“3 & 1/2 Weeks After Surgery - Portland, OR”

My regular doctor suggested this in March, 2011. And now it is over - what a whirlwind! I was incredibly nervous although I have had many surgeries. But none of them were elective before this! I am 40, have been squeezing into a 38DDD (barely and painfully!!!) for years. I've always worn a shirt over a shirt to hide the fact that my bras did not fit and my breasts were so large. The surgery went well. I had no complications. I had all internal stitches and sterile tape over the top so nothing ever looked all that bad. (I was so scared to look!) I had surprisingly little pain. As soon as I left the hospital I only used Advil. Ice packs were an amazing help. I have had very little itching.

My breasts look incredible when I am standing in front of the mirror. I do not know what size I am yet but I did try on and buy a negligee unlike anything I've ever been able to wear before. The scars underneath are the most prominent and when I lie down you can see them (I checked by taking a pic with my phone!) but hopefully these will fade in time. The scars around my nipples and the line beneath my breasts are already faint - after 3 & 1/2 weeks! It has taken some getting used to. My mind is trying to catch up with my body and I keep reminding myself I don't have to "cover up" anymore.

A huge help was the book, "When Less is More" by Bethanne Snodgrass. She addresses psychological issues as well as physical. I referred to this book again and again. Just remember each doctor has their own way of doing things and you need to follow your doctor's instructions. I still can't quite believe it every day when I wake up: I am comfortable, no rashes, no neck pain, I can breathe, I can wear anything, etc.