Good morning MN -- brrrrrr!!

I'm curious if anyone can suggest a good plastic surgeon for a tummy tuck. I have decided that even if insurance won't pay, I'm sick of the extra skin!  It flops all over at Zumba and its driving me nuts... muffin top be gone!

I am espcially interested in knowing if anyone has done this new procedure:

Liboabdominoplasty by Dr. Shu in Edina?

I'm considering a Lower body lift, My bariatric doctor gave me this name......I've been told a tummy tuck can leave what they call dog ears on your sides, I was told it looks better to have a lower body lift, plus it would help my backside too, and it doesn't cost that much more....Good luck....I'm in the process of making an appt. with him, so I have not met him yet....Kelly

Meet Dr. Douglas L. Gervais – Minneapolis, Minnesota Cosmetic Surgeon

Since joining Minneapolis Plastic Surgery, LTD. in 1996, Dr. Douglas L. Gervais has established his reputation in the Minneapolis / St. Paul, Minnesota area and far beyond as an exceptional cosmetic surgeon. His education, experience, and gifted artistic eye have allowed thousands of patients to safely and effectively achieve their aesthetic goals.

Kelly I had the whole thing done 5 years ago and it was a big difference!! I am not sure about the dog ears but I heard that it can be a problem!!  I have never heard of this surgeon but I am sure you have done your research. Good Luck in your quest!!

I had my PS done by Dr. Tholen he is Dr. Gervais partner at Minneapolis Plastic Surdery.  They do a lot  of WLS patients and are familiar with our skin issues.  The office staff is great.   They do free consults.  I have had a Lower body lift and a face lift so far.  Will do the arms next.    Good luck.

I had a lower body lift and breast lift done by Dr. Michael Fasching at Westhealth in Plymouth.  I was/am very pleased with my results.  It's the best money I ever spent!  No dog flaps or ears here!  He went all the way around and up the front.  I had it done back in 2004.

I also had Dr. Fasching for a TT and arm lift in December.  I haven't seen the final results yet but am happy with what I see so far (swelling goes on for a looooong time).  I had some complications (infections and excessive swelling) and he and his staff were great.  Never paid extra for the additional visits and care and he is going to do a revision in april on my tt incision for free - it got a little messed up because of the infections.  He is a very caring doctor.

One thing his staff said to me that resonated - "he will make sure you are happy"

There are lots of very good PS's in the area to choose from.  I only saw Dr. F for a consult because he was so strongly recommended, has been Top Doc in the twin cities for umpteen years, made me feel so comfortable and - I know this shouldn't matter, but it sure helped - he was located in a convenient location for me. 

I was actually unemployed in december but I just couldn't cancel this surgery.  I already had the money put aside and am so glad I went ahead with it.  I ended up having to cash out part of a 401k to pay the bills, but it was so worth it.  (I now have a job and all is good).

I hear you on the slapping around during exercise - that was the number one reason I had it done!  NO MORE SLAPPING NOW!  Love that!

Do you have pics of your arms before/after?  I am going to have mine done as soon as possible and am really curious to see pics :)

yes, I do have pics - just took some 2 month pics, thanks for the push!

they are on www.makemeheal.com website - a great resource for plastic surgery!

my username is ajordan

album password is newjordan

I am still pretty swollen I think - I sure hope!  And my arm scars actually look worse now than they did at 13 days but I hear that's what happens - things get worse before they get better.

Ok.. couple more questions for you - sorry!

Did you do the lower body lift?  How long were you off work? 

How long did you need to take off for the Brachioplasty and where did you get yours done?

Final question Where did you get them done and what was the approximate cost?

Thank you - p.s. you look WONDERFUL!!!

Stephanie

No problem!  Ask all the questions you like.

I did an extended tummy tuck with muscle repair (they tighten your ab muscles).  No lower body lift - my PS said I didn't need one. 

I was laid off at the time but got a job and was back to work 4 weeks out.  A lot of dr.'s will say 2 weeks but there is no way I could have gone back any sooner than 4.  I had some complications though (infections and excess fluid accumulation) that probably delayed my healing a bit.  A lot of people on the makemeheal boards do go back after 2 weeks and are completely exhausted for weeks.  I know my first week at work was only 2 days and it about killed me.  It was probably 8 weeks before I wasn't tired after a day at work.

The arm lift I could easily have been back at work 2 weeks out. It was the tt that kicked my butt.  I had to have my arms drained three times (no big deal, can't feel it). 

Dr. Michael Fasching in Plymouth.

$12k for both, outpatient at WestHealth.  Paid extra for the pain pump - totally worth it.

I don't think you can see the scar when my arms are down or just drinking a glass of water, but def can see it when I raise my arms up.  I do a lot of classes at the Y and wear a tank top.  I don't give a crap if people see it - I am actually proud of my arms and battle scars and funny thing is, no one has even mentioned it.  If they have noticed I can't tell.  The only time I know someone noticed it was when I was in the ER with my husband a couple weeks ago and I lifted my arm up (short sleeves).  The nurse's eyes wandered to look at it but he didn't say a word.

I would have this surgery done even if the scars stayed red and noticable forever.  I am so happy to be rid of the jiggly fat that it is totally worth the price.

The best part is doing jumping jacks and my belly doesn't move or slap or anything!  I often thought "if I had to pick tt or arms, which would it be?"  I honestly couldn't decide between the two because they were both so important to me.

good luck and ask all the questions you like!
Amelia