POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews
Extended Tummy Tuck with Muscle Repair, Lipo of Upper Abdomen, Flanks, and Lateral Thighs - Carmel, IN
UPDATED FROM osoready
1 year post
62 weeks PO!
WORTH IT$12,000
Okay, you guys asked for it, so here it is: an update with photos! :) I'm still quite pleased with the results and wore some tiny panties so you can still see how low the scar is. Two things that I'm not thrilled about (but in the grand scheme of things are really pretty minor): 1) my innie became an outie, and 2) the scar area on the right side of my abdomen is hard and rope-like. Other than that, things are great! My scar is smooth and flat everywhere but in front right as mentioned previously. I'm not sure if you can tell from the pics how little the scar shows. I think what you'll notice is that my pants left more lines than the scar itself. Haha I'm still very glad I went through with it and am quite pleased with the results. As you can tell from the tiny panties, my scar is hidden below them and really not very noticeable at all anymore. Gone are the days of puffiness and redness. No more seeping, split scars. Yay! Life is good, ladies. Enjoy the new you and be thankful for what you have. Embrace life and live every moment to the fullest! Happy healing to everyone going through the journey. For those of you in waiting, best of luck to you. You are strong, and you CAN do this. You will not regret it. If you're afraid, that's okay. It just means you're human. :) Take things one day at a time and be patient with yourself. You're worth feeling great about yourself! Take care guys!
osoready's provider
UPDATED FROM osoready
5 months post
21 Weeks PO Update
I am attaching sme new photos. These were taken this morning, and I have some really teeny bikinis on, so I don't think the photos are as flattering as some others I've taken. The reason I wore them is twofold: 1) I wanted to show how low the scar is, and 2) I've never worn itsy bitsy teeny weeny bikinis before! They are super comfortable and SUCH a drastic difference from my past granny panty days! I'm still celebrating, ladies! :) lol. Seriously though, I wanted to mention again how much of a life changer this surgery has been for me.
All of my stitches have completely dissolved now, so my scar feels great. It's super smooth and no bumps. I am ready to get outside and walk though. Ready for the snow and frigid temps to go bye bye! I've been working extra long hours in a new role, so by the time I get home, get dinner around and cleaned up, I'm ready to plop. I have a lot more energy when it stays light until well after 9pm! My legs need the miles of walking, so I'm excited to get back to this for toning up.
Anyway, just wanted to check in because it has been awhile since I posted an update. Life is good. Enjoy it while you can...and in my case, I'm enjoying my second chance at really loving my body.
All of my stitches have completely dissolved now, so my scar feels great. It's super smooth and no bumps. I am ready to get outside and walk though. Ready for the snow and frigid temps to go bye bye! I've been working extra long hours in a new role, so by the time I get home, get dinner around and cleaned up, I'm ready to plop. I have a lot more energy when it stays light until well after 9pm! My legs need the miles of walking, so I'm excited to get back to this for toning up.
Anyway, just wanted to check in because it has been awhile since I posted an update. Life is good. Enjoy it while you can...and in my case, I'm enjoying my second chance at really loving my body.
Replies (5)
January 18, 2014
Thanks for the update and pics girlfriend. You look ABSOLUTELY AWESOME! I PRAY that I turn out half as good. I'm 9 days away, and I think I'm ready. Resting, staying healthy and eating light. Congrats again, I'm so happy for you and proud of you :-D
January 18, 2014
Thank you, Happy Suzy (and you're welcome)! I'm sure you'll be so pleased with your results. Good luck and keep us posted!
January 19, 2014
Thank you for such an awesome review! It has been very helpful to me. I had my TT 10 days ago...I also have 4 drains because they cut around to my backside. Your photos are great...very encouraging to me. I can have an idea of what is going to happen next. Right now...I just want my drains out! They are starting to hurt. Is the itching ever going to end????
January 19, 2014
Hi Allison! The drains are one of the worst parts! Once those are removed, you will feel so much better. The itching gets better. I am still somewhat numb in certain areas, but nothing like before. Hang in there. It gets better each day. You've already made it through the worst part (the first week), so you are going to see progress each day! Congrats on going through with it. You made it! Yay!!
January 19, 2014
My husband and two kiddos wanted to get Me out today. Somehow I tried to hide my drains and went yo lunch. It took every bit of energy I had! I'm ready to move to the next stage now:)
January 19, 2014
It was exhausting at first, but the fresh air did wonders for my emotional state. Hang in there! :)
January 20, 2014
You look amazing. Thanks for the update. My scar is low like your but lumpy. To be honest I didn't do much as far as scar treatment. I have started using bio oil more consistent now.
