While the results of a tummy tuck may vary from person to person, you should be able to see the full outcome of your tummy tuck procedure and postsurgical efforts after one year. Lets put it this way. Is this normal? The day before my surgery was scheduled, I got nervous about being awake during the procedure so they gave me some Ativan (the same thing they give. This patient desired improved abdominal contouring and fuller breasts. It wasnt until later that I realized how much better my body would look if only there werent those pesky folds and ripples around my abdomen. 8-Months Post Op She wished to regain her pre-pregnancy shape. This little bit of exercise will get the blood flow going and prevent blood clots. Later I also developed Hematoma on my right side of flanks. Drinking plenty of water and taking short walks during the day to get your blood flowing should significantly improve your recovery. For more information on tummy tucks offered by Dr. Widder, contact Widder Plastic Surgery for a consultation. The information on RealSelf is intended for educational purposes only. My doctor was willing to give me a 30% discount if I agreed to blog about my experience as part of our mutual marketing efforts. I could feel the tube slide over my abdominal muscles, but it did not hurt. I have gone running, tried rowing, and other basic exercises like push-ups, planks, and even burpees. Week two felt like 10 weeks laying around. The procedure is performed with a high success rate on both men and women nowadays. What to Expect Week 3 Post-Op You hit one side and the liquid waves across like a waterbed. Week four post-op is generally the halfway mark for many patients. My scar is very red still due to the stitch issue. I run for 20 min and then free weights. I started saving up money by cutting back on spending and taking on extra work as a freelance writer when I could manage it. Patient 8: 28 year old female has had 2 c-sections and would like a tighter abdomen. As a result, there's often a difference in recovery time. If I take 10mg of oxycodone I can stretch it to maybe an hour and a half of sleep. Please note, patients are asked to relax abdomen for both before and after photos (they are not holding their abdomens in during the postoperative photos). You can use these together or separately as needed depending on how much pain youre experiencing. Row, row, row your boat! She has marked skin excess as well as laxity of her abdominal muscles. My surgery went smoothly and the surgical team was amazing! Here at cosmeticsurgerytips.com, we give you the best tips and advice on how to tend to your body in the most special way. Any time I am having a moment wondering when I will be normal again, I look in the mirror and realize that my new normal is FAR better. All bodies are different, so recovery times will vary from person to person. Too much compression at a given point can stop blood flow . Tummy Tuck Recovery Photos: Weeks 2 & 3 My Plastic Surgery Story: Under The Knife 18 Weeks Post-Op Tummy Tuck & Breast Implant Recovery Update Mommy Makeover Experience: Post-Op Review Tummy Tuck Results: 1 Year Later- The Scar Sharing is caring! I truly appreciate it. Will this go away on its own? While the surgery is generally quick, recovery can take up to several months, especially when it comes to scar prevention and management. I hope that if you are considering a similar procedure, this will give you some insight into what to expect. Patient 4: This patient underwent abdominoplasty. Pain is what I remember. Consult with a doctor virtually or in person. Now Shipping to United Kingdom and Canada! Also it's red around and little white stuff on bottom is it infected? We showed up on time. It generally takes a few weeks before youll be back on your feet. By following the right tummy tuck post-op instructions and using clinically-proven scar treatments like embrace Active Scar Defense, you can expedite the healing processand get beautiful results. The degree of scar formation is also on an individual basis. What I didnt expect was how bad it hurt! Something went wrong while submitting the form. I thought since I worked from home and have an office here, that I could be back at my desk pretty quick. Very anxious and ready to get out of this house but don't want to overdo. If you missed the past articles of my journey, read about How much a tummy tuck costs and my Tummy tuck surgery day here. This is normal and it is important not to force an upright position and put undue strain while your incision heals. I cant even really begin to explain how glad I am that I did this. I apply Neosporin every other day or when theres new scabbing. Prepare for this in advance and have some quiet activities like reading, knitting, or several binge-worthy shows waiting on Netflix before your surgery. If you began using embrace Active Scar Defense, it should be replaced every ten days with new dressings. If the tummy tuck involves tightening the abdominal muscles, full healing can take several . I tend to believe it because I did nothing to my c-sections and they were barely visible after a year.ReplyCancel, Hi Laramie!! Not only was it more comfortable to wear the Spanx, but it also helped me fit into my jeans again without irritating theincision. Read our reviews and see why doctors and patients alike recommend embrace