41 Fit and Athletic Since Childhood , One C-section . Umbilical Hernia. Beverly Hills, CA

i have reached the twelve day mark! I'm feeling human again! I can stand almost completely straight. Went for a walk to get a slice of pizza and my first glass of vino yesterday. We walked slow , about three blocks in our neighborhood. It helped my swelling and getting out was amazing. Really lifted my spirits. Going for slow short walks every day now for the rest of the week.

I am happy, energetic, fit, young for my age , and outgoing. I work hard to stay in shape but an ab separation and umbilical hernia from my c-section 17 years ago had been getting worse over the years, and no amount of planks , bar class, running , yoga , Pilates or ab work would put them back together again! My abs were looking bulgy and my belly was a bit saggy and had a bulge from a hernia . I have low body fat and minimal skin laxity. None of these issues were severe but enough to bother me as hard as I work on my body. My husband and I moved to LA 8 months ago and decided it would be a good time and place for me to fix my hernia and improve the shape of my tummy at the same time. I interviewed 3 doctors and decided on the third one Dr. Daniel Barrett in Beverly Hills. I chose him for a few reasons. His credentials were great, he is young but experienced ,I was impressed by different procedures he has done and by pictures of other tummy tucks. There was something so sexy and natural looking about his work, especially the sculpted look he gives them and his belly buttons! I liked that because he is up on the latest techniques and has a philosophy that blends the tried and true with some more fresh and modern ideas. He was confident and talked about how meticulous he is without coming off as arrogant. He was also incredibly warm and caring and took the time to really listen to my desires and concerns. He got me to really think of questions to ask and made me feel very confident and excited about the procedure as well. He was priced right in the middle of the two other surgeons too. So I booked my surgery with his lovely surgery coordinator Rosalynn who is on a whole different level as far as other experiences I've had. She is wonderful, meaning she really gets it, and is so gracious and kind. So i booked my procedure for last Tuesday the 22nd. Fast forward to today Monday the 28th, six days in and my first post op appointment was today! My abs are tightened and repaired, my hernia is gone and I can already tell I have a sexy new belly button And can see the new contours and definition in my tummy! I was crazy swollen at first but did everything Dr. Barrett said and by today I am looking pretty great. I also crossed over the toughest part of recovery where you are pretty hunched over and hopped up on pain meds and am beginning to feel like myself again. I still can't stand completely upright but it's better everyday. My doctor says I am healing very well and I am surprised at how quickly It is happening. It was painful but not nearly as bad as some of the horror stories I've heard on this site. I think having Exparel really helped and also I did not have to wear a binder or compression garment which I have heard and been reading more and more research about the effectiveness and safety of. I would have worn if directed but I think I was much more comfortable without and my swelling is already half of what it was the first 3days. I am looking forward to seeing the final result and each step along the way. I am amazed at how good it already looks and so is my husband. I am so glad I found Dr. Daniel Barrett at Beverly Hills plastic and reconstructive surgery. I will be posting after photos in the next few days when I get my second drain out and the last of the stitches . Will post Afters ASAP!