Scamp

I have had an Abdominoplasty with no tightening due to previous hernia repairs :-)
I had my hernia repaired normally - Without mesh - Then it came back in 2007 - So the second time it was repaired with mesh.
Then a few years after the hernia was fixed I had my Inverted T tummy tuck...... The surgeon said he tried to see what he could do - But had he repaired the muscle I would have been left with a lump down the middle. So he did not repair that - I am very happy! - There was virtually no pain after the op - Just tightness for a few days...
And that happened in 2010 and I am as happy today as I was after the op!
I attach a pic taken not long after the op...

And one of more recently... (2017 I think this one was)

I have noticed that a lot of belly buttons after surgery look like cats bums... lol
Here are two pre-surgery pics...


I really hope that this helps. Take these pictures with you to show the Dr if you need to - My mesh is quite large - 15cm x 20cm it said on a piece of paperwork I have - Unless they cut it smaller of course but I can feel it in me and it feels large!
Feel free to send me a PM and ask all the questions you need to. I am happy to help.
Suffice to say that it can be done - There is nothing to worry about - And I am so very happy with my results - This surgery was done in 2010 - My belly is as flat today as it was back then I think - Heck I'll go take a picture - Be right back...
OK - I am back........ (Few minutes later)
Here you go - Taken just now - The op was in April 2010 if I remember correctly..... This is today... Please excuse the marks from Jeans/Belt etc - LOL - Daughter said you won't be able to see my scar because of the Jeans having left marks.. Sorry about that......

I really hope that is of some help....
*Edit again*
I want to say here - That after you have this surgery (Or any surgery like this) - No matter what the Dr says - You get some 3M paper tape and you put it on and keep it on - Replacing it as needed etc - Every day - All day - All night - For THREE MONTHS - No matter what - Support the scar whilst it heals - Then your scar will be a lot less visible than mine is. I tested this through my surgeries after this one - And the other scars are much finer and better through being supported as they healed, and if I ever did this one again I would definitely support the scar (Or any scar) as it heals so it heals to a fine line without stretching a little like mine has :-)
The tape looks like this - It's cheap and worth ten times the price for a good scar :-)
https://www.medisave.co.uk/3m-micropore-skin-tone-surgical-tape-1-25cm-x-9-14m-x-24.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2rCVuODv3AIVDuWaCh01bQx2EAkYASABEgIkW_D_BwE

I am veryyyyyyyyyyyy Happy - If you check out my profile - activity - I have put pictures on previous replies (I will try to link them here but they might not show)
Yes I have scars - LOTS of scars.
But - To be honest almost ten years on of Op1 next year - The emotional scars I had before were ten times worse than a few pale scars that I never think about much any more. I feel thatthe scars from the surgeries are part of the journey to find me.... Under the skin I was in there - The skin made me feel like an alien. After all the weight loss I was still an alien - Just a different type of one. I am not 100% because I have larger lower legs than I would like..... But - I am soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much happier than I have been in so long.
I am very grateful to my surgeon (I am in UK) and he gave me a gift that is worth more than money - It is an amazing gift - The surgeon even said to me that I had changed from the person whom he met at that first consultation. I am different - I can wear clothes that do not have to have extra space to hide in.
I guess it is all about whether you can accept the scars - Which are a trade off for getting rid of the skin.
Before -

After 1 -

After 2 -

After 3 -

I can't remember where I put the latest one on my computer - LOL
Found this one - My scars are not so good as I could not massage as well as you might be able to as I have Dystonia in one hand so I cannot use the fingers etc - And if I did it again now I would wear the compression garments for longer - 12 weeks in all!
Sounds a long tme but it supports the skin during the healing and the scars I have whre I wore micropore tape and compression garments for 3mths are much finer and better than the first Ops scars....
This was a few years from the Op and now I am at 9.5yrs from the Op. But you would have to be looking to see them now and the doctors try to hide them behind the arm.

I hope that helps a little.

I am veryyyyyyyyyyyy Happy - If you check out my profile - activity - I have put pictures on previous replies (I will try to link them here but they might not show)
Yes I have scars - LOTS of scars.
But - To be honest almost ten years on of Op1 next year - The emotional scars I had before were ten times worse than a few pale scars that I never think about much any more. I feel thatthe scars from the surgeries are part of the journey to find me.... Under the skin I was in there - The skin made me feel like an alien. After all the weight loss I was still an alien - Just a different type of one. I am not 100% because I have larger lower legs than I would like..... But - I am soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much happier than I have been in so long.
I am very grateful to my surgeon (I am in UK) and he gave me a gift that is worth more than money - It is an amazing gift - The surgeon even said to me that I had changed from the person whom he met at that first consultation. I am different - I can wear clothes that do not have to have extra space to hide in.
I guess it is all about whether you can accept the scars - Which are a trade off for getting rid of the skin.
Before -

After 1 -

After 2 -

After 3 -

I can't remember where I put the latest one on my computer - LOL
Found this one - My scars are not so good as I could not massage as well as you might be able to as I have Dystonia in one hand so I cannot use the fingers etc - And if I did it again now I would wear the compression garments for longer - 12 weeks in all!
Sounds a long tme but it supports the skin during the healing and the scars I have whre I wore micropore tape and compression garments for 3mths are much finer and better than the first Ops scars....
This was a few years from the Op and now I am at 9.5yrs from the Op. But you would have to be looking to see them now and the doctors try to hide them behind the arm.