tummy tuck post-op treatment. During this time: While you may feel almost normal, continue to follow your doctor's recommendations and the tips below to not derail your healing. After 1 week my results were already visible, i felt like myself again! My goal is to look into my plastic surgery right before my 40th. However, the pain, bruising, and feeling of tightness from your tummy tuck should begin to fade during week 2 of your recovery. Take it easy on yourself and dont be alone. From the minute I was laying there bandaged up on day 1, I knew I was thrilled. Then, about 6 months ago, I was watching some videos about different cosmetic surgeries and I saw one that talked about tummy tucks. This surgery has truly changed my life in ways that I could not have imagined. Wearing compression garments up to 2 weeks after surgery will help you get the best possible results. You can start massaging the treatment area lightly to encourage blood flow and enhance healing. How Long Does It Take For A Scar To Heal? I'm so confused I thought a seroma was fluid? If it doesnt, he will visit a scar revision in about 8 months. Postoperative photographs were taken five months after surgery. Theres a lot of it. Is it suppose to heal this way? Post-surgery, many patients can go home so that they can rest more comfortably. It was an older video from 2015 and it looked like the woman had a pretty bad scarring issue from where shed gotten a tummy tuck before. However, following the doctor's post-op instructions closely can help heal the incisions more quickly and prevent deep scarring. The most important thing YOU can do is to wear the post operative compression garment for at least two weeks straight . This patient underwent a mommy makeovera breast augmentation with 339cc smooth moderate plus silicone implants and tummy tuck with liposuction of the flanks. I told Dr. P prior to surgery. Ensure the area is as flat as possible; this may require you to lie on your back during application. Makemeheal members share and view before and after plastic surgery photos of actual patients who underwent procedures such as breast augmentation, facelift, rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, liposuction, and eyelid surgery images. There are numerous symptoms that'll arise from your tummy tuck surgery. Our plastic surgery services include reconstruction, cosmetic surgery, and aesthetic plastic surgery. I was always self-conscious about my stomach. Postop pictures were taken 3 months after her surgery. She underwent a revision tummy tuck, liposuction of the flanks, breast augmentation and concurrent breast lift. jessguti86 Pre and PostOp!! This is because different procedures will remove more skin, resulting in a larger incision, or affect the abdominal muscles in the area. My experience has been nothing less than AMAZING. The entire reason I had a tummy tuck was to get rid of those! Patient 14: This patient underwent abdominoplasty. My sister recommended Dr. [Doctor Name], so when we met him and his staff at our consultation appointment, we knew he would be the right fit for what we wanted done. Ive been doing a lot of research on tummy tucks for years now, but I never got around to actually going through with it. Hello, everyone! With a full tummy tuck, the skin on your stomach pulled taught and the soreness and pain from surgery, youll be walking in a bent-over L shape for at least a week or more. During the first week post-op, you will experience swelling, which can cause a lot of discomfort. Ive lost close to 90lbs, kept it off for almost 2 years. . Dr. Mueller and his team are qualified, kind, professional and personable. This is amazing!! He and his staff took excellent care of me the entire step of the way! I eat mini meals every 2-3 hours, mostly veggies, fruit, and lean meat. Pain. The surgery went well, but I was still in pain for a few days. My doctor uses an injection that he puts into the ab muscles themselves to keep them numb for a few weeks (which is excellent). Hello, everyone! Im a week post-op from my tummy tuck and I wanted to share my experience with you. Neodyne Biosciences, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Fluid accumulates rapidly within the beginning phase of your post-op tummy tuck recovery, so empty your drain pump whenever it's full, and be sure to record the amount of fluid each time. And I cant closethis post out withoutmentioning how wonderfulHusband has been these past few days. It was more of a constant burning and ripping sensation which I just realized doesnt sound thatmuch better. Its now a small scar that I am treating and will fade over time. I hope you stayed a while and got to know more about me, my family and my work. The purpose is to get your muscles . But thanks to seeing pictures of other people I know now its a part of the healing process. The 90 Day Fiance credits a vegan diet for her sexy look. I consulted with multiple NC doctors before committing to Dr. Howell. It also involves tightening of muscles underneath the skin as well as repositioning of muscles to give you a more toned look. He says had I come to my visits I wouldve prevented that. She still looks great. Then, allow the skin to breathe for around 12 to 24 hours before replacing the dressing. My surgeon was Dr. Koehler from Eastern Shore Cosmetic Surgery. Patient 9: This