Mini Abdominoplasty (skin only, no muscle repair) + Inner Thigh Lipo - McMurray, PA

I apologize for horrible picture quality! I moved into a new place with horrible lighting and a dark tiny bathroom!

Hi everyone! I know I haven't updated my review in forever, so I thought I would drop in and say hello to everyone. I can update my pics if anyone wants me to, but I just have a few things to say. I just got back from Boca last week. I got a new Vix leopard print bikini and my bf called me a bikini model. I could have cried! I feel like a million bucks-- which is a total bargain because it cost less than $5000! ;)

It is almost 6 months since my surgery and I cannot even remember what it was like having that darn pooch! And honestly, the little lipo I got on my inner thighs has been equally life changing. I am SOOO happy with that!

I have been working out and eating great- better than ever, even. And I am THRILLED with the combined results of my nutrition and fitness AND the surgery. My summary is this: I COULD have had more skin and the underlying fat removed if I had chosen to have a full TT. However!! Unexpected result of the mini TT that trumps that trade off: I am in love with my belly button! I have never like it in particular, especially since it has spent my whole life squished by the pooch. Now, I love it. It makes me happy to look at my tummy. I honestly even love my scar. And my leftover stretch marks. I am just thrilled with my result and I am SO glad that I kept my belly button, because I love it now.

That's it. I just wanted to let you know that all is well and that I am very glad I chose mini over full because, even though I got "mini results", I got to keep my belly button. And I just love it now on my nice mostly flat tummy.

Week 11. I feel fine, working out is no problem, my scar is healing nicely, and I am now using Maderma. I switched from Scar Guard to Maderma because Scar Guard was not invisible (it looked like dried school glue) and it didn't contain sunscreen. I got the Maderma with and without sunscreen, to use as appropriate. It is interesting because I feel a tingling sensation when I apply Maderma that I never felt with Scar Guard. I wonder if it is doing something different or better?

I finally had my 6 week post op with my PS... in week 11 (oops). My PS was impressed with herself for how low she had made the scar. She explained that I traded some flatness for that lowness, since there is more (fatty) skin ABOVE the incision and less (flat, pubic) skin below the incision. I am A-OK with that. I am SO happy with my low incision and natural belly button. I wouldn't trade that for any extra flatness!

Also, I wasn't sure if I was still swollen, or if I was looking at my final results. So for all of my fellow impatient mini TT ladies, hear this! We are still seeing swelling for up to 6 months! That means I am not even halfway there yet. That is pretty cool to think that it will get even better!

My PS wasn't surprised that it took me 8 weeks to comfortably work out. I thought I was WAY behind the curve with that, but apparently not. So for all of us exercisers, don't beat yourself up, and don't try to rush back into the gym at the expense of your recovery.

Oh! One more thing. I pointed out to my PS how much more pronounced my stretch marks are now. They are from pregnancies, and they are between my belly button and incision. I was pleasantly surprised when she assured me that they, too, would fade in time! I didn't realize they would change at all, but I guess they will! Maybe I will try out Maderma's stretch mark treatment cream... Has anyone ever tried that??

I asked to have my official before and after photos to be emailed to me. When I get them, I will post. Here is what I am working with now.

P.S. Thanks for reading, friends. I hope you are all well! XO!