I hope that helps a little.

I will always say that this cheap and cheerful method worked a dream - I tried massaging - Did nothing - I kept this cheap tape on the areas for 3 months - It supported the scar whilst it healed - and the scars I did this on are thin white lines - The ones I did not are uglier and a lotttt fatter and look kinda stretched.
I tried a cheaper version of this tape on one leg and used this tape on the opposite leg - I regret that now as the leg this tape was on has a ten times better scar than the other leg..
For the incision that went at bra band height - I put this on in a tightish circle right in a ring on me - It stayed put well and worked great - Can hardly see that scar now.
Anyways I used this - And changed it taking it off BEFORE showering and putting new on afterwards and I also kept my Design Veronique compression garment on for 3mths as that held the tapes in place easier.
https://www.amazon.com/3M-Micropore-Paper-Tape-rolls/dp/B002P70T52

Good Luck

I am veryyyyyyyyyyyy Happy - If you check out my profile - activity - I have put pictures on previous replies (I will try to link them here but they might not show)
Yes I have scars - LOTS of scars.
But - To be honest almost ten years on of Op1 next year - The emotional scars I had before were ten times worse than a few pale scars that I never think about much any more. I feel thatthe scars from the surgeries are part of the journey to find me.... Under the skin I was in there - The skin made me feel like an alien. After all the weight loss I was still an alien - Just a different type of one. I am not 100% because I have larger lower legs than I would like..... But - I am soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much happier than I have been in so long.
I am very grateful to my surgeon (I am in UK) and he gave me a gift that is worth more than money - It is an amazing gift - The surgeon even said to me that I had changed from the person whom he met at that first consultation. I am different - I can wear clothes that do not have to have extra space to hide in.
I guess it is all about whether you can accept the scars - Which are a trade off for getting rid of the skin.
Before -

After 1 -

After 2 -

After 3 -

I can't remember where I put the latest one on my computer - LOL
Found this one - My scars are not so good as I could not massage as well as you might be able to as I have Dystonia in one hand so I cannot use the fingers etc - And if I did it again now I would wear the compression garments for longer - 12 weeks in all!
Sounds a long tme but it supports the skin during the healing and the scars I have whre I wore micropore tape and compression garments for 3mths are much finer and better than the first Ops scars....
This was a few years from the Op and now I am at 9.5yrs from the Op. But you would have to be looking to see them now and the doctors try to hide them behind the arm.

I hope that helps a little.

I am veryyyyyyyyyyyy Happy - If you check out my profile - activity - I have put pictures on previous replies (I will try to link them here but they might not show)
Yes I have scars - LOTS of scars.
But - To be honest almost ten years on of Op1 next year - The emotional scars I had before were ten times worse than a few pale scars that I never think about much any more. I feel thatthe scars from the surgeries are part of the journey to find me.... Under the skin I was in there - The skin made me feel like an alien. After all the weight loss I was still an alien - Just a different type of one. I am not 100% because I have larger lower legs than I would like..... But - I am soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much happier than I have been in so long.
I am very grateful to my surgeon (I am in UK) and he gave me a gift that is worth more than money - It is an amazing gift - The surgeon even said to me that I had changed from the person whom he met at that first consultation. I am different - I can wear clothes that do not have to have extra space to hide in.
I guess it is all about whether you can accept the scars - Which are a trade off for getting rid of the skin.
Before -

After 1 -

After 2 -

After 3 -

I can't remember where I put the latest one on my computer - LOL
Found this one - My scars are not so good as I could not massage as well as you might be able to as I have Dystonia in one hand so I cannot use the fingers etc - And if I did it again now I would wear the compression garments for longer - 12 weeks in all!
Sounds a long tme but it supports the skin during the healing and the scars I have whre I wore micropore tape and compression garments for 3mths are much finer and better than the first Ops scars....
This was a few years from the Op and now I am at 9.5yrs from the Op. But you would have to be looking to see them now and the doctors try to hide them behind the arm.

I hope that helps a little.

I had Brachioplasty and Breast Reduction in April 2010 - So happy, almost a decade later and am so happy
1) Did you have a drain? ========= Yes for about 2 days (I know in US you seem to have them a lot longer) I had the op on the Thursday morning and came home on Saturday morning.
2) How long did you need off work? ========= I do not work but the next Monday I was taken out to lunch - I had the Brachioplasty and a breast reduction at same time - No pain! Just a bit of swelling - But no pain......
3) Subjective pain scale ========= 1
4) How long did you wait after reaching your goal to have this procedure? I don't remember to be honest as I saw two doctors so I guess in between it was about 8 months
5) How much did it cost total out of pocket? I forget (I am in UK though so it would be meaningless to you LOL)
6) Anything else you'd like to share! I am very excited for this and consider it my ultimate goal. ========= Get compression garment from Design Veronique - They are great!
7) Will insurance pay if I am getting rashes? ========= No idea


Before I had this done I saw a picture of my arms, it broke my heart..... I felt so bad about myself because after all the weight loss I still felt a freak....
Now I feel Great!
I have attached a couple of pictures - I hope they show....
Before.... 17.02.10 - I had my Op at end of April 2010...