January 22, 2014
Thanks CJD! Your results look great! I've found if I massage directly on the scar, it really loosens up the scar tissue and makes it less lumpy. Good luck to you. You must be thrilled!
January 20, 2014
You are looking great! I cant believe your incredible transformation. You should be very proud of yourself for leaping into such a big surgery. You are also making me realize I need to post again ;). I just had my 4 month appointment which ended up being nearly a 5 month appointment due to the holidays. They sent me the wrong pics, so waiting...
January 22, 2014
Thanks AnasScott! You know, sometimes I still look in the mirror and think to myself, "Wow...I'm still big!" That's when I look at my before pictures, and it really sinks in how far I've come. We women are so hard on ourselves, and I'm so thankful that I have the before and after photos to remind myself of this true transformation. I am still so happy with my results, but sometimes I need to remind myself that I never set out to be perfect...just a little closer to "normal", whatever that definition means to each of us is personal and differs by person. It's been five months, and it's incredible to think how far I've come in the last year. Sorry for the lengthy post and getting all philosophical. Lol. Thanks for your comment. I'm going to check out your profile now! :)
January 23, 2014
Agreed, sister, and it isn't those skinny models in the magazines. We are real ladies with real curves ;)
January 31, 2014
what a journey~ and you look amazing! work it in those itty bitty teeny weenie bikinis, and how nice it must feel being on a plane and feeling great. please continue to update us =)
UPDATED FROM osoready
3 months post
13 Weeks PO. Cowabunga!
Hi everyone!! As I mentioned in last week's post, I had to travel this week for work. This is the first time I've flown in a year. Since I'd lost weight AND had the TT, I was really anxious to see how I'd fit in the airplane seat/seatbelt. Whoa! In my original and first review of this quite lengthy history (smiley, smiley), I referenced how incredibly embarrassing it'd been to have to ask for a seatbelt extender from a stewardess. Well, I am here to tell you I no longer need an extender! Not only that, I'm attaching a photo I took on the plane of the "leftover" seatbelt that I didn't need (once fastened and tightened). I had to take this as proof because I could hardly believe my own eyes. Yowza!! This is really fantastic, and I'm beyond excited!!!
Flying was no issue at all. It was a relatively short flight (2 hours direct), but I did puff up just a bit. What I've noticed more this week since I've been traveling and lugging around my laptop bag, purse, and other accessories is that when I go up 25 steps, I'm pretty winded. The extra weight I'm carrying (literally with the loaded bags and laptop) have really given me a workout. I'm doing fine though. No complaints! I just feel like I need to get moving more on a daily basis.
I'm also including some photos that I took in the hotel room this morning. The incision is still healing nicely. I still put my stuff on it 2x/day. I don't go back to my ps for my follow up appt until 2 more weeks. I've got what feels like stitches that are just under the surface of my skin. They poke, almost like a whisker, out of the skin. I would've thought the would have dissolved by now. Any other TT'ers who have had this happen after so many weeks post op? I'd be curious to hear what, if anything, you've done or were told about this.
Well ladies, I'm wrapping up for tonight. I've got a long day of meetings ahead of me tomorrow followed by my flight home.
Happy healing to everyone! :)
Flying was no issue at all. It was a relatively short flight (2 hours direct), but I did puff up just a bit. What I've noticed more this week since I've been traveling and lugging around my laptop bag, purse, and other accessories is that when I go up 25 steps, I'm pretty winded. The extra weight I'm carrying (literally with the loaded bags and laptop) have really given me a workout. I'm doing fine though. No complaints! I just feel like I need to get moving more on a daily basis.
I'm also including some photos that I took in the hotel room this morning. The incision is still healing nicely. I still put my stuff on it 2x/day. I don't go back to my ps for my follow up appt until 2 more weeks. I've got what feels like stitches that are just under the surface of my skin. They poke, almost like a whisker, out of the skin. I would've thought the would have dissolved by now. Any other TT'ers who have had this happen after so many weeks post op? I'd be curious to hear what, if anything, you've done or were told about this.
Well ladies, I'm wrapping up for tonight. I've got a long day of meetings ahead of me tomorrow followed by my flight home.
Happy healing to everyone! :)
Replies (4)
November 21, 2013
Wow you look so amazing!
November 22, 2013
You look wonderful!
November 27, 2013
Thank you, Roxanne! You'll be amazed at your results. No worries. Just stay on your pain meds and don't miss a dose for awhile. Be sure to drink lots of fluids afterwards. It helps a lot!
