My body changed drastically after menopause. I am a runner/walker/weight lifter, and yet watched helplessly as my middle section thickened more and more. At 5'5" and 150 pounds, I am in the normal weight range and in great health (I get a full physical every year). In looking at photos of my mother and grandmothers at about my age, I could see where my body was headed, and I didn't want to look that way! Plus, clothing never fit right; a size large or 10-12 blouse or dress fit great everywhere but wouldn't button or zip in the middle.
I started saving for this procedure about 3 years ago, tucking away whatever extra cash I could. The balance of the cost I charged on a CareCredit card. 12 months no interest…BAM. I researched my area for the best plastic surgeon and found Mark Schusterman, who is awesome. Originally, I was only to have my flanks and abdomen done, but at the pre-op I decided to do my upper back (bra area) as well. At that appointment I had to turn in a copy of my EKG from my physical earlier this year and also had to go to a lab to have bloodwork drawn. Also I had to pay.
I had the surgery 4 days ago. Before surgery, I prepared my bed and the passenger seat of our car with protective pads (bought at drugstore for incontinence, these are must-haves) and towels. Also, grab some maxipads while you are at drugstore.
Since I was having my torso, abdomen, and flanks done, I had general anesthesia, and I am so glad I did. The surgery was in a discreet, lovely surgical center, with a staff who handle cases like mine all day long. Dr. S drew on me and next thing I knew I was waking up, very uncomfortable and in a black body suit. My hubby drove me home and worked at home that day so he could keep an eye on me. The suit has a fully open crotch; I mean for all purposes, so going to the bathroom was no problem. However, even the blogs on this website didn't prepare me for the amount of drainage. It was mainly out of the tiny incision below my navel. But wow, the towel in my car, and the pad on my bed, including the topsheet, were all soaked. I took a peek and watched the fluid literally draining out of the incision. I had bought maxi pads, so I started sticking them on top of the incision and that did the trick. Wish I had done that at the get~go. The draining eventually slowed and by day 2 was completely gone.
I did get up and about the first day but not too much, mostly slept. I really don't find the compression garment as uncomfortable as some do. Mine is by Marena and is XL, and I think is too big. I went online and ordered a L in nude, which doesn't have legs. Because the suit was really filthy, I took it off and showered, washed it an put it back on, and it was all surprisingly easy and made me feel so much better.
Day 2 I ate soft foods and watched tv and slept. No drainage. Yes, there was pain, mostly with getting up and down. It feels like stinging under the skin and it does get my attention. Still took the pain pills which helped. Also there is an amazing amount of swelling and bruising; it looks as if I have been in a car wreck. But I can already see an astounding difference. I know the swelling bruising, and pain will pass, and I will have a waistline! So to me it is worth it.
Day 3 I had my post op. My hubby drove me. Dr. S was very pleased with my results. He gave me a foam pad to wear over my tummy under the suit so that I wouldn't have "wrinkles" on my front. Not sure about that but am doing it anyway. Getting in and out of the car was a bit painful but later that day I drove myself to Target and got some stuff. I also walked around the block. And cooked supper. But otherwise I laid low. I am off the pain meds and just on Naproxin for swelling and regular Tylenol to manage the pain. Sleeping last night was a little harder, as I can only sleep on my back or stomach, not on my side.
Day 4 still sore all the way from boobs to crotch in front and back. It is sore to the touch. But when I sit still it doesn't hurt at all. I plan to go on a longer walk today and tonight we have a dinner to go to so figuring out what to wear will be interesting. I still feel so happy I had this done; can already see that my clothes will fit so much better once the swelling is gone. But even with swelling I am smaller.
I started saving for this procedure about 3 years ago, tucking away whatever extra cash I could. The balance of the cost I charged on a CareCredit card. 12 months no interest…BAM. I researched my area for the best plastic surgeon and found Mark Schusterman, who is awesome. Originally, I was only to have my flanks and abdomen done, but at the pre-op I decided to do my upper back (bra area) as well. At that appointment I had to turn in a copy of my EKG from my physical earlier this year and also had to go to a lab to have bloodwork drawn. Also I had to pay.
I had the surgery 4 days ago. Before surgery, I prepared my bed and the passenger seat of our car with protective pads (bought at drugstore for incontinence, these are must-haves) and towels. Also, grab some maxipads while you are at drugstore.
Since I was having my torso, abdomen, and flanks done, I had general anesthesia, and I am so glad I did. The surgery was in a discreet, lovely surgical center, with a staff who handle cases like mine all day long. Dr. S drew on me and next thing I knew I was waking up, very uncomfortable and in a black body suit. My hubby drove me home and worked at home that day so he could keep an eye on me. The suit has a fully open crotch; I mean for all purposes, so going to the bathroom was no problem. However, even the blogs on this website didn't prepare me for the amount of drainage. It was mainly out of the tiny incision below my navel. But wow, the towel in my car, and the pad on my bed, including the topsheet, were all soaked. I took a peek and watched the fluid literally draining out of the incision. I had bought maxi pads, so I started sticking them on top of the incision and that did the trick. Wish I had done that at the get~go. The draining eventually slowed and by day 2 was completely gone.
I did get up and about the first day but not too much, mostly slept. I really don't find the compression garment as uncomfortable as some do. Mine is by Marena and is XL, and I think is too big. I went online and ordered a L in nude, which doesn't have legs. Because the suit was really filthy, I took it off and showered, washed it an put it back on, and it was all surprisingly easy and made me feel so much better.
Day 2 I ate soft foods and watched tv and slept. No drainage. Yes, there was pain, mostly with getting up and down. It feels like stinging under the skin and it does get my attention. Still took the pain pills which helped. Also there is an amazing amount of swelling and bruising; it looks as if I have been in a car wreck. But I can already see an astounding difference. I know the swelling bruising, and pain will pass, and I will have a waistline! So to me it is worth it.
Day 3 I had my post op. My hubby drove me. Dr. S was very pleased with my results. He gave me a foam pad to wear over my tummy under the suit so that I wouldn't have "wrinkles" on my front. Not sure about that but am doing it anyway. Getting in and out of the car was a bit painful but later that day I drove myself to Target and got some stuff. I also walked around the block. And cooked supper. But otherwise I laid low. I am off the pain meds and just on Naproxin for swelling and regular Tylenol to manage the pain. Sleeping last night was a little harder, as I can only sleep on my back or stomach, not on my side.
Day 4 still sore all the way from boobs to crotch in front and back. It is sore to the touch. But when I sit still it doesn't hurt at all. I plan to go on a longer walk today and tonight we have a dinner to go to so figuring out what to wear will be interesting. I still feel so happy I had this done; can already see that my clothes will fit so much better once the swelling is gone. But even with swelling I am smaller.
