Tummy Tuck - Age 53

It has been approximately four years since my tummy tuck and, after living with the results for several years, I cannot recommend this procedure. While it may deliver a flatter appearance for some, the trade-offs in my case have been significant and ongoing.
1. Functional and Musculoskeletal Complications
The aggressive tightening of the abdominal skin, combined with a revision surgery to remove a lump of excess skin on my left side (performed too soon according to my physical therapist), created lasting issues. These include:

My left hip turning inward (internal rotation)
Chronic pelvic and hip tightness
Compensatory lower back pain and tightness
Tingling and numbness radiating into my left leg

These problems began during recovery (including a major back spasm) and have persisted for years. They stem from compensatory movement patterns and fascial tension caused by the surgery.
2. Ongoing Financial and Time Burden
I previously saw an excellent physical therapist weekly in Florida for hands-on manual therapy, dry needling, and movement retraining, which provided meaningful relief. Since moving, maintaining mobility and reducing the numbness requires consistent professional care. This has become a permanent financial and time commitment that is 100% on me and that I did not anticipate when deciding on the surgery.
3. Scar Placement
The scar sits much higher than expected and advertised. A proper tummy tuck scar should be low enough to be hidden under most bikini bottoms or underwear. Mine is not. I am forced to wear high-waisted bottoms to cover it, which defeats much of the cosmetic purpose. One-piece swimsuits are also problematic, as the high cut on the hips draws attention to the scar rather than concealing it. This has been a constant source of frustration with clothing and swimwear.
Final Thoughts
For me, the tummy tuck has NOT been worth it. The cosmetic benefit is undermined by a visible high scar, and the functional complications that have affected my daily comfort, mobility, and quality of life for years — with no clear end in sight. I now suspect I will manage these issues for the rest of my life.
If you are considering a tummy tuck, please do extensive research on your surgeon’s technique for scar placement and understand the potential for long-term nerve, pelvic, and hip issues. Ask very specific questions about how tight the closure will be and their approach to revisions. In my experience, the risks can far outweigh the rewards.
I share this review in hopes that others can make a more informed decision.

Well here’s my latest review. Right side is great. Left side is not. At the end of the scar line on the left side seamed pinched looking since procedure. End result scar line us healed and I have a pinch of skin the us lumped up and end the of scar line. Additionally while difficult to capture in a picture in the middle on the left side it is not flat like the right side. It lumps out a bit above the scar line. I made an appt with Dr Gervais to review. He said “if it bothers me” he can perform a procedure to correct. ?? Of course it bothers me! He let me know that lump requires liposuction. Which confuses me because that was done at the time of the initial procedure. In short I received a quote of $1854.20 for these things to be fixed. The procedure should take a total of 45 mins. Dr Gervais quote shows $2000 for his services for that 45 mins with a discount of $1500. So I’m paying an additional $500 to Dr Gervais to fix things that didn’t go well from first procedure. So that’s frustrating.

My belly button I think he did a great job on and I feel good in clothes. The scar line is a lot. And mine is higher than I would like it to be making it hard to hide with a bikini bottom. During the healing time frame you will spend a lot of timing walking bent over. During that time my lower back spasmed max it hurt so bad I was crying g and my boyfriend had to come help me because of the pain. I will say my lower back hasn’t felt the same since. My skin on my stomach still feels weird and tight. So I’m still not sure if it was worth it.

Posting photos at 1 month. Not gonna lie feels like an eternity. Can’t wait to get back to my normal self. Be prepared if you chose to get a tummy tuck…. The recovery is long. My stomach still feels tight, it hurts inside behind my belly button when I sneeze so I push down hard on my belly button when I need to sneeze and that helps. Still wearing compression garments nearly 24 hours a day and that makes it hard to feel remotely normal on any level. The swelling has gone down a lot as you can see. I feel better and better with each day. I thought I would lose a few pant sizes but I don’t think that is going to be the case though. I am looking forward to being fully recovered so I can go to the gym, sit in my hot tub and simply lift something up (like my dog or laundry) with out being concerned about if it’s too much weight. Lol Any how next time I post will be the 3 month mark.