POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews
Discreet TT: BB concerns 2+ wks post-op
UPDATED FROM GreenGalVT
Six weeks + 3 days PO and doing well. New pics...
GreenGalVTSeptember 9, 2012
WORTH IT$8,000
Six weeks + 3 days PO and doing well. New pics posted. Still swollen. Went to Dr. on Aug. 30 to have the belly button checked out again. She said the stem of the BB appears to have died (yuck!), which is why it was not healing and continued to ooze. She put a dab of silver nitrate on the blob of tissue which cauterized it. The tissue shrank and turned gray. It still oozed for a little while, but then scabbed, which is where it's at now. It appears to be healing and is no longer throbbing. She said I won't have much of a belly button, but I think it's going to turn out fine. It wasn't much to write home about to begin with. She also said that at 6 wks, activities are no longer restricted. I think she recommended I continue to wear the CG a while longer, so I wear it during the day, but not to bed anymore. I go back later this week to see how things are coming along and will confirm about the CG. I have not been doing much scar treatment except in the shower when I'm soaped up. I bought some Eucerin lotion (recommended by the Dr.'s office) and will make more effort on that.
Replies (2)
September 27, 2012
Well I am having mine tomorrow morning in Burlington as well. I am nervous but have read so many post and feel that in the end it will be all worth it. Thanks for the insight it does help.
UPDATED FROM GreenGalVT
4 wks post-op today. I'm back full-time at work. ...
GreenGalVTAugust 23, 2012
4 wks post-op today. I'm back full-time at work. No none has commented about my changed profile, though I try to wear loose-fitting tops to not draw attention. Still a lot of swelling. I've been wearing the CG day and night, which seems to amplify the sensations of the nerves and other sensitivities as the tissues and nerves in my abdomen heal. Including my throbbing belly button. Because of all these sensations, the CG is increasingly uncomfortable. I went to the Dr.'s office last week to check the BB. The Dr.'s assistant thought it looked OK and wasn't particularly concerned. He said the tissue looks relatively healthy, there were no seromas, and that I just need to give it more time. His assessment seemed based on extremes (e.g., as long as the skin is not black,he's not concerned.) Ugh. I know I need to give it all more time. I am increasingly weary of these discomforts and am frustrated that I continue to weigh as much or MORE than when I went in for surgery, despite conscious efforts and exercise. Sigh.
Replies (5)
August 23, 2012
Hi GreenGal
I have to say your cut is very neat nd thin. Your tum looks great. I hope your bb heals soon.
I am having surgery on 14 Sep and have told 3 people at work, no one else. Family wouldn't understand and neither will some of the ppl I work with. I am only able to take two weeks off so fingers crossed I can sit still and heal.
Dee
I have to say your cut is very neat nd thin. Your tum looks great. I hope your bb heals soon.
I am having surgery on 14 Sep and have told 3 people at work, no one else. Family wouldn't understand and neither will some of the ppl I work with. I am only able to take two weeks off so fingers crossed I can sit still and heal.
Dee
August 23, 2012
Thank you Dee. Yes, I think the scar will heal up well. I've not begun any kind of lotion or massage treatment on it yet; the Dr. told me to wait. Good luck with your surgery! I was back to work after 2 wks with a light schedule. I did disclose to a couple folks at the office that I had a drain to deal with and compression garment to wear to manage post-op swelling, but it was in the context of general abdominal surgery. If anyone comments on my improved profile, I'll credit the post-op compression garment.
August 23, 2012
Thank you. Good plan re post op garment for improved profile. :-)
Wish I could have a phased return to work.
Wish I could have a phased return to work.
August 23, 2012
Hi! Im 51 and having my TT on September 27. Im trying to keep it on the down-low also, with only 2 of my close friends and 1 family member who know. I don't want to lie and say Im having a procdure that Im not having, so If anyone asks me why I havent been around I plan on telling them "Im having a non-cancerous mass removed from my stomach". lol! or that "my back is bothering me". Because in reality those things will be true!.....
August 23, 2012
Thanks, Letta. I told folks I was having a "mass" or a "growth" removed from my abdomen. I reported afterwards when folks inquired how I was, I said it was benign and that every day is a bit better. No one really pressed for details, though I did offer a few odds and ends (drains, CG, incision [BB] not healing well).
