Tummy Tuck Reviews
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“tt - El Mirage, AZ”

Worth It
Spent: $8,375 in El Mirage

Comments (37)

Updated 27 Jul 2011

Posted 24 May 2011

I am a 52 year old african american woman scheduled for a tummy tuck in july, just in time for my 53rd birthday!

I am having the standard TT after losing 50 lbs over 5 years ago. The loose skin wasn't bad then but now.............!

I am concern about the pain involved. Please don't sugar coat it for me. How bad is the pain?



Updated on 21 Jun 2011:
Oh! My bad! The date is July 21!

Updated on 7 Jul 2011:
14 days and counting.
It's funny that I don't feel as nervous as I did say, 3 months ago. I guess It is because I
realize that Dr. M. is a very talented and caring surgeon. Oh! The job he did on my 'girls' last year! A friend describes them as 'Bronzed, Sculpted Masterpeices'. LoL!!!

Updated on 11 Jul 2011:
Count down, 20 Days.
My coordinator, Veronica, called me this morning to confirm tomorrow's pre-op(I had a brief discussion about a TT with Dr. M earlier, but because I was there to get my 'Girls' final check up only, we kept the TT talk brief.).
I was elated when Veronica told me that they ordered my pain pump!Hallelujah! Hey! My mama didn't raise no fool! LOL!!!!

Updated on 11 Jul 2011:
Oops!! More like ten days! I'm going nuts here! I think I'll take back my martinis!!

Updated on 12 Jul 2011:
I had my pre-op today and am so looking forward to this! Everything looks good from A-Z including pain management. Dr. M knows how to treat a lady! After the photo session he told me that I will be very happy with the TT results. I guess the 50 lbs weight loss and boob job is finally paying off!!

Updated on 19 Jul 2011:
Tomorrow is the big day and I am surprisely calm and excited. Hubby is taking me out for pizza this afternoon. It's kinda like the Last Supper 'cause I know that I won't have much of an appetite for a few weeks.
The Colase Stool Softner kicked in some time ago, hence, enjoying the Go!
I feel very comfy concerning pain management. Dr. M confirmed that the pain involved ain't pretty so I will have a pain pump as part of my fanny pack in addition to taking percocet in conjuction. Pain wise the first five days are the worst, but by that time the pump will be empty and pain greatly minimized.
A new beginning!Wow! I feel like a butterfly emerging from a coccoon.

Updated on 20 Jul 2011:
Thanks to the Valium, I slept like a baby throughout the night.
showered, went into my temple to invoke the universe's healing forces, drank some water. I'll tidy up the house a little. 5 hours 'til show time!

Updated on 22 Jul 2011:
Amazing!
Even through the swelling you can tell that my PS busted me down big time! Hubby is very pleased, keeps saying "very nice, very nice!"
I am speechless! I wasn't this fine when I was 15! LoL!!!

Updated on 24 Jul 2011:
3 days post-op.Beeeeautiful!!!! Dr. Mosharaffa did an awesome job at staving off the pain and his work is awesome!!!! Even though I am still a little swollen, combine with my boob job from last year, when I look in the mirror, I see a 20 something year old Pam Grier!
So worth it!! I'd do it again in a heartbeat!

Updated on 27 Jul 2011:
7/26/11
Went to post op visit with Dr. M with DH intoll. As I was being examine Dr.M had a very please look on his face and DH kept muttering'gorgeous'. Can't say I blame them. I am one serious hour glass!
DH and I went antique shooping but first we stopped by Subway. Can you believe it?! I ordered the Italian BLT on Wheat 6in long; DH has started counting my calories!!! He said I should have ordered the turkey breast! He did the same thing at dinner!!
I am hoping this, too, will pass!

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Comments (37)

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Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 25 May 2011

Ok no sugar coating...it hurts like hell the first week.   BUT..I would do it all over again for the same results. 

You can do this girlie!!!   Many have survived this and are happy with the results.  Just think...NO MORE muffin top and jelly belly.

Keep posting!
Brenda in El Mirage AZ 26 May 2011
Thanks Kimmers. Oddly enough, your honesty served to alleviate my fear some what. There's nothing worse than going into any situation blind.
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 26 May 2011

I agree:)  I would rather go in with all the facts and honesty.  It better prepares you mentally and physically.  I would rather expect the worst case and then come out and say "That was not so bad". 

