40 Years Old, 2 Kids, and Much Needed Mini Tummy Tuck with Laser Lipo - Alexandria, VA

Hello! I can't believe it's been a year since I had my surgery. Today I weigh the same as I did one year ago. I have been using Scar Away strips to help with the scar. The lump that I had on my abdomen is gone. I'm pleased with the results and look forward to the scar fading. It hasn't been easy though. One of the side effects mentioned was hormonal fluctuations - no kidding. My irregular period got worse than ever and at one point I was up 15 lbs. I was finally diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome after 20 years of having symptoms. I think the surgery put it over the top so that it was finally recognized. I am taking low dose birth control and going to Cross Fit classes. I never realized before how heavy all that skin was under my clothes. It's great not having to wear Spanx anymore.

I had a followup appointment and I was going to ask about the uneven swelling, but the office rescheduled due to the holidays. I decided to update my post anyway. I think the scar looks better. I put scar healing gel on it twice a day. The swelling has gone down. The lump by my belly button is still there, although it is smaller now. The preop instructions said I could stop wearing the binder after 3 weeks and use the support garment 12 hours a day. When I tried that, I swelled up after a few days and gained 5 lbs! So, I'm wearing the support garment, or its equivalent, nearly all day long. I still have some weight gain between the holidays and not being able to fully exercise, but I'm hoping that will come off soon. I am taking witch hazel in pill form to help with the swelling. I like the way it looks under clothes - I haven't approached flat in years!

Finally, the surgical tape is gone!!! I'm going to ease back into my exercise routine. Today, I managed to do 50 squats. I am still concerned about the unevenness in the swelling that has been there the whole time. I have an appointment in two weeks.