Plastics Consult - What to Ask - ThinnerTimes - Gastric Bypass Forum, Lap Band Forum, and Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy Forum

THIN4TWINS · 05-07-2009, 09:16 AM

Hi All - I am going for my first plastics consult on Monday next week. I am most interested in getting my arms done and a breast/upper body lift. I have other issues too, but my arms and chest are my priority. Everything else I can squeeze into a girdle or hide with clothes but it sucks to have come this far and be reluctant to wear a short sleeve shirt b/c I am so self conscience about my upper arms. Ironically, I didn't even care when I was heavier but now that its loose skin instead of fat, it bothers me more. Anyhoo....for those of you who have had plastic surgery - any advice on what I should ask about during my consultation? I have no idea! Any help would be much appreciated. Also- if anyone has had their arms done, I'd love to hear about your experience - the pain, the recovery time, your results, whether or not you think it was worth it, etc. Thanks all!!

Amy~

mistymee · 05-07-2009, 09:25 AM

Amy! Nice to see you again.

I'll be following your progress on this one, for sure. I'm not too concerned with my boobage, but my arms and tummy are horrific. I've not heard good things about the arm lift so I'll be most particularly interested in how you do with that one.

Good luck, whatever you decide to do.

Andie · 05-07-2009, 11:07 AM

I just had the abdominalplasty a month ago and am planning on having the same thing as you done in October if I can get my insurance to pay for it. Keep us posted...I'd love to hear how you progress..

As far as possible questions things like, how long will recovery be, what to expect from the scars, pain options, how long for hospitalization, what type of anesthesia, look at pictures, etc.

THIN4TWINS · 05-12-2009, 10:11 AM

Hi All,
I got some good information from the surgeon and patient care coordinator yesterday at my consultation. I have decided not to do the arms - he said my only option was to do the full procedure with an incision all the way down the arm. He said it was the worst, ugliest, most visible scar of any procedure they did. The nurse said "you could just wear longer sleeve tops to cover it up" but that's basically what I am doing now. So, why go through all that to basically be in the same boat. And, looking at the book of before and afters, the difference wasn't really that noticeable on most of the people - except for this bright red, angry scar down their arm. Just not worth it, in my opinion. As for the breast lift, I am more interested in that than ever, cause he said he could do what he called a "bra roll excision" at the same time that would get rid of the loose skin under my arms and down my sides - that would be awesome! They said pain isn't too bad with that procedure b/c its all tissue and skin - not much muscle in play - so its very manageable and I could conceivably have the procedure on Wed. and be back at work on Monday. The only thing holding me back at this point is not being able to lift my boys for 4 to 6 weeks - which I could probably work around now that they are getting bigger - and finding a time when my husband can take some time off to help me for the first few days. Overall, it was a good visit. I had him look at my tummy while I was there, just for kicks and he recommended the full belt lipectomy - too much skin for just a tuck - and boy did it look painful in the pictures. I think I can live with my bottom half - just stuff it into my girdle and keep on going. I don't know that I could handle all that's involved with that procedure anyway. I will let you guys know if I get the breast lift and excision scheduled and keep you posted. Thanks everyone!!

Amy~

Mz_Desz · 05-12-2009, 01:59 PM

That bra roll excision is probably what I will need one I finish losing. I've always had fatty underarms and now the skin just hangs. When I was pregnant it would swell up from milk ducs and I would be in so much pain. I'm going to look into that. Thanks for the update.