Question:
Is there a huge difference between plastic surgeries?

Hello, all..again :) I am getting closer to goal with 40 pounds left to go! I started at 317 and I am now 180. My abdomen and inner thighs look like giant pieces of chewed up bubble gum and it's just awful. I know I want plastic surgery, and I'm starting to look into it. Here's the thing...I don't have children yet (we're planning to have one in the next 3 years)and I am afraid a TT with muscle tightening wouldn't be worth it before having kids. I'm hearing some options about just a skin removal process. I would be fine with that, because I really just want the panni and thigh skin out of my way...I'm not looking for perfection. How are the results with just skin removal? I imagine there is no "tightness" or firm tummy. Thanks for the info.    — Kelly C. (posted on March 12, 2003)

March 13, 2003
hi kelly, im having hernia repair with removal of excess abdominal tissue coming up very soon!! :) im looking forward to being rid of it! i think if you had the excess skin removed, you could work on the muscles yourself with some good work outs!!! best of luck in your decision! :)
   — carrie M.

March 18, 2003
Just a quick note here. If your muscles are damaged no amount of exercise is going to "fix" it. You can have damage to your muscles just from carrying weight in your belly for an extended amount of time. I was seeking just the panni removal and was told up front by my surgeon that most likely I would need muscle work. Just from carrying the weight it stretches those muscles out, which tightening those muscles up and pulling them back up into place is how the tummy tuck works. And in my case I had no idea but had a lot of damage to the muscles in my left side abdomen (And I was only 29, with no babies). Any surgeon who is aware of the fact that you've carried a lot of weight in your tummy for many years should be informing you of this possibility up front.
   — Shelly S.