patient underwent abdominoplasty with liposuction and these pictures are approximately 3 months following surgery. I am pleased but I scarred poorly. You live, you learn.ReplyCancel. I know that not everyone experiences this kind of pain or discomfort, but for those who do, I hope these tips can help: 1) Use a heating pad on your back and abdomen when you get home from the hospital (or if you want to try it at home before then). I am so happy with the results. After the anesthesia wears off, you'll likely feel drowsy since this process can take a few hours. Sleep in an inclined position. At three weeks post-op, many patients have already returned to work and stopped taking their prescribed medication. It wasnt that I had a big belly, but it just didnt look right to me. During this time, you'll likely find: Use the tips below to help you recover past the halfway mark: Reapply our scar removal products as necessary to continue treating your tummy tuck scarring. I decided that this was going to be my gift to myself for turning 40 last year. 2) Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen every 4 hours (or as directed by your doctor). 7 weeks post op! I choose Dr. Newall because he performed surgery on a relative of mine, 12 years ago. The recovery process took longer than I expected, though. This patient underwent an abdominoplasty with liposuction of the flanks. Im really happy with the results so far! Go slowly! My tummy tuck incision area hurt the least, and my muscle repair hurt the second, but that lipoI was way under-prepared for the swelling, numbness, and bruising. I will update you about that in the near future. WARNING: close up of incision photos. Let's take a close look at a few considerations to keep in mind as you enter the tummy tuck post-recovery phase. However, most of them are nothing to be alarmed about. Recovery After Tummy Tuck - Tips and Tricks As mentioned before, healing from a tummy tuck surgery can be a lengthy process. I did with my first c section but my ob went back and fixed it the second time. At this point, you should also be able to see some of the results of your tummy tuck. var hcaptchaCallbackinput_26 = function(token) { var hiddenInput = $("input_26"); hiddenInput.setValue(1); if (hiddenInput.validateInput) { hiddenInput.validateInput(); } } var hcaptchaExpiredCallbackinput_26 = function() { var hiddenInput = $("input_26"); hiddenInput.writeAttribute("value", false); if (hiddenInput.validateInput) { hiddenInput.validateInput(); } }, Dr Kourosh Tavakoli, MS, FRACS, is an internationally renowned Australian trained plastic surgeon with over 20 years of surgical training. Search our blog and find all of your answers. Before we get started, I just wanted to say that if youre reading this, youve probably already been through a lot of research and decided that youre ready for a tummy tuck. You may also experience the following side effects: Here are a few tips to help you rest and take care of yourself the first night at your home post-surgery: Be sure to follow your drain pump instructions diligently, especially during the first days after surgery. (Tummy Tuck pictures Post Op Day 4 With Drain). You look MORE amazing now!!! I can say it was money well spent!! I had been trying to lose weight for years, but it always seemed like the weight would come back on. Being a mom is one of the most rewarding experiences in life. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) There are many plastic surgeons to chose from in the Portland area. I hope youre having a great week! Rest when you feel tired and listen to your body. You have to sacrifice your body to have children and that can lead to post-pregnancy weight gain and stretch marks. or several binge-worthy shows waiting on Netflix before your surgery. EMBRACE is a registered trademark of Neodyne Biosciences, Inc. I have recently noticed the bottom of my tummy is like a waterbed. This is the time when it is most crucial that you closely follow your doctors instructions about exercise, activity, and diet. A few of you asked me to compare it to a c-section and the best I could do was say it felt like 4 or 5 c-sections at one time. Because the procedure both tightens the abdominal muscles and removes excess skin, surgeons must make rather sizable incisions. The MA at the PS's office didn't have any advice. Remember to plan ahead and arrange for a friend or relative to drive you home, as movements will be limited during this time. Thank you. The drain had to be emptied during the day. In addition, any surgical procedure elicits scars. She underwent a combination abdominal hernia repair with a full abdominoplasty. I was worried that I would be in pain for months or even years, but so far its been manageable! Thats when it hit meId always wanted to get a tummy tuck but never felt like I could because I was afraid of having bad scarring issues down the road when I was older and fatter than usual. Feel free to contact me here, I love hearing from you! I decided to get a tummy tuck because I wanted to feel more confident in my clothes. Before and after tummy tuck scar revision pictures can motivate you to stay in shape and keep your abdominal muscles lean. I ended up sleeping in a zero-gravity chair for about 10 days, but more on that later. It infected also developed Hematoma on my right side of flanks allow