I didn’t want to tell my husband that I was thinking about a tummy tuck and made two consultation appointments, one with Dr. Rigan and one with another provider. My husband works for a healthcare system here in Buffalo and said “Why didn’t you ask me? Go to Dr. Rigan, he’s a genius!!” Dr. Rigan is a quiet man but that’s probably a part of his genius. I am very much a bikini girl and he placed the incision PAST my c section scar and got rid of it altogether. WOW! That scar hung there like a pouty lip and I hated it. Dr. Rigan is meticulous, and throughout this journey I was told that by several different independent individuals. After the procedure, Dr. Rigan called my husband and told him “She’s pretty tight.” And he isn’t kidding, thank god!! I also had bilateral flank lipo and he did stitch my muscles back together. 800ml of fat removed, forgot to ask how much my muscles had separated. I will update this review later. I just wanted to give Dr. Rigan a recent, fabulous review for anyone considering him. Don’t be put off by his quiet nature, he knows what he’s doing. He is a very sweet man who takes great care in his work. Updated on 4 Mar 2021: So I had a few pesky stitches inside that were causing infection/seepage. I didn’t know what was normal healing and what was an actual problem. The incision broke open and was not healing so I went back to see Dr. Rigan. Oh my goodness, he repaired the problem, nipped up where the scar was widening and it looks fabulous now. He was happy to fix it and I am so glad I went to see him instead of just assuming this was part of the drill. You hear horror stories of surgeons not willing to help, not the case with Dr. Rigan I haven’t posted pictures...I’m sorry, I am not comfortable doing that. But yes, a tummy tuck is worth it and you are in good hands w Dr. Rig-an
I have always had a small chest and so excited to share my amazing experience with my Breast Augmentation . I have had so much anxiety about the big day and hear it came and went . Yesterday was the day of my breast augmentation. I got to the surgery center at 1150am, my surgery was set for 1pm. I was soo excited and nervous. I am a nervous person as it is but when it comes to hospitals I freak out! The nurse came to get me to prep me up for the surgery. Finally got the IV in after 4 different people had to try...haha apparently I have tough veins. These nurses were absolutely amazing ! They were just genuinely nice woman and men. They knew I was a nervous wreck and they could tell how much I hate needles. They were just talking to me the whole time and making me laugh. They asked me how well I do with anesthetic. I said I usually get sick and puke after .( I'm deadly afraid of puking) They said they would everything they could to prevent that from happening .They really were great :) So as I went to the operating room .. Im like oh my gosh this is it. Next time when I wake up I'm gonna be in extreme pain. Next I got on the operating table where the anesthetist told me to take a few big deep breathes as they were putting stickers on my back before I knew it ... I was sitting in a chair thinking to myself I wonder when my surgery was going to get done not realizing I was in the recovery room. The pain was OK but nothing as I expected. My boyfriend came to pick me up I feel asleep the whole car ride home. When we got home I was starving and not in too much pain ,so I decided not to take any pain killers and just take 800mg of ibuprofen. The was pain bad but not bad enough for me to take pain killers (which make my stomach upset) I ate a few popsicles and went to bed for a whole 8 hours and had no issues through out the night. I did prompt up a bunch of pillows up which helped me sleep great :) Going a lot better than I could of ever imagined !
My procedure was Dec 2,2016. I'm 3 weeks post op. The bruising was so bad. its all gone now. I am seeing some changes, very subtle thou. My surgeon was excellent. Dr Rigan from The Center for Plastic Surgery in Williamsville NY. He only took out 2lbs. 1200cc. I am still numb on the right side of my outer thigh. My question is with the little that was taken out, will it still take months to see the final result?
I've never posted anything yet, but figured I would. I also have some insomnia, maybe from the hydrocodons or from anesthesia? Feel free to contact me about any of my experiences. I am on day 1 post op. Today was such a terrifying day, but here I am! Surprisingly, the pain is not as much as I expected! The surgery went fast and I don't remember it, so that's amazing. However, upon waking up I instantly felt nauseous, but didn't throw up. After I got home I immediately took a 1 hour nap and felt better. My goal was to look a little bigger and fuller, but not noticeable. I gained like 10 lbs over the past few years and feel bigger boobs would make me love my body more. So far I think I've achieved that. I'm curious to see what drop and fluff really means. I had my friend over today. She noticed immediately, but we've discussed it a lot. She went for a consult, but never followed through. She was amazed that I was up walking around, heating up meals, and going to the bathroom independently, all with minimal pain. Getting up is a little tricky, but tolerable. Note: I am unsure of the true cost of this procedure. My health insurance covers all, but the initial consult. They even cover some of that consult and it only cost me $25. I also spent $10 on my own zipper sports bra. The procedure, anesthesia, and post op visits are all paid through insurance. Lucky me! Please let me know what you all think. Do you notice a difference? I do. Updated on 15 Jul 2016: Hey ladies. Feeling pretty good, just sore and so tight. I was able to take a shower today and take my padding off. I'm happy to have some projection now without push-up! Hoping things will settle in soon. I'm ready for them to feel natural. Updated on 20 Jul 2016: Today marks my one week! Finally, my boobs are starting to feel like mine. However, I still feel tingly and tight. I bought my first real bra today, 34C (It was only $5!). I've never been close to a C cup in my life!!! I'm also measuring a 36B as well. I'm definitely happy with the size! I feel like they look natural for my body type. Updated on 22 Jul 2016: I had my first post appointment yesterday and he said everything looks great and he cleared me to go to the gym today, just no chest workouts. I couldn't do much that didn't exert chest muscles, but stretched and rode a bike for awhile.
I'm so happy with Dr Rigan's work. As I was being prepped to go into the operating room the nurse asked, "Who's your surgeon?". When I told her it was Dr Rigan she said "You're in VERY good hands". I felt so comforted & reassured by that statement, and you know what? She was 100% right! Beautiful, symmetrical work, and clean flat incisions. I could not be more pleased. I did this surgery as a gift to myself and I'm thrilled! Thank you Dr Rigan ;) HIGHLY RECOMMEND (I am not an employee or a relative)
I used to be pretty hot... Nice coke bottle shape, I worked out a lot, and my husband and I had a great sex life. Ten months after we got married we had our first baby. I'm a petite person, barely 5.1 and 120 pounds. Our children were huge babies and huge blessings. Unfortunately, My stomach looked so wrinkly and saggy I looked like I was 70! I had muscle seperation, and no matter how hard I worked out and ate healthy, it didn't get any better. It definitely took a toll on my confidence and sent me on a self loathing mental ride. Thankfully, my husband is a Godsend and fully supported me whether or not I wanted to have a tummy tuck. So, when he deployed and I just had to do it! Man were my nerves shot! But thanks to all of the wonderful ladies/occasional gents on here, I was able to find a ton of information, tips, before and after pics, etc... And now I'm a day out from the operation, and I'm in quite a bit of pain... But it will get better, and when my husband gets home man will he be surprised! Hot mama! I'll put up pictures as soon as I can, But I just wanted to say thank you to every one of you who posted their personal stories on here to be shared. Updated on 4 Jan 2014: And ouch! I've strained my muscles a few times and the compression garment seems to be riding on the sutures... Yuck. But I'm keeping up with pain meds, stool softeners, and drinking a ton of water! Also, I'm trying to keep moving just a little bit even though it hurts so bad. I think it's healthier than just being a couch potatoe. The swelling is mostly in my groin/upper thighs, and that's not all together pleasant either. Can't wait to see the finished product! I'm also trying to curve my comfort food cravings of Ben and Jerry's half baked ice cream... I gave in once and that's it, dammit... Updated on 5 Jan 2014: Still trying to move about a bit, and we adjusted my compression garment because it was riding on the sutures... Much better now! Thankfully I have no drains, but the swelling is still intense, as is expected. I think I'm doing fairly well for day 2! Walking is VERY painful. The back pain is excruciating. Haven't had a bowel movement yet, but I'm drinking miralax and taking my colace as directed so hopefully when that hits it won't be so terrible. Updated on 7 Jan 2014: Hey ladies, crazy couple of days so I'll write a lengthier update later... But how do you know if one of the stitches popped? It looks uneven on one side and it feels like it's ripping when I move. Can't go to the doctor yet due to the blizzard... Updated on 7 Jan 2014: I have no drains, minimal bleeding but it's only on the side that feels like it ripped. Here are both sides of the incision. Can you tell which one feels like it is damaged? Ugh. Updated on 7 Jan 2014: Updated on 10 Jan 2014: It's going pretty well! I'm almost kind of sort of not really standing up straight. I have two babies just under 2 1/2 so today I started changing diapers again, did the dishes, etc... Feels good to be moving again even though I'm sore. I had my post op yesterday, my binder was taken off. I'll up up some pictures! Still have some swelling, but wearing the spanx really helps. By the way, a recommendation, don't buy the spanx with the crotch snap. I thought it'd be good that I didn't have to pull it off my tummy every time I had to go to the bathroom, but it's terrible. I can't get it to snap half of the time, and my vagina keeps trying to eat it. Lol. The colace is doing it's job! Usually I'm pretty backed up, tmi, but the colace is helping. I'm going to start weaning myself off of it slowly. I took only Tylenol and my arnica today, no pain meds needed, thankfully. Arnica is AWESOME! Definitely helps with the swelling... I'm having a hard time with sugar cravings. I ate two and a half donuts today! Ugh. I'm definitely going to stop that... I think the sugar is my comfort. I still have a popping feeling on the one side of the incision quite a bit, but the doc says that's fairly normal so hopefully that will begin to fade as well. Can't wait for the swelling to go away and to see the whole result! Updated on 10 Jan 2014: Updated on 14 Jan 2014: Doing pretty well! The ripping feeling has pretty much stopped, and the surgical tape is beginning to come off of the incision. Woot! My scar is going to be so small! I'm so impressed with my surgeon. I think I overdid it today when I had to lift my toddler into his carseat... Praying I just stressed out the muscle and didn't do any damage. But otherwise, i think I'm doing pretty well! Almost standing up completely straight and haven't had to take a pain pill! Woohoo!
