6 Days Post Tummy Tuck with Lipo to Flanks - Newport Beach, CA

You will be fine in just a couple of days. And once you get the first look at your new belly. It will all be worth it.

Oh yes the Swell Hell has set in...hang tight because this will pass!   I will watch for the pictures.

Does swell hell make you muscles feel like they want to pull apart- I feel like an alien or bad science experiment:(. I know it will get better, so that's what i' waiting for- the dr said practicing my breathing exercises will help make those upper an muscles feel better- any ideas?

It sure can.  It is a tight and pulling feeling which is horrible.  It will pass so don't let it get the better of you.   All very annoying but unfortunately part of this healing process.

Hang tough:)

OH My God...I sneezed twice this morning!!! Talk about burn. It just feels so weird. My husband made me laugh and that hurts I just wind up crying. I have my 1st post op visit tomorrow so I cannot wait. Im really really hoping and praying that my drains come out :)

OUCH..I know that hurts!   

Oh, I know, don't watch any funny movies like I did!

Ouch! I was fortunate enough to not have that happen until two weeks in. I had just started with the staph infection (didnt know it yet) and I was driving home when it happened...Omg talk about pain! I
sneezed twice! I had to pull over and cry for awhile...it too passed and I have managed to not cough or sneeze for the last two weeks. I was finally able to laugh today...without too much pain...I am glad that I am able to finally laugh some...it was hard not to when I have comedians for kids and a boyfriend...lol.

It will get better...:). Before you know it you will sneeze and not hurt without even realizing it...:).

Do your upper abs feel so tight that you need to press or rub them to make them feel less strange? Maybe it's the healing process or I'm not used to having tighter abs or maybe the dr made them too tight?

I am just a little over 6 months post op and I STILL feel like my stomach muscles are tight. Not as bad as the first couple of months after surgery - those couple of months I would describe it like my torso felt like it was in cement! It doesn't feel like that anymore, but still feels tight. Let's just say I am always aware of my stomach muscles. My surgeon told me that it might take the full year from surgery to "settle down".

I'm 6 weeks post op tt with lipo. It was driving me nuts , the tightness but it is easing up believe me. and the numbness is very gradual but getting better. I cried and said what did I do? but you'll be fine.

I am 4 weeks post op and still struggle with the tightness. I wish I could lay on my stomach in bed or even in the bath tub but I can't. When I first stand it is hard to straighten up especially if I am swollen or have been sitting for a little while. I can't stretch yet but I know it will get there. The hardest part for me is not being able to do situps, stretch, or lay on my tummy. I know this is normal and it gets a little bit better everyday. Give it time. It was the same when I had my breast aug a few years ago. They were placed under my muscle and my chest muscles were not used to being stretched out like that but with each passsing day I was able to do a little more. Don't push yourself too hard. I know it is tempting and frustrating when you can';t move like normal but in the long run this will be worth it!...:)

It shouldn't those sutures are tight! Your doctor should be able to reassure you and maybe give you something to relieve the cough. How long did you have the drains in post surgery? And, how active have you been in the last week? The muscles and skin need to glue themselves back together to avoid seromas. Take it easy if/ when you can. I read that this is as extreme a surgery as open heart-

I am 5 weeks po as well and i have a seroma as well. However mine had to be opened and drained. I'm currently on antibiotics. You won't dislogde anything by coughing it's actually good for your lungs to cough. I know it hurts like a son of a sea biscot but it will get better I'm still using a pillow across my belly if i have to cough deeply. Try coughing lightly to see if that will help out some. It worked a little for me.

My drains were out less than 24 hours, too soon I think. I had a little flank lipo. The drainage was a lot and I had an hour ride home. Was in over night. They said the seroma could have started if I turned wrong. I was inactive for the first week. At 2 1/2 weeks I had 300 ml drained off and had to go to Toronto twice a week for drainage for four weeks. We are down to 6 ml. I just had an abdominal ultra sound done to see if any pockets of fluid. I knew the skin has to join with the muscle but it seems every time I move I feel pulling. Is this keeping the area from attaching?
I have been told in 6 months I won't know the seroma happened.
A back scratcher is great for picking things up off the floor.... and food tongs!!!

Yes I know it was major surgery. Thanks for the support!