I think I want a FDL tummy tuck because I have a lot of loose skin pretty high on my torso. At my age, I don't really care about a vertical scar. I'd rather deal with that than risk being left with a "muffin top".

One PS agreed a FDL would be best for me. The other said I'd probably be fine with a traditional TT, and he could always go back later and add a FDL (at an additional cost, of course) if I still wanted that.

SO...does anyone regret doing a FDL? Or on the flipside, did anyone get a traditional and in retrospect wish they'd had a FDL?

I think I'm going to do a couple more consults and see what the majority opinion seems to be (although I'm aware some PS's are against doing FDL's at all, so of course they wouldn't recommend them), but I'm curious about real patients' thoughts/reactions.

thanks in advance!

I've had 3 6-8 hr plastics done and I support your research and checking around to get different approaches. Even though you want it done NOW - the research and planning make all the difference. From what you write, you do not have enough info to make a decision. My weight has fluctuated a bit since surgery, and I recommend getting to your stable weight before the plastics - it will be clearer what the correct path is.

I had 2 done with Dr Michaels in the DC area and very happy with everything about them. He decided to specialize in post wt loss surgery back in med school, so he is an expert in it and not just squeezing you in. He understands that post-wt loss skin may not have the normal elasticity, etc. He is very carefull about scar placement and appearance - Thank you Jesus, because I have several feet of scars and they pretty good. The best thing is that he does phone consults - you email him spec photo shots (without your head) and talk over the phone. After hanging up, I cried in relief that I would not feel deformed anymore. I am tearing up now just thinking of my 'before' and my current. Then, I met with him in person before the surgery and I felt even more confident.

I am not sure what the other docs have said, but Dr Michales wants you to get cleared for surgery by your primary care phy, or another doc to make sure you can withstand the long surgery. I timed my annual physical so I got that a month or so before surgery.

I had breast reconstruction done, and he required a recent (I forget if it was supposed to be within 30 or 60 days pre-surg) mammogram for that work - prob not necessary for the back lift, but something for others to think about.

Best wishes and be patient to sift through the options. I hope you'll be happy whichever way you go.

I actually did do that a few months ago - his quote was surprisingly good - but then I decided I really didn't want to be away from home that long. But I'll look it over again - it's definitely worth the trip down there if I decide to do that. Thanks!

Thanks for the update on your consults. I agree, each doctor has their own ideas and it is hard to figure out what will work best for you.

My second consult said that he'd like to do a FDL while the first one says that he thinks he can do a good job with just the lower incision. Neither of them wanted to do the butt portion with the front portion because they said that it pulls on the body in opposite directions at once. But some very good surgeons do LBLs and people do well with them.

Do you have more consults to break the tie?

Hi everyone!

I'm 6 weeks post op LBL with autologous fat transfer.

Things are going really well. I notice that I don't think about being so careful when I sit/stand/get into the car. My buttocks is feeling more normal and not like there is a huge foreign something stuck behind me.

Still have numbness on my sides/butt but I think it's getting better.

Still itchy but benedryl seems to work before bed.

Still have my stubborn opening that the surgeon has treated with silver. At my follow up with him this week he removed the dressing and said it was healing really well. I didn't agree. It looked open and sorta deep still. Anyway, he removed a stitch that was about 6 inches long. I almost passed out just from seeing him yank it out. I was watching and he gently dug it out and it was a little loop then he pulled some more and one end snapped (I felt the snap inside) then he pulled it out and continued pulling. It was weird to see it but not feel it. Then he cut it off and it retracted back under my skin.

I go for a follow up next week to make sure it's healing.

I've been trying on bathing suits and to my surprise I feel and look better in a 2 piece - WHAT!?!?! I've literally never worn a bikini in my entire life. My torso looks so short now because I'm used to having a belly flap hang down quite low which created the illusion that my torso was longer than it was. What a journey!

Thanks for reading. Hope you are enjoying your journey as much as I am :)