*EDIT*
I just found this pic - This is dated 19.05.10 - This was what the scar looked like in the beginning - It freaaaaaaaked me out when I saw it! The reason I am showing this to you now - Is so if yours looks like blanket stitch - Do not worry! In a week or two - It starts to change, and gradually starts to look just like a line.....

And....... After... 26.06.11. My scars are not perfect in these pictures - I think they are a bit better now, but I have no up to date pictures of them.... I do not notice them, I do not feel self conscious or anything. I love my new arms :-)

I did not need anything special after these two surgeries (Tho I did not do them together, and also they did not tighten my stomach muscles as I have hernia mesh in there) The thing I would always tell people to get is the right compression garments. Once i was in the garment - It was far less painful (If painful at all)
I remember when I had my inner thigh lift when I first stood up it was Badddddddddddddddd - I remember saying to them 'You can't send me home like this' - They kept me in an extra day - BUT - About 20 minutes later I was in my compression garment and was bored and wished I were able to go home already - LOL
I think you would need something like one of these two to cover both areas. (I bought them in black, lol)
https://www.designveronique.com/post-surgical/recovery-kits/high-back-full-body-recovery-kit
Or the below one I had then I had my Tummy Tuck and I had a long legged or knee length one without upper body for the thigh lifts if I remember correctly. They are not cheap but they are worth their weight in gold - For unknown reasons I still have them somewhere in this house - No reason why - I would never use them again - LOL
https://www.designveronique.com/post-surgical/recovery-kits/body-rcovery-kit
Good luck - Remember when it feels bad - Keep your eyes on the prize - These words were said to me and I held on to them and told my kids to repeat these words to me if I ever had a wobble pre or post surgery and they were right - The prize is fantastic - I had these ops about 8 to 9 years ago now and I am as happy today with the results as I was on day one 😊
I am in the UK so the prices shown seem very different to me to be honest - But this PDF shows sizing and stuff
https://www.eurosurgical.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Body-Contouring-Garments-Brochure-Final-08.03.1.pdf
Good luck - You will be so happy to meet the new you 😊
Ooh - Thought of something else....
Do this - No matter what the Dr says - Do it! Your scars will be much finer and I tested this on myself and I put the pinky Micropore tape on one inner thigh and a cheaper tape on the other - The micropore tape leg scar is far far better than the other one!
Buy this..... (Not the cheap lookalike stuff) You will find it a lot cheaper than $50 though if you look around on Amazon etc
https://www.amazon.co.uk/3M-Micropore-Paper-Tape-Rolls/dp/B002P70T52
And keep it on 24/7 for 3 months! Yes it seems a lot but I tested this over 5 ops and the scars were better when I kept tape on for all this time - Obviously changing it to wash etc lol (So you need a lot of it) - When you are about to shower - Always remove the tape BEFORE - Cos if it gets all wet - It's sooo hard to get it off!
I did not use ot on my Fleur de lis and I wish wish wish I knew this trick then! - When I had butt lift later and it re-opened part of the tummy scar at that point put in a tightish ring round my waist and kept it there - This bit is a far far better scar than the rest of it!
You will thank me for it when you see your scar is so fine you have to really look to find it! Whereas the scar I have on my belly that I did not use this on - It stretched and I wish I knew this trick then! This tape supports the scar through it's healing stage and makes the stretching far far less or not at all. It was hard to put the tape on - I was lucky I had a 9yr old to do it for me - Hopefully you will find a way....

I had Brachioplasty and Breast Reduction in April 2010 - So happy, almost a decade later and am so happy
1) Did you have a drain? ========= Yes for about 2 days (I know in US you seem to have them a lot longer) I had the op on the Thursday morning and came home on Saturday morning.
2) How long did you need off work? ========= I do not work but the next Monday I was taken out to lunch - I had the Brachioplasty and a breast reduction at same time - No pain! Just a bit of swelling - But no pain......
3) Subjective pain scale ========= 1
4) How long did you wait after reaching your goal to have this procedure? I don't remember to be honest as I saw two doctors so I guess in between it was about 8 months
5) How much did it cost total out of pocket? I forget (I am in UK though so it would be meaningless to you LOL)
6) Anything else you'd like to share! I am very excited for this and consider it my ultimate goal. ========= Get compression garment from Design Veronique - They are great!
7) Will insurance pay if I am getting rashes? ========= No idea


Before I had this done I saw a picture of my arms, it broke my heart..... I felt so bad about myself because after all the weight loss I still felt a freak....
Now I feel Great!
I have attached a couple of pictures - I hope they show....
Before.... 17.02.10 - I had my Op at end of April 2010...

*EDIT*
I just found this pic - This is dated 19.05.10 - This was what the scar looked like in the beginning - It freaaaaaaaked me out when I saw it! The reason I am showing this to you now - Is so if yours looks like blanket stitch - Do not worry! In a week or two - It starts to change, and gradually starts to look just like a line.....

