Plastic surgery ?'s, advice?

Hi everyone, I just have a few questions or some advice to ask, some of it you don't even need to have had plastics yet, just kind of a what would you do sort of thing... So here's the situation... I have the money to do a TT, but they can also do the thighs, which I need to do cuz they are nasty, and I'd save myself a surgery and about 3000 dollars. Now if I can't borrow the money from my mom this won't even be an option but do you think I should just go ahead and do the TT ? then the other one later? Or should I wait until I have money and do them both together? (which would be may or aug cuz of school) I still have not got back to goal and maybe that's another reason to wait. I'm really unsure of what to do. I know saving the money and having one less surgery is a good thing (if you remember i had to have 2 emergency surgeries in jan and march of this year). But healing one thing at a time might be good too? I'm just so unsure of what to do. I really want the skin gone so much I think I'd take anything even though it might be better to wait, if you know what I mean? I might still do a breast augumentation and the arms too, I'm not sure, so it's not like this would be the last surgery ever! (probably!). I just know those 2 areas are must do's. My other question is to those who have done the plastics already, and that's how was the pain? worse than you thought? better? were you really okay to go in 2 weeks? I know this time of year is really perfect for it because no sun and no summer activities to miss out on etc.... And btw, if I do it now, it would be Dec. 28th I have tenatively scheduled. They wanted me to do Dec. 24th but I have to stay over and would get home xmas day, ick!!! And did you guys have to stay over night? That surprised me! I thought you got to go home right away Any advice greatly welcomed.... thanks! Hugs, Renee

Renee, I just had my lbl a month ago...went back to work this week and it's hard. This is due to massive swelling and just being exhausted. That's at a desk job. 2 weeks even for just a tummy tuck would be cutting it really close. Thighs are the hardest they say to heal from due to incision lines being harder to heal/close up in that area. You would need at least a month off to do that I think. Plus your legs tend to swell more w/ thighs. Make sure you post on the plastic surgery board also and see what people who have had both of those think there about recovery time and doing them together. Best of luck. Pain wasn't too bad w/ lower body lift. The swelling for me has been bad. Some people don't swell as much as I have. Karla

First of all congats!!! It's probably hard to tell right now but what do you think of it so far???? I'm sorry about the swelling... I've heard a lot of negative stuff on that and the fluid collection beying above and beyond. It scares me. Kind of makes me think I should take that xmas date for the 5 extra days!!!!! Unfortunately 3 weeks is only going to be the most I can ever get off until Dec. of 2009 when I graduate. I have heard bad stuff about the thighs healing too, and even the DR said that... said the scars tend to be thicker too from the pulling, stretching in that part. I actually only have a 3/4 schedule this next semester... full time if I add another internet class so that's probably the best I'm going to get lol. I will post on the plastic surgery board too see what they say. Thanks so much for the advice. Keep me posted on your results!!! I thought about doing the LBL too but I was stupid... I got a lower back tat (huge one) after I met goal.... and it would cut into it if I did that back part. Stupid stupid me!!!! I'm just hoping with the thighs and stomach skin lifted it will pull that area a little bit (at least it does when I PULL on those areas!! haha) The rest I'll have to try to the buns of steel work out!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hugs Karla!!! Hope you havd a speedy recovery and a great holiday! Renee

Renee, yes, I am happy so far, just ready to quit swelling and get out of the compression garment. My surgeon really did a great job. Karla

I just got to stop wearing the binder after 3 months. I am glad I wore it as long as he told me too, it really made a big difference so hang in there. I feel kinda odd without it and the support it provides and the sensation of clothing on my skin is very different than it was before. Glad to hear you are also on the mend!! ~Tiff

Renee, I had LBL in January 2007 and had 4 weeks off your younger so you should do fine, if you add the thighs you may be just fine but that seems to be the surgery with the most complications so you have to kind of weigh your options. I would say with your tt is a good time. I had upper arms, sides, boobs done in July and am just now feeling better. I would not combine anything upper and lower because you need your arms to get up and down and then reverse you need your legs and thighs to get up and down. Good luck with your decision its a hard one...... Tori

Renee I would say go for it! Not sure about the thighs as I can hide mine but the tummy I would definately do...I am jealous! I bet you will be fine recovering as long as you are not lifting.... Good luck! Hugs and love, Chris

I am just 3 months out from a hernia repair and skin removal. He put tons of mesh in my ab to make it tight and hard as part of the process. I still cant stand up completely straight and get tired easily. I traveled at 4 weeks out but had a friend along to completely deal with my super light carry on and checked in the rest. You move slow and will move slow for quite awhile and there will be lifting restrictions for a few months. It's different than the other surgery where we were retraining internal organs to function differently and adopt a new pattern. Here it's a physical change and different types of affects like tightness, limited mobility, slowness, swelling, wearing a binder - walking little ole lady-ish. I had little to no pain after the second day. As Tori said dont do botton and top at the same time cuz you'll need upper body strength when you do lower and vice versa. Pics are posted on my profile, I have more detailed ones I can send and talk more thru PM. Having a flat tummy makes everything else seem more acceptable, probably because I have something amazing to show off....but my thighs need lots of work and I will soon start work with a trainer and hopefully that will help. Happy to talk thru any questions...... ~Tiff

One more key point that is important in your immediate post op planning - drains. Realistically, they could be in for 2-3 weeks depending on how your surgeon approaches it. Mine were in for almost 2 weeks. It was summer and I had these baggy cotton dresses and was able to pin it up into the side seam. Skirts are key so start thinking now what you have to wear. They show in the pictures I have posted in my profile...those dangly things coming off my hips collecting bloody water...... And dont be surprised if you GAIN weight post op and hold it for awhile. The pants I wore before surgery were super tight 2 weeks post op - but now 3 months later, are almost too big. Everything will shift and fit differently. I'll likely think of more...and will send you more pics. ~Tiffany