Tummy Tuck: Stories

Write a Review

Finally! After 22 Years I'm Getting It Done! So Happy! - New Haven, CT

  • posted 10 months ago
  • updated 9 months ago

I had my first son at age 17, at 20 I had twins,...

  • 2 Jul 2012
  • 2 days pre

I had my first son at age 17, at 20 I had twins, my belly is saggy and though I have never gained weight,I'm very self conscious about my belly. It's been thinking about a TT for many years, but there was always other priorities. Finally after 22 years, my TT is scheduled for July 5th in New haven, CT. I trust my doctor 100% and I'm confident he'll do a great job. I'll post the before pics before surgery. I'm so excited!

Two days after surgery, I', feeling a lot better,...

  • 7 Jul 2012
  • 2 days post
Two days after surgery, I', feeling a lot better, though I'm still taking all the medicines for pain and muscle spasms. I'eating just salads, jelly, crackers and lots of fluid. My left drain has only yellow fluid no more blood. I can walk better and more straight too. Yesterday a had a call from the hospital asking how I was feeling and after that the doctor called too. I have an appointment on Tuesday. I'll keep you all post it, so far I'm feeling good. thank u all. I haven't seen my belly yet so I don;t know if has been worth it but I'm sure I'll be happy with it.

Hello! I had my first doctor appointment after...

  • 10 Jul 2012
  • 5 days post
Hello! I had my first doctor appointment after surgery. I'm feeling great! the PA was impressed about how well I feel and look, I'm only taking pain meds during the night. I still have the drains, next week they might come off on my next appointment. When I saw my belly I couldn't help but cry of happiness, my husband was with me and he could not hold his tears either. He said that now he really understand how important was this for me. I can't believe how flat my tummy looks! and the PA said I'm still very swollen! :) I can't wait to see after! here are some after pics.

A week after surgery, still with the drains, but...

  • 12 Jul 2012
  • 7 days post
A week after surgery, still with the drains, but feeling great! just bored of being home between 4 walls, though today I went out for a few hours, it felt wonderful!

Hello! there's not much to report. I'm pmsing so,...

  • 17 Jul 2012
  • 12 days post
Hello! there's not much to report. I'm pmsing so, my mood is not the best if u know what I mean! Just waiting for my appoinment tomorrow and see if the drains come out, I hope, because they're only draining like 25ml each a day, if not oh well, I'll have to wait a few more days.
It does not hurt to get up from bed anymore! today I drove to my friend's house, only a few blocks from mine, it felt good, though you can feel the muscles working when you steer the wheel. I'm posting a today's photo, can you tell a difference? a big hug for everyone of you! how are you all doing??

14 days and both drains came off! It feels so...

  • 18 Jul 2012
  • 13 days post
14 days and both drains came off! It feels so good! and the scar looks amazing! considering it's been less than two weeks. The doc says it looks beautiful! the tegaderm was replaced for a new one that I have to change in 2 weeks. Next doc's appointment it's in 3 weeks. feeling great! I want to go back to work but my job it's physical so, I'll wait one more week and I'll start light. I don't want to mess up the fabulous job the doctor did!

HI ladies! it's been 18 days. I went to the beach...

  • 23 Jul 2012
  • 18 days post
HI ladies!
it's been 18 days. I went to the beach on Saturday, It was really nice, I was careful with sun and heat and lucky me it was not humed or extremely hot so I was fine after the shade. I was really tired when I got home and slept like a baby. Yesterday we went to the movies and must have caught an stomach bug or something and I threw up everything I ate during the day, which it wasn't a lot, since after surgery my stomach seems to have shrunk of something but I fell full with very small portions, even better right??

OK I know I said this before but, I'm running out...

  • 25 Jul 2012
  • 20 days post
OK I know I said this before but, I'm running out of patience! I just want to feel normal again! tired of the swelling, specially in the pubic area. I know it's healing well though. My husband won't let me go back to work yet because my job is physical and he's right, I better wait one more week and start very light. None of my clothes fit yet, I don't know what I'm gonna wear when I go back to my normal activities. I hope the swelling goes down. any experience to share about that? have a good day ladies!

3 weeks today! I'm feeling pretty good, only the...

  • 26 Jul 2012
  • 21 days post
3 weeks today! I'm feeling pretty good, only the swelling is bothering a bit. The upper part of my abdomen is very sensitive, like sunburn pain, but around my belly button I don't feel anything, is numb as well as all around the incision. I assume that this is normal and it will go away eventually, I have an appointment in two weeks, I'll ask my doc if this persists. I want to go back to work next week, let's see how it goes. hopefully some of my clothes fit by then.

