11 Days Post LBL & pics

Hi All,   I made it through and am recovering from my lower body lift/spiral thigh lift/butt aug/lipo/breast aug revision performed 11 days ago. I wanted to share my experience and some photos since reading/seeing so many others helped me tremendously in preparing for my own surgery/recovery.  You need to be a friend to view them since I’m in my bday suit (and really, it’s not a pretty sight! : )).  Password is: password.   For some background.. Dr. Agha was my surgeon and this was to second of two surgeries he performed (had brachioplasty and BL/BA in August). I literally can’t speak highly enough of him and his skills, as well as his wonderful staff made this difficult experience sooo much better for me.      So, I’m 11 days out and healing very, very well. Both of my drains are removed (first on Day 5, second on Day 10) and I stopped my pain meds at day 8 and have been taking tylenol regularly. I definitely have had pain and still have constant discomfort.  It’s frustrating because I can’t seem to find a position that is comfortable for me, especially at night, which has prevented me from sleeping much.  I’m also experiencing the emotional roller coaster (fun, fun) and hot flashes/night sweats (did anyone else have these?).     Fortunately, aside from a few stitches opening, I haven’t had any major complications. But, I must say that this surgery was not easy… kicked my butt, actually.  Hands down, the toughest thing I’ve ever gone through. I’m a high-energy, type A person in good physical health. I literally feel like all my energy was sucked out of me along with the fat and skin during the operation. That has been challenging, especially after hearing stories from some who were out shopping within a few days, etc. I’m trying to just rest and not push myself, and keep having faith that every day will get better (fingers crossed while typing).   This surgery was the completion of a long journey for me. It’s weird to look in the mirror and see a body I don’t recognize as my own and the woman who has been trapped behind fat and skin her whole life.     Looking forward to continuing to heal, getting myself out of this hot and icky compression garment and back to regular life and feeling normal again : ).   Michelle  

Hi Michelle,
CONGRATS on the great results!
Do not try to do too much....take it easy....get plenty of rest....your body needs it! 
I'm 3 weeks out today from my LBL and still not comfortable but every day it does get a little better. 

How's the swelling?? Do you have much?

Take care!
Ruth

Hi Ruth,

Congrats to you too... you look great.  And, thanks for sharing so much of your experience with me and others here.  Very helpful,

I do have swelling, but its not as bad as I thought it would be.   Most of the swelling is in my stomach, butt and mons, even though I had a ton of lip on my legs.  From your experience, does the swelling increase or decrease going forward?

Michelle

Hi!
Swelling........it stinks, doesn't it!
I'm 3 weeks out from LBL today.  About day 10 or 12 much of my swelling went down and I was able to get back into my pre-surgery jeans.  Suddenly about 4 days ago I started to swell again.
I'm not sure if it is because I am up and doing more around the house, or because I have not been drinking as much water as I normally do (but still drinking a lot), ......or if it is just the normal up and down of recovery. 

So to answer your question, YES it does get better but it seems to fluctuate some and from what I understand it can (and probably will) do so for the next few months. 

I keep trying to remind myself that this is only temporary and I'll I'll love the final results.

Hope that helps....
Hang in there!  At least we can find comfort in knowing we are not alone......
TTFN
Ruth

Aw Michelle,

This was a very difficult surgery and it took ,me at least 3-4 weeks before I really wanted to be out and about and social...but having said that, once I turned the corner it has been full steam ahead...the discomfort lasted a good 2 1/2 months, but a  4 months out I am feeling pretty darn good. I haven't looked at your pics yet, but I'm sure you look fabulous....Get lots of rest and let your body heal at it's own rate.....:)

Wow, you look amazing. Your thighs are so perfect! How is the healing of your thighs, that is what I am most worried about when I get my plastics.

Thanks!  My thighs were Dr. Agha's biggest challenge.  They are not, and won't be, perfect because I don't want to do the full thigh lift, but he did a great job on them nonetheless. 

Healing has been fine.  I've had a lot of swelling around the groin incisions and a few stiches opened under my butt flaps (that's a hard area because you stress the stiches every time you sit, walk, etc). 

I think because I had so much work done at once, I can't really differentiate which ones were worse than others, however, I wouldn't say the thighs were bad.

You look AMAZING! WHat a makeover.

Thanks, Leah!!

I have yet to see work by Dr A that is anything but beautiful. YOU are absolutely beautiful! You must be thrilled with the results, but it may be easier to have enthusiasm as the pain subsides. Congratulations!