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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews

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

UPDATED FROM Drivenwoman
1 month post

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

D
Drivenwoman
WORTH IT$8,400
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.

Drivenwoman's provider

Richard J. Restifo, MD

Richard J. Restifo, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 374 Reviews
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Drivenwoman rating for Dr. Restifo:

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Replies (0)

UPDATED FROM Drivenwoman
28 days post

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

D
Drivenwoman
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!

Replies (4)

M
August 2, 2012
Hey there!! Just wanted to check in on you and see how you are doing!
D
August 3, 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?
M
August 3, 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!
D
August 3, 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!
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P
August 3, 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...
M
August 6, 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!! :)
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A
August 3, 2012
Good luck with work ! Are you still wearing a CG?
D
August 3, 2012
Ana yes, I'm stiLl wearing the CG.
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A
August 4, 2012
Oh good, that will help with the swelling. Rest up this weekend!
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P
August 3, 2012
Looking good!!
D
August 3, 2012
Thank you Pocahontas! :)
UPDATED FROM Drivenwoman
23 days post

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

D
Drivenwoman
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!

Replies (3)

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D
July 28, 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!
D
July 31, 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
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H
July 29, 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.
D
July 31, 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.
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H
August 1, 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.
D
August 1, 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.
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H
August 2, 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.