Recovery Time?

 Can someone please tell me how long it takes to recover from abdominal plasty (major tummy tuck)? Also do you have to have the muscle corseted? Or can you just have the skin removed? I have absolutely know knowledge about this sort of thing. I live in Northern California, I'm also wondering about the price range. Thanks. 

A panniculectomy is a tummy tuck without muscle tightening. Some insurances will pay for that if you have documentation of rashes, etc from the skin overhanging. But if you can choose I would get the muscle tightened, it makes a big difference in the appearance. I'll try and add a link to  another site where people talked about their recovery and how much it costs. You also can search engine tummy tuck prices in CA and will get some answers. Good luck.

http://messageboards.makemeheal.com/tummy-tuck/
Also, look here
http://www.abdominoplasty.com/go/tummy-tuck/article/pannicul ectomy.html

 Thanks so much!

I had a Tummy Tuck in early March --- hip to hip incision with muscle tightening, new belly button, mons lifted -- and he moved my lap-band port a little bit.

I had the procedure on a Thursday morning and went home the same day (surgery at 8am, I was home by about 2pm).

I took 10 days off work --- so, the day of surgery, that following Friday, the whole next week and then on the following Monday, i had a second follow up with the surgeon and was cleared to go back to work (work at a desk).

I was up and moving by myself the night of my surgery -- and was home alone on Saturday after surgery.  I used a remote controlled recliner and could get myself up and down to the bathroom and kitchen -- I used a walking stick to help me stand for the first few days, and was grateful that  had a 'grabber' to pick up things that I dropped.

As far as the difference in surgeries, the skin removal (panniculectomy) does not do muscle tightening, sometimes does not even leave you with a belly button ---- make sure you understand exactly what you are paying for and what you will get.

 Great infromation. I live alone and I recovered from RNY all alone for the first 3 days. I wont have anyone to help me (unless my luck changes) and I dont have a recliner. But this will be at least 1 more year out. 

 I rented the recliner from a medical supply place.

It was about 150.00 for a month .. Including delivery, set up, pick up.

I called and extended it for 2 additional weeks.  It reclined far enough back to sleep well and went forward enough to propel me out.

It was really helpful and money well spent.

Kath

 This sounds like a great idea. 

Rent a recliner, money well spent!

I am one month out still recovering, but also working. Coughing, sneezing and  laying flay on my back still are painful. I can stand up straight most of the day, but by evening I am ready to bend a little. The recliner is a must have, I still sleep in it, my muscles are very tight, 3-4 layers. But I also had lots done at the same time, thus my body is fighting to heal. The tummy tuck is the easiest of the procedures IMHO, exept the stupid fluid I keep feeling, which has been tapped twice. Hopefully it will desolve before my next appointment. The doctor will tell you if you need the muscle repaired, doesn't add much more cost. between my arms and tummy I had 4 pounds of skin removed. I paid a premium price, but I am very happy with the initial results.My scars are very thin and low, and love my belly button. Be sure to go to a board certified plastic surgeon, who specializes in post bariatric patients. Our muscles are thinner than normal due to the nutritional differences. Don't go to the cheapest this isn't something you can undo easily.

good luck,
Shelly

This is great information that you shared. Thanks!