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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS

High Tension Tummy Tuck ~ 47 Years Old, 2 Adult Children, Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, Navel Hernia Removed and Inner Thigh Lipo

ORIGINAL POST

Although I am 6 weeks post op, I will share what...

Arlice
WORTH IT
Although I am 6 weeks post op, I will share what motivated me to get plastic surgery. Prior to my Plastic surgery, this year I started gaining weight in my mid-section rapidly, after a visit to my OBGYN, learned I was experiencing perimenopause and weight gain in the mid-section is common. Therefore, I came to the conclusion that I would never get rid of the extra skin on my lower abdomen and achieve that flat tummy with the tight abdominal muscles I worked so hard for since given birth to my two children, 22 years’ ago, resulting in two C-sections and a navel hernia. In addition, I gained two fat pockets in my inner thighs throughout the years. Such experiences prompt me to contact Board Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Younai.

Arlice's provider

Sean Younai, MD, FACS

Sean Younai, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.4 | 77 Reviews
PROFILE

Arlice rating for Dr. Younai:

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Replies (10)

November 14, 2016

Thank you for joining us.  Oh you gotta love the peri menopause issues, not fun at all.

How was the recovery process for you the first couple of weeks?   

November 20, 2016
My first couple of weeks after my surgery wasn’t so bad. I hadn’t had a menstrual cycle for two months. After my TT and Lipo surgery my menstrual cycle started again and lasted for a week. I believe that was a result of my perimenopause. Dr. Younai removed my drains two weeks after my surgery. I continue to have swelling so, I minimize my activity as much as possible, watch my sodium intake, as well as, what I eat. I stopped smoking 2 month prior to my surgery and I continue to not smoke. Changing my diet for the better (low calorie diet and dark green veggies etc.) and not smoking has lessen many of my perimenopause symptoms. I am very happy with my surgery outcome and look forward to my end result.
November 20, 2016

You have done a wonderful job with everything.  Keep up the good work and it will all definitely pay off in the end.

November 21, 2016
Thank you so very much! ;) I am looking forward to the end results.
November 20, 2016
i am having a high-tension extended tummy tuck and lipo with Dr. Younai in 4 days. I am 50 years old and also experiencing perimenopaus. I've heard of the period thing happening. I thought I might be finished with periods (hadn't had one in 4 months), but I started last week. Hoping that's it for now. I can't wait to be rid of my saggy stomach! I would love to see your before and after results. Will you be sharing photos?
November 20, 2016
I was shocked when my cycle started prior to my TT and Lipo surgery. Then it came right after the surgery! I wasn't going to share any pictures because I continue to be very swollen. However, I can relate to your curiosity. Therefore, I post some pictures. Keep in mind, everyone is different and I think I swell very easy as a result of my perimenopausal symptom. I hope the pictures help. My navel looks really nice as well. Congratulation to you on your new body and be patient with the healing process. Although I wear my garment and binder, everyone continues to tells me how nice I look without knowing I have them on. I'm look forward to my ending results. Btw, stay mindful of the mood swings after the surgery (especially going through perimenopause). Keep me up to date on your experience. Peace and Blessings
November 20, 2016
Thank you, Arlice, for the advice and for posting photos. I have prepared myself for the prolonged swelling, thanks to all the honest reviews here. In spite of still having some, you look amazing! Congratulations!
November 20, 2016
Also, you incision looks fantastic! You are doing a great job of taking care of yourself and healing. I am also drinking alkaline water and have been taking arnica and bromelaine for a week already. I'm hoping that puts me ahead of the game with healing. Good work!
November 21, 2016
Thank you Bellec96. I heard if you take Arnica prior to your surgery, it will speed up the healing process. Good for you! Your going to look great! I'm so excited for you. Although, I am still swollen, I am happy with my results thus far. ;)
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September 2, 2017
You look amazing! May I ask how much this cost?
UPDATED FROM Arlice
2 months post

High Tension Tummy Tuck, and Liposuction. 7 weeks Post Op continue to be very swollen (48 years old and going through perimenop

Arlice
Because of my swelling, I wasn't going to post any pictures. However, per request, I decided to post a few. My swelling varies, depending on how active I am. I tend to swell up and get bloated rather easy as well. My swelling maybe do to perimenopause and my age (being older causing my swelling a little longer to subside). However, 7 weeks is still early post op. Therefore, I expect swelling. I just need to continue to monitor my activeness, sodium intake, what I eat and drink. I drink Alkaline water, I use Palmer's CoCo Butter Oil, I drink Arnica Tea which is good for swelling, I drink Prune juice as a natural laxative, I took Arnica Forte suggested by Dr. Younai which, took my bruising away in the 1st week. Dr. Younai checked for fluid. There is no fluid. I will post better pictures as I continue to heal. My current results actually look better then these pictures that I've posted. I will post more at the end of this week. Hope they are helpful.

