First Post-op

I posted last night that I couldn't look at my incision because I would find it overwhelming. Well I looked at the incision across my back and it was worse than I imagined it would be, based on how the incision felt through my clothes. I got a good look at everything in front today b/c the dr. left me sitting pantsless on the examining table in front of a huge mirror!  I really got a good look at everthing and am more comfortable.
The dr. says my incision is healing perfectly and looks fine. In a few weeks the internal stitches will start to disolve and the scar will flatten out.  Actually, now that I see how secure and protected my incision is, I'm less worried that it will separate when I move around or twist.
Also, I got two of my four drains removed.  Such a relief to not have four of those things sloshing around, although I now have two oozing holes where the drains were.  This is quite the process, huh?

See, it wasn't so bad after all. :-) I do feel your pain though. I don't like looking at the incisions on my thighs from the thigh lift because I'm afraid I might find a gaping hole, but the tummy tuck incision doesn't bother me as much. The steri strips are still in place and covering 90% of the incisions, but I'm trying to be super careful not to disturb them so they they do not come off until my next follow-up appt. I'm assuming my doc will remove them if they haven't fallen off at that time and if there are any issues, he can address them.  

The stitches in my thighs feel so tight that I feel like the steri strips are holding me together and if they come off, my incisions will separate. I'm slightly paranoid and I'm being careful to limit any activity or movement that could cause stress on the incisions.

Congrats on having the drains removed!  My 4 drains will probably come out next week. 

Jeannine

Good to hear you're healing well. Some of my drain sites oozed after the drain was pulled, and some didn't - for those that oozed I found it helped to overlay a menstrual pad over the bandage to soak up additional fluids; the backing on the pad blocks the fluid from messing up clothes.

Take care

Great job, hanging in there as you took a look! Just keep positive and keep remembering what you will look like in a few week.months! Take care and have a wonderful Christmas!