surgery. I thought I would have an easy great result too. Good luck.
March 31, 2017
So sorry this happened to you! Im apple shape to but have always managed to stay slim until recently after having a baby in my late 30's. 5'6 currently 140lbs but most of my adult life around 130lbs, large chest (34F, boo) & a belly, long skinny legs. I have seen many successful tt pics on apple shape. If visceral fat is an issue than PS's should recommend patients get their visceral fat measured beforehand & explain the possible poor tt results that "could" happen w/high visceral & tt's. I imagine anyone having multiple pregnanies should have ALL muscles in stomach tightened.
I hope you can find a good PS that can help u.
I hope you can find a good PS that can help u.
April 1, 2017
Hi HateMyBoods2, thank you so much for your input, you got it, that's exactly how I feel :( Omygosh girl 34F, you poor thing, right there you would lose 10 lbs after your BR. Good luck with your procedure :)
April 14, 2017
Hi cjh1207 I feel your pain and disappointment, I know it sucks! You hang in there, you keep up the amazing job with your weight, don't give up. When we are at the right weight, and fat is only local like us only belly, we could try cool sculpting, I had 3 consults and I am getting it done this summer over seas because is way cheaper. Go and get a consult, it is cheaper than Plastic Surgery. Good luck :)
July 12, 2017
Sorry about your experience but a lot of doctors recommend lipo and TT to get the best results, your dr should have done the same but on a lighter note, your scar looks amazing
July 12, 2017
Hi tatewall1o, I know what you mean, the scar did heal well. Too bad I can go around showing it to proved to certain people that I did have a "lower" TT and Lipo since it doesn't show. I appreciate your input, thanks.
Replies (5)
March 17, 2017
I think you definitely needed lipo on your flanks to shape your waist. You did not have any did you? Was that his or your decision?
March 18, 2017
Hi Irish, YESSSSSSSS HE DID!!! He did lipo on my flanks, I was in pain for 3 months to prove it. Other than that, obviously he wasn't aggressive enough. I know, it doesn't show :( :(
April 1, 2017
No I have not posted a story of my TT. Right now I am recovering from a FL so mt TT is not really on my mind.
Latina1967 I cannot believe he lipo'd your waist and that was the result. I know there is a limit to how much they can do without risking skin necrosis but you look like nothing was done at all. You don't look 130 lbs. I would kill to be 130 lbs. I don't blame you for being disappointed.
Latina1967 I cannot believe he lipo'd your waist and that was the result. I know there is a limit to how much they can do without risking skin necrosis but you look like nothing was done at all. You don't look 130 lbs. I would kill to be 130 lbs. I don't blame you for being disappointed.
April 1, 2017
Irish what is FL? I know right? I don't look 130 lbs!!!! :( :( :( How sad is that?
March 20, 2017
Hi sorry to say but that's the reason I'm going out of the country to get mine done 1- they are expensive 2- they leaving you looking like you never had anything done I live in Boston and I'm out on 4/16 to DR
March 22, 2017
Hi centenojessica31 I think you right, foreigner doctors seems to be way more aggressive, especially with lipo. I had the option to had it done overseas (Beirut, Lebanon just the capital of Plastic Surgery), but so many things can go wrong. If everything goes as plan, you right it is way cheaper, but if something goes wrong, you are very much on your own away from home, family and friends. One thing that scary me tones is sterilization, overseas there are no rules and protocols to follow and the risk of getting an infection is huge. Do your homework honey, check that the doctor doesn't have any malo practice lawsuits, and demand to see before and after photos. Find other patients that had it done by this Doctor, reach out to them, find out where they did their recovery. We are so vulnerable and weak after surgery. Best of luck with your procedure!
April 2, 2017
I have done my homework I know ppl that has done it with the dr and also looked very deep into her profile name clinic everything I feel very comfortable going over seas
April 2, 2017
That is awesome centenojessica31! Good luck with your procedure, keep us posted it. I will start following you :)
April 2, 2017
a facelift Iris how brave! That's my birthday gift when I turn 60 :) I wish you a pain free and fast recovery. Please share before and after photos.
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. I hope you find the support you need here in the community.
We love our realself junkies:)