And....... After... 26.06.11. My scars are not perfect in these pictures - I think they are a bit better now, but I have no up to date pictures of them.... I do not notice them, I do not feel self conscious or anything. I love my new arms :-)

I had Brachioplasty and Breast Reduction in April 2010 - So happy, almost a decade later and am so happy
1) Did you have a drain? ========= Yes for about 2 days (I know in US you seem to have them a lot longer) I had the op on the Thursday morning and came home on Saturday morning.
2) How long did you need off work? ========= I do not work but the next Monday I was taken out to lunch - I had the Brachioplasty and a breast reduction at same time - No pain! Just a bit of swelling - But no pain......
3) Subjective pain scale ========= 1
4) How long did you wait after reaching your goal to have this procedure? I don't remember to be honest as I saw two doctors so I guess in between it was about 8 months
5) How much did it cost total out of pocket? I forget (I am in UK though so it would be meaningless to you LOL)
6) Anything else you'd like to share! I am very excited for this and consider it my ultimate goal. ========= Get compression garment from Design Veronique - They are great!
7) Will insurance pay if I am getting rashes? ========= No idea


Before I had this done I saw a picture of my arms, it broke my heart..... I felt so bad about myself because after all the weight loss I still felt a freak....
Now I feel Great!
I have attached a couple of pictures - I hope they show....
Before.... 17.02.10 - I had my Op at end of April 2010...

*EDIT*
I just found this pic - This is dated 19.05.10 - This was what the scar looked like in the beginning - It freaaaaaaaked me out when I saw it! The reason I am showing this to you now - Is so if yours looks like blanket stitch - Do not worry! In a week or two - It starts to change, and gradually starts to look just like a line.....

And....... After... 26.06.11. My scars are not perfect in these pictures - I think they are a bit better now, but I have no up to date pictures of them.... I do not notice them, I do not feel self conscious or anything. I love my new arms :-)

I had Brachioplasty and Breast Reduction in April 2010 - So happy, almost a decade later and am so happy
1) Did you have a drain? ========= Yes for about 2 days (I know in US you seem to have them a lot longer) I had the op on the Thursday morning and came home on Saturday morning.
2) How long did you need off work? ========= I do not work but the next Monday I was taken out to lunch - I had the Brachioplasty and a breast reduction at same time - No pain! Just a bit of swelling - But no pain......
3) Subjective pain scale ========= 1
4) How long did you wait after reaching your goal to have this procedure? I don't remember to be honest as I saw two doctors so I guess in between it was about 8 months
5) How much did it cost total out of pocket? I forget (I am in UK though so it would be meaningless to you LOL)
6) Anything else you'd like to share! I am very excited for this and consider it my ultimate goal. ========= Get compression garment from Design Veronique - They are great!
7) Will insurance pay if I am getting rashes? ========= No idea


Before I had this done I saw a picture of my arms, it broke my heart..... I felt so bad about myself because after all the weight loss I still felt a freak....
Now I feel Great!
I have attached a couple of pictures - I hope they show....
Before.... 17.02.10 - I had my Op at end of April 2010...

*EDIT*
I just found this pic - This is dated 19.05.10 - This was what the scar looked like in the beginning - It freaaaaaaaked me out when I saw it! The reason I am showing this to you now - Is so if yours looks like blanket stitch - Do not worry! In a week or two - It starts to change, and gradually starts to look just like a line.....

And....... After... 26.06.11. My scars are not perfect in these pictures - I think they are a bit better now, but I have no up to date pictures of them.... I do not notice them, I do not feel self conscious or anything. I love my new arms :-)

I did not need anything special after these two surgeries (Tho I did not do them together, and also they did not tighten my stomach muscles as I have hernia mesh in there) The thing I would always tell people to get is the right compression garments. Once i was in the garment - It was far less painful (If painful at all)
I remember when I had my inner thigh lift when I first stood up it was Badddddddddddddddd - I remember saying to them 'You can't send me home like this' - They kept me in an extra day - BUT - About 20 minutes later I was in my compression garment and was bored and wished I were able to go home already - LOL
I think you would need something like one of these two to cover both areas. (I bought them in black, lol)
https://www.designveronique.com/post-surgical/recovery-kits/high-back-full-body-recovery-kit
Or the below one I had then I had my Tummy Tuck and I had a long legged or knee length one without upper body for the thigh lifts if I remember correctly. They are not cheap but they are worth their weight in gold - For unknown reasons I still have them somewhere in this house - No reason why - I would never use them again - LOL
https://www.designveronique.com/post-surgical/recovery-kits/body-rcovery-kit
Good luck - Remember when it feels bad - Keep your eyes on the prize - These words were said to me and I held on to them and told my kids to repeat these words to me if I ever had a wobble pre or post surgery and they were right - The prize is fantastic - I had these ops about 8 to 9 years ago now and I am as happy today with the results as I was on day one 😊
I am in the UK so the prices shown seem very different to me to be honest - But this PDF shows sizing and stuff
https://www.eurosurgical.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Body-Contouring-Garments-Brochure-Final-08.03.1.pdf
Good luck - You will be so happy to meet the new you 😊
Ooh - Thought of something else....
Do this - No matter what the Dr says - Do it! Your scars will be much finer and I tested this on myself and I put the pinky Micropore tape on one inner thigh and a cheaper tape on the other - The micropore tape leg scar is far far better than the other one!
Buy this..... (Not the cheap lookalike stuff) You will find it a lot cheaper than $50 though if you look around on Amazon etc
https://www.amazon.co.uk/3M-Micropore-Paper-Tape-Rolls/dp/B002P70T52
And keep it on 24/7 for 3 months! Yes it seems a lot but I tested this over 5 ops and the scars were better when I kept tape on for all this time - Obviously changing it to wash etc lol (So you need a lot of it) - When you are about to shower - Always remove the tape BEFORE - Cos if it gets all wet - It's sooo hard to get it off!
I did not use ot on my Fleur de lis and I wish wish wish I knew this trick then! - When I had butt lift later and it re-opened part of the tummy scar at that point put in a tightish ring round my waist and kept it there - This bit is a far far better scar than the rest of it!
You will thank me for it when you see your scar is so fine you have to really look to find it! Whereas the scar I have on my belly that I did not use this on - It stretched and I wish I knew this trick then! This tape supports the scar through it's healing stage and makes the stretching far far less or not at all. It was hard to put the tape on - I was lucky I had a 9yr old to do it for me - Hopefully you will find a way....

