Tummy Tuck
Tummy tuck before & after photos
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“Glad That my Fear Didn't Get in the Way of my Dream!”

32 posts
Comments (35)
Updated 6 Sep 2009
Posted 24 Mar 2009
Worth It
Spent: $16,000 in New York

On 3/10/09 I had breast augmentation and a full tummy tuck, with repair to an umbilical hernia.  I was petrified about the pain that I would endure after my surgery, that I almost didn't go through with it.  But I was so sick of having to hide my "muffin top".  I was always skinny and in shape and my two pregnancies totally stretched out my stomach, beyond self-repair.  I looked as if I was three months pregnant, even though I weighed 113 lbs.

I woke up from surgery feeling excellent.  There was no initial pain and the bindings were not too constricting.  Over the next 24 hours, I stayed in my dr.s office, with a nurse who montitored my blood pressure, heart beat and i had constant stimulation of my calves to avoid blood clots.  I was given percocets and xanax as often as needed to keep me comfortable.

On day two, getting out of the bed was tough, but once I did it, I knew that the worst was behind me.  Every day I feel better, I walk a little taller.  Today I showered and felt amazing.  I have one drain, which is totally manageable.  I thought it would be horrible to have one, but it's really no big deal.  My nurse told me to clip the drain to a long necklace while I showered so that I wouldn't need help and it totally worked!  What a great tip.

The best part of my recovery has been that my kids are staying with my parents for four days- if this is possible for you, it is an amazing gift. I'm so excited for them to come home tomorrow and plan on telling them that I hurt my back, and nothing else.  I'm still taking pain meds every 3 hours- I don't wait to feel pain, I'm staying ahead of it.  My worst pain right now is honestly a sore throat from being intebated for the anesthesia.  Totally tolerable stuff.

Anyone who is considering this surgery- do it! Just make sure you have the right doctor for you!  My dr. gave me a low, very neat incision and took extra special care of my belly button.  I know that within the upcoming weeks I will finally have the confidence in my body that i've been missing and will gain the energy that I need to be a full time Mom again.



Updated on Mar 24, 2009:


Updated on Mar 24, 2009:


Updated on Sep 6, 2009:

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

James Romanelli, MD

My Doctor: James Romanelli, MD

Long Island City Plastic Surgeon
My rating:
Liked his photo album of past clients, bedside manner and skill as a surgeon.
2 weeks post op- tummy tuck, umbilical hernia repair and repair of inner muscles 2 weeks post op- tummy tuck, umbilical hernia repair and repair of inner muscles
2 weeks post op- tummy tuck side view 2 weeks post op- tummy tuck side view
2 weeks post op- tummy tuck/ breast aug. scars 2 weeks post op- tummy tuck/ breast aug. scars
sitting up straight sitting up straight
hunching back hunching back
looking 3 months pregnant...but really 11 months after having my daughter looking 3 months pregnant...but really 11 months after having my daughter
almost 6 months post-op with scar covered almost 6 months post-op with scar covered
6 month TT scar w/ belly button repair 6 month TT scar w/ belly button repair
6 mos. post op BA & TT 6 mos. post op BA & TT
Vote: 16 members found this review helpful

Comments (35)