August 23, 2012
Lol non cancerous mass. Initially my boss rejected my leave because a colleague was on leave too. We don't do the same job so I didn't see the problem. I had to speak to my boss and tell that I really need to take this leave. He asked why it was so crucial and I said it was a personal matter. He said ok I can take it. I'm not sure what he thinks a personal matter is. I'm just worried that I'll still be lacking in energy when I get back to work. I work in finance and will be month end when i get back. We will also be starting to set new budgets. I think it going to be quite busy a nd possibly a bit stressful :-( Not great for recovery!
I am going to Poland to have my surgery and have had disclose the fact that I'm going there. I have to get a visa and a letter from work confirming I have a full time job! I'm collecting my passport tomorrow morning. Fingers crossed they have approved the visa!
I am going to Poland to have my surgery and have had disclose the fact that I'm going there. I have to get a visa and a letter from work confirming I have a full time job! I'm collecting my passport tomorrow morning. Fingers crossed they have approved the visa!
August 23, 2012
Oh, my--so complicated! And no doubt some added stress. I hope it all works out.
August 24, 2012
Give it time. I'm just about 8 weeks post op and I promise you will feel and look much better within the next several weeks. In the past week or so I've really come a long way in the reduction of swelling and pain. I know how you feel, time seems to slow down when you are waiting to look and feel better. Hang in there!
August 27, 2012
I go for my pre-op appointment tomorrow!! YIKES!!!! Im so nervous about everything...anyway GreenGal, your pictures look great and Im sorry about the swelling and the BB situation..my PS told me up to 8 weeks to a year healing time!! It's so hard to wait it out when you spent all that money, went through all that pain and uncomfortableness(?), doubts, second thoughts, etc, etc, etc.... I hope the BB is feeling a little better...enjoy your day!
August 28, 2012
Thank you, Letta61! A pre-op a month before the procedure? I guess that will give you plenty of time to get ready. Other than the BB issues, I am quite pleased how the rest of it is working out. In addition to the BB being physically uncomfortable, it's a bit unnerving that it seems to be an unusual case they simply haven't seen the likes of before, don't know what is causing it, or what to do about it. I try to take comfort that they don't seem too concerned about it.
September 7, 2012
Just peeking at your pics....my TT is on Sept. 25th. You scar looks really good at 4 weeks! WOW! How is your BB doing now?
I too haven't told my family what the surgery "actually" is...except for my mom. She is old school and doesn't tell anyone elses business so I know I can trust her. The few people that I mentioned surgery to asked and I told them I have having an umbilical hernia repair. I told my kids this too! A little white lie....right?
I too haven't told my family what the surgery "actually" is...except for my mom. She is old school and doesn't tell anyone elses business so I know I can trust her. The few people that I mentioned surgery to asked and I told them I have having an umbilical hernia repair. I told my kids this too! A little white lie....right?
September 9, 2012
Thanks, Dmags. I posted updated info & pics today. I wouldn't say an umbilical hernia repair is a lie: your umbilicus will definitely be repaired as part of the whole thing. I did not use the hernia option in part because I am under the impression that recovery time for hernia stuff may be less involved than for a TT. How did your mom take it when you told her?
UPDATED FROM GreenGalVT
Almost 3 wks PO and BB is still oozy and angry. I...
GreenGalVTAugust 14, 2012
Almost 3 wks PO and BB is still oozy and angry. I wore the binder all day yesterday and thru the night. This morning BB had fresh blood in with the ooze. Went w/o the binder this morning to give my BB some air, and now this puff below the incision showed up (new photos uploaded). Yikes! My next appt w/ my PS is not until mid-Sept., though I have an appt. in two days to see her nurse about the BB. Very anxious to hear what she says.
I did have an umbilical hernia repaired before, while getting my tubes tied after my last child 5 years ago. I've since had a hysterectomy. I remember the umbilical hernia hurting more than anything else, they used mesh and it felt like I have a big orange under my belly button for a couple of weeks! My PS said because of this I too run the risk of my BB dying and possibly turning black.....I really hope this doesn't happen to me. I already have a 3/4" scar in my BB so we'll see. My fingers are crossed!
I have a pretty high pain tolerance and hope that I'll be back to my usual self quickly so my "excuse" looks more realistic. If it doesn't go that good then I'll have to say I had complications...yada yada! Luckily I have my own little business where I work out of my house so there is no worries about having to return to work PLUS my husband works out of the house too so the first couple of weeks I should be good.
New pics look great! =)
Thanks!
Dawn