Things To Know Before Getting a Tummy Tuck - Does it hurt??

Here is a list of things I wish I knew before getting a tummy tuck, or things to know before getting a tummy tuck. All these are based on my own personal experience and wanted to share them with you, by no means I'm a professional so please always consult with your surgeon.
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[@rosalindaquezada882]

I’m 3 wks post op. Glad I did it in winter. Wearing the fajas we’re the worst. The first one they put on my was so tight, it gave me bruises under my breast. Then my glands in my neck got infected. Glad it was just a virus, I felt better after the 3rd day. I don’t like people asking if I’m ok, bc I just wanted to sleep, I had to turn my phone off. You will need someone to drive you back and forth. Over all I love the results! I’m 59 with a body and boobs of a 25 year old. I got a breast lift no I plants. I can walk around without a bra on and it looks like I’m wearing one. They removed 8lbs of skin and lipo. I should’ve done this when I was 30. We women deserve this.❤

[@ItaCatherin]

I love this comment! ♥️ I'm glad I wasn't the only one that hated those fajas! 😅

[@brandilimon6661]

I got a breast lift (no implants) and I think I'm more excited about how my breast look than anything else...haha

[@carolyntemplin488]

I am just 12 days post op from tummy tuck and I cannot find a comfortable faja!!! hurts soo bad I took it off.... still searching!! LOL!! ... I'm sooo glad you are happy! I turned 60 one week before my surgery and now wonder why I waited soooo long!!! LOL!!! but we did it!!!! YAY!!!!!!

[@devildiamond68]

IKR I still have scars under my arms from the faja digging in my skin...grrrrr. we're past it all, whew!

[@brandilimon6661]

This is hands down the BEST video that I have seen regarding a tummy tuck with muscle repair. I'm 48 and wish I would have done this YEARS ago!!! I had been thinking about making one but I just happened to come across yours and literally every single thing on your list is identical to mine!! A few tiny differences: I wasn't required to wear a faja so they told me I could buy an additional binder if I chose to or just be out of it while I laundered so I chose the second option. My other suggestion is starting the stool softener 2 days before your surgery (just take 1 each day before surgery). Food prep was so key for me! I made many freezer meals which really came in handy! I had steri-strips across my whole incision and when my PA took off a portion, I was like "what is that smell?! So I totally get that part!! So on to the the "V".....for the first time in like 20+ years I could see my pee stream 🤣 my caregiver said "they didn't move your urethra" 🤦‍♀️.....and I was like "yeah I know but with everything be pulled up + belly fat being gone I can see it now!!" Pure joy 🤣 Oh and the skin sensation???? Weird!!! I'm just about 30 days post op now and I really wish I would have found your video before surgery but I did do A LOT of research and I agree with you to FOLLOW your surgeon's recommendations over any Dr. Google's advice any day...lol. If you have stuck around this long and read this entire comment the only other thing that I would add is that whoever is the person that's taking care of you post op needs to 1000% understand that they are your abs for those first few days because you have literally no ab strength to pull yourself up and there was a "teensy bit" of a miscommunication with my caregiver (I may be guilty of yelling that I was an "independent woman" followed by a few later hours later saying I was a "damsel in distress" and that it was his responsibility to know which one I was at any given moment) and I may or may not have cried a lot over the fact that I could not pull myself up. Oh and font be a martyr for cryingn out loud take your meds...chasing pain is the worst! Also you are spot on with the independence and being bored and I also got really lonely. I'm an introvert and I prefer to be at home minding own business and just doing my own thing but I was craving the outside world and human interaction which was tough. Again, I just want to thank you for the super informative well thought out put together video without a 1000 distractions in the background. It's very helpful and I hope that going forward it helps a ton of people who are pre op because you did a very good job... well done! Oh and I told EVERYONE because I was so excited to be having it gone and I don't really care about other people's opinions on my body because we all have body autonomy 😉❤️ I can't wait to be where you are....one day at a time right? 💪 Happy healing ❤️

[@juliedoyle9222]

how bad was the pain and recovery?

[@devildiamond68]

3 months post op. Yass it's painful but so beautiful 😍 go 4 it, my Darlings. You deserve to feel good about yourself ❤

[@NUSHKILICIOUS01]

really good advice I am not telling my parents they are so judgmental

[@Ripplerimmel]

This was very informative, I’m getting mines this year & this was one of the more helpful videos I’ve watched. Thank you.

[@pricyp.4223]

I’m two weeks away from my surgery and this is so informative! Especially because I sneeze everyday! Also my period is around that day. 😭 Thank you!

