Everyone has heard of the term abdominoplasty, aka tummy tuck, at least once. When we think of a tummy tuck, visions of a skinny and sleek stomach pops into our minds. Those that choose to go under the knife for a tummy tuck are just wanting to look better in a bikini, possibly even reach that pre-baby body. Well I am here to tell you that there is much more to the story of a tummy tuck and what is to be expected.
I never would have considered getting a tummy tuck until this past su
mmer. After having three babies all via c-section, I was content with my post baby body. I was confident in who I was because every mark on my body represented the three blessings I have acquired over the past six years. While I was doing my usual daily stretch one morning, I felt something in my abdomen. It felt like something had been unzipped. Yea, not a good feeling to have.
Rectus Diastasis
I knew I had rectus diastasis: separation of the abdominal muscles after my second pregnancy. Basically I had a 2 inch by 2 inch gap in my abdominal muscles due to the pressure placed against them due to my pregnancy. Rectus diastasis is a very common condition that can occur after pregnancy and usually is not a health risk. At most, it will give most women that ‘pregnancy pooch’ post pregnancy that seems to never want to budge.
In my case, it became more than an aesthetic issue. I was at risk of a full-blown hernia after stretching that one particular day. After calling my OB/GYN following my ‘unzipped’ sensation in my abdomen, I was referred to a plastic surgeon. What?! Plastic surgery was never in my mind. I had been content with my body, I would I need a plastic surgeon?
Time To Call a Surgeon
I put off calling a plastic surgeon for a few weeks because I did not want plastic surgery. During these few weeks, I began to notice a change in my posture. This included pain in my lower back as well as a soreness in my abdomen. The 2 inch by 2 inch gap in my abdominal muscles became even larger; an entire fist could fit into it. It stretched from 2 inches below my sternum to about 3 inches below my belly button. Upon looking into the mirror, I could see an indention in my belly. It was scary to see.
I wasn’t able to lift heavy things without feeling pain, and a small area above my belly button began to protrude. It was time to call that plastic surgeon. I met with a recommended plastic surgeon and found that I was on the verge of having a complete hernia. Anything could cause it to occur at any time. A full blown hernia was something you want to avoid if you are capable of doing so! A mesh transplant would be needed in that case, which has not so good risks. One risk included an allergic reaction to the mesh itself.
A Tummy Tuck
I had no choice but to have the surgery, a tummy tuck. The reasons were different from most other people. I wasn’t getting liposuction or a lot of extra belly skin removed. I was having my stomach muscles sewn back together to prevent me from having a hernia. You want to know what else? It was not considered a ‘medical condition’ since I did not have a full blown hernia yet. How crazy is that?! How was it not seen as a preventative measure similar to the flu vaccine every year (minus the fact that one is a major surgery and the other is a shot). Medical insurance was out of the question.
I was having the surgery because I had to before I had a hernia. I NEVER wanted a tummy tuck, but it was either go under the knife to correct the damage already done to my abdominal muscles or wait to have more damage done with a hernia. With all things medical related, you continue to do what you have to do. The surgery was scheduled for the next month. All lifting was kept to a minimal to not risk developing a hernia before then.
After Surgery
The first few weeks after surgery were very difficult. The pain was unbearable some days, and I was unable to do anything that I was used to doing. This includes not even bathing myself or using the bathroom without the help of my husband. I had to sleep in a reclined position and at 6 weeks, still unable to just raise up from a laying position. I have to roll onto my side before getting up. The pain has gotten a thousand times better and my activity level has increased since about 4 weeks out, but I have a ways to go to be back to ‘normal.’
If you are contemplating a tummy tuck, no matter if your reason is aesthetic or health-related, know that you are doing what ever is best for you. The post surgery recovery is not easy; actually it was more difficult than all 3 of my c-sections. It does get better at every week passing, and I know it will be worth it at the end of it all!
Thank you for sharing your experience Clair and I’ll stay tuned to your progress! I can refer you to
one of the top plastic surgeons in Beverly Hills if you have any more follow-up questions.
Wow, this is exactly my story! Three c sections. Was OK with my postpartum self…..but I lifted a large piece of luggage into an overhead bin while traveling for work and BAM, I dropped to the floor. I hadn’t ever envisioned undergoing plastic surgery, but I am now day 3 post op. I had two hernias to repair as well but insurance didn’t cover the diastasis repair. So silly. Hoping you are feeling great now! To get it done sooner, I had to visit family in TX where there were more options for Doctors. I would agree that this is much more difficult than the c sections. If you get a moment, let me know how you are feeling now!
Thank you for your story. It was really good reading. I underwent tummy tuck myself last year. I had 2 children and my body did not wanna go back to the shape it was before. I did try some exercise as well with some diet but the excess skin was still there. So only solution was tummy tuck, but because it was my first operation i was very worried. Because here in UK they ask for it so much i traveled to Prague. It cost me cheaper even with the fly ticket. First when i arrived to Forme clinic i got nice welcome at reception and that time my worries were gone. Dr. Hyza took very good care of me and could not believe than my tummy will look so great after. As you said, i was not able to do mostly anything than before for first month. Was lucky i had very helpful husband who was always helping me with everything a lot. The scar is nicely hidden under my underwear so it is not visible at all. Now it does not look so red anymore. It is slowly fading what is great.
Hello! I had a TT with muscle repair in 2011. Shortly after (about 2 yrs ) I started having reflux. It has progressively gotten worse and I’m pretty sure it’s from my muscles being tied to tight. Please let me know if you or anyone else has experienced this after your tummy tuck. I can’t take the fact that I ruined a perfectly healthy body in order to achieve a flat tummy. I’m in pain everyday!
My email is [email protected]
Thanks!!
Lisa
You are such an awesome person for sharing your raw experience that others are scared to talk about! I loved reading your story! Thanks for sharing it you look awesome by the way!!!! On a side note where is your swimsuit top from??? Love it!
This is very interesting post to read. The tummy tuck surgery help you to get a good physique. The recovery purely depends on the individual. If you are looking for more information visit the site.
A Tummy Tuck is the right option for you if you have been through multiple pregnancies, significant weight loss or if simple aging has caused your belly to protrude and sag. Hernia removal too can cause the skin to sag, though genetic reasons can also not be ruled out either. Whatever the reason, a tummy tuck – medically known as abdominoplasty – can effectively improve the appearance of the abdomen and make it look flatter and taut.
Thank you for sharing your journey. Who is your plastic surgeon?
Tummy tuck – medically called abdominoplasty – is the surgical technique that includes removal of extra sagging skin and tightening of tummy muscles. It is a verified surgical way that can be modified about to different needs of people.
Thanks for sharing your experience. This is a surgical procedure to tighten the abdomen muscles.
You can check tummy tuck Glasgow