Tummy Tuck Reviews
94%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
2,305 Reviews
Tummy Tuckbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Tummy Tuck Cost: $7,950

Learn about Tummy Tuck

7,757 people and 865 doctors are talking about Tummy Tuck

Get Free Email Updates

“6 Days Post Tummy Tuck with Lipo to Flanks - Newport Beach, CA”

Worth It
Spent: $12,000 in Newport Beach, CA

Comments (38)

Updated 11 Apr 2011

Posted 5 Apr 2011

The first few days are a haze, the pain pump was removed day five. It was a great help I'm sure.

My dr keeps the drains in until postop day 11. So, that's what I'm waiting for now. Standing straight up as of today. Not taking any pain medication just an antibiotic and finishing up the stool softener.

Overall, I feel pretty good, except I'm not used to feeling my muscles pulled tight, and the numb stomach is odd. Haven't really had the courage to take a good look, but my husband and dr said it looks great- waiting to look until the drains come out. The I'll feel more like myself. Glad it's done, but not sure I can say it's worth it yet.



Updated on 11 Apr 2011:


Updated on 11 Apr 2011:
Drains are out. Belly button is perfect and tummy is washboard flat. I feel great! The lipo on my flanks looks amazing, no bruises. I'll post before and after when I get a chance.

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

Helpful review?

My Doctor:

My rating:

I consulted with 5 surgeons. Dr Lee explained the surgery as if my result was as important to him as it was to me. I did not feel like this was just a routine consultation, but an individualized personal attention. The photos of his tummy tuck work are very impressive, incisions low, belly buttons natural and not big open circles or long open ovals. And, he's johns Hopkins trained- go with the best.

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

Comments (38)

Post a Comment Sort:
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 6 Apr 2011

Welcome to the post op phase!   It sounds like you are doing really well and that is excellent!

Once the drains come out you will feel completely different.  It is a new freedom and you will feel pretty normal again.  For now just rest and go slow and you will be healed up before you know it. 

How is your swelling...or lack of hopefully.

Would you care to share the name of your doctor and the process you went through to find him/her?  It is helpful for others in their planning process and making physician choices. 

Hang in there and keep posting your updates.
Baltimore2444 6 Apr 2011
You will be fine in just a couple of days. And once you get the first look at your new belly. It will all be worth it.
READY2BFREEMARCH31ST 6 Apr 2011
Thanks Kimmers25, I hadnt experienced bad swelling until yesterday...oh boy was I swollen. I was so uncomfortable. I am still walking a bit hunched over. I am happy to report I can sleep somewhat on my side :)...Ive been reading thru everyones posts and pics and I am so excited just to see that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I will post pics as soon as I can. My husband didnt want to take pics of me with my drains so maybe Friday on my 1st post op visit I'll be drain free...keeping my fingers crossed!
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 6 Apr 2011

Oh yes the Swell Hell has set in...hang tight because this will pass!   I will watch for the pictures.
Accompli 6 Apr 2011
Does swell hell make you muscles feel like they want to pull apart- I feel like an alien or bad science experiment:(. I know it will get better, so that's what i' waiting for- the dr said practicing my breathing exercises will help make those upper an muscles feel better- any ideas?
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 7 Apr 2011

It sure can.  It is a tight and pulling feeling which is horrible.  It will pass so don't let it get the better of you.   All very annoying but unfortunately part of this healing process.

Hang tough:)
READY2BFREEMARCH31ST 7 Apr 2011
OH My God...I sneezed twice this morning!!! Talk about burn. It just feels so weird. My husband made me laugh and that hurts I just wind up crying. I have my 1st post op visit tomorrow so I cannot wait. Im really really hoping and praying that my drains come out :)
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 7 Apr 2011

OUCH..I know that hurts!   
Pittsburgh8207 7 Apr 2011
Oh, I know, don't watch any funny movies like I did!
whitewolf3253 7 Apr 2011
Ouch! I was fortunate enough to not have that happen until two weeks in. I had just started with the staph infection (didnt know it yet) and I was driving home when it happened...Omg talk about pain! I
sneezed twice! I had to pull over and cry for awhile...it too passed and I have managed to not cough or sneeze for the last two weeks. I was finally able to laugh today...without too much pain...I am glad that I am able to finally laugh some...it was hard not to when I have comedians for kids and a boyfriend...lol.

