Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck before & after photos
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1,897 reviews
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Tummy Tuck Cost ≈ $8,400 average cost
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“Afraid to Look!!!”

14 posts
Comments (28)
Updated 3 Jun 2009
Posted 21 May 2009
Worth It
Spent: $6,635 in Trinidad

Hi guys,

I had a full tummy tuck done on 5/19. Today is my second day post op. I feel good but I don't know what it looks like yet. I am somewhat scared to see it with the bandages off for fear of it not looking the way I wanted it to be.

I have swelling in the feet. Did anyone else have that?

I haven't had any pain at all, just the tightness of the bandaging and the compression garment that I am now wearing 24/7.

I will upload pics as soon as I can sit up for longer periods. Trying to take it easy as prescribed by my doc.



Updated on May 26, 2009:

 It is now one week post-op. I am still very swollen. Stitches are still in. Won't be taking them out until next Monday. Took off the bandages yesterday and saw my tummy for the first time. Not bad. Looking forwward to seeing the final results in a few months.

I get panic attacks when I look at myself though. I don't know why. Not too worried about that though. I was finally given the okay to take proper showers. This feels so good.

Everyone talks about every day getting better. This is so true. You feel a million times better every morning. I have no regrets.



Updated on May 28, 2009:


Updated on Jun 1, 2009:

 Hi again,

Took the stitches out today. It burned!!!!!! So glad that's over. Swelling is going down. My tummy looks soooo good. I am so happy. It just looks better with time. I can't believe it's only been 2 weeks!! 



Updated on Jun 3, 2009:

This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.

My Doctor:

He was very careful to explain everything. He is Board certified and very experienced.
Before Before
Side View Before Side View Before
1 week post op side 1 week post op side
2 wks po stitches out slightly swollen 2 wks po stitches out slightly swollen
Vote: 16 members found this review helpful

Comments (28)

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Sheerpink (35 posts) 22 May 2009
yes, your feet and legs will be swollen for a few days. That is partly because of the surgery itself, but more because of the fluids you were given during the surgery. Your tummy is very swollen now, too, and that goes down a little more each day and week. I am 5 weeks post op and still have some swelling, mostly worse at night, but I love the way I look in the morning and if I'm still swollen, imagine how great it will be a few months from now!
April F (111 posts) 28 May 2009

Your scar is nice and low... looking good!

