Lower body lift to restore my body to a more youthful place

I wanted a lower body lift to restore my body to a more youthful place - the way it looked before baby and menopause. I want my confidence back! I think menopause does bad things to your skin. The skin on my legs started to sag, look denty and I hated the way my legs looked. I got to the point that I wouldn't wear shorts and I dreaded putting on a swimsuit! I am not someone who lost a lot of weight. I just didn't like the way my abdomen looked after my C section. I didn't like the denty look on my thighs so I was seeking treatment to fix those things. Fingers crossed!!! I know that the back of my thighs may not be completely corrected but any improvement would be awesome. So - I did a lower body lift which consisted of a mini tummy tuck which addressed loose skin and possibly muscle repair below the belly button only and then all the way around to address my concerns with my outer thighs and lift the bootie. My scar will be low. That way, it should help improve the legs more than I high incision. Goodbye old lady legs!!

This procedure is for anyone - not just those who lost a lot weight. Dr. P said that made my surgery alot easier and faster. 4 hour surgery time; he had estimated 6 hours.

Day 1 - Procedure Day - I was nervous but calm. I put my trust in Dr. Placik. I love that he grabbed my hand in the OR while they put me to sleep. I woke up and thought it was time to start the procedure but it was already done!

I was wrapped in a binder which was not bad. Moving is a challenge. I think it's where he did the muscle repair in my lower abdomen that is the most sore. When I use my core for getting up etc. that's when it hurts a good amount. I'm not sure where he did a little lipo so maybe that is adding to it. I didn't have much to lipo but I think he may have in a few spots. I don't even feel the incision though. My sides are not sore and my back seems to be fine too so that's a big relief.

They want you to move so you don't get blood clots. I think the trick is to use your legs and arms as much as possible when you are getting up and laying down. You have to concentrate on that! Do not use your core because that hurts a good amount.

So I'm home and laying on the bed I made for myself on the couch. My head is elevated as well as my legs. I'm actually comfortable and sleeping was not a problem. I do kind of dread the process of getting up.

They had me buy a toilet seat riser. I have strong legs so getting on the toilet is really not a problem and I have not even opened the toilet seat riser yet. Your mobility is very limited after the procedure but so far I'm doing fine as long as I'm resting and getting up for a few minutes now and then to walk. You do need someone with you to get you things etc.

Since I'm in a binder, I can't get a look at how I look right now. I could see my legs and butt. It does look like they are smooth and the dents are gone but really hard to get a good look at this point. I have a good amount of bruising on my butt. Not sure why.

I will say that i read some stuff online about how bad the recovery is with this procedure and I guess it is based on the person's pain tolerance. I definitely feel it doing certain things like getting up but I'm fine when I'm resting. I wondered if I would be crying from pain or the anesthesia but no! So far this is tolerable. I'll post updates each day with my thoughts on pain etc. I couldn't find a lot on how bad the pain was when I was searching and I hated not knowing what it would be like afterwards.

Day 2 - Sore and sleepy. Getting up is more of a challenge than yesterday. It's mostly still my front side lower abdomen that hurt the most. Not crying type of pain but yes it is painful. If I get the result I am hoping for, it will all be worth it. When i'm laying down with my feet and head elevated, the pain mostly goes away but they want you to get up every 2 hours and walk so I am doing that to prevent blood clots.

I am eating every time I take my pain meds so I don't get nauseous. That really seems to help so get some good crackers. I think between the meds and just having major surgery, I'm really sleepy. I slept until noon today. That was great.

So summary of Day 2 - super sore. Thank God I get relief when I lay down.

Sleeping is not problem due to the pain meds. I get up occasionally to go the bathroom. Getting up and laying down are painful. Remember to use your arms and legs as much as possible.

I have pain in weird spots like way up in between my boobs it's sore. I suspect he was pulling on muscle or something but no idea.

I think my stomach feels tighter today - I read that days 3-5 are the worst. So far, I would agree with that but it's nothing that you can't handle. You will definitely need someone to be with you and get you food, drinks, meds etc. My abdomen is still the sorest. My butt is bruised and I can feel the incision on my back today. Up until today, didn't feel them at all and i'm very grateful for that. I feel crappy enought that i dont want to look in the mirror. I do go the doctor Monday so I think he will unwrap everything and I really hope it's what I was hoping for.