Tummy Tuck - North Carolina

I am 8 weeks post op. Saw the PS yesterday. Thought he might chew on my ear about being in the tanning bed, but he gave me his blessing and said the Mederma spf 30 was doing a fine job at protecting the scar. Said I still needed to wait on any ab exercise, but I could do anything else including sit ups! I was surprised to here that.

My scar looks like it's fading. I still have a couple little "spots" that are redder than other areas on the incision line. It is flat and smooth though.

I went to work one day without my corset. I swole up a little, but not much. Just one little area about the size of two quarters. PS said it's common and that I had very little compared to most.

45 days post op. Ran for first time in over 6 weeks today. I warmed up walking for 5 minutes and then ran at a 12 minute mile pace for 20 minutes. No strain, no pain, just simply wonderful. No swelling after either. So.. I guess that's a good thing. I left my "corset" off two nights this week while sleeping. No swelling the next morning. It's starting to feel like a security blanket and I really do not want that. My PS appointment is not for another week so I will ask him about it then. All of the PS's on this website indicate 3-6 weeks. I'll go over a little, but better safe than sorry. Another issue I've come across is tanning. I've seen others post about going on tropical vacations and recommendations... So I'm assuming that the tanning bed would apply as well. After checking out all my options, I did decide to go with Mederma with spf 30 cream. It works great. I do have a little white outline of my incision and bb, but it has protected them which was my utmost concern. Still using the silicone strips and the scar is now lighening and the bumpiness is almost gone. One day closer to back to better than normal!

38 days post op (5 1/2 weeks). Pretty smooth so far. Went to the gym tonight and did thirty minutes on the elliptical. Not running, but pretty content with just being able to do something. I worked out my arms using machines approved by a trainer. Feel pretty good. I had worked out legs last week and weekend on a few machines. Did well with all but one. I could tell the tummy was not gonna be happy. I also overdid it last weekend and so it compiled into a small swell-fest! Lol. But I took it easy for several days and now feel great again. Finally received my silicone tape in the mail. We'll see how well it does to lighten my incision line. The bumpiness seems to be thinning pretty well. I am pretty tired of this corset! I'm sick of it in fact. But at the same time, if I leave it off, I feel like I need it like a security blanket. Return PS visit in two weeks. I'll check with him to see what to expect over the next 6 weeks. I am really pleased with the timing. It's getting warmer, swimsuits are already out and I'm getting pumped up about getting back in to shape and hitting the beach minus the ol' muffin top.