Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

See All Reviews
See All Reviews
POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews

43, 1 Child, Tummy Tuck, Lipo: Flanks, Upper & Lower Back

UPDATED FROM Elle.24
1 month post

Drains Removed and Phantom Belly

User Avatar
E
Elle.24April 21, 2015
WORTH IT$4,500
Happy to report that drains are now gone. It hasn't been easy this past month. Although my tummy is numb, I sometimes have a strange sensation of a phantom belly. Sometimes I feel my belly and look in mirror to process that it's gone. I also read another post discussing the same thing so I'm not alone. There's still swelling mostly in the lower abdomen but it has decreased significantly. Daily massage helps. Scar looks great,
and massaging does flatten it out. I was told to use Spanx but the binder feels the most comfortable right now. Still searching for the right pair of Spanx. The one piece is a pain. Am I right? Pics will be posted next week. Excited!

Elle.24's provider

Richard Hodnett, MD

Richard Hodnett, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Elle.24

Elle.24 rating for Dr. Hodnett:

Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
Time spent with me
Phone or email responsiveness
Staff professionalism & courtesy
Payment process
Wait times

Replies (1)

User Avatar
B
Bjonesgm50
April 22, 2015
Congrats on the drain removal. YES!!! That day was a real turning point for me. I had only one drain but it was in for 4 weeks. I knew if I could get past the drain phase, I would be ok. I'm age 64 and although my recoveries were not easy, they were without complications. I had two tucks in 2014. First tuck in May & revision in Dec. Revision added muscle repair & flank lipo that first surgeon left out. Second tuck with muscle repair was much harder (as I expected) but I got lots of support reading RealSelf. I did not discover this site prior to my first tuck. Reading this site for months and knowing I had 3 pregnancies made my decision to find another surgeon and get those muscles repaired was a must. It has been so worth the early pain & discomfort. This surgery is nothing short of a miracle for me and I pray you will have no regrets as well. My doctor switched me to Spanx type garment (of my choice as long as it went up just under my bra line) at 10 weeks. I can't count how many different types I bought. Finally settled on extra firm shareware type from Macy's Dept store. The Spanx from same store were so tight under my breasts they gave me horrible heart burn & tummy aches. I had worn the all over body suit called miracle suit to hide my flabby tummy in the past pre TT. I bought two sizes smaller and continue to wear them daily with no issues. I no longer have excessive swelling so I don't sleep in them but I do feel better during the day in my bodysuits (with built in bra). Just my experience. Everyone is different. Continued happy healing to us all.
UPDATED FROM Elle.24
15 days post

Day-15 Update

User Avatar
E
Elle.24April 6, 2015
I'm healing well but drains are staying in for a few more days or so until I drain under 30. I really want them out. Staying patient and positive. Pain is manageable and only take pain med on occasion at bedtime. Feeling better everyday and think that I might be able to drive this week. Caring for myself is getting easier which is very encouraging.

Replies (1)

User Avatar
B
Bjonesgm50
April 7, 2015
You look Fab. Thanks for sharing & happy healing. I'm 17 weeks post with no regrets and only slight swelling after workouts.
User Avatar
E
Elle.24
April 7, 2015
Thanks for the compliment and the well wishes. I'm walking around like Frankenstein, haha! I walked 4 blocks and back to get some exercise today and moving at snail speed. Your progress is inspiring. Happy healing to you too.
UPDATED FROM Elle.24
12 days post

Before & After Photos Day-7

User Avatar
E
Elle.24April 3, 2015
Still swollen and have some light bruising but happy so far with results.

Replies (2)

User Avatar
S
StillSouthern
April 3, 2015
One of the nicest TT I have seen. Love how curvy your waist is! Some TT seem to look boxy after. Do you mind sharing the cost? Thanks!
User Avatar
E
Elle.24
April 3, 2015
Thank you, I agree my waist is curvy. I love it! I was working out 3 times a week for a year leading up to the surgery. I could feel the stomach muscles getting stronger but couldn't see them. Cost: $4500
P
Plushgurltummytuck
July 27, 2018
Snatcched girl yes queeeeen
See More Tummy Tuck Reviews
See All Reviews