POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck REVIEWS
Tummy Tuck at 52 - thrilled with my surgical outcome
ORIGINAL POST
Tummy Tuck at 52
WORTH IT
I am 7 weeks post-op after an Abdominoplasty, and I have had a positive experience with Dr Doyle, his Office, and his Nurses. I chose Dr Doyle’s practice because of his qualifications, his long years of experience in this field, and the overnight hospital stay after surgery. I felt looked after, cared for, and safe during my procedure. I was especially impressed with the comprehensive information provided from the initial consultation, and the specific instructions provided pre & post surgery. I felt guided through the process which was easy and uncomplicated. I took supplied supplements starting ten days before surgery, and attended regular pre-scheduled follow-up appointments for drain removal, stitches removal, scar healing checks, plus compression advice was given. His office is prompt in replying to enquiries, and there’s ample opportunity for questions during appointments. I had no pre-existing health concerns. I am thrilled with my surgical outcome, and would recommend Dr Doyle and his team to others.
Initial consultation: 87.8kg
I booked the Abdominoplasty six months out so I could lose more weight. I did intermittent fasting and only ate between 10am - 6pm.
Surgery day: 77kg
7 weeks post-op: 71.8kg
I had three close successive pregnancies in my late twenties. I had prolapse surgery in my forties, and made a lot of effort trying to reclaim my body. I lost 15+kg twice - at 40 and again at 50 years old - however the fatty skin flap on my abdomen only hung lower after my weight losses and hid my private area even more.
Life-altering decisions take countless years of introspection. I reached the pivotal decision to prioritise my well-being before I turned 53. Another twenty years of feeling powerless was very depressing and unappealing to me. By taking this surgical step, I’ve not only altered my appearance, I have given myself the opportunity to embrace a different future. With some professional expert help.
Initial consultation: 87.8kg
I booked the Abdominoplasty six months out so I could lose more weight. I did intermittent fasting and only ate between 10am - 6pm.
Surgery day: 77kg
7 weeks post-op: 71.8kg
I had three close successive pregnancies in my late twenties. I had prolapse surgery in my forties, and made a lot of effort trying to reclaim my body. I lost 15+kg twice - at 40 and again at 50 years old - however the fatty skin flap on my abdomen only hung lower after my weight losses and hid my private area even more.
Life-altering decisions take countless years of introspection. I reached the pivotal decision to prioritise my well-being before I turned 53. Another twenty years of feeling powerless was very depressing and unappealing to me. By taking this surgical step, I’ve not only altered my appearance, I have given myself the opportunity to embrace a different future. With some professional expert help.
LAR71's provider
Replies (4)
November 3, 2024
Thank you for your comment :)
Wow, a 360 tummy tuck plus the breast reduction & lift is a huge surgery decision so I’m pleased you are now pain free and feeling better. The road to recovery takes time but the healing will come. I applaud your courage to do it for yourself too!
I'm ten months healed since my tummy tuck and I am 100% happy with zero regrets. I have experienced a significant improvement in my body satisfaction & confidence, wearing fitting clothes without self-censure, my self-image is positive which frees up my mind, & intimacy is far better. They are remarkable gains for my fifties!
As a side note, I have had the confidence to stop colouring my hair so I’m going grey gracefully now without feeling like a frump. At this stage, I’m proud of myself.
I plan to post my one year photo updates soon!
Best wishes for your continued recovery :)
Wow, a 360 tummy tuck plus the breast reduction & lift is a huge surgery decision so I’m pleased you are now pain free and feeling better. The road to recovery takes time but the healing will come. I applaud your courage to do it for yourself too!
I'm ten months healed since my tummy tuck and I am 100% happy with zero regrets. I have experienced a significant improvement in my body satisfaction & confidence, wearing fitting clothes without self-censure, my self-image is positive which frees up my mind, & intimacy is far better. They are remarkable gains for my fifties!
As a side note, I have had the confidence to stop colouring my hair so I’m going grey gracefully now without feeling like a frump. At this stage, I’m proud of myself.
I plan to post my one year photo updates soon!
Best wishes for your continued recovery :)
November 3, 2024
I can’t wait to see your 1 year post! I love that this gave you so much confidence. I’m getting there, I am waiting until I’m at 6 months before I create a post. I admire that you quit coloring your hair. I have a lot of white so I color my hair still but I use instant coffee mixed with my conditioner. It makes it a dark blonde, light brunette. It’s a natural product and I like the way it looks. But more and more of my friends are going white. I really like the way they look and I may decide to just follow their, and your, lead.
