Tummy Tuck

Question: Tummy tuck? I'm going to have a tummy tuck done in a couple of weeks. I've seen several before and after pictures and I feel satisfied that I want to have this done. I am 5' 9" and weigh 131 pounds, but I have a roll of skin on my abdomen from having had three babies via c-section. Is there anyone out there who has had a tummy tuck and can e-mail me regarding questions that I have. Because of privacy, my doctor would not give me the names or numbers of anyone that I could talk to or ask questions of. basically, I want to know if you're glad you had it done? What did it cost? How long were you off work? Pain level? Scarring? Weight/inches lost? Stuff like that. Anyone out there?

Answer: it hurts and it is not fun. you also can gain the weight back.

Question: Tummy Tuck? I have lost about 40lbs in the last six months and I am considering having a tummy tuck done to make everything a little smoother and flatter. I was just wondering if any one out had a tummy tuck and what to expect out of it and after the surgery. Such as heal time, pain, etc. Basically any personal experience any one has. Thanks.

Answer: Go for it! The pain is worth it and you deserve it after loosing so much weight. The post-op is painfull and lasts about 2 weeks. The 1st couple days are the worst but the confidence you gain is well worth it. You have to maintain a good diet afterwords or you will go right back to where you were before. All in all, the ends justify the means!

Question: tummy tuck? im 24 and have already popped out 2 kids. i have been on a weightloss diet for a few months now to loose the baby weight. i got about 30lbs to go till i hit my goal. i know im gunna need a tummy tuck once im done, since ther isnt an exercise out ther that will get rid of the streched skin...im just wondering when is a good time to talk to a doctor? should i wait to hit my goal weight or see the doctor and talk about the rest of my weightloss with him? thanks for your help...and any other information you have on tummy tucks are always helpful.

Answer: I had 2 kids too and lost a lot of weight. I had my tummy tuck before I was completely finished losing weight. I'm still dieting to lose more weight. I am so happy I had the tummy tuck! It was the best thing I ever did for myself. Recovery is very painful and can take over a month. Make sure you have someone who can take care of your kids for awhile because you won't be able to move.

Question: Tummy-tuck ?????? I still have some baby fat in my belly although it has been 2 years now,but i really would like to get a tummy-tuck,heard its great,but could have side effects.Has anyone done it ????

Answer: ok. i have had a tummy tuck. i am 17 weeks out. i had it on feb 11, 2008. it is the best thing i have ever done for my self. as the lady states in your answers it is very rare to have side affects. and it is. as long as you do the research and pick the dr. your dr should never make you feel like you are bein rushed outta the patient's room, or make you feel uncomfortable. i do have a permanent scar, but even after 17 weeks, people are ammused by the looks of it. it is very thin and it is very even. a low rise bikini would defenetly still cover it. i got the full hip to hip tummy tuck with some lipo on my love handles. i have 3 kids all who came from a father that is 6'7, and i am 5'1. so i had big babies. my belly was just loose skin. i have never felt so good about myself. i know like all moms do, when having kids all we seem to think about is our kids, and never ourself. do it, girl. it is so worth it. you only live once, and why live it wishing you would have had it done. you deserve it.. and ignore the people that say that sit ups will help. tjey wont! when your belly expands to have a baby, it pulls your muscles apart, and no matter how many sit ups you do, it iwll not show. although they will show and help when you do have the surgery. the worst thing is having to be bent over at a 90 degree angle for 2 weeks, and gradually standing upright within a month. it causes back aches, but it is very important, b/c if you do stand upright, you can pull at the stitches adn the scar, and this will make the scar widder. do everything your dr. says. by the book. no lifting, no nothing. do not go against his words, this will be the only way you will get the best results, and you wanna minimize the looks of the scars as much as possible. my stomach is so amazing. i eve3n have a toned look. i have 3 lines, one going down the middle and one on each of my sides. it is amazing. i am extremely happy, and couldnt of done anything better. you mentioned you do have kids. make sure you have someone help 24/7 for atleast a week or so b/c there is no lifting. if it wawsnt for my awesome husband, this would not of been possible. not it is painful, but hey "no pain no gain" and you get plenty of pain pills. do it, girl. its worth it. any other questions you cqn email me: [email protected] there is also a website you can see ething they do. contourmd.com

