45 Year-old - Tummy Tuck and Breast Reduction/lift - Dr. Geoffrey Leber Scottsdale, AZ

Thank you, so far I am extremely pleased! I haven't seen the scars yet; I am still stitched up and those are covered with tape (so right now it really doesn't look so bad - ha!) It may be awhile before I'll know, but I have a follow-up appointment with Dr. Leber today and I understand we are going to be discussing scar treatment. (One of the really cool things Dr. Leber told me is that all of the stitches are dissolvable, so I don't have to get them removed - yay!) Regarding a recliner or hospital bed, I did neither. A friend of mine who had the same procedures said not to bother. I did end up buying a wedge pillow to elevate my legs (it was about $30 on Amazon) but honestly, I think a big pillow would do just as well if you have one. And then I piled a bunch of pillows up at my head to keep me elevated. A recliner might have been nice to have, but for me, I did not want to add the extra expense and I managed just fine in my own bed. One other thing I did was to put a riser by my bed. (In my case it was one of those steps used in step aerobics.) I have a bed that is pretty high, so this made it easier to get in and out of bed. Please don't hesitate if you have any other questions! I hope you'll let me know how your appointment with Dr. Leber goes. :)

I rented a power recliner for my recovery and was so glad that I did. I live alone, although I stayed with a friend for the first 6 days. It was much easier to get up from the recliner than the bed. I went to Aaron's Furniture and rented one for a month for only $80. I could have done without it, but I was all for anything that would make my recovery easier!

Thanks Dazzlady. I have been going back and fourth between a recliner and hospitol bed. A recliner will fit in my house better, just hope that I can sleep in it. How are you feeling? Looks like your doing great.

Hi Backup13, I am so glad to hear this is helpful info and please feel free to send more questions - I was a train wreck prior to surgery, so I understand any concerns and questions you may have. I have to say that I am very happy with the scar placement; it's actually lower than I expected. That was also one of my concerns and I spoke to Dr. Leber about it during one of the pre-op appointments. (I haven't had babies, so I was worried that I might not have enough 'material' for him to work with. He assured me I had plenty - in the nicest way possible, of course - he he.) If you look at the 'after' photo that I posted, I am wearing underwear that is pretty low-cut and you can't see the scar. But, I would definitely recommend you ask him about this when you see him next. When you ask about the shots, are you referring to those to prevent blood clotting? If so, then yes, I did give myself the shots. I alternated between arms and legs and for me, it wasn't a big deal. My aunt stayed with me for the week following surgery and I would have her pinch the skin and then I administered the shot to myself. (I probably didn't need her help, but you'd have to understand that my aunt and I can be a little goofy; plus, her daughter was having knee surgery the following week and also was having the shots, so she wanted to see what they were like.) If you have never done it before, the first one can be kind of scary, but it's no big deal after that. (The needle is tiny.) Please keep me apprised of your journey! Best, Bentleyshouse

Congratulations! I am so excited for you!!! Yes - nervousness, excitement - that is exactly how I felt, too; it sounds like you are exactly where one would expect to be given such a huge decision and life change. Is your date coming up soon? I am definitely still in recovery mode, but every day a little better. I still have swelling, which is normal at this point; it takes time. But my biggest problem now is that my clothes are all too big!!! I'll be thinking of you in the coming days/weeks. Please keep me apprised of how you are doing.