Sasha09 (4 posts) 31 May 2009
Wow. Your doctor did a good job. Keep us posted.
samantha14 (15 posts) 2 Jun 2009
How does your belly button look after the stitches were removed? I am really nervous about mine. You look really good! Are you standing straight yet?
Caribbean Chick (14 posts) 3 Jun 2009
My belly button looks very natural. I was worried about it being stretched out as I see in other people's pics but luckily it turned out well. There is still a little scab around it so it looks a bit dark. I am standing straight but I tend to hunch over when I do errands all day and I start swelling up a little. I will post pics later today when my husband can take them for me.
milan 34 (1 post) 3 Jun 2009
You look really good.TheDr did a excellent job with your scar it's very low and neat.I want one so bad.I would love to know the dr who did yours.
Caribbean Chick (14 posts) 4 Jun 2009
Sorry, but I'm in Trinidad in the Caribbean. I'm sure you'd be able to find a really good Dr. there in the U.S. Just do a lot of research.
Trinikamkim (10 posts) 2 Jul 2010
Hi I am Trini living in Fl, contemplating on doing this TT procedure, looking @ your pics, the Dr did a fantastic job on you, the incision, the belly button, remarkably done unlike to pics I have seen of other ppl. The $$$$ quoted on your profile is that TT or US? mind I ask. Also, what is the Dr info. A job well done!!
samantha14 (15 posts) 4 Jun 2009
WOW...You look great! I am about a week behind you so please keep me updated and I hope I look as good as you.
Mother in pain (16 posts) 5 Jun 2009
Im confused about the removal of the stitchs? I thought all of the stitches were internal?
Caribbean Chick (14 posts) 8 Jun 2009
The stitches that are removed are the ones holding the closure together in the pelvic area. There are some there that are internal and dissolve but the outer dermis is held together by sutures or stitches that are removed after about 10 days.
Mama of two big boys! (unregistered guest) 8 Jun 2009
I am the same complexion as you (and have an even bigger belly than you had). I'd like to know how the scar heals (if you don't mind disclosing). I would like to have a TT next year once baby is weaned. I sure wish I got it done during my c-section. No surgeon would agree to it. Also did you have a drain? If not,why not? Did you have lipo?
Caribbean Chick (14 posts) 9 Jun 2009
Having a tummy tuck right after a C-section makes no sense. Your uterus is not its usual size and you would be in sooo much pain. Not to mention depriving your newborn baby of the attention that is required at this time. So I'm glad you didn't get it done then. I didn't have any lipo done. Only a full tummy tuck. I had drains. They were taken out about 15hrs after surgery and I've had NO problems with fluid build up. It sometimes baffles me when people write that they have had drains in for more than a week. My surgeon says its the way he performs the surgery that's why he can take the drains out sooner. When I take the tape off in a couple of days, I will take a pic to let you know how the scar is progressing.
mama of big boys (49 posts) 10 Jun 2009
Thanks so much for your quick reply! You are right...a TT would only make things harder during a c-section. Besides, I want time to lose all the weight I put on during the pregnancy. Looking forward to more pics. You're lookin' great thus far! How are you feeling physically and emotionally? Liking the way you look in your clothes, I'm sure? Oh, I'm looking forward to feeling better in my clothes. My baby is almost four months, so I figure sometime next summer(while hubby is home from teaching) to have it done. Also, how much help did you need postop (getting out of bed/moving about)? And how were you moving about 2wks postop? When were you able to stand up straight? Thanks so much for answering all my questions and for being so helpful providing details and pics as you heal. I really appreciate it!!!!!
Caribbean Chick (14 posts) 11 Jun 2009
I love how I feel in my clothes. I just had a baby too (he is 9 months). I needed a lot of help the first week post-op especially with the baby. Getting out of bed and changing my compression garment were the areas I needed help. My husband is self employed so he was able to stay at home full time with me. He had to be there everytime I needed to use the bathroom because my compression garments were very tight. Walking around was not a problem at all. You're okay when you're mobile. By the time I was 2 weeks, I felt more like myself. I was home alone and doing everything on my own. Getting in and out of the car burned because the stitches would be tugging a bit. Now that the stitches are out. I am totally fine. I'm back out to work early because I didn't feel like I needed any more time at home. Sitting all day becomes uncomfortable sometimes though. I am standing straight right now but when I eat a meal I hunch over because everything feels a bit tight. Overall everything is great. No regrets!!!!
mama of big boys (49 posts) 12 Jun 2009
I am sssoooo happy for you! Thanks again for all the details. I heard that it is difficult to go #2. What did you about that? And, what did you tell people at work? Do they just think you lost some weight? Sorry about all the questions, I just want to be prepared for the reaction, if any. I look forward to feeling great about my appearance, but not sure how to deal with the nosey folks that think exercise will tighten the muscle and shrink the skin some how.
Caribbean Chick (14 posts) 12 Jun 2009
It is. At least for the first 2 weeks. I was afraid I would pop some stitches so I probably went only once or twice per week. That passes with time. I drank a lot of water and prune juice and ate lots of fruits. I only told my close friends at work what I was doing, and my boss......
mama of big boys (49 posts) 13 Jun 2009
Good to know! Thanks for taking the time out to answers my questions!
mama of big boys (49 posts) 13 Jun 2009
As I see other TT results, I think your looks the most natural! Really nice belly button! And beautiful incision!
septembersun (5 posts) 13 Jun 2009
good job! and it does look like he did well and you will be happy with the results. take care and best wishes.
Stay Young (39 posts) 18 Jun 2009
Hi.. I have been watching your progress. Do you have any updates on yourself? I am going in next week 23rd for a TT/BA and some lipo. Any advice? You look amazing... You healed and bounced back so fast. I wonder it that is because you did not have lipo or anything else done?
Caribbean Chick (14 posts) 19 Jun 2009
The best advice I can give you is follow your PS's instructions to a T and don't go in with unrealistic expectations. If you have a question for your Dr. or would like things done a certain way, don't hold back. Make sure he is aware of all your concerns and exactly what you want done. Healing has been great. My scar is healing pretty well. I just have one minute area of concern but it will be dealt with soon. I will post pics of my progress pretty soon.
Caroline123 (31 posts) 7 Jul 2009

You look fabulous! I am serious... Where is this Dr? I have very very little fat to remove, but skin is jacked up a bit-no stretch marks.. but lumpy..

Crispy (8 posts) 11 Jun 2010
I was wondering how you got the money to pay for it. I went for my consultation on Tuesday and they gave me a couple of places that help with loans, I can not seem to get approved.
reddwyne (2 posts) 27 Mar 2011
Did your doctor provide the compression garment or did u have to get it on your own?

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