Hindsight is always 20/20—especially after investing financially and emotionally in plastic surgery that delivers a drastic physical change. Abdominoplasty, one of the most popular procedures in the country, is consistently rated high in patient satisfaction (it’s got the RealSelf “Most Worth It” stamp of approval), but it’s also a major surgery with a high complication rate, a long road to recovery, and a significant scar. Your doctor will tell you all that, but there are some things—like the importance of cough drops—that only patients who have experienced a tummy tuck firsthand know. We asked 9 women who got a tummy tuck what they wish they’d known beforehand and what they would have done differently.
“Looking back at my tummy tuck in June of 2019, I should have done it sooner. My twins were born in March of 2016, and I spent three years exercising, dieting, and doing everything I could do to get back into my old shape. Unfortunately, working out made my diastasis worse, so my pooch was getting worse, not better. The tummy tuck was the best thing I’ve done for myself in years, and month after month, my stomach looks better and better as the abs get more defined. It is a life changer!” —Julie, 40, Houston
“My doctor was wonderful. My recovery took longer than I expected, but I planned with plenty of time off. I’m very happy I did it and don’t regret it at all. Maybe the only thing was not being emotionally prepared for how tough recovery was, but treat it like childbirth: delivery is awful but easily forgotten when you have what you wish for.” —Micah, 46, Clayton, North Carolina
“I wish I had done more research and possibly used a different doctor. I would have asked to see before and after pictures. My scar is relatively high compared to the other pictures I see online. The location is terrible—my pants sit right on it—and the scar looks p*ssed off. My sides are not even, so I know I will need a revision. Although it would be free, I don’t want my doctor to do it, as I lost my confidence in him [even though] he gave me such a great deal and his bedside manner is impeccable. I’m so disheartened I do not have the waist I dreamed of. I still look like SpongeBob SquarePants.” —Sianaid, 40, Chesapeake, Virginia
Related: Tummy Tuck vs. Liposuction: What’s the Difference?
“I would have lost a little more weight before having surgery. I’m still in the first year post-surgery and have gained a few pounds back due to gym restrictions and, now, stay-at-home orders.” —Noel, 47, Rochester, Minnesota
“In retrospect, I would have consulted with more than three doctors and not listened to my husband’s opinion in choosing the best for a tummy tuck.” —Connie, 36, Cordova, Tennessee
“I would have definitely requested lipo on my hips, to get a more contoured look. I’m now going to have to go back and get that done or live with the results that I’m not happy with.” —T., 49, Claremore, Oklahoma
“I’m two years post-op from my original tummy tuck surgery and one year post-op from my revisions, and I am 100% satisfied with my decision. I don’t have any regrets, and I am very happy that I took the time to research and interview many doctors before making my decision. Choosing a doctor you trust and shares in the vision that you have for your self-image goals is important. Looking back on my journey, I did underestimate my recovery time—it was major surgery. My one piece of advice for anyone who is considering a tummy tuck would be to make sure you have a good, dependable support system for postoperative care of yourself or any children for several weeks following your procedures. Rest and recovery [are] just as important as the surgery itself.” —Anonymous, 35, North Carolina
“I would make sure to always have a cough drop on hand, since coughing post-surgery was agony.” —Kristine, 41, St. Paul, Minnesota
“Having a tummy tuck was one of the best decisions I’ve paid for. I am very pleased with the outcome even after all this time. The only thing I would have done differently is I would have gotten a little lipo with it for my side meat… lol, and just above my belly button. Another thing I would suggest is getting an adjustable bed or a good recliner, because getting in and out of bed after this procedure is torture. The muscles that were repaired were in a revolt to the intrusion, to the point of randomly spasming often.” —Shannon, 63, Richland, Washington
