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POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews

48 Yo Mother of 2, Post Sleeve Gastrectomy, Combo Total Hysterectomy, Tummy Tuck. Houston, TX

UPDATED FROM txmom808
1 year post

TT update: 21 Months

txmom808
WORTH IT$6,000
Hi RS,
I just wanted to give an update on my healing progress and life after tt.
I am very active: cycling and gym about 5 days per week total. I am almost always in some type of gym/cycling/ or exercise garb. Otherwise, I wear leggings and t-shirts. I feel much better in these types of outfits since my surgery!!
Also, it is a real treat to be able to get rid of the "hanging apron" of pregnancy and weight loss...I feel so much more confident without having to hide that bump under some long top!
I still get muscle cramps in my abdomen after cycling or during stretching. It feels like a tight ball, and it is painful. This has, perhaps, been one of the more challenging things to handle, although it doesn't seem to happen as much as it used to, but when it does, it is quite painful.
I am treating my scar with biocorneum that I received through the RS program, and I have been impressed with the way it is lightening up and flattening, especially over the darker areas. You can see the photos under my biocorneum review.....
All in all, everything is going well, and I am very grateful to my ps, Dr. Mark Schusterman, for my great results! He is an awesome doctor !!

txmom808's provider

Mark A. Schusterman, MD, FACS

Mark A. Schusterman, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

txmom808 rating for Dr. Schusterman:

Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
Time spent with me
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Replies (4)

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October 2, 2017
That’s awesome. Glad everything has went smoothly. Thank you for your update.
October 10, 2017
Hi Vanish 66, Thanks for your comment. I am still using the biocorneum. I just use it sparingly because I want it to last the entire 90 days.... I looked at your photos. You are looking great!! I bought the same bleaching cream you did !! I found it at the grocery store, but I haven't used it yet. My bb was purple while it was healing. Looked very weird. Anyway, I still might use it !!

Hugs,
Txmom
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October 10, 2017
I’ve used the bleach cream years ago and it irked but that was for a very mall area. Lol...it seems to be working...slow, but it’s working.
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October 10, 2017
Is this bleach cream for your BBs? I think that's what I'm getting from your comments but I could be wrong lol! My BB is super red so maybe this is what I need
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October 9, 2017
Glad to hear all is well! I too wear "active wear" or leggings all the time too. No more baggy sweats for me :)
October 10, 2017
Thank you MM2017. I suppose I could go out and get some really fancy clothes, but I'd rather spend my money on a new bike (Soon), or new cycling outfit, or new cycling shoes, or a new cycling helmet. LOL. Hope everything is well with you also. Great hearing from you. Take care.

Hugs,
Txmom
October 14, 2017
I got the Same tight "ball" in my stomach when exercising for awhile also! Actually went to have my dr check it because it felt so uncomfortable and stood out so much on my otherwise very flat belly. I hadn't ever heard of someone having this, other than one other person on RS--and I think it might have been you! I haven't had it happen in a long time now that it's been almost 2 years since my TT. For the pat year I haven't been exercising aS frequently and vigorously (though still regularly) due to various reasons including knee issue, perhaps that makes a difference. I spend much more time stretching on a daily basis and still find I need to do a lot of abdominal stretching, like on my back bending over an exercise ball.
January 4, 2018
Dear Whybrown,
Wow
It is so great hearing from you! Sorry for the delayed response. 2017 was crazy

I still cycle...but haven't been up to 100 miles per week in about 2 months. I am maybe 50 to 75.or so per week
It is cold and the holidays are busy. I do still get those weird abdominal spasms when I stretch. It is painful, so I do sympathize. I have to stretch daily or I have muscle pain from tightness...

Great hearing from you.
Hang in there!!
Xox
Txmom
January 4, 2018
Dear MM2017:
Sorry for the delayed response.
It is just regular bleaching cream from the grocery store. Look in the cosmetic section. How far out from surgery are you? A red bb could indicate infection....If there is any chance of this, then please have your ps check it. My bb got necrotic, and once it healed, it was purple.
It still is a bit this way, but better....
Good luck
UPDATED FROM txmom808
1 year post

Tummy Tuck 14 1/2 months out

txmom808
Hi Realselfers,
It's been a little while since my last update.
I have to say that the year after surgery passed fairly quickly. There were some ups & downs, but I survived.
I never thought I would say this, but in hindsight, the Hys & tt were actually the easy parts of 2016!!
Now looking back, I am glad I had the procedure, and I am happy with my tt results. I am also feeling much better, overall, being rid of the endometriosis pain and monthly discomort. I would have both of these procedures 100x over (with the same surgeons, that is!!).
My bb turned out Ok after all. I do wish it had more depth when I lie flat, but at this point, I don't see myself having any further procedures. I am happy doing my exercise and not having to worry about any medical issues at this time!!

