Question:
I'm getting my Tummy Tuck Monday and I have a question.
I was under the impression that my tt was going to be a bikini scar, like getting a c-section. Now that I went for all my pre-op tests, I found out that it's that and they are re-opening my WLS scar, so they can tighten my muscles. Now im scared! I could care less about the scar, WLS already gave me a nice big one and it does'nt bother me, but now I know im going to be alot more pain than I thought, so im wondering just how bad is it and is it worth it? I am so excited though :o) Thanks! — Sandy M. (posted on January 21, 2004)
January 21, 2004
My pain was not bad. I was given a Marcaine pump, though, which was a pump
that I wore around my waist for the first three days that had little tiny
tubes that went directly into my abdomen to keep me numb, so I didn't feel
much. You just throw away the pump when it has used up all of the
medicine. For me, the drains (which are so bothersome) were more of a
hassle than the pain. I had two drains in the pubic area, and one drain in
each buttock. (I had fat and skin removed all the way around me.)
Whatever pain you do feel, will be immensely worth it. You will be very
glad you had this done. I had 5 pounds of fat and skin taken off the
front, and 3 pounds taken from the side and back of my waist. (So my scar
goes around me in a complete circle.) This surgery was easier for me than
my RNY and my c-section, pain-wise. Granted, you walk around funny for a
while, but it's not bad. My back hurt from having to walk hunched over for
a week, and that pain in my back was worse than the pain from the surgery.
My experience wasn't bad. Hope this makes you feel better! Best wishes!
Raye
— raye
January 21, 2004
I had a full abdominoplasty that was just a hip to hip incision with all
the muscle tightening, They removed 5 pounds of skin from my stomach. The
pain was minimal - a 3 on a scale of 1 to 10. I was up walking the next
day. It was one of the easiest surgeries I've had.
— Patty H.
January 21, 2004
BTW, I just happened to look at your profile and you were only 15 pounds
heavier then me. Unless you carry a LOT of fat and skin ABOVE the belly
button, there isn't any reason for the T incision to be done for an
abdominoplasty. A lot of Plastic Surgeons feel it's necessary because you
used to be fat. I would check with another doctor before I had this done.
You might be getting more scars then you need.
— Patty H.
January 21, 2004
I had an extended TT done and yes, it was totally worth it! My scar goes
almost all the way around me on the hips and he revised my WLS scar down to
practically nothing and barely noticable. I had alot of fat above my
bellybutton and it took care of it. The pain wasn't that bad for me but I
have also never had kids. It also depends on how much muscle tone you
already have. I was 'built' according to my Dr. On a scale of 1-10, I was a
3 for the amount of tightening he had to do. I was back to work at a desk
job in 2 weeks. For me the pain wasn't as bad as the WLS but everybody is
different. Email me at [email protected] and I'll email some pics to
you.
— Kris T.
January 21, 2004
I'm not sure I'd say it was more pain -- but I will tell you I had a long
recovery. It took me a lot longer to bounce back from the tummy tuck than
the RnY -- close to a month before I felt like myself... I won't say that
its really painful, although the muscle stuff is hard -- its different kind
of pain. I had an extensive TT, with the tightening and anchor incision,
which is what it sounds like you're having. <br><br>It was
worth it -- two times over. I was wearing a size 14/16 when I had it, and
I'm wearing a size 10 these days. I ended up at goal after it was all said
and done, almost 30 pounds lighter and that was GREAT. I was afraid I'd
struggle for the last ten pounds. Its worth it, almost anything is worth
it. But please know, it was not a picnic for me, although sometimes in my
reading it seemed like a picnic for others. I'm not always sure they had
the same procedure I did. I personally think you're having the right
thing. You will be very happy with it -- though not right away. *grin*
— Lisa C.
January 21, 2004
Oh, I would have to say it was more pain but certainly worth it. I had belt
lipectomy (abdominoplasty but with the cut ALL around front and back). The
gastric bypass 15 months ago was a piece of cake. I am now 4 and a half
weeks past the plastic surgery. Still a slow recovery. But, I am not giving
up. The end always justifies the means.
— Steve B.
January 21, 2004
I do have a really saggy stomach. I lost 103# my first 6mo, then 30# the
last 6mo and I had 3 kids back to back, that's why I need the skin taken
off above the bellybutton too, it's not a large hanging skin fold, but the
Surgeon said it is all skin and no fat, so it all needs to come off with
the muscle tightening too. It is so squishy and bunched up that my kids
even play with my tummy everytime they walk by me lol, I think they think
it's playdo. Thanks for answering!
— Sandy M.
January 23, 2004
Sandy, I am having double hernia repair and panniculectomy on Monday too!
God be with us both. I am having a bikini cut from hip to hip. I don't
know how flat my tummy will be because of the hernia repair. Sigh. I
wonder what will happen to my old rny scar? God bless you and may both our
surgeries be very very uneventful and recovery quick! Yours in Fairmont,
WV
— Mylou52
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