POSTED UNDER Drainless Tummy Tuck Reviews REVIEWS
35 and Loving the New Me...now It's Time for This Tummy to Go! Drainless TT and flank lipo - no binder or CG - Richardson, TX
ORIGINAL POST
I'm a 35 year old mother of two. Its time to get...
simplyuncomplicatedDecember 1, 2015
WORTH IT$9,500
I'm a 35 year old mother of two. Its time to get rid of the stretch marks, robotic hysterectomy scars and the extra flab. Preparing for a full drainless TT and flank lipo. Pre-op is scheduled for Thursday, December 3 and I'll have my surgery first thing December 16. I'm nervous about the pain and the scar but I'm ready for the next step. A tattoo and belly button ring will follow as soon as I'm permitted.
simplyuncomplicated's provider
UPDATED FROM simplyuncomplicated
12 days pre
Pre-Op...take 1
simplyuncomplicatedDecember 4, 2015
Ok....I went to my Pre-Op appointment today. I'm going to post a full list of things discussed tomorrow from my computer but I wanted to go ahead and post the thing that stuck out the most because I hadn't heard this mentioned on the reviews or threads I've read. My PS said I should I line my bed with trash bags or a protective lining under my sheets because the lipo incisions WILL ooze.
Also, most people wear a binder or compression garment after surgery and he doesn't recommend those at all.
More to come...
Also, most people wear a binder or compression garment after surgery and he doesn't recommend those at all.
More to come...
Replies (6)
December 21, 2015
Why doesn't he recommend the binders?
December 21, 2015
He said binders don't effect the end result of the tummy tuck. He did a drainless tummy tuck which he saids prevents fluid build up. I posted this question on RS and got split answers, some say there is no scientific proof that binders actually help the healing process but they do make patients feel more secure while wearing them.
December 24, 2015
I can understand feeling more secure. I feel much better wearing mine than not. I do also notice I start to swell more without it. The longer it's off the worse it gets. I am two weeks PO and didn't have drains either so I was curious as to your PS's thoughts and opinions about them. Thank you.
January 2, 2016
I am going to my PS Monday. I'm going to ask about a binder or compression garment. The end of the day swelling is painful so I'd at least like to be able to wear it after work. We'll see what he says.
December 31, 2015
Get the pet training pads from dollar store way better just make sure unscented can easily cut them they absorb a ton
December 6, 2016
Binders will help with feeling secure. I had 2 c sections and tried without binder. Binder helped alot! And I had tummy tuck in may. I PROMISE you will want a binder!!! It helps with back pain and the tightness and being able to walk more than 10 feet. I am not a wimp by any means - I didn't even need my pain pills but I definitely would not have done this without a binder!! As a matter of fact, I just had back lipo done on the 2nd and am currently wearing my binder again. Of course you need one after lipo. But its like an old friend at this point. You will have a LOVE/HATE relationship with your binder. Please get one!(unless your doctor has had a tummy tuck, he doesn't really know how it feels)
UPDATED FROM simplyuncomplicated
11 days pre
OK...here is everything from my Pre-Op LONG POST Warning!
simplyuncomplicatedDecember 4, 2015
1. Is there any correlation between how low this scar is and the flatness of the abdomen?
a. NO
2. Fat transfer to buttocks?
a. I do not have enough fat for this to make a difference in my buttocks
3. How long with the surgery last?
a. 3 hours (combined time for surgery and recovery is 5-6 hours)
4. Exparel
a. He does not use it but would order if I want him to. Fee is $500 but he uses a higher dosage of Marcaine which would be more than he could use of the Exparel.
5. How will my belly button look?
a. New, more youthful belly button. LOL. He did mention the small scar around it though
6. What kind of sleeping arrangements should I make for post-op?
a. He mentioned a recliner. He also said many people will us couch pillows behind them in the bed to prop them up instead of spending more money than necessary on the recliner. This is where he mentioned using a protective lining for the bed due to the oozing from lipo
7. Binder or compression garment
a. He does not recommend these. He advised against it because he feels the possible side effects outweigh the benefits and wearing one won’t change my results.
8. When can I shower after surgery?
a. Immediately…as soon as I am up to it. I won’t have drains so I can shower when I am ready.