I did not need anything special after these two surgeries (Tho I did not do them together, and also they did not tighten my stomach muscles as I have hernia mesh in there) The thing I would always tell people to get is the right compression garments. Once i was in the garment - It was far less painful (If painful at all)
I remember when I had my inner thigh lift when I first stood up it was Badddddddddddddddd - I remember saying to them 'You can't send me home like this' - They kept me in an extra day - BUT - About 20 minutes later I was in my compression garment and was bored and wished I were able to go home already - LOL
I think you would need something like one of these two to cover both areas. (I bought them in black, lol)
https://www.designveronique.com/post-surgical/recovery-kits/high-back-full-body-recovery-kit
Or the below one I had then I had my Tummy Tuck and I had a long legged or knee length one without upper body for the thigh lifts if I remember correctly. They are not cheap but they are worth their weight in gold - For unknown reasons I still have them somewhere in this house - No reason why - I would never use them again - LOL
https://www.designveronique.com/post-surgical/recovery-kits/body-rcovery-kit
Good luck - Remember when it feels bad - Keep your eyes on the prize - These words were said to me and I held on to them and told my kids to repeat these words to me if I ever had a wobble pre or post surgery and they were right - The prize is fantastic - I had these ops about 8 to 9 years ago now and I am as happy today with the results as I was on day one 😊
I am in the UK so the prices shown seem very different to me to be honest - But this PDF shows sizing and stuff
https://www.eurosurgical.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Body-Contouring-Garments-Brochure-Final-08.03.1.pdf
Good luck - You will be so happy to meet the new you 😊
Ooh - Thought of something else....
Do this - No matter what the Dr says - Do it! Your scars will be much finer and I tested this on myself and I put the pinky Micropore tape on one inner thigh and a cheaper tape on the other - The micropore tape leg scar is far far better than the other one!
Buy this..... (Not the cheap lookalike stuff) You will find it a lot cheaper than $50 though if you look around on Amazon etc
https://www.amazon.co.uk/3M-Micropore-Paper-Tape-Rolls/dp/B002P70T52
And keep it on 24/7 for 3 months! Yes it seems a lot but I tested this over 5 ops and the scars were better when I kept tape on for all this time - Obviously changing it to wash etc lol (So you need a lot of it) - When you are about to shower - Always remove the tape BEFORE - Cos if it gets all wet - It's sooo hard to get it off!
I did not use ot on my Fleur de lis and I wish wish wish I knew this trick then! - When I had butt lift later and it re-opened part of the tummy scar at that point put in a tightish ring round my waist and kept it there - This bit is a far far better scar than the rest of it!
You will thank me for it when you see your scar is so fine you have to really look to find it! Whereas the scar I have on my belly that I did not use this on - It stretched and I wish I knew this trick then! This tape supports the scar through it's healing stage and makes the stretching far far less or not at all. It was hard to put the tape on - I was lucky I had a 9yr old to do it for me - Hopefully you will find a way....

You are very welcome.
When I first came here many years ago. It was he only site I found where I could see and get help for my worries. And the people on this site were a great support.
Back then people posting here gave me such great help - That I still come back to 'pay-it-forward' by offering any help I can to others. One person - She gave me one sentence that held fast through all my surgeries....... I trained my family to say this to me at every 'wobble' I had through fear of the surgeries, fear of pain etc etc
She said ''Keep your eyes on the prize''
And I will never forget those words and I will always be grateful to her for being there for me :-)
Keep us updated on your progress. I am not here every day these days - But every now and then I pop back to see what's happening - lol
Good Luck.

