A Tummy Tuck from a Patient’s Perspective
The birth of my son was one of the most incredible moments of my life, but also one of the scariest. Never having had blood pressure issues, I was surprised, to say the least, when a routine doctor visit turned into an ambulance ride and emergency c-section.
My c-section experience with my eldest (now, eleven years old) and youngest (four years old) was beautiful. However, both surgeries left me with what Dr. Harper likes to call the "c-section shelf."No matter how much weight I lost, the skin and fat in my lower stomach just would not budge. I found myself buying clothing to camouflage that area, avoiding all the cute dresses, shorts and other things because I was ashamed of how my stomach looked.
I've worked in the plastic surgery world for almost twelve years, so I have been around surgical procedures for quite awhile. I knew that a tummy tuck would be my best bet, but I put it off for years, worried about downtime, cost and what others might think. When my husband earned his first work trip to a warm destination where I wanted to feel great about how my body looks, I decided now was the time.
I met with Dr. Harper in August for my consultation. I discussed my concerns and asked if I was a candidate for a tummy tuck surgery. After a physical examination, Dr. Harper explained that I was a great candidate for a tummy tuck. The tummy tuck would address the skin laxity that I was so embarrassed by. He would tighten the muscles that were cut through during my c-section to restore definition to my abdomen. The tummy tuck would even include liposuction to my flank area to give me a more sculpted appearance.
I decided to schedule my surgery the Friday before Halloween. I opted for the onque pump, a lidocaine pump that stays in for three days after surgery, numbing the area to help with the initial discomfort post-surgery. This helped limit the amount of pain medications I needed to take in the post operative period. Dr. Harper also placed a drain during my surgery. The drain helps avoid seromas, or an accumulation of fluid in the stomach after surgery.
After surgery, my husband spent the first three days with me, making sure I had everything I needed. I made sure to shower the day after surgery and get up and walk every hour. The first time I showered I remember looking at my stomach and I couldn't wipe the smile off of my face. It was flat, the lower c-section shelf that I hated was gone, and I could see my belly button!
I returned to work after a week and a half and took things slowly. Like most surgeries, there is a lifting restriction of no more than ten pounds, so I had to ask for help with some things. I was able to care for my children but couldn’t lift my daughter to get her in and out of her carseat.
I am now six weeks post surgery and could not be happier. I feel more confident in my skin, my clothes fit far better and my stomach looks great. I would do the tummy tuck surgery a million times over.
If you are considering a tummy tuck, Dr. Harper is your guy! Fill out the form below and we can get you scheduled for a free cosmetic consultation to determine if you are a candidate for the procedure. You'll be glad you did.
