56YrOld Who Inherited Her Grandmother's ProtrudingStomach, Had 2Cesareans & a Hysterectomy in Need of a TummyTuck. Pensacola, FL

Still have flat tummy and it's never been flat. I was terrified. For one thing I had to hurdle no more nicotine. After surgery give yourself time for the swelling to go down.I thought the drainage tubes would be a nightmare so I had someone initially do it but after the second or third day I started doing it myself because it was not a big deal.

The importance of a nicotine free body is essential for the healing process after a tummy tuck at any age. I was concerned about the length of the healing process at the age of 56 and assumed it would take me a little longer. I also thought the pain level would be unbearable. I suggest to anyone prior to surgery to look up the care of drainage tubes after surgery on UTube which I was terrified of until I saw a girl demonstrate the post op procedure.
When I woke up from my abdominoplasty I was in a compression garment with a drainage tube on the left and right side of the incision. My post op pain level was surprisingly low which I think was contributed to the skill of the surgeon.
It is very important to go into this type of surgery knowing that afterwards that the less you do the less swelling you will have and the speedier you recovery will be. Don't forget ice, ice and then more ice. It will become your best friend. You may want to prepare something to occupy the time such as reading a good book and getting some really good movies to watch for the first two weeks of healing. You will need help especially if you have small children. It's imperative to stay off your feet for the healing and swelling process. I've had a remarkable speedy recovery because I kept standing and walking at a minimum for those first two weeks . Prior to surgery make sure you have at home plenty of ice, ice packs or refreezable gel packs. After two weeks both my drainage tubes were out, not in the same day and my stitches were out. The third post op week I started doing a little more but not over doing it and still using ice. So far, my recovery has been quick and the swelling to a minimum. Expect a significant amount of swelling to go down in about 8 weeks and the residual to take up to a year. I'm 3 weeks post op and have 5 more weeks . The third week I've noticed a remarkable difference each day. Just have patience with your body.
Before and after pictures will be following about mid May. Like they say, a picture speaks a thousand words.

As young as I can remember, I've always had a protruding stomach that I tried to cover up with shirts. I even been asked when is my baby due! That can make for a very self conscious, insecure woman. The opportunity became available at the age of 56 to have a tummy tuck. I did extensive research and found the perfect plastic surgeon. Dr Nathan Patterson who amazes me with his brilliance and skill performed the perfect abdominoplasty on me and made all my dreams come true. I am now a 56 year old woman with a perfectly flat stomach.