9. When can I start a scar therapy regimen to lighten the scar?
a. PS office will provide silicone sheeting at 2 week mark. I will likely wait a solid year to tattoo over the scar if necessary.
10. Pre or post op supplements
a. Does not recommend Arnica or Bromelain. He advised me to pick up Colace 240mg for constipation
11. Can anything be done to minimize swelling?
a. PS said to be as active as possible. He said laying around in bed for long periods of time is the worst thing I can do.
12. How will my body respond to intimacy after surgery?
a. He doesn’t recommend intimacy for the first 2 weeks but it can be resumed once I am up to it after that. He said for the first 6 weeks, I should avoid any pressure on the abdomen.
13. Wine/alcohol consumption - should I refrain the week before? How soon after can I resume?
a. PS said I do not have to refrain from wine the week before surgery and should not consume any while I am on Percocet.
14. Waxing...I'm scheduled for December 12, is that safe before surgery? When should I resume waxing after surgery?
a. He said I can wax as long as it is at least a week before surgery
15. How are revisions handled?
a. He advised that revisions and complications are included in the original price.
16. I asked about diet after the surgery
a. He said I needed to add calcium and healthy proteins but other than that I can eat what I want.
Of course, as soon as I left, there were questions I wish I had asked. I wanted to talk more about the muscle repair…like how soon I would see the results and how soon I could resume ab workouts. I had also hoped that he would draw on me to show what he was going to do. I have existing scars from my robotic hysterectomy…I hope he takes enough skin so that they are low enough not to be seen; I know they won’t be gone completely.
All in all, it was a good appointment. He was patient as I asked all my questions. I was slightly disappointed however, I guess because I was waiting for fireworks or something. LOL IDK. I KNOW this is the emotional stuff starting already. He did seem like everything would be seamless…and I felt like he didn’t give a lot of restrictions but perhaps he doesn’t see them as necessary. In the end, I chose him and I have to trust him. So I’ll try not to drive myself and those around me crazy with worry.
My guy attended the appointment with me which was great. His office is like 5 minutes from the surgery center so I told him once he drops me off, he can go into work then return when I am ready. I really don’t see the point in having him wait there the 5-6 hours doing nothing. I really need him when I am awake. He’s off the following 5 days with me so that is more than enough in my opinion. My 11 and 8 year old will be home beginning day 5.
Oh…the RXs.
1. Nausea
o I will put a patch behind my ear the night of surgery Its supposed to last 3 days. It was $57
o Emend…he also prescribed this…its one tablet to be taken the morning of surgery with a sip of water. There is not a generic and is apparently hard to find so I will search for it…Walgreens didn’t have it last night. The nurse said I need to look for it right now to make sure I have it in time. Without insurance its $80 for the one pill BUT I know vomiting would be the worse thing that could happen after surgery so I don’t want to take a chance with it
2. Pain
o Percocet only 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours as needed
3. Constipation
o Colace 240mg to be started 3 days before surgery
4. Cleanse
o Hibiclens soap – wash area 2x daily, beginning 3 days before surgery
Ok…that’s all for now. Please forgive any typos…I did this as quick as I could.
12 Days to surgery…the wait continues.
a. NO
2. Fat transfer to buttocks?
a. I do not have enough fat for this to make a difference in my buttocks
3. How long with the surgery last?
a. 3 hours (combined time for surgery and recovery is 5-6 hours)
4. Exparel
a. He does not use it but would order if I want him to. Fee is $500 but he uses a higher dosage of Marcaine which would be more than he could use of the Exparel.
5. How will my belly button look?
a. New, more youthful belly button. LOL. He did mention the small scar around it though
6. What kind of sleeping arrangements should I make for post-op?
a. He mentioned a recliner. He also said many people will us couch pillows behind them in the bed to prop them up instead of spending more money than necessary on the recliner. This is where he mentioned using a protective lining for the bed due to the oozing from lipo
7. Binder or compression garment
a. He does not recommend these. He advised against it because he feels the possible side effects outweigh the benefits and wearing one won’t change my results.
8. When can I shower after surgery?
a. Immediately…as soon as I am up to it. I won’t have drains so I can shower when I am ready.
9. When can I start a scar therapy regimen to lighten the scar?
a. PS office will provide silicone sheeting at 2 week mark. I will likely wait a solid year to tattoo over the scar if necessary.