I have had an Abdominoplasty with no tightening due to previous hernia repairs :-)
I had my hernia repaired normally - Without mesh - Then it came back in 2007 - So the second time it was repaired with mesh.
Then a few years after the hernia was fixed I had my Inverted T tummy tuck...... The surgeon said he tried to see what he could do - But had he repaired the muscle I would have been left with a lump down the middle. So he did not repair that - I am very happy! - There was virtually no pain after the op - Just tightness for a few days...
And that happened in 2010 and I am as happy today as I was after the op!
I attach a pic taken not long after the op...

And one of more recently... (2017 I think this one was)

I have noticed that a lot of belly buttons after surgery look like cats bums... lol
Here are two pre-surgery pics...


I really hope that this helps. Take these pictures with you to show the Dr if you need to - My mesh is quite large - 15cm x 20cm it said on a piece of paperwork I have - Unless they cut it smaller of course but I can feel it in me and it feels large!
Feel free to send me a PM and ask all the questions you need to. I am happy to help.
Suffice to say that it can be done - There is nothing to worry about - And I am so very happy with my results - This surgery was done in 2010 - My belly is as flat today as it was back then I think - Heck I'll go take a picture - Be right back...
OK - I am back........ (Few minutes later)
Here you go - Taken just now - The op was in April 2010 if I remember correctly..... This is today... Please excuse the marks from Jeans/Belt etc - LOL - Daughter said you won't be able to see my scar because of the Jeans having left marks.. Sorry about that......

I really hope that is of some help....
*Edit again*
I want to say here - That after you have this surgery (Or any surgery like this) - No matter what the Dr says - You get some 3M paper tape and you put it on and keep it on - Replacing it as needed etc - Every day - All day - All night - For THREE MONTHS - No matter what - Support the scar whilst it heals - Then your scar will be a lot less visible than mine is. I tested this through my surgeries after this one - And the other scars are much finer and better through being supported as they healed, and if I ever did this one again I would definitely support the scar (Or any scar) as it heals so it heals to a fine line without stretching a little like mine has :-)
The tape looks like this - It's cheap and worth ten times the price for a good scar :-)
https://www.medisave.co.uk/3m-micropore-skin-tone-surgical-tape-1-25cm-x-9-14m-x-24.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2rCVuODv3AIVDuWaCh01bQx2EAkYASABEgIkW_D_BwE

I have had an Abdominoplasty with no tightening due to previous hernia repairs :-)
I had my hernia repaired normally - Without mesh - Then it came back in 2007 - So the second time it was repaired with mesh.
Then a few years after the hernia was fixed I had my Inverted T tummy tuck...... The surgeon said he tried to see what he could do - But had he repaired the muscle I would have been left with a lump down the middle. So he did not repair that - I am very happy! - There was virtually no pain after the op - Just tightness for a few days...
And that happened in 2010 and I am as happy today as I was after the op!
I attach a pic taken not long after the op...

And one of more recently... (2017 I think this one was)

I have noticed that a lot of belly buttons after surgery look like cats bums... lol
Here are two pre-surgery pics...


I really hope that this helps. Take these pictures with you to show the Dr if you need to - My mesh is quite large - 15cm x 20cm it said on a piece of paperwork I have - Unless they cut it smaller of course but I can feel it in me and it feels large!
Feel free to send me a PM and ask all the questions you need to. I am happy to help.
Suffice to say that it can be done - There is nothing to worry about - And I am so very happy with my results - This surgery was done in 2010 - My belly is as flat today as it was back then I think - Heck I'll go take a picture - Be right back...
OK - I am back........ (Few minutes later)
Here you go - Taken just now - The op was in April 2010 if I remember correctly..... This is today... Please excuse the marks from Jeans/Belt etc - LOL - Daughter said you won't be able to see my scar because of the Jeans having left marks.. Sorry about that......

I really hope that is of some help....
*Edit again*
I want to say here - That after you have this surgery (Or any surgery like this) - No matter what the Dr says - You get some 3M paper tape and you put it on and keep it on - Replacing it as needed etc - Every day - All day - All night - For THREE MONTHS - No matter what - Support the scar whilst it heals - Then your scar will be a lot less visible than mine is. I tested this through my surgeries after this one - And the other scars are much finer and better through being supported as they healed, and if I ever did this one again I would definitely support the scar (Or any scar) as it heals so it heals to a fine line without stretching a little like mine has :-)
The tape looks like this - It's cheap and worth ten times the price for a good scar :-)
https://www.medisave.co.uk/3m-micropore-skin-tone-surgical-tape-1-25cm-x-9-14m-x-24.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2rCVuODv3AIVDuWaCh01bQx2EAkYASABEgIkW_D_BwE

Yes they are but they are very well made - Do not lose shape or anything. And very comfortable if you need to wear them 24/7
After getting the first one - It was so good I got one from them for every surgery - It made me feel so protected, I would never use another brand to be honest - Yes they may cost more - But I believe the people who designed them really thought about getting in and out of them after a surgery etc.
I have had quite a few of these and never had a problem with them.
One of my surgeries my Veronique garment had not turned up at the hospital, I was given some binder thing. Was so uncomfortable - And I swelled more than with these on -I could not wait until this was found and I could get back into the Veronique item that was just fantastic. I had no swelling problems at all in these. Would always rate them 10/10

Design Veronique - Worth it's weight in gold. Was like my protective armour to the world.....

https://www.designveronique.com/post-surgical

I have had an Abdominoplasty with no tightening due to previous hernia repairs :-)
I had my hernia repaired normally - Without mesh - Then it came back in 2007 - So the second time it was repaired with mesh.
Then a few years after the hernia was fixed I had my Inverted T tummy tuck...... The surgeon said he tried to see what he could do - But had he repaired the muscle I would have been left with a lump down the middle. So he did not repair that - I am very happy! - There was virtually no pain after the op - Just tightness for a few days...
And that happened in 2010 and I am as happy today as I was after the op!
I attach a pic taken not long after the op...

