Tummy Tuck: Stories

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So Far, So Good. - Scottsdale, AZ

  • After up and down weight and two pregnancies, my skin just didn't bounce back. Just under 5 pounds of excess skin and flesh were removed.
  • less than 24 hours post op. This is what I'm looking forward to after the swelling goes down!
  • A belly chain/belt is great for hooking the drains on when you shower. I knew I kept that thing for something! Lots of bruising day 3 and 4.
  • Day 6 post-op. Belly button is discharging slight liquid and has some crust but doesn't hurt.
  • Day 6 bruising is almost gone. Drains are putting out very little.
  • Day 8. Swelling is up and down but always present at least a little. Belly button feels and looks gross but doesn't hurt.
  • Day 4 bruising below drain site. My drains are in the pubic area and yes, that bruised spot was sore as heck.
  • I am a little swollen in this one at 2 months out. I still have to watch the sodium levels to help the water retention some days. I'm using a silicone scar sheet.
  • Also about 2 months out, give or take a week. Not swollen this day. My belly button is scarred badly and I'm just hoping it gets better.

I am currently 9 days post-op. Drains come out in...

  • 10 Mar 2011

I am currently 9 days post-op. Drains come out in a couple of days (my PS requires 2 weeks). I was awake, walking and had no pain and took no medication for the first 20 hours or so, then it was excruciating and I was taking them every time allowed. Take it before you hurt- if you wait, it will do nothing! The incision doesn't hurt, but my back is killing me! I have to stop every few feet when I walk, especially if I've been up a few times already. I am back to work but limited on mobility.

I had a ton of bruising on my back from day 3 on and it is almost all cleared up. My incision is very low, actually touching the top of my pubic hairline. I had tattoos on my stomach pre-op. Two were completely removed. The pair on my ribcage look fine even after being stretched out. I could not find a single person who had shared their experience with abdominal tattoos, and I want to say don't be discouraged if you have them! It was so worth it.

Day 2 I looked amazing, now I am swollen but took pics so I know what I will look like once I'm healed up, and I'm very happy although I am still quite hunched over. DO NOT LAUGH. Seriously. THAT is painful. It's finally starting to hurt less now.

One drain is totally dried up and looks like it...

  • 11 Mar 2011
One drain is totally dried up and looks like it may have a clog. On the phone, PS told me to try and squeeze the clog through but it is partially inside of me and just coming out of where the tube comes out, so I see him today. Maybe he will take the drains out while I'm there since they're due out Monday anyway! That'd be nice.

Photo Update

  • 12 May 2011

Great review?

My Doctor:

My rating:

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

Although Dr. S can seem arrogant, he does a good job. I did have to wait about 3 hours before I was finally taken into surgery, but wait time in the office is very short. I plan to have a breast reduction done by Dr. S next year.

Comments (11)

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You look fantastic!
  • Reply
WOW! You do look great :) He only charged you $5199?? I have been to 3 consults and all dr's set their pricing at 8800 and up... I think ill give him a call!
  • Reply
Thanks. I need to post new ones. I am still swelling off and on a little 9 weeks out. I have hypertrophic scarring in some spots and I'm pretty unhappy about that, but hopefully it will get better. Belly button shrinks some days and gets really small. I think I'll try the ear plug trick next time I have a day like that. Keep your protein intake up and your sodium down and you'll feel a little better and less bloated!
  • Reply
Did u really pay 5199 including anesthesia and surgical facility???
  • Reply
Yes- that was the absolute total cost. It includes followup care, anesthesia, surgical facility and surgeon's fee. He runs a special every spring, I guess. I'm not sure if it's still going. His botox is dirt cheap too. He's kind of a jerk but hey I'm not paying him to be nice, right? He did a good job except my skin is a little too tight in the center. I'm sure that will loosen up over time though.
  • Reply
hi! I have stomach tattoos that were removed too. It was a very large piece that spanned across my stomach from hip to hip that I got at age 18 when I thought I'd never have kids LOL well, 4 kids later, including a set if twins, the tattoo was awfully sad looking and I was happy that most of it was removed during my tummy tuck! I will have to get something else to fill in the odd pieces that are left, but I'm not very worried about it at this point. Congrats on your new body!!
  • Reply
TheBabycake - You look wonderful:)

I do have a couple questions:

How many days off did you have before you returned to work?

Also, when did you start driving again?

I know each person is different but I was curious on your timing. Let me know when you have a chance.

Thank you:)
  • Reply
I had surgery on a Tuesday morning. I started working from home (mostly just making phone calls and emails) on Thursday.
I started driving on day 8 (wednesday) and went to work the following day for a few hours before my back couldn't take being bent over any longer. I'm doing a full day on Monday so I'll keep you updated.
My job is different than what most people have. I would have taken two weeks off if my boss didn't need help so badly. We just closed an office and there are 5 foot high stacks of filing to do all over the place.
Driving isn't so bad unless my back is hurting a lot. Having a very large chest and being hunched over are a bad combination. If you have this problem, try tight sports bras during recovery or if you're considering a reduction also, do that first rather than after the tummy.
  • Reply
Thanks for your feedback. I have to do work PT from home then go back to work FT on 12 days post op.

I have a friend who had a mommy make over on March 1st and she just stopped by to see me today. She looks fantastic. She bounced back very well.

Yes, keep us posted your your progress:) I had FTT, MR & Lipo. Take Care!
  • Reply
Thanks :) I do office work, so I just have to be careful. I didn't have any lipo, just a full tummy tuck. I was bruised up like I'd had lipo for a few days, so maybe he uses it when he does tummy tucks, but they didn't tell me if he did!
  • Reply
Wow you look great. Back to work already ?? Happy healing :-)What kind of lipo did you have done?
  • Reply

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