Tummy Tuck Question - Cosmetic / Plastic Surgery Message Board

grammaed · 04-08-2007, 06:58 AM

I'm considering having a tummy tuck and was wondering if anyone out there has had this surgery done by any of these two Dr's. Dr. Chatson from Andover, MA or Dr. James May from Boston, MA? Any info would be appreciated.

I have previous scars from other surgery, like a hysotectomy scar (smily) and an old ruptured apendic scar from when I was 8 years old. Has anyone had a tummy tuck with similar scars? Is the incision made over the old scar? Cost? How long hospital stay? Recovery time?

marie72 · 04-09-2007, 02:55 PM

Hi Lackosweets!!

I'm scheduled for a tummy tuck, also involving the muscles. I've had two c-sections. I was told by my surgeon that she would cut along the c-section scar only it would extend to my hip bones. Mine is mostly skin removal, no lipo, she does want to suture my stomach muscles since she will be in there any way, this is where most of the pain will come from. Also, I would ask where they will put the drain tubes. Mine will be at the sides much more comfortable than over the pubic bone, they will be in for about 4-7days, but they may be in longer if your body contines to drain fluid. I am requesting an additional night at the hospital because I will be getting a breast lift along with the tummy tuck, so I feel that a total of a two-night stay will be better for me, I know to expect alot of pain. I heard it will take a good two to three weeks before you will feel comfortable enough to start doing things, but a good three months to where you're feeling good.

marie72 · 04-09-2007, 05:03 PM

When is your surgery? Ask alot of questions, make sure the surgeon understands exactly what your expectations are?

lam41565 · 04-10-2007, 07:01 AM

I had one about 12 years ago and I was at a party 2 weeks later. The first 3 days were the worst. I slept in a recliner so I could get up easier to go to the bathroom, etc. It's very hard to get up cuz you have to use the stomach muscles and they have been tied up so thats where the pain is. The drains were kind of a pain cuz you have to empty them and thats kind of gross but like I said 2 weeks later I was at a party feeling great! I did have a c-section but I was cut vertically so my scar from that is pretty much gone. Removed with the skin. I was cut hip to hip. Best thing I ever did. I had twins so I had a lot of loose skin. Still to this day, tummy is flat as a board. I do exercise regularly though also. You have to do something to keep it looking good. Let me know how the breast lift goes. I have been thinking of that. Are you getting implants also or just the lift? Good Luck with your surgery and keep us posted!

double18 · 04-10-2007, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lam41565

I had one about 12 years ago and I was at a party 2 weeks later. The first 3 days were the worst. I slept in a recliner so I could get up easier to go to the bathroom, etc. It's very hard to get up cuz you have to use the stomach muscles and they have been tied up so thats where the pain is. The drains were kind of a pain cuz you have to empty them and thats kind of gross but like I said 2 weeks later I was at a party feeling great! I did have a c-section but I was cut vertically so my scar from that is pretty much gone. Removed with the skin. I was cut hip to hip. Best thing I ever did. I had twins so I had a lot of loose skin. Still to this day, tummy is flat as a board. I do exercise regularly though also. You have to do something to keep it looking good. Let me know how the breast lift goes. I have been thinking of that. Are you getting implants also or just the lift? Good Luck with your surgery and keep us posted!