Tummy Tuck Info

I had a full tummy tuck with muscle repair 2.5 yrs ago.
It was the best decision I have ever made, hands down.

I researched plastic surgeons in my area and read their reviews. I then went to consults with 3. All 3 had different approaches and opinions. In the end, I ended up going with the one that had been a surgeon the longest and sat on several boards in the industry.

I also had lipo done on my upper arms as long as I was going in. Total cost, including facilities and anesthesia was $10,100. Out of pocket. I had mine done at a freestanding ambulatory clinic (meaning they provide ambulance services and are affiliated with area hospitals), instead of a hospital. That lowered the cost a few thousand dollars since it allowed me to avoid "outpatient services" fees. I also financed using Care Credit, which allowed me to make interest free payments for 2 years.

Recovery felt just like a c-section. There are 2 schools of thought around tucks...one that uses tubes for drainage, and one that uses progressive tension sutures to prevent swelling and fluid build up. I had the latter. My SIL had tubes. I can tell you that I was back on my feet much more quickly than she was, not having to deal with tubes. I had no swelling at all (you will read about "swell hell"). The first 3 days are rather uncomfortable, and you will not be able to stand up straight for about 8-10 days. The skin will need to stretch to allow you to do so, and that is a bit of a slow and uncomfortable process.
You will need to sleep on an incline on your back for about 3 weeks. Again, to prevent swelling and also because you will not be able to stretch out all the way, nor be comfortable sleeping on your side.

I was not able to lift more than 10 lbs for 6 weeks, which was not an issue. I considered that protecting my investment. :)

Today, I have a scar from hip to hip that is skin colored. It is no longer red, but it is visible. I knew it would be going in. I have little feeling in the area, as the nerves are severed in this process. But it is coming back slowly. And honestly, it doesn't bother me at all.

My stomach is flat as can be, and I literally never have to worry about a muffin top or how my jeans fit ever again. :)

PM me if you'd like additional information.
I would do it again in a heartbeat!

My aunt had lipo and a tummy tuck after giving birth to 7 babies. Although her stomach is flat now, I have never seen someone with a bigger chest. Her breast grew so much since surgery and I know she was considering a reduction. I asked my doctor about it and he told me it sounded like her fat cells relocated. I would certainly ask about that. My aunt is over weight BTW. Good luck.

My SIL got a tummy tuck and a boob job at the same time and paid about 10k. She said that the tummy HURT like heck for a week (didn't help that the anesthesia and pain pills made her sicker than a dog, throwing up non stop when you have your stomach all tied together didn't look like fun) She did some research online to find her dr. The only thing she regrets is not getting her tubes tied while they were in there (now pregnant with #4 OOPS!)

Make sure you don't plan on a pregnancy. They stitch those muscles together and I don't know what happens if you get pregnant. Those muscles are supposed to separate to accommodate the growing uterus.

Make sure that the surgeon is board certified for plastic surgeons.