Worth Flying From CA - Artist w/Great Bedside Manner

I am adding a pic of my progress at 2 weeks. They are dropping; but I have a long way to go. My patience is truly being tested. I think I look at these things every 2 hours. I am right handed so my right is dropping faster. I had a slight asymmetry that I kept because I wanted to retain some part of myself. The past week has been interesting with nerves healing. I am feeling more muscle pulling; not painful just annoying. I also have some zingers, super sensitive nipples, stitches itching a little. My tape has not fallen off yet but it is starting to peel. The muscle pulling seems to be moving down which I hope is a good sign of dropping. I have not felt any depression or regret. I do feel like I am in this picky phase and just super worried about the final result. I was going to get Moderate profile; but was worried about not getting to a C so I went with Full to get a bit more volume. Dr Baxter was still very conservative with cc so I am hoping my final result is not too full in the upper pole. I hope my progress tracking helps someone have patience.

I am going to write this review of my breast augmentation journey with Dr Baxter from the get go.
HELPFUL FACTS: I’m black between 45-54; lost 40+ lbs which resulted in breast volume loss; athletic buildCONSULT: I actually found Dr Baxter doing research about animation deformity (AD). I had two other consults prior and didn’t really like the answers about AD. I read how he addressed this with a split muscle technique. I was blessed to come across his medical journal article (https://www.semanticscholar.or... ). I flew from CA to WA to meet with Dr Baxter for my consult after having a very pleasant initial meeting with him over Zoom. His demeanor and bed side manor puts you in the mind of your favorite uncle. I felt immediately comfortable with him. Let me add that I am black and of a generation that is still not totally comfortable with plastic surgery.One of his wonderful nurses, Nurse Lori, joined us in my consult and helped me try on sizers to better understand what my final results might look like. I asked him about the incision options, because of my skin color. He. Only does under the breast with split muscle. He looked at a previous surgery scar to see how I heal. He also explained that he stitches in 3 layers, with a final thread stitch that pulls the skin together leaving an even thin line. We decided on 310cc moderate. I forgot to take a picture in my top (Do that). I set my appointment for about two months out, his earliest opening. During that time I continued to agonize over my possible cup size (like it seems everyone does..lol). I talked to Nurse Lori over the phone a few times. His team is super supportive and really wants you to love your end result. I asked if I could get a bit more volume because I was currently a 34A and wanted to get to a solid 34C; but still look natural. He reviewed my measurements and recommended 345cc full profile. It would be more round at the top but not super high. I was still not sure. Nurse Lori said she would prepare both options and we could do 3D imaging during my pre-op.
IN TOWN: I flew in 3 days early and picked up my prescription. I stayed at Homewood Suites because they have a full kitchen. This is important to eat healthy and watch sodium. If you are traveling give yourself extra days before to run around and get healthy food and other stuff for your recovery. I will stay 9 days post-op. Started arnica supplements 3 times a day and Bromelain twice a day.
PRE-OP: My Pre-op appointment was great the day before surgery we did the 3D Vectra to check out what the 345cc Full Profile would look like and it was all good. The Nurses liked it and so did I. My hubby was also cool with it, so I went with it. I went back to the hotel and got myself mentally ready, took pre-op meds. The anesthesiologist, Charles Darling, called me to get information on my medical history and introduce himself. Dr Baxter’s entire team is all about making the patient feel comfortable and safe. I had the fam praying for me because I was so worried about being in great pain after.
SURGERY DAY 0: I had more pre-op meds(Gabapentin) to take before driving to the surgery center. When I arrived everything was ready for me to change and another wonderful nurse Tabitha was also there to greet me with Nurse Lori. We took my before pics and it was off to get me a rack, HA! I was more nervous about the IV (super scared of needles). Nurse Tabitha held my hand and distracted me and it was all done before I could blink. Charles was great and really put me down so smooth. He has the most chill personality. I remember talking about Fiji and then Nurse Tabitha waking me up to get dressed. I guess I made it to the hotel but have little idea how…lol. The rest of the day was a fog of in and out of sleep and meds. I was super nauseous and threw up twice. I wasn’t sure if it was the meds or coming off anesthesia. I did get up and walk per instructions and do deep breathing. My hubby nurse was so attentive . I felt nothing at all like I did not have surgery. Dr Baxter uses ERAS method with Experal, which minimizes post-op pain and need for opioids. Trust and believe it works! I did not need the Percocet only took 2 Extra Strength Tylenol(6 hrs) and Gabapentin(12 hrs) . Dr and Anesthesiologist called to check on how I was doing.
DAY 1: Still did not really feel much pain. I got rinse free bath sponges (Scrubzz) which are awesome when you can’t shower. Able to go to Safeway and buy groceries. My hubby is one of those people that can walk every aisle so we were there for some time and I felt fine. Also did more walking around the hotel floor. I took a peak at the girls and sent my sister a pic…lol. I was able to eat more and sleep well. Still felt very little pain. No more nausea. Still taking Gabapentin and Tylenol. No need for Percocet. I was up making a burger for dinner, felt like myself. Continued arnica 3 times a day and Bromelain twice a day.
DAY 2: I woke up early like 5 AM. I felt discomfort for the first time. I actually checked to see if it was time for Tylenol. I got up and walked around my hotel room and felt a little better. I took Tylenol and Gabapentin at the normal times. The most pain I have felt so far; but more like sore ribs and how muscles hurt after overdoing a workout. Stay on top of the deep breathing. More rib soreness today. Kinda like someone punched you a few times…lol. I went to the mall and to see a movie also walked around to do a bit of retail therapy. I honestly can’t believe how uneventful this surgery was. I feel great other than minor discomfort. Anxious to get back to my workouts; because the hotel has a really nice gym. I know I have a couple of weeks…so just looking. Continued arnica 3 times a day and Bromelain twice a day.
DAY 3: Woke up back to minor discomfort. I was told the pain would go up to peak at day 2 and back down and that seems to be the case. More walking the hotel floor. I got stitches out today which stung a little. Stitches are a bit tender but not much discomfort. I can shower now. My breasts are sitting very high but they look really symmetrical; I had slight asymmetry so I was glad to see that did not increase. I had an optional crescent lift if needed; but did not thankfully. Dr Baxter said outcome was as expected and breasts look good. He also told me I could play pool; but keep my heart rate under 90 for the week. I will see him again in 4 days. I fly back home in six. Continued arnica 3 times a day and Bromelain twice a day. Breast still feel engorged like full of milk. I can’t wait until they settle into place in a few months! I will update you all then and hope my story was helpful.