I am 52 and, over the years, I have had 2 c-sections, appendectomy, myomectomy and hysterectomy. All of those surgeries plus weight fluctuations have turned my stomach into a hot mess. Though I have being thinking about doing a tummy tuck for years, I tried lipo first (which helped but did not get rid of the pooch). So, I decided to finally have the tummy tuck with lipo around the flanks and breast augmentation. I am a little nervous but very excited. And, I am doing it for me :-) Will post "before" pictures as soon as I figure out how to do it. Initial consultation, pre-op visit and medical clearance completed. Now I am getting mentally prepared and this site is a great source of information. Updated on 25 Jun 2012: Finally got a photo up ... and it's after lipo, which did make a tremendous difference. Despite that change, I still have the C-section cliff (which is what I call it because I feel like you can jump right off of it). Like so many others on the site, I am just realizing how detrimental this has been to my self-confidence over the years. My husband of 24 years has always said that it doesn't matter - but it does matter to me. So I am glad that I am doing something about it for me. My tummy tuck, lipo of the flanks and breast augmentation procedures are this Thursday and I cannot wait :-) I am supposed to get the progressive suture technique but my PS says that I will still go home with 2 drains. Will try to post an update ob day 1 Post-Op. Updated on 27 Jun 2012: The big day is here and 7 hours away. I am so excited :-) Updated on 29 Jun 2012: Made it through the surgery. I have been napping since I got home. There is a little tenderness at my incision sites but the pain is not too bad. I am able to walk around to get to the bathroom and the kitchen. Going for my first post-op visit tomorrow. Updated on 1 Jul 2012: Post-op Day 3 is uneventful so far. Taking pain meds on time and that definitely helps. Walking around pretty good and PTS technique seems to make it easy to stand up straighter. Milking drains but there is less and less to collect. Maybe I can get them out tomorrow :-). Happy healing everyone! Updated on 2 Jul 2012: Just finished 2nd post-op visit. It's post-op Day 4 for me. I have to keep the drains in for now :-( but one might come out later this week. Love the new girls and abdomen looks great .... It is finally flat but there is a little swelling above my new BB and flank area. Will post new photos when the drains are removed. Pain has been very minimal - there is some discomfort but it is manageable (about a 3 or 4 on a scale of 1-10). Feeling good and moving around easily. Got the go-ahead to shower and walk. Hooray! My PS, Doctor Simpson, is phenomenal as is Patient Care Coordinator Janet. Facility and Long Island Plastic Surgical Group phave a great reputation, which is well-deserved. Reception staff not very friendly though but that is minor annoyance compared to benefits I received. This was definitely worth it! Updated on 3 Jul 2012: Hi - its Post-op Day 5 for me. I have been feeling pretty good (probably because I have some idea of what to expect having had so many previous surgeries in the same region of my body). But, I wouldn't be as prepared without all the feedback and advice from members of this site. Moved from painkillers to extra strength tylenol today. That kept me from being loopy but a little bit more aware of sensations. Today, I did some household tasks and some light grocery shopping. I think I overdid it through because I sure am tired. The breast band and drains are now driving me a little crazy. I may get one drain removed on Thursday but will wait until Friday if it means I can get rid of both of them. I love the new stomach though I am not crazy about the swelling. Updated on 5 Jul 2012: Drains still in ... It seems like the more I move around, the more drainage I see. Did anyone else experience this? Thanks also for the advice not to overdo it. It will knock you off your feet. Updated on 6 Jul 2012: Post-op day 7 Update: 1 drain down and 1 to go :-) Happy Healing and to all those who recently had surgery, please be careful in the heat. Updated on 8 Jul 2012: Day 10 post-op: getting stronger everyday but I still tire easily. Experiencing a lot of swelling but it seems like that is pretty normal based on the feedback from many other members on the site. Still waiting to get the second drain out. Hope that happens this week. Happy Healing Everyone! Updated on 12 Jul 2012: Hooray! Got the second drain removed today and I feel like a new woman :-) Updated on 16 Jul 2012: Went back to work today after 2 weeks ago. I have a desk job so it wasn't too bad but I am tired. Got a lot of compliments, which felt really good. Had another post-op visit today too. My healing is going well. Got the okay to switch to a soft bra. Still have to wear compression garment though to relieve swelling, which the doc said can increase with more activity. I just keep smiling because I am so happy with the results. Updated on 20 Jul 2012: Made it through my first week back at work. I am exhausted and now know what "Swell Hell" is. I turned into a sausage every night but am happy to report that the swelling was reduced in the morning. Updated on 8 Aug 2012: Here I am at 6 weeks out. This is one of the best things I have ever done for myself and I have reaped so many benefits: 1. Better Silhouette 2. Repaired Hiatal Hernia 3. Reduced Chronic Back Pain to Zero 4. Resolved Constipation Problems # 3 and 4 were a surprise to me. And, my cholesterol dropped 50 points since I had the surgery because I improved my eating habits as well. My PS has now lifted all restrictions and is very pleased with the wound healing. Since I tend to keloid, I cannot express how happy I am with the minimal scarring. I do have a dog ear on the right side, which he said he will fix if it doesn't smooth out by 3 months. This was worth the wait. So, if you're on the fence and you want an excellent place to go for services, check out Dr. Roger Simpson of Long Island Plastic Surgical Group, P.C. You won't regret it.
I had my face lift because when i looked in the mirror i looked much older then i felt.there was a lot of brusing but no pain,some discomfort.after 6 weeks all the brusing and most of the swelling was gone, i looked so much better, after 6 months it was GREAT!! I AM 54 AND MOST PEOPLE THINK IM ABOUT 45. I am also very active.Best thing I ever did.
