Liposuction/Liposculpture with Dr. Tutela

I had my second case with Dr. Tutela in March of 2019. I had the stubborn "mommy belly" that no amount of diet or exercise could remedy. I am very active, I eat well, exercise 4-5 days a week, run 4-5 miles 3 times per week, and lift weights. I still could not get my belly flat like before children. If I was bloated or had my menstrual cycle, I always looked pregnant. I couldn't get into my regular jeans, and all of my tops and dresses looked like I was still in maternity wear. I was so sad and frustrated. All of my hard work did not show. I wasn't sure if I needed a traditional tummy tuck and was reluctant to have such an invasive procedure. I wasn't looking forward to the big scar across my belly after avoiding c-sections with having children. I scheduled a consultation with a few doctors, and they all said different things. Three surgeons refused me entirely and said I didn't need anything.
A different surgeon wanted to do a tummy tuck, but I didn't have extra skin or diastasis, which is the whole impetus behind the procedure in the first place. I was confused but hoped maybe liposuction was an option. I went back to Dr. Tutela for a thorough assessment and the last opinion. I trusted him after my breast augmentation from February 2018. That case was a total success, and his surgical center is so beautiful and clean. He was reluctant at first just because I was so thin and there wasn't so much to take away. But he did validate my trouble areas and understood my concerns. When I showed him a before photo of my stomach (see pictures), he understood and said liposuction was the best option for me. I was thrilled!!!
The procedure itself was relatively quick (two hours). When I woke up and went home, that night, I was shocked to find I wasn't in pain AT ALL. I was a little sore if I moved around too much, but the discomfort was manageable. I was much more uncomfortable after my breast surgery. By day 3, my pain was practically gone, and I was up and around with ease. I only took extra-strength Tylenol for pain management. The first few days involve a lot of swelling and drainage. At the two week mark, my shape was so incredible I couldn't believe it. Better than my before photos. I have a waist for the first time in my life. I always had an athletic build and was pretty straight up and down. The new hourglass figure is amazing.
I have no evidence of scars or surgery visible on my abdomen. Dr. Tutela's surgical incisions are 1/2 cm marks in my belly button, on both hips, both flanks, and hidden below my bikini line. They're so small it doesn't look like anything. He closed with such precision that no one would ever see them. He also offers a scar cream from Skin Medica in his office, which is fantastic. I took care of these incisions well, and it paid off.
This is a VERY SLOW PROCESS. The swelling and lumps take a long time to resolve. In the morning you love it, and by the evening you hate it. The edema is dependent on your activity level during the day, at night, and menstrual cycles. My stomach started to look really good by the 4-month mark. I'm still sore and healing but loving every bit of my new shape. The worry of what to wear (because I don't know how my stomach will look) is gone. I feel like myself in bikinis again. At six months out, I'm thrilled with my results and look forward to what I see in the mirror. Another home run by Dr. Tutela. He's not only an amazing surgeon, doctor, and family man, but a lovely person and someone I call a friend. His office staff is top-notch and on the money. Lisa and Kate will help with all of your needs before, during, and after the procedure. His entire team is first class. Check out my before-and-afters. The proof is in the photos!!!