Hi folks, I spent months reading reviews and now that I’m about 24 hours post-op, I think it’s only fair to share my experience, too.
Yesterday, I had a abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), mastopexy (breast lift) without implant, and liposuction on back (bra fat area) and flanks.
I will say, last night I felt amazing. Happy and hardly any pain. I think it’s probably due to the anesthesia? Also, God bless Exparel. It’s the pain killer that they inject insist the surgery sites for pain relief and I’m told it’ll last 3 days. Honestly this stuff is amazing.
Sleeping was tough. Part of it is the tenderness from the liposuction (which they do on the flanks as part of the TT), but the other part is that it kind of hurts to move around on your back.
While last night I felt great, this morning I hurt. And everything feels tighter. I was expecting this but it still surprised me somehow LOL. I’m hunched over while walking much more than I was last night. One thing that’s unique about my TT is that I don’t have drains. Dr. Moliver in Houston has had great success without drains. I’m happy about that so far.
I barely notice anything on the boobs. It’s really all tummy pain. Oh, and they had to do a drain on the right breast bc they had to take out tissue to match the left breast in size (all my babies preferred to nurse at the right breast.). The drain comes out today.
Updated on 3 May 2019:
My bandages will come off later today so I thought I should share some befores. Breastfeeding really did a number on my breasts and so I’m excited to bring them back up to their previous height. Tummy tuck for obvious reasons; I exercise regularly but it’s just so hard to tighten the skin and lose the protrusion.
My drain will also come out later this afternoon. I’m supposed to take a shower later today and I’m terrified! But I’m told I’ll feel better after a shower.
Pain is tolerable unless I cough. The secretions from the irritation the breathing caused creates mucus I have to cough up. When I can control it it’s ok, but sometimes I cough involuntarily and that’s the worst! Oh well, to be expected I guess.
Updated on 3 May 2019:
I just took a shower for the first time and saw my breasts without the bandages and I’m so happy!!! I love the nipple placement and I’m just so excited. Dr. Moliver did such a good job with the lift (no implant).
The tummy tuck sutures are a little scary but I’m really excited about how the tummy came out. I’m told the crease will go away - it’s from sutures on the inside and being hunched over so much.
But so far the first day post op is going well!
Updated on 4 May 2019:
Surgery was day 0, and yesterday day 1 was tough. Today is much better. In terms of pain, it feels much more manageable. There is some swelling of the vulva, but I had my first post operation bowel movement and so that is a relief. I got a larger garment because the one I had was too small and chafing a little.
Still super pleased with the proportions and will just keep taking it easy.
Updated on 5 May 2019:
Pain is more manageable today. I’m able to walk around a bit more. Sutures are beginning to itch, so I guess that’s a positive sign. The vulva swelling is uncomfortable; I’ve been using ice packs but not sure they are making a difference. Left breast is bleeding a little so we put some gauze on inside the sports bra.
Tummy looks flat (see pics) despite swelling so I’m still really positive on how everything is going.
Updated on 6 May 2019:
Today was a great day in that I felt hardly any pain and am walking nearly upright. Unfortunately I discovered a small dehiscence on the left breast and had to go in for a small stitch-up. For others to note, he said those dark dots are not what you want to see. It didn’t hurt though; Dr. Moliver numbed the entire area so I didn’t feel a thing. He also noticed I had some excess fluid in the abdomen and drew some of it out with a syringe.
I’m glad I went in, thankful to have such a responsive PS, and hoping I feel even better tomorrow.
Updated on 10 May 2019:
It’s been over a week and definitely feeling much better. I had to have a couple of aspirations earlier this week for a seroma on the right side but haven’t had to do that since Wednesday. This involves draining the fluid out with a syringe. It wasn’t painful; more annoying than anything else.
Scars are already thinning so I’m excited about that. Still some swelling in the thighs, hips, and buttocks.
On to week 2!
Updated on 29 May 2019:
I feel like I’m finally getting there! Swelling on left side of abdomen has gone down a lot, and I’m starting to see my new shape. My mobility is back up to nearly 100% and I’ll start stationary bike next week. I have been spitting sutures on the left breast where I had the lift and that is frustrating because it appears to widen the scar a bit. The right breast that got reduced has healed perfectly. TBD on whether I’ll get the spit sutures removed on the left side or leave it be. Other than that I honestly couldn’t be happier.
Updated on 20 Dec 2019:
Wow; it’s been a while, but I thought I’d share some updates. I’ve worked out moderately, but nothing crazy and am really starting to regain my core strength. I can do a 1 minute plank without any pain or pulling sensation. And even getting definition in the upper abs.
I also wanted to share an update on how the breast scars are doing, and I’m super pleased. They are fading fast, faster than I anticipated. All in all, very happy!