23 days OP the swelling seems to be less, I can...

  • 28 Jul 2012
  • 23 days post
23 days OP the swelling seems to be less, I can move around lot better. The only problem is that I get very tired, I've been sleeping a lot! I'm not taking any medicine. Is it normal to feel this tired? I want to go back to work next week and I'm worriedabout my energy levels. Any thoughts or comments about this? The holes where the drains were are still a little open, I change the dressings every day and apply ointment. I hope you all are doing great! have a wondeful weekend!

28 days OP. Slowly going back to normal. still...

  • 2 Aug 2012
  • 28 days post
28 days OP. Slowly going back to normal. still very swollen, my clothes won't fit yet. Going back to work on Monday. Wish me luck! It's amazing how time goes by so fast! Have a great weekend everyone!

Hello Ladies! I had a doctor's appointment today,...

  • 8 Aug 2012
  • 1 month post
Hello Ladies!
I had a doctor's appointment today, everything went well, except that where the left drain was there's a hole that it didn't close properly, so the doctor said that he wants to repair it, but we have to wait 3 more months because it's still healing. I trust my doctor so whatever he says. I'm still swollen and he said I have to be patient. He took the tegaderm off and I have to leave it that way for 3 days and then put a new one on, after that I have to change it every two weeks. He gave me the ok to go to the beach and go in the water I'm so happy! I just need to avoid the direct sun on the incision. I don't have to wear the CG anymore and he suggested that some people wear spanxs, but I don't have to, only if I want, if I feel more secure. Well, that's the update, my next appointment is in two months. happy healing everyone! I'll be posting pics as soon as I can.
Great review?

My Doctor:

My rating:

Doctor's Bedside Manner
Answered My Questions
After Care Follow-Up
Time Spent With Me
Phone or Email Responsiveness
Staff Professionalism & Courtesy
Payment Process
Wait Times

I have heard only good things about Dr Restifo, my friend saw him on TV a while ago and I've seen pictures of his work, I can't wait! Now that I already saw the incision I see he wasn't lying when he said it would be low! I'm very happy so far.

Comments (76)

