My tummy tuck: a weight has been lifted

NancyM on 19 Jun 2009 at 1:17pm

A lot of plastic surgeons perform Tummy Tuck surgery--but finding the one that's right for you can sometimes be a difficult process. RealSelf.com reader, Heather from South Carolina, learned that sometimes choosing the right Tummy Tuck doctor has more to do with bedside manner and follow-up care than with the procedure itself. We interviewed Heather to find out more about her Tummy Tuck surgery with Georgia Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Billy Lynn

What made you decide to have a Tummy Tuck?

I've always wanted to have the Tummy Tuck done.

Between having children and being a bit overweight, I just felt embarrassed--really only in front of my husband. It didn't show under my clothes, but you could see my saggy skin and stretch marks when my clothes were off.

Other people would say, "you don't need a Tummy Tuck!" and I'd say, "oh yes I do--you just haven't seen me!" So I waited until I knew I wasn't going to have any more children--I didn't want to have it done and then ruin everything. I knew I also needed a hysterectomy. My doctor knew I wanted a Tummy Tuck and he said I could actually do both surgeries at the same time--so that's what I did.

One thing I remember happened last summer--I was in the garden pulling weeds and it was really hot out. My then 3-year old son was with me.

I pulled my shirt up a little bit to just cool off and he said, "Oh! That's scary!" It was pretty funny--and innocent--but I thought if that's what my little baby said, what must my husband think!?

How do you feel post-tummy tuck?

I feel much more confident--even though no one else really sees it, I feel it. I feel better about myself and I guess I express that to other people--it shows in my personality. It's like a weight's been lifted.

I feel very confident around my husband, too. I bought my bikini and I put it on before he came home from work--I never would've done that before! I just feel sexier and it's really boosted my self-confidence.

Tummy tuck before and recovery photos

Before my tummy tuck surgery Drains during my tummy tuck recovery Incision across bikini line from tummy tuck surgery

How did you choose your plastic surgeon?

My ob/gyn is friends with Dr. Billy Lynn and referred me to him. He said he was a good guy and that I'd like him. I did, but I also went to see another doctor. It was really about price quite frankly. But whenever I went to the other doctor, he was just arrogant. Dr. Lynn understood me and made me feel comfortable. He understood what it was that would really make me happy.

Even the fact that he recommended that I NOT get a breast lift because he thought I'd be more disappointed with the scarring I'd have from that than with the bit of breast sagging I have now. That impressed me. He wasn't in it just to try and get more money out of me. He didn't try to sell me on any other procedures. He seemed to genuinely care about what would make me happiest.

Tummy tuck after photo

After tummy tuck results

What do you know now that wish you knew before your tummy tuck?

My doctor was so good about explaining everything up front and what to expect. I guess the most painful thing was when they took the drains out. If there was something I could say I wish I knew about, it was that--but there was really nothing I could've done about it.

I guess if I were to give advice to someone, I'd say be prepared for a long recovery. I'm 7 weeks out and I still can't mop or clean the floor. I only started walking for exercise recently and I have to wear the compression garment because the bouncing around can hurt.

What's next?

I'm happy--I'm not thinking of anything else but if I were to ever consider anything it probably would've been some Liposuction on my thighs! I can see how people want to have more done after having a good experience...I can see how people get addicted. But I'm very pleased with what I've had done.

The doctor is going to repair one of the incisions on my side--a "dog ear"--I hadn't even noticed it and I'm not sure I would've to be honest, but he did. That's the kind of doctor Dr. Lynn is--and I was happy it was him who noticed rather than me coming back and complaining. I wondered how much this was going to cost, but he said it was included. So since it's covered already, I'm going to have it taken care of. But I'll get through our family vacation first!

Thanks to Heather for sharing her story.

Comments (10)

Jordan Fort 23 Sep 2012

It looks beautiful!!! Congrats!

Jane G. 20 Apr 2012

NancyM, you look amazing. The belly button and scar are flawless!

Gainesville4481 2 Dec 2010

I was thinking of doing the same thing as well. What about the scarring? And are you able to perform certain exercises like sit up,etc. And is it possible to still become pregnant and successful ones?

Angiemcc (Community Manager) 29 Mar 2010

You look fabulous. Thanks so much for sharing your story. How have you healed?

momwith3boys 28 Feb 2010

Hi Heather. Great results! I just had my tummy tuck on Feb. 19th and though I am very swollen and I obviously cant see my results yet, I already love it. I had a fantastic surgeon. Dr. Stuart A Linder, from Beverly Hills. Anyhow, I was looking at your pics and it seems like your scar looks higher in your first pictures in comparison to your final picture, which is great! Does the scar seem higher due to the swelling initially? It appears your scar ended up being lower than it initially appeared. Thanks.

noflabbytummy 8 Feb 2010

Hi! I am going in for my tummy tuck this Friday the 12th of Feb. I am running around like a wild woman trying to get my family "set". Did anyone use the wedges for sleeping? Can you give me any tips? Anything you wish someone had told you to get or do before your surgery? I am so excited about this but getting nervous too. I am so excited that I am not going to have to wear 2 panty girdles all the time. I am going to have a pain ball which I have heard nothing but awesome things about and my surgeon uses an assistant surgeon to help with the stiching. He doesnt use staples but stiches you up from the inside. I used to work for a plastic surgeon in my life before kids so I know what to expect and boy have I seen the ugly side of tummy tucks! But I just want to be prepared and make this as easy on my husband as possible! Thanks!

