Plastic Surgery Questions?
Hi everyone! I have a couple questions for anyone out there who might know. I have been very fortunate that my skin has tightened up since losing so much of my excess weight. I am about 50 pounds or so from the goal that my surgeon set for me before surgery. I am going to have a tummy tuck in March because they are estimating that I should be to goal or very near by then based on the way that I have been losing over the last year and a half. Anyway, I am wanting to get my upper arms tightened up because some of that skin is flappy and loose. Anyway, I was hoping to get that done in December. I have not been to see the surgeon yet (have a consult in early Novmeber) but was wondering if any of you have had any experiences with plastic surgery on either the tummy area or the upper arm area. I kind of want to know what to expect as far as recovery time and pain and restrictions and all that? If anyone could give me some feedback, I would really appreciate it! Thanks in advance!
Karen
Karen 
Hi Karen! Congrats on your progress. You are doing great. I don't have any advice or insight as I have not had any plastic surgery yet...(still deciding on "if") but you might find some helpful information on the forum for plastic surgery that might be helpful to you...Good luck on everything!!
Pre-op 284/Current 180/Goal 145 5'5
Surgery Date:April 23, 2007
Hey Karen,
I had a tummy tuck and breast augmentation around 4 months ago. It was not too painful. I was more uncomfortable. I had 2 drains which irritated me but luckily they were taken out within 2 weeks. I was able to take a shower the following day after surgery. The incision goes from the right side of my lower stomach to the left side. My scarring is a pinkish color but is fading month by month. Some days I feel a pulling sensation on my stomach, I still notice swelling, and I do not have much sensation/feeling on my stomach. Some doctors require a binder but my doctor advised me to let my stomach heel naturally and it will take a year to see the full results.
The worse part of the surgery was my constipation. Due to the pain medication I became constipated and that was the most painful part of recovery. My advice to you is to take stoole softeners before surgery to loosen your bowel movements. I was back to work 2 weeks after surgery. Although I went back to work within 2 weeks I was unable to sleep well because I was in an upright position for a good month before I could lay down flat. I hope I gave you some insight of what to expect.
I would do it all over again if I needed it!
~Diana~
I had a tummy tuck and breast augmentation around 4 months ago. It was not too painful. I was more uncomfortable. I had 2 drains which irritated me but luckily they were taken out within 2 weeks. I was able to take a shower the following day after surgery. The incision goes from the right side of my lower stomach to the left side. My scarring is a pinkish color but is fading month by month. Some days I feel a pulling sensation on my stomach, I still notice swelling, and I do not have much sensation/feeling on my stomach. Some doctors require a binder but my doctor advised me to let my stomach heel naturally and it will take a year to see the full results.
The worse part of the surgery was my constipation. Due to the pain medication I became constipated and that was the most painful part of recovery. My advice to you is to take stoole softeners before surgery to loosen your bowel movements. I was back to work 2 weeks after surgery. Although I went back to work within 2 weeks I was unable to sleep well because I was in an upright position for a good month before I could lay down flat. I hope I gave you some insight of what to expect.
I would do it all over again if I needed it!
~Diana~
Thank you so much Diana! I had no idea about the drain tubes and some of the other stuff. I have looked into this some but have not really done a whole lot of research yet! You have been so helpful! Its nice to hear about other people's experiences! I like to know what I am up against and what is in store for me before it happens! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with me!
A couple other questions, was it an outpatient surgery or did you have to spend some time in the hospital after the surgery? Also, what was your round about cost for everything.....if you don't mind sharing?
Karen
A couple other questions, was it an outpatient surgery or did you have to spend some time in the hospital after the surgery? Also, what was your round about cost for everything.....if you don't mind sharing?
Karen
My surgeon first quoted me $18,000 for both surgeries. I think he saw the devistation in my face when he quoted me that price. I negotiated with him and used my puppy dog eyes and the surgery total cost was $12,000, everything was included the anesthesiologist, blood work, operating room, sergeons tools, post opp visits, ect...
My surgery was outpatient. I went in at 7:00 am and left around 3:00 pm that day. I had dissolving stitches and the 2 drains. He was very pleased with the surgery so pleased that he lifted my pubic area so it would look normal ( I beleive that is called a mons lift). So in actuality he gave me 3 procedures for the price of 2. In addition, my surgeon did not have to do any muscle repair work.
~Diana~
My surgery was outpatient. I went in at 7:00 am and left around 3:00 pm that day. I had dissolving stitches and the 2 drains. He was very pleased with the surgery so pleased that he lifted my pubic area so it would look normal ( I beleive that is called a mons lift). So in actuality he gave me 3 procedures for the price of 2. In addition, my surgeon did not have to do any muscle repair work.
~Diana~
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