Tummy Tuck

[Unregistered]

I am a 53 year old female and am considering a tummy tuck. I have systemic Lupus - a mild case - also this means my immune system is not up to par. I'm concerned about complications.

I have had my 2 visits w/a certified plastic surgeon. I'm scared! I have never had plastic surgery before and I've never had major surgery ever! How bad is the pain afterward? The doctor gave me a few Atavan tabs - one to take the night before and one for the am b/4 I get to the surgery center which is set for November 25th.

I have been working out - lifting wts, some aeobic exercise and a lot of ab work. The Dr. told me that was good, but I'm still anxious.
I really think I would improve my looks alot if I had this done.
Help!

[danya]

Out of all the cosmetic surgeries, the recovery from a tummy tuck is probably the most difficult, while at the same time, it is one of the most rewarding surgeries. A tummy tuck will take care of extra skin, fat, and separated muscles and give you a nice tight, flat tummy that you dont have to hide under loose blouses and baggy pants.

Many women compare the recovery to a c-section, although your muscles aren't cut (unlike a c-section) so the recovery is quicker. After 2 weeks you'll be feeling pretty good, but should allow a full 6 weeks befor you're nearly back to 100%.

One potential complication from a TT (tummy tuck) is flap ischemia- this means not enough blood and oxygen getting into the tissue that was lifted up and redraped. Ischemia can lead to localized tissue death and/or infection. The most common area for this to happen is below the belly button, near the bikini line. The reason I mention this is that with your lupus, you may have a tendency to heal more slowly and or be more prone to infection. Make sure you and your doctor keep an eye on this area.

I'm sure that your plastic surgeon has consulted with your internist, rhumatologist, or other doctor that manages your care to be sure it is safe for you to proceed. There is a wide variety of symptoms and systems affected with lupus, so only your doctor will know if it's safe for you. And, you're doing the right thing by maintaing a good diet and exercise program ahead of time. Some people with lupus are anemic, and need extra iron supplements. Anemia can cause fatigue, and may prolong your recovery. A blood test can screen you to make sure you're not anemic before surgery.

The healthier you are going into surgery, the better chance you'll have for an excellent result. And, you're smart to do your homework before having surgery! Please keep us posted as the time nears. We're rooting for you!

Danya

[Unregistered]

I'm back! Well, it's about 26 days til surgery. I'm beginning to feel more positive about everything and still a wee bit nervous.
I was wondering if anyone reading this has ever experienced tissue death from a TT. I'd like to hear their story. Also, can you give me any advice on what steps I can SAFELY take after surgery to get the blood flowing to this area of the abdomen so I can avoid this problem.

[marjorie]

I had a tummy tuck and had some problems with healing. I think the skin was just pulled too tight, but under neath my belly button it started to get kind of bluish. And then yellow fluid started oozing out and the incision came apart. The doctor didn't seem too concerned (but i was!!) and said to just let it heal in and that we could do a revision later if necessary.
So I did dressing changes twice a day and used ointment and eventually it healed. I think it took about 4 weeks, but it turned out that I didn't need a revision and it all worked out okay. I had gall bladder surgery years ago and my plastic surgeon said that may have been part of the problem - the scar tissue from the gall bladder surgery.
My only advice is just to find a really good doctor who has done alot of these, and then trust him and follow his instructions.

[Unregistered]

Hi! I wrote back in November.. I am the one with Lupus. I had my TT on November 25th and it's December 28th. It had an easy recovery - almost NO PAIN! Also, so far, I haven't had any complications due to my Lupus. The main incision was "glued" together with a new product on the market called "Derma Bond" which minimizes the scar. AND IT DOES! My scar is like a pencil line. I can't believe how good it is looking. The only stitches were in my belly button and two front and center of scar in the pubic area. There was a large loop stitch sticking out at the end of one side of the main incision (the nurse said it went to the "inside" stitching). Anyway the Dr. removed all of these. I couldn't believe how easy the recovery was. I walked bent over for about a week and then slowly started to straighten up. Today is my first day back at work! I had a wonderful time off during the Christmas holidays. I feel great and the Doctor said I could get back into the gym next week, but to take it slow at first - starting out walking. I wish I had gotten this done 10-15 years ago! I'd do it again in a heartbeat. I can really tell a difference in my body shape already - and so can everyone else. There is still some swelling, but should be gone by mid February. I am so pleased with this surgery. Thanks for all your information and support!
Martha G.

[danya]

hi martha,
so glad that everything went well for you.
sounds like you had a perfect recovery.
2004 is going to be a terrific year for you now that you've got your body back!

happy new year,
danya