stella g 12 Aug 2009

i am considering having tt, but not sure how big the scars is going to be. I was also interested in doing a brazilian but aurmentation with the fat from the stomock. Has anyone here had a procedure like that? Please reply . stellag

mmc in derry 16 Aug 2009

hi stella My scars are hip to hip but i would have the scars any day compared to rolls of sagging fat and skin. I cant comment on your butt augmentation but im sure your surgeon could give you details.sorry i cant be more helpful. good luck in your decision. keep me posted. Im now 8 weeks post op and looking forward 2 getting back to my normal gym routine. regards michelle

mmc in derry 28 Jun 2009

thankyou so much for your story heather,It's amazing the difference this surgery CAN have on your self confidence. I've just had an extended tt with major muscle repair,and a breast lift performed by a Mr Nicholas Rhodes in elland hospital yorkshire. Having previously lost over 140 pounds I was LEFT with a saggy pouched tummy and elongated pendulas breasts.Although I am from Ireland Mr Rhodes came highly reccommended,and after meeting him whilst he was in ireland on a family vacation,that alone made me realise just how patient focused he was,to give up precious family time to discuss my ideas and thoughts on the surgery.All i may add at no cost for his time, my consultation lasted 1hr 15mins. During which time all aspects of my dislike of my body, my hopes and fears and expectations were addressed.This surgeon has dramatically changed my life,and although im only 10 days post op,I feel like a new women.At my initial consultation I didnt consider having any work performed on my breasts,and didnt dicuss this with my surgeon,however after reading posts on this website and others, I decided to go with the voice of experiences fom other post tummy tuck patients with major weight loss through diet and excercise,almost all of whom combined tt with breast lift at the same time.those who did not.Later returned to have breasts lifted as because their tummys now looked so perfect,The beauty was somehow disproportionate by these pendulas breasts hanging above it. I contacted Mr Rhodes by telephone to require wether he could possibly perform both surgeries simultaniously,he said it could be done however he would dicuss it at lenght when he seen me the day pre op tt to have screening tests and blood work carrried out before surgery.When we met for my pre op tests.He examined my breasts and asked about my change of decision as i had previously not even mentioned any breast work whatso ever. H e was happily convinced that i had thought long and hard before jumping into my decision and that i was making an informed choice. I did not want any augmentation to my breasts but longed for fullness and a higher position.Mr Rhodes explained that because all my fullness was at the bottom of my breast he could not fully guarantee complete fullness to top of breast with an implant,however alot of the techniques he could apply would only be possible, depending on the quality and movement of my breast tissue,which he added would only be apparent when he would see my breasts in surgery.He assured me, that he would do his utmost to give me the most natural and full breast possible. I spent 6.5 hrs in theatre. When I awoke in recovery,i was both shocked and delighted to find i was completely pain free this has continued post op .I was prepared for major traumatic pain and discomfort,but i actually have to admit my c-section with my youngest daughter was 20 times more painfull.I have followed mr rhodes post surgery advice tsking paracetamol at regular intervals. resting but also light pottering about the garden walking to prevent leg clots.And besides from the expected post surgery swelling all is fantastic.My wounds are healing splendidly,no infection of any sort,and the neatness of the stitches on my body is unbelieveble. NOTHING HOWEVER could have prepared me for the first time i glimpsed under my surgical gown.and i came face to face with the most gorgeous beautiful pert soft natural and full rounded breasts.I still cant believe that this wonderful man was able to sculpt such beauty from such a poor specimen. This genious man took my low breast tissue and attached it to my upper chest wall thus giving the apperance of fullness.He then moved my nipples up 4 inches and removed the excess skin.I cant stop looking at these beautful creations,im SO gratefull to all those who posted about deciding to have both ops.I have spent ten years loathing my ugly body.and now have a body which looks better than it did in my teenage years.I havent even mentioned yet that I delayed looking at my tummy for days,as i still couldnt get past the excitement of my breasts.Oh what joy. MR wonderful Rhodes removed 3.5 kg of skin, fat and tissue from my tummy he did some lipo at the flanks to make sure i had a smooth contoured finish,he also crafted me a cute new adorable belly button to match.This surgery ecperience has transformed my life I just turned 40 years old in february and feel and look 15years younger/Although only 10 days post op Im happier than ive ever been.This experience is equal in measure to my joy on my wedding day,and the birth of my two wonderful daughters.I contacted Mr Nicholas Rhodes as a caterpillar pre metamorphis.This gifted talented,compassionate and perfectionist surgeon has turned me into the most beautiful butterfly.No amount of money could buy this feeling.I will be forever grateful and endebted.If you have struggled like me I hope this post will help you to make the decision to change how you feel about yourself in your life.I wish you angel blessings and pray you will be blessed with a surgeon like My WONDERFUL MR NICHOLAS RHODES AT SPIRE ELLAND HOSPITAL LEEDS ENGLAND.The whole process from start to finish has been first class in every aspect.I look forward to recommending this surgeon to everyone i know who wants WORRY FREE FANTASTIC RESULTS. THANKS AGAIN REALSELF.COM FOR ALL THE INFO THIS SITE HAS BEEN A VALUABLE RESOURCE. MANY THANKS MICHELLE

Boy am I happy (unregistered guest) 23 Jun 2009

You look great. I just had a tummy tuck done 2 wks ago and I had no idea how much pain I would be in. However, I am very happy with my surgeon's skills.I look pretty hot just 2 weeks out.I cant stand up straight yet, but when I do I will be able to stop traffic. If there is any one thinking of getting this done. It is extremely painful, but it is worth it.