Treatment Provider

Andrew M. Ress, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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*Treatment results may vary

So far, so good?

Still too many questions. They are separated, the scars are still scabbed. Tight right breast, aches down my arm

Hoping my PS has answers tomorrow

Almost 4 weeks

I am feeling much better, having some of those "Man I look cute in this shirt" moments. I didn't realize how this sx could change my self image. I still want to lose weight (who doesn't) but it isn't a burning issue today. More about health, as I now feel whole again. 32 years in the making.

My only concern at this point is the incision line still has a lot of scabbing, especially at the bottom. I am looking at 3-4 wk post ops here and see everyone is pink and healing. My doctor is a 'let your body heal' type. Meds in the beginning, Singular for swelling which has helped a LOT. I asked at my 2 week about massage, gels for the incision, and the silicone scar tape, and he said no. Just wait.

Starting to have some concern for the scabbing, the longer it is there the better chance of it getting rubbed off or irritated and causing infection. Plus I look like I have sharpie mark around my areola.

Oh and the major emotional roller coaster ride has subsided. Thank goodness.

I will post pictures when my IPhone cooperates and lets me upload them!

Some things to know ahead of time!

This is morning 10 waking up with changes I have awaited for many years.

*Bra: Get 2! No matter what anyone says, a good bra makes a huge difference. I went on-line, typed in 'surgical bra mastoplexy/augmentation" It is ugly and quite daunting. Beige with 10 little hooks (God bless those lil hooks ;) that look like there is NO WAY you can get them hooked. You can, and will, and will love being able to open one or 2 at the right spot when you need relief.
I bought 5 other bras. I was kind of like the Goldilocks. One was too tight, one was too soft, and the third was jussssssssssssst right. LOL. The surg bra holds things in place, because when they move it doesn't feel so great.

Expectations- most of us will not walk out with boobs that look like any of our fantasies! OMG I thought I had made worse something that was already a horror show. GIVE IT TIME! I am already seeing a big difference, and can envision the end results.

ASK! Ask the doctor/nurse for a dozen of those non stick gauze squares if you have nipple incisions. Mine are still leaking ever so little, but I don't have to scrub the bra (which I wish I had 2 of!) every hour. (because I didn't ask it has cost an additional $30 thus far, and they are glad to give them to you. If they are not, cry-works every time LMAO kidding)

Reality: Be ready to wake up in pain. For some reason I thought the anesthesia was going to keep working for hours. No. They have to know how you are reacting when you wake up, this means pain. Like an elephant on your chest, making it hard to breath in deeply, this only lasted 1 day for me. (this was tough for me as I use meditation to relieve stress and pain)
The heavy "Please don't make me get up to pee" pain was 48 hours like magic. Not saying the next 5 days were Disney, but you can really appreciate them after the first 2!

Hydrate: Keep bottles and bottles of water next to you (on the bed for the first few days) I had a great caregiver, but I still needed water at times. This flushed me out and helped me tremendously. And man was a thirsty.

Medication information: Ask the Dr about the meds BEFORE the surgery. The script is a guideline, and he can guide you further. (I was taking every 6 hrs as prescribed-my daughter is a nurse and told me to call the doc) He then advised me further for the 1st few days.

Sleeping: These meds do NOT make you sleep. I had this wonderful fantasy of going to bed and waking up 2 days later all better. NOT. (rolls silly eyes) I didn't want any sleep aids as I tend to sleep walk on Ambien, and lord knows I did not need to be doing the Dougie in the middle of the night!

Seriously, do not try to do this on your own. I know we are Awesome Super Strong Women, but this is one time to be sure you have someone to take care of you for at the very least 2 days, 5-7 if you can. I would have starved, died of thirst, and peed the bed if not for him.
9th: Don't be a poop hero! IF you do not go by day 3-4, get a laxative (I was glad I didn't have to move for that on days 1-3 actually!)
If you have no one, there are CNA's who will assist you for about $10 an hour. You spent all this on sx, go for a bit more to help you make it through the first few days.

Clothing: When they say have open front shirts, not just one! I have 10 brand new large soft T-shirts that I will do something with, but it sure as heck isn't putting them over my head. Even now! The one I bought is dark, high, and textured. Softer the better for comfort.

Make that call!!!! If your doctor doesn't give you a private line to call, I would ask why or get another doctor. I had only one reason to text him, and he responded in 15 minutes. Just having it made me feel secure.
I had an email to ask any question, no matter how silly, and it was a brain saver.
The one time I didn't think the answer was right in my situation, I kindly asked her to discuss with the RN or MD. Which she did, and the RN called me.

BE KIND to the office staff. All of them play a part in your care. They may look like Barbie Dolls, but I can assure you their credentials would make your head spin. Some have gone through 3 or more licensing the get where they are. Treat them with respect, and they will do the same with you.

Showering. Ok I will admit this was the worst part for me. Do NOT do it alone. It hurts. You don't know what to expect. Let the water remove the gauze from over your shoulders. I stood there for 10 minutes shivering before I backed into the running water. As it ran over my shoulders, onto my breasts, the relief was amazing. It slowly removed the gauze. I put the soap on my décolletage and let it drip down. Don't worry about your legs, do what you can. When my boyfriend came in he was pretty upset at my tears and pain. He cleaned my legs and back,
Oh and don't forget you cant lift your arms, so your upper back cant get dried! Please ask for help at least the first 2 showers. I sure wish I had. Learn from me.

Heal. Take care of yourself. Let others help you! This is a great time to find out that your fellow man (or woman) is actually very kind. I stood staring at the top shelf of yogurt for a few minutes, trying to figure out how to get one. I am a shorty so I am used to figuring this stuff out on my own. A man next to me caught my eye "Need help?" I nearly sobbed.........from his kindness as well as I wanted that dang yogurt!! LOL. He said "Honey, you have to ask. People are inherently nice. And if you meet an ass, just ask the person behind them!" I have learned a lot this past 10 days.

What a journey..................to be continued! (with after pictures)

Provider Review

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
6877 SW 18 St., Boca Raton, Florida
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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

From day 1 they were very professional and forthcoming with all information on the staff. License numbers were readily provided, and the sites to look them up where snap shot and sent via Email. I was in claims for 25 years, so I know where to go to research, they provided the same. All questions no matter how silly were answered with immediate answers. Other than all of this, NO ONE said "You could also use............." That would have sent me away quickly. Every aspect of their business and licensure was an open book. I have had not one issue with this office, from the receptionist, to the CNRP who did the anesthesia. Oh and every one was JUST as nice before I put down my $8400 to have the surgery!