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
Tummy Tuckbefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Tummy Tuck Cost: $7,950

Learn about Tummy Tuck

7,756 people and 865 doctors are talking about Tummy Tuck

Get Free Email Updates

Surprise, disappointed...

Treatment Scheduled for 23 Nov 2012
Spent: $10,000 in Summit, nj

Comments (61)

Updated 17 Nov 2011

Posted 23 Oct 2011

I am 37 year old , mother of 11 and 2. I had complicated c section 2 years ago with terrible scar in the lower abdomen. I went to my ps for scar revision. He found out I have a small umbilical hernia and abdominal muscle also separated. He suggests I should have abdominoplasty done. Finally I got the date scheduled which is the friday before thanksgiving. Because I am full time working with my own business. Choosing this time I can take off one week to recover. I am 5'6" and 136 lb. I gained 60 lb during my 2nd pregnancy and still 20lb over my pre pregnancy weight. I ll stay in hospital over night. I requested perticular anesthesiologist, circulating nurse, general surgeon who will perform ther hernia portion and of course my ps who had great reputation in the area. I am very nervous. Especially which the experience of last. C section that I almost died during c section. But I determined I need to have it done. My friend told me I look perfect in size 4 dress , nothing need to be done. But I am the one look at myself in the mirror , I hate that scar. The small porch really doesn't borther me that much. If the hernia need to be fixed, I agree with ps,s recommendation. I'll keep update.



Updated on 25 Oct 2011:
I went to general surgeon's office today and the surgical consultation for hernia repair part. Due to my terrible experience in the past during section. He asked me to get medical clearance. He said if I can't get clearence, I better live with the scar. I bet nobody wants any complications intraop.

Updated on 29 Oct 2011:
Due the surgery date coming up, I got an appointment with internal medical doctor for medical clearance yesterday. It went well and I got the clearance letter. Finally I am good to go. Very nervous. I am counting dates.... I am coming to this forum more often and read other people, experience and tell myself, it will be ok, not big deal. I guess it's type of self directed psychotherapy... I am going to Halloween party tonight. I will be snow whites evil stepmother. It will be fun.

Updated on 3 Nov 2011:
I went to PS office and paid balance today.I got some post op instructions. Sort of nervous. I started to block off the calender on my office schedule. I have 10 days time to recovery before back to work. I am worried if I can make it smooth and easy as it can be. I've read some people's post op experience. I hope I can recover well... 2 more weeks to go....

Updated on 6 Nov 2011:
Interesting enough,today I told one of my good friends that I am going to have tummy tuck. He,s like: why? I think you need to see psychiatrist, not plastic surgeon. U look normal. Then I explained to him how the scar revision end up changing decision to tt. He,s like: ps of course wants to cut u open.that's his specialty.

Anyway, it's hard for someone else to understand. No wonder most people keep quiet about their plastic surgeries. I have a coworker came in with swollen eyes after 2 weeks vocation. Apperently she had blepharoplasty. She will answer all questions: i never had anything done. Its natural. Lol How about ur guys experience? Do u tell people u had tt done? So 3 out of 3 people I told about my plan thought I am crazy even I told them I have hernia . My hb doesn't care.....

Updated on 11 Nov 2011:
Its very complicated feeling that excitement and anxious at the same time. I think I am ready to go. I bought all the vitamins, protein powder and homopathic treatment medications and started to take following the instruction. Ps told me the surgery will schedule 5 to 6 hours. One hour for hernia repair by general surgeon, rest of the time is his surgical time. I told my friend who will be the anesthesiologist in the case: don't read magazines or play puzzle games during my surgery which I know that was her favorite activities in the or. I am very excited the day is coming.

