Reviews you can trust, from real people like you.
How it works
- Our highly-trained Review Moderation team evaluates all reviews before they're published to ensure they're written by people like you and not a member of a doctor's office.
- This multi-step process takes up to 24 hours from review submission to publication.
- Doctors can't pay to have reviews removed or hidden.
- Reviews are only removed at the reviewer's request or if they violate our Terms of Service.
If you have questions or believe we should re-evaluate a published review, let us know.
Sort by:
*Treatment results may vary
11 days post op update & photo
In addition to an implant exchange/revision (reviewed separately) I had a full TT with muscle & hernia repair & lipo of flank. I’m generally good with recovery after surgery (ie, 2 previous c-sections). Since 4-5 days post-op I went down to half a Percocet or Tylenol as needed. One Valium at night. Since 10 days post op I’m only taking Tylenol. Pain has been totally manageable & I’ve been as comfortable as can be expected post surgery. The main side effects I’ve had following surgery are being much weaker & lower energy than normal, very itchy body (not just incision sites), bad lower back pain, and a severe bout of constipation.
I had a strong core/six pack before surgery that would only show if I sucked in my tummy tight (although there was definitely extra fat on top & muffin top as well that were removed). I consulted with two PS, both of whom confirmed I had significant diastsis recti & an umbilical hernia. Post-op my PS said my abs were 7cm separated all the way from top to bottom, which is apparently rather severe (she even took photos for me!) She said I’m going to love my results & it’ll improve my posture & back pain. I already love the way my stomach feels - tight, pulled together & strong! She also repaired my umbilical hernia. My DH has been an excellent aftercare nurse & my 2 young children think I got a big shot in my tummy & have already lost interest in my plight :) My one drain was taken out 7 post surgery. Incidentally, insurance pays for the hernia repair but not any part of the TT itself even if you are diagnosed with diastsis recti.
Warning - the following is graphic & gross but hopefully helpful to someone: The biggest, most surprising & most painful part of recovery so far was the constipation I had on day 3. I’ve never been constipated in my life but also have an extremely high pain tolerance. However, this constipation and BM was unbearable - worse pain then labor, c-section & the TT! I was on the bathroom floor writhing & bawling for hours. My DH finally had to give me an enema. The subsequent BM tore me apart. Fortunately my BM since have been normal although I was traumatized for several days every time I went to the bathroom. I feel that no one properly warned me about the severity of the constipation. It was literally the worst part of the recovery for me & I would suggest to anyone taking narcotics to diligently begin taking stool softeners a couple of days before surgery & after until you have a BM. Also eat foods that loosen your stool like prunes, berries, etc. & drink loads & loads of liquids.
I had a strong core/six pack before surgery that would only show if I sucked in my tummy tight (although there was definitely extra fat on top & muffin top as well that were removed). I consulted with two PS, both of whom confirmed I had significant diastsis recti & an umbilical hernia. Post-op my PS said my abs were 7cm separated all the way from top to bottom, which is apparently rather severe (she even took photos for me!) She said I’m going to love my results & it’ll improve my posture & back pain. I already love the way my stomach feels - tight, pulled together & strong! She also repaired my umbilical hernia. My DH has been an excellent aftercare nurse & my 2 young children think I got a big shot in my tummy & have already lost interest in my plight :) My one drain was taken out 7 post surgery. Incidentally, insurance pays for the hernia repair but not any part of the TT itself even if you are diagnosed with diastsis recti.
Warning - the following is graphic & gross but hopefully helpful to someone: The biggest, most surprising & most painful part of recovery so far was the constipation I had on day 3. I’ve never been constipated in my life but also have an extremely high pain tolerance. However, this constipation and BM was unbearable - worse pain then labor, c-section & the TT! I was on the bathroom floor writhing & bawling for hours. My DH finally had to give me an enema. The subsequent BM tore me apart. Fortunately my BM since have been normal although I was traumatized for several days every time I went to the bathroom. I feel that no one properly warned me about the severity of the constipation. It was literally the worst part of the recovery for me & I would suggest to anyone taking narcotics to diligently begin taking stool softeners a couple of days before surgery & after until you have a BM. Also eat foods that loosen your stool like prunes, berries, etc. & drink loads & loads of liquids.
Pre-tummy tuck progression photos over 2 years
I had my last child in October 2014. These photos show the progression of my belly from 3 months postpartum to a month before tummy tuck surgery. As you can see, even at my skinniest (right after I finished nursing) I still had a protruding belly that started from under my breast down to my pubis. Unfortunately, my skinny "nursing body" is not sustainable in a healthy way when i am not nursing. The last photos show the realistic version of my body, where I am exercising like I normally do and eating healthy with portion/calorie control (not a dieting per se but definitely conscious of what I am eating).
I have a separate review regarding my breast...
I have a separate review regarding my breast implant revision/exchange so I will not be talking about it here. You can search under my profile name for that review.
Background: I have a 5yo & 3yo both delivered via c-section. Gained average amount of weight with both pregnancies and was able to get back to pre-preg weight without much trouble. I am very active (exercise 5-6 days a week from 30min-1hour) & eat very well although I do not do any extreme diets, etc. Unfortunately, I was never able to get rid of my post baby belly. It wasn’t a saggy pouch or loose skin. It was taut skin over a firm belly that started directly below by breast down to my pubis. Essentially, I looked 3-4 months pregnant no matter how fit or thin I was. When I sucked in, it would go flat & I could feel my firm stomach muscles. 3 years post baby after trying various exercise regimes I brought up my concern with my gynecologist. She performed the finger test & confirmed I had diastsis recti (separated stomach muscles) & that it could only be corrected via surgery. I consulted with 2 plastic surgeons & both confirmed I had a severe case of diastsis as well as an umbilical hernia. I will post photos & more info in my next update.
Background: I have a 5yo & 3yo both delivered via c-section. Gained average amount of weight with both pregnancies and was able to get back to pre-preg weight without much trouble. I am very active (exercise 5-6 days a week from 30min-1hour) & eat very well although I do not do any extreme diets, etc. Unfortunately, I was never able to get rid of my post baby belly. It wasn’t a saggy pouch or loose skin. It was taut skin over a firm belly that started directly below by breast down to my pubis. Essentially, I looked 3-4 months pregnant no matter how fit or thin I was. When I sucked in, it would go flat & I could feel my firm stomach muscles. 3 years post baby after trying various exercise regimes I brought up my concern with my gynecologist. She performed the finger test & confirmed I had diastsis recti (separated stomach muscles) & that it could only be corrected via surgery. I consulted with 2 plastic surgeons & both confirmed I had a severe case of diastsis as well as an umbilical hernia. I will post photos & more info in my next update.