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mommy20829 (4 posts) 17 Mar 2009
you wrote this 3 days after your procedure. Now that your a week into it, how do you feel? I'm going for a consult. Anything you would tell me to ask and/or expect, etc? How old are your kids? I'm concerned about what to tell them.
Melbell28 (32 posts) 18 Mar 2009
Hitting the "week" mark was a little tough, not gonna lie. Just a lot of stretching, pinching... but no real pain. Today I picked my 18 month daughter up for the first time. Could only hold her for a few seconds before having to sit with her. Cannot take care of her myself yet. My 4 year old daughter has been an angel! She thinks it's fun to take care of me. She wanted to be in the bathroom with me while I showered yesterday, I told her that I had booboos that I thought would upset her and I'd rather her wait outside. She seemed pretty cool with it. I told her that I hurt my back. I've been able to hide it really well, loose sweats and zip up hoodies. Had my drain taken out on Monday which made me a lot more comfortable and enabled me to "hide" everything a little better. In terms of the consult... each one ran me $150 (fyi). You should expect to be examined, they'll explain to you their procedure, where they operate, etc. Definitely pick a dr. that insists that you stay overnight. You want to be sure that they make the incision as low as possible. Find a dr. who has posted photos... recreating a belly button is an art- some docs got it, some don't. My stomach is so flat, even with the minor swelling. I am so glad that I did this. Let me know if you need any other info or have more questions. This website really helped answer so many of my questions, so I am definitely looking to pay it forward! Good luck!
cmomara@optonline.net (1 post) 27 Mar 2009
Had four c-sections and thankfully 4 healthy children. However, after # 4 my uterus ruptured and had to have a fifth surgery to remove top part of uterus -- with out boring you with details --it was an absolute nightmare. Prior to that experience I always promised myself I would get tummy tuck. Needless to say, my son is 19 months and I've just decided to take the plunge. Like you, I've always been fit, etc, etc. I wanted to know if your doctor did liposuction in addition to the tummy tuck and did the surgery make a difference in your waist. Thx!
Stay Young (39 posts) 19 Mar 2009
You note that you would recomend this Dr... Did you have a referral for him before or did you find him doing research? Also, did he do any lipo anywhere? I am just trying to get an idea of his prices. I am in NJ and would consider NY if the Dr & $ are right. Thanks
Melbell28 (32 posts) 21 Mar 2009
He advertises a lot on the radio here... "mommy makeovers", so I had heard the name. A friend of mine had gotten it done somewhere else and her friend had it done with my dr. so she gave me both names. Her dr. had zero bedside manner and she wasn't happy with her belly button, she's having it redone, so I didn't want to go to him. I saw one other dr. recommended by my gyno, who I also wasn't crazy about. When I went to see my dr. there was just an instant connection and level of comfort that I only felt with him. I felt the price was right, his office was well-equipped, and he is the chief of plastic surgery at Huntington Hospital. When I went for my pre-op visit with my internist, he said that he's been working in huntington for 18 years, and hasn't met a finer surgeon. My scar is beautiful, you can tell he takes his time. The line is fairly straight and very low. I only had one drain, some drs. use two, but he's been having success with one in recent months, so that was a big +. I didn't have any lipo done. However, I did have breast augmentation and I had a little problem spot removed from my face and everything looks and feels great!!
mommy20829 (4 posts) 24 Mar 2009
did you go with saline or silicone? what was your before and after size/cup? you sound similar to me in frame and size. I'm rather small (5'7" 120) but have skin stretched above my abdomen and fat pockets on each side of my bbutton that exercise and diet is not helping. my husband and I are both aprehensive because of the cut and scar. how does your scar look now at 2 weeks post-op? do you have any before after photos you would be willing to share - of the ab not breast :)
Melbell28 (32 posts) 24 Mar 2009
Hey Mommy20829, I posted my pics today, so I hope they'll be up shortly. I was a 34a(barely) before and am now a proud 34c!! I'm 5'2" and 115 lbs. My scar seems rather high. Put on a bathing suit today and it didn't cover the scar, but I'd rather buy some new bathingsuits with higher waistbands then sit down at the pool and have like 3 rolls hanging over my string bikini! My dr. pulled my skin as tight as he could. The little verticle line of stitching in the center is where my "old" belly button was, he couldn't pull the skin any tighter to make it fall below the incision line. I scar well though and am using vitamin E, so hopefully it won't be noticable in a year or so.