Question: How long after a tummy tuck can I? Ok this is embarrassing but I had my tummy tuck last friday combined with some lipo. I still am hurting and am sore everywhere. I havent taken a poop since last thursday (the day before my tuck) so my question is how long after my tummy tuck can I take a poop since it still hurts to push im kind of at a loss I need natural home remedies to let me go without pushing. Need help!

Answer: Use an enema. This should do the work.

Question: What is the surgical procedure and healing time for a tummy tuck? I want to get a tummy tuck but have heard that the recovery time can be vicious. I don't know how much time I would be able to take off of work for the healing process. Is the pain after the surgery comparable to a c-section (I had one of those when giving birth to my giant daughter, hence the need for a tummy tuck). Also, is there any noticeable scarring from the procedure?

Answer: I had a tummy tuck 5 months ago, I love my results even with my scar. I have a scar from hip to hip, but I have a flat tummy & tight abdominal muscles. If you have an office job I would think 2 weeks should be enough time to be off of work. I had a complete mommy makeover so my recovery was a little longer. I also had two c-sections and I think the tummy tuck is a lot harder recovery, part of the surgery is abdominal muscle repair, which is where ur muscle that were pulled apart during pregnancy (mine had a 4 inch separation) are pulled back together. You will have a lot of muscle pain and be hunched over (from skin being pulled down & tight) during the first few weeks of your recovery. Make sure you have someone who can help you out for a few days (a week is better) because you won't be able to do much of anything. Now even saying all that I would do it again in a second Check out this forum http://messageboards.makemeheal.com/ it has tons of useful information and there are a lot of people on there who give great advice.It also has a ton of before and after pics so you can see exactly how the scars look. it helped me out so much before and after surgery, those women are great. Good luck.

Question: What qualifies you as a surgical candidate for a tummy tuck? How would I know if I am a surgical candidate for a tummy tuck. I've had 3 kids and have gained 40 pounds in the last year, mainly in my tummy area.

Answer: To be a good candidate for a tummy tuck, you should have weight proportionate to height, and you should have mainly loose skin in the tummy area. If you are overweight, then you probably should lose weight before considering a tummy tuck. The medical way to measure this is by BMI, body mass index. A good calculator is here- http://www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/ You should have mainly loose skin, as opposed to fat and soft tissue that you can pinch. If you don't have loose skin, then you probably need liposuction. If you think you're overweight, or if you're not certain if you need a tummy tuck versus liposuction, then a consultation in person with your local plastic surgeon is the best way to go.

Question: How much does a tummy tuck cost in Houston? I'm a relatively small person but my stomach muscles after having babies is not contracting back to "normal". I'm 29 years old. I'm thinking of getting a tummy tuck or anything needed to reduce the stomach fat. How much does this cost in the Houston area and what is recovery process like? Also, does it hurt a lot, anyone that has gone through this?

Answer: You can easily check your minimal health care rates in internet, for example here - health-quotes.talk4fun.net

Question: How much time should I wait between a tummy tuck and breast surgery? I'm getting a tummy tuck, some lipo, and plastic surgery for scarring on my leg this Tuesday. I'm also interested in getting breast work done ASAP. I will probably just need a lift instead of an enhancement, but I will leave it to my surgeon to decide. Money is not an issue, my schedule is. How soon after this surgery should I feel well enough for the breast surgery. My surgeon says 6 months and though I respect him and he's the best, we have already begun to playfully argue considering I've had many surgeries before. I'm thinking it'll be my Thanksgiving present to myself - Christmas at the latest. Any ideas?

Answer: How's about waiting 1 month, for each inch of space, 'tween naval and nipple?

