Question:
After surgery did you require a second one to remove all the pleating?

I had 2 plastic surgeons tell me the same thing: first do a lower body lift, then in 3 months go back and make a 3-4" incision along the inner thigh and around the groin area to pick-up the remaing skin. Well, I had the lower body lift last Tuesday,and everything they said was true. I am tight every where except in my inner thigh. Even though he told me this would happen-I guess I was in denial and expected perfected legs. I stll have accordian pleats (though greatly improved) and I am still self conscious of my legs. He said he could do the remaining surgery in 3 months which would bring me up to the summer and that would be great! However, the time-frame really doesn't work for me. The only safe time for me to do it would be December (due to work). So I will still have accordian pleated thighs for the summer. When I do have the second surgery I will also have a booby adjustment from my ankles to a more feimine spot! He will put in "B" implants so they will stop looking like dried peach pits! The question is did YOU have to have the procedure in 2 separtate surgeries? How long apart? Pain level? And regarding the boobies: did you specify a certain shape, material? I hear there is a tear shape that is pretty? Do they still use silicon, saline, other materials? As you can see I am upset and confused. I WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIAITIVE OF ANY REPLIES! You can write me here or at home email: [email protected] THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU    — Donna B. (posted on February 24, 2003)

February 23, 2003
What is "a booby adjustment from my ankles to a more feimine spot"?
   — barbara A.

February 23, 2003
She means they're almost hanging to her ankles now, but she's going to have them put back! If I have implants, I would like one that has a natural slope to it, like a real human breast. I think the implants that just sit on the chest wall like cantaloupes cut in half are very unnatural looking. Anyway, good luck to you! I hear you! I've often thought I could go to Mardi Gras and not expend much energy, 'cause when they yell, "Show us your t*ts!" I would just have to lift up the hem of my shirt!
   — Kim A.

February 24, 2003
First I have to say to Kim, that was too funny, lmao!! Now, regarding the implants, yes, they do have a "tear drop" shaped implant that gives you more natural looking breasts. And I do believe that saline is all they use anymore, no more silicon. I'm still pre op, but am already checking into breast lift & augmentation, LORD knows I'll need it, lol!!
   — Cat S.

February 24, 2003
Regarding boobies - There are tear-drop shaped ones that are not popular among the "augmentation for aesthetics" crowd - too natural looking (yes - I am serious). Silicone implants are only approved for mastectomy reconstruction. Period. (US - canada, etc, you are on your own). There are other options, textured, etc, under or over the muscle- but htese things depend on your body structure and expectations. (you still want to nurse? etc.). That's all I know - good luck with the new parts of you.
   — M. A. B.

February 24, 2003
My doctor does a circumfrential thigh/buttocks lift which takes care of the skin on your lower back, inner and outer thighs and he does this in one procedure. I went to four plastic surgeons and he is the only one that suggested this procedure. He does a lot of WLS patients. His receptionist stated they get at least 2 WLS patients in their office per week. I already had a tummy tuck, so I didn't need a full body lift. You can get silicone breast implants if you go to a doctor who is in an approved study on silicone implants and believe me there are a lot of them. Saline is the standard and I know some implants come in a type of gell. The main shapes are teardrop and round. You need to really research this issue and find out what is best for you. Implants can shift, no problem if it is round, but teardrop implants turning can cause the breast to look distorted. Round implants can have that "fake" look (that some people like), but it all depends on how much breast tissue you have and where the implant is located (above or behind the muscle). For most people behind the muscle is the way to go, but if you have skin laxity above will give a better result. This is something that you and your plastic surgeon should discuss, but it is best that you know what you want and what is better for your health and he can tell you whether or not you would be good for that procedure. I wanted to go with saline implants, below the muscle, but because of my skin, the doctor said aboves would be better for me. I knew I wanted saline filled. As to how it feels, I had a breast lift at the same time and its been almost three months and I still get little twinges of pain. My breast implants are sometimes uncomfortable (they slide), hopefully I'll get used to them.
   — Lisa N M.

February 25, 2003
Watching Berman & Berman they had a PS who showed both silicon & saline implants that were available. They also talked about how you can get unnatural ripples if over the muscle but if under the muscle when you work your arms, using those chest muscles it makes the breast implants move. I didn't realize implants had so many options or things to consider. Also, although technically they can last a life time it sounded like it was very common to have to go back and replace the implants. I know some of it was because of problems with the outer shell, maybe some was with the shifting problem too? Anyhow, just thought I'd share that this doc at least offers a choice of either the silicon or the saline. By the way, they said that silicon has a more realistic result, especially if being placed over the muscle instead of under.
   — Shelly S.