[@ChareneHillman-gk3ti]

Loved this video, thank you so much!

[@sammysunshine4884]

Hey girl!!!! Where have u been!!!! I been waiting for your updated videos 🤩🤩🤩🤩 I’m currently 5 weeks post op.

[@MzNewell]

I can't agree with you more about the tummy tuck smell. When I tell you every time I went in for a massage I felt like I was going to blow her away with the odor. As you described it's not a funky smell but very distinct. I was so excited when that odor went away. I really feel that it's apart of the healing. Great video.

[@ItaCatherin]

Right?! I'm glad I'm not the only one that thought this 😅 thank you ♥️

[@danamastrine5361]

This is the best and most thorough advice! I am scheduled for Feb 2023- love the keeping it to a small circle- as I know I will get comments on why I’m doing this, or the “selfish” remarks… Thank you for your honesty!!!

[@ItaCatherin]

Just around the corner! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 I'm glad you enjoyed the video 😊 good luck with your TT! 🙌🏼

[@anitanazir7978]

I also having in February 2023 I am really scared

[@binachavda590]

Hi. How are you doing nowa after 8 months? I'm due I. 2 weeks

[@hannahslife5941]

Hello! I am 6 weeks post op! Great tips!! I’m soo happy I got mine! Best decision ever!!

[@ItaCatherin]

So happy for you! Yay! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@Melanie3581]

There should be no stitches that poke out, unless they put a lot of stitches and the skin is still thick. I’m 5 weeks post TT revision with out muscle repair. It’s hot as hell with compression and abdominal binder. My case I have to have right now. And the surgery is painful my original TT I was in pain for several months even when I went back to work. I was in discomfort for about 6 months. But in my case I had a large fibroid I was unaware of so possibly that’s why I remained in pain for a while. It took me 4 days to even have an appetite to eat, I did clear liquids the first 4 days. Also I ate very little as well, and the swelling is real. It took a year to see full results and I loved the results so much. But my revision I look even better, I’m so happy. I was on my period during the surgery and yes it was awful. I came home with a catheter and took the cath out in the am. With all the suffering it’s worth it, and I was really nervous prior to my revision. My doctor reassured me the recovery wouldn’t be a taxing as the first surgery. I had no smell, only when my drain was draining from the point of entry at the drain site. I cleansed my incision and drain site with chlorhexidine wash and kept it super clean. But the smell doesn’t always mean infection just drainage. Haha the faja sucks, I agree with burning them. I have a few left from my last surgery but they aren’t worth using again. I had to buy another one. Smart about telling people, it’s no one’s business.

[@ellyvictorious]

Hey im 3 months post op, and you are spot on with the advice :) ive also made youtube updates on my recovery

[@lashaepatterson8603]

Ok glad to know i was scheduled to for April ill do it in the fall

[@DottyGale8]

Mine is in 5 days!!! Thank you for all this advice. I've been trying to watch as many videos as possible to prepare and be able to do this successfully. Anything else you - or anyone else who's done it - can give me? Anything I can be eating now or doing now to have an even better outcome?

[@allisond3184]

Thank you for this video! I'm still waiting on scheduling but I have a timeframe where I want to schedule and I noticed my period was expected to appear so I was curious if it would be better to wait until that timeframe is out of the window - I was leaning towards waiting an extra week and I'm glad to hear you suggested that, too. Battling a period while recovering from surgery doesn't sound ideal at all!

[@ItaCatherin]

Yeah, definitely not fun doing both! Good luck on your future procedure! 🤍

[@craftycandlesbymarci]

Thanks for the info

[@corinnemorris1808]

I have a never heard of that “weird smell” from any of the other videos I have watched. Thank you for the info! 😊

[@rocioespinoza2098]

I, too, have that smell.. I also noticed it.

[@ItaCatherin]

Yeah, it's a different smell for sure

[@ItaCatherin]

@@rocioespinoza2098 I'm glad I wasn't the only one!

[@ninakershberg6730]

For everyone looking to do any type of surgery, speak to a surgeon or even your GP first. Don’t believe everything you hear and see on the internet. Every surgery is different for every patient. Good luck!

[@paris-tcib3583]

Thanks! 👍❤️

[@TheStonerista]

the smell your refering to could be plasma from the blood. its the proteins from the blood

[@michelle-c8e]

Why’s the best faja?

[@mrs.blkluv1451]

I just had my tummy tuck and back lift done 2/28/24 and I didn't tell my dad until afterward, he was so negative and I thanked God that I didn't tell him beforehand

[@vyramoss-vargas432]

How bad was your pain from having the 2 procedure at the same time.Im thinking of doing the same.

