No Drain Tummy Tuck and Lipo – BEST THING I EVER DID - Dallas, TX
I’m a lifelong runner and all around workout...
I’m a lifelong runner and all around workout fanatic and consider myself in excellent physical shape. At 5’7” and a pre-surgery weight of 135lbs, I easily fit into size 6 clothes, sometimes a size 4. However, after pregnancies, other female related surgeries and just getting older, my tummy looked downright awful. During my annual physical, my internist confirmed that no amount of ab work or further weight loss would correct the sagging skin that collected there, let alone get rid of the surgery scars I had. My Christmas present to myself was to get back the tummy I had when I was in my 20’s and my hourglass shape. I opted for the no drain tummy tuck and liposuction.
I’m no stranger to having surgery and I do have a high tolerance for pain so this procedure didn’t scare me off at all. I highly recommend that anyone contemplating this surgery get very close to your goal weight and in top physical condition as you’ll benefit greatly from both upper body and lower body strength. I also recommend that you find the absolute best plastic surgeon available; board certified with a stellar reputation and glowing referrals. This is not the time to cut corners or try to save a buck. You really want the absolutely best for the best results possible.
After doing a lot of research I opted for the no drain, quilting stitch tummy tuck and selected a surgeon who is well known for this particular procedure. After reading about others who had drains, and having had drains for a breast lift surgery some years ago, I was so happy not to be bothered with them. I also believe my recovery has been fast and I have had very little swelling because of the no drain procedure.
The first few days at home, primarily day 2 through 4 were the worst for me. Take all your meds on time and yes, stay ahead of the pain. Because the anesthesia and pain meds really slow your system down, make sure you have a stool softener and/or take whatever you need to keep your system moving. As others have said, you really don’t want to be constipated right now. The stiff surgical compression garment really aggravated me so at my 1 week check up, I was quite relieved my doctor let me toss that out and switch over the various stage 2 garments I had purchased. I have several Veronique and Spanx items in various sizes and I switch them around which helps me stay comfortable yet keeps the compression I need for support and optimal results.
I went back to work part-time on Day 12; drove myself to work on Day 14; back full time at work on Day 19. The weekend before I was in my closet and fit quite nicely into my size 27 jeans and finally jumped on the scale and weighed in at 127lbs. I’m fitting easily into my size 4 clothes and will get into my size 2’s soon. Again, I haven’t had any real swelling at all and I feel it’s because of the no drain procedure. I only feel stiff and a bit sore by the end of the business day. I didn’t try to stand up completely straight until around Day 12 and always listened to my body: If I felt tired, I went home and got some rest. I am very fortunate to have a wonderful husband as my main “nurse” and a fabulous support staff who took care of me and the house during my recovery. My results are quite frankly – amazing. I wish I had done this sooner. My biggest piece of advice: As your recovery days click by, don’t be discouraged. Read other experiences here on Real Self for support. Each day you will get better and better and soon you will realize it was the best money you ever spent!
Barbie892's provider
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Regular tummy tuck procedure means the skin is detached from your muscles and then stretched down and closed. The skin is not reattached to the muscles leaving a pretty large abdominal area under the skin that most always collects fluid while you’re healing, hence the need for drains. Everyone who’s had the drains knows you need to empty them as fluid collects and until you stop seeping. And the drains can be a pain to deal with – I know from personal experience when I had my breast lift surgery.
The “no-drain” tummy tuck means your surgeon uses dissolving quilting sutures often called progressive tension sutures that attach your skin to the muscles directly under your skin, holding the skin and muscles together, meaning there is no open space for fluid to collect, greatly reducing the chance for seroma, bleeding and swelling. Think of sewing a garment tight all down the seam instead of just attaching it at the top and bottom, leaving an open space in between. Opting for this procedure was a no brainer for me and I love my results. Fast healing, no swelling and fitting back into my clothes right away.
Good Luck!!! You will not be disappointed!!
Hi Barbie,
Nice write up!! Thank you...
It sounds like you have had a totally awesome experience and are coming along just fine. It is really hard to explain how wonderful you feel about the flat tummy...you just need to live it. I have never felt better in my life than I do now. At 46 I feel much better than I did at 26.
You are correct about being healthy and strong before surgery. It really does help you in the recovery process. If I don't get my daily work out in I am about climbing the walls. I run like there is no tomorrow these days.
