Much Needed Extended Tummy Tuck with Lipo

I've struggled with my weight for many years. Even though I was a gym rat and enjoyed high-intensity work outs (TaeBo, P90X, Insanity), I never achieved the results I saw my friends achieve and worse, watched my weight climb year after year. I've considered liposuction as an option over the years, but always pushed the idea away and moved on to the next new high-intensity work out (a tummy tuck was never ever on the list, although the first plastic surgeon I saw about liposuction many, many years ago, immediately went to "tummy tuck" at the consultation). I'm now in my 50's and tired of unsuccessfully trying to hide my bulges under spanx and other body shapers, so I made the decision to finally take the step and do something about it - realizing (or accepting) that now "tummy tuck" was the likely option.
After researching the top surgeons in Toronto, I selected Dr. Jugenburg from the group because of the drain-free procedure he performs. At the initial consultation, he took the time to outline what would need to be done and also indicated that he had some concerns about healing in one area due to the consistency of the fat. I was also advised that the drain-free procedure was not an option since I would require an extended tummy tuck (longer scar extending out over my hip bones) due to my (hated) love handles. At the time of the consultation in October, I have just started yet another new diet and surprisingly, was able to lose 25 pounds by the time I had the surgery in January. This was the first surgery I've ever had, and I was unsure of what to expect from the anesthesia and pain. Everything went smoothly and I had no real pain from the incision, and best of all, I woke up from the surgery to find that I was drain-free! The biggest challenge post-op was the discomfort - ok - pain from the swelling. I found that massaging the swollen areas (but never the incision) gently helped to alleviate some of the discomfort and I was completely off the pain meds within four days. The second biggest challenge was the constriction garment. This had to be worn around the clock (with breaks every four hours) for six weeks. I felt that this actually contributed to the significant swelling in lower body below the incision, but it is essential in order to obtain optimal results (and yes, it was worth it). The scar, which I saw for the first time at my week one post-op appointment was surprisingly thin - smooth and clean - the edges looked as though they had always belonged together. Six months post op, it is slightly thicker than that first week, but can still be considered to be a fine line. There is some slight puckering at the edges over the hip bones but nothing so significant that it causes any concern and since healing will continue for at least a year, the final "look" is still to be revealed. For this, I am extremely happy, since being of mixed ethnicity, I was concerned that the scar would be much thicker and wider than it is (at least so far). The result of the surgery has been nothing short of incredible. My "after" is much, much more improved than I could have begun to hope for. I am completely unrecognizable as the same person in the "before" photo (although I won't be sharing those here - sorry). I am truly happy with my results and I don't think I could have had a better experience.