[@mrs.blkluv1451]

@vyramoss-vargas432 actually my doctor told me my stomach would hurt more than my back and she was right. I have back spasms at the incision sight like electric shocks from time to time and it is sore but a nice soft padding alleviates the soreness and tylenol helps with the back pain. Unfortunately my tummy tuck on a scale of 1 to 10 is an 8, muscle spasms, soreness, tightness and walking slouched over stains your lower back, hopefully tomorrow my drains come out, the don't hurt but they limit your abilities like showering and I wouldn't go out in public with them either but I'm excited about my results and i don't regret the procedure at all

[@vyramoss-vargas432]

Thank you so much for your reply. I was hoping for an answer from someone who had it done.Im stuck in between doing just tummy tuck vs 360.Id rather do everything at one time. With leaning forward are you experiencing any problems with pulling stitches in your back at all?

[@mrs.blkluv1451]

@vyramoss-vargas432 no my back lift was pulled upward and tummy tuck pulled downwards so I'm in the perfect position

[@triciabenavente185]

I am 4 weeks post op and still have one of the drains which is frustrating. Drains and belly bands are the worst part IMO. And yeah smell, you're the first person I've heard mention it. It's kinda like a hospital smell to me. Not horrible but there.

[@jtreydogg]

Valentine's day is my surgery date - excited!

[@ItaCatherin]

That's exciting! Good luck! 🤍

[@vyramoss-vargas432]

Hope all went well.

[@jtreydogg]

Thank you! Recovery is a journey for sure! Getting through the first few days were rough but after that it was all about being ok with being uncomfortable. 3 weeks po tomorrow, my results change day by day but overall I am so pleased! No regrets!!

[@jtreydogg]

@@vyramoss-vargas432 it did! Just over 1 month post op now. 2 more weeks til I can resume life again and get all my laundry done.

[@jtreydogg]

@@ItaCatherin thank you! 🙏

[@Latoija]

Thank you for all you’ve done. ❤ My 360 body lift is Oct 19.

[@rachelhoyle5728]

I’m getting TT and 360 abdomen lipo with diastasis repair October 24!

[@s4ssss]

Same! So excited for my mommy makeover tomorrow

[@Dreamskater100]

How was it?@@s4ssss

[@Dreamskater100]

How did it go?

[@rachelhoyle5728]

@@Dreamskater100 unfortunately my surgery had to be pushed back due to family not being available to help, so I’m waiting until January 23rd.

[@bridgidchetty292]

I am 8 months post tummy. When can you start exercising. I tried light exercises but had to stop. My tummy started swelling bad. Still swellin anf feel sore underneath.

[@queenbee063]

My surgery is coming up in one week, I was told start taking Two softeners 3 to 4 days before the surgery. Also a probiotic.

[@ItaCatherin]

This is great advise! Hope you are recovering nicely!

[@hnisom8044]

Hi r u ok

[@rachelhoyle5728]

Great advice!

[@lifeisall488]

I want to do one for next year but dont want to tell my family justu husband and kids after two pregnancy of both 10 pounds babies incant wait ti get my tummy back 😊

[@grumpyguss]

"Does it hurt?" LOL it was thr worst pain of my life for several days. Absolute torture and then thr hyoer sensitivity and itching was a new torture for a week. I'm 2 weeks post op and the pain is a restriction thing and the itching is there but easier to ignore. I'm desperate to get back to FULL mobility and start weight lifting again. I lost 10 pounds since before surgery.

[@user-wo6cu8fo5m]

Get a bidet for the toilet helps with keeping your parts clean!

[@rachelcarey7478]

I had zero pain from the TT itself. I didn’t take any of the medication provided. I just hate these little areas that itch and scratching doesn’t work!!!!! I am down 40#. I lost 32 plus 8 from surgery. I did not wear the faja, my surgeon didn’t require it.

[@ItaCatherin]

Omg you're so lucky about no pain from TT! Good for you! Yeah I heard some Dr's bypass the faja

[@rachelhoyle5728]

You may benefit from using touch therapy. On anywhere your skin feels numb, weird, etc. use different objects to touch your skin. Rough, sharp, smooth, soft, blunt, cool, warm, scratchy, etc and things will slowly improve. There are videos on KZbin on touch therapy after TT that may help. Good luck!

[@farahishereforreviews3872]

@ita catherin - hello what binder did you use/buy? was it a good choice?