I will post some pics so you can see how much my scar has faded and what my healed bb looks like....

I hope my posts have helped some of you envision what this process would entail if you are considering a tummy tuck. The money is well worth it. And I, personally, would not let having the scar stop me. As long as you are OK with it then you will be fine.

Txmom

Replies (4)

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March 24, 2017
Your scar is almost invisible. You bb looks awesome. Overall, you look fantastic. Thank you for updating us. It helps those that are going through it right now and wondering what their scar may possibly look like in a year or so.
March 27, 2017
Hi Vanish66,
Thank you for reading my post and for your comments....I think my scar looks pretty good. There are some places where it irritated my stretch marks (where it looks like dripping paint.) There were more areas like that at first, but most of those are gone. I am hoping the rest will fade. I will be turning 50 this year, (Eek!!) And the more I age, the more I realize that people our age, male & female, all have scars, both physical & psychological, and that loving someone means accepting all of them unconditionally, scars included. So, I am ok with the scars I have. Our scars are what make us human, & while we may wish to hide them from others, the truth is, they are part of the unique blueprint of who we each are individually.
Good luck to you on your journey.

Love,
Txmom
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March 27, 2017
Very valid point. It is who we are and none of us are perfect. I have a scar on the corner of my mouth that I obtained when I was five years old. I've never been self conscious of it....I consider it my beauty mark. It's a part of me and my uniqueness. My Tt scar is a reflection of what God allow to happen. (My procedure I didn't Think I could ever have).
March 31, 2017
Dear Vanish,
I'm wondering how you chose that screen name :) It is good that you accept yourself for who you are. There is nothing wrong with wanting to improve oneself. But, I do think where some women get disappointed is that they are in search of being "perfect." This could be exhausting in the sense that they might never be happy with themselves, no matter how many procedures they have....
I have actually seen some women make themselves look much worse, and regret having some things done......Perfection is an illusion. None of us will ever find it, and none of us will ever be it. So good thing that you accept yourself the way you are.....!!!
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March 31, 2017
Lol, I came up with the name because I wanted my big gut to vanish. Hahaaaaaa
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March 31, 2017
66 is my birth year :-)
June 26, 2017
Dear Vanish,
Well, that is a very appropriate name, and also very hysterical. HAHA
April 11, 2017

Your posts have been so helpful, we especially love one year surgiversary posts!  

June 26, 2017
Hi Jill,
So Sorry for the delayed response!! And thank you !
Hugs,
Txmom
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May 27, 2017
You look incredible! Your scar healed very nicely...what did you use for scar treatment?
June 26, 2017
Hi Mommymakeover2017,
I used Newgel Plus for a while, then discovered that it curled up on the ends after exercise, and would not stick back down, so then I went to ScarAway, which is cheaper, and stuck better. It stuck through being soaked in sweat after 5 mile runs at the gym, baths, and all of it. After about 2 or 3 months, I quit using that, and I just went to Argan Oil. Then I quit that also. I am going to do a review on some new scar tx soon. Stay tuned.

Hugs,
Txmom
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July 7, 2017
You healed so nicely!
October 1, 2017
Thank you, Solfie !!
UPDATED FROM txmom808
8 months post

Tummy Tuck : Dr. Schusterman. 8 Months Update

txmom808
Hi Real Selfers,

These past 2 months have flown by......I was so excited to receive my before/after pictures from Dr. Schusterman's office.....Many of you, especially those of you in the Houston area, have asked to see them, so I will post them for you.....
I want you to know that I continue to be absolutely overjoyed with my tummy tuck results !!! My scar is nice & straight. No puckering, ropiness, or "dog ears" at the ends. He cut me low, so I can wear a lower cut swimsuit bottom, & the scar doesn't show...Plus, the scar is very flat, & lately it has faded so much, that I can see it is on its way to disappearance...I wore Scar Away for about 2 months. Now I am just using Argan oil once a day.

I want you to know that I truly believe Dr. Schusterman is an exceptional plastic surgeon, both in terms of technical skill & compassion. I am a nurse, and I am extremely critical of doctors.....I can honestly say that Dr. Schusterman has met & exceeded my expectations with my tummy tuck. He has many years of experience, & I know he cares very deeply about his work & his patients....
(He is a little bit on the quiet side, so you might not pick up on this right away, But I have come to know him better since my surgery in January 2016, & I know that he is very dedicated.) If you are looking for a great plastic surgeon, then I highly recommend Dr. Schusterman. Your satisfaction will be his top priority, & he will make sure you are thrilled with your results.....I know I am.

