Age a Factor???

I would like to hear from women in their mid 50's who have had breast reduction and/or extended abdominalplasty.  I realize the older one is, the tougher surgery is for them. This has me anxious.
Do we feel more pain and recover slower than our younger counterparts?
I am also concerned about the cause for so many people feeling nauseous. What's that all about and how do you cope? Any vomitting involved?  Just call me a worry wart, but the unexpected is worse than the now knowing.  I appreciate anyone's help *****sponds. Thanks!!  Jeanine

I'm kinda in the middle age-wise, so I can't tell you first hand, but skin elasticity and healing tend to be a bigger issue as we age. Bigger issues here are how much you're having done at once, and how much skin, and how invasive your surgeon's approach is.

My doc prescibed some kind of nausea meds but I didn't take them-- I am not a yakker by nature. I ate just fine, starting right after the surgery itself.

Hi
One week before turning 52 I had a breast reduction and lift.  It was a piece of cake for me.  No major pain, no issues, healed beautifully!

Nauseousness could happen to anyone after anesthesia but they have great meds now-a-days that they give you prior to waking up that pretty much eliminates it.  Works great for me....I used to get very nauseous after surgery (even in my 20's), hasn't happened in ages. Also, some pain killers can make you nauseous...just depends on the individual I guess.

FYI - Having "the girls" done was the best thing I did for myself ever!!!!

Ruth

Aaaahaaaaaaaaaaaa Well then I pray I have equally as easy a time. Thank you for sharing that info.  Jeanine

Hi Jeanine -

I'm 56 and had a lower body lift last December.  Maybe I'm just one of the lucky ones, but I had surgery starting at 7:30 a.m and left for home by 2:30 that same afternoon.  I took a few pain meds for the first few days, but healed quickly and went back to work after 3 weeks. 

I never felt nauseous, but I'm not a yakker either and rarely get sick.

It's okay to worry and ask lots of questions!  The biggest thing to remember is that it's different for everyone, and you know best how you deal with pain and how fast you typically heal.

Good luck!

~ BJ

OK great...these are the things I need to hear. Thank you so much for sharing. We are the smae age and I have had 2 C-sections, hysterectomy, gallbaldder out and the RNY...I think I'll survive this!  LOL  Jeanine

Hi Jeanine, I just had LBL (lower body lift, TT, and breast lift revision on 6/17 at 53 years old.. Had my original breast reduction/lift in 2002 and then proceeded to gain 100lbs again, had WLS in 2005.
Anyway, the plastics I had in June were tougher than I thought. I wasn't expecting it to be any tougher that WLS, so it kind of blind-sided me. I think that so much depends on your current health status and you, your surgeon and primary care doc can best determine your readiness. I can only share my personal experience. Physically I was very healthy, but I was under alot of stress prior to my surgery and I really think everyone should take their mental health under consideration as well. The breast lift was simple both times in '02 & in '09.
It was really the body lift and TT. I had complications that forced me to be admitted to the hospital: my hemoglobin plummetted very low and I needed blood transfusions(very unusual), I ran fevers(not uncommon) and developed necrosis immediately (very rare). Necrosis will require a small revision after 6 months.
I had no nausea at all. I was anxiuos too, had no one with me or to help me, so make sure you have plenty of help at home. I am just under 7 weeks post op and doing great. I went back to work 12 days after surgery. That was one week too soon, but I have a desk job. Nonetheless, I was driving at 10 days out, was off percocet at 9 days out. I feel great now and have no regrets!
If you have any questions, please ask away.Hugs, Pat

Thank you Pat...I think. LOL I'm sorry you had complications, but glad to hear you are recovering nicely now.  One of my biggest fears is to have to be admitted to a hospital when I have NO helath insurance at all!  My surgery is done at a surgical center of excellence OR, not a hospital. I am comfortable with this and feel comfortable with the center and all it does. Still, its scary.
Thank you for sharing and caring.  Take care and keep me updated on your progress.  Jeanine

HI, your post was very interesting to me as I'm 56 and about to go for my first PS consultation Wed.   I want a tummy tuck and maybe later my arms done but the whole idea is starting to scare me a little.   I'll be looking forward to hearing about your experience and will post more about mine as I go along.   Good luck to you!
                                                               Bonnie

Hey thats great!  Good for you!  I hesitated so much because of my age thinking I should just be happy I'm alive and healthy now and 147 lbs less of me. But frankly, I still have a loving relationship with my DH and I knew I had to do something when I cringe if he touches my belly or breasts. He loves me just the way I am, but I sure don''t.....not yet.  Yes I will keep you updated on my procedure. How soon do you think you will have yours?  I am scheduled for Sept 23rd.  Jeanine