I had twins in August 2011. They were 7 lbs 12 oz and 6 lbs 4 oz. I carried full term and delivered vaginally. They really did a number on my stomach muscles and stomach skin. I also lost 70 lbs on Weight Watchers after they were born. I am 5'9" and weigh 153 lbs. I had my tummy tuck with muscle repair and NO liposuction November 6, 2013. Today is November 10 and I feel pretty good! I would have to say that the first day after the surgery was the absolute worst. I felt buyers remorse, wondered why I did this to myself, was in SO much pain, and I just couldn't stop crying. I went online and read that this is pretty normal, so I felt better knowing I wasn't alone. I have swelling in my thighs and hips. The incision is thin and not red. I have not removed the garment yet to see (crazy, huh?) but my post-op appointment is tomorrow so I know I will see it then. Has anyone else had swelling in the thighs and hips area? How long did it take to go down? I tried on some pre-op pants today and they were tight. Yikes! I know it's expected, but still. I am walking at a hunched level still. I guess for another week I will be doing that. I cannot believe the back pain that came along with this too! I've been taking Bromelain to help with swelling. I uploaded my before pictures and will do some after pictures once I have my post-op appointment. Updated on 11 Nov 2013: (1) Start taking stool softeners BEFORE the surgery (I started 2 days prior and will continue as long as I am taking pain meds) (2) Eat low sodium meals (3) Eat 5 - 6 small meals a day with a lot of protein to help your muscles heal. I've been making protein shakes with Whey protein powder and eating Quest Nutrition Bars (loaded with high quality protein and fiber) (4) Drink A LOT of water to hydrate your muscles (5) Take one 500mg pill of Bromelain three times a day on an EMPTY stomach (this helps with swelling) (6) Take your pain meds around the clock (I set my alarm clock throughout the night so I don't miss a dose) (7) If you do not have a recliner (I did not) make sure you have a lot of pillows to prop your back and to use under your knees (8) If you have kids, have help lined up. I have 2 year old twins and can't do a darn thing! (9) Try your best not to cough, sneeze, laugh too hard, or blow your nose (10) You'll be swollen for awhile, so spend $20 for the 'Belly Belt'. I used these when I was pregnant so I didn't have to buy maternity clothes. They're pant extenders and AMAZING! Just wear a long shirt over your pants and you're good to go. Just google 'Belly Belt'. I got mine on Amazon (11) Lay low and take care of yourself. You only get to heal once from a surgery like this! Updated on 11 Nov 2013: Went for my post-op visit today and was finally able to see my new belly! I was not allowed to take the binder off until today. I also should point out that I did NOT have drains (my surgeon does not use them). I am swollen in my belly (lower and upper), my pubic region (all the fluid falls because of gravity), and my hip area. It's going to take time for all the swelling to resolve, but WOW, what a difference! I love my new belly button too. Still quite sore and taking the pain meds around the clock. My back is killing me too with not being able to stand straight. Doctor said I look fantastic and everything looks really well! Updated on 12 Nov 2013: My surgeon told me yesterday that I could wear just Spanx if I wanted to. However, I find myself typing this while wearing Spanx AND the garment. Did anyone else feel like that as well? Basically that you can't get through an hour without that garment on! I feel more safe and secure in the garment. As far as Spanx go, I'm glad I didn't throw my old Spanx away after losing all the weight I did. I actually have on the size too big Spanx right now. I found it difficult to get the Spanx on that were my actual size for a couple reasons: my swelling is still pretty bad and it's HARD to pull up too small Spanx when your stomach muscles have just been sewn back together! So my advice on Spanx: Get yourself two pairs. One that is a size too big (for when you're all swelled up and puffy) and one that is in your size range for when your swelling goes down. And my advice on the garment: If you need to wear the garment most of the time like I do right now, do it! I actually feel more comfortable with the garment over a soft t-shirt. The material of this thing isn't exactly super skin friendly. I actually credit my surgeon with this idea, he's the one who told me to do it. Tomorrow is one week after the operation! I will have photos as well as an update on how everything feels. Updated on 13 Nov 2013: It's been a WEEK since my surgery! Yay! Things I still feel and see one week post surgery: * Swelling is still pretty prominent around my belly (upper & lower), pubic area, outer hips, and even some in my inner thighs. * My belly is still super numb and feels like I am touching someone else's skin (so weird). * I still feel pain, and still take my pain meds every 5 hours (it's NOTHIING like the day after surgery though). Pain isn't as bad however. * I still use about 7 pillows to sleep at night (5 under my head and neck, 2 under my knees). Haven't tried sleeping on my side yet, but hopefully soon. Things I have accomplished in the past week: * I can get in and out of bed SO much better now! * My stomach muscles don't burn as much. * My stomach muscles don't spasm as much (the spasms freaked me out the first time I had them, felt like baby kicks!) * I am still walking hunched over and cannot stand straight yet, BUT, I am walking more straight than yesterday! * I can stand for a longer length of time (i.e. - I made myself dinner at the stove and got through it! In the beginning, I could barely walk to the bathroom) * I can sit pretty well at the kitchen table and on the couch if I am at somewhat of an angle. I attached some pictures for my 1 week timeline.... (1) The scar is pretty thin and scabbing up. Surgeon said he will recommend a scar treatment for me at my next visit (November 25) if I even need one (some scars just heal great on their own). (2) I am still quite swollen around my entire belly, hips area, and pubic area. Completely expected though. I think the weirdest part for me right now is that numb feeling all around my belly. So glad to be healing well and look forward to my progress each day. Updated on 14 Nov 2013: Yes, the title of this review has sarcasm written all over it! Let me start with the swelling. UGH! When will it go away? Now I knew going into this surgery that I would swell, and continue to swell, and have flat days, and have puffy days, and I knew I had to expect this to go on for like 6 months. But what's freaking me out is the fact that I measured my waist last night and it is 2" bigger than it was prior to surgery. So of course I added insult to injury and proceeded to try on my pre-op pants (size 8) that I couldn't button. Someone talk me down off this ledge! :) I know that I am swollen, but it sucks. So for all the ladies out there who made it to the flat side, when did you see your waist shrink and your pre-op pants fit again? Alright, how about a little chat on walking. Good grief. I am walking more upright than I was a couple days ago, but no one really told me how much lower back pain to expect from all of this! I feel about 90 years old with the way my back feels and the way I walk. This hunching has got to stop! Yikes! When did your hunching finally cease and you were able to walk upright? I am 8 days post-op today and going back to work in 5 days. I really hope I am not still walking like this! Happy Thursday everyone! Updated on 15 Nov 2013: I guess I'm in 'Swell Hell'. My belly is SO firm. Is anyone else's swelling like that? (Or did you feel like that when you were swollen for those of you that had this done awhile ago). Don't get me wrong, I LOVE that my excess skin is completely gone, but right now I feel like my waist got square. Is that due to the swelling? (the swelling that feels very firm!) For those of you who have gone through this journey ahead of me: (1) When did your waist feel normal again? (2) When did your measurements go DOWN? (3) When were you able to button your pants again? (4) Was your swelling very firm like mine? This is all so new to me. Obviously :) I included more pictures! I like my belly button. You can also tell from the sides how swollen I am. I kind of look pregnant and my girth is pretty big! Thoughts? T.G.I.F. Updated on 16 Nov 2013: I wanted to share with everyone the supplements I have been taking to promote healing and (I think) help with swelling. I would love to know what others take, if anything at all, and if they have helped! I would also like to know if anyone takes what I take and if you think it's helped you with healing, swelling, inflammation, etc. * BROMELAIN: From what I have read all over these boards, this supplement aids in reducing swelling. I think it's working, but I'll continue to take it anyway. I take one 500mg pill on an empty stomach three times a day. * TUMERIC: This is an anti-inflammatory supplement that I took everyday but because it's a natural blood thinner, I stopped it two weeks prior to surgery. I just started taking it again. I take one 500mg pill a day. VITAMIN C: Vitamin C promotes healing. I love Vitamin C! I take one 500mg pill, once a day. * ARGININE: I am a big workout fanatic and love Arginine. It's a non-essential amino acid, but boy does it make me feel good. When taken in large amounts on an empty stomach before bedtime, this stuff increases your human growth hormone and promotes healing while you sleep. Of course, I am not a doctor, but I've been doing the Arginine thing a long time even before the surgery. I take 3mg - 5mg an hour before bedtime on an empty stomach. * DANDELION ROOT: This aides in getting rid of excess fluid in the body. I take this when I am about to have my period to help with bloating. I'm not 100% sure it's helping with the swelling, but I take it anyway. I take three 525mg pills together at once, just once a day. P.S. -- I just sneezed for the first time since having this surgery. I thought I was going to DIE! Updated on 16 Nov 2013: One more thing I wanted to touch upon today: Eating during this recovery. I lost 107 lbs after my boys were born (40 lbs or so came off naturally after their birth, the rest was lost on Weight Watchers). I learned how to eat correctly with portion control, etc. I started in October 2011 and plateaued in March 2013. In August 2013 I hired a personal trainer. He REALLY opened my eyes as to how to not only lose weight, but BURN FAT. I lost 4 lbs and 1% body fat in about 3 weeks prior to my surgery. So, here I am, typing this knowing I cannot do my PX90 workouts, or cardio, or lift weights for what is it, 6 - 8 weeks? Good grief! So I have been sticking to my meticulous eating plan from my personal trainer to make sure I don't pack on any unwanted pounds while I am not working out. I also want to mention that I eat very low sodium after this surgery. Not only does eating low sodium help with flattening your scar, but it doesn't make you feel bloated and retain unwanted water. This is how I eat: * 5 - 6 small meals a day * Each meal is less than 5 grams of sugar * Each meal has a lean protein, a veggie, and a starchy carb (if you want, don't have to) * Protein shakes & protein bars (made with Whey & less than 5 grams of sugar) are your friend * I don't eat 3 hours before I go to bed I have to say, I feel fantastic as far as knowing I'm keeping my weight in check during this non-cardio time and not feeling bloated from over eating or too much sodium. It's hard to be non-active, but my time to be able to workout again will be here before I know it! Updated on 18 Nov 2013: Walking upright now, THANK GOD. I cannot believe the lower back pain I experienced while walking hunched. I have a very strong back and legs too thanks to PX90, but nothing prepared me for the back pain during this healing process. I still have to sit slowly, and get up slowly. When I get up, I have to hunch for a few minutes before I straighten up again. I'm not walking too fast, but I'm not walking like a snail anymore either. In other news, I think my left side above the pubic area has developed a small seroma. I have an appointment with the surgeon at 12:30pm today. I honestly didn't know how to tell if it was in fact a seroma until I went to You Tube. Gotta love that website! I found a video of a women who had one and showed how it moved throughout her belly. It's a waterbed effect when you press down. Sure enough, that's what's happening with me. But it's not as bad as hers. So for all of you out there that are unsure if you may have a seroma or not, check out the videos on You Tube. Going back to work Wednesday! I'm scared I won't make it through the day. I work in an office environment, think they'd care if I wore my pajamas all day? ;) Updated on 20 Nov 2013: I can't believe it's been two weeks already! Four more to go before I can lift my kids :) I am walking SO much better, however I still hunch when I get up after sitting for awhile. I'm still swollen, but know that this will be going on for a few months at LEAST. I have some seriously compressed Spanx on as I type this. So much so that I don't even have my garment on! I'm still sleeping on my back with 8 million pillows under my head and legs. For all of you tummy tuckers out there, when did you sleep on your side again? Or stomach for that matter? I attached a few pictures. My scar is looking really good and will be even better once it turns white. I love how thin it is! Updated on 21 Nov 2013: * When will my jeans fit again? * Did I seriously swell 2 inches just from sitting at my desk at work? * When will the puffiness in my lower belly just go away? * I hope no one notices how much I hunch when I get up from my chair * I feel so dependent on this compression garment * Some days I feel fantastic! * Some days I feel AWFUL * Is my pubic area going to de-puff already or what?! It's creeping me out! * I want to fully stretch SO BAD when I wake up in the morning * When, oh when, will I be able to sleep on my side again? * 4 more weeks and I can lift my boys again! Updated on 22 Nov 2013: I wish I could: * Feel the skin right above my incision * Could get in and out of my car like a normal person * My pubic area didn't look like a Ken Doll * People didn't look at me funny when I walk slow * I could sleep at least SOMEWHAT on my side * It was 6 weeks already so I could lift my kids * I didn't get so tired after work (and I sit at a desk!) * The swelling would just hurry up and GO AWAY * I didn't have to wear compression (makes me claustrophobic) * I could get out of bed without 8,000 maneuvers I have to do * My cat realized she simply cannot walk on my stomach! * I could gorge myself with 2 dozen chocolate chip cookies and then just work it off on the treadmill tomorrow! And lastly, I wish it was 6 months into the future so I know the swelling is gone and my jeans look super cute again (or even better!) Updated on 23 Nov 2013: So before I had a tummy tuck done, I used to bloat tremendously a week or so before my period was due. My stomach looked like I was pregnant. Oh yeah, absolutely. I was one of the lucky ones whose period STARTED the day of my surgery. Yes, that was sarcasm and no, I was not lucky. Fast forward to today. It is one week before my period is due. Awesome. And guess what? My belly is bloated just like it was prior to surgery. I guess I was hoping that would just nix itself after the surgery! So here's to sucking it in once a month for a good few days. Booooooo Anyone else deal with this? Updated on 23 Nov 2013: So it's been 17 days since the surgery. My lower belly is a swollen mess as you can see from my side shot. Icky. My pubic area still has that seroma I mentioned last week too. The surgeon tried to drain it but there wasn't "enough fluid". So I am back Monday for him to look at it. The fluid is still there and doing that oh so fun waterbed motion under my skin. I'll say it again: Icky. anyone else ever go through that? NOT being able to have a seroma drained? I couldn't find anything on google. Anyway, back to my pants post! These pants are my size 8's from Express pre-op pants. My faaaaavorite pants to wear to work. I love how great things look from the front, but not so much from the side. Patience, I KNOW! I would also like to mention that I HATED the way the pants felt on my skin. It was a weird sensation with some pain and numbness. I normally wear a soft t-[RS bleep] or cami with the compression garment over it. T.G.I.F. Updated on 26 Nov 2013: I feel pretty good minus the tightness in my belly and the fluid accumulation in my pubic area (hell Ken Doll!). My surgeon got 10 cc's of fluid out of it, but that's not a lot at all. He said to watch it and wait. Should absorb because it's so small. I just hate how puffy I am down there. Anyone else have the Ken Doll syndrome? My surgeon also said that on a scale of 1 - 10, my swelling is about a 3 or 4. Not too shabby for 3 weeks post! And this was at the end of a workday! I'll feel much better when my lower belly pooch and fluid filled pubic area is normal again. Here are some accomplishments of 3 weeks: * I can laugh harder now * I can sneeze a bit better (without passing out) * I can blow my nose better * I can cough a bit better * I can walk a bit faster * I twist better reach behind myself for something * I can stand for longer periods of time * I can wear my pre-op again! My waist prior to surgery was 29", and below my belly button was 36". My waist now at 3 weeks post is 29" and below my belly button is 32". At one week post, I saw 28" at my waist and 30" under the belly button. However, I'm assuming swelling took it up an inch. Tomorrow is officially 3 weeks and I will post pictures then! Updated on 27 Nov 2013: What a difference a weeks makes. I no longer look like Sponge Bob Squarepants from the side! I only put my binder on for an hour when I get home from work and when I sleep. All the other times during the day I am wearing