Age 41, 3 children, circumferential tummy tuck, breast lift & implant exchange

I have spend countless hours researching doctors and procedures on this site and now it’s my turn to contribute to help others feel more informed. I’m 41 years old and have 3 children. I had implants placed when I was 20 so time to switch those out anyway. I began researching and had 2 consults and chose a doctor I felt very comfortable with. He was more expensive but I felt comfortable. Unfortunately 36 hours before my surgery I got a phone call from their office cancelling my surgery due alto an equipment issue. It was very stressful as I had already taken time off work and been prepared so it was very difficult to switch gears and not even have a new date in mind. Fortunately as I was still in with that office I received a call
From Dr. Vath’s office with a last minute opening for my consult (which was originally scheduled in August 2023. I met with Dr. Bath and his staff and felt comfortable. He has a great bedside manner and is very knowledgeable. I disclosed the situation I was dealing with with the other doctor and he was very understanding. Long story short, I was able to get my money back from my original surgeon and schedule quickly with Vath as they had an opening in their surgery schedule. Dr Vath did my exam and suggested not only the abdominoplaty but also told me about a body lift, ruining that I may prefer the results from that even more than just the tummy tuck. I decided to move forward with the circumferential body lift, Brest lift and implant exchange. My surgery was yesterday (1/13) and I’m home recovering and have been able to get up and walk around inside my house and even took a shower, which felt great! My incisions, particularly the ones on my back are sore, making it hard to her comfortable to sleep but I’m doing better than I expected by now. I was pleasantly surprised when I took off my compression garments. My incision doesn’t
Look scary or oozing. I had trouble peeing last night after surgey but a L&D nurse friend of mine gave me a ti p to put peppermint oil in the toilet water and sit for a few minutes and it worked! I will continue to post pics and updates until I have recovered.

I have been off narcotics for two days now. My incisions are a bit tender and starting to feel less numbness. I feel sleepy and have just been listening to my body and doing lots of resting and hydrating. I’m getting around without any help and showering daily which gives me a chance to monitor my incision sites. No oozing, still have some swelling. My struggle today has been tracking my med times. My husband was diligent in setting alarms and teaching when I was on narcotics the first few days but since I’ve switched over to just Tylenol and Celebrex I’ve been a little lax and been late on a few doses which has led to some discomfort. I am pleasantly surprised by my mobility and overall recovery. I expected it to be much worse.

The nurse removed my belly button bandage at my 1 week post op appointment. It’s still healing of course. I don’t know if it will change shape as it heals or not. If it doesn’t I’m fine with it. I hoped for the vertical oval shape but not sure if that may still happen with the swelling going down or not. Still having lots of swelling and wearing my binder at all times except during showering. Didn’t take any Valium or NSAIDS today and feeling ok without them.