It's Time To Love Myself Again - Minneapolis, MN

So I just purchased a derma roller from Amazon. I've done enough research over the past month and the science behind it makes sense, so I've decided to give rolling a go. I have not so pretty stretch marks all over my boobs, stomach, and thighs, thanks to my bad genes and big babes. As you all know, I am completely obsessed with emu oil and I had read a great forum entry from a woman that only uses lemon juice a few days before rolling, and after rolling she uses emu oil. No fancy creams, serums, nada. She has had amazing results from only using these two things with her roller. So..I started rubbing my lemon essential oil on the areas I plan to roll, and will continue until the night before rolling. When I receive my derma roller on Tuesday, I am going to stab myself repeatedly with hundreds of tiny needles until I bleed. Sounds fantastic, doesn't it? LOL! It is only supposed to be done once every 4-6 weeks, and it will (once again) test my patience as final results take 6 months to a year to show. Derma rolling can be done to skin that may be exposed to sun, but is best to use sunblock over rolled areas and keep sun exposure at a minimum. This may prove to be difficult as summer is right around the corner. I figure if I roll on a Monday, I'll have at least 5-6 days before my skin will be exposed to sunlight (weekend beach trips) so I should be good. I'm really excited to try this. Still having wrinkled skin and stretch marks after a $8,000 tummy tuck sucks. I'm willing to try anything at this point.

Ok girls, now as you all know, I use a ton of different stuff on my skin, more so now than ever as I want to get this healing process over with sooner than later. First off, my expectations for my TT was not very realistic. I wasn't aware at how many stretch marks I had above my belly button until that skin was moved below my belly button. When I bend over or sit, the skin is very wrinkled and not so attractive. Maybe even enough to keep me out of a two-piece this summer, or at least until the swelling goes down some. It's not that I am not happy, I mean, that flab that hung over my jeans and kept me from wearing form fitted shirts? Having it gone has made a world of difference. My confidence level has soared since ridding myself of the jiggly-wigglies. But the wrinkling just ain't pretty. I guess I couldn't get rid of all the proof that I have birthed two big babies. ;) However, I am on a mission to fade the stretch marks and tighten my lower abdomen skin the best I can. I've seen a ton of info on emu oil and how it helps with inflammation and fantastic healing properties, including stretch marks. So a few days ago, I ran to our local co-op and picked up a bottle. All I can say is WOW! I have been using it on my face as well as my abdomen and every place on my body where there is a stretch mark. It's too early in the game to determine if it is helping the stretch marks, but when I put that miracle worker on my stomach, it takes away the aches immediately and seems to subside my swelling. Now, it only lasts for a couple hours and then I have to reapply, but I don't mind because it is making me feel so much better! My upper abdomen has been very sore, tender to the touch even. The emu oil takes care of that. The results I've had using emu oil on my face is beyond words. My skin looks so much brighter and healthier. Areas where I had acne (chin and forehead) has completely cleared and is smooth as a baby's butt. My large pores are almost non-existent. I am so impressed. Even if it doesn't get rid of stretch marks, I will never stop using this stuff. Research it girls!

As most of you know, I have been struggling with a pesky seroma. I had it drained (for the 3rd time) last Tuesday, and he only got 8cc's out of it. Well, it's back again. It is very small, next to my left rib. The PS told me I could continue to see him and have him drain it, but eventually it will resolve itself with or without draining. My question is, would you continue to have your PS drain it or would you just leave it alone? I live 45 minutes away from the doctor, and I just don't know if it's worth it at this point. It is smaller than last week, so that's good. Maybe just one more draining would take care of it? I don't know. It's just such a pain to drive all the way there for a 5 minute PS visit. What would you do?