[@ItaCatherin]

Doctor provided the binder

[@agent-yc6iq]

I will have enough time to meditate!!!!lol

[@ItaCatherin]

Yes you will!! 🙌🏼😊

[@sandramartin5155]

Yes it hurts

[@carolyntemplin488]

oh my gosh, great tips .. thanks so much!! I am having my tummy tuck January 2023...I know what you mean about not telling evreyone, I told a friend who kept asking why would I do this??why now at this age?? (I will be 60 one week before the surgery) so I stopped talking to her about it and only discuss it with another friend who had it done a few years ago. I am a healthy active woman (run trails most days) and am 6 lbs from goal weight of 125...and doctor says I am fine to have it, I don't know why I waited! LOL!! Question: you say wear active wear, do you mean athletic leggings? Iknow they are supportive especially if high waisted

[@ItaCatherin]

You go girl! I'm so happy for you, surgery is right around the corner! It's going be amazing! 🙌🏼 Yeah, I think on big decisions like this is best to keep it private. Some people tend to project their fears and opinions onto people so I learned to always protect my choices from others. I'm glad you are doing something that you really want to do and that's power 💪🏼 yes, I meant leggings. I felt best when wearing tight athletic clothing because it gave me the support and compression where I needed which is the tummy area and the inner thighs where I had some lipo done as well 😊

[@carolyntemplin488]

@@ItaCatherin yes, agree about keeping decisions to yourself! Thank you and please continue the tummy updates, they are very helpful! I am a Latin girl, too! !Feliz Navidad!

[@sorciresoriano1196]

I have my surgery scheduled for January 23rd. I just turned 40 and have 4 kids. I'm really nervous and only my husband knows about the surgery. I have had 3 C-sections, so I kind of feel like I know what to expect a little but still very nervous.

[@ItaCatherin]

@@sorciresoriano1196 omg that's great! I think I had a little bit of nerves too but I channeled them into excitement. Something I have trained myself to do in order to conquer fear. The procedure itself will be a blink of an eye on your end. You fall asleep then wake up and it's done. Good luck on your TT, it'll be great! 🙌🏼

[@connieanderson4734]

I am so glad u said ur age I'm 56 will b 57 in May I've wanted a tummy tuck for the past 20 years just couldn't afford it this is the year I was worried about my age my youngest sister asli said y now I told her this surgery is for women like me who need that extra skin gone yes I'm in good shape considering my age ..so thank you for sharing it makes me feel more at ease.

[@msrislammylife]

Hi there! Did you notice a difference in your weight? like gaining because of the swelling ? How long it takes to go away ? thank you!

[@ItaCatherin]

Tbh, I don't have a scale but I did notice weight loss in the first 3 months. The swelling wasn't noticeable in my opinion but you can definitely feel it, especially when you eat salty foods and it doesn't go away for a long time even after the 1 year mark but you eventually forget because the results are soooo worth it!

[@msrislammylife]

@@ItaCatherin Thank you so much taking the time to answer 🥰 great! i hope it'll be better in a few months

[@ItaCatherin]

@@msrislammylife You're so welcome! Trust the healing process 🙌🏼

[@DragonBallMom]

I’m almost 4 weeks post op tummy tuck and I can’t walk straight yet

[@ItaCatherin]

I'm sorry to hear that. Just give it a little more time everyone heals different. Listen to your body and soon you will enjoy your results! It's so worth it! 🙌

[@lashaepatterson8603]

I had a c section

[@sophiesophie2786]

Had my operation on the 16th the pain

[@ItaCatherin]

I hear you, it will get better I promise! 🤗

[@connieanderson4734]

So how's the pain now? Did it get better ?

[@tammymcgrath5030]

Did your dr tell you that you can’t clean shave the pubic area a week before surgery? If so, did you use a bikini trimmer to shave?

[@ItaCatherin]

He actually told me to clean shave the night before. I shaved.

[@tammymcgrath5030]

@@ItaCatherin Thank you. Mine told me not to week prior. I have surgery on the 26th. I’m assuming I can still use a electric bikini shaver. Thank you for all your videos. Have been helpful.

[@brandilimon6661]

Mine told me shave it yourself or we will....I figure I'd do a better job...lol

[@tammymcgrath5030]

@@brandilimon6661 Lol. Not sure why mine told me not to.

[@brandilimon6661]

@@tammymcgrath5030 I have heard before that micro cuts can happen and cause problems...so maybe they do it with antiseptic?

[@Diamondkash]

Nah the cs was worse pain than a tt

[@radhikagambhir4042]

Sounds just like a c section.