Tummy Tuck
I have never had this problem before I am generally in good shape. The only part of my body that is really getting to me is my stomach area. I have had three c-sections and the skin under my stomach literally folds over ( not a nice look), and has now started to hurt me...creating a lovely rash under the scar line. I am physically fit but my tummy ( as my children call it!) Not only is starting to hurt me but It also won't leave. Tried diets, crunches, running. ( Next idea is mjsreds posting yesterday.) I am seriously thinking of going to the doctor but a little embarrassed to show it. Thinking I may have to get a tummy tuck in order to stop the irritation under the incision line. Has anyone else ever had this happen? If I do go for the tummy tuck, ( which I really can't afford) What is the recuperation time? Do you like the results? Artcandy
I haven't had one but would if I had this same problem. However I did have a friend that had one and she LOVED it! She had two kids and no matter what she did she couldn't get her tummy back in shape. Her Dr. had a financing program and she paid it off in two years. The recovery COMPLETE was 3 - 4 weeks. It was that long before she was comfortable revealing her bare stomach. I am personally NOT a fan of plastic surgery. I think most often times it just makes people look weird. Even the expensive Hollywood dr's make people look odd. However...I DO believe in CORRECTIVE surgery which I believe is your case. You've graciously brought children into this world and it ruined your tummy. I say if you can find a way go for it. I have always wanted a breast reduction but I'm scared. I'd also get that turkey waddle surgery when I'm older if I ever needed it.Do what makes you happy honey. I say if it bothers you that much find a way!
Love, hugs and shoes...Angie
I had a co-worker who had one done, and she loved it, and looked phenomenal. She did tell me, though, that the recovery time is long, and she was able to get through it because she has a really high pain tolerance. She also had not had any kids, which makes me think her issue may not have been that bad to begin with, unless she lost a lot of weight prior to my meeting her, when she was thin. She, too, worked out a lot, and had tried everything before she went for this. I know that you can finance plastic surgery, I see ads for it in magazines sometimes. I would talk to my doctor about the irritation you are experiencing, maybe there is some way you can have your insurance pay for it?
artcandy--please, if it's hurting you, go see your doctor. I agree w/erica, if it's causing you direct discomfort, a doctor may be able to say it's medically necessary, and not just a cosmetic thing, and maybe your insurance will help pay for it. If it's excess skin, I don't think any amount of exercise will reduce it. If it's fat, you can't spot reduce it. Crunches will work the muscles under the fat, but you'll have to try to get rid of the fat through exercise. At this point though, it's sounding like getting medical assistance is the best course of action.
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If I were you I would explore every possible option.Have you heard of the Titan laser treatment? I think the desciption actually is more about the effects on faces. However, I know it is also done on other body parts.Here is what I found about it:
Titan laser skin tightening can uplift your look, giving you a more rested, refreshed appearance. This laser treatment creates a thermal response in the deepest layers of skin, stimulating collagen growth and tightening of the skin’s elasticity. You will come away with firmer, more youthful look-all without downtime and the risks associated with surgery. More than one session will be necessary and the price decreases with each treatment.
I'd look into the laser and lipo before a true "tuck?" Sounds like you may have some scar-tissue that's formed and that by "thickening" is causing you irritation...I'm thinking you just need a bit of decent lipo to "clean out" the area and yes,it can reduce the scaring and also firm up the problem area for MUCH less than a tuck...be SURE however to get a couple of opinions from the best people you can! I read today...and have been thinking about this...bridges and planks are now thought to be MUCH "better" for helping to shape and strengthen the "core" area as opposed to traditional crunches...they are now saying they can add to back injury and cause tissue-tearing aka "internal scaring" in the stomach area causing a "thickening..."Interesting for sure and although I HATE planks,I do a lot of them.I know you "speak gym-rat" so you'll understand what I'm saying! :)I'd back off "building" that area anymore until I had a consult.HUGS!
Any tips on learning to love bridges and planks? I need to change my mental outlook on them-- especially since you gave me even more reason to "make friends." In my case, gritting my teeth is not helping me get the job done.
Also- an advantage that lasers have is that there is not normally down time. So, you would not have to take time off of work!
you know... im only 17 but when it comes to being somfortable in your skin and working with what you have, i think i have a very mature response. i think that if you dont like something about yourself you should be able to change it without question. i say go for it!
<3 Samantha
I may only be 14 but like other people in the world, I have problems with being comfortable in my own skin! I actually wanted to get a tummy - tuck! :)Haha. But my mom flipped out! :) :)
I love Nicholas Jerry Jonas! He makes my heart melt! ♥
I despise bridges and planks BUT,challenge myself to do them as often as possible,have moved to the "forearm plank" and let me tell you...LOL!I figure that my doing these hateful movements,I am adding strength to my body,discipline to my mind,and an easier time zipping my jeans,LOL! Music is my best friend when I workout,I "get lost" in it and ignore the pain much of the time...You CAN try "bridge grinds" for fun: do a typical bridge but THEN,challenge yourself to move your hips slowly in a circle when your hips are in the air.It's a exotic dance move and don't do it in yoga class,LOL! I have and it doesn't play well...HAHAHA! You can also do modifies- planks on a stability ball to start: lie on your tummy on the ball and roll it back a bit until you can support yourself with your hands flat onthe ground in front and then raise/lower until you have built up enough strength to move away from the ball.They pretty much suck but boy do they work! ;)
well it will be hard to work that as when you have the c-section they have to cut the muscles so that is why you are unable to get that part to be what you want it to be. trust me i have the same issue and the doctor told me the same thing. the best thing to do to get rid of that look is to do the lipo and i sure would love to do that too but i serious dont have that kinda money nor the credit to do financing so hey.
~~ Luv & Respect, Olena ~~
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I definitely think you should go for it if it's financially possible at all! I agree with the others who said you might be able to get it covered by insurance, it's certainly worth a try. You would feel so much better mentally and physically, and isn't that what matters??
Body image is something I could go on about forever. I'm only 24 and have a body that looks much older. I have thought often of a tummy tuck, I would like to enjoy my 20's free of being held back because of what I feel I look like. I recently hired a personal trainer and have been working out hardcore, including those fun-filled planks and bridges. My stomach is never going to snap back and I really really hate that when I see myself in the mirror. I sympathize with you Artcandy and if you feel like your appearance would be better for you and that is not something that is likely to change in your mindset then I think you should go for it.
Style may be on the surface, but you can be deep and still have some - Clarissa Gough
Thanks for the responses everyone. I am holding out right now...but it's when I go to try on the jeans...and my beautiful tummy hangs over them that I think to myself, " tummy tuck here I come." I don't like being so self conscience of something on my body that I am having such a hard time getting rid of. Megsplace, please appreciate what you have and stop labelling yourself as "old." Embrace your age. You are beautiful. You really are. Erase the tape and put in the new one. (oops, I should say dvd?) Thank you for taking the time to comment and its great that you are doing something about how you feel. Way to go!
♥Robyn♥