Sheerpink (35 posts) 24 Mar 2009
You look so good! I don't think your scar looks high, but if you do wear low rise panties or bathing suits I can see how some may be too low. If you move to fuller coverage bottoms it will definetly cover the scar. Your waist looks nice and tiny! AND, I'm sure the girls are looking good, too! LOL Thank you for sharing your pictures. I'll post mine next month for everyone after my TT/BA and Lipo. Take care!
mommy20829 (4 posts) 24 Mar 2009
you look great!! Thank you SOOOO much for sharing.
nicole123 (40 posts) 25 Mar 2009
hey, i think u look great!! Not high, however i dont think it is as low as mine, look at my new pic on here of my scar. But you are only what 2 weeks yet?? give it more time. take care
mikki72 (1 post) 27 Mar 2009
Hi there, can you tell me how long recovery took after your procedre (tummy tuck) im going to be having one soon and would like information from someone thats had this surgery done. thankyou michelle
leeannp (7 posts) 27 Mar 2009
HELLO MELBEL28! you commented on my pics & now i wanna comment on yours!-- You look super! & i know you must be feeling great! Your photos remind me of my photos,i also had the small vertical line/stiching above my inscion line, which is my old belly button he couldnt pull down any tighter- it is fading well & i scar well, i am 8 weeks & at my 6 week post opt , my doctor said that if it still bothered me he could remove it this winter, but skin needs to relax atleast 6 months first- then he will be able to pull it down under incision line- (just wanted you to know in case yours bothered you too) my scar is low-this vertical fold im talking about is the only thing stoping me from wearing a "low" bikkini i had to buy a higher waisted/ hipster style one. i have no regrets at all!!i also had a BA- I didnt mention this in my review. I had 275cc silicon unders- what did you have?- You look so good ! im happy for you! KIT-
Melbell28 (32 posts) 27 Mar 2009
Hey all, well, I'm 17 days out. I felt fully functional today! Wore my skinny jeans and held my 18 month old for about an hour at a party. I'm definitely tired now and my scar is more swollen than it was this morning, but just can't baby myself anymore. time to get on with life. This healing process is definitely a gradual one. A friend of mine told me it took a full year (I thought she was joking) but I'm realizing that it will take a pretty long time to feel 100% better, although I would say I'm at about 75% now. to CMomara and Mikki72, I would do this surgery again in a heartbeat! You are making a great decision for yourself... probably the first selfish thing you've done since the early 1990's!! As far as lipo, was told that I didn't need it. My waist is pretty much where I want it to be. It was my gut, and now my butt that need work! As far as healing time... here's my genuine perspective: days 1-6: very little pain, adjusting to difficulty performing daily activities, like going to the bathroom and getting out of bed. days 7-12: anesthesia is wearing off, more pulling and pinching. frustration with swelling, over-critical of self. coming off of pain meds, but not feeling great. Drain(s) come out, so showering is easier and feel more mobile. days 13-17 (today): each morning wake up a little bit better, walk a little straighter, more tired at night than normal, but each day feeling a little more energy. Any other questions, don't hesitate to ask! There's a great network of ladies on this site!!
Melbell28 (32 posts) 27 Mar 2009
LeeannP- thanks for the compliment. I hope I won't need any work on my vertical scar. I'm anxious to go out and try on bathing suits to see which kind will look best (top and bottom)!! My body type is so different now. I was barely an a cup before, so I had 350 cc silicone under the muscle. I'm so happy with them! Keep me posted on your situation, I like having your input, since you are a number of weeks ahead of me. Thanks for taking the time to write!
Melbell28 (32 posts) 27 Mar 2009
P.S. CMomara- so sorry for what you went through with your last labor. That must have been so difficult, I can't even imagine! You're a tough cookie, surely this will be an easier procedure for you! You've been through the worst of it, in my opinion! Glad that you are doing this for yourself.
mommy20829 (4 posts) 28 Mar 2009
Melbell28 & Leeannp i went for a consult yesterday and am very comfortable with the dr. I'm having trouble with the recoup part. my husband is very supportive, but he's not going to be able to take more than a day or two off work and i have a 5 and 2.5 yr old to take care of. 5 yr old is self sufficient. I I know i will most likely be down&out for 7-10dys, but when were you comfortable to be with the kids by yourself? dr. said not to lift anything over 10# for 4 weeks and I can handle that, I'm just trying to figure out when I might feel well enough to do the small daily things like get drinks, meals, crayons, maybe be outside while they play, go to the store, etc. Stuff that I can get, then sit back down.
