After years of diet, exercise and prodding at my belly, I decided to bite the bullet and get a tummy tuck. I’ve had 2 babies and one was delivered via C-section. I also have PCOS and hypothyroid/Hashimoto’s, which adds to the challenge of losing my mummy tummy.
I consulted with 4 surgeons and Dr. Levesque was the clear favorite from the moment I spoke with him. His staff went out of their way to get a consultation scheduled for me in a timely manner. His bedside manner is second to none. He clearly strives to have as much relevant current knowledge as possible, and is willing to discuss with an open mind. He did not try to upsell and I felt the consultation experience was genuine and comprehensive.
I had the procedures completed today, which was a lipoabdominalplasty and bilateral upper arm lipo. About 10 years ago I had lipo on my thighs and flanks while living in another state.
The surgery went off without a hitch and there were no complications. I haven’t removed my binder yet to see what my skin looks like, but I can clearly see my new shape and I am very excited!
I am posting before pictures so y’all can see where I started, and will update as we go. I had moderate ab separation and significant flab, and I’m so excited to see what my body looks and feels like after it’s all healed.
Updated on 18 Jun 2020:
I’m finally coming out of the haze and ready to check in. One of the more annoying side effect of whatever I was taking was my typing wasn’t close enough for autocorrect to figure out what I meant.
I’ve had my first follow-up appointment and had a few lymphatic drainage massages. Since the surgery was drainless, there is some fluid draining towards my knees with a bit of bruising, but it’s not painful.
Photos in no particular order.
Updated on 18 Jun 2020:
These are mirror selfies taken in the last day or 2 (post-op day 4-5 I think). Still a good amount of bruising and swelling, but starting to dissipate. Lymphatic massage has helped move things along, as well as short walks around my house. Ice helps with pain too.
Updated on 21 Jun 2020:
Overall doing well. I’m seeing/typing straight which is good, and mostly coherent. I have some draining bruises on my legs mostly. They aren’t bothersome, just worth noting. I am continuing with lots of arnica, dry brushing and lymphatic massage when scheduling permits.
I feel like I have a lot of energy, but after about 10 minutes it’s gone and I’m back to bed. Oh well.
Updated on 24 Jun 2020:
Everything is healing nicely. I was able to see how my abs will be able to move a little today, they’ve been largely numb and immobile except for when I move too fast or in the wrong way then I get a firm tugging sensation reminding me to slow down. I have a lot of energy for about 5 minutes then I’m tired and have to go take a nap.
My belly button had some discharge so I went to visit Dr. Levesque, who confirmed it is healing fine but is irritated by the stitches. Since this is was a stainless procedure, my body is also looking for places to drain as needed, and that’s the main one. I also had a stitch or 2 by each of my elbows from the lipo cannula, which were ready to come out.
I’m having a good amount of internal drainage down my legs with some volume but mostly looking bruised, although it’s not bruising. It doesn’t hurt or anything, but I was amused at how well the colors coordinated with my knee pillow so I am posting a picture.
Updated on 24 Jun 2020:
Healing nicely. There is a lot of drainage bruising, but this is mostly not actual bruising and does not hurt. Everything on my legs, side hips, and forearms is just for show, there’s no pain in those areas. The smaller bruises around my abs and biceps are painful, but not nearly as impressive looking as the decorative ones elsewhere.
I’m feeling better and moving around more, but still get tired quickly. My belly button started to drain a little, so now I’m putting a small piece of gauze and some tape on it after it dries from a shower.