Spanx. When did all of you ladies stop wearing your Spanx? I can't wait to see what 4 weeks brings! Updated on 29 Nov 2013: Good grief, this was a BAD day for swelling. I went to work and sit at a desk, but when I came home I was HUGE. I thought I read online somewhere that the worst swelling can come at 3 weeks and end around 6 weeks. True? Not true? I would love some input from all of you post TT'ers. I have to admit as well that my period started today. I normally gain 4 lbs in water weight, so maybe it's that as well. It feels weird to have my monthly bloat with such a tight belly. Really weird quite honestly. I also read somewhere that the first period after your TT is the weirdest and worst. Again, for all you post TT'ers, true? Not true? Let's discuss! I had my period for my surgery. Yeah, THAT was fun. Here's my wish list for being 3 1/2 weeks post.... I wish: * I could sleep on my side already! * I could wear my jeans and not have them feel weird on my belly * I still didn't hunch when I get up from sitting * My lower belly didn't feel so TIGHT * I could do my lower body Pilates routine. God how I miss that. My legs need a workout -- BAD! And finally, I wish this swelling would hurry up and just go away already! For being 3 1/2 weeks out, I can do the following much better: * Get in the car a little faster * Walk way more normal * Twist better when reaching behind myself * Get out of bed a lot better * Not have to take pain medication hardly at all (just here and there) And this is a big one for me: I can FINALLY blow my nose, like, REALLY blow my nose! :) Yay for 3 1/2 weeks! Updated on 3 Dec 2013: Tomorrow will be 4 weeks since my surgery. Ok, seriously, where has the time gone? I have pictures that I will post tomorrow. Not too much has changed since 3 weeks, but some things have gotten better. So here is my 4 weeks post surgery list: * The swelling is all pretty much lower, lower belly and crotch area (Ken Doll syndrome!) * I'm still pretty tight in the lower belly, especially when I get up from sitting * I never had my belly button scab or have weird junk in it, even to this day (just a little bit red inside) * I can twist better than 3 weeks * I can get up from a chair and couch a lot better * I can move around a lot better and walk faster * I still grab under my knee when I get out of bed * I am somewhat sleeping a bit angled on my side finally! * I cannot lay totally flat yet * I'm still scared that I will rip my incision open if I do a full body stretch in the morning! * I still take Bromelain religiously (3 times a day on an empty stomach) * I am flat as a board in the morning and about 2" - 3" bigger by dinnertime around my waist * I'm only using Palmer's Cocoa Butter (concentrated formula) on my scar * Upper abs are tender, while lower abs are tight * I've been doing my lower body Pilates routine again, but if I feel it too much in my abs (and it's more sore), I just don't do that particular move * I wear Spanx under my clothes and quite honestly I cannot WAIT to not have to wear it anymore. I wear pants to work and the Spanx under the pants are making me crazy! * All my pre-op clothes fit me now (I don't think I will be going down a size, I didn't have that much skin removed and I didn't lose weight) My main wish is for this swelling to go away in my crotch. I can't stand looking at it! :-) Updated on 3 Dec 2013: Here are my photos of 4 weeks. You can see in the last one that I have swelling quite a bit in the pubic area. I can't stand it! Definitely can't wait for THAT to go away! Updated on 5 Dec 2013: The before pictures were taken the night before my surgery. The after shots are 4 weeks later. I can't believe the difference. I wanted to do a side by side comparison to see. P.S. - I am not sticking my belly out in that pre surgery side shot! :) Updated on 5 Dec 2013: So tomorrow is officially one month since my surgery. I live in Buffalo, NY and today (hello, December) it's almost 60 degrees! So I decided to wear a skirt to work with NO Spanx. I made it until about noon until I had to throw something on. Question for all you past TT'ers: When did you feel comfortable NOT wearing any type of compression at all? Happy Thursday everyone! Updated on 6 Dec 2013: Where has the time gone? I have to say that this past month has been quite a roller coaster of emotions. I seriously had no idea I would have the feelings I would have. Especially the first week. I was so depressed for a number of reasons. Basically because I was in so much pain (I'm a wuss) and the mere fact that I couldn't walk right. Oh, and not to mention the swelling that made me feel fat. Or how about just not feeling normal? Or not being able to do basically anything! I laid in bed and pondered why I did what I did and thought I could have been happy with my old body. I thought I made a mistake. BUT THEN CAME WEEK TWO. I could walk upright, I could walk faster, I could stand for more than 30 seconds and not feel like I was going to die. I saw a small light at the end of the tunnel. Week three was even better. I was able to walk faster, cough, blow my nose, go back to work, AND my swelling was going down! So here I am, one month out. I can wear all my pre-op clothes, I ditched my binder 2 weeks ago and only use Spanx. I sleep with 3 pillows behind my head instead of 5. I walk on the treadmill (slowly), can lift low weights (without using my abs), and I can do my favorite lower body Pilates routine again. Maybe not AS good yet, but still! When I wake up in the morning and look in the mirror, I still cannot believe the difference. I can't believe I regretted the surgery the first week. I was nuts to think such a thing! :) As each day passes, I still have my emotions. I want to feel normal. When I say normal, I mean being able to feel my lower belly (it's completely numb) and not have swelling. However, my swelling is mainly crotch area. UGH. I know that my belly is bigger by the time I get home from work, and I'm sure some of that is from swelling, but I also know that my belly was like that prior to surgery. Food, fluids, moving around all day, etc. causes that. Tonight was the first night I put my kids to bed alone. I was nervous, but I did it. They're still in cribs and I got them up a 3 step stool (they thought it was fun). I have not lifted them since prior to this surgery. I was not about to chance messing up this muscle repair! I have an appointment with my surgeon Monday. I will ask then when I can lift them (they're both around 35 lbs each). I can't wait to see what the next few weeks bring! Updated on 8 Dec 2013: Alright, so for the past week or so I have found myself waking up because I am trying to do full body stretches as I sleep. Anyone else go through this? Then come the dreams. Awful dreams that I accomplished that full body stretch and ripped my entire incision open! It's terrible! Last night the dream entailed the incision completely open and flapping around. Seriously? What's wrong with me!? LOL I would love to be able to do a full body stretch in the morning while laying in bed, but I am scared outta my mind to try it. So....When were you able to do that stretch my body is trying so hard to do? :-) Updated on 9 Dec 2013: Well, ain't this just a grand 'ole day! Here's the lowdown of my appointment: * I can resume all cardio (starting slowly) * I can lift weights (gradually increasing to where I was) * I don't have to wear compression anymore! * My pubic swelling is just tissue swelling now (no more fluid) and will go down * He said I look so good that I pretty much am seeing my final result (I attribute a lot of this to how clean I eat) * He doesn't need to see me anymore because I am healing so well! In regards to the compression, I am actually HAPPY I don't have to wear it anymore. I ditched the post surgery binder 2 weeks ago but I will throw it on when I start my rigorous treadmill and PX90 routines again. I have to admit, after I ditched the binder a couple weeks ago and put some Spanx on ONLY, I felt so much better. I was wearing the binder 24/7 and my doctor even told me at my 1 week post op visit that I only needed Spanx. However, I kept wearing the binder. But after taking the advice of a fellow tummy tucker and sticking with JUST Spanx (no post surgical binder anymore), my body got used to no binder and any crazy swelling that was going to happen months down the road (if I were to wear it for months longer) was going to happen at 2 weeks. Might as well get it out of the way. I'm so glad I ditched that binder and went to just Spanx. I didn't want to the post surgical binder to become a crutch or an addiction. Does that make sense? So after 2 1/2 weeks of wearing just Spanx, I started to hate those too! I actually got a pair that were somewhat too big so they weren't really compressing the heck out of me, but had just enough compression. I have to admit, I couldn't stand the way Spanx felt under my pants, so now that I don't have to wear compression at all anymore, I can wear my pants and just my undies. Ahhhh, normal! I can even