Melbell28 (32 posts) 30 Mar 2009
Three weeks out today! Today I had a drs visit and he said that I'm almost being too cautious. I have a lot of scar tissue under my incisions and he said I really have to massage them and start doing some easy walking to get myself going. As far as the recoup until this point- I think anything is possible if you want it to be. Mommy20829- you will not be a happy camper to be taking care of the kiddies on day 3, but if your kids are easy-going, then it shouldn't be a big problem. Will you have time to nap? Are they in school at all? If not, I would say that you need to have some sort of mother's helper or babysitter come over and help for a while each day until you feel better. I would stick with really easy meals, buy some juice boxes, that they can get themselves, etc. Sitting outside while they play will be tough, i found it hard to stand for a long time and unless you have a cozy couch outside, sitting will be uncomfortable. I know that this probably isn't what you want to hear, but I believe in speaking the truth. Can you do it? Of course, you're a Mom... we can do anything that we set our minds to. But, I would be prepared for a bit of a struggle in the beginning and call in all reinforcements for support. Good luck! p.s. it's been 3 weeks for me and I've been lifting my 22 lb. daughter for a week now.- see, anything is possible :-)
leeannp (7 posts) 28 Mar 2009
Hi mommy20829, when are you planning on having your surgery? i had a 3,5,6&15 yr old at time of surgery. i really had my mom help with things for 5 days, then i participated throughout the day from then on with rest&naps ect.All along you must be up every few hours to walk around house for circulation, so sure you can get your kids things by day 3, you'll just want lots of rest 1st week. i drove to get a few thing at day 10, but wasnt out for long, i looked good & stood straight, but tired real easy.It will be very difficult on you if you only have help for 2 days, but is possible, maybe you could get a friends help too? Its not the "pain" it just hard to find a comfortable postion to be in the first week & you need your naps! KIT!
nicole123 (40 posts) 28 Mar 2009
I had my tt on a thursday,and my husband was off from work until monday, I did nothingfor those 4 days except go to bathroom and walk around (in the house) then would have to do sit again. I couldn push my recliner up when sitting in it!!! On the monday i was able to make dinner but it took me all afternoon, cause i would do a little than have to sit again.......oh and nap again...Each day it gets a little better it just takes you a long time to do things. I didnt drive until about 10 days. Believe me you will need help with the kids for the first week, i thought i would go back to work after 1 week, I stayed of for 3 weeks!!!! and I am a very determind woman!!!!
Stay Young (39 posts) 14 Apr 2009
Hi again... You look great.. Congrats... I have sched my surgery too. (tt and breast aug). I am wondering if you have any advice on things you might want or need at home. (ex: lounger chair, ect.) I have help for my kids, I am just trying to plan in advance. ;-)
Melbell28 (32 posts) 21 Apr 2009
Hi Stay Young, when is your surgery scheduled for? I didn't use a recliner, or hospital chair, etc. I slept in my bed with an extra pillow under my head and two under my knees. Seemed to do fine with just that. No matter where I was, in bed, or on couch, always needed pillows under my knees. As far as other things you'll need- I went to Macy's on day 10 and bought new bras :-) (NO UNDERWIRE!!) and compression garments. Being that compression garments are usually for heavier women, I could not find and "smalls" but the mediums wound up being perfect for me. I wore them every day until I felt comfortable. At night, I wore the bands that my dr. gave me to go home in. I would put them in the wash for a quick wash & dry while I showered. If your dr. is willing to give you two, that would be very helpful!! Also, all of us on this website seem to be using some sort of scar cream, etc. I use a combination of pure vitamin E oil, a product called ScarGo, and vaseline intensive care lotion. My dr. was big on massaging my scars to keep scar tissue down as early as week 3, and I must say that it has helped. One side note... I wound up with a very sore throat from being intubated, so I used a lot of chloroseptic spray and cepacol numbing throat losengers. Other than that, you're good to go! Keep me posted. I'm so excited for you. I am 5 weeks out today and feeling amazing! No regrets, just pure happiness.