Updated on 17 Nov 2011:
sorry ladies I have been quiet for the last a few days. I am still in shock and adjusting all the changes. Thank you for you all encouragement. The most bizzar situation happened to me. I was fully prepared for the surgery which supposed to be tomorrow. Unfortunately, on monday, ps texted me that sorry he had to postpone the surgery because the general surgeon doesn't feel comfortable. I said omg, this is the only week I am available and I already taken the thanksgiving week off. I called him. He told me is on vocation one day after my surgery for a week. General surgeon doesn't feel comfortable if he is not around. I said I knew u on vocation when I scheduled the case. But that's the only available day I can do it. I don't care u r out later. He said the general surgeon is gonna call me. If I can persuade him. He can keep the original schedule.
Later of the day, the general surgeon called me. He,s like: this is pure elective case. How do u feel comfortable if he is not even around postoperative? Have u heard or seen flap infection, hematoma? The hernia is very small. I'll never repair it if I am you. If I am u, I would seriously reconsider ur decision for the surgery. U look good Mel. Even the scar is not bad. U don't need this...
I was in shock and still in shock..... Two surgeons and one of them chickened out. If I persist, The complications might happen. I am off tomorrow and next whole week. Its so last minute cancelations. Now my hb and my mum started to advise me: if. Dr...doesn't want to do the case if ps not around post op means it's not risk free surgery. Just forget it..
Now nobody around me support me about the surgery anymore and I started to get scared of it as well. Also it's so impossible to find another week to have it done. It sucks.....
I don't know what else to say. Good luck ladies the future tummy tuckers.

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

Helpful review?

Comments (61)

Post a Comment Sort:
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 25 Oct 2011

I certainly understand your fear considering what you have been through in the past with surgery.  But this is a different procedure and you are healthy so try to stay calm.  Keep the happy positive thoughts coming:)  

You will feel so much better having the hernia fixed along with the muscle tightening.  I really don't think it matters what size you are currently wearing.  A pouch is a pouch and it never feels good having that poking out from under the clothes.  The pregnancies are never easy on our bodies so one must take action.

How nice that you were able to pick your surgical team!   November 18th will be here soon enough so please keep us updated.  

 

Lucamel 25 Oct 2011
I totaly agree with you: It doesn't matter what size I am wearing. Its the little pouch and scar that I see myself everyday. Thanks for the encouragement. I'll keep updated.
BellaBelly 29 Oct 2011
Congrats on your decision to move forward! Another soon to be Jersey tummy Tucker on the way!
Lucamel 31 Oct 2011
Keep fingers crossed. You look amazing post surgery. I wish I have good result as well. Did u have trouble breathing after surgery when tummy got very tight? How long did u take to get ready for normal daily activity such as working ect?
BellaBelly 1 Nov 2011
I had some trouble breathing but it didn't last long. I went back to work (took it easy) after 10 days...
Lucamel 3 Nov 2011
That really make me feel better. 10 days in perfect for me....
BellaBelly 1 Nov 2011
BTW : you are going to have fantastic results ....you look good now!
Lucamel 3 Nov 2011
Do I look good now? I should have taken the picture in sitting position. Not good at all. Lol
marinemom (RealFriend) 6 Nov 2011
Good luck Lucamel, keep up updated.
Lucamel 6 Nov 2011
Thank you marine mom. I just read ur thread. Thank u for sharing the experience. You look great. I wish I can be like you off pain medication just a few days. Ive read a lot about post op swelling, it really last for a long time, right? There r lots of parties coming up at Christmas season. I hope I can make it. Lol
Lucamel 6 Nov 2011
Interesting enough, I told my of my friends that I am going to have tummy tuck. He,s like: why? I think you need to see psychiatrist, not plastic surgeon. U look normal. Then I explained to him how the scar revision end up changing decision to tt. He,s like: ps of course wants to cut u open.that's his specialty.

Anyway, it's hard for someone else to understand. No wonder most people keep quiet about their plastic surgeries. I have a coworker came in with swollen eyes after 2 weeks vocation. Apperently she had blemoplasty. She will answer all questions: i never had anything done. Its natural. Lol How about ur guys experience? Do u tell people u had tt done? So 3 out of 3 people I told about my plan thought I am crazy . My hb doesn't care.....
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 6 Nov 2011

What matters here is what you want and not what other people think.  Those who have never been through a procedure or need one just don't understand.  You do not need anyones approval or acceptance.  

This is a personal choice, procedure and totally up to you.   I learned long ago that if you ask somoenes opinion they are going to give it to you.  Good, bad or otherwise.  So you do what makes you happy and don't look back.  Who cares what people think. 