walk around naked at this point and I don't feel like I need anything to 'hold me in'. So here's my advice on the binder: If your doctor says you don't need it anymore (whether it be at the 1 week visit like me, or your 6 week visit), get rid of it. Don't depend on it. Do Spanx until your surgeon says you don't even need that anymore. One more thing: Just because my surgeon said to ditch the binder at 1 week doesn't mean YOUR surgeon will say the same. Always go by your surgeon's advice. :-) Updated on 11 Dec 2013: Today is 5 weeks! Can't believe it. Here are some pics. My pubic swelling has gone down, thank God! Measurements before surgery: Smallest point at waist = 29" Below belly button: 34" Measurements 5 weeks post: Smallest point at waist: 27" Below belly button: 31" The scar is starting to turn red, but that's normal. It's called 'scar maturation'. Happy Wednesday my fellow TT'ers! Updated on 12 Dec 2013: Alrighty, here we go! GOOD STUFF: * I can sleep on my side again! Thank GOD! * I can walk at a 10% incline on the treadmill, 2.0 mph and feel GOOD * I can lift 5 lb weights (each hand) and it doesn't hurt * I can do my full lower body Pilates routine * I can twist pretty well * The only swelling I can see is in my pubic area, and that's gone down * My waist has gone down 2" since the surgery * I am NOT wearing ANY compression all day at work and my pants look fabulous! * I can lift my boys up! (they're 35 lbs each) but I do it slowly * My incision does not bother me at all (no itching, pain, etc.) SO-SO STUFF: * I still can't sleep on my stomach * It still hurts for a full body stretch (but my maniac dreams about it have stopped!) * I still put my Spanx on to sleep at night (makes me feel better when sleeping) * My lower belly is still quite tight, especially after getting up from sitting * My upper abs can be pretty tender at some points during the day (varies) * Lower belly is quite numb, but this can take a year to come back! Happy healing my friends! ? Updated on 14 Dec 2013: I had to put pictures of my dress that I am wearing to a party tonight on my Review because I am still in awe that I can (1) wear something like this now and (2) not look pregnant. I wonder how many times I'll 'suck it in' tonight out of habit?! Updated on 18 Dec 2013: Well, I made it to the 6 week mark! I gotta say (and please tell me if anyone else went through this), I felt flatter at the 5 week mark. Please tell me others went through this. I don't know if it's my period about to start or swelling starting for basically the first time (say it ain't so!) In any case, I feel pretty good and don't see much of a difference picture wise from 5 weeks. However, I do see a bit of bloat and/or swelling in the side pic. I obsess, I know. Things I can do much better: * Walk at a 10% to 15% incline on the treadmill * Lift 10 lb weights * Walk faster * Wear no compression * Get out of bed without having to grab under my knee! Things still lingering, things that suck, etc,: * I am still super tight in the lower belly after I get up from sitting * I'm actually still pretty damn sore! (Normal? Chime in people!) * My skin above my belly button is very tender * It does not feel good to lift my kids (35 lbs each) so I only do it when I have to * I can't run yet * I wake up a lot when I sleep on my side because my body is trying to go all the way to my stomach which does not feel good yet to sleep on Would love to hear thoughts.... Updated on 20 Dec 2013: So for the past couple days my belly has blown up something fierce! I thought swelling was starting for the first time. I never really had too much swelling after the surgery, and my surgeon told me at my 4 week appointment that I'm pretty much seeing my final result. So when this huge belly started to grow these past few days, I panicked like maniac! I just got back from the surgeon's office and the nurse told me it's bloat from my impending period. Good grief. She also said that because the muscles are tighter now, the bloat & tightness will be more amplified. Hormones SUCK! Updated on 25 Dec 2013: Merry Christmas! I made it to 7 weeks. A drop in the bucket of healing from a tummy tuck, but to me, it feels like I would never make it here. Thought I would update my review while my boys are napping and it's quiet in my house! I added photos that I took AS SOON as I woke up because I have been very active lately and I ate pretty damn bad last night, so I wanted to make sure I got shots of my belly in before I even made it out to the Christmas tree with my boys this morning! LOL You can see from my pictures that not much has changed since 6 weeks. You can also see some indents in my skin because I actually had to wear my binder to bed last night. Not Spanx, but my binder. That's HOW MUCH food I ate last night. Ridiculous. It's 2:00pm right now and I have only had a couple eggs and maybe 2 cookies because nothing fits in my belly! Not only have I been active and eating with the Holiday season, but I also have been walking at a 15% incline on the treadmill AND doing my P90X cardio/plyometric workouts again. I can tell I have some swelling from this, and I can also tell that I am bloated not only from holiday food but also from my period that started today (Merry Christmas to me!) Things I can do much better: * I can sleep on my side without hardly ANY twitches or weird pains * I can lift my boys better, but I still do it slowly and not too often * I can lay flat on my back (I was scared to try this one for awhile!) * The tightness in my lower belly is not AS bad as last week * The tenderness above my belly button is a bit better * I'm a size 8 in pants, but they're actually getting bigger around the waist (my booty is still the same!) * Squatting and/or kneeling down has gotten easier Things that I am still working on: * Twisting still bothers me, although I can do it * I can't get up the nerve to sleep on my stomach yet * I haven't ran on the treadmill yet, still afraid of that one too * My belly in general is still pretty sore I've been extremely good with my eating routine and lost 3 lbs. So now I am 150 lbs. Well, maybe not at this exact moment ? I've also noticed that my belly skin has softened up a bit. It's a bit more lax than it was a couple weeks ago. Anyone else go through that? I'm so used to that super tight feeling! Hope you are all healing well and have a great Christmas! Updated on 29 Dec 2013: Well, if you want to see the flattest you've ever been, I have the secret: Get the stomach flu! It started last night around 7:00pm, mind you my husband and I JUST sat down at the theatre to see Anchorman 2. Needless to say, we left and it didn't end until 1:00am. I woke up this morning to the flattest I've ever seen myself. So maybe Emily Blunt WAS right in 'The Devil Wears Prada' when she said "I'm one stomach flu away from my goal weight". ;) Incase anyone is wondering what it felt like to vomit for almost 6 hours after a tummy tuck 7 1/2 weeks out, it was a little sore, but I have a feeling that if this would have happened within the first couple weeks of the surgery, I would have been in a lot more pain and possibly messed up my muscle repair. Happy Sunday everyone! Updated on 1 Jan 2014: Ok, so I am 8 weeks post-op. Seriously? The weeks are going by fast now! I wish they went by this fast in the beginning when I regretted the surgery, was depressed, couldn't stand the pain, and wanted to take it all back. BUT, I digress. For all of you out there that just had this done or will be having this done, it gets better! So here's my run down for 8 weeks... Things that I'm happy about: * I am back to doing P90X and love it! * I can fully twist and not cringe when I do it * I can get in and out of my car like a 38 year old can, and not a 95 year old! * I sleep on my side with no problems and it feels amazing * I do lower body Pilates with no problems, but only a couple AB moves (no crunches yet!) * Absolutely no compression during the day * My pants are getting big around the waist (I am an 8), but I don't think a 6 will fit my booty! LOL * I went from a size 6 though in a suit jacket to a 4 * My belly button has deepened a bit * The incision scar is turning red (I only use Palmers Cocoa Butter, no scar treatment) * My belly is starting to soften up and on some days, I don't even feel like I've had a tummy tuck! Things that are still progressing: * I can't sleep on my stomach yet (my body tries, but it hurts to lay on my belly) * I still have some lower belly swelling, and sometimes upper belly swelling * I am not ready to run yet on the treadmill (I'm still a wuss to try) * I still wear my Spanx 'higher power' when I get home from work and sleep in them * My twins are 35 lbs each, and I still keep my arms close to my sides when I pick them up * Full body stretching in the morning still hurts A few things I want to mention while I'm updating this review... THE INCISION SCAR: I think that cocoa butter is fantastic to smooth the incision scar and I honestly believe that the scar is going to heal the way it wants to heal regardless