Well I am glad you are doing well, feeling good and sharing your experience here on RealSelf. Pictures?? Keep us up to date and share your journey as you go.
Thanks for your feedback. In my first few days of recovery, I found Real Self and it honestly was your story that prompted me to write mine. I found myself hurting from laughing out loud about some of your comments! I want you to know, you really helped me though those tough first days. Thanks girlfriend!!
Agree completely – being in top physical shape and excellent health is the reason for my expedient recovery. I’m a complete and total gym rat and prior to this surgery was working out every single day. I run, lift weights, do Pilates, yoga, and started kick boxing. I’m currently just a few days shy of 4 weeks post surgery. I’ve been doing some very light Pilates and yoga already and my doctor made me promise not to touch a weight until I get his blessing.
Will post some pictures soon!
Hi Spin,
I say go for it now:) You are at an ideal weight plus fit and healthy. Once you have the extra skin removed this will make you feel so good and also motivate you. You will feel light as a feather!
My doc asked that I be within 15-20 pounds of my ideal weight before surgery. With that on my mind that is what kept me going with the weight loss all those months. I could hardly wait to have the muffin top removed.
Go for it!
It sounds like you're in great shape already but I understand the desire to push and do even more. My guess is you will know when you've hit the right balance. I'd say set a date & work towards it.
Good luck! You will love having a flat tummy again! And then get back to your workouts.
I’m officially celebrating my Week 5 today...
I truly believe I’m having such an easy time recovering because I’m in shape and take good care of myself. I know it sounds so cliché, but when people ask me my secret – it’s truly boring: I workout every single day; have never smoked, been on a healthy diet all my life and I’m a runner. The other major factor in my quick recovery is the “no-drain” procedure. No drains means healing starts right away and it’s fast.
Naturally I still can’t start up my full weight and cardio workouts yet but I’ve been walking; doing light Pilates and yoga for a week now, making sure I don’t use my core/ab area. I’m using my slant board, keeping legs bent, then using only 10lb hand weights to work on arms. Feels really good to start lifting again, even just light weights and being extra careful. I’m so tempted to do more but I’m waiting patiently per doctor’s orders. Pics of me at 5 weeks and feeling great! Also, I usually don’t announce my age but I will because I want other women to know that if I can do this, they can too. I’m 55 years old and have been rockin’ a teeny bikini most all my life. Feels great to be back again!
Replies (9)
Barbie you look wonderful! You have a perfect shape!! Congratulations.....55 no way.
I seriously thought you were about 40!!
Have to say it's great getting my body back!
Well you look fabulous so keep up everything you are doing. It has definitely paid off :)
From my experience, when you hit the 5th decade, it takes working out harder & longer to stay fit. And I have more tiny aches & pains that remind me of my "vintage". Plus I reduced my daily calorie intake too. You don't need as much to keep your furnace going. Then I gave up alcohol completely a few years ago which made my skin revitalize big time. Told ya it was boring but the results are worth it for me.
And " it takes a village" to keep it all together Thankfully I've got a great team!!
I am officially 8 weeks post op and am beyond...
Aside from my long working hours, I’m almost back to all my regular daily workouts although I still haven’t returned to my full running schedule yet. Plus I’m not lifting too much weight over my head, which is the only time I even feel a bit of tugging in my abs. My scar is thin, small and already smooth and healing nicely. I spend most of my time completely unaware that I’ve even HAD surgery which is a nice feeling of being back to normal. Finally!!
For those of you who are planning and/or still healing from this surgery, I’m here to testify that it’s completely worth it and YOU are completely worth it. The healing process may test you, but you will get better and better every single day and you will positively love the results. Hands down, the best thing I’ve ever done for myself!
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Linda - I've been wearing Spanx right after my ONE week check-up. I ended up purchasing a number of them in different sizes and styles until I found the one I like best. My absolutely favorite is the "Hide & Sleek Hi-Rise Panty" which I can only find on the official Spanx website. (finding the right Spanx or similar item is really tough)
Take care girl - you will get there!
When I was first healing I wore a medium; then I needed the small size and it did give me enough control while being comfortable.
Wow. Thank you so much for posting your story here on RealSelf. It's great to hear from folks who've had the no-drain tummy tuck. It sounds like you got right back into the game pretty fast. Probably being in such great shape helped with that!
I'm glad you were able to do this for YOU.