Tummy Tuck - at Long Last! A 35 Yr Old's Story - Brisbane, AU

I am a 35 year old mother of two, aged 9 and 4. Despite having had a healthy body weight most of my life, I've always been bothered by my tummy. Even prior to children, throughout my own childhood, I've been embarrassed by the jelly-like characteristics of my belly. My dreams of one day being able to wear a bikini were well and truly crushed after carrying extremely large throughout both my pregnancies and two caesarians. Whilst most of my body bounced back into reasonable shape after both babies, the damage to my tummy was (in my mind) devastating - to the point where I became embarrassed seeing it in the mirror and revealing myself in front of my husband. Unlike any other part of my body, I could literally pull a handful of fat a skin into both hands out in front of my, away from my torso (like a lump of dough) and play with it. I would sit in the bath imaging what it would be like to be free of it, detached from it. I would often lie back and tense my abs to feel the large (3 finger) separation between my tummy muscles and only fantasise about having it all fixed. Well, 12 months ago I decided enough was enough. I felt like my personal embarrassment was starting to interfere with my love life and self confidence. So I booked myself in for a consultation with Dr Anthony Kane in Brisbane. Having done some research, Dr Anthony Kane appeared to be very experienced and very well respected. Not knowing what to expect, I went seeking advice to the following questions:

1. Am I a suitable candidate for abdominoplasty
2. Would a mini tuck be something to consider (given I'm in relative proportion everywhere else)
3. What would it cost

Firstly, I was very impressed not only by Dr Kane's professionalism, but he was very calming and matter of fact. After asking a range of questions, he assessed my tummy and confirmed that I was a good candidate for abdominoplasty. As I had thought, a mini tuck was not going to be sufficient for me (the extent of abdominal separation I had meant that I would need muscle repair as well as tightening of the skin). In that first consultation, he explained the procedure, showed me a range of before & after examples from his own work and explained the risks. I was given a quote for Dr Kane's service and an estimate for the anaesthetic specialist and nursing cost. In addition to this were the costs associated with the private hospital (theatre costs and hospital stay). After a phone call to my health insurance provider, I was assured that my insurance was able to cover the costs associated with theatre and hospital stay - on account that after c-sections, I could have the op under the classification of gastric banding - something that fortunately I was covered for. All up, I was looking at a budget of around $6,500 (or $18,000 had my health insurance not have covered me for private hospital costs). I decided to book in for the procedure, giving myself 10 months to think about it. Well, that time could not come soon enough. Not one week passed by that I didn't think about it. Soon enough (2 weeks ago) the time for my operation finally arrived. I had a pre-op consultation one week prior, after which I was still 100 per cent keen. Then came the day. Having had two caesarians, I had an inkling what to expect and was in no way nervous. I expected that the pain may be worse due to the larger area of muscle to be repaired & the extent of skin lifted during the procedure but I was ready for it! I had a big smile on my face up until being anaesthetised. I must say, going into the Brisbane Mater Private Hospital was like going into a 5 star hotel. The service was amazing and I felt so pampered as I got ready for the procedure. Finally I woke up (smile still on my face realising I had come through the other side of it). Well to cut a long story short, I'm now 1.5 weeks post op. I found the procedure less painful than my two caesarians (although affecting a larger area, the procedure did not go as deep). My drains stayed in 2 to 5 days (one was removed earlier than other). The hospital stay was longer than I expected mainly due to the last drain which generating fluid. But I was in no rush to go home. I wanted to get as much rest as possible and I felt very welcome by both the hospital staff and Dr Kane to stay as long as necessary. After 6 days, I was ready for release back into the world.
Was it worth it? Hell yes! I am over the moon. Dr Kane did an amazing job! He was able to achieve a nice position for the scar (it is fully covered by my underwear & bikini - that is with a modest bikini - not a string bikini of course). My tummy is much tighter than I ever dreamed possible. Whilst I would happily wear a bikini for the first in my life (with pride I might add), the most important thing is that I now have my self confidence back! Yes I have a scar, but I already had 2 scars from my births (which Dr Kane tidied up). The new scar is tidy and whilst it's longer than a c-section scar, I know that it will fade over time. And anyway, I'll take a scar below my panty line than belly overhang any day! For me personally, this procedure has changed my life. I know there are several reputable plastic surgeons in Brisbane. After having a consultation with Anthony Kane, I found no need to go elsewhere for a second opinion so I only have experience dealing with Dr Kane. But I rate him very highly. He did a great job with my tummy repair and was very pleasant and caring. He visited me almost daily to check on my progress whist in hospital. I found his service very good value for money and felt I was in good hands every step of the tummy tuck journey.
One and a half weeks post-op, I no longer have any significant pain. I have a 'tingling' sensation where my skin, muscles, nerves and lymphatic connections are healing but it's more of a quiesce feeling than pain. My swelling is not too bad (helped no doubt by the binder I'm wearing). I expect the swelling will peak at around 5 or 6 weeks (only from what I've read on the net), with most it subsiding in 3 months (possibly up to 12 months). But hopefully if continue wearing my binder and keep movements limited with plenty of rest over the next month, it won't be too bad. I will post some before & after photos in the next month or so - along with a final follow up.