It will get better...:). Before you know it you will sneeze and not hurt without even realizing it...:).
READY2BFREEMARCH31ST 6 Apr 2011
Sorry i thought I was posting on my wall Acommpli. Hope all is well with you also. I am 6 days post op and I feel the same...so Tight in my abdominal area and some swelling. I keep my garment on 24/7 with the exception of when I take a shower and when my husband washed it for me. Its kinda like my security blanket :)
Accompli 6 Apr 2011
Do your upper abs feel so tight that you need to press or rub them to make them feel less strange? Maybe it's the healing process or I'm not used to having tighter abs or maybe the dr made them too tight?
Accompli 6 Apr 2011
I know- my stomach muscles are so tight I feel them when I stand up. I start pressing on them and rubbing my upper stomach muscles because it feels very strange. Maybe my dr made them too tight? Or maybe it's just a feeling that fades over time as I get used to my tighter muscles? Anyone experience this?
Chicago6890 6 Apr 2011
I am just a little over 6 months post op and I STILL feel like my stomach muscles are tight. Not as bad as the first couple of months after surgery - those couple of months I would describe it like my torso felt like it was in cement! It doesn't feel like that anymore, but still feels tight. Let's just say I am always aware of my stomach muscles. My surgeon told me that it might take the full year from surgery to "settle down".
Pittsburgh8207 6 Apr 2011
I'm 6 weeks post op tt with lipo. It was driving me nuts , the tightness but it is easing up believe me. and the numbness is very gradual but getting better. I cried and said what did I do? but you'll be fine.
whitewolf3253 6 Apr 2011
I am 4 weeks post op and still struggle with the tightness. I wish I could lay on my stomach in bed or even in the bath tub but I can't. When I first stand it is hard to straighten up especially if I am swollen or have been sitting for a little while. I can't stretch yet but I know it will get there. The hardest part for me is not being able to do situps, stretch, or lay on my tummy. I know this is normal and it gets a little bit better everyday. Give it time. It was the same when I had my breast aug a few years ago. They were placed under my muscle and my chest muscles were not used to being stretched out like that but with each passsing day I was able to do a little more. Don't push yourself too hard. I know it is tempting and frustrating when you can';t move like normal but in the long run this will be worth it!...:)
Orillia 6 Apr 2011
I had a seroma, not expecting that complication. I am 5 weeks post op and have been coughing for two weeks and holding my abdomen. Will this dislodge anything? Thanks.
Accompli 6 Apr 2011
It shouldn't those sutures are tight! Your doctor should be able to reassure you and maybe give you something to relieve the cough. How long did you have the drains in post surgery? And, how active have you been in the last week? The muscles and skin need to glue themselves back together to avoid seromas. Take it easy if/ when you can. I read that this is as extreme a surgery as open heart-
Baltimore2444 6 Apr 2011
I am 5 weeks po as well and i have a seroma as well. However mine had to be opened and drained. I'm currently on antibiotics. You won't dislogde anything by coughing it's actually good for your lungs to cough. I know it hurts like a son of a sea biscot but it will get better I'm still using a pillow across my belly if i have to cough deeply. Try coughing lightly to see if that will help out some. It worked a little for me.
Orillia 6 Apr 2011
My drains were out less than 24 hours, too soon I think. I had a little flank lipo. The drainage was a lot and I had an hour ride home. Was in over night. They said the seroma could have started if I turned wrong. I was inactive for the first week. At 2 1/2 weeks I had 300 ml drained off and had to go to Toronto twice a week for drainage for four weeks. We are down to 6 ml. I just had an abdominal ultra sound done to see if any pockets of fluid. I knew the skin has to join with the muscle but it seems every time I move I feel pulling. Is this keeping the area from attaching?
I have been told in 6 months I won't know the seroma happened.
A back scratcher is great for picking things up off the floor.... and food tongs!!!
Orillia 6 Apr 2011
Yes I know it was major surgery. Thanks for the support!
Calgary4390 6 Apr 2011
I had tt on Feb 15 and I still feel tight.
Pittsburgh8207 6 Apr 2011
Wow, to have had a pain pump for 5 days. that is the correct way to do this. I was an out patient full and Lipo with vicodin and really suffered but did get through it. Coming along great, just went back to work sin ce my job is a bit physical, I cook in a restaurant.
Accompli 6 Apr 2011
I can't imagine doing this as an outpatient. You are strong! I am a believer in the pain pump. After consulting with 5 PS's, 2 of them used a pain pump as matter of course. It was optional i.e. pay more and you can have it with one, and two thought the risk of infection from another tube outweighed the value of the pump. It was worth every penny and was removed w/out any complications. So, if you can get it, then get it. I really felt no different than when I recovered from my 2-sections. In fact, the lipo of the flanks was/is more tender than my tummy. Who knew?
suzanaask 6 Apr 2011
Am only day 3 post op and tomorrow the dr planning to remove those nasty staplers.. i sneak a quick look into my mini tummy tuck, God i look like Frankenstein..my quetion is..will it hurt to remove them?..and is it not too soon? thanks suzana.

Post a Comment

used for verification

Read more Tummy Tuck reviews

“Sleep - Devon, UK” 20 comments
“New Me - TT w/ muscle repair, flank and back lipo on 4/19---NO REGRETS!!! - Jalisco, MX” 77 comments
“TT March 31st - San Antonio, TX” 6 comments
“So glad I did it - Albuquerque, NM” 52 comments