I do have a question, you said you had scar treatment, but did you use scar tape or gel for the incisions? If so, what did you use? And how long did you have massages? I’m trying to do the 5 minute scar massages daily, but I’m a bit more lax with the body massages.
Very happy for you, and continued success in your journey.
I do have a question, you said you had scar treatment, but did you use scar tape or gel for the incisions? If so, what did you use? And how long did you have massages? I’m trying to do the 5 minute scar massages daily, but I’m a bit more lax with the body massages.
Very happy for you, and continued success in your journey.
November 3, 2024
I still use Strataderm scar therapy gel which is in a small orange tube. A little goes a long way.
For a new scar that’s not healed you use Stratamed (blue tube) but for closed wounds you change to Strataderm (orange tube).
I have applied the gel along my scar every day for ten months. It marks underwear with a dull line, even after the gel is dry, so I need to eventually replace those stained pairs when I’ve quit using it. I think I’ll stop using the scar gel in January which is one year post op. My scar healed without issue and it’s fading nicely in sections. The midway section of scar line under my belly button is the last to fade probably because it holds a lot of stitches under there.
I had one lymphatic massage pre-op to experience it - the pressure, the areas, the direction. I decided not to do post-op lymphatic massages professionally as I felt too tender & fragile for many months but I did spend time massaging myself repeatedly in those areas & directions when I felt up to it.
It’s easy to google that info.
When in bed before I fell asleep each night, I did the scar massage, plus I’d massage my whole torso & hip area mainly to stimulate blood flow and regenerate feeling in those areas. I chose to massage those other skin areas (not the scar) with a firming body lotion to firm & moisturize my skin (Palmer’s Cocoa Butter with vitamin E, collagen, elastin, & Q10).
I think it all helps and is healthy for recovery!
For a new scar that’s not healed you use Stratamed (blue tube) but for closed wounds you change to Strataderm (orange tube).
I have applied the gel along my scar every day for ten months. It marks underwear with a dull line, even after the gel is dry, so I need to eventually replace those stained pairs when I’ve quit using it. I think I’ll stop using the scar gel in January which is one year post op. My scar healed without issue and it’s fading nicely in sections. The midway section of scar line under my belly button is the last to fade probably because it holds a lot of stitches under there.
I had one lymphatic massage pre-op to experience it - the pressure, the areas, the direction. I decided not to do post-op lymphatic massages professionally as I felt too tender & fragile for many months but I did spend time massaging myself repeatedly in those areas & directions when I felt up to it.
It’s easy to google that info.
When in bed before I fell asleep each night, I did the scar massage, plus I’d massage my whole torso & hip area mainly to stimulate blood flow and regenerate feeling in those areas. I chose to massage those other skin areas (not the scar) with a firming body lotion to firm & moisturize my skin (Palmer’s Cocoa Butter with vitamin E, collagen, elastin, & Q10).
I think it all helps and is healthy for recovery!
UPDATED FROM LAR71
11 months post
One Year Post-Op Photos
Here are my one year photos - I’m so pleased with my recovery since January 9th, 2024! It’s been a careful journey, and I’m incredibly happy I had a recovery free of any complications:)
The scar is healing beautifully, and I’m thrilled with the form of my body now. I’ve experienced huge benefits, both physical & emotional, and I am grateful I was able to do this for myself.
I’m still building up strength and exploring new ways to move and exercise, which has been interesting. I am feeling confident, proud, and excited to keep improving! I have no regrets.
Thank you to everyone who supported me.
The scar is healing beautifully, and I’m thrilled with the form of my body now. I’ve experienced huge benefits, both physical & emotional, and I am grateful I was able to do this for myself.
I’m still building up strength and exploring new ways to move and exercise, which has been interesting. I am feeling confident, proud, and excited to keep improving! I have no regrets.
Thank you to everyone who supported me.
I had a 360 tummy tuck, breast reduction and lift, and muscle repair on my abs. Almost 5 months later, I am pain free, (I had an H cup!) for the first time since my late twenties.
Although the scars around my tummy are fading, I know they’ll never totally disappear. This is a small trade off for all the loose skin that got pinched, zipped, or smushed in my clothes.
Your post made me happy because I can relate to your situation. It’s amazing how something like this surgery could make such a difference. I wish you only continued happiness in your new body.