POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS
Happy St. Patrick's Day *** 17 months post-Tummy Tuck and 4 months post-Scar revision
ORIGINAL POST
I am in my 40s and I have 4 children...
petitemomOctober 1, 2012
WORTH IT$9,600
I am in my 40s and I have 4 children. 5 ft 2 inches, 116 pounds. I exercise 6 days per week (tennis, jog, swim for 1 hour), yet cannot seem to lose stomach pooch and love handles. I want my stomach to match the rest of my somewhat athletic body. TT with MR (and maybe minor flank lipo) is scheduled for 10/19. Any advice would be appreciated.
UPDATED FROM petitemom
17 days pre
After breast-feeding 4 kids ( I breast fed for 20...
petitemomOctober 2, 2012
After breast-feeding 4 kids ( I breast fed for 20 months with my last child), my breast are small and slightly droopy, but honestly, my breast don't bother me. I think that my small breast will "fit" my small frame and (hopefully) my trim abdomen area post-TT/MR. My husband likes my small breasts and is glad that I'm not fixated on having a whole-body makeover. He knows that it is only my abdomen that bothers me, thus, he is very supportive of me. He will take off one week of work to take care of me.
Honestly, I made the appt for the free consultation with the PS in early Sept to inquire about a mini-TT. In my mind, I was hoping that he would say that I didn't need any work done. Surprisingly, he said that I'm not a candidate for a mini-TT. I have too much redundant skin above the BB. He said that I would be happier with a standard TT with MR (and possibly some flank lipo). When he told me that, I thought in my head that this was way more risk than I wanted. I didn't think that I looked that bad!! I thought that I could live with my body. When I came home, I kept thinking about what he said. I took some pictures of myself in my bra and panties. I realized that I look much different in pictures than I do when I look in the mirror. I have a stomach pooch. I have a muffin top when I sit, and with clothes that pinch my waist. I have no waist at all, actually. I realized that I actually have a lot that could be improved. After a lot of thought, I placed my deposit on 9/17. Several days later, I discovered Real Self and have been reading other ladies' stories. I realized that we all have one thing in common: the dreaded stomach pooch. It wasn't just me that couldn't get rid of it with tons of exercise. It's nice to be in the company of other women who understand each other. There's so many women here who exercise just like me, but eventually resort to TT because it's the only way. I feel better knowing that. I don't want to think about my stomach for the rest of my life. I don't want to regret that I could have done something about it earlier in my life. If I'm going to do it, I want to have the rest of my life to enjoy it.
Does anybody have an opinion about whether I should get some minor flank lipo? Is it necessary for a good result? Are there anyone with my body shape that didn't have lipo and was satisfied ( or not satisfied) with their results? Even without flank lipo, is there a natural tendency for the waist and skin around the flank to tighten, just from the pulling and stretching of the abdominal skin during the TT and MR procedure? Does anybody know?
Honestly, I made the appt for the free consultation with the PS in early Sept to inquire about a mini-TT. In my mind, I was hoping that he would say that I didn't need any work done. Surprisingly, he said that I'm not a candidate for a mini-TT. I have too much redundant skin above the BB. He said that I would be happier with a standard TT with MR (and possibly some flank lipo). When he told me that, I thought in my head that this was way more risk than I wanted. I didn't think that I looked that bad!! I thought that I could live with my body. When I came home, I kept thinking about what he said. I took some pictures of myself in my bra and panties. I realized that I look much different in pictures than I do when I look in the mirror. I have a stomach pooch. I have a muffin top when I sit, and with clothes that pinch my waist. I have no waist at all, actually. I realized that I actually have a lot that could be improved. After a lot of thought, I placed my deposit on 9/17. Several days later, I discovered Real Self and have been reading other ladies' stories. I realized that we all have one thing in common: the dreaded stomach pooch. It wasn't just me that couldn't get rid of it with tons of exercise. It's nice to be in the company of other women who understand each other. There's so many women here who exercise just like me, but eventually resort to TT because it's the only way. I feel better knowing that. I don't want to think about my stomach for the rest of my life. I don't want to regret that I could have done something about it earlier in my life. If I'm going to do it, I want to have the rest of my life to enjoy it.
Does anybody have an opinion about whether I should get some minor flank lipo? Is it necessary for a good result? Are there anyone with my body shape that didn't have lipo and was satisfied ( or not satisfied) with their results? Even without flank lipo, is there a natural tendency for the waist and skin around the flank to tighten, just from the pulling and stretching of the abdominal skin during the TT and MR procedure? Does anybody know?
Replies (6)
October 2, 2012
I'm older than you are but I work out, too. My legs look fine and my arms are fine but after 3 big kids 12-19 nothing helps my tummy. For a long time I was blissfully ignorant thinking if I got thin enough my tummy would disappear but than I watched Dr 90210 and learned surgery was my only solution.
Now, I'm 4 days post op from my Tummy Tuck and glad I did it. My advice to you is to go for it!
October 3, 2012
Thanks for your support and advice. I know that you just had surgery and probably in a lot of pain, so I really appreciate that you took the time out to comment.
October 3, 2012
Plus....you will look like a super model after you get your TT.
I'm not for implants, not that you asked LOL, but I don't like the idea of having to pay to have them MRI'd and/or replaced.
October 3, 2012
After breast feeding 4 kids, my breast are small and slightly droopy, but I think my small breast will be realistic and "fit" my (hopefully) slim abdomen post-TT/MR. I don't want the voluptuous look. My dream body is the slim and trim, small-breasted look. My husband likes my small breasts, and is glad that I don't want a whole body make-over. He knows that it's only my abdomen that bothers me, and is supportive of me. And as you said, no matter how much exercise the pooch will never go away.
