Reasonable Expectations?

Was I expecting too much from plastic surgery? I originally just wanted the crinkly, saggy skin removed and things tightened.   Now, I'm nitpicking how I look.  Should I be changing my mind set or complaining to my surgeon or planning on revisions?

 I had my lower half (thighs, butt, tummy, mons)done Dec. 30 and with the exception dealing with minor infection along one incision line, I can't complain.  I wish I didn't have some fullness still on the inner thighs (the back side of the incision) but my surgeon says that happens with WLS patients.

I had the upper half done (breast lift and arms) April 14 and I am happy to announce I haven't had any trouble with infection.  I am unhappy with one nipple - my left 'headlight' is pointing down slightly - not straight ahead like my right nipple.  The difference is not extreme but noticeable, especially since my nipples stay erect all the time now.  Also, I still have some loose skin underneath my left armpit - the skin under the right armpit is smooth.

In the grand scheme of things, it's not too bad but it bothers me.  Prior to plastics, I was unhappy with how my skin looked.  Now, I seem even more critical of my body.  Was I expecting perfection even though no one is perfect?  Feed back please!  Maybe, I just need to get a grip!  Deb

Hi!
I can relate and I'm sure others can too.
I gave up expecting perfection....I'm not perfect, my skin and body is more than 50 years old so I have to accept some imperfections.  Besides I don't want to look "plastic".

HOWEVER, when I'm really not happy I do discuss it with my surgeon.  For example, I was not happy with my left breast after I had them re-lifted.  I told him from the start so when I had my recent inner thighplasty he did a revision to fine-tune the breast. 

I'm not thrilled with all the flabby skin that seems to have settled in the back of my thighs (under my butt cheeks)  I've already discussed this with my surgeon and he has a plan for taking care of it for me.  My legs were my worst place....I carried most of my weight in my thighs and butt so I'm not surprised I need some extra work there.  I'm going to see him next week to discuss $$ and timing.

As my swelling has gone down some I can see I have some wrinkles around my knees but no where near as bad as it was....I can live with this so I'm not asking for any revisions.

It is normal to need some minor "tweaks" after a procedure......I would think a small revision to the armpit will take care of it for you.  I'd discuss it with the surgeon if I was you.

Soooo some of it is our own expectations.....we have to be realistic but we have to be on the same page with our surgeon.  I think open/honest DETAILED communication with the surgeon before and after surgery is important.

That's my 2 cents.....

Best wishes with your decision

I can relate and totally agree with what Ruth has said. Perfection is not a resonable expectation but wanting things the best they can be is very normal. 

The one thing that I wanted to add is that,  as weight loss patients we are not the same as a person going in for a breast augmentation that has never been overweight. A tummy tuck for us is not the same as a tummy tuck for a woman who has not been overweight all of her life but just has a bit of extra skin due to pregnancies. We create a different set of cir****tances for the surgeon and it's not uncommon or out of the ordinary for our surgeries to need some tweaking or revising. Having a clear and detailed explanation with your surgeon is a must. They need to know what your expectations are and then they can tell you if the results are attainable or unrealistic.

Talk to your surgeon and tell him your dislikes and concerns and together you should be able to determine what's realistic and what's reaching a bit too far.

Thanks, Ruth and Renee!  I appreciate your input.  I'm going to see my surgeon on June 11 and will share my concerns about the left nipple and left armpit skin with him.  I am glad the excessive, crinkly skin is gone.  Thanks, again.  Deb