Question: How soon can I have a lipo or tummy tuck after having baby via c-section? Has anyone ever done a tummy tuck immediately after delivering their baby via -c-section. I am planning on having my third and I am assuming it may be another c-section like my first 2 so I wanted to have a tummy tuck right after the procedure. Any advise. Is it safe? Sounds crazy but doesn't hurt to ask. Please advise

Answer: I have known of several women who have had it done immediately after a C-Section delivery, after normal delivery and without delivery but at the same time as getting a tubal ligation, all with excellent results. As with all surgery, the most important factors are the health of the patient and their pre-op history. That they not be smokers, or if such that they have had stopped at least three weeks before surgery, that they do not take any over-the-counter meds at least three weeks to a month before surgery and that they are emotionally and mentally stable. Additionally, in the case of abdominoplasty (tummy-tuck) it is advisable to wait until you are certain that you do not want any more children. The best thing to do is consult with the doctor who would be performing each of the procedures. As a side-note, in comparison to general surgery, cosmetic surgery is farr less complicated or risky. All the best!

Question: What type of exercises and routines are allowed after having undergone a tummy tuck and male breast reduction? What type of exercises and routines are allowed after having undergone a tummy tuck and male breast reduction? I want to know what type of exercises and exercise routine should one adopt after undergoing a tummy tuck and male breast reduction? HOW MUCH TIME SHOULD ONE GIVE BEFORE RETURNING TO THE GYM? What type fitness routine is most advised following surgery?

Answer: You should be asking your PS this, they are getting paid to take care of you.

Question: How long should I wait after tummy tuck to have navel piercing? Im surprised - I have done a search all over the net and cant find any information on this! I have had a tummy tuck done mid December last year and now want to have my navel pierced but Im not sure how long your supposed to wait - I see my surgeon again 22nd Feb so will ask him then but Im wondering if anyone knows anything about this? Since having the tummy tuck my belly button has shrunk as they sewed the skin back to the belly button inside the belly button and I think that piercing it will help hide this as the ball at the end of the bar will cover it. For those who hate piercings Im really not interested in your opinions - I have other piercings and even a few tattoos - I love them and thats all that really matters to me in the opinion area. For those with some knowledge in this area I thank you for your suggestions.

Answer: You Doctor will probably tell you to wait a full 6 months and then you will have a green light to go ahead with it...

Question: What is the best thing to wear right after tummy tuck surgery? So I am having tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast implant surgery on June 18th. I spoke with the doctors office today and the said the best thing to wear is a mu-mu!!! OK so I laughed but they were serious. I was thinking on wear really loose capris and a tank top but they said it would not work. I want to hear from other people who have had this procedure done and what kind of clothes they wore directly after the surgery and for like the first week.

Answer: You do not want to wear anything that you have to raise your arms to take off. That is why the doc said no to the tank top. If you are not a moo moo person ( i wasnt either) wear a zippered or button down shirt. I just wore sweats and a full zippered hoodie. I had a tummy tuck over 3 years ago and it was the best thing I have ever done for myself! GOOD LUCK! Email me if you have any other questions. [email protected]

Question: How long do i have to wait after my tummy tuck before i can go travelling? After significant weight loss im having a tummy tuck. My friends have decided to go travelling around south america, two months after my surgery and i'd love to go! Does anyone know would it be safe to go that soon after surgery?

Answer: Hello, I would say at least 4-6 weeks afterward as long as there are no problems after the surgery. It does depend upon exactly how your surgery is done (especially how tight the muscular repair is if you have one,) so I would check with your surgeon before you book your trip. Good luck

Question: Is it possible to get stretch marks from the actual tummy tuck procedure? I had a tummy tuck 2 weeks ago and still have a lot of swelling. I am so afraid to stand up straight because the skin feels so tight and I don't want to get MORE stretch marks. Is that even possible. I don't plan on more kids and I my weight has never really fluctuated. Just wondering and hope someone out there who has had the procedure done could fill me in. Thanks for the advice Patty. Nice to here from somone who has been trought it too.

