Tummy Tucks... was it worth it?

I have an initial consult scheduled for Sept 16th with a very good plastic surgeon here in town to discuss fixing my stomach and giving me back my boobs that went missing at the same time.

I can let you know what this doc has to say to me if anyone wants.

I'd be interested in what he has to say. I know that the cost would be different depending on each person's situation, but I'd still like to know.

Just got home from my consult.

It was an experience. a very good one.

I found out I am an excellent candidate for it, weight, height, age and musculature. Was told that mine would mostly involve skin removal. suture of the muscle only enough needed to reattach skin and belly button. In other words my muscles would not have to be messed with, more or less only the skin. No Lipo needed either. Typically the doc told me there are between 2-6 drains inserted, with mine only 2 would be needed.

due to all of that my down away from work time would be 2 weeks.

My existing C-section scar would be incorporated into it as well, so no new scars, just a longer version of the one there currently.

He said typically he advises people to be 10 pounds lighter than they prefer for surgery, but was told with my bone structure, which all got tape measured, that it was not something I needed to do.

I also had a consult for breast augmentation as well, there would be a discount for the 2 together.

But if I had them done individually

stomach: $8000
Breast: $4500

together: $10,380

but no separate recovery for each, just 2 weeks to go back to work on light duty after both.

Was told push-ups and bench presses are NOT advised for a full year for optimal results on just the stomach surgery, and that depending on the type of placement for the breast augmentation, they are never advised due to capsular contraction and that it can if breast mass has decreased, like with dramatic weight loss, cause severe hardening of the breast and rippling. the horror pics shown were enough to convince me he wasn't kidding around on that.

Was told I needed to maintain my weight as is for another 4 months before he would even consider booking me for a surgery for either procedure. I have been the same weight as now since roughly February.

He also advised to track my menstrual cycles and plan the surgery to coincide with it ending and allow recovery before it starts again.

all things considered, he was a very through doctor, easy in personality and inspired confidence.

Price is something me and the hubs must talk about and me to continue to think about in addition to the surgery risks itself.

I am a nurse ... so with that being said I am fully aware of the risks.

whether you are a nurse or not, I'm sure you know the risks. If one woman knows the risk, all women know the risk. but you wanted to hear from those who had done it or considered it. I tell you, if I could afford one, I'd have been right on it. I've only had one surgery and it left me looking like a monster. Doctor did not give me the opportunity to get tucked, he just told me to exercise. 15 years of exercise later I'm still gross.

I always have concerns about people subjecting themselves to any surgery that is not absolutely necessary. Especially these days when hospital infection rates are up and bacteria are becoming antibiotic resistant.

I don't think people realize how dangerous anesthesia itself it, either. Sure, lots of people have surgery and everything is fine and I am not suggesting for one minute that you avoid a surgery that is necessary for your health and well being. I am, however, suggesting you reconsider something done for vanity, especially if you have not exhausted all other possible options.

Surgery always carries risks, some major. Ask yourself if you are willing to put your life in jeopardy for the sake of some loose skin.

Sometimes it has less to do with vanity and more to do with necessity. I lost over 300 lbs. And had a massive amount of loose skin and was constantly getting infections and it hindered all aspects of my life. So September 24th last year I under went circumferential body lift surgery and had 17 lbs. of loose skin removed and had my abdominal muscles cinched in 6 1/2 inches.... it cost me 15 grand and was worth every single cent.... I would do it all again tomorrow... I made a website that followed me through the surgery and will be adding my 1 year photos and video and reflection in the coming weeks... www.gettingfit4life.com

Good for you. And I'm sure you were as well educated as anyone telling you the "risks".

I certainly hope so...11 pounds until I book my consult!

I have just started reading your post and the replies and don't understand why you were/are so defensive at some helpful replies? I did not read anyone lecturing your or belittling your amazing intelligence or education. Why so negative to perfect strangers?

Agreed. I was thinking the same thing.

^^^ I'm sorry, but when you put something out on a general forum on MFP, you're going to get some responses you may not like. That being said,, the only thing I would add is to make sure you're at goal and have the eating/exercise as a regular part of your life before undergoing surgery. I've seen A LOT of people develop addictions to painkillers as the result of cosmetic surgery, as I'm sure you've seen in your profession. You don't wanna go through the pain, narcotics, infection risks, complication risks, etc etc just to be right back where you started in 10 years.

No, I haven't had a tummy tuck and at this point I will deal with the extra skin on my legs rather than risk surgery, but that's ME. I am, however, somebody who has kept her 70lbs off for over 20 years and working out is just as part of my day as brushing my teeth.

I am scheduled for my tummy tuck on Wed morning! I lost 70lbs 8 years ago, and I have kept it off. I have had 3 C sections. The first 23 yrs ago, and the last 2 most recently- 4yrs ago and 14 months ago. My last baby being just under 9lbs left me with a good size split between my muscles (Diastasis Recti) Diet and exercise will not fix that nor will it get rid of loose sagging skin.

Some people have better skin than others, But I'm not one of them. So this is the best choice for me. I have done my work, I eat right and workout and I have maintained a healthy weight for the past 8 years even after 2 more pregnancies. I deserve to be happy with how I look!
I would be happy to share my upcoming experience with you ! Sending a friend request now .

I am scheduled for my tummy tuck on Wed morning! I lost 70lbs 8 years ago, and I have kept it off. I have had 3 C sections. The first 23 yrs ago, and the last 2 most recently- 4yrs ago and 14 months ago. My last baby being just under 9lbs left me with a good size split between my muscles (Diastasis Recti) Diet and exercise will not fix that nor will it get rid of loose sagging skin.

Some people have better skin than others, But I'm not one of them. So this is the best choice for me. I have done my work, I eat right and workout and I have maintained a healthy weight for the past 8 years even after 2 more pregnancies. I deserve to be happy with how I look!
I would be happy to share my upcoming experience with you ! Sending a friend request now .

Good luck. I dare say you probably won't feel too sore. My 2nd c-section had very little pain and I've heard tummy tucks are nothing compared to a section. I hope all goes well for you.

edited to add: after my 1st section i can barely feel anything in my lower abdomenal area from the surgery that is why the 2nd one was easier heal time.

Bump

I always have concerns about people subjecting themselves to any surgery that is not absolutely necessary. Especially these days when hospital infection rates are up and bacteria are becoming antibiotic resistant.

I don't think people realize how dangerous anesthesia itself it, either. Sure, lots of people have surgery and everything is fine and I am not suggesting for one minute that you avoid a surgery that is necessary for your health and well being. I am, however, suggesting you reconsider something done for vanity, especially if you have not exhausted all other possible options.

Surgery always carries risks, some major. Ask yourself if you are willing to put your life in jeopardy for the sake of some loose skin.

Its not just some "loose skin" .. if someone has enough of a low hanging stomach, that can cause severe rashes, and messed up skin underneath it.. getting rid of that can be for health reasons, not just so they can look prettier. That apron of skin can also interfere with walking and everyday movements.