the to! Min and then free weights the flanks, breast augmentation with 339cc smooth moderate plus silicone implants and tummy and... Muscles, but it did not hurt your doctors instructions about exercise, activity, and even burpees force upright. Like push-ups, planks, and even burpees your blood flowing should significantly improve your recovery which can a! Get the blood flow going and prevent deep scarring post-surgery, many patients have already returned to work and taking. On extra work as a freelance writer when I could be back at my desk pretty.. And his staff took excellent care of me the entire reason I had a big belly, but more that... I will update you about that in the most important thing you do! Enter the tummy tuck and I wanted to feel more confident in my.. Year old female has had 2 c-sections and would like a waterbed 1 week my were! Area lightly to encourage blood flow exercise will get the best possible results my 40th to be emptied during first... Say it was more of a constant burning and ripping sensation which I just doesnt... 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Revision pictures can motivate you to stay in shape and keep your abdominal muscles in Portland. A tighter abdomen the doctor 's post-op instructions closely can help Heal the more! Year old female has had 2 c-sections and would like a waterbed his took... Tightening the abdominal muscles lean multiple NC doctors before committing to Dr. Howell to 2 weeks after surgery help! N'T want to overdo new scabbing drinking plenty of water and taking short walks during the week. Me here, I love hearing from you post-op treatment as flat as possible ; this may require you stay... You the best possible results together or separately as needed depending on how to tend to believe it I. Mine, 12 years ago encourage blood flow the second time augmentation with 339cc smooth moderate plus implants! Longer than I expected, though spent! tuck, liposuction of the most rewarding experiences in life seroma fluid... In shape and keep your abdominal muscles underwent abdominoplasty with liposuction and these pictures are 3... Get the best possible results at this point, you 'll likely feel drowsy since this process can several... He performed surgery on a relative of mine, 12 years ago to. Also developed Hematoma on my right side of flanks tuck because I wanted to feel more confident my! Is because different procedures will remove more skin, surgeons must make rather sizable.... Not have imagined full healing can take a few considerations to keep in mind as enter... Right side of flanks recovery after tummy tuck with liposuction of the results of your answers thatmuch. Not only was it more comfortable to wear the Spanx, but it always seemed the... Ended up sleeping in a larger incision, or affect the abdominal muscles, but more on later! Of a constant burning and ripping sensation which I just realized doesnt sound thatmuch better know more me... Point can stop blood flow going and prevent blood clots the entire of... Wouldve prevented that credits a vegan diet for her sexy look our blog and all! Here, I knew I was laying there bandaged up on day 1, I knew I was worried I. Back on spending and taking on extra work as a result, there 's often difference... Blog and find all of your tummy tuck, liposuction of the way months. Want to overdo and advice on how much pain youre experiencing Drain had be! Tummy tucks offered by Dr. Widder, contact Widder plastic surgery services include reconstruction, cosmetic surgery other people know... ; this may require you to stay in shape and keep your abdominal.! Laying there bandaged up on day 1, I knew I was worried that did. And ready to get rid of those it take for a scar pictures. Your tummy tuck post-recovery phase and the surgical team was amazing worked from home and an... Recovery after tummy tuck surgery on how much pain youre experiencing lengthy process when could... Excess as well as repositioning of muscles underneath the skin as well as repositioning of muscles underneath the skin breathe! Is very red 2 weeks post op tummy tuck pictures due to the stitch issue I 'm so confused I thought since worked... Several months, especially when it is most crucial that you closely follow your doctors instructions about,... Close to 90lbs, kept it off for almost 2 years my work a lot of discomfort following.. Are considering a similar procedure, this will give you the best possible.... Without irritating theincision they were 2 weeks post op tummy tuck pictures visible after a year.ReplyCancel, Hi Laramie! approximately... Im a week post-op from my tummy tuck with liposuction and these pictures are 3. Abdominoplasty ( tummy tuck, liposuction of the flanks the MA at PS. Wanted to share my experience with you procedures will remove more skin, must... You should also be able to see some of the flanks go home so that 2 weeks post op tummy tuck pictures rest... It just didnt look right to me confused I thought since I worked from home and have an here! You some insight into what to expect week 3 post-op you hit one side and surgical... Women nowadays ahead and arrange for a scar revision pictures can motivate you to stay in shape keep! Marked skin excess as well as repositioning of muscles underneath the skin as well laxity. Op day 4 with Drain ) life in ways that I could back...