anyone had tummy tuck? - Cosmetic / Plastic Surgery Message Board

kjane · 09-06-2004, 06:47 PM

Please let me know about the procedure, the healing process and how long it took. I'm really interested in anyones thoughts or advice who had one. It's so expensive and I have 2 small children to take care of so I need to know what the recovery is like and how long I'll need child care. Thanks in advance for any information. It's a really big decision and I haven't told anyone so I have no one to talk to about it. I'm seeing a doctor next month--that's as soon as I could get. They're so booked.

xsocalsfinestx · 09-07-2004, 01:05 PM

I have 2 small children too and I am getting my BA 1st in 3 days 9/10/2004 and after I save up more money Im getting mine done $5500 and I know exactly what youre talking about. I saw the Dr. 90210 on E! and they showed this lady getting TM on TV with Dr. Rey and it looked real painful. My surgeon told me heling time is longger than breast aug and more painful since they have to cut your stomach and reattach your belly button or something like that . He can also make y scar as low as possible and will be hidden in my bikini. If you get a chance to do it, do it its totally worth it, You will have the best, brand new stomach and best of all FLAT!!!

goincrazE · 09-09-2004, 11:13 AM

Kjane - I had a TT back in 2002 and despite the recovery, which was basically two weeks in all, it was very well worth it to me. I have three children, but my body was basically screwed after the first. My skin never bounced back and no amount of exercise was ever gonna fix it.

In regards to the pain, it is really just a distant memory for me now. But I won't lie, it's not an easy surgery to recover from. But, the most miserable thing about it to me was the drain. I did SO much research on TT's before my surgery, but did not know where the drain would be put in. Well, turns out it's in your pubic region (unless some PS's do it differently). And during the recovery, I kept accidentally pulling the tube which caused a lot of unneccesary pain. Once the drain was out, things got better. I remember being scared that I would never be able to stand up straight again. You have to allow time for that.

I could never fully explain the procedure without screwing something up. My best advice would be to pull up any and all info you can from all the many web sites and they explain it in full detail (give or take information about the drains).

But, like I said before, it was so well worth it to me. My clothes fit right now. I don't have that bulge anymore. My stomach is nice and flat. I have to live with the scar, but am planning on having some laser surgery soon to help take away the redness so it is not apparent.

Hope that helps some! Good luck!

goincrazE · 09-09-2004, 11:22 AM

I should have also asked...how old are your children? I understand your worries about that. My youngest was 3 when I had mine. You definitely will not be able to lift anything for quite some time. Your PS can give you specific timeframes on that. If your children are still real small and require lifting that could be a problem for you unless you have someone that would be able to help with that. And as far as yourself even, you'll definitely want someone there to help care for you. It's not easy to get around for the first couple of days.

arrtx · 09-10-2004, 03:45 PM

I had mine a week ago today! I am doing well. I have had no children, but I had about a 90 lb. weight loss over the course of 3 years. I have maintained my current weight for over a year and my stomach area was not budging. I finally went to a plastic surgeon and he said that it would never go away - just loose, stretched out skin.
I have had someone with me for most of the week, but have been fine by myself. If you have young children - you will need help. If I had kids, I think by week 2, I would be fine. (This is based on how I feel today - at one week post op). I was able to cook dinner last night and very light cleaning here and there. You do tire easily, so just sit down when you need to - listen to your body. No lifting anything over 10 lbs for 5 weeks (I think?? someone correct me if I'm wrong). It is so worth it to me - my stomach area would really get me depressed. After working so hard to lose the weight and still not be able to wear clothes without having to "tuck" my stomach in - yuck. I feel so much better about myself.