Would you or have you had a tummy tuck ?

[mummytuck]

I've had two c sections. My youngest is still tiny and I haven't lost all my baby weight yet.

But I'm thinking ahead. I have quite bad muscle separation and I think even when I'm back at my normal weight, it's going to bother me a lot. It's above and around my belly button and makes me look pretty pregnant still.

I'll obviously see where I am, once I've lost the weight. But just looking into it.

Tummy tucks loom brutal ! Has anyone had one or is anyone planning one?

Is the recovery worse than from c section ?

Alternatively, has anyone managed to bring the muscles closer together with exercise ? I've been looking online and it does seem like it may be possible ?

I had fleur de lis abdominalplasty which is more invasive than a tummy tuck. 10 stone weight loss and 3 c sections with muscle separation is the reason I got it done.

I would wait until you are at your goal weight for maximum results and to absolutely make sure you are finished having children.

I had one in Turkey. I’d had 3 kids (one c-section) and I’d also lost 4.5 stone so I had a lot of loose skin. I had muscle separation also so the surgery fixed that too. The results are fantastic and I’m so happy with it in all.

I've had a tummy tuck - I had 4 c-sections.

It was the best decision I have ever made. I had my confidence back.

I'd say it's slightly more brutal than a c-section, but it is comparable

Glad you had a good experience!

I always had a small pouch anyway, so I never expect a completely flat belly, so perhaps I can get away with it..
I could get away with it almost after my first, but I think the separation has definitely worsened this time..

Let's see once I've lost the weight !

I have heard it's more painful than recovering from a section. Did you have drains or no drains ? The drains look painful...

Not me but DD had the separated muscle op plus tummy tuck 5 years ago when she was 40, and after 2 C sections.
It was quite expensive but the private unit attached to our local NHS hospital organised what was basically a lowish interest loan and she was allowed to choose the surgeon and the date of the surgery which was necessary as the recuperation period was quite lengthy and she's a teacher so was able to plan and use the long school summer holiday to recover.
She was delighted with the outcome and regained the self confidence lost due to continually looking pregnant. I think that it cost £5000 and had to weigh under 10 stone as she's 5'8'' tall.
Best wishes Mx.

Yes I had drains but only for 48 hours. The drain holes are a little sore, but honestly I had forgotten about them until you asked so they weren't traumatic.
Once they are out though, you instantly feel more mobile and can stand up straighter.

My TT has literally changed my life. Off on holiday soon and will wear a bikini. I feel better in normal clothes without worrying about my 'apron' showing. It's well worth a few weeks of discomfort xxx

I have. No drains. Best decision ever

I got to the weight I wanted to be and then had it.

I had one. I’ve always been thin and weight always fell off after pregnancy so I didn’t have the liposuction that is often done with the procedure. I’d had twins with a combined weight of two regular sized singletons and ended up with severe muscle separation.

it was a while ago now. The drains were a minor thing iirc. Having them removed was painless but made me feel a bit queasy, though it was over in seconds.

as for the recovery, I heard from more than one person that it was similar to a C - section though I’ve not had one so I can’t compare. I will say that I felt like I had done 5000 sit-ups for the first week or so, and had to walk bent over like a number 7.

I had one in 2006, Cyprus. I was a size 10,still am, tried for years to get rid of the gut. I had a cs in 1970, found that much more painful. My stomach area was a mess,that plus appendix,gall bladder removed, laparotomy for gynae bleeding,and no muscle tone. I did have a build up of fluid, the abdominal wall didn't knit back,had to go to London to the original surgeon monthly to have it drained,then I got a local surgeon,had scar re-opened,",roughed up" pressure garments for 6 weeks both times. Minimum pain,both times

Drains yes,both sides,and a catheter for 24 hours.

I had one 20 months ago. I had tummy tuck, liposuction (to sculpt under the bust and down my sides) as well as fixing a small separation of the muscles just below my belly button. I was cut hip to hip and the skin pulled down. My belly button was repositioned.

I won't lie, it was brutal! Worst bit was the itching from the lypo! You'll need help for at least the first week. Getting up and down off the toilet was tricky, husband had to lower me down and help me up! Couldn't remove or pull up my underwear/support wear for a few days.

I was walking 11km a day by 3 weeks post op.

Best thing I ever did though!

Ps if you do go for it, make sure they do your 'mons pubis' at the same time to make sure it's all ok with your new figure. My surgeon didn't really do anything with my moms pubis so when my TT healed, it stuck out loads. Had to go back and have liposuction on it! Wish it has been done at the time

I've had my consultation 3 years ago but I decided to have another baby and then Covid hit. I think I definitely need it after this last baby now. (Baby number 5!)

My surgeon said he wanted me to lose as much weight as I could. I was 9 stone 7. I'm now 10 stone 4. (I'm 5'6) So I guess I'm going on a diet. I can't wait to get rid of my stretch marks but mostly I just want normal tummy muscles so my back doesn't hurt so much.

Following for all the advise .....

You don't notice the drains really unless you pull them.