Day 2 Post Op - Mini Tummy Tuck - Hong Kong

I was on these boards a lot as I prepared for my mini tummy tuck and wanted to share my experience so far as there are not a lot of stories of mini tummy tucks out there.

I had mainly loose skin and some stretch marks below the belly button, muscles were fine, so I was able to get away with a mini tummy tuck plus a little lipo to the stomach area. I went for a consult with a Hong Kong plastic surgeon with a very good reputation and just told him I was interested in a tummy tuck, did not specify mini as I wanted him to give me an honest appraisal instead. He proposed the mini tuck and I was scheduled for two weeks later.

I spent the most of those two weeks worrying. I was mainly worried I wouldn't make it out of the operating room. I was worried I was taking a big risk for not a lot of tummy! Of course, as soon as I saw my surgeon on the day I relaxed. I felt I was totally in the best hands and just trusted he would look after me. The anesthesiologist was also lovely, so I felt safe with him. On the operating table I was out before I knew it. There was no counting to even 1 for me. I don't remember anything but joking with them that normally I get a baby at the end of this sort of ordeal and then bang, I was out and being woken up to see how much they had sucked out of me. Yikes! I don't need to see that.

Before the op, I also worried a lot about the pain but I can say that my two c-sections were harder, though I didn't find those too difficult either. I was able to walk fully upright on the same day as my surgery. Day two I went home and I was able to help a bit with the children, preparing meals etc. It's hard to resist the urge to pick up a 2 year old! I am on day 3 and haven't needed my pain medication today so far. It's not to say I don't feel a little pain, or twinges but not enough to warrant taking medication for it. I have enough medication to take already without adding to it unnecessarily.

I've still got my drain in and am wearing the compression garment which is really quite uncomfortable. I will try to take a photo with the drain as there are not many photos out with them. You will see a leak by the drain exit so the garment has some blood on it. I will probably get my drain out tomorrow, so day 4.

I have been very tired if anything. After the op I slept from 10am to 6pm. Whenever people came to see me to give meds etc I could literally not keep my eyes open. I hadn't slept much the nights before out of worry so I was probably in big need of some R and R.

I've had a peak at my tummy and a feel and so far it looks and feels great. Only a little bit of swelling. My belly button is a little bit better than before, but still a bit saggy as I don't want people to know I've had a tummy tuck so I am happy to have it like that.

Sleeping is a little bit awkward but 5 pillows finally got off to sleep ok. I'm going to try and fight my urge to be up and about as I feel quite ok but don't want to overdo it or risk ruining the surgery because of impatience.

If you have any questions just ask. I will post photos as soon as I can.