Okay, so if you read my last post, you'll know I underwent two procedures a few weeks ago. They were abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) and mastopexy (breast lift - no implants).
Some of you contacted me to request before and after pics. You know I'm all about sharing the journey, so here they are! 
(I even created tables in HTML to compare the images! lol)
For context, I am 5'5" and was 123 pounds the morning of the surgery. I am currently 121 pounds. So I'd say I lost 1-2 pounds with the surgery, and 1-2 inches from my waist (due to removal of sagging/excess skin and tightening of the abdominal muscle wall).
Please note that IMO, abdominoplasty is not a weight loss solution. It is designed to remove excess/damaged skin You need to be at or near your ideal body weight for best results. I had to do all the hard work of losing my pregnancy weight *before* I'd allow myself to have these procedures. You need a stable body weight for best results. Also, make sure you are done having kids first! lol
Before the surgery:
5 weeks after the surgery:
Note that the side 'after' pic was taken a bit further away than the 'before' one, so keep that in mind when comparing the two. lol Thanks to DH for taking these photos. Of course my body is not restored to exactly what it was before I ever had children (those days are *long* over), BUT - I do feel pretty and relatively jiggle-free, which is great.
BTW, here is a photo with underwear on so you can see how the incision is "hidden" under typical clothing:
Also, just for fun - here is a photo of me in Feb of this year at 34
weeks pregnant with the twins (I delivered a month later). Ah, the fond
memories (not!) lol As you may have heard me say, I gained 80 pounds
with each of my pregnancies and had to lose ~50 pounds afterwards both
times. Sucky!
Okay, so I think we've seen more than enough of me now!! lol
So what I am loving about the surgery:
- Clothes fit normally again, yay!
- Perkier breasts, yay!
- Bras are optional, amazing!! lol
- I didn't lose any nipple sensation (whew!)
What I am not loving:
- Healing has seemed a slow process, although my surgeon says I bounced back unusually quickly (I think that's due to my habit of walking so much!)
- Slight nipple & breast asymmetry
- Lingering swelling of the abdominal flap above the pubis (surgeon says this is normal and will last another month or two)
- Skin puckering at a few areas on the abdominal incision
- Belly button has an "unnatural" shape (apparently this is a common occurance with tummy tucks)
But overall, I'm pleased with the results. I love feeling normal in my clothes again! I think I will even try bikinis again at some point! lol
I am also hoping the remaining pregnancy stretch marks (lower abdomen now) will continue fading. They are still a bit brownish from the pregnancy.
BTW, in terms of healing, I'm a good ways along, but the scars will take months more to fade, and will never be gone completely. There is also still some swelling near the lower abdominal incision. Did you realize you have to wear a medical girdle 24/7 for a month post-op?? Fun! lol