Tummy Tuck: Stories

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Tummy Tuck - 1 Week Post Op - Feeling Good! - Walnut Creek, CA

  • Worth It
  • Cost: $10,000
  • Walnut Creek, CA

I am one week post op on my tummy tuck. I...

I am one week post op on my tummy tuck.

I feel great. My PS did not do drainage tubes and opted for 'quilt stitching'. Anyone out there who had the same technique? I'd love to hear your story (pros/cons).

I was upright within 2-3 days. Not eating so much as I did not have my first bm until day 4.

Thanksgiving was day 6, and I can tell in the pictures that my 'belly mound' is gone. I look slimmer, despite minimal weight loss.

I am the mother to two boys, 14 and 5, and this is the first thing I have done for myself in a long time. I was tired of being asked if I was pregnant. My belly was distended, and despite a work out regimine, it never really went away.

I am happy with the results -- even if it seems premature.

Post Op Day 10 - I feel like a Ken doll... My...

Post Op Day 10 - I feel like a Ken doll... My stomach is tight, oddly flat, no dimension or definition. I have been heeding my doctors advice and had been lying around since Thanksgiving. Watching some really bad TV.

I can stand almost upright, but my hynie is tucked under, only making my back hurt... so I lay back down. Bruising is almost gone... though the ones on my backside cheekies were really bad to begin with... much progress.

Energy level and spirits are high.

Advice from all - does your belly button initially look off center? And will it go back into place?

Day 19 Post Op. Today is my third day back at...

Day 19 Post Op. Today is my third day back at work, and I feel more swollen. Is it because I am vertical most of the day? My flanks feel hard and a bit bumpy. My compression garment is leaving more indentations (due to swelling).

Word of advice: Keep taking stool softeners. I finished my antibiotics, stopped the pain pills, and stopped the stool softeners - big mistake. Ouchie.

I am starting to see some shape. I always had a boy figure, and now I see a smaller waist. I am down 5 lbs since the surgery (doc said he removed 4.5 lbs of skin) and given the swelling, I am pretty happy.

I agitated the lower suture area, therefore I need to goop it with Neosporin and keep gauze on it. I hope it heals okay without scar tissue.

Otherwise, HAPPY about my tt.

Great review?

My Doctor: name not provided

My rating:

Doctor's Bedside Manner
Answered My Questions
After Care Follow-Up
Time Spent With Me
Staff Professionalism & Courtesy
Payment Process

I really am pleased with his technique of quilt stitching over drainage tubes. Bedside manner is good.

Comments (6)

Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 9 Dec 2010

WOW you are looking great!  You will notice more shape take place month after month.  It just gets better with time. 

Hang in there.
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 30 Nov 2010

My belly button was a little off center to start so the new one is also off center.  Hardly noticeable though.  I think yours looks fine...might be from the swelling.
pchart 29 Nov 2010
You look great ! I am having a TT and flank and back lipo in 1 wk.
My doctor has never used drains !
Unconditional Mom 28 Nov 2010
My ps was firm about not using drainage tubes. Research shows that it is key in reducing seromas:

http://journals.lww.com/plasreconsurg/Abstract/2007/03000/Does_Quilting_Suture_Prevent_Seroma_in.41.aspx

In my post op appt day 4, he noticed I was upright, and gave me a stern warning to relax and stay off my feet. On average I am up about an hour a day. He does not want me to ruin anything 'down there'... i.e., stitches.

Although I am upright, my tail is tucked under like a 65 year old man.

I had muscle repair and lipo on the flanks.

Time will tell how the healing process will progress, and I am going into this with modest expectations... but thrilled with what I see so far!
Kimmers25 (Community Manager) 27 Nov 2010

You look wonderful!  What a difference and so soon.  You are the first person I have read about that did not have drains.  That is something new to me. 

Looks like you are standing up pretty straight too.  Did you have also have muscle repair?
Tricia2010 28 Nov 2010
I also had the no drain procedure and i had my surgery 3 weeks ago, I really am happy I didnt have to mess with the drain tube. I am still sore but i guess that is to be expected because i think i can still run around and do all this Christmas shopping...lol...

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