Mommy Makeover: Stories

Years ago I thought about doimg this but chickened out. My 40DDD breast size had taken it's toll on my back and I was getting a hump at the top due to the weight of my breast. My insurance company approved the breast reduction. I have had one pregnancy (via c section) and 5 years ago had complete hysterectomy, the old fashion way. I had no muscle in lower abs and a big pouch.

My surgery was Wed. I spent the night in the hospital. I had allergic reaction to pain pills which was very scary but they gave me beandryl via IV and epipen shots which brought my breathing back to normal. So no pain pills for me. I am just taking Motrin, over the counter and doing okAy.

I was thrilled to wake up and have no drains. The Dr. Said I did not bleed much so there was no need. I am up and down and walking around the house. I have swelling but I did not expect none so I am okay. My breast hurt some but not too terribly. ,y nipples look disgusting"

So day 3 post op, no pain meds, pretty happy so far. I have a great husband who is being my nurse. I am thankful for him who I have been married to for 32 years.Updated on 22 Dec 2011:I had my one week check up and everything seems to be going well. I way over did it as I was wiped out later in the day. The Dr. said I can switch to a sports bra and that I don't have to wear he compression thing around my waist any more as he feels it has done most of its job and that the swelling will take time to go away. He did say the support garments at this point will keep my back from getting sore....until my stomach muscles are back to full use.

I tried putting on my old spanks-no way could I do it. I am still way to swollen and I did not feel I could endure the pain to pull that thing on!

I am walking around pretty well. Sooooo tempted to walk around the mall and go shopping but I know I will pay for it if I do. So instead we are going to the movies tonight.

I am still so pleasantly shocked that he actually did some lipo on my upper butt. It looks so much better already. I guess it was his Christmas gift to me or part of his Mommy Make Over.

So for all you over 50 and overweight you can get this surgery and do great. Still no pain meds other than over the counter Motrin. I don't smoke and drink alcoholic drinks rarely so that probably helps significantly on the healing.

....I cannot wait for swelling to decrease. Patient I must be....I keep telling myself this.

I am now 7 weeks or so past surgery and like most others Amy very happy with results. I still have some swelling but by week 5 there was a significant reduction. I find I still cannot lift too much without hurting especially on my left side but it getting better. My only problem has been the incision under my left nipple split open- not very pretty. Unfortunately the Dr. said it will take another 6 weeks to heal from the inside to the outside. It does look gross but I only have a little pain from it. He wants to do a revision surgery in 6-12 months due tomthe scar I will have. I am not sure I do it since the scaris not where it would be seen when wearing bathing suit, Guess I will have to wait and see.

I am posting this picture (gross) so that if any of you start to see something like this on a smaller scale that you go to the Dr. I was stupid and thought the yellow was fat when it really was dead tissue (necrosis). This picture was taken after it had already been cleaned out once and as you see tissue is dying again. The problem started with an internal stitch popping through. I had a large scab but pretty much ignore it at first, went in during regular 6 week check up and he removed scab and cleaned it up. I thought it was doing well after this when I saw the yellow. I learned 3 weeks later not the case. I have been dealing with this for over 4 weeks and am now scheduled to go back into office Friday when Dr will clean it up deeply and sew it back up. I also have spot under the big one which has not gotten so large but is getting bigger. Six months to a year from now I will need revision surgery as the scar will be ugly and I have a crater that will need filled. I did so well except for this and all said would do it again. Lastly I guess my body wore out from healing. I had a mommy makeover and everywhere else had no problem. The Dr. mentioned to watch my nutrition and I had been eating very little. So now, I am tracking my calories, protein and taking vitamins. I have some pain but pretty minor considering. I hope this information helps someone avoid my situation. Yes, I still think my Dr. is great. He gave me plan to try and let the wound heal from inside out but it just isn't happening. His office staff and he are great. He makes a point to always tell me I can call 24X7 and they are there for me.

A week ago Friday I had revision surgery to clean out and sew up the wound. It was more extensive than I imagined but was glad to have it behind me and to be closed up. The feeling of elation was short lived. On the following Sunday my breast was turning red, very swollen and hurt a lot. After a lot of drainage the steristrips came off and what did I see but another whole which was infected. Long story short, the PS believes that I had a deep infection and the second surgery more or less brought it to the surface. I am now on multiple antibiotics, my open wound is even bigger than the one which was being closed up. I now have to pack the wound several times a day. It really hurts to remove the packing, to the point of tears. I am going back to PS again on Tuesday and hoping he can sew it up. I don't think I can handle the packing for 4 weeks. Has anyone else had to do this and was it so very painful? Just trying to figure out if the pain I am experiencing is normal. I can handle most pain. Until this, I had only taken regular Motrin.

PS said I could stop packing the wound. I was elated. I am now applying bandages to keep it moist and it is beginning to fill in. I was amazed how after a few days the wound is only half as deep as it was. Still some drainage, still on the antibiotics but I finally feel as though it is really going to mend. I know I still have a long way to go, but the pain is far less and I see positive change in direction. I am still laying low which is hard to do but allowing time and energy for the healing. I can't wait to get back to the gym and back to "norman". Spring is in the air and my gardens are calling me.

This if for those who have struggled with issues. I thought my wound would never close up and I thought the scar would be horrible. And while I end up not scar free it is good enough for me. If you are having issues hang in there. I still have one more revision surgery as my right side has like a double thing going on and Dr will lipo it. I am good with that as I wish he would have made me a smaller than he did but proportionally things look good. I also wish my new boobs were a little perkier but at my age, 53, they just aren't meant to be that way by nature. They are also much perkier than they use to be.

So if you have problems with incisions popping open, get a signficant infection and think your body will never heal-keep the faith. I am amazed what our bodies will do. Having this surgery has changed my life. I can now do jumping jacks! I can work out so much better and my back pain is gone. I am eating healthier and continue to shape up the rest of my body. I love shopping for clothes now. I have gone from a size 20 to a 14 and still working downward. Some of the reduction is due to the tummy tuck some due to diet and exercise.

My revision surgery is scheduled for next week and I am still unsure. Due to infection, rejecting internal stitches etc I have scarring. I also have extra fat under my one breast which is dropping down. If I do not do it now I never will. My resistance is fear that I will have a repeat of my nightmare. My PS says this is not anywhere as difficult or intense as my first surgery but that he will open me on same lines as he did before, cut out scarring and recluse me making me somewhat smaller ( which is okay with me). Has anyone else had revision for this and would you do it again? Insurance is covering cost as they did the reduction.