My Tummy tuck surgery experience - India

Post-Liposuction Struggles

At 27, I had liposuction on my tummy, lower back, upper back, and chest (gynecomastia). While there were some improvements, my flanks and lower back still didn't look right, which affected my confidence. The clinic suggested light cardio exercise, but even after 10 months, I didn't see the results I wanted. After several consultations, they recommended non-surgical methods, but these didn't promise a lasting solution either. To read about my liposuction sugery experience visit this link

Discovering Tummy Tuck surgery: Not Just for Middle-Aged Individuals

In a situation like this, while researching liposuction, I often overlooked the topic of tummy tucks (abdominoplasty). I mistakenly thought it was only for middle-aged people in their 40s and 50s and didn't realize it could address my problems. Additionally, I found the procedure complex and didn't understand it at the time.

Understanding the Doctor's Decision: Why a Tummy Tuck Wasn't Initially Suggested

During my second consultation, I asked the doctor if there was any solution and mentioned that I had read about Tummy Tuck for Loose Skin. I asked why it wasn't suggested during my first liposuction. He explained that, at 27, I was very young and there were two main reasons:

1. At my age, there is a possibility that the skin can retract back naturally during healing.
2. The procedure would leave a scar around the waistline, which he preferred to avoid in younger patients, typically recommending it for middle-aged to older individuals.

Choosing My Shape Over Tummy tuck Scars

For me, looking fit was more important than having a scar on my waist. I told the doctor I was okay with the scar and pushed him a bit to do the procedure. I asked if this would solve my issue, and he confirmed it would.

Understanding the Full Abdominoplasty: Addressing More Than Just the Tummy

The doctor clearly explained what the final results would look like, stating that the excess skin and fat would be gone. Typically, a normal tummy tuck or abdominoplasty with belly button reconstruction focuses on the lower front of the stomach. However, due to the loose skin and fat on my front, flanks, and back, they suggested a full abdominoplasty for me, which would also involve reconstructing my belly button.

The doctor mentioned that my back would be lifted slightly to enhance my overall shape. He would decide during the Stomach Fat Removal Surgery  if a slight lift was necessary to ensure everything looked proportionate. I trusted my doctor because I always felt he wasn’t motivated by money.

Redoing Liposuction

One thing that disappointed me was that the liposuction would need to be redone in the same areas as before. The doctor explained that extra skin had accumulated some fat, so redoing the lipo was necessary for the best results. I was concerned about the high cost since the tummy tuck was already expensive, and adding another liposuction increased the price. However, the doctor charged a fair price, even though it was higher than my first procedure. This wasn't surprising given the complexity of the procedures.

Price quote

The price quote displayed below. Please note that this quote is for the tummy tuck cost where the surgery was done in 2021. For privacy reasons, the hospital name is not displayed. Prices may vary depending on the hospital and the time.

Surgery Day

Having undergone surgery once before, this time felt less scary. It was the same hospital, same staff, and same operating room. As usual, I didn't have any food or water as per instructions before surgery, but I brushed my teeth and went in.

The doctor was casually talking and making jokes, which helped ease the tension. I reminded him of my concerns, even though it wasn't necessary—they already knew what to do. However, Plastic Surgery Tummy Tuck  can make anyone a bit nervous because the results are permanent and not easily changed, so I felt the need to ask again.

Post-Surgery - Same day

After 2.5 hours, I was moved to my room. Just like my previous surgery, recovering from the anesthesia was uncomfortable and disturbing. I felt intense cold, shivering, and body pain. However, the pain was bearable, and I told the doctor I only felt a little pain. He explained that during the first procedure, a lot of fat was removed, so it was very painful. This time, even though liposuction was done, it wasn't as intensive, and I didn't feel much from the tummy tuck.

Post-Surgery Mobility: Gentle Movements

I was able to get up from the bed two hours after surgery. When I tried to get up, the nurse and doctor advised me to use my hands for support and put as little effort as possible on my stomach. It's best to ask your doctor for specific instructions on how to get up without disturbing or touching sensitive areas where the surgery was done.

A drain tube was in place, and everything was fully covered in plasters, but I could already feel that a significant change had happened.

Hospital Stay

I stayed in the hospital for two days. Moving was a bit difficult, and I felt significant pain whenever I sneezed. My doctor explained that this was due to the tummy tuck and the internal sutures in my stomach lining. To avoid the pain, I tried my best not to sneeze or catch a cold and limited my stomach movements as much as possible. Getting up from and lying down in bed were particularly painful moments.

Discharge Day

During my discharge, I felt extremely weak and had no energy to get up. I felt I couldn't go home because of how exhausted I was. I called the nurse, who then informed the doctor. The doctor ordered a blood test to check my iron levels, which had dropped significantly. I was given an IV for iron, and after 3-4 hours of rest, I felt better and more energetic. They removed the drain tubes, and I was finally discharged.

The plasters were not removed, but I am still very happy with the results because I felt a significant change. After my first lipo, I wasn't this happy. I used the compression garments as well. As usual, I experienced constipation, which was resolved with medicine. My only regret is not doing this earlier, which could have saved me time, money, and brought me this happiness sooner. However, I can't blame anyone because the doctor had their concerns. The pain was manageable with the prescribed medications.

Tummy tuck Before and After results

Sutures

On my third day, all the plasters were removed, and I was happy to see the progress. However, there were full sutures around my waist and belly button. My doctor explained that the tummy tuck sutures were dissolvable and didn't need to be removed, but the sutures around the belly button needed to be removed on day seven by the surgeon or experienced nursing staff.

Sutures around belly button

Important Post-Surgery Instructions: Avoiding Mistakes and Ensuring Proper Care

I made a small mistake because I didn't hear the doctor's instructions properly. The doctor said the tummy tuck sutures were dissolvable and didn't need to be removed, but the sutures around the belly button needed to be removed on day seven. I had the belly button sutures removed without any issues with the help of a local surgeon since I was out of town from where I had the surgery. However, I mistakenly asked my local nurse to remove the sutures around my waist on day 10. This was very painful and difficult, and the early removal left some marks because it was done too soon.

Please always check with your doctor about your sutures. Nowadays, dissolvable sutures are used almost everywhere, so they typically don't need to be removed. Make sure to clarify this with your doctor if it isn't mentioned clearly.

If you're planning to leave the area soon after surgery, ensure you can manage with a local hospital. It's important to get the contact information of the medical staff for emergencies and quick responses. Ideally, stay near the surgery hospital for at least 10 days, but if that's not practical, make sure you understand all the necessary steps for your care.

Post-Surgery Confidence

My sutures completely dissolved after 2-3 months, and now I feel much more confident about my appearance compared to after my first liposuction. The next step for me is to start light exercises. It's important to remember that even after plastic surgery, you need to put in the effort to maintain the results. Regular exercise, based on your doctor's advice, is essential a couple of months after surgery.

Embrace Your Transformation: Best Wishes for a Confident, Healthy Body

Wishing you all the very best on your journey to a confident, healthy body! Remember, achieving your desired look requires not only the surgery but also your dedication to maintaining it through consistent exercise and healthy habits. Your hard work will pay off, and you'll enjoy the benefits of your new, confident self. Stay committed, follow your doctor's guidance, and embrace your transformation with positivity and determination.