Answer: I had a tummy tuck also about 3 years ago and it was the best thing that I have ever done for myself. I waited for 10 years to do it because I was scared. Go ahead and stand up straight you are not going to hurt a thing. I have actually put on about 10 pounds and haven't gotten anymore stretch marks. My son was a11 pounder and did a real number on my poor belly. Good Luck !!!!!!!!

Question: How do I begin searching for a good and safe tummy tuck doctor? I lost about 60 pounds and know my abdomen is kind of loose,I think I need a tummy tuck in order to feel slim. But I don't know how to begin my serch for a good doctor,where I would feel safe to proceed.A doctor that has a good reputation and that could be recomemnded.To get that type of surgery done.Does anyone know of someone that you honestly can recomend to me.

Answer: I would start by talkign with your regular doctor first, adn getting a referral from them.

Question: How much is the average cost of a tummy tuck? I had a baby 4 years ago. During pregnancy, I got toximia. My stomach is now streched and looks strange compared to the rest of my body. I've lost weight but the more I lose weight, the more my stomach hangs. So I am now looking to get a tummy tuck and just wanted an estimate of how much that would cost me.

Answer: Hi - I just had a tummy tuck on Tuesday in Connecticut. I, too, had an over-distended stomach due to my twin pregnancy 3 years ago. My doctors confirmed it....diet and exercise would NEVER get rid of it because I was so overstretched, so I was a prime candidate for a full tummy tuck. They are expensive, but it depends on where you live. I'm in Connecticut (freakin' expensive place to live!) and mine cost just under $9000 for the full tummy and hip liposuction. BUT - Capital One has a cosmetic surgery financing plan, so I was able to finance it...about $181 a month! The surgeon fee was only about $6500....the facility fee, anesthesia, and after surgery garments are other fees that need to be considered. ALSO, the recovery totally depends on the person...my doctor has been floored at how well I have recovered, but I have heard of other people having a lot of pain and taking a long time to recover. Plan on a solid 2 to 3 weeks before being able to go back to work. AND YOU WILL NEED HELP AT HOME (especially with a 4 year old!) because you will have "drains" in you for a week or so (I had one removed already...yea!), and you will be HUNCHED OVER. Your back will hurt. But the pain medication helps. Start visiting local plastic surgeons...see if they feel your body will respond well and what prices they can give you. GOOD LUCK!

Question: How old do you have to be for a tummy tuck and how dangerous is it? Normally I would never consider plastic surgery. I'm eighteen years old and I have recently lost a lot of weight. I have severe stretch marks covering my lower abdomen and hips. I've talked to my parents about tummy tuck surgery, because apparently it is the only thing that removes them 100 percent. How old do you have to be? Is it extremely risky? I would be going to a reputable surgeon of course...Any basic information would be great:)

Answer: I would imagine 18 would be the youngest age you can get a tummy tuck, Surgeons are a little weary about doing them if you are planning on having children bc it can change your results. Although, it is still your choice to go ahead with it. It is a major surgery, but is pretty common. Make you sure you check out your surgeon completely. I had a mini tuck a little over a month ago and am very happy. You will have drains in anywhere from 5 days until 2 weeks depending how extensive the TT is and how much fluid you are accumulating. Your surgeon with a full tummy tuck should be able to get rid of most stretch marks, but any you have that are above your belly button, they won't be able to get rid of. (But they would them be low anyways). If you have any questions, let me know :) Good luck!

Question: What should I expect with a tummy tuck surgery? How major a surgery is a tummy tuck? I had twins 22 years ago, and have given up on the loose skin every going away. I am wondering if anyone can tell me how major of surgery a tummy tuck is, and even approximately the cost of one?

Answer: Very painful but worth it. $7000 to $10000.

Question: How can I get my insurance to cover my tummy tuck? My skin after having my kids is so stretched and saggy. Its actually painful and itchy under the small flab of loose skin. I need a tummy tuck but cant afford it. Anyone know of a way to get the insurance company to cover it or another WAY!

Answer: To get the insurance company to cover the surgery your surgeon would need to write a letter of medical necessity to explain the surgery.