TT question

[Lovey]

I had a TT about a year and a half ago & everything went well, but now I still have some swelling in the lower part of my belly & it is still numb. Will this numbness always be there?

I am also considering some lipo around my inner thighs & upper hip area. The inner part of my thighs will have to be 'lifted' or have extra skin removed & would love to talk with someone who has had something like this done. Would like to know about recovery time & if drains are put in for this type of surgery. Any help appreciated!!!

[danya]

Hi Lovey,
If you are completely numb, then it is unlikely that sensation will return, but if you can feel something, then there is a chance that some sensation will continue to return for up to 2 to 3 years after your surgery.
It's hard to say about your swelling. Because of your tummy tuck surgery, the normal drainage for fluid (lymph) was disrupted with the incision, but that usually takes care of itself within a few months. By 18 months, i dont expect that the swelling will go down anymore. Any chance it's fat and not swelling? If so, a little lipo will do the trick.
Re: the thigh lift, scarring is the biggest problem, but with an inner thigh lift, the scar can usually be concealed within the groin crease. Drains are not routinely used after surgery, but your surgeon may place one if there is excessive oozing during surgery. If so, it is removed with a few days. Your activity will be limited after surgery probably for 2 weeks to allow the incision to heal and prevent tearing of the stitches.
Be sure to go to someone experienced with thigh lifts. This surgery is not commonly performed, so few surgeons know how to do it properly. Ask your doctor how many he's done, or how often he does that procedure, and ask to see b and a photos.
Good luck
Danya

[Lovey]

Danya...
Thanks so much for your reply. I appreciate the information!! If I go in to have the thigh lift would a surgeon be willing to do a mini TT at the same time to remove the fluid/fat that is still there? Maybe that would either elimate or reduce the numbness also???? This is one question that I want to ask the PS when I go for my first consultation for the thigh lift, but wanted your opinion also. I think that the improvements that Plastic surgery does for the body and self image is so wonderful!!! I've not regretted my TT for one moment!!! :)

[danya]

Most doctors will do a TT revision or mini TT with the thigh lift. (Unless they take so much time for the thigh lift and then think it's not safe to extend the anesthesia period).

It's unlikely that your sensation will return after the revision. The nerves were cut during your first surgery and did not regenerate so a second surgery wont correct that.

The most common area for nerve damage with a tummy tuck is a triangular shaped area below the belly button. Is that where you are numb? or it somewhere else?

If you have a chance to put your TT story in writing, I know that other people could benefit from your experience and would really appreciate learning about what you went through. If you feel like, go to www.beautysurg.com/share/personal.html to share your story, and read some other ones, too.

Danya

[Lovey]

Thanks again Danya!! I just completed my story & submitted it. I hope I didn't ramble so much that it doesn't make sense!!

Yes, the area of numbness you spoke of it where my numbness is. I kind of figured that this was going to be permanent. It really doesn't bother me & I would still have had the surgery in a heart beat!!

Message boards like this are a great place for people to get information & share experiences. I got information before my surgery from another message board but that one has been taken over by people are into other things besides plastic surgery information so I was happy to find this board!! You have been very helpful to me & I would be glad to help anyone who has questions.

Thanks again!!!
Lovey



:) :)