And one of more recently... (2017 I think this one was)

I have noticed that a lot of belly buttons after surgery look like cats bums... lol
Here are two pre-surgery pics...


I really hope that this helps. Take these pictures with you to show the Dr if you need to - My mesh is quite large - 15cm x 20cm it said on a piece of paperwork I have - Unless they cut it smaller of course but I can feel it in me and it feels large!
Feel free to send me a PM and ask all the questions you need to. I am happy to help.
Suffice to say that it can be done - There is nothing to worry about - And I am so very happy with my results - This surgery was done in 2010 - My belly is as flat today as it was back then I think - Heck I'll go take a picture - Be right back...
OK - I am back........ (Few minutes later)
Here you go - Taken just now - The op was in April 2010 if I remember correctly..... This is today... Please excuse the marks from Jeans/Belt etc - LOL - Daughter said you won't be able to see my scar because of the Jeans having left marks.. Sorry about that......

I really hope that is of some help....
*Edit again*
I want to say here - That after you have this surgery (Or any surgery like this) - No matter what the Dr says - You get some 3M paper tape and you put it on and keep it on - Replacing it as needed etc - Every day - All day - All night - For THREE MONTHS - No matter what - Support the scar whilst it heals - Then your scar will be a lot less visible than mine is. I tested this through my surgeries after this one - And the other scars are much finer and better through being supported as they healed, and if I ever did this one again I would definitely support the scar (Or any scar) as it heals so it heals to a fine line without stretching a little like mine has :-)
The tape looks like this - It's cheap and worth ten times the price for a good scar :-)
https://www.medisave.co.uk/3m-micropore-skin-tone-surgical-tape-1-25cm-x-9-14m-x-24.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2rCVuODv3AIVDuWaCh01bQx2EAkYASABEgIkW_D_BwE

The way I knew I had to do plastics is because - I thought when I lost the weight I would be 'normal' and no longer be an alien in this body hiding it as much as possible in clothes....
But -When I lost the weight I found that I was having to hide all over again - Hiding the skin. - I had become a whole different sort of alien - And I was more unhappy than before...
My Mum was worried about me having plastics - But the day she helped me to try on my compression garment - And she and I were tucking the skin in to this garment - She fully understood how much skin I had been hiding and how hard it was to deal with.
I think that you just know inside if you can get by without plastics emotionally not just physically...
Now I am on the other side of plastics - I know it (For me - And I am a right wuss with pain) I know I would do it all again ten times over - Even the worst bits which were ouchy - The worst part for me was the first time I was upright and moving after the inner thigh lift - That was harshhhhhhhhhh!!! - But the moment I was in the compression garment from Design Veronique that was provided for me - It was like the armour was on and I was protected from everything and the pain left.....
I know that I would not hesitate for a second if I had to do it all again - As long as I had the same Doctor though - His work is amazing! I am so happy with my results. They are not 100% perfect - But we could all get really picky if we wanted to - But I know that if he was there again and I was starting all over again - I would happily do it - As thanks to this one doctor - For the first time in my life - I do not hate everything about me. - There are bits I still dislike..... But - I don't hate me - I am comfortable in my skin I guess..... :-)
I hope you find a way to be comfortable in your skin - Whatever road you choose :-)

You are very welcome.
When I first came here many years ago. It was he only site I found where I could see and get help for my worries. And the people on this site were a great support.
Back then people posting here gave me such great help - That I still come back to 'pay-it-forward' by offering any help I can to others. One person - She gave me one sentence that held fast through all my surgeries....... I trained my family to say this to me at every 'wobble' I had through fear of the surgeries, fear of pain etc etc
She said ''Keep your eyes on the prize''
And I will never forget those words and I will always be grateful to her for being there for me :-)
Keep us updated on your progress. I am not here every day these days - But every now and then I pop back to see what's happening - lol
Good Luck.

I have had an Abdominoplasty with no tightening due to previous hernia repairs :-)
I had my hernia repaired normally - Without mesh - Then it came back in 2007 - So the second time it was repaired with mesh.
Then a few years after the hernia was fixed I had my Inverted T tummy tuck...... The surgeon said he tried to see what he could do - But had he repaired the muscle I would have been left with a lump down the middle. So he did not repair that - I am very happy! - There was virtually no pain after the op - Just tightness for a few days...
And that happened in 2010 and I am as happy today as I was after the op!
I attach a pic taken not long after the op...

And one of more recently... (2017 I think this one was)

I have noticed that a lot of belly buttons after surgery look like cats bums... lol
Here are two pre-surgery pics...