It is all worth everything you go through.  Each person is different in what they are able to handle but this pain is all temporary.

kyt9561 27 May 2011
So, I am 50 and just had the procedure 5 weeks ago. There a parts of it that are painful, but stay on top of your pain meds and it is much easier to handle. The first night was the worst for me, but I was in the hospital being pumped with pain meds. I didn't really feel a thing. Once I was home, I had a pain pump for 4 days, which helped tremendously!!!It really was nothing like I thought it would be. I actually believe that there is more soreness than actual pain. I must admit that this does last a while. I am still sore. Can't stress enough to stay on top of your pain meds!!! take them on time, everytime!!! Your will be fine. Hope this helps.
Brenda in El Mirage AZ 27 May 2011
Yes it does KY.
I am definitely going to stick to this site. You guys are so comforting!
Cher in Walla Walla 28 May 2011
Stay on top of meds like your PS says. Will your PS be pulling in abs and stitching? Mine were, and I can say to do your best not to sneeze, cough, or laugh for awhile - LOL. You will do great!
Brenda in El Mirage AZ 29 May 2011
Hi Cheryl,
I ask my PS if I could get away with just having the skin removed. No dice. The underlying muscle will be stitched and tightened. I gather that is where all the pain drama comes in, yes?
Cher in Walla Walla 29 May 2011
For me it was and still is where the drama is - LOL. My abs were about 5-6 inches apart, so they were really pulled in & a lot of healing going on there. There is no other way to get those abs tightened if they have pulled apart. For me, pulling the abs in and stitched also pulled me in from the sides to give me more of the coveted hour-glass shape. In a heartbeat, I would do this again. Difference can be so dramatic!! Pain is temporary, drains are more nuisance. By researching this prior to surgery and knowing what to expect and being prepared is half the battle! Good luck!
Brenda in El Mirage AZ 29 May 2011
Hour glass? Wow! I say this because as of now I am one year post breast augmentation. I can't wait to see this!!!!!LoL!!!!!!!!!!!
Brenda in El Mirage AZ 29 May 2011
Cheryl, because your abs were pulled in so tightly, how many inches did you lose? I know this is very indiviualized, but I am simply trying to crunch some numbers.
Cher in Walla Walla 29 May 2011
I hadn't even thought to measure! When I was still at 191 lb (abt 8/2010)I was size 18 women's (stretch/elastic) clothes,44 inches chest (under boobs) and 48 inches on waist. Today, with compression garment on, I measured 37 1/2 inches on waist and 36 1/2 inches for chest. I'm wearing size 10 reg jean or size 12 if in petites. After TT, salesclerks would ask what size I was and I was so bewildered. Had to tell them I had no idea. I ended up taking many sizes to dressing room to figure it out - LOL.
I no longer have to buy tops that are too big on top because I needed the extra room to accommodate the big belly. And I can now fit shirts that actually button down the middle. It's a miracle I still get weepy over...
Brenda in El Mirage AZ 29 May 2011
I am so happy for you I could cry.
Yeah!!! Let's do this!!
Mayela72 21 Jun 2011
Hi, Brenda! Just bumped into your post and found out your treatment is scheduled by tomorrow. How exciting! You are going to look fantastic. Good luck!
Brenda in El Mirage AZ 21 Jun 2011
Thanks Mayela. Unfortunately, I gave the wrong month! It's July 21! Again my bad!
Mayela72 21 Jun 2011
It happens! So you still have another month to prepare. My surgery is next Tuesday and I am here very relaxed, just taking it easy. I am sure I'll regret it, if I don't stop procastinating, but I believe staying in the denial phase is my way to show my nerves. Anyway, will try to start my shopping tomorrow right after my pre-op. Do keep me posted.
Brenda in El Mirage AZ 22 Jun 2011
So I am not crazy feeling more and more relaxed about it.
What all are you having done?
Mayela72 22 Jun 2011
I will have a full tummy tuck with muscle repair and lipo on back.
Brenda in El Mirage AZ 22 Jun 2011
Yeah, I am looking at lipo too, along the waist and back. Because I am a previous patient, my PS is doing the lipo at no charge. I had my boobs done last year(As of yesterday, the "girls' are one year old!)and plan to call it quits after TT.
Mayela72 22 Jun 2011
Then go for it, girl. Take advantage of your doctor's offer. You will already be under general anesthesia anyway. ;) I am planning on doing my boobs next summer. Then again, it all depends on how it goes with pain after my first surgery... LOL
Brenda in El Mirage AZ 22 Jun 2011
You'll discover that the worst case scenario with a boob job is that you will feel really sore, as if you did hundreds of push-ups. The percocet was a complete waste.
Mayela72 7 Jul 2011
Funny, I had my procedure nine days ago, and I can tell you that the soreness of the day after can be compared to doing hundreds of sit-ups. LOL.
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 8 Jul 2011

I love your description of the "Girls":)   Now that is good!

Brenda in El Mirage AZ 8 Jul 2011
Kimmers,
I read you Guide to TT and found it very informative and your sense of humor is bar none!
In your guide, did you imply that your TT resulted in a mild butt lift as well?
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 11 Jul 2011

No butt lift for me.  My sister and I always laugh that we got our grandmas flat and wide butt.  I seriously do not have any J Lo going on in my trunk. 

I did have lipo on the outer thighs, hips and a little on the booty - by the saddle bags.

I am always doing exercises to try to help that but no luck!   However I do seem to find more dimples and cellulite each year.  Gotta love Womanhood.

I only hope that when I am 80 it won't be dragging on the ground.

Cher in Walla Walla 19 Jul 2011
Brenda, take care tomorrow and I wish you all the best and will pray for a safe and speedy recovery for you. When you are able, please keep us posted on how you are doing. Would love to hear!

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