Procedure: abdominal bulk reduction
Why this surgery: Post the birth of my second child, despite all efforts the belly area was not reducing. It was looking disproportionate. I am all in for body positivity but this issue was affecting my morale, deeply.
Why Dr Chugh: unfortunately, no one openly discusses or recommends aesthetic surgeons. So I relied on Google reviews. Was further convinced by the insightful YouTube videos he shares. I met him in Sept and we decided on the surgery. He recommended bulk reduction instead of a full tummy tuck since I had yet to achieve my weight loss goals. I also agreed since my goal was to look proportionate and not a model. Some tests showed hba1c levels to be on the higher side, so I took a couple of months to bring them under control. All this while, Dr Chugh's assistant, Pragyan was in touch with me and guiding me.
Pre-operative experience: I was very nervous, thanks to news articles about patients dying on the operating table. But the pre-operative exams(echo, ecg, chest tray, and other tests) helped ease my anxiety.
Operation and hospital experience: Check-in at CKB was smooth, thanks to Pragyan. And surgery happened as planned. No complications. I was able to go to the washroom the night of the surgery itself. Was discharged the next day.
Recovery: The 1st few days were uncomfortable but non-unmanageable. I started wearing a compression garment a few days after surgery and started lymphatic drainage massage too. The massage is painful but extremely helpful in recovery. After 10 days things slowly started going back to normal. I went to a concert after 4 weeks, danced nonstop, and did not face any issues. Went for a beach holiday 6 weeks after the procedure..again, things were perfect. Now, 8 weeks after the procedure, I have restarted my workouts as usual.
Would heartily recommend Dr Chugh for this and other procedures. He is non-judgemental, and not aggressive (he won't take unnecessary risks, medically). He and his team ensure the patient understands the procedure before proceeding. Also, post-surgery appointments are not chargeable, that's very sweet of the team.
Ps: a surprise benefit of the surgery was my back pain which vanished post-surgery!