Replies (4)

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September 9, 2016
Tummy looks great what does your husband think?
September 9, 2016
My husband thinks I spent $ 10,000 & He's off the hook for gifts the next 10 years !! Lol
September 9, 2016
Seriously, He says he needs to do another thorough inspection before he makes up his mind.....lol
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September 9, 2016
Lol sounds like a typical man oh well so be it it looks like it was worth it :)
September 9, 2016
He did say both of those things....just not on the same day....
At first he was aggravated that I spent 10 grand on this...He'd have rather spent it on, say, jeep parts or bikes.
During that time, He was pretty grouchy & did not say anything. 6 wks later, he left on assignment, & We haven't seen much of him, so he never really said anything else about it....Except for that other thing one time when he decided to be nice....lol
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October 3, 2016
Do you remember what supplements you took after surgery? Probiotic?
October 3, 2016
Dear 1zenie,
I just took my multivitamin 2 per day, and my tumeric. I also was on Rx stool softners 1 per day x 3 weeks...They don't want you to strain. That's it.
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October 3, 2016
Really looking so great!!!
October 3, 2016
Solfie !!
My dear friend. How are you ??
I was thinking about you Saturday.....I had my first beginner bike ride ! I did 25 miles; however, did not care for the leader much. She had a nasty attitude.
Found out nobody likes her, and most of the store clerks think she is, to quote one, "an idiot"!! Lol
They said she used to work there, & she is mean....Yep.
(And why is she the ride leader??)

Anyway, I didn't care much for the route, way too much starting & stopping. Couldn't build any real speed.....
Probably not taking that ride/route again. Will probably choose a different ride next one....What made me think of you was when you said your bf rode 40 miles....He must be pretty good. That can be a goal for me !
Was wishing I was riding with y'all on Saturday!! The weather was gorgeous !!
The male riders I hung with were all so nice / helpful. They wanted me to come back next week...Not sure if I want to deal with her again.....
Are y'all riding much lately??

How are you feeling & how's the job?? Bet you are glad that it is somewhat cooling off....for your job.

Thanks for the comment on my tt. The scar is somewhat fading...I am now using coconut oil. Found some for 5 bucks at HEB. Love it!
My ps is checking my button again in December.....It is ok but it flattens completely out when I lie flat. Oh well....

Hey, gotta get my daughter to school.....Don't be a stranger !!!
Miss you!

XOXO,
Your bb sis
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October 3, 2016
Hi my darling bb sis!!
You really do look so great!! Everything is puffy on me. My bb is two different colors inside and out, plus it's still weird and puffy!! Also the hip scars still are wrinkly.. still worried nothing will smooth out. And now the scar makes even more of a line...

I'm not riding so much but doing a little. I'm focusing more on dance and aerial silks. And I may perform for real in November! I'm really excited! Yikes got to finish later!! Miss you!!
October 4, 2016
Dear Solfie,
Do tell more about "dance and aerial", when you have some time. I am very intrigued... I am totally hooked on cycling!!! I absolutely love riding outdoors when the weather is great like it is now. October is the absolute BEST month (Because of the weather, and because all the great Libras were born this month....LOL. Actually I was born on the Libra/ Scorpio Cusp..... Just like Kim Kardashian......But, my ass isn't nearly as big as hers & I am a lot taller.....LOL !!!! ) My B-day is 10/22.

Thinking about getting some coaching so I can just skip the beginner rides entirely, and just get on with it. I don't have time to endure all the BS and psychodrama!! Ridiculous waste of time !!
I am there to get experience, ride and have fun. Period.

I am truly sorry about your bb situation.... Wish you were not having this issue.....You know, you could have a bb and scar revision later on when you have the time/money. (I know. Who does??) We didn't go through this so we could fork out more money and do this all over again.

In December, I am going to ask what could possibly be done to restore the depth of my bb, but I am surely prepared for the answer.... Not to mention the cost. However, on the whole, it still looks better than I thought it would, and it looks better than the bb I had before....

Whatever you decide to do, I want to say that you have a really cute, knockout shape !!! You are very thin and proportionate, plus you have those great boobs !!!
I wish I had your beautiful, sexy silhouette.......

Are you still with your bf??
Send me a PM and let me know how things are going ...... Details, details, LOL !!

Hey, How are your teeth doing?? I am on tray 11 of 40 Invisalign. They are OK. They make me talk with a slight lisp. But, other than that, and sometimes feeling pretty tight at first, when the trays are changed, it's all good. I love my orthodontist!! He's great... He asked me for a review, so I will probably give him one here. He is a really nice guy.....At my initial consult, he told me I was "really pretty." lol.-- He probably says that to all the ladies........ HA HA. I didn't have on a stitch of makeup. I had actually forgotten about the appointment until the last minute. Hair thrown back in a ponytail. I looked like total crap.... (Seriously) And they took a picture of me for my file. How embarrassing!!! Anyway, my TMJ has gotten so much better since I started the braces. My teeth were way out of line even though I wore braces in high school...

