Have you had a tummy tuck? Can you answers some of my questions?

[MustTidyUpMustTidyUp]

Think I am going to book my surgery for the December. Am not having lipo, but a full TT and fix the muscles. What can I honestly expect in terms of recovery? I would need to be back at work after a month, I'm a teacher, is this reasonable? Does anyone regret their TT?

I had one a year and a half ago - absolutely no regrets. I had a twin pregnancy and acute polyhydraminias so had split my muscles badly (could put four fingers in the gap) and had a hernia. That said, the nhs still wouldn't pay for it.

The op itself went well and I had an au pair to help with lifting etc BUT on day one my son dropped a glass and I instinctively reached for it which tore a stich and led to a hemeatoma (enormous blood clot) which I had to have removed under anaesthetic. I also wasn't happy with the final results so had a revision. It seemed like much of last year was taken up with recovery.

If all that hadn't happened I was expecting an eight week recovery. The swelling is bad and worse than I had anticipated.

In terms of scar - it depends on how much skin you need pulled down. Mine wasn't too bad so my surgeon extended my c-section scar by about 3 inches each side. It sits under my stomach.

I don't quite have a washboard - the scar still swells occasionally - but it is pretty flat and if I make a concerted effort on my sit-ups I feel like I have the tummy of my 25 year old self!

Sorry meant to say: sits under my bikini

Derr

December Natasha.
To check for abdominal separation lie on your back and raise your head and legs slightly if your muscles have separated fpyou can put your fingers between them. Mine is above and below belly button and in the space avpbove I get a large lump when I lift my legs.

*you and above

Thought I'd resurrect this thread with the news that I had my tuck today! haven't seen the results yet as in a binder but am sure sure sure that it must be a million times better than what it was.
Can hardly believe it's done. (Am on a bit of a high!)

Congrats OP!

Will see how brave I'm feeling coconutty ;-)

Thanks for coming back and telling us about it MustTidy. I'm glad it went well. I hope you don't think I'm being nosey, but can you give us a 'warts and all' account of what the op was like, what the pain's like etc when you feel up to it. I'm determined to have mine done in July and I'd love to hear all about it.

Hope they're keeping your pain relief topped up if you're needing it.

I feel surprisingly well. Really, I'm not just being brave I'm very comfortable.
Got in yesterday at 730, met with anaesthetist and then surgeon came in and drew all over me. In theatre by 845. Out about 1210 so long op but my surgeon does 'quilting' where they tack the skin flap back down so it takes a bit longer. Felt fine when I came round, not cold or tearful as I have done after anaesthetics in the past. No pain yesterday, they inject the whole belly with local anaesthetic which lasted all day. Started on paracetamol and IBprofen last night which is keeping me pain free. Have some muscle aching, down the middle where I was sewn up and general aching all over when I get up but not pain. Can walk to loo but very stooped. Had a sneaky peek up my binder this morning and I cannot begin to tell you the difference. I had a lot lot lot of skin (took off over 2kg) and big muscle separation so it's going to be a major difference! Might finally fit my considerably-smaller-these-days body.
Being swapped from binder to compression garnment today so will try and get a photo and will PM those that want a look at before/after :-)

Thank you for updating. Hope your recovery goes well.

Very good of you to come back and update us so soon.

Best wishes for a full and speedy recovery

Congratulations MustTidy and I'm glad you're feeling ok!

I'm reading this with interest as I'm now pregnant with DC2 and will definitely be having a tuck in the next few years as my stomach is already fucked after one 9lb baby .

I'd love to see before and after pics and hear more about your experience and for you.

Which surgeon did you have and where?

Thank you all . I am in the south east maple can PM you if you want further details.
Am definitely swollen today but was expecting it. Still not really had a proper look as in a binder.

I'm in the north east and have an appointment in a few weeks with Prof Simon Kay. Really want to have it done after 4 v large dc. I am a size 8 but have separated muscles and wrinkly skin :(
Now or never!
Anyone used Prof Kay?

MustTidy how are you feeling today?

Am good thanks. Much straighter so back ache not so bad. Pain easily manageable as long as don't stay on my feet for too long which makes my back hurt. Still very swollen so difficult to get excited about the result but I'm sure it'll be pretty good :-) no discomfort at all from the incision which really surprised me, all the pain is from the muscle repair and I'm sure I'm over the worst of that as it is better each day.

Glad to hear you're on the mend. Good luck with getting the swelling down. I bet you can hardly wait to see the final result.

Hi
Am also in southeast and interested to hear details if you dont mind sharing. I had twins 8 years ago and cannot lose the belly skin I developed during the pregnancy.
Would that be possible OP?
Thanks.