of treatments like Mederma, or silicone sheets. You know who else agrees with me? My surgeon. In fact, he recommended NOTHING for scar treatment. If you look closely at my photos that I put up today for the 8 week mark, you can see a white scar around the end of my boob. I had a breast reduction in 1997. I didn't use anything and it turned white. The same thing is going to happen to the tummy tuck incision. It will turn white. I honestly don't care how long it takes, so the only thing I like to use is the cocoa butter because it makes my skin feel amazing down there. LIFTING: I am a momma to twins. They are around 35 lbs each. My surgeon told me no heavy lifting for the first four weeks. I abided and did not lift anything. Including my kiddos! There was no way I was going to take the chance of disrupting my muscle repair, 'cause you know what? I was NOT about to go through that surgery again! Heck NO! So if you're having this surgery, make sure you have help for kids. No joke. SWELLING: I have to admit, I google too much. I want to see if anyone is like me, if anyone had issues like I did, or if anyone goes through the same things as me when it comes to this tummy tuck roller coaster mess! The truth of the matter is, no one is alike. My swelling was pretty much non existent in the beginning, however, I find now that I have days where I wake up with lower belly swelling, or get upper belly swelling after working out, or wake up with swelling for no reason what-so-ever! I keep reminding myself that my belly is trying to reconnect so it can drain properly again. Everyday can be different. I am 8 weeks out and a very active person, so this swelling is normal. THE STOMACH: Ok, so basically, what I have to remind myself about is the fact that my stomach MUSCLES were sewn back together. My actual stomach was not touched. Sooooooo, when PMS comes to visit me a week before my period, or ovulation is knocking at my door, my stomach blows up like a hot air balloon. The first thing I do, of course, is freak out and think my muscle repair failed. But I have to remind myself that it's my stomach. Not the muscles. If I eat too much (hello Christmas!) my stomach will expand and because my belly skin is nice and tight now, it's quite noticeable! And scary :-) Happy healing my gals! Updated on 2 Jan 2014: I have to admit, I look at my stomach sometimes in the mirror and suck it in and think "why aren't I THAT flat? I should be THAT flat with the amount of money I spent!" So then I started googling (of course, because I'm a maniac about google) and I found this question that someone posted on Realself about the very same thing I was wondering. I wanted to share this with everyone because it definitely makes me see things in a different light after this tummy tuck surgery. The response from the first doctor really hit home. I posted the link to the question at the bottom if you wanted to see ALL the doctors answers. THE QUESTION: "I had a full TT 5 months ago I was 5'4 and weighed 123lbs. I workout and have a low-cal diet, I never had a fat stomach just separation of muscles and loose skin. I expected to look completely flat after my full TT with slight liposuction but its not, I still have a slight pouch. I told my PS and he said everyone will still have a slight pouch or they are sucking in. I am back working out but the change is not like I expected. No one can tell I had anything done and I am 120 lbs. Is this true? ANSWER: "You certainly sound fit and non-obese, but your surgeon still had the same volume and weight of intra-abdominal contents to "contain" within your tightened abdominal wall after removal of excess skin and fat. No matter now tightly your surgeon sews the rectus muscle sheaths together, your "insides" (intra-abdominal organs, intestines, mesenteric fat, and omental fat) still had their exact same size, weight, and volume "pushing out" against a tightened, but not rigid and unyielding, abdominal wall and skin. That's just anatomy, and this has nothing to do with your surgeon's skill (or lack thereof), or the technique used. (Unless, of course, he "skipped" the muscle repair.) It's the natural stretchiness of your (even surgically-tightened) abdominal wall combined with your own intra-abdominal contents. An example might be helpful. Think of your loose stretched (pre-op) abdominal wall as a trampoline (one that is a bit older and well-used; i.e., a bit stretched out). Now put some pressure on that trampoline, like a bowling ball tossed onto its center and being pulled by gravity. No matter how tight you screw the turnbuckles on that trampoline, the bowling ball with still stretch the fabric somewhat, even if you somehow also tightened the fabric by removing some of it. An imperfect example, I know, but one that illustrates that your "insides" still push outward, no matter how tight your abdomen has been made. True, some patients do achieve flat, but usually only if they were flat before surgery (just loose skin and stretched muscles). If the amount of skin and fat removed was 3 pounds, this would be a good amount for a woman your size. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but it sounds as if the only problem here was unrealistic expectations. Unfortunately, sometimes we surgeons are the cause of these expectations if all we show are the "perfect" results with the "flat" after photographs. Yours is the more common result. Talk to your surgeon, but there is likely nothing further that can be done except to lose 10 pounds or so, and this may still not even give you the "flat" tummy you seek." THE LINK: http://www.realself.com/question/flat-stomach-after-tummy-tuck1 Updated on 8 Jan 2014: I made it to 9 weeks! January 6th was actually the official two month mark, but I like to update my Review by weeks, so today is officially 9 weeks. Things that I am happy about: * Sneezing makes my belly tingly now instead of all pain, so that's good! * My swelling is pretty minimal, if anything at all * I really don't workout anymore with my binder - I can do it without! * My belly skin is softening more, and feels more and more like I didn't have a tummy tuck * I can do full outright squats now! YAY! Things I'm still working on: * I still cannot sleep on my stomach - I tried it and it hurts! * I can do some Pilates AB moves (the '100' and the 'saw') but crunches hurt * The area directly under my belly button to my pubic line is still completely numb * I can still see just a bit of tissue swelling in the pubic area (not much at all) * I still wear my Spanx to bed! * Anything jumping related doesn't feel right either (jumping jacks, etc.) while working out * I find that I will swell if I am on my feet too long (i.e. - standing at a party, etc.) * I feel some pain in my lower belly once in awhile when I lift one of my kiddos (35 lbs each) * Running doesn't feel right to me yet * Boy does it HURT when one of my boys kicks me in the belly by accident! Just a few things.... MEASUREMENTS: They have only changed below the belly button. I was 31" and now I am 30". My waist above the belly button still remains at 27" (it's almost 26" though, but I really don't see it getting any smaller). EATING: I'm still following my 5 to 6 meals a day, every 2 to 3 hours with every meal being less than 5 grams of sugar. I am starting to see some serious definition in my abs and plan on really having it shine through by summer! I have to say that I am a huge advocate for clean eating and you are what you eat! AB EXERCISES: As I mentioned above, there are a couple Pilates moves that I can do that feel ok. However, if you're familiar with Pilates, there are a couple moves that really still hurt: the 'double leg stretch' and the 'teaser' for instance. I am in no hurry to do crunches, and to be quite honest, I was never a crunch girl anyway. I read somewhere on Realself, posted by a doctor, that Pilates was the best form of AB exercise to do after a tummy tuck instead of crunches anyway. BLOAT: I am about to ovulate. If you're lucky like me, you bloat during ovulation AND period. (Seriously, kill me). So my belly is about to blow up any day now! It's crazy how now the skin is tighter and when my stomach gets bloated, it REALLY shows! all that flabby, yucky skin I had before pretty much hid just how big it could be! But at least it's temporary. (phew!) SCAR: It's in the maturation phase where it's turning very red (the camera isn't doing it justice with how red it really is). Anyway, I am just using Palmer's Cocoa Butter in the concentrated form to smooth it out. As I posted previously at 8 weeks, my surgeon recommended nothing for treatment. I'll be happy though when it turns white. I attached a picture of just how white my scar is from my breast reduction a few years back. Eventually the tummy tuck scar will turn that white as well. PEEING: Ok, this is going to sound crazy, but there are other women I've have seen write this on their review as well. My pee angle has changed since the surgery due to my lady part being lifted a bit! I have to lean more forward on the toilet