Last Drain Removed-four weeks later
Hi Everybody:
I finally got my last drain removed yesterday. YAY!!!! It was only putting out about 22 cc's a day. What I did not expect was that my doctor decided to clean up my scab line on my incisions. Can you say OUCH! But, I do look so much better, my scar in really skinny and light pink. My doctor did an excellent job on them and my belly button looks really good too. I plan on posting some pictures this weekend when my hubby is at home to take them. I do not go back to see my doctor until August unless something comes up that needs to be seen right away. I feel pretty good today except on my hips where the incision ends, that area is still somewhat sore. It feels bruised but looks fine. I guess I am just still tender in that area. Anyways, my belly is very flat in the morning time but does tend to swell in the afternoon, not bad, but it gets really tight and starts to protrude over the incision line. Doc said that this would continue for at least 3-4 months before it finally settles down. My hips are still wider than I expected but on the second phase of surgery, we will remove skin from the hip area and the backside (butt lift) and outside thighs. I can't wait. :)
I finally got my last drain removed yesterday. YAY!!!! It was only putting out about 22 cc's a day. What I did not expect was that my doctor decided to clean up my scab line on my incisions. Can you say OUCH! But, I do look so much better, my scar in really skinny and light pink. My doctor did an excellent job on them and my belly button looks really good too. I plan on posting some pictures this weekend when my hubby is at home to take them. I do not go back to see my doctor until August unless something comes up that needs to be seen right away. I feel pretty good today except on my hips where the incision ends, that area is still somewhat sore. It feels bruised but looks fine. I guess I am just still tender in that area. Anyways, my belly is very flat in the morning time but does tend to swell in the afternoon, not bad, but it gets really tight and starts to protrude over the incision line. Doc said that this would continue for at least 3-4 months before it finally settles down. My hips are still wider than I expected but on the second phase of surgery, we will remove skin from the hip area and the backside (butt lift) and outside thighs. I can't wait. :)
What a relief to finally be rid of the drains, I know for me it made a huge difference in attitude and I could leave the house without worrying about people seeing the drains (yuck!) and did not feel so isolated.
It's funny you mentioned your hips being wider, I asked my husband if mine looked wider as well, and he agreed. Do you know if this is a common occurance with a TT? I thought maybe it was a combination of swelling and optical illusion due to the fact that my tummy is flatter.
How did your belly button heal? Mine seems to still have an eraser sized scab that doesn't seem to want to fall off so I can't really tell what the final look will be yet.
Anyway, glad you finally got your last drain out and everything is healing well.
It's funny you mentioned your hips being wider, I asked my husband if mine looked wider as well, and he agreed. Do you know if this is a common occurance with a TT? I thought maybe it was a combination of swelling and optical illusion due to the fact that my tummy is flatter.
How did your belly button heal? Mine seems to still have an eraser sized scab that doesn't seem to want to fall off so I can't really tell what the final look will be yet.
Anyway, glad you finally got your last drain out and everything is healing well.
I think with my stomach being flatter and my waist being made smaller it made my hips appear larger. I took my measurements and I am 1 1/2" smaller in my waist and in my hips. I am 30" in the waist and 40" in my hips. I am portionally correct but visually I feel like I am 30" in waist and 45" in hips, go figure. I guess I need my eye sight check. lol My belly button healed great! I had the FDL TT and I had seen so many folks that had a big circle around their navel but mine actually outlines just the rim and looks like it is just the belly button that I am seeing. I am really happy with my BB. I had that same scab in my BB and my doctor took tweezers and removed it yesterday. I hope yours heals soon so you can see the final results for yourself.
Congratulations!! I can easily imagine how great it feels to get that out since I've got two hanging on me right now. I hate it when they pull everytime I move!
Bigger hips on me would be an improvement. I've always said I have "my dad's figure", lol. I'll hope for the illusion of bigger hips after reading this thread.
I'm wondering if I'm going to see the stitches around my belly button like you describe. Hmmm. I noticed them on my surgeon's nurses well-healed belly, and I see some on mine. I will say that I love the shape of the belly button she gave me. I'll also say that no one's going to be seeing my new belly button anyway, so I probably should not worry about it one way or the other.
Glad you got your drains out! My output is under 20 cc now that I've started the Bromelain and Arnica Montana supplements. Wish I had trusted her and started them earlier. They've even cured my residual swelling from my facelift in just two days time. I'm really impressed with them, and will continue taking them since I'm prone to fluid retention. Maybe I'll get mine out Tuesday...
Bigger hips on me would be an improvement. I've always said I have "my dad's figure", lol. I'll hope for the illusion of bigger hips after reading this thread.
I'm wondering if I'm going to see the stitches around my belly button like you describe. Hmmm. I noticed them on my surgeon's nurses well-healed belly, and I see some on mine. I will say that I love the shape of the belly button she gave me. I'll also say that no one's going to be seeing my new belly button anyway, so I probably should not worry about it one way or the other.
Glad you got your drains out! My output is under 20 cc now that I've started the Bromelain and Arnica Montana supplements. Wish I had trusted her and started them earlier. They've even cured my residual swelling from my facelift in just two days time. I'm really impressed with them, and will continue taking them since I'm prone to fluid retention. Maybe I'll get mine out Tuesday...
The reason I am so excited about my BB is that I had the FDL TT so I have an incision straight down from below my breasts to my pubic bone. Most pictures that I have seen have a larger circle cut around their BBs but mine is just around the rim. I would gladly give you some of my hips.:) The stitch that holds the drain in is what gave me such fits. Many nights, I threaten to get my scissors and cut it off but I know the drain would have fallen out then. I am now in swell hell though. Last night I swoll up like a bullfrog and this morning I am up a pound so I know I am retaining some fluid now. Oh well, I guess it is part of the experience. I hope you get your drains out soon.
Congrats !!! On to the next level of freedom. Can't wait to see the results. Sounds like the incision scar is turning out wonderful.
I'm in the consultation phase myself and have a question for you: you mention removing skin from the hip area, backside and outside thighs... I have the same issue and the 1st surgeon recommended a lower body lift that this would address all those issues in one surgery, tummy included. Is this something you considered or was it not a recommendation? Just curious as to different surgeons approaches.
Thanks for your sharing and best to you and your continuous healing.
I'm in the consultation phase myself and have a question for you: you mention removing skin from the hip area, backside and outside thighs... I have the same issue and the 1st surgeon recommended a lower body lift that this would address all those issues in one surgery, tummy included. Is this something you considered or was it not a recommendation? Just curious as to different surgeons approaches.
Thanks for your sharing and best to you and your continuous healing.