Lucamel 7 Nov 2011
Thank you very much for understanding and encouragement. I almost start to doublt about my decisions. After my PS explains to me. I do feel the pouch and extra skins at belly area. It really bothers me now when I look at myself in the mirror. I think I should get rid of it. I never paid much attention to this problem except the scar in the past, Otherwise I should have it done earlier. Lol. I am determined. 2 more weeks.
marinemom (RealFriend) 7 Nov 2011
Absolutely agree! I did not ask anyone's advice, in fact, the few people I have told, I said it matter of factly. thankfully, they supported me. I do not believe most people understand how we get to this place and at 50, do not need to explain my decisions.
Lucamel 7 Nov 2011
Today I told another friend to try my luck, He's like: OMG, you are really crazy !!! I answer: Thank you.

I am not as lucky as you with all the support. Now I decide I am going to zip my mouth. I am going to take Kimmers25's advice: Who cares what people think...
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 13 Nov 2011

That's right!  You go girl and we will all be here to support you.

JoBibbi 8 Nov 2011
Lucamel,
I totally agree with Marinemom and Kimmers. This is something that we must do for ourselves! My girlfriends think I’m crazy! One even told me that I’m out of my mind! My husband doesn’t think I need it, but supports my wishes. My 23 year old son is the only one who truly understands and has totally supported my decision from day one! Sure, I look thin in clothes, but my stomach is a wrinkly, flabby mess and I’m going to finally do something about it! So, who cares what people say? What matters is how you feel!
Lucamel 9 Nov 2011
That's for the encouragement. I agree with you. One more week to go. I am ready. I met my ps today. He reassure me that everything will be fine. I feel a little better....
JoBibbi 12 Nov 2011
Hi Lucamel, we are getting so close! You are lucky to have your friend in the OR with you. I can hardly wait for Friday to get here. My PS says that I shold see immediate results and that I'm going to habe ripped abs. I haven't had ripped abs since I was 18 so that will be nice. Have a great weekend!
Lucamel 12 Nov 2011
I know. Very nervous. And I reminded my friend that no iPad in the or as well. Lol. She is nice enough to show me some encouragement .
Me too, I havent seen my belly button when I looked down since I was 25. Lol. Let s get it done!
kathe 12 Nov 2011
Lucamel, it's so aggravating to tell people about plastic surgery and have that be met with negative reactions. You have the right to have a tt and get your belly back to pre-pregnancy proportions.

I think there are three types of negative reactions to plastic surgery of this kind:

(1) People who truly feel that we are beautiful as we are, and that a tt is not going to make us that much better-looking;
(2) People who are afraid for us going under the knife (family members are in this group);
(3) People who are envious.

It's hard to deal with this. I don't know how I'm going to approach telling people at work, or what kind of surgery I'll tell work colleagues I had. I have told family members and a friend of mine, and they thought it was fine, though they're very, very nervous about the GA and the dangers of surgery.
:(
Lucamel 13 Nov 2011
Sounds right. No matter what my friends, categorys r. I decide not to tell anyone anymore. Lol. Interesting enough, my ps told me thank me for referaling one girl to him. I asked him who, I don't recall whoever I referal to him. He,s like: maybe u never pay attention. Everybody else has plastic surgery, keep hash, hash quiet. I am the only one telling people. So one of the secretory went to him as well. Lol.
kathe 13 Nov 2011
Good for you, Luca. I'm thinking of not telling too many people. I thought of telling people after the healing and swelling are all done with. Maybe I'll just tell them I had an industrial-sized hernia repaired or something.
Lucamel 13 Nov 2011
I am so looking forward to seeing ur post pictures. Must be major make over. Lol. Aren't u feel nervous about the whole process? I am so worried that I can't recovery on time. In order to take thanksgiving week off . I had to work my ass off last week. Next week schedule is terrible as well.
kathe 13 Nov 2011
I'm hysterical. I'm afraid of the general anesthesia, afraid of the swelling that comes days after the surgery, horrified by the idea of infection, beserk about the notion that my lungs might be affected, constantly worried about getting a cold after the surgery, afraid that I'll feel weak for a year after this, and so on.

It's scary! However, it's something I want to do to look better.

Post a Comment

used for verification

Read more Tummy Tuck reviews