to make sure my pee doesn't go OUT! It's actually quite hilarious. In fact, if I wanted to, I could write my name in the snow. I live in Buffalo, NY so there's plenty of it here! I would love to know if this has happened to anyone else on here. Happy healing! Updated on 15 Jan 2014: THINGS I AM HAPPY ABOUT: * For the most part, I feel really normal! * I really don’t swell anymore (crazy, I know) * Scar is healing nicely (still very red, but that’s normal) * Belly button scar is also turning deep red (healing well) * I sleep on my side completely fine * No compression during the day (since week 4 actually) * I do not hunch at all anymore when I get up from sitting for awhile! THINGS NOT QUITE THERE YET: * I still can’t sleep on my belly yet * I still have to wear my post-surgical binder if I am doing any jumping during a workout * The skin over my muscle repair can still be quite sensitive to the touch * AB workouts are still quite sore (no crunches for me yet!) * I still wear Spanx at night/to bed (but I know I don’t need it anymore) Few things... SWELLING: I gotta tell ya, this past weekend was a very busy weekend for me. I was in heels, drinking, and standing for most of it. I did not swell! I couldn’t believe it. I still looked flat at the end of the night when I got home! Hallelujah! The night I posted the party dress pictures, I was in heels all night, standing most of it, and I swelled pretty bad by the time I got home. That was 5 weeks ago, so the past 5 weeks have really made a difference in regards to the lymphatic system draining! I want to point out as well that I still take Bromelain each day. Usually first thing when I wake up, and then before bedtime. I really haven’t noticed any swelling at all anymore. I know this is not normal, but I’ll take it! I only bloat when I ovulate and a few days before my period is due. I can definitely tell the difference between what the swelling used to be and when I bloat. I also want to point out that sometimes I FEEL super swollen, and look down only to see everything flat. It’s bizarre. Anyone else experience that? LOWER BELLY: I still have numbness right below the belly button and to the incision line. I do feel a bit of my insides underneath the skin (if that makes sense) but I do not feel the skin. So if I itch my skin, or scratch it with my nails, I don’t feel it. THAT creeps me out! UPPER BELLY: Ok, so since I am feeling quite normal again and the belly has softened up quite a bit since the surgery (that oh-so-amazing super tight skin doesn’t last?! WTF!), I have noticed that mu belly button has sank in a bit and my upper belly skin is soft just as it was prior to the surgery. I did not have any liposuction done, and I know I do not have a lot of fat up there, but there still is fat there. No matter HOW well you eat. This is why I am such a stickler for what I eat (granted, I have my cheat days, but they’re usually once every two weeks or so). Needless to say, I know it will take dedication for the rest of my life to make sure my belly looks good. To make sure I don’t gain weight (and I mean more than 20 lbs), and to stick to a low sugar diet (no more than 15 – 20 grams a day). Even though working out & weight lifting is one of the keys to a successful body, eating right goes hand-n-hand with how your body will look and how it will burn fat. PAIN: Sometimes if I sit too long and then get up, I have a stiff pain all over my belly. But it goes away pretty fast. I also notice that if one of my boys hits/kicks me in the belly, it REALLY hurts. Or how about when I grab a shopping cart at the grocery store, use my hands for something else, and proceed to push the cart with my stomach. Um, yeah, that hurts too! SIZE: I am still a 27” waist and 31” right below the belly button. I wore a size 8 pre surgery, and still wear an 8. However, the waist on my pants/jeans are pretty big now. I would love to go down to a size 6, but I don’t think my booty is going to allow that! I have 39” hips. Notice the Eiffel Tower’s on my new Victoria Secret underwear in today’s pics. Fancy, huh? LOL I took full advantage of their semi-annual sale! Hope everyone is healing well! Updated on 22 Jan 2014: Well, I made it to 11 weeks! I remember when I was 11 weeks away from the surgery, and now I’m 11 weeks post. I’m glad to be at this point in the healing process. Fun Facts: * My belly is softening up quite a bit and feels more normal * The incision is still very red, but quite flat (same with belly button scar) * I can do a full body stretch now without being scared! * I am 90% of where I was working out prior to the surgery Debbie Downer Facts: * I still can’t sleep on my stomach yet. UGH * Crunches hurt too much (I can do Pilates for my abs, and heard it’s better than crunches anyway!) * Jumping still hurts (jumping jacks, jumping rope, etc.) LOWER BELLY: Well, this is probably the biggest ‘whoa’ moment of this review because I am starting to get some feeling back UNDER my skin below the belly button (and above the incision). It’s not on the skin yet, but underneath it, if that makes sense. I feel pressure from my jeans or pants now, whereas before I didn’t. I almost liked the numbing feeling better! This is just wEiRd. Sometimes too it hurts down there because the nerves are waking up. The feeling can sometimes be tingly as well. UPPER BELLY: I am still super sensitive under the skin here. In fact, when I put my kids to bed in their cribs, it will actually hurt to lean over that railing. SWELLING: I don’t really see swelling anymore. However, I still wear my Spanx at night around the house and to bed. Security maybe? Like a child’s blanket? Who knows. I think my pictures look the same from week 4 or so and to today. I just got my period yesterday, so my bloat is starting to deflate! I bloat a week prior to my period and once it starts, my body goes back to normal. It was all bloat, no swelling. I don’t swell anymore either when I workout (I used to get some swelling when I started working out again). I only use my binder when I do P90X, but I think that will be going away soon too. Happy Wednesday! Updated on 29 Jan 2014: I’m 12 weeks out! That’s 3 months! WHAT?! Crazy! Fun Stuff: * I have A LOT more feeling now where it used to be numb (especially around the incision line) * I can workout (P90X, running, etc,) at about 95% now * I can do crunches – but they hurt! (but I prefer Pilates for abs) * I can lay completely flat on my back * I can do full body stretches with no weirdness underneath * Quite honestly, 90% of the time it doesn’t even feel like I had a tummy tuck! I feel pretty normal Other Stuff: * Still numb directly below the belly button to the incision * It doesn’t feel right to sleep on my belly * Still get a weird pain directly under my belly button when I life one of my kids (not all the time though) * Skin is softening quite a bit now, so I really have to watch what I eat! * I still have sore pain above my belly button, especially when I lean over something like a railing * I still wear my binder ONLY when I do super intense workouts like P90X or Insanity * I can't do planks yet (ouch, ouch, ouch) Few Things... INCISION: It’s so flat that I can barely feel it. It’s still red, but it seems to be getting a bit lighter now. Almost pinkish. But of course the camera doesn't really show that. All I use is Palmers Cocoa Butter in the concentrated format. I’ve never used scar treatment (silicone, Mederma, etc.) due to the fact that my surgeon said there’s no need for it. Ok, well, he just saved me a bunch of money! I also want to mention that I do not feel any stitches around my incision. I know some people have them pop out. SWELLING: Swelling is pretty much non-existent. In fact, I would go as far to say that it’s not there AT ALL. I don’t swell when I workout, and I don’t swell at night. I basically don’t swell after doing anything. Maybe my lymphatic system learned how to drain pretty fast, but I also believe that, at week 4, when my surgeon said I don’t need compression anymore, I DITCHED it! Don’t depend on your binder many weeks out. Be done with it and let your body adjust to no compression. You'll be so happy you did. The swelling gets so much better if you just push through it. The only thing I notice now is bloating when my period is about to start, or when I am going to ovulate. I will also notice puffiness in my upper belly area if I eat too much sugar or high sodium foods. It’s not swelling though. I also want to point out that I still take Bromelain each day (twice a day). I take it because I still have some left, and I also heard it's good for breakouts (which, at age 38, I still get!). JUMPING: So I have to say that I am a huge P90X & Insanity fan, and there is a lot of jumping, plyometric type stuff in the series. When I do a jumping jack, my lower belly gets SO tingly! It feel like pins-n-needles, but not in an ‘ouchy’ way. Just a weird sensation way. It feels like I am swelling up, but I don’t. So strange! Hope you are all healing well! Can't believe how fast this is going by! p.s. -- I