Cindy
Texas, USA
“Unhappy and depressed”
Tummy tuck: NOT worth it
Pain: Uncomfortable
I had my ftt on 5/15/07 and my scar is horribly high and very uneven. I am either gaining back my tummy fat or have developed ibs since surgery. My tummy swells to the point where I am asked if I am pregnant after I eat or drink anything. No soda just water or juice drinks.
I knew that I would have a scar but I thought that it would be a bikini cut, it is so high that one side can even be seen with my jeans on. I can fill that my muscles were tightened on lipo was done due to the soreness, but my tummy is no where near flat now although it was flatter 2mths post op. It is also hard and dimpley.
Anyone else still swollen after 4 to 5 months post op? I am starting to get depressed due to my results. Should I still be wearing a girdle of some kind. My surgeon said I didn't have to after my 6wk check up.
Sep 9, 2007Comments and replies (27)
unregistered guest
26 Sep 2007
cindy I had my tummy tuck on Aug-27-07 im stil a bit swelled also. My scar was high on one side and I was worried. In my papers my Dr. gave me, it told me to expect asymatry of the scar and it would even out. Thank goodness it has. Also my Dr. instructed me to do scar massage 2 times a day with any kind of oil (I use vitamin e oil) just apply and massage the scar for 2 min the oil is to make it easier to slide your fingers accros the scar. Wash it off and then use a silicone sheeting. compresion of the scar is the key to make it heal and almost go away. Try Biodermis Silicone sheets. It is pricy but well worth it my scar is healing beautifuly. You may get the sheets at www.biodermis.com I have the 11by16 sheet so I may get more use out of it. Just cut what you need to cover the scar. Instructions come with it how to use. Also get a body shaper at walmart it will help with the swelling. I had to havee 20cc asperated on my last apt because I did to much bending to soon. Make sure you dont have fluid build up a Seroma. I hope this helps you and others.
unregistered guest
23 Dec 2007
I wonder why you procedure was so much cheaper that everyone else do you feel tha played a part in you being unhappy. I would jump at the chance to have this done for less that 4000 but if its not worth for you i may need to opt out of the bargin shopping and just go w/a good doctor
unregistered guest
3 Jan 2008
you realy need to do your homework before you choose a docter! My scar is perfect and so low i can wear a low bikini and you can't see it at all. plus my scar is so line its almost gone. If you are totally unhappy i would search for a good docter and just have it redone.
5 posts
3 Jan 2008
I'm 3 months post op and I still have swelling. I had an appointment last week and they told me after 6 months your only about 80% toward final result. Final result could take close to a year. Sometimes they "forget" to tell you that pre surgery. I have not been wearing a compression garment since six weeks post-op but it was also recommended, along with massage to reduce swelling. Good Luck.
unregistered guest
11 Jan 2008
I had a TT last April. Very painful, etc. I too have a high W scar and bad results. I am scheduled for a whole new TT in less than 2 weeks. I will have a 18,000 stomach that better be good. My 2nd and 3rd opinions were that i did not get a good TT. Depressed, scared, and embarrassed. Mother of 5
unregistered guest
13 Mar 2008
As for the Tummy Tuck - all I can say is that it takes AT LEAST, AT LEAST, let me say it again, AT LEAST 1 year to see final results. BTW, during that year there will be pain, swelling and general discomfort that will decrease as time goes on. Tummy Tuck - no quick fix and only worth it if you really, really, really, dislike your present abdominal situation. Major surgery not to be taken lightly. All the best.
unregistered guest
14 Mar 2008
i had my tummy tuck on apr. 16th, 2007 and i am still a tiny bit tiny. my doc told me it would be at least 1 yeast before my stomach will recover from the numbness and the swelling. i could not do a crunch till this day, but am hoping i could soon. everything is still tight. please wait at least 6 months to a year before you can see the results.
15 posts
23 Jun 2008
Cindy, I live in texas and am considering a tummy tuck...where did you go so I can make sure I'm not wanting to use the same doctor?? HELP!
7 posts
28 Jun 2008
Hello, I had surgery a week and a half ago. I know it takes time to see results, but how do you know somethings gone wrong if you have to wait soooo long before you're completely healed? My TT results on the abdomen are pretty good, but my belly button that is now man-made is off to my right side, believe it or not. The skin is so tight, I have to walk with my butt tucked in. Very difficult considering I have a natural born "brazilian arch" that seems to have disappeared. I also have a large extended rib cage that pushes my breasts outward and makes them appear bigger which is also gone. So from the side I do not have my beautiful cartoon woman figure anymore. Breasts and rib cage way out, and butt way out with a very small waist is what I had, now I am totally flat from the side other than two bumps. One bump up above- my breast, and one bump below- my butt. Will this return to normal? I hope so very soon. The back pain is awful. And I hate Loritab.
3 posts
3 Jul 2008
My doctor was VERY specific. My skin was loose on the sides as well. My doctor recommended the scar go up to make it all even. It was a bit of a trade off for me. I was marked with a permanent marker so I knew exactly where the scar would be and how far back. I am a small person so my scar is HUGE - as in long... It runs almost to my back on both sides and is very high but it gave me a nice even look. I knew exactly what to expect. Also, everyone's skin is different. My doctor also told me there was no guarantee on how well the scar would look. It depended on the skin type, the amount of stretch marks,skin color/pigment, elasticity etc. The most he kept emphasizing was the fact that stretch marks can leave very uneven scars because of the skin being stretched out so much. It makes it difficult to make an even scar with stretched skin. He said it could definately leave it uneven. You doctor should of gone through the senarios with you. I am so sorry you're not happy with your results! **remember: we (as women) are much more critical of ourselves than other people are** I wish you the best!