POSTED UNDER Tummy Tuck Reviews
Questions for other tummy tuckers
UPDATED FROM TracySLP
15 days post
One down, one to go
TracySLPSeptember 5, 2019
WORTH IT
Went back for my two week appointment today.... He only took out one of the two drains. I was so disappointed, but I held in the tears while I was there. These drains are so irritating and are hurting so bad. I am thankful to get rid of one. He thought if he pulled both of them, I would have too much swelling above my belly button and it could cause me problems. I know it is for the best in the end. I go back next week to take stitches out of my BB and, hopefully, to get this other drain out.
After the disappointment at the office, I decided to do a little retail therapy since I literally haven't been in real clothes in two weeks. It was much needed, but now I'm suffering from the swelling. Luckily, I don't have much to do tomorrow, so I can lay around and try to get rid of the swell hell.
After the disappointment at the office, I decided to do a little retail therapy since I literally haven't been in real clothes in two weeks. It was much needed, but now I'm suffering from the swelling. Luckily, I don't have much to do tomorrow, so I can lay around and try to get rid of the swell hell.
TracySLP's provider
ORIGINAL POST
Questions for Others
TracySLPAugust 31, 2019
I have wanted a tummy tuck for as long as I can remember and I was finally able to do with the help of Dr. Stephen Gunn. I love him, Dr. Hedden, and their staff. I wouldn't go anywhere else! I had a revised breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and lipo.
I had my surgery on 8/10/19. I spent the night in Birmingham the night before my surgery and the night of my surgery so we didn't have to get up as early the morning of the surgery. I had very little anxiety the night before. It was more excitement.
We got to the surgery center and were called back in a reasonable amount of time. They began prepping me and I went back within about an hour of arriving (I was the first patient that day). I went in the OR and the next thing I know I'm waking up to go back to the hotel.
I was in some pain and could not stand upright, naturally. I highly recommend the Exparel shot - worth the extra money. My husband had my meds filled and kept my meds coming on schedule, day and night, for the first few days to stay "on top of" the pain.
My recovery has been pretty unremarkable, but I am 10 days out and I am having so much hypersensitivity. I seem to be having a pity party today. Luckily I have read that this is somewhat normal, which makes me feel better. :) My skin literally hurts! I called and they said that was normal and would go away with time. The drains are also on my last nerve (hopefully will come out Sept 4 - 2 weeks is enough!). They are hurting more than anything else. I can't find anything to wear that will cover them up, so I'm stuck at home and going stir crazy. I may be having a reaction to some of the tape, because it is itching me to death. Lastly, they should make these binders in petite. Because I'm so short, mine rides up so bad and doesn't cover everything it needs to. I struggle with it constantly.
Now, I am finished with my pity party and the "bad" and will continue with the "good." I am very pleased with my results. Are my results perfect? No, but there was so much to go from where I was to perfect, I'm completely happy with what I have. My only concern is that there is a distinct line at my hips, almost like saddle bags. I'm hoping that it is just swelling, but again, if that is all I have to deal with, I am still pretty "pumped" about my flat tummy.
Do any of you have similar experiences with hypersensitivity or pain in the drain? Please share. Thank you.
I had my surgery on 8/10/19. I spent the night in Birmingham the night before my surgery and the night of my surgery so we didn't have to get up as early the morning of the surgery. I had very little anxiety the night before. It was more excitement.
We got to the surgery center and were called back in a reasonable amount of time. They began prepping me and I went back within about an hour of arriving (I was the first patient that day). I went in the OR and the next thing I know I'm waking up to go back to the hotel.
I was in some pain and could not stand upright, naturally. I highly recommend the Exparel shot - worth the extra money. My husband had my meds filled and kept my meds coming on schedule, day and night, for the first few days to stay "on top of" the pain.
My recovery has been pretty unremarkable, but I am 10 days out and I am having so much hypersensitivity. I seem to be having a pity party today. Luckily I have read that this is somewhat normal, which makes me feel better. :) My skin literally hurts! I called and they said that was normal and would go away with time. The drains are also on my last nerve (hopefully will come out Sept 4 - 2 weeks is enough!). They are hurting more than anything else. I can't find anything to wear that will cover them up, so I'm stuck at home and going stir crazy. I may be having a reaction to some of the tape, because it is itching me to death. Lastly, they should make these binders in petite. Because I'm so short, mine rides up so bad and doesn't cover everything it needs to. I struggle with it constantly.
Now, I am finished with my pity party and the "bad" and will continue with the "good." I am very pleased with my results. Are my results perfect? No, but there was so much to go from where I was to perfect, I'm completely happy with what I have. My only concern is that there is a distinct line at my hips, almost like saddle bags. I'm hoping that it is just swelling, but again, if that is all I have to deal with, I am still pretty "pumped" about my flat tummy.
Do any of you have similar experiences with hypersensitivity or pain in the drain? Please share. Thank you.
Replies (5)
August 31, 2019
I too am petite. I struggle with the binder riding up too, particularly at night. I often take it off, reposition it and then secure it again. I had my TT on August 20th and I'm 11 days post op now. I had my drain removed on POD 7, as it was only putting out 20mls. The drain site burned and bothered me so bad up until that point, it was a HUGE relief to have it out. My skin is both numb and super sensitive. It's very tender too. The tape itched me too. It felt uncomfortable. I took Benadryl at night and that helped. I'll watch for your updates!
September 2, 2019
Sounds like we are two peas in a pod. We had our surgery on the same day too. I'm the same with the numbness and hypersensitivity. My drains are started to reduce down to about 30-40 mls/day now. The left has always been less than my right. It feels like a hot poker sticking in me. So glad to get them out. Three more days - I've got this. I've taken Benadryl the last couple of nights. I'm taking a nap in the afternoon (because I'm a night owl and stay up to all hours), so the last two days I've taken the binder off for my nap. It has really helped my psyche. Live and learn. Thank you for the comment.
September 7, 2019
I had my TT 3/09/15 I was super sensitive to the drains and the binder. I found that the shareware tank tops under the binder made it more comfortable. As I healed different parts of my abdomen felt like it was numb (kind of like you sit on a leather car seat in 90 degree weather with shorts on!) but it foes away after a few weeks. It's just the nerves getting back to normal after surgery. At the 1 year mark you will look even better than you do now! Trust me! It is all worth it.
September 7, 2019
The drains are awful! Once they’re out, you’ll feel much better. I had my TT on 7/18/19 so I’m still swelling but doing better. I had trouble with my compression garment because I’m short waisted. I went to get lymphatic massages from a Colombian lady who sold me a faja. Total game changer! Tight and stays put, reduces swelling and fits under normal clothes. You can get them from Amazon, Salome is the brand. You’ll feel so much better soon with time and rest.
September 8, 2019
I've thought about massages too. I am so bruised and "lumpy" from lipo so I wonder how badly that would hurt??? Thank you for the encouragement.
September 8, 2019
The lumps should go away with just u massaging. I did my own massages. I had lipo on flanks and had a few good size lumps and was worried but they went away around 8 weeks.
September 9, 2019
That is good to know. I have one on my side under my right arm that is so painful and a huge lump there. I try to massage it gently a few times a day, but it hurts! That is the most painful one. It seems to be getting better though. My lipo was on my flanks and under my arms (bra line).
September 9, 2019
Yes it does hurt but keep doing every day and it will go away. B4 I new it , it was all gone . Warm pads help too
Replies (5)
So glad you got your second drain out, BSF. I know that is a relief for you.
de3 - Good luck with going back to work. Don't overdo it!