Tummy Tuck?? - Washington,DC

You're going to love the results! I am a mother of 5 and my last pregnancy was with twins so you can imagine what my "tummy" looked like. The doctor was even able to remove the skin with the stretch marks. I had a c-section with the twins so the tummy tuck was nothing. I really didn't feel any pain from the surgery. I did take the pain pills on schedule. I hurt if I coughed or sneezed so try to avoid if at all possible. I hope you asked for the bulb of medicine that the surgeon attaches directly to your abdominal muscles? Also, I paid extra to stay overnight in the hospital. Also, I would wax or shave you pubic area because they put the drainage tubes right there and if you don't it will pull on the hairs for the two weeks they leave them in for. Also, for your outfit to wear home, I would bring a pull over dress or a really loose fitting skirt because of those tubes are so low pants will put pressure on them. Make sure you wear the abdominal belt AT ALL TIMES. I think that's why I didn't have any problems. I also had my grandmother (a living saint) stay with me for 2 weeks. A GOD SEND. I literally did nothing but heal and look gorgeous. I hope this helped. Good Luck!

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It has been almost 12 years since my tummy tuck and after reading the responses - they've come a long way baby! I had horrible pain after the surgery. I stayed overnight in the hospital and then 2 nights in a nearby hotel until the drainage tubes were removed. My scar is still very visable and the area around the incision (which is hip to hip) is still numb. I was off work about 2 weeks and didn't stand complete straight again for about a month. I'm glad I had it done in one sense, but I'm really unhappy with the way I look and I hate the numbness. Definitely interview your surgeon and check them out thoroughly. Best of luck and God Bless!

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Had a friend who did it sometime after her second child and said it hurt worse than her C-sections BUT was worth every second of the pain. She looks much better and happier. I met her only a few months before she got pregnant with her first and she had the "pouch" then, so it wasn't just babies. She loves her new self.

And that concludes my experience with tummy tucks!

-S

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For those looking for a plastic surgeon...I recently had breast augmentation done with Dr. Desman in Alexandria, VA. He was great. Here is his website: http://www.vcps.com/index.html I don't know first hand of his work with tummy tucks but I can only assume he does those with the same care he took with my breast. He made sure my end result was what I wanted. Good luck! I was scared of surgery but it all went really well and was worth it!

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Just make sure the doctor you picked out is really good. Also while you are recovering if you start to feel ill or it gets painful go to the ER. I know a woman who now had a huge hole in her stomach because she got a massive infection and her doctor (who was supposed to be really good) just dismissed her complaints. When she went into the ER they told her that if she had waited a few more days to go in she wouldn't have survived. Be vigilant and don't be afraid to see the doctor if something feels not right. Best of luck to you.

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It was the best experience and I would do it again. I was back to work in a week. If you had a c section it is much like that. If your doctor offers you the pain pump take it. It is worth every penny!!! You will have little to no pain some discomfort but not pain.

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I had mine done in May and I LOVE IT! My kids are 1, 2, and 17. The pain wasn't as bad as I thought it would be, but I also have a very high pain threshold. For me, not being able to pick up my little ones for 6 weeks was HARD! I am pretty physically active as well, so that part was also difficult. I lost all but 10 pounds or so of my baby weight before I scheduled my surgery as well. That gave me a little extra push to lose the rest and I think that made for better results. My scar is fading really quickly, but that goes case by case. I also used a highly educated and experienced surgeon. It cost a bit more, but I wouldn't take the chance with just anyone! My husband was very supportive and helpful, so that made it a bit easier. Hope all goes well for you...and just keep reminding yourself (especially on the bad recovery days), how great you'll look in that bikini next summer!

Go see Dr. Tattlebaum in Rockville, he's great!

Hi,

My mother had a tummy tuck and one of my friends, the best advice is to loose the weight first, it makes for a much better result, in both of there cases, I found the line from hip to hip not to be straight. It took a while for the redness to settle down after the operation and in my mothers case hers got infected so added help was required to poke inside the incision so as to get the puss out.

I'd say both were still happy they got it, as it prevented rashes and sore skin from the overlap of skin that remained after having children.

In my opinion both scars are still rather visible today, about 8 years later, not sure if that is a concern for you or not. But thought I'd share what experiences I've seen.

Good luck.

i just had one last week. i have 3 kids my baby is 15 months. you will not be able to lift your baby for at least 3 weeks. it was not as bad as i thought it was going to be pain wise and i am so far really pleased. my doctor is dr. adam tattlebaum, he as well as his team is amazing. i went to his rockville office. he is great and will be compleately honest and realistic with you. i am happy to answer any questions you might have. my number is ###-###-####. good luck.
N.

I am having a tummy tuck in 4 weeks and am posting this so I can view the other responses! :) Good luck with yours!

I too would like to have a tummy tuck. My only advice is to be sure you are done having kids. I dont think they will do one otherwise.
I dont even care if my tummy is completely flat because I am a large person anyway. I just want that bulge and overlap gone...Ive had it since I was about 13.
I would be interested in seeing some before and after pictures if anyone would like to share them. And also hearing peoples reasons for having a tummy tuck.
My most important question is whether or not insurance will cover it. I hear conflicting stories. WE have Tricare. For me its not a vanity thing. I figure they do breast reductions to releive back pain, why not a tummy reduction to releive my back pain?
Also if anyone has any surgeon reccomendations in the Hampton Roads area.

Hi this is not so much of an answer to your question but a question of my own. I am also considering having a tummy tuck, I'm still in the finding a doctor phase and was just wondering about your doctor, prices, etc. Thanks!

I had mine done about 5 years ago, and although it was pretty painful, it was definitely worth it. The worst part for me was coming out of anesthesia (not gonna even try to spell it!). I got very sick, started vomiting and having just been cut open, it really hurt. It was painful riding in the car home and I went straight home and went to sleep. My doctor came to my house the next day to check the draining and everything was fine. But still I was in a lot of pain for the first couple of days. I was off from work for about a week and I think after that first week I started to feel a lot better, although I wore a girdle-like thing for about a month which made me feel more supported. Comparing this to the two C-sections I had, this surgery was much harder which surprised me. But it was completely worth it and I definitely would do it again. I had a wonderful surgeon who unfortunately is now retired. Best of luck in your surgery!