10. Pre or post op supplements
a. Does not recommend Arnica or Bromelain. He advised me to pick up Colace 240mg for constipation
11. Can anything be done to minimize swelling?
a. PS said to be as active as possible. He said laying around in bed for long periods of time is the worst thing I can do.
12. How will my body respond to intimacy after surgery?
a. He doesn’t recommend intimacy for the first 2 weeks but it can be resumed once I am up to it after that. He said for the first 6 weeks, I should avoid any pressure on the abdomen.
13. Wine/alcohol consumption - should I refrain the week before? How soon after can I resume?
a. PS said I do not have to refrain from wine the week before surgery and should not consume any while I am on Percocet.
14. Waxing...I'm scheduled for December 12, is that safe before surgery? When should I resume waxing after surgery?
a. He said I can wax as long as it is at least a week before surgery
15. How are revisions handled?
a. He advised that revisions and complications are included in the original price.
16. I asked about diet after the surgery
a. He said I needed to add calcium and healthy proteins but other than that I can eat what I want.
Of course, as soon as I left, there were questions I wish I had asked. I wanted to talk more about the muscle repair…like how soon I would see the results and how soon I could resume ab workouts. I had also hoped that he would draw on me to show what he was going to do. I have existing scars from my robotic hysterectomy…I hope he takes enough skin so that they are low enough not to be seen; I know they won’t be gone completely.
All in all, it was a good appointment. He was patient as I asked all my questions. I was slightly disappointed however, I guess because I was waiting for fireworks or something. LOL IDK. I KNOW this is the emotional stuff starting already. He did seem like everything would be seamless…and I felt like he didn’t give a lot of restrictions but perhaps he doesn’t see them as necessary. In the end, I chose him and I have to trust him. So I’ll try not to drive myself and those around me crazy with worry.
My guy attended the appointment with me which was great. His office is like 5 minutes from the surgery center so I told him once he drops me off, he can go into work then return when I am ready. I really don’t see the point in having him wait there the 5-6 hours doing nothing. I really need him when I am awake. He’s off the following 5 days with me so that is more than enough in my opinion. My 11 and 8 year old will be home beginning day 5.
Oh…the RXs.
1. Nausea
o I will put a patch behind my ear the night of surgery Its supposed to last 3 days. It was $57
o Emend…he also prescribed this…its one tablet to be taken the morning of surgery with a sip of water. There is not a generic and is apparently hard to find so I will search for it…Walgreens didn’t have it last night. The nurse said I need to look for it right now to make sure I have it in time. Without insurance its $80 for the one pill BUT I know vomiting would be the worse thing that could happen after surgery so I don’t want to take a chance with it
2. Pain
o Percocet only 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours as needed
3. Constipation
o Colace 240mg to be started 3 days before surgery
4. Cleanse
o Hibiclens soap – wash area 2x daily, beginning 3 days before surgery
Ok…that’s all for now. Please forgive any typos…I did this as quick as I could.
12 Days to surgery…the wait continues.
Replies (11)
December 31, 2015
Don't bother with exparel Percocet will do fine and cheaper get about 60 tabs when ok take one with a Tylenol plain when you are moving take 2
January 2, 2016
I totally agree. That's what I did and it worked! I didn't have to add in Tylenol but definitely didn't need percocet.
January 1, 2016
Such useful information! I am scheduled for a drain less TT in 3 weeks. I have not heard of the anti nausea medication before. Did you end up finding it?
January 15, 2016
Yes I found it and I did not have any nausea for the first 3 days...thereafter, I took phenergan (sp?) for nausea. I think the nausea was caused by the pecocet. I have a sensitive stomach.
January 15, 2016
Question- I am scheduled for a drain less TT next week. How did you do with your swelling and where does the fluid go?
January 15, 2016
I actually had one done a month ago.... I highly recommend going drainless!!! When I was in nursing school I watched a doc put in drains and I was like oh hell no I never want those lol
January 15, 2016
The suturing technique is what prevents the need for drains. I would say my swelling is about the same as others relatively closer to when their drains were removed. I can say that I bounced back pretty quickly. At 4 weeks, I'm standing completely straight and have resumed majority of my normal activities. Really, the only thing I am not doing is working out. I HIGHLY recommend drainless.
February 1, 2016
Question... did the your insurance cover any of these expenses?
Replies (17)