October 3, 2012
Your way skinnier than me but oh your gonna look so good after. That's all u need, u have a nice figure already. I agree with boobs, I like my small boobs. Wanna stay as natural as can be. You will need help at first for sure. U will have PAIN but it will be so Worth it. If your Dr recommends a lil Lipo then get it. I know someone who didn't get Lipo and she has no shape. But she couldn't afford Lipo with it. I worked out so much but that's hard to get rid of. Im happy for you, happy healing :)
October 3, 2012
Hi MomCathy...I can see the similarities with our bodies...as you have seen my results..I'd say go for the lipo..the lipo I had done was included in my fee and as I had mentioned before..my PS knew I wanted a more contoured shape..it now looks like I have hips!! In making my decision I was never doubtful or regretful in having this done. I felt 100% confident in my choice of Doctor. I'm sure your outcome will be just as great if not better..best wishes!!
UPDATED FROM petitemom
16 days pre
Just saw the PS and his nurse this morning. I...
petitemomOctober 3, 2012
Just saw the PS and his nurse this morning. I spent 40 minutes with the nurse, then 30 minutes with the PS. He answered my questions. He took pictures of me and he did some preliminary markings on my body to give me an idea of how low and how wide the incision will be. I also found out that he will lipo my flank areas (included in the price) to give me a nicer back and waist contour. I feel well informed.
Replies (9)
October 3, 2012
Hi momcathy! Well, let me just say, you actually look awesome without a tummy tuck - I've never had such a flat stomach even before having all my children! Anyway, BUT, I know that you are not pleased, and thus, since you have made the decision to TT, then, I say, "go for the gusto". I.e. yes, I would have him lipo your "love handles" because that will make a huge difference in having a waist. I found out yesterday that my skin/fat removed by the tuck was about 2.5 pounds but the lipo of my love handles was 3.5 pounds - as you can guess, I am super happy to have that 3.5 pounds gone! Best wishes and remember, you will be pleased - just be patient - especially on the MofM part that I wrote about yesterday (still suffering the effects of taking too much at one time)
October 3, 2012
Thanks for the advice. Just went to pre-op appt this am. Found out that I will have lipo of the flank (included in the price). I'm glad to hear that. I hope you're doing well. You're about 3 weeks ahead of me. I will be sure to check your progress and follow any tips that you think are important. Rest up.
October 3, 2012
Thanks, that is good news you had today! Now you don't have to worry about whether your results will be all that you hope them to be!
October 3, 2012
Hi momcathy thanks for the post. Your before pics look fab before surgery. But as we all know it's about how you feel about yourself. Good luck with your up coming surgery x
October 3, 2012
You look terrific and as I read your post I was initially surprised and confused, thinking like you did that you only need a mini TT and nothing more. I am glad that you feel well informed about all that.
Regarding the boobs, like you I never seriously considered those and I am also small busted (unless Im wearing something magic from Victorias Secret ;) My husband also likes that. But I wanted to tell you what my surgeon said which I thought was VERY interesting. On my first consult he said "I hope you are not considering getting your breasts done because if you are I would discourage it." I said "No Im not" and he said "Good. Women WAY over do that. It would not match the rest of your body. You are athletic and big breasts would frankly make you look fatter and more matronly."
I think the exact same thing applies to you! :)
October 4, 2012
My PS said he rarely do mini-TT because he finds that most women are dissatisfied. Most women are happier with full TT. If you look at the preliminary drawings of my abdomen (pics posted today), my PS plans to pull all the skin above the BB down (he said there won't be a vertical scar from the original belly button because I have a lot of loose skin above the BB). Plus, I have a 1" abdominal diathesis that needs to be repaired. He said the best cosmetic results would be full TT with MR and flank lipo. He said that Lipo alone (without TT) would also be unsatisfactory because it would just leave me with a more droopy stomach pooch. I heard from my friend (who also used this PS for her TT/breast lift) that this PS does not push for more procedures than you need. Thanks for sharing your PS's opinions about the breast. My breast are far from perfect but they're fine for me. I think small breast are just fine. I know you're recovering from TT, so I really appreciate it that you took the time to send a comment. Take it easy and I hope you have a speedy recovery.
October 3, 2012
Hi Momcathy! Congrats on your decision to go forward. You can read my review and experience. I've been very happy. I'm about your height, but a little heavier (127 lbs average). I, too, want a lean and trim look. I asked my PS about lipo and breast aug (but was not really that interested in either) and we decided no -- didn't want a foreign substance in my body due my allergies to a lot and she told me that for me, the tummy tuck with repair would certainly make a huge difference in my shape. And, it has! Wow. I've never had the shape I have now. My muscle repair was very significant, so my waist and entire ab region (except lower abs) pulled in quite a lot.
I think that the tt changes how everything looks, so many people (including me) are happier with the way the bust looks, since it's not dwarfed by my protruding belly!! lol. Good luck in your preparations!
October 3, 2012
Thanks for your comments. It's so funny that I just commented on your profile about 2 minutes ago, before I had seen that you had commented on mine. I noticed that you were Asian-American (I'm Asian) and was about the same body type. You look great for not having lipo done. My PS told me today that flank lipo was part of the estimate that he gave me. I'm glad because my love handles bother me as much as my stomach pooch. Love handles are so difficult to get rid of, even with lots of exercise. You had such a great recovery. I hope mine goes as well. When the road gets tough in the next couple weeks, I'll have to refer back to your profile for encouragement. Take care.
October 4, 2012
Hey momcathy I wish you the best on your tt surgery and happy healing :) you look good with out the tt im sure you will look great after the surgery im planing of getting my tt in febuary 2013 I cant wait to get it over with
Replies (0)