Stay Young (39 posts) 26 May 2009
Melbell, Thanks for info.. Did you need anything 2 home like maxi pads for drain areas, or trash can (throwing up/dumping drains), or did you sleep on a shower curtain, potty breaks. I know it sounds crazy, but these are the things I am finding on the net. ;-) My surgery is sched for 6-23. I am getting very nervous.... I only have help for 10 days and I have a 5 yr old and 2 yr old. I have had 2 c-sections that were not too bad, but I hear the TT is brutal.. The BA I am having @ same time I know I wont feel. Thanks for info on what you told your daughter great excuse I love it. Also... Did you find the garment hot or uncomfortable outside in the heat? Any other info or advice? If you don't mind me asking how much did you way prior to surgery (you mention your 115 now)?
Melbell28 (32 posts) 27 May 2009
Did not need any of those things. Sometimes the internet can be a little overwhelming! My stitches/scar were very neat- no oozing, or anything that would require a maxipad... no trashcan, dumped my drain collections in the toilet like 12 hours after I got home. No throwing up :-) I stayed overnight the first night and they gave me anti-nausea medication. I never felt sick. Also doc prescribed me xanax, so I took one the night before surgery and one the morning of- it really helped with my anxiety. Of course I had my surgery in March, so it was a bit colder in NY than it would be in June, but the compression garments are a little sweaty. I was definitely happy to take them off when I got home after being out! But, the extra skin that I was carrying around was much more annoying than the garments! Regarding how much I weighed, I was 118 before surgery. I have a feeling that the hanging skin that I lost is probably equivelent to the implants?? but who knows? Having help for 10 days will be wonderful! If you really take that time to rest and sleep, I see no reason why you shouldn't be just fine on your own when the help leaves. Carrying your two year old will feel like torture in the beginning. I got tired really quickly and was very frustrated by my lack of strength and energy, but each day would get better and better. Now I'm fully functioning. I'm working out and back to my normal routines. I still have slight numbness around my TT scar and in certain areas of my boobs. I'm actually seeing an acupuncturist who is helping me heal faster and reducing my scars. I'm willing to try anything! Good luck! I know it's a nervous time. You'll be counting down the days! But, it really is such a gift and I can't believe how happy I feel in my clothing now. If you have any other questions, definitely let me know!
leeannp (7 posts) 1 Jun 2009
Hey Stay- young, How exciting that you are almost to your surgery date! Stay possitive & dont believe everything your read, there will always be those with complications, but they are in the low minority, i promise. My TT& BA W/BL was jan '09- i have never made a better decsion in my life & i was as scared as they come. i just wanted to say hi & give you my support, i taked to alot of veteran TT patients & it really calmed my fears, The only things i bought prior to surgery was a raised toliet seat $29 at rite-aid in handicap section- (loved it for 1st 5 days, after that i was fine. Also one of the best tips my friend told me was to have a styaform cup with the bottom cut out, this was a must- when you go potty after hold up the cup & pee through it this will prevent you from trickling on your adominal binder, you cant take the binder off- so keep it clean- i would then rinse off the cup put in back in a zip-lock & reuse-(even took to my appointments 2 weeks)I really liked this tip, you will see why if you dont use it. Even with all my MR- the tummy-tuck is not brutal like your thinking, i bet it is just as a c-section, sore the 1st week, way better every week after, i never had 1 bit of pain, just sore & discomfort from being in 1 position the 1st 5-7 days after that it ws smooth sailing, i was upright by day 10& went on outings---Use the garment they provide my was great. i was 132 post opt & now 122. Everything is great if you give me your personal email i will forward pics of how i look now 18weeks later- ido also have older pics on this website- Best wishes & i know you'll do great dont hesitate to ask us a thing! love, leeannp
parson3 (7 posts) 29 May 2009
You look amazing! I have really saggy belly skin and stretch marks after my son. I am only 19 and want a tt real bad. Husband is not supportive because of danger involved, i am also scared to death of everything involved. I wondered how you like your belly button? I am very peculiar about my bb and don't want it to look fake. What do i do with no support from hubby, i am scared!

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