Tummy Tuck Came out Better Than Expected!

Consultation: for years I searched for a plastic surgeon who could not only remove my excess skin, but also fix my separated muscle and hernia. Dr. Volpe was my first consult. He sat with me for over an hour and answered all my questions; my appointment was only allotted 15 minutes but he sat with me and took his time explaining the procedure, recovery and what to expect. After meeting with Dr Volpe I went to one other surgeon and his consultation was 10 minutes, he was rushed throughout the ten minutes and he didnt give me a quote on the spot. Once I received a quote from the second surgeon it was less than Volpe but I’m here to tell you, don’t rely on price, rely on excellence! And I’m so glad I did. I ended up booking my abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) with Volpe! His tummy tucks include lipo and he correct my hernia and diastasis recti (separation of muscles). My case was severe, I carried twins full term and both weighed over 7lbs. The nurses and staff at his office are so nice, I called one year after my initial consultation, paid a deposit and I was given an appointment for surgery right away. I met with Dr Volpe one more time before my surgery and I showed him wish pics. He told me he would be aggressive with lipo and that I would have a flat stomach but he couldn’t promise a miracle. Results are based on your natural shape. He was honest with what a should expect. I appreciated that.
I had my surgery in July 2021. The office is on Comm Ave, super nice. I met with him around 7 AM and I was in the surgery room an hour later. The anesthesiologist was nice and very direct. He told me no nausea medicine was necessary after my surgery due to the technique he uses which limits that side effect. I got very sick after my c section and I was very nervous about throwing up after a major abdominal surgery. I’m here to tell you, I didn’t get nauseous at all, never once vomited. After meeting with all the appropriate people I signed paperwork and they wheeled me back. The surgery room was small and very sterile. And things happened quickly. I was so nervous because the moment had finally come and I sort of wished my husband was by my side. In that very moment of nervousness, Volpe began to rub my arm. This is a moment I’ll always remember because it was so personal and reassuring. I was okay and he was there with me. I counted back to five and I was asleep.
Recovery:
I woke up and my husband was outside. I had 2 drains and a binder. The binder is A1 and I still wear it everyday. My follow up appointment was 5 days later and he removed the drains. I could not stand up straight or do anything independently for the first week! If you have kids, rest assure you don’t need to send them off to family. My twins who are 4 stayed in the house with me, throughout the entire recovery and we managed just fine. I slept in a recliner, my husband helped me get up and down when necessary. But I could not do anything on my own, such as getting food, fixing pillows, sitting down on the toilet. Make sure your hubby or your mom are there at the house with you, but again, you dont have to send your kids elsewhere - at least I didn’t. The pain is manageable, that’s the only way to explain it. Do I have a high tolerance? Possibly. But if you stay on top of your meds, even taking them 20minutes before they are due, you are golden. All you feel is discomfort and tightness. I couldn’t walk straight until week 3. Get protein shakes because you won’t have an appetite, stay stocked with you pain meds and STOOL SOFTNER, I also took Bromelain to keep swelling down. I had a recliner and a table right next to me with charger, medicine, all my medical necessities and the remote. I loved it there - haha. I have summers off so I was able to rest for a little over 4 weeks. I suggest you take off 2 weeks, nothing less.
Results- Just take a look at the pics - LIFE CHANGING results. From day 1 it was unbelievable how great I looked. It was better than I expected! I’m three months in and I’m fully recovered. The swelling was something to expect but nothing impossible to manage, just wear your binder. I’m going to the gym, working and doing everyday activities. I felt like “me” again around week 3. Some are sooner others are later. I love driving and I couldn’t drive for the first 2 weeks. It’s impossible to twist so that’s the main reason. All in all, he is professional, he is the president of the Massachusetts Society of Plastic Surgeons and rated Boston’s Best for plastic surgeons. Give him a call and see what he can do. He changed my life, my body and I look better than my wish pic :)