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I had a full tummy tuck on Oct 27th 2016 and it is...
I had a full tummy tuck on Oct 27th 2016 and it is now two months later. I also had breast reduction but will review that separately.
I had read a lot and thought I was prepared for what was going to happen as have had major surgery before. UNDERSTAND THAT IF YOU HAVE MUSCLE TIGHTENING ... JUST ROLLING OUT OF BED WILL BE A MAJOR INTRODUCTION TO PAIN FOR 2 WEEKS!!!!! I was actually good walking and good lying down ... but boy, that transition to get up and down was very painful. I ended up putting a stool next to the bed to help me slip out of bed. If you do not have someone to give you support ... think through some options to get you in/out of bed.
Other than that, I was able to go back to work with few issues 13 days after surgery. I started walking for exercise about 21 days after surgery. Now, at 60 days there are issues (detailed below) but overall I am very happy with the results.
Swelling: It was certainly swollen for the first week/10 days and because the area of surgery has damaged lymph system, all swelling will drop into your legs and pubic area. I was purple and swollen for 10 days around genitals and legs. The 'purple' stayed in my legs for over a month and was later absorbed. Nothing hurt, but looked pretty bad. HOWEVER (perhaps I was lucky) ... by 2 weeks after the procedure, most of the major swelling was gone and I was in jeans that were 4 inches smaller around the waist than before the procedure. NOT TOO SHABBY! I went from a size 36 Jeans to a size 32 and it has been consistent.
Specifics ... the doctor that I used did not install drains and he stitched up then entire incision which goes about 60% around me. I have a new belly button (much nicer than previous). I have kept the incision taped with silicone tape that I bought online ... 3M has some 'blue colored' tape that is pretty reasonable on Amazon. At the two month point, the scar is certainly visible but fairly flat (there were about 1/4 inch high points previously). It is healing well but is probably 2 months away from 'Frankenstein Looking'. I do think the investment in some silicone tape is worthwhile. I found Amazon to be the best source.
COSMETIC OVERALL: I am glad that I did this. The biggest issue is that my new wardrobe has cost more than the procedure in new suits and clothes. I am happy looking in the mirror and at my age, I did this to not look at the 7 extra inches of loose skin and flab that I had accumulated. It was definitely worth it and I would do it again, without question.
LONG TERM (@ 2 months) ... I still have what I call "nerve pain" in public area. It is sometimes sharp and is intermittent ... I have read that this is 'normal' and will go away. I may also have a small hernia, but am waiting to have that checked out. I have worn hernia compression underwear ... which also helps with the tummy tuck. However, I will deal with that in upcoming months and when I see my surgeon again in 8 weeks. Bottom line, there is pain in the grain area but not debilitating and mostly a nuisance.
I had read a lot and thought I was prepared for what was going to happen as have had major surgery before. UNDERSTAND THAT IF YOU HAVE MUSCLE TIGHTENING ... JUST ROLLING OUT OF BED WILL BE A MAJOR INTRODUCTION TO PAIN FOR 2 WEEKS!!!!! I was actually good walking and good lying down ... but boy, that transition to get up and down was very painful. I ended up putting a stool next to the bed to help me slip out of bed. If you do not have someone to give you support ... think through some options to get you in/out of bed.
Other than that, I was able to go back to work with few issues 13 days after surgery. I started walking for exercise about 21 days after surgery. Now, at 60 days there are issues (detailed below) but overall I am very happy with the results.
Swelling: It was certainly swollen for the first week/10 days and because the area of surgery has damaged lymph system, all swelling will drop into your legs and pubic area. I was purple and swollen for 10 days around genitals and legs. The 'purple' stayed in my legs for over a month and was later absorbed. Nothing hurt, but looked pretty bad. HOWEVER (perhaps I was lucky) ... by 2 weeks after the procedure, most of the major swelling was gone and I was in jeans that were 4 inches smaller around the waist than before the procedure. NOT TOO SHABBY! I went from a size 36 Jeans to a size 32 and it has been consistent.
Specifics ... the doctor that I used did not install drains and he stitched up then entire incision which goes about 60% around me. I have a new belly button (much nicer than previous). I have kept the incision taped with silicone tape that I bought online ... 3M has some 'blue colored' tape that is pretty reasonable on Amazon. At the two month point, the scar is certainly visible but fairly flat (there were about 1/4 inch high points previously). It is healing well but is probably 2 months away from 'Frankenstein Looking'. I do think the investment in some silicone tape is worthwhile. I found Amazon to be the best source.
COSMETIC OVERALL: I am glad that I did this. The biggest issue is that my new wardrobe has cost more than the procedure in new suits and clothes. I am happy looking in the mirror and at my age, I did this to not look at the 7 extra inches of loose skin and flab that I had accumulated. It was definitely worth it and I would do it again, without question.
LONG TERM (@ 2 months) ... I still have what I call "nerve pain" in public area. It is sometimes sharp and is intermittent ... I have read that this is 'normal' and will go away. I may also have a small hernia, but am waiting to have that checked out. I have worn hernia compression underwear ... which also helps with the tummy tuck. However, I will deal with that in upcoming months and when I see my surgeon again in 8 weeks. Bottom line, there is pain in the grain area but not debilitating and mostly a nuisance.
Provider Review
Dr Westin did the procedure and he did other things for me years ago. He is THE BEST and he changed my life for the better. I highly recommend him and he does a great job.