I have searched this subject and can't find much info....Can anyone give me the good, bad, and ugly on a tummy tuck recovery. I am planning to have one the beginning of July and just want to know sort of what to expect. Also, would anyone mind to share what they paid for it? You can private message me if more comfortable. Thank you so much!

Did you try the plastic and reconstructive forum? There's information there.

I am sorry I thought I posted it there. I’m technologically challenged. I will delete and repost there sorry

Wait this is the forum isn’t it?

On 03/05/2019 at 13:15, aapb79Gmail.com said:

Wait this is the forum isn’t it?

Yes, it shows you posted in the plastics forum! Congratulations on your upcoming surgery

Yes, sorry. I forgot to check what forum I was in when I answered you. My mistake.

Mine was a while ago, but I remember it being far easier than I expected!

For a while, I wasn't allowed to straighten. Walked hunched & slept sitting up on the couch.

Pain was very minimal. was only in the hospital 23 hours post surgery.

Wear your compression. Once the drains are out, you can get firm support bodysuits & waist nippers. I wore compression for about 6 months. This was my ONLY shot to get the tummy I've always wanted and was told the longer I wear compression the better the final result.

Drains, I was TERRIFIED, as I gross out & pass out VERY easily, & I live alone.

They were not bad at all!

For showering, create a long loop of gauze. Make tape tabs on the drain tube (cloth tape works well) Then you can pin the tubes to the gauze loop hanging off your neck.

Don't expect instant skinny. Some people are lucky & look great immediately. Then there's the other end of the spectrum. I was VERY swollen. Instead of my normal size 0-00, I needed size 4 for a while, then gradually the swelling went down & I am 100% happy with my result!

Everyone has a different pain tolerance & experience. All I know is that I was expecting horrible pain, being debilitated and grossed out. I moved slower and hunched but really kept going with my day to day.

Best of luck!

Edited March 6, 20197 yr by TheRealMeIsHere!

Thank you so much for this!!! How long after we’re you up and around and able to drive? I know I will have to take it easy but I don’t do well if I can just at least get out for some fresh air after a few days!!!

16 hours ago, aapb79Gmail.com said:

Thank you so much for this!!! How long after we’re you up and around and able to drive? I know I will have to take it easy but I don’t do well if I can just at least get out for some fresh air after a few days!!!

As far as walking, within hours of surgery.

Driving, depends on your surgeon. I was told once I am on no pain meds & drains removed.

PS: drains didn't stop me, kept them pinned under my shirt ?

On 03/07/2019 at 05:01, TheRealMeIsHere! said:

As far as walking, within hours of surgery.

Driving, depends on your surgeon. I was told once I am on no pain meds & drains removed.

PS: drains didn't stop me, kept them pinned under my shirt ?

How was the drain removal? I am so freaked out by the thought of drains! Do they pull them out slowly? Fast? Do they have to stitch up where they are pulled out from?

@baribetty I too, was VERY weirded out by the idea of drains.

Taking care of them was MUCH easier than I thought. (AND.....I didn't pass out, lol!!)

Removal was quick and I barely felt anything, similar to the brief pain of an injection. Then no stitches, Steri-Strips maybe?

You'll be fine. Keep your eye on the prize!