extended tummy tuck - 5 vs 26 days post op pics - semi nude warning

Just wanted to update you guys with some new pics and updates on my progress so far. Im 26 days post op now and doing quite well. My energy has pretty much returned to normal. I am able to stand up pretty straight now, however I still feel my skin pulled tight when I do. My leg pain has gone away which is a blessing. As far as sensation when I touch the skin goes, I still have many areas that have not returned back to normal yet.

The bad news is I still have my drains in. I had a little drain dramma a couple of days ago. They started to pull out and lost suction. I had to make an emergency visit and prayed that the doctor would just take them out. He would not, because I was still draining more than over 100cc per 24 hours. 30 was the number he wants to see, so I was not even close. I asked him why its taking me so long to get these drains out. He said that the reason it is taking so long is because I am a weight loss paitient and a man. He explained that men have more lymphatic tissue than women and when I was heavy I developed alot of extra lymphatic tissue that I no longer need. So the body has trouble getting rid of all the fluid since the lymphatic system was damaged during the tummy tuck. I could be explaining this wrong, but I think thats what he said or something close to it. So long story short - I have drains still for who knows how much longer. He said I would blow up like a baloon if he took them out early so I am fine with suffering a little bit longer. He did tape the exit wounds where the drain tubes come out of very well with waterproof stuff so I am much more comfortable now. They wont pull out again thank goodness. That was freaky.

The doctor took the surgical tape off of the incision when he fixed my drains and this morning I worked over an hour to remove as much glue as possible. I am really really pleased with how my scar is healing. I am also very pleased with how my bellybutton looks. I am blessed with good skin that doesnt scar that bad so I am really happy about looking forward to a nicely healed scar that should hide pretty well. The weirdest part of the tummy tuck surgery was the fact that the incision NEVER hurt but it sure as heck looked like it hurt. Oddly enough my worst pain was in my thigh area from nerve pain. Well enough of my blabbing - heres some pics for you.

Excellent result!

Thank you

Looks good! 

You have no idea how happy I am to see these!!!!   Just had my tummy tuck on 2/26, everything has gone well so far except for the funky looking incision looks really really, well, funky...really puckered and kind of sticking out in places.    Good to see that time will help in making it not quite so puffy (for lack of a better word).     Thank you so much for being so generous and sharing these with us, it helps a whole lot!!!!

Looking Good! 

Looks great! What a difference in just 20 days! And according to everyone, it'll only get better. Sounds like you're doing all you should be. Keep it up. And the drains will be ancient history soon. If you are still draining, thank goodness they're in. You don't want that stuff in YOU!

Lookin good . . . I go for my tt on March 14!  Hope I have great results as well . . . . 

You look great.  Your pictures and journey are very inspiring.  I am looking into getting abdomioplasty soon. I have BCBS Federal as my primary health insurance.  From what I understand, they cover this procedure when documented properly by my doctor as a medically needed procedure.  I'm looking for a good plastic surgeon in Atlanta.  Once I find one, I plan to have my excess skin removed and hope to look as good as you when it's all finished and I'm fully recovered.