Sort by
Drivenwoman 3 Aug 2012
Thank you Pocahontas! :)
pocahontas12 3 Aug 2012
Looking good!!
Ana313 3 Aug 2012
Good luck with work ! Are you still wearing a CG?
Drivenwoman 3 Aug 2012
Ana yes, I'm stiLl wearing the CG.
Ana313 3 Aug 2012
Oh good, that will help with the swelling. Rest up this weekend!
mdgirl355 2 Aug 2012
Hey there!! Just wanted to check in on you and see how you are doing!
Drivenwoman 2 Aug 2012
hi! I'm doing well thank you!!! I'm going back to work on Monday, still swollen at the end of the day but I can move without pain and I'm slowly becoming myself again. Parts of my belly are still numb and all around the incision as well. I can't wait to be able to exercise! Thank you for stopping by! :) how are you?
mdgirl355 3 Aug 2012
I am doing well. I am a crazy lady and went back to work the week after and on top of that I worked from home the whole first week. It was crazy but I seemed to do OK. I dont have any pain at all and weird thing is they still have tape on my incision not sure why. But when they changed it out they said it looked great and looked OK to me so not sure why its still on. I am pretty numb on my belly also and it does feel kind of weird when I take my CG off. Just wanted to check in and see how you were doing!
Drivenwoman 3 Aug 2012
Hahaha I don't know how you did it! Gosh! I worked today, I handled it pretty well. - also have the tape on, I had to change it yesterday myself and I have a doctor's appointment next Wed. I'm still wearing the CG and though it's hot, wearing it makes me feel more secure. It's funny, you described exactly how I feel regarding the CG and the numbness. I notice swelling after more activity so I apply ice packs around the incision and seems to be helping. Next week I'll be working full time so I'll let you know how it goes. Good luck to you and thank you for keeping in touch! Have a great weekend!
pocahontas12 3 Aug 2012
Mdgirl, the paper tape is for the scar not to become raised so it can stay flat, I wore paper tape for about 8 wks and then started to use scar treatments...
mdgirl355 6 Aug 2012
Wow really?? I called the office today actually to ask about it. The reason I ask is the one of my good friends had a TT 2 weeks before me and the same DR office just different DRs and her tape has been off for a long time. We were just wondering the difference and why mine was still on. Thanks for the info!! :)
hotrodgirl59 31 Jul 2012
I knew you'd be feeling better soon. As you know, I had a similar experience. I worked from home for 3 days (post op days 7-9), and then went back to work after that. The three days at home was helpful. It was nice to get back to work, but I was tired. Good luck going back to work, I'm sure you'll be fine.
Drivenwoman 31 Jul 2012
Thanks! you are actually only one day ahead of me! does your tummy still feel tight? my back hurts a lot in the morning, once I get up the pain goes away.
hotrodgirl59 2 Aug 2012
I thought I was a week ahead for some reason. My tummy does feel tight all the time, I get a little more uncomfortable towards the end of the day. I wake up feeling refreshed and by the end of the day my back hurts. I think I'm still adjusting to the muscle repair. I slept with a pillow under my knees until I was able to sleep comfortably. I just got through my first full day without my control garment, and I've been riding my bike, so I think I've continued to make great progress. I hope things continue to do well for you too.
hotrodgirl59 29 Jul 2012
I am at 27 days post op and went back to work one week after surgery. I have been able to work but I've made a point to try to get to bed as early as possible. My energy level has picked up a little recently, especially since my swelling has gone down. I think you'll be OK, just take it easy.
Drivenwoman 31 Jul 2012
Thank you! actually I've been feeling a lot better the last couple of days. One week after surgery?? wow I coulnd't have done that! I'm deff taking it very easy. I'm going back to work next week.
Davesgirl 28 Jul 2012
I am 20 days po and yesterday had lots of energy, spend the day gardening and today I am in bed worn out with sore muscles. So I get what you mean about the tired. You look great and I am thinking you should be back in your clothes, right? It is a slow recovery bit so far I am thinking so worth it!
Drivenwoman 31 Jul 2012
Hi! yes it's deff worth it! I haven't tried to fit in my clothes since last time because I felt disappointed when it didn't fit, so I decided to wait alittle longer. The swelling has gone down a little and the last couple of days I have had energy to do domestic chores so I feel a lot better about that. my next appointment is next Thursday, thank you
hotrodgirl59 26 Jul 2012
I am 24 days post op and had same experience where my upper abdomen felt sun burnt, and I was very swollen. The past few days have been a huge turning point for me. The burnt felling in my belly went away and the swelling went down considerably. My posture still suck, but I'm working on that. Hang in there, you'll likely see some big improvement soon.
Drivenwoman 26 Jul 2012
Thank you! I feel much better knowing that my body is just going through the normal healing process. It's scary to see how surgery have gone awry for some people. I'm just happy the worst has passed. I'll take a look at your profile :) thank you for your support! we're getting there! yayy
hotrodgirl59 26 Jul 2012
I agree, it's hard to know if what we're experiencing is normal. I try to patient with myself. I had to travel for work this week and have been amazed at how good my body has reacted. My swelling has gone down so much that I had to buy a different control garment. I don't have to wear one any more, but I'm far more comfortable with it on. I find it helps with my posture. I will post more photos soon, now that the glue has finally come off my incision, and my swelling has gone down. Happy Healing
Drivenwoman 28 Jul 2012
Good for you!! I look forward to that day! hopefully It's not far. your experience makes me feel better since you're a few days ahead of me. thank you
Drivenwoman 26 Jul 2012
Thank you! yes, I think so too, considering that I didn't have liposuction with it! :)
Beautychick 26 Jul 2012
Your PS did a great job! Your waist looks great!
Ana313 26 Jul 2012
My tummy was the same exact way. Upper sking red and sensitive and BB and lower numb. It's still pretty much the same. The upper is less sensitive though. I finally started wearing jeans again. It's still a little ouchy but tolerable. I'm 4 months post. I think it's all normal. You look fantastic!!

More Tummy Tuck Reviews

Reduction of Tummy - Durham, NC 1 day ago

Please note that this post is Pre-Op..I am having a complete tummy tuck done w/ more thigh...

Finalizing if I Want TT Done! - Santa Monica, CA 1 day ago

So, I lost 120 lbs! I am 5'8 190 lbs and 24 years old. I really want to have a nice flat...

Dr Yily - Dominican Republic, DO 2 days ago

My best friend just came back from DR. She has surgery with Dr Yily and her results are...

View more Tummy Tuck reviews

Welcome Back

Sign in with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Forgot your password?

Don't have an account? Create one now.

Join RealSelf

Join with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Please enter a valid email address
 Did you mean ?

By creating an account, you are indicating that you have read and accept the RealSelf Terms of Use.

Already a member? Sign In.

Retrieve your password

Enter your username or email address and we will send you a link to login.

Check your email

Check your email. We've sent you a link to reset your password.

Ok