November 27, 2013
Oh u welcome. Thank u for info.:-) my dr didn't give me any medication yet he said after surgery they will I was hoping to have everything before surgery but every dr is different I guess. Only 2 days, left lol i am nervous lol..
January 11, 2014
Hey there,
Just wanted to check in on you to see how you are doing. Hope you are feeling good and progressing well. I'm just about 2 weeks away from my TT. Would love to pick your brain a little.
January 12, 2014
Hi HappySuzy! Yes, I'm feeling terrific and progressing great! Thanks for asking. If you're two weeks out from your TT (congrats by the way!) you're probably about to go crazy with emotions...a little fear, anxiety, happiness, impatience, etc, right? Feel free to pick away...I'm an open book and happy to help! Let 'er rip!
January 12, 2014
Well, not sure what to ask first really.
I go to pre-op on Monday, then the countdown is really on.
I think I have all the supplies I need, most importantly a walker and toilet riser.
All the little things too (gauze pads/reg & non-stick, Neosporin, witch hazel, maxi pads/liners, grannie panties, and jockey soft camis)
I'm the most worried about the first few days - getting up and down, going potty, drain management (the drains come out of the front of the girlie bits, lol). I've read TONS of reviews about drains, they're just a pain I guess.
I'm not gonna get any lipo right now, want to just concentrate on the TT/MR. Plus after surgery, I will be working on toning up and losing some more weight. Then I'll see how things are several months for now. I've lost 10 lbs since the breast reduction, so I think I'll be able to lose more after I heal.
Any tips for getting ready or post op care/recovery would be greatly appreciated. Any supplies or things I didn't mention.
Thanks. Would love to see some updated pics of you.
January 12, 2014
Well I'm not going to lie...getting up and down HURTS, but if you have the toiler riser (I did not), I would think this would help tremendously. The walker was my savior. It really helped my back to be able to relax. The drains are a pain (literally). They're in the way of everything. It helped me to clip the tubes up and out if the way so that when I went to the bathroom, I didn't have to try to hold all of the bulbs in my hand (I had 4 drains). Take the walker with you into the bathroom, and use your legs to lift yourself. Using your ab muscles will feel like your insides are ripping out. Make sure you have plenty of Gatorade to drink afterwards. It really helps. Have PLENTY if pillows in bed with you. I layed on several of them and had more propped up in both sides. It helps with the pressure because you'll be in your back for quite awhile. Stay on your pain meds around the clock. Drink lots of fluids. Eat when you can (soft foods worked well for me, like applesauce, pudding, mashed potatoes, jello, etc.). Sleep as often as possible but make sure you do get up and move. I had a lot done, so my recovery was probably worse than most. It's all good though. Each day gets better. Once you are at one week post op, you'll be amazed how quickly time has passed. And then it gets easier. My first week was by far the toughest. Take lots of pictures. The immediate gratification of having post op pictures to look at your progress when you're feeling down will do wonders for you mentally. You will have tough days. There will be times you question whether you did the right thing, BUT YOU DID THE RIGHT THING. I can't stress this enough. It's normal, so hang in there. Be kind to yourself.
I'll look back through my posts because I've got a list somewhere of what I used after the surgery and had some tips. I'll post more soon and will take some selfies in the next day or so. I haven't lost anymore weight, but I'm now a shopaholic. Lol. It's so much fun now!! My scar is very smooth, and I'm feeling fantastic. I still have times when I get up out of a chair or walk upstairs, and my abs get really tight. It happens less frequently now than it did a few months ago, but it does still happen.
Good luck! Let's keep in touch and I'll post some more suggestions and tips soon!
January 12, 2014
Thank you so much for all the tips. Gatorade huh? On the tip from another gal, I got mitten clips to help with the drains. I have a sleep number bed that is adjustable - softness/firmness and the head/feet move up and down and I have lots of extra pillows. How often should I get up and walk? Thanks again
January 12, 2014
Some people said they tried to get up and walk every hour, but that wasn't feasible for me. In other words, if you're sleeping, enjoy it! When you're awake, walk around the house as much as you are able before you sit or lie back down.
Some things that were very helpful for me:
Cold packs (feel great and help with swelling)
Milk of Magnesia (you'll need this after the anesthesia and pain meds)
Shower chair (this was a lifesaver because showers take a lot of energy after surgery)
I also took vitamin c and zinc afterwards.
I hope this helps!
January 13, 2014
Perfect... I have milk of magnesia and the shower chair, got them the other day, lol. I am a regular vitamin gal, so I have c and zinc already. Plus my doc provides a set of morning and afternoon vitamins as well as Arnica and Bromelain supplements for swelling and bruising. Will get the cold packs. You are so awesome, thanks!
Replies (5)