I really hope that this helps. Take these pictures with you to show the Dr if you need to - My mesh is quite large - 15cm x 20cm it said on a piece of paperwork I have - Unless they cut it smaller of course but I can feel it in me and it feels large!
Feel free to send me a PM and ask all the questions you need to. I am happy to help.
Suffice to say that it can be done - There is nothing to worry about - And I am so very happy with my results - This surgery was done in 2010 - My belly is as flat today as it was back then I think - Heck I'll go take a picture - Be right back...
OK - I am back........ (Few minutes later)
Here you go - Taken just now - The op was in April 2010 if I remember correctly..... This is today... Please excuse the marks from Jeans/Belt etc - LOL - Daughter said you won't be able to see my scar because of the Jeans having left marks.. Sorry about that......

I really hope that is of some help....
*Edit again*
I want to say here - That after you have this surgery (Or any surgery like this) - No matter what the Dr says - You get some 3M paper tape and you put it on and keep it on - Replacing it as needed etc - Every day - All day - All night - For THREE MONTHS - No matter what - Support the scar whilst it heals - Then your scar will be a lot less visible than mine is. I tested this through my surgeries after this one - And the other scars are much finer and better through being supported as they healed, and if I ever did this one again I would definitely support the scar (Or any scar) as it heals so it heals to a fine line without stretching a little like mine has :-)
The tape looks like this - It's cheap and worth ten times the price for a good scar :-)
https://www.medisave.co.uk/3m-micropore-skin-tone-surgical-tape-1-25cm-x-9-14m-x-24.html?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2rCVuODv3AIVDuWaCh01bQx2EAkYASABEgIkW_D_BwE

The way I knew I had to do plastics is because - I thought when I lost the weight I would be 'normal' and no longer be an alien in this body hiding it as much as possible in clothes....
But -When I lost the weight I found that I was having to hide all over again - Hiding the skin. - I had become a whole different sort of alien - And I was more unhappy than before...
My Mum was worried about me having plastics - But the day she helped me to try on my compression garment - And she and I were tucking the skin in to this garment - She fully understood how much skin I had been hiding and how hard it was to deal with.
I think that you just know inside if you can get by without plastics emotionally not just physically...
Now I am on the other side of plastics - I know it (For me - And I am a right wuss with pain) I know I would do it all again ten times over - Even the worst bits which were ouchy - The worst part for me was the first time I was upright and moving after the inner thigh lift - That was harshhhhhhhhhh!!! - But the moment I was in the compression garment from Design Veronique that was provided for me - It was like the armour was on and I was protected from everything and the pain left.....
I know that I would not hesitate for a second if I had to do it all again - As long as I had the same Doctor though - His work is amazing! I am so happy with my results. They are not 100% perfect - But we could all get really picky if we wanted to - But I know that if he was there again and I was starting all over again - I would happily do it - As thanks to this one doctor - For the first time in my life - I do not hate everything about me. - There are bits I still dislike..... But - I don't hate me - I am comfortable in my skin I guess..... :-)
I hope you find a way to be comfortable in your skin - Whatever road you choose :-)

You are very welcome.
When I first came here many years ago. It was he only site I found where I could see and get help for my worries. And the people on this site were a great support.
Back then people posting here gave me such great help - That I still come back to 'pay-it-forward' by offering any help I can to others. One person - She gave me one sentence that held fast through all my surgeries....... I trained my family to say this to me at every 'wobble' I had through fear of the surgeries, fear of pain etc etc
She said ''Keep your eyes on the prize''
And I will never forget those words and I will always be grateful to her for being there for me :-)
Keep us updated on your progress. I am not here every day these days - But every now and then I pop back to see what's happening - lol
Good Luck.

The way I knew I had to do plastics is because - I thought when I lost the weight I would be 'normal' and no longer be an alien in this body hiding it as much as possible in clothes....
But -When I lost the weight I found that I was having to hide all over again - Hiding the skin. - I had become a whole different sort of alien - And I was more unhappy than before...
My Mum was worried about me having plastics - But the day she helped me to try on my compression garment - And she and I were tucking the skin in to this garment - She fully understood how much skin I had been hiding and how hard it was to deal with.
I think that you just know inside if you can get by without plastics emotionally not just physically...
Now I am on the other side of plastics - I know it (For me - And I am a right wuss with pain) I know I would do it all again ten times over - Even the worst bits which were ouchy - The worst part for me was the first time I was upright and moving after the inner thigh lift - That was harshhhhhhhhhh!!! - But the moment I was in the compression garment from Design Veronique that was provided for me - It was like the armour was on and I was protected from everything and the pain left.....
I know that I would not hesitate for a second if I had to do it all again - As long as I had the same Doctor though - His work is amazing! I am so happy with my results. They are not 100% perfect - But we could all get really picky if we wanted to - But I know that if he was there again and I was starting all over again - I would happily do it - As thanks to this one doctor - For the first time in my life - I do not hate everything about me. - There are bits I still dislike..... But - I don't hate me - I am comfortable in my skin I guess..... :-)
I hope you find a way to be comfortable in your skin - Whatever road you choose :-)