Replies (13)

November 20, 2016
Can I ask your Pre Op weight? Also how soon did you go back to work?
November 20, 2016
I was 160 Pre Op and 148 7 Week Post Op ( last week). I went back to work my 3rd week but, that was for on 2 days and I sat for the most part. I swollen up more toward the end of the day. Because I continue to be swollen and could easily swell up more, I try to limit my activity as much as possible. when I got home from work, I drink some Arnica Tea, oiled my tummy down, got off my feet and put the pillow under my knees. Hope this helps.
November 20, 2016
Thank you soo much for replying. Im going for Surgery Wednesday and wasnt sure how long to take off few have said 3 weeks is enough? Thanks again .
November 20, 2016
You'really welcome ;) It depends on how your body respond after you have the surgery. Your surgeon will tell you how much time to take off. I thought 2 weeks but, no, not me. My surgeon has monitored my swelling regularly. Actually, I believe I needed to be off work longer due to my extra swellin but, I had to go back work. So I make up for my activeness by getting off my feet as soon as I get home. I make sure I wear my garmet, binder at all times. I will post more pictures of myself, today (7 week Post Op). I apologize for any typo's. I'mean typing from phone.
November 20, 2016
Thanks for sharing....im sooo nervous 2 days to go eeekkk
November 21, 2016
You're welcome. You will be perfectly fine. Just prepare yourself for the healing process. It may take some time and you may feel a little down due to, desiring immediate results. From what I hear, that has been common among many women that have received plastic surgery. I almost got depressed until I remembered my surgeon told me it is common for many women to experience such. So, be patient with yourself. I was nervous a couple of days prior to my surgery as well. I found that to be common for many as well. You have my prayers. ;)
November 21, 2016
Your surgeon did a really good job
November 21, 2016
Thank you! Dr. Younai is amazing! Although, I am swollen, I can see how my ending result are going to look from my current curves (shape). Seeing my shape, even while swollen keeps me excited while going through this healing process.
November 21, 2016
You bewn out of work for 3weeks
November 22, 2016
Yes, I was off for 3 weeks. I've returned.
November 25, 2016
You look great, am too swelling bad at 6week can't wait until I heal completely
January 16, 2017
You look fantastic! I had the same procedures with Dr. Younai (although we had very different starting points), and I LOVE what he has done for me!
I am right where you were then... 7.5 weeks post op, and the swelling! I was so excited to stop wearing compression garments when I hit 6 weeks, but after days of misery, realized I needed to keep wearing it to control the swelling. It got so bad it hurt. I know that this, too, shall pass.
January 16, 2017
I am 16 weeks post op and still swollen. However, I do see the swelling going down gradually. He instructed me to walk a lot and do the stair masteres. I get lots of compliments from people. I don't wear a compression garment at all. Depending on my activities, I might get more swollen. I have read many other post and articles stating this is normal. I always have to remind myself that the surgery I received was far more intense then the norm. I got a lot of work done at one time (lipoed lateral chest, lower back, both side flanks, inner thighs, hernia removed, muscle tightened, hips lifted and tummy tuck). Most people get, lipo in a couple of areas or tummy tuck. Some people get tummy tuck and lipo but, they don't lift their hips. Because I see the swelling going down gradually, I am more confident that my healing process takes a little more time then others. Keep in mind you are going to be bloated and constipated on top of your swelling. Let's stay connected. I'm very happy for you and I will pray for a more speedy recovery for the both of us. Keep in mind, swelling can last for months. Please excuse any typo's. I typed from my phone in which, I am not good at.
UPDATED FROM Arlice
2 months post

~ Today, 7 Week Post Op ~ 48 Years Old

Arlice
I am still very swollen. However, it's still early since my surgery, 7 weeks Post Op. The only thing you use on my incision, stomach and back is; Palmer's Coco Butter oil Formula. I intend on using Scarr Away in a couple of weeks. As of now, I drink Arnica tea, Alkaline water with electrolyte, 1 cup of heated up Prune juice ( 1or 2x's a week). Dr. Younai recommended benadryl when I was itching like crazy (my itching was due to the nerve endings reconnecting, I believe). I make sure to use oil and don't scratch (pat the area) so that I don't get stretch marks. I am now wearing a medium size 2nd stage garment. I transition from a extra large full-body garment (cut of at the knees) right after my surgery.

Replies (10)

November 21, 2016
This swelling ain't no joke, I'll be 6 weeks post op friday. You look great.
November 21, 2016
You're right! Are you still swollen? If so, what are you doing about your swelling? Are you swollen a lot?
November 21, 2016
Yes, swollen bad it's very discouraging, wearing my garmet and taken inflammation meds. Need to find me a new garmet.
November 21, 2016
I purchased two medium 2nd stage garments from my plastic surgeons office. How long has it been since you surgery and what inflammation meds are you taking?
November 21, 2016
Oh! I see! I'm sorry. I'm recently getting familiar with Realself. I see your reply. Do you have pictures? I see it's 6 weeks Post Op for you. How do you see your surgeon in the DR. for follow-up appts.? Are you staying off your feet as much as possible? I'll be happy when my swelling goes down.
November 22, 2016
Going to load some, I went to DR so I been following up with my doc by pics and phnoe calls
November 22, 2016
Had mines Oct 14
November 22, 2016
Oh, that's good. What meds are you taking?
November 22, 2016
Have you been checked to make sure it's not fluid. I wish there were something to help the swelling go away faster. However, I understand it can take as long as, 6 mos, 8 mos... complete healing is up to a year. ;/
December 13, 2016
Yes, had no fluid, so I guess I have to just wait it out. How is your swelling coming along.