TT, MR and Lipo 50+year. Old, 3 Kids. Warrenville, IL

Well, actually it's about 13 months PO and 5months post revision. I had a full tummy tuck with muscle repair and Lipo in September 2015. I haven't been good about getting on Realself – my life has gone back to normal. Initially I thought I would be checking and posting on Realself for the rest of my life haha!! A year ago my tummy problems and then my TT surgery and recovery were first and foremost on my mind.
It's a relief not to obsess over my pudgy tummy or love handles. I can get dressed without worrying about what will fit me or look good. My weight is about 3lbs down from my surgery weight. I had a revision on my right side in May to take care of some excess skin. I am so happy I had that "fine tuning" done. The newer scar on both of my love handle area's are a tad redder than my original scar in the center of my tummy. I know that will take some time to fade and obviously it will always be a scar, but that doesn't bother me at all. I have not been very diligent with scar care – I just massage occasionally with lotion. I still have some numbness in the center of my abdomen around my belly button. I also feel as though I get a little tight or swollen depending on what I have been eating or drinking. It is not ever really noticeable – but keeping the salt limited I believe is important to keeping the swelling down.
The confidence my new shape has given me is worth it!
My plastic surgeon Dr Sigalove and his staff are excellent! I can't recommend them highly enough.
I will be happy to answer any questions and will always be fondly thinking of the many women who elect to have this surgery – best of luck in your journey!

Hi – it's getting harder to remember to post as my TT journey seems so long ago. I am definitely seeing all of the positive benefits of time. I was finally able to lose about 6 pounds and am at my "happy" weight right now. That coupled with the revision - and my results are excellent. The extra skin removed at the revision surgery took care of any love handle situation. It was well worth it and not difficult as far as recovery.
I know people will freak out about my scar placement – for some reason it looks higher in photos than it really is. Remember, I did not have a lot of excess skin above my belly button to pull down so my PS said my scar would be a little higher then he would like. I told him to be as aggressive as necessary to remove the excess skin and to not worry as much about where the scar was. All of my pants easily cover my scar and I have many cute bikini bottoms that also cover the scar. It doesn't bother me at all, although may seem high to some of you. Remember I am over 50 and not walking around in a bikini very often!
My PS gave me new scar cream (Cicalfate) to use on the new revision scar – it has an anti-inflammatory and an anti-septic property. I have a little redness at the end of my left revision scar. I think I also have some stitches that haven't dissolved completely. I'm sure that takes time but I am very pleased with how the scar is healing and fading.
I am so surprised at one thing – the strength of my abs. I do a lot of yoga with ab work and planks etc. I feel so strong now – I asked my doctor about it . He said that when my muscles were separated they were working separately from each other, and now that they are sewn together they are working together as one strong muscle. I feel like I can hold a plank etc. forever! I'm so happy with this added benefit- we all know how important core strength is as we get older.
The pictures I posted for some reason never come out like I think I look – I struggle to get good pictures! I hope everyone is doing well wherever you are in your TT journey! All the best!

I am about 10 days PO my revision to my love handle area. I took the Steri-Strips off yesterday and was pleased to see a nice clean incision. Each incision is about 5 inches long – that means that quite a bit of skin that was removed! The extension of the incision does not go around to my back luckily. I feel like my ps pretty much just extended my original incision. I am happy with the placement and that it is a nice straight line. I will ask at my June 1 appointment how much skin was actually cut away . I am still probably a little swollen but I am thrilled with the results so far. I no longer have that access loose skin at my sides and no more muffin top! The recovery has been minimal – the only adjustment in my daily life is that I haven't done yoga yet. I will wait until next week for that because of the stretching. It is a little tender now but nothing at all uncomfortable. I will put scar cream on the new area and hopefully it will heal as well as my original incision.