What is all of your surgery for? What are they doing to you?
I hope you are feeling some better from all of that stuff. It sounded painful.......And I felt sorry for you, Solf.

Write to me when you get a chance !!!
I know your time is tight !!!

Miss you too !!!
Love and Hugs !!!
Txmom
October 4, 2016
P.S. This will totally make you chuckle... As I was writing this, my daughter says, Hey mom, are you writing to "Salty" !!! Bwahahaha !!!!
October 15, 2016
Dear Solf,
Hi sis,
I reread your last post. Where might you be performing in November?
Sounds very exciting!!
I like most types of dance performances., but ballet is my favorite....I always wanted to take ballet, but my mom put me in baton. I liked that, too. With the costumes & marching in the band.

Hey, did you finish your Halloween costume? What are you going to be?
Are you artsy? You sound like it.
My friend & I went to an art fair today. (That is what made me think of you & your costume making...) I bought some jewelry pieces. There were some amazing artists there....it was fun... Plus I like things that are hand made....

My daughter won best art portfolio last year at school.
She is pretty good....but she also loves her sports...

Let me know if you finished your costume & if you are performing in Nov. Would love to hear about it.

XOXO
BB sis
Txmom
November 13, 2016
Dear Solf,
Wow. You've disappeared. Haven't heard from you in almost 6 weeks.
Do you pull cable on Sundays, too. Or maybe its that boyfriend of yours. lol
Get outta the sack and write to me. OK?
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November 22, 2016
Hi Wonderful most faithful friend! I appreciate you keeping the torch lit for me. I quit jobs again! Ugh. I was looking at your picture again. Gosh you look so good! Even your bb looks like it healed really well. I know you waited such a long time for it to heal but it did great! So far all my scars are extremely visible. THey are not as thick as Keloids, but they are large and white. I have tanned skin so they show. My bb flattened out but it will never be a cute skinny person bb. It's my little crinkle button. I'm minding it a little less, but very much minding my TT scar. It's so dark. I wish I knew about duoderm hydrocolloid dressing. I'm using it for road rash I got from crashing my bicycle. It helps to heal with less scarring by keeping a moist healing antibacterial environment. It stunk for the first week but now everything looks nice. Would of been great for my body when it was spitting stitches! Also still swelling! I hope it's swelling. Otherwise I have the same hanging belly, with the addition of a hideous scar that pokes out of bathing suits or cute leg showing leotards... AHHHH!

Oh the PS is known to shape your breasts to give you a nice hourglass shape. I feel like I lost some of my waist to boob... but I also gained 30 pounds now too. Got a tiny bit of abs from Aerial silks and pole fitness!

I did perform on stage!! I want to show you pictures somehow! We should communicate another way! *HUGS*
OH yah I got bone grafting and implants for my dental work! It takes a long long time between each process. THey had to graft me again and they did my bottom and top jaw separately. I go again after Thanksgiving as well. *huuug*
November 22, 2016
Dear Sweet Solfie,
So great to hear from you!
I am sorry you had to quit! Must not have been a good match for you. Pick something easier !!
Have you ever thought about being a fitness or dance instructor? I think it would suit you.
I would love to see your pics of your performance!! Awesome!!
I will PM you how to send them.
So sorry you crashed on your bike....But, at least you are still riding.....I am, too.
I have a coach now. He's great. The progress has been slow but steady. Not something you accomplish overnight, but I am committed to the process....
I do miss running....I am still battling losing that last 10 pounds, although I have more muscle now. I've been lifting. Supposd to be there now, but feeling ill this morning. Ugh!!
We were going out of town for Thanksgiving, but now we are staying, which means I am cooking. I don't mind, but it's hard knowing at the last minute!!
I also had a bone graft. The surgeon is waiting for my invisalign to be done before placing the implant.....
Very expensive-!!!
I gotta go. A million things to do.....
I am sending you my info via PM now so I won't forget!!!

Love & Hugs to you!!!
Txmom
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November 12, 2016
Wow. your scar is totally faded. Looks amazing!!
November 13, 2016
Dear Littledetails,
Thanks for the kind words on my scar!! Funny, I wanted the BA much worse than tt, or so I thought. I said I'd never have a tt because of the big ugly scar.....But so far, the scar has really been no big deal. I think eventually it will turn white & disappear !!!
(I have that fair complexion.....)

You are sweet !!!

Xoxo
Txmom