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AIBU?

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Original poster

To ask if you would consider cosmetic surgery?

24 replies

natureshaped · 01/03/2018 11:09

I'll start by saying that I know pregnancy is meant to change things, and I think all of this was a small sacrifice for my gorgeous baby! But my DD is nearly a year old now so it's been a while since my EMCS and I still have a weird, protruding pouch above my scar.

I have always been quite petite and in good shape and did yoga and swimming right up until 39 weeks but was huge by that point. Because I am so short my bump just popped out and I have deep, purple stretch marks from beneath my belly button to my thighs.

I am also very pale skinned so they show up like thick strips all over my front. I have to admit, it does make me sad to look in the mirror.

I am also a wedding singer and can't wear any of my old performance dresses any more as they were all quite fitted! I haven't gone back yet but I am dreading it- a job on stage means that your appearance does matter and I now feel quite self conscious.

So- I am considering a tummy tuck. This would sort out my abdominal muscle separation and even get rid of my pouch as well as many of my stretch marks. I am back in good shape except for this.

Has anyone had any cosmetic surgery at all? Are you happy with it? Any regrets? Any advice? Thanks in advance.

OP posts:
Original poster
natureshaped · 01/03/2018 12:26

Anyone?

OP posts:
MrsG841 · 01/03/2018 12:29

As someone who works in theatres and sees many tummy tucks I would say no.

It's horrific surgery long recovery and very painful

Shutupanddance1 · 01/03/2018 12:30

I considered a boob job but because of the fact that I’d have to go under GA again and they have to be replaced, I’ve changed my mind again.

On a very unrelated note, recently met someone with four kids, last time she was pregnant she had twins after a tummy tuck Confused. She said it was a very stressful and uneasy pregnancy.

Birdsgottafly · 01/03/2018 12:32

Go for a consultation about what laser treatment could do for you. Then shop around. I've seen Csection ' aprons' practically removed with lasers.

Fibroblasting then has been used to tighten skin.

Surgery isn't the only option.

upsideup · 01/03/2018 12:33

I've had a boob job, I went into pregnancy knowing that if I was left unhappy with my stomach I would 100% have surgery, fortunately although my stomach isnt quite as toned as it was I have never felt the need to. If it will make you happier and more confident, go for it! Its your life and your body.

Original poster
natureshaped · 01/03/2018 12:33

Oh really mrs? Are the results not worth the recovery?

Yes good point shutup I would definitely wait until I've had all my babies! If I have one at all...

OP posts:
divadee · 01/03/2018 12:34

Do not even consider it if you want more children. I was on the list for it and then found out I was pregnant (a surprise but a fabulous one!) And the surgeon told me horrific stories about pregnancy after a tummy tuck.

Birdsgottafly · 01/03/2018 12:34

Also, I've had friends who've had Surgery, they have been happy with their boob job, but the rest they've said that unless they've needed it to earn a living, it wasn't worth it.

Backscratchesforever · 01/03/2018 12:35

My friend with diabetes had a tummy tuck, nearly killed her and she had a horrendous recovery! However, she said she would do it again in a heartbeat.

I would have everything done if I could!!

Original poster
natureshaped · 01/03/2018 12:35

birds Shock sounds like an amazing alternative! Thank you!

Thanks upside glad to hear you are happy!

OP posts:
arethereanyleftatall · 01/03/2018 12:37

No, never.
I'm very confident though.

Idontbelieveinthemoon · 01/03/2018 12:39

Argh no, I'd dabble with certain procedures if I was really happy but never anything like a tummy tuck. I've a friend who lost masses of weight and recently had a tummy tuck, her surgery, her scars and her recovery were all so incredibly painful and even though the surgery is done, she's still desperately unhappy and looking at more surgery because her bellybutton isn't perfect.

Nope, nope, nope. I have friends who've had c-sections and changed their body shape through yoga, pilates and strength training at my gym. I'd always go that route rather than surgery unless it was medically necessary.

littlepeas · 01/03/2018 12:39

I've had a boob job (reduction) which has made a huge difference to my posture/back pain/confidence/how I look in clothes/etc and it was absolutely worth it. I too have a little overhanging pouch over my c section scar (I've had 3) and wouldn't have a tummy tuck - it just doesn't bother me in the way my boobs did. You mention that you are upset by your stretch marks - I believe that a tummy tuck is a large and significant scar - possibly something to consider. Perhaps have a consultation and see how you feel?

Original poster
natureshaped · 01/03/2018 12:45

Some good points here... I would definitely research it a lot before making any decisions and wait until I've had all my children as PP have said.

OP posts:
Lethaldrizzle · 01/03/2018 13:02

Diet and exercise. Tummy tucks are vile!

halfwitpicker · 01/03/2018 13:05

I've had a section and have basically the pouch you describe.

If you're clothed, you can't tell. Unless you are wearing extremely thin, extremely tight fabric. In a bikini you can't tell for example.

If I were you I'd buy some new work clothes and just diet and exercise.

fannythrobbing · 01/03/2018 13:16

I've got a significant diastasis this time and worry my abs won't come back together. If they don't I'll be booking in to have that repaired (which is pretty much a tummy tuck, I suppose). Diet and exercise will not bring my muscles back together so surgery would be the only option.
I also wouldn't mind a bit of a breast lift.

You could look into Pilates as that helped to strengthen my core and bring my abs almost all the way back together after baby 1 (but the diastasis is so much bigger this time I'm not sure it'll work but FWIW I'll be trying it this time too ahead of any surgery).

specialsubject · 01/03/2018 13:25

Less painful to buy some new dresses. Having stretch marks cut out seems very extreme.

mj1986 · 08/04/2018 15:31

This reply has been deleted

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UpperWallop · 08/04/2018 15:35

You can get free consultations anyway. I certain did with my surgery and I used a highly regarded plastic surgeon.

TheOnlyLivingMumInNewCross · 08/04/2018 15:38

If it's mainly the pouch that's the issue, speak to your GP about your options. I had an emergency section with my DS and due to the urgency they really messed me up (but I'm thankful they saved DS and myself obviously).
I was told in certain circumstances you can go back and discuss with them reconstruction. Not a tuck but more they reopen the top layer of scar and restitch it. Only reason I've not bothered is In a wimp!
I wear spanks if I'm wearing something fitted. Does help quite a bit.

UpperWallop · 08/04/2018 15:38

Op - have you looked on real self? I was on it for months, obsessively looking at my procedure! It's primarily American but there are plenty of uk people on too www.realself.com/Tummy-tuck/reviews

chimpandzee · 08/04/2018 15:43

There are post-natal rehab exercises for improving diastasis recti, which you might have. Also look for youtube videos on DR and how to check if you have it. A tummy tuck doesn't resolve the underlying issue of muscle separation and weak abdominal muscles, or of carrying extra weight. There's a lot you can do before your next baby to improve things and to maintain that during and after any subsequent pregnancies. I would always exhaust those possibilities before considering a major surgery. My mum had a tummy tuck and I wouldn't say the results have been long lasting or impressive at all considering what she went through and how much it cost. The recovery was horrendous.

Elephant788 · 16/04/2022 08:14

Has anyone had an abdominoplasty to fix severe muscle separation post pregnancy and whether thos also resolved pelvic girdle pain? Many thanks

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