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*Treatment results may vary

Supplies

I've read many different supply lists, and each person is different. Based on my experience, this is what I found helpful:

1. Button-down shirts: Easier to put on & take off during the first week or two after breast surgery.
2. Recliner: I bought a cheap used one from a FB yard sale site just for recovery. I slept in it for the first week or so.
3. Assets: I used Target's brand of Spanx for my cg based on my ps recommendation. I cut holes in the crotch for ease in the restroom, but that made all the swelling go painfully to the groin. I would recommend not doing that.
4. Bali Comfort Revolution Convertible Wire-Free Bra: This was also from my ps recommendation. It's good to have on hand while your sx bra is being washed. Also, when you wear lower cut tops.
Here's a link: http://m.kohls.com/kohlsopenapi/productmobile.html?
productID=1409503
5. Wedge pillows: I didn't purchase these, but would've been useful.
6. Q-Tips: For cleaning drain sight & belly button incisions.
7. Probiotics: I took these after I finished antibiotics to recolonize my intestines.
8. Nikken CM Cream: this is for inflammation & helps bruises resolve quickly. Here's a link: http://nettrax.myvoice.com/nikkenusa/Shop.cfm?CurrPage=FrontPage&NextPage=CategoryDetail&CategoryID=83&pid=43443701673781462&pwp=gloriasnyder
9. Aquaphor: I was directed to apply this to my belly button incisions.
10. Cotton Pads: Cleaning the drain tubes.
11. Hydrogen Peroxide: Cleaning drain sights and tubes.
12. Flushable wipes: Easy cleanup in the restroom.
13. Baby Wipes: Refreshing during the first days when you can't shower yet.
14. Bio Oil: Antibacterial soap thrashed my skin. This helped relieve and heal the pealing. I apply it directly after a shower while my skin is still wet. I picked it up at Walmart.
15. Compression Socks: I had swollen ankles & they helped ease the swelling. Haven't read this experience on anyone else's profile & the ps had them on me when I left the surgery center, so no need to purchase additional pairs. Maybe just keep them in case.
16. Frozen Peas: Great for icing the girls during recovery. Cheap & they conform to your shape.

Things I didn't use or miss:
1. Toilet seat riser
2. Shower seat
3. Cane or walker
4. Vitamins: Some of these thin blood or interact with antibiotics, so I didn't chance it.

Skin Issues

I've never seen anyone mention this. Maybe it's not typical, but maybe there is someone else who has experienced this. So, I have severely dry skin. I mean, really dry. When I could shower after sx, the nurse recommended that I use the antibacterial soap that I used before sx. My skin freaked out. It started peeling like I had a terrible sunburn. Gross! I was able to switch to my regular soap and put baby oil on before I dried off and that helped immensely, but there was still flaking. I bought Bio Oil after seeing it on others' posts. It works even better than baby oil and I smell like a grown woman afterwards. Thanks for the tip, girls!

Random thought: Maybe RealSelf could work on letting us edit and delete posts after publishing them. It drives me nuts that it's permanent and I get paranoid that may have answered a question or replied to a comment that wasn't meant for me. Now I'm paranoid that I'm not posting this to my own page. Ha!

One Month Out

Making progress. Things are settling in, but I can't wait to see the final results! These photos are from the end of a long work day. Hopefully, I will be flatter at the end.

Provider Review

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
3180 North Point Parkway, Alpharetta, Georgia
Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
Time spent with me
Phone or email responsiveness
Staff professionalism & courtesy
Payment process
Wait times

Dr. Alderman is fabulous! From the first consultation to the follow up, she and The Swan Center nurses and staff have been accommodating. While I am still healing, I am very pleased with my decision to trust my procedures with Dr. Alderman.