am loving my new Victoria Secret rainbow undies today! ;-) Updated on 29 Jan 2014: In regards to my '12 weeks post surgery' update that I just posted a few minutes ago, I wanted to add a comparison picture of me at 4 weeks and then again at 12 weeks. The reason I wanted to show this comparison is because at 4 weeks is when I ditched the binder and stopped relying on it all day and night. My body stopped swelling and adjusted. I have not swelled since around week 4. In fact, if you look at all my pictures from all the weeks, they all look the same. I was given the advice to ditch that binder and stop relying on it from another tummy tucker on this website who had her tummy tuck 9 months before I had mine. Like I stated in an above update I did a few weeks ago, always go by the advice of your surgeon. However, when he/she says to get rid of it, do yourself a favor and get rid of it :-) Updated on 5 Feb 2014: It’s been 13 weeks (3 months tomorrow) since I had my full tummy tuck with muscle repair! Whoa. Quick Stuff: * I finally started running again! Oh how I’ve missed you! And it feels great! * I still CANNOT sleep on my stomach. In fact….. * I still have to sleep in Spanx because it somewhat hurts to not to! * My incision is still quite red * I have some feeling coming back lower belly and it’s not pleasant * I have a lot of tingly feeling after working out still (feels like I’m blowing up, but I’m not) * My whole belly is still quite tight * I can do intense cardio at 100% now * AB workouts definitely hurt! (see more below) * I can squat, twist, bend over, and move every which way with no issues Detailed Stuff: AB WORKOUTS: Well, I’ve been hitting the Pilates AB moves quite hard this past week. Holy crap. (1) it hurts and (2) my upper belly gets quite puffy from it. I know it’s only temporary swelling, but of course it still freaks me out to see it! However, I think the benefits of Pilates outweighs the puffy swelling I get from it. Besides, it’s not going to always be like this. Another tummy tuckers on Realself shared with me what her surgeon said: “No AB work for at least 6 months. It takes time for the internal AB sutures to totally fuse, bond, and heal. Causing resistance with the AB muscles would only irritate and slow the healing”. So maybe that’s why I am puffing out after the AB work and why it hurts so much. I have been doing Pilates for my AB’s everyday for the past week and a half or so. I am going to cut back to maybe two days a week and go very slow. After all, I am only 3 months out! GENERAL SWELLING: I only really see some puffy upper belly swelling after doing AB work. I do not see swelling at all. My belly protrudes out by the end of the day, but it did that prior to the tummy tuck from moving all day, working out, eating, etc. It’s not swelling. I measure my waist every morning (I’m a freak) and it’s always the same as the morning before. SKIN: Well I have to report that my skin looks pretty normal. It has relaxed and loosened up. I can pull it now. Weird. But I haven’t gained weight, so I guess that’s what’s supposed to happen! I was so used to that super tight skin from the tummy tuck, but now I have to really watch what I eat. I also bloat pretty bad with ovulation AND my period (good times) so my upper belly (where the skin has loosened) really puffs out. It is what it is I guess. My lower belly has NOT loosened up. I also read online somewhere that the fat underneath redistributes a bit during the surgery. I could have some fat hanging out in the upper belly. After all, the upper portion of your belly is NOT pulled as tight at the lower (otherwise your boobies would come down too! LOL). Who knows. I am not flat as a board, and that’s ok. There are numerous factors here (ovulation, period, AB workouts, fat). What means the most to me, is that I look good in my clothes! You can read my post above, a few weeks ago, about not being flat as a board. Everything relaxes. Makes me yearn for the super tight skin days around week 5! LOWER BELLY: My nerves are coming back to life. Good God. It feels like pins-n-needles sometimes, super tingly, and sometimes painful. It's a tolerable pain, but annoying! I actually feel some pain when my pants/jeans hit a certain spot. There is still a small triangular portion below my belly button and down to my incision that is completely numb. I feel better when I put my Spanx on at night around dinnertime. Sometimes I won’t wear them until bedtime and sleep in them. I tried sleeping with the Spanx off Sunday night and it did NOT feel too good! I’ll try ditching them again in a couple/few weeks. My pants at work feel funny around the waistband now that feeling is coming back. I actually preferred the numbness! UPPER BELLY: I still have very tender pain
Tomorrow is 2 weeks since my procedure. It is amazing to me how much better I feel and look in that time. My stomach is flat. I can wear shorter tops. I am so very happy with everything. I would recomemnd this highly as long as you have a good doctor. Their is no pain at all for me. I am still wearing the compression garment everyday and night. 2 more weeks for that. Can't wait to get that off, getting uncomforable now but it is worth doing it. I will probably still wear it when I work out after that time for awhile because it will help with the swelling. If anyone wants to ask me any questions I would be happy to answer them.
I have been thinking about getting a tummy tuck for a few years. My children are both older now (9 & 16) and I’m done having babies. I started researching the procedure last year. I finally got up the courage to schedule consultations last month. I ended up choosing Dr. Rigan.I am scheduled for surgery in two days. I am nervous but also excited. I’m hoping that recovery won’t be too hard. I’m in decent shape (5’4”, 121 lbs), though haven’t been as motivated to work out since I scheduled surgery. I just don’t see much of a point if I can’t exercise for the next six weeks. Anyway, I’m going to chronicle my journey here. It will be interesting to look back on this experience. Updated on 26 Oct 2020: The first couple of days were rough. Today I started back at work. It was easier than expected. I do work from home, so that helps a lot. I had my first follow-up with Dr.Rigan today and everything looks great. I’m having a lot of back pain from being hunched over, but lying down helps. The weirdest pain so far has been shooting burning pain in my right thigh. It usually happens in the evening. I know the nerves are healing, but it is annoying when I’m trying to fall asleep. Other than that, each day is getting easier. My husband has been wonderful throughout all of this. He was totally against this surgery but has been so supportive and taking care of me. I’ll post another update soon. Updated on 28 Oct 2020: I hit one week since my surgery. I’m starting to feel more like myself. I’m not standing up completely straight yet and still feel pretty tight around my thighs and lower stomach. My goal is to be standing straight by Halloween. I have been waking up around 3-4am the last few nights and unable to fall back asleep. I was able to stretch my legs out almost completely straight last night. So that helped me stay comfortable. But still not getting great sleep without the use of melatonin or a pain pill. So far everything looks great though. I’m very happy with how well I’m healing.
It all started in August 2016... My allergies were SO bad, that I went to my Primary doctor for help. Basically, I couldn't breathe! He offered me a Kenalog shot to help. A Kenalog shot is a steroid injected into soft tissues of the body to treat inflammation. My doctor asked me if I would like it in my arm or my butt. He warned me that it MAY cause an indentation in my skin, but that it was pretty rare. Go figure it happened to me! So I waited a year and a half to see if it would correct itself. It never did. That's when I consulted my plastic surgeon who did my tummy tuck (you can see that review on this website a swell). Instead of doing multiple fat transfers (because it was so deep and the skin was so damaged), he opted to literally cut the dent OUT and smooth my skin. I had a ledge that was created by this ugly dent as well on my hip that was VERY noticeable when wearing form fitting dresses or leggings. Upon looking at my end result, you can see how smooth I am now. I no longer looked deformed in clothing and I feel SO much better about myself. My plastic surgeon made very thin incisions just like he did with my tummy tuck incision. Quite honestly though, it wasn't about acquiring a scar from this. It was about looking and feeling better in my clothing! As far as pain goes, it was all skin, so it wasn't that bad. I only took three pain pills total! It's been almost two weeks and I back to walking slowly on the treadmill as well as lifting weight while sitting. The only thing I miss is being able to lay on my right side! If you have experienced a dent from the Kenalog shot, WAIT at least a year to see if it heals itself. That is known to happen :)
