Question:
I just had a consult with PS for LBL,
He said he might have to make a vertical incision down my belly in order to achieve a really good result without the incision the results may be not as good. I want good results but i dont want a long scar down my abdomen because i dont want to have "cover up" my body anymore. Originally i wanted a tummy tuck and thigh lift. the LBL was reccomended. Can anyone share their experience? what type of incisions did you have? are you happy with the results? — kim F. (posted on September 15, 2004)
September 15, 2004
I had the LBL without the vertical incision. I was sure this was the way
to go because the hanging skin all seemed to be below my waist. I'm a
couple of years out now, and wish I had had the vertical incision as well.
My waist isn't as small as I would like, and I sometimes have trouble
finding pants that fit around my waist. My PS says she'll do some lipo for
me around the waist if I want, and although my results are really
beautiful, if I had it to do again, I would have gotten the vertical
incision as well (since I've never shown my tummy off anyway!)
— mom2jtx3
September 15, 2004
I went with the vertical incision with my LBL because I felt I'd wind up
with a "pooch" or roll above a flat belly if I didn't, which I
thought would look worse than a vertical scar and be hard to deal with
clothing-wise to boot. Three out of four of the PS I had consults
recommended a vertical incision to me for that same reason, but there was a
4th who thought he could do the job without it. Maybe you could do some
more consults until you find someone who thinks a good result can be
achieved without it, though I still think there's a risk that you won't get
the best result that way -- I think it's impossible for any PS to really
guarantee how it'll come out before they start cutting on you and by then,
ooops, zzzzzzz, you're *out* like a light and can't contribute to the
decision at that time.<P>I can see where this would be a tough call
if you really don't want the vertical scar. But I do think there's a
considerable risk your choices are, scar and flat result, or no scar and
roll hanging above flat belly. It's possible that the third choice you
seek -- flat all around and no scar -- may be somewhat elusive, especially
for us former M.O. folk with lots and lots of loose skin and (probably)
distended abdominal muscles. Good luck.
— Suzy C.
September 15, 2004
I had a LBL in July without the vertical incision.My abdomen is flat and my
waist is defined. Most of my excess skin was below my waist, so I am very
pleased.If you have a fair amount of excess skin above the waist, you would
get better results with the anchor incision. It's easier to cover a scar
than to cover the roll of skin above your waist.Clothing fits better
also.Get 2 consults and then make your decision. Good luck.Isn't life great
on the thin side?
— dianne E.
September 15, 2004
I had an abdominoplasty with just the hip to hip incision. I had a great
spare tire above my waist, and I made it clear to my plastic surgeon I
really wanted that gone, probably ethan I wanted a flat stomach and the
pannus gone! I am about 6 weeks post op, and my spare tire is comepletely
gone, I have a flat stomach and my pannus is gone. I couldn't be happier
with the results. I had quite a bit of muscle work done. I had a 13cm by
3cm diastasis recti (separation of the upper abdominal muscles ) repaired,
as well as repair of a small umbilical hernia and removal of 5-6 lbs of
tissue. In my opinion, it's nothing short of a miracle.
— koogy
September 16, 2004
I had an extensive tt with no veertical incision and I am very unhappy with
my results I have teh spare tire look so much so I am seeking a second
opinion. My ps wouldnt do the vertical and I didnt insist now I wish I had.
think long and hard before you decide as I would rather the scar than this
roll. I had 11 pounds removed during the tt. Good Luck, Lesley
— Lesley T.
September 16, 2004
Hi Kim, Do not sweat the vertical incision as mine is basically invisible.
I can wear two piece things and no one would easily know that there is a
cut there. However, that's not the same case as with my 360 degree
horizontal incisions from the LBL and the upper pannus removal. Those are
quite noticeable and colored but lightening over time. However, I am sure
they will always be visible. My vertical incision from my open RNY was
very noticeable but the new incision done by a PS, it's basically gone.
The PS used glue to close the surface which for me was the key, as I
maintain marks from stitches and staples forever. That's just how my body
is. So don't assume an incision from a PS will look anything like an
incision from a general or WL surgeon. At least that's my experience.
<p>I not only had the vertical incision but I basically had two body
lifts on the torso. One from the belly button down (including the lateral
thighs) and a wedge taken out above the waist and then a 2nd stage that did
a body lift above the waist to remove the remaining roll in the front and
the huge blobs I had around the back under the bra line. Consequently I
have cuts that go all the way around in 2 places - high and low. I ended
up with this situation because my waist was always anchored down very tight
and had not stretched much. Therefore they could not loosen the upper skin
and pull everything down like they normally do. Both areas had to be
directly excised. My insurance covered the full extended abdominoplasty
done in two stages, so I just had to pay the lateral thigh portion of the
LBL.
<p>I'm now 3+ months PO from the 2nd surgery that removed the upper
panni and am faced with a revision. The surgeon had everything nice and
tight but the quality of skin I have (super stretchmarked) has given in and
I have a small roll in the front, which bugs the heck out of me because I
like to wear fitted things now. I just saw the surgeon yesterday and he's
going to redo the upper body lift work, recontour my waist and a little of
my back with lipo and then cut off more skin widthwise and also repull
everything up. This time he is going to anchor evrything to much deeper
tissue so it will stay. He said I will likely have a dimple below each
breast but that it would only be seen when lifting the breasts and looking
under them. That I can live with, rather than the roll. The best part is
all I have to pay for is the small amount of lipo work and the surgery
center charges as he is doing his work on the revision at no charge. I was
pleased with that. Granted I will be paying him to do the legs so he'll be
getting some money but it will save me quite a bit not having to pay for
the redo. It's not like he did anything wrong in the first place, it's just
the quality of the skin I have, so he could have easily said I needed to
pay for it. I guess it really is good to have a perfectionist for a PS as
he wants things to look as good as possible. It's a pride thing for him to
know he has helped me get the best possible shape I can. I really will be
his extreme makeover when everything is done. LOL
— zoedogcbr
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