Update from my re-closure/revision surgery today
I posted on Tuesday that the surgeon asked me to go back to the OR to debride and re-close some areas on my lower body lift incision and extended brachioplasty. Here is the update!
I arrived at 6am an was home at 1:30 pm I think. The surgery center was 30 minutes from my house. The OR was scheduled for 2 hours, but we ended up going 3. I'll be on the lookout for another bill for $900, I'm sure. Eeek.
However, Dr. Lawrence got so much done! She was able to do my right nipple lift that didn't get done during my initial surgery. She also created 2 new incisions under each of my breasts and moved my implants down. They were inserted through my side incisions initially and just weren't dropping well. I am so glad she did this, even if it means I have a scar in each breast fold now. I can already say I have LESS pain and tightness in my pecs/chest. That is the only place with less pain, though!
She redid my belly button - AGAIN. And she debrided and closed my entire left side and back incision.
She also revised my mons, which was a surprise plus! She wasn't happy with the residual puffiness and extra skin during the time she was marking me up, so she asked if she could improve that area, since we was messing with that incision anyway. I believe she also revised a small area on my side where there was a little extra skin poof at the incision line.
Here's the truth. It hurts. A LOT. Back to oral Dilaudid it is for me. Worse than my initial surgery, since I don't have the benefit of an On-Q Pain Pump under my incisions.
She told me that the skin was actually worse off underneath than she had thought, so she was so glad we opted to go back to the OR. She used different sutures this time, different glue and even used a couple of staples in hidden places in order to try her best to get closure on these sites. She also inserted a drain, since I was accumulating some fluid.
My problem is apparently protein based. Even though my labs were great, my protein stores are now depleted. I am eating nothing but protein and protein shakes until I see her in a week. I'm also taking an extra Zinc supplement to aid in protein absorption. Any other tips are greatly appreciated.
As I like to close on a positive note, she said something that really made me happy to hear. Dr. Lawrence said that I am her "masterpiece". She is so excited to work on me, because I am a challenge and that she would like to use my photos on her website when we are all done. She doesn't put many up - they are all in large binders in her office - so I am very flattered and excited.
The transformation is already amazing... now just to get healed up and the scars looking good!
Bethany
I arrived at 6am an was home at 1:30 pm I think. The surgery center was 30 minutes from my house. The OR was scheduled for 2 hours, but we ended up going 3. I'll be on the lookout for another bill for $900, I'm sure. Eeek.
However, Dr. Lawrence got so much done! She was able to do my right nipple lift that didn't get done during my initial surgery. She also created 2 new incisions under each of my breasts and moved my implants down. They were inserted through my side incisions initially and just weren't dropping well. I am so glad she did this, even if it means I have a scar in each breast fold now. I can already say I have LESS pain and tightness in my pecs/chest. That is the only place with less pain, though!
She redid my belly button - AGAIN. And she debrided and closed my entire left side and back incision.
She also revised my mons, which was a surprise plus! She wasn't happy with the residual puffiness and extra skin during the time she was marking me up, so she asked if she could improve that area, since we was messing with that incision anyway. I believe she also revised a small area on my side where there was a little extra skin poof at the incision line.
Here's the truth. It hurts. A LOT. Back to oral Dilaudid it is for me. Worse than my initial surgery, since I don't have the benefit of an On-Q Pain Pump under my incisions.
She told me that the skin was actually worse off underneath than she had thought, so she was so glad we opted to go back to the OR. She used different sutures this time, different glue and even used a couple of staples in hidden places in order to try her best to get closure on these sites. She also inserted a drain, since I was accumulating some fluid.
My problem is apparently protein based. Even though my labs were great, my protein stores are now depleted. I am eating nothing but protein and protein shakes until I see her in a week. I'm also taking an extra Zinc supplement to aid in protein absorption. Any other tips are greatly appreciated.
As I like to close on a positive note, she said something that really made me happy to hear. Dr. Lawrence said that I am her "masterpiece". She is so excited to work on me, because I am a challenge and that she would like to use my photos on her website when we are all done. She doesn't put many up - they are all in large binders in her office - so I am very flattered and excited.
The transformation is already amazing... now just to get healed up and the scars looking good!
Bethany
I am sorry you are in so much pain, I hope you can recover more quickly now. I bet you are going to be thrilled once everything is all said and done. I am glad you are safe and doing ok. Good luck healing!
VSG Aug 9, 2010 with Dr. Shieh in Fort Myers, FL 
HW 366 Day of Surgery 334
PS: Extended TT, Arm Lift, Fat Transfer to the rear 6/6/2012.
HW 366 Day of Surgery 334
PS: Extended TT, Arm Lift, Fat Transfer to the rear 6/6/2012.
Jan
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