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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews

Finally Getting My Body Back! TT with MR and Flank Lipo - Southlake, TX

UPDATED FROM GeorgeTT2014
3 months post

Learning to EMBRACE the swelling!

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GeorgeTT2014June 1, 2014
WORTH IT$12,000
The first pictures were taken at 9 weeks post op. The last two were taken at 9 weeks, 3 days after a long day of walking around Six Flags having fun with my kids. Talk about uncomfortable! So, when people on this board ask, "when will the swelling go away," I feel like saying, "never!" But, in reality I'll say... Eventually. Every person is different and thankfully this kind of swelling is only transient. So, EMBRACE the swelling and stop wondering when it goes away. Maybe at a year post-op I won't have anymore swelling. But for now, I'll put my binder on and get some much needed rest!

GeorgeTT2014's provider

Michael A. Bogdan, MD, MBA, FACS

Michael A. Bogdan, MD, MBA, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

GeorgeTT2014

GeorgeTT2014 rating for Dr. Bogdan:

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Answered my questions
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Replies (5)

Lookingformore0613
June 1, 2014
Wow, you're not kidding about the swelling. Thanks for the picture comparison.
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GeorgeTT2014
June 6, 2014
I wanted to show some true swell hell!
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Blubberbelly No More
June 6, 2014
Holy moly, I don't think I ever experienced swelling quite like that! It WILL eventually subside. You do have awesome results!
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GeorgeTT2014
June 9, 2014
Thankfully it's gone each morning and only gets that way after a lot of walking or cardio work out. I'm being patient though since nothing I do can really make the swelling go away permanently any faster that my body allows. Healing and recovery have been such an interesting roller coaster!
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Blubberbelly No More
June 9, 2014
It will all be worth it eventually! Some just swell for longer than others. I'm pretty lucky and don't seem to be swelling much at all.
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Kfanningcm
July 2, 2014
I love that you posted the comparison pics of a non swell and swell hell during the same week!! I think it's important to see that and it made me feel better knowing that when I have the same stuff happening, that it's NORMAL!! I think I will post a few of my own pics like this!! Thanks for posting!!
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Callendergirl6
July 8, 2014
I think we are always going to be bigger by the end of the day...even now preop my tummy is much flatter in the morning post bathroom visit and more swollen at the end of the day after eating and drinking....i think part of it is just living....but im sure it will at least get somewhat better...maybe its just more noticeable now because the post day bloating isnt hiding behind loose skin...just a thought...
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GeorgeTT2014
July 8, 2014
Bloating at the end if the day is totally different than end if day swelling after surgery. One is centered around your GI system, the other is tissue edema due to lymphatic drainage issues. The swelling I posted a picture of is not due to anything I ate. Big difference!
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Callendergirl6
August 13, 2014
If it is truly only lymphatic channel restablisment issues then dry brushing or massaging towards the armpits will help since the channels in the groin are disrupted....
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ShaeDreams
August 12, 2014
How are you now? Would you do it over again knowing what you know now?
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GeorgeTT2014
August 12, 2014
Absolutely I would do it again. You just have to be prepared for a long recovery and swelling for months. I'm almost 5 months PO and still swell in the afternoon/evenings. But, that will eventually go away too. I still have some tenderness from the lipo and areas on my back and hips that are numb and still reawakening from the lipo. I had no idea it took so long for lipo areas to heal!
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ShaeDreams
August 12, 2014
This sounds like an odd question, but has anything else been impacted that you're aware of? I see many drainage tubes appearing to be coming out of the groin area - I don't want any loss of feeling ANYWHERE near there! lol Also, from an emotional standpoint, did you ever wish you hadn't done it because of the pain and recovery time?
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GeorgeTT2014
August 12, 2014
Emotionally there was about a week that I questioned my sanity, but that was the first week of recovery. Yes, it is hard, but so worth it! No pubic sensation or groin area issue post-op! So don't worry!
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ShaeDreams
August 12, 2014
Thank you! I know I'll question my sanity too - I already am. But..if I can get results like yours, I know it will be worth it and the pain will be temporary!
UPDATED FROM GeorgeTT2014
2 months post

9 Weeks Post-op!

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GeorgeTT2014May 27, 2014
Tomorrow I will be 9 weeks post. Life is back in full swing and we are in the middle of selling our house which means lots of cleaning every day. I notice swelling each night which starts about dinner time, but resolves by the next morning. It is still painful sometimes, and gets worse if I eat lots of bread or refunded sugar/processed foods. I have not returned to exercise and have only run once during my recovery. My plantar fasciitis has been excruciating since my first run at 6 weeks PO, so I'm taking it easy for now.

I have a follow-up with my PS this week for follow up pictures! Happy healing everyone!

Replies (3)

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SoonHopefully
May 27, 2014
Happy to see the updates! You are healing so nicely. I love how your belly button turned out. It doesn't look like a "tummy tuck" belly button at all. I have my pre op today. I'm so excited/nervous.
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GeorgeTT2014
May 27, 2014
I do love my belly button! I think it looks very natural and glad my PS did such a good job on it!
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mrssmith_au
May 27, 2014
Hope that plantar fasciitis resolves soon, I feel for you as mine is playing up too! Love your updates.
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GeorgeTT2014
June 6, 2014
I finally have an appointment for airrosti rehab which is a new treatment performed by a chiropractor that is supposed to relieve the pain and heal my feet. We shall see! I go in for my first treatment on 6/10!
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Blubberbelly No More
May 31, 2014
You look awesome! Love your BB and hope mine looks like that soon!
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GeorgeTT2014
June 6, 2014
Thank you, I do love my belly button!
UPDATED FROM GeorgeTT2014
2 months post

Love my flat tummy!

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GeorgeTT2014May 8, 2014
Pics at 6 weeks PO.

Replies (5)

jo1119
May 8, 2014
Hi Where did you get the Gelzone? You look amazing! So jealous of you tall gals :).
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GeorgeTT2014
May 8, 2014
http://www.thesportwrap.com/store/gelzone-wrap-6x48-in/ This is the website I used to purchase my Gelzone wrap.
jo1119
May 8, 2014
Thanks
Lookingformore0613
May 8, 2014
You look fantastic! Your belly is so flat!
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GeorgeTT2014
May 8, 2014
Thank you! I'm very pleased with my results!
back2me2014
May 8, 2014
You look great Thanks for your post. I'm going to try running next week at 6 weeks also
Prayflat
May 8, 2014
So amazing result. Do u have swelling around belly button after u r active?
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GeorgeTT2014
May 8, 2014
My swelling is lower down usually around my incision and pubic area.
Prayflat
May 8, 2014
U look so skinny now and want to loose more? How much skin... did the dr remove fr u? Thanks
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GeorgeTT2014
May 8, 2014
I had about 3 pounds of skin/fat removed. I have more weight to lose. I weigh 170-175, and would like to be in the 154-160 range. I have 38DD chest that I would love to lose a cup size from and fat from my arms, and then firm and tone everything up. I'm not unrealistic about it, I just know what I've weighed at various stages in life and 155 was my favorite size. Slender, but healthy and less aches and pains!
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