Tummy Tuck with Mesh Reinforcement

Had a consult today with a well respected plastic surgeon who discussed possibly using mesh as a reinforcement material during my tummy tuck.  He said using mesh is not "typical" but given my severe diastasis mesh would reduce the liklihood of future muscle laxity. 

Has anyone here had a tummy tuck where the PS used mesh or even suggested using it?  What have yall heard about using mesh?

Thanks!

Kelsey

same thing just happened to me!  I have had three meetings with the surgeon I chose, and yesterday was my final "pre-op" appointment with him.  My surgery is scheduled for April 19.  Extended Tummy tuck, breast augmentation, lipo of flanks and monsplasty. 

For the first time, yesterday he mentioned that he was going to use the mesh reinforcment.  Weird that he never mentioned it before.  he said that he uses it sometimes because he has found that it keeps the tummy flat more successfully.  Says that he's compared his TT's that he uses mesh, with the ones he doesn't and that the mesh ones are more successful.  I am a little freaked out by this latest addition to my treatment.  Do I really want a mesh screen in my abdomen forever? 

Don't know....

 Hi, Laurie.  How did your surgery go?  Did you decide to go with the mesh?  Is your abdomen flat now?

Hi there.

My surgery went well, though I must say recovery is painful and tuf.  One thing they don't prepare you enough beforehand is the mental part of the recovery.  I've been suffering from depression since.  After some research, I've learned it's really common after any type of surgery to go through depression.  The lack of energy, the pain, the affects of anesthesia and other medications that you take post-op all contribute.  Anyway,  I'm starting to feel the fog lift a little these last couple of days....

My tummy is pretty flat, although still swollen on the lower part beneath my belly button.  I like the results so far.  After some research I decided NOT to go with mesh.  Almost unheard of for use in Tummy Tucks, usually needed more when someone has suffered tissue loss.  I've found in my research that the risk of infection is much higher with mesh, and removal of the mesh is complicated and risky.  I just didn't want to add the extra risk.  As a matter of fact,  I read on this thread about some poor guy who is having complicatons from his mesh that was put in 3 years ago!  Now he has to have it removed, and it's going to be quite a surgery to do that as you can imagine. 

Anyway,  no mesh, but good results for me.  I just wish i was feeling better......im sick of feeling tired that's for sure!

So glad you got good results, even without the mesh! 

How are you doing now?  How is the swelling?  Are the results still good?  What you hoped?
Try not to worry about the depression if you like you're results; that will pass.
You will feel a lot better after six or seven months than you do even after four.

Did your belly button turn out well?

Good luck!

Im still pretty happy,  the tummy is not as flat as i had hoped,  but compared to before,  it's amazing.  My husband is crazy for me...and my new body....I'm happy, and the depression is gone.  I still don't have feeling in my tummy area, but otherwise all is good.  My scars look great and are starting to fade a bit.  My belly button is adorable.  I was just admiring it this morning as a matter of fact!  He did a great job and I complimented him about it the last time I saw him.  He said he took alot of time to shape it.....

I look forward to the six and seven month mark!!

Oh good, I'm so happy for you!  My surgeon did not remove enough skin - he really did a mini tuck - and so there is a big wrinkle over my belly button which makes it look bad.  And the lower abdomen is still distended; it is really weak and frankly, I'd like mesh at this point but I think most surgeons don't want to use it.  But so I'm hoping to do it over.   Ugh!  I guess it will be easier the second time as far as knowing what to expect.

That's great that your scars look good too.  Mine do too.  Your surgeon sounds great!  I wish he was closer to me!  Maybe I'll go see him anyway.

Anyway, but I wanted you to know that you'll keep feeling better for months and months.  All the hardness from swelling goes away and the abdomen gets softer again (in a good way), if it hasn't already.

I'm about 9 months post-op and now most of the feeling is back, almost to normal.  So I'm really sad about needing to do it again - then the feeling might never come back.

Best of all, your husband loves your look!  You're a lucky lady.

Thanks for answering me and ENJOY!