“Tummy Tuck and Arm Lift - Atlanta, GA”

My TT and Arm Lift are scheduled for April 29! I'm so glad to have found this forum and the wealth of information everyone has provided. I will be correcting 30 years of mistreatment to my skin from being severely obese. I began my healthy living journey 18 months ago and have lost a total of 91 lbs through diet and exercise. Thank you everyone.

Updated on 10 Jun 2011:
Since my TT with muscle repair on 4/29, I developed a staph infection the second week post-op and the lenghth of my incision opened as the infection started draining through my sutures. After aggressive IV/oral antibiotic treatments, I began a wound care regimen.

I also had a brachioplasty (arm lift) at the same time. Although one arm became infected as well, this resolved rather rapidly after I started wound care.

My experience has been frightening, painful and depressing. I have seen that most of the after photos on this forum are success stories and am so encouraged by them; I just couldn't believe the difference in my journey.

Last Friday, my PS surgically cleaned out my wound and closed the incision back up with dissolvable sutures and staples, this time. Two new drains were reinserted and this time, it all feels differently. After one week, my new incision is healing normally and resembles many of the posted photos. I am careful to not overexert the incision for fear of a recurrence - and am still afraid it might split open again.

My PS has been apologetic and attentive throughout this process and for that I am grateful.

I wanted to share my story as well, because there must be so many more patients with this problem. I know reading Ellie's posts helped me not to feel alone. Consciously changing my "woe-is-me" outlook and reclaiming my faith that all things were working for a greater good also helped. I really do think that the mind influences our wellbeing and what we tell ourselves, is reality.

At this stage I haven't worried about the aesthetics of my TT, but trust that too will resolve itself.

Best wishes to everyone.