My Tummy Tuck at 43

The fact that I had a tummy tuck came as a big surprise to many, most of all myself! After having two C-sections, I felt pretty confident that I could get my early 30s physique back. I work out three times a week 1-1 at Access Strength for the last year and a half. I did an overhaul of the way I eat under the coaching expertise of Clean Eating Coach Jen Smiley. For 43, I’m really pleased with my strength and my overall energy, health, and wellness. With all of that, no amount of exercise is going to remove that extra skin that pouches over my c-section scar, the belly that sits on my lap, or fully repair the separation of my abdominal wall muscles giving me a hump down my mid-section. I can’t exercise it away and how much does that matter? Over and over in my head, I would spin the concept around. Do I care? Yes.

Let me be really clear, I love myself unconditionally. I’m very comfortable with my body. I am sharing this experience because many common reactions to my decision are around “But you are so tiny” or “You don’t need that.” Some unsolicited feedback has been unkind.

Elective Plastic Surgery can still be considered taboo or is frowned upon.

You can want plastic surgery and still unconditionally love and accept yourself at the same time. This decision continues down my belief to live authentically and unapologetically.


At the time of this post, I am 13 weeks post-op. I am thrilled with the results and the ongoing results are still yet to come.

Here’s what I learned about getting a tummy tuck:

1. Results take time, unlike breast implants or dental work, the results are not instant and will improve over months.
2. Your stamina is greatly impacted, and it will take a few weeks up to a month to feel like you are back to your old self.
3. The more you commit to recovery, the better your results.
4. Eliminate foods that cause inflammation, the better your results.
5. Where your muscles are sewn back together down the center will feel tight for a good 8 weeks, where you won’t feel comfortable arching your back.
6. You want a fantastic surgeon who has proven skills to keep you safe under surgery, understands exactly what your body needs and has precision incision skills.
7. The longer you wear your compression ware (faja), the better your results. My doctor recommends 6 months and tapering off.
8. You forget you are wearing a faja and it becomes like wearing a bra.
9. Your incision scar becomes way less important compared to your enthusiasm as you see your results improve.
10. I don’t regret it.

I struggled to find real-life behind-the-scenes while researching my Abdominoplasty. With that in mind for others, I documented my entire experience with many videos, blood, sweat, and even some tears. It is a private IG account intended for women who are curious about the process and experience @nolatummytuck. Plastic Surgery is not for everyone, but understanding the experiences of others is universal.

Julie Couret
Nola Native, Julie Couret is Mom of Emma Mae (12) & Helen (10) and partner to her long term boyfriend Tom. She co-parents with her ex-husband & is known for candid posts on her life behind the scenes. Julie is self-employed an Executive Coach who works with business owners leading strategic planning sessions, management training, leadership development, and change management. She loves road trips with her kids, playing tourist in her own city, and riding in her parade Krewe Cleopatra!

6 COMMENTS

  1. I also am considering a tummy tuck at 47. I’ve had three c-sections. How did your recover from TT compare to CS? I keep telling myself it will be pretty much the same (hopefully) bc my CS recovery was surprisingly easy.

    • Hi Amy! A TT is a whole different ballgame! I had 2 c-sections and they were a breeze. The tummy tuck surgery has so much involved. The recovery of a TT comes in phases and is so much less about the incision healing and more about your stamina, managing swelling, and your stomach muscles being sewn back together and healing. I am pro TT, it just is a very different experience than a c-section. Are you on IG? I give a TON of info on my private account documenting the TT @nolatummytuck. Happy to chat more any time!

  2. I had a tummy tuck after losing almost 80 pounds and although I don’t regret doing it, I can assure you it was the WORST surgery I ever had as far as pain-wise and healing and I would never recommend this procedure for anyone other than someone who has had a massive weight loss and lots of hanging skin.

    • It is absolutely a massive surgery and the recovery is a long journey. I am very grateful I did not have a lot of pain, but it took a solid month to get my stamina back.

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