POSTED UNDER Mommy Makeover Reviews
45 Year-old - Tummy Tuck and Breast Reduction/lift - Dr. Geoffrey Leber Scottsdale, AZ
UPDATED FROM Bentleyshouse
1 month post
4-week update and pic
WORTH IT$17,500
Hi there,
I am now 4 weeks post-op. It's definitely still a process of healing, but every day is a little better. Since all my wounds are now closed, I was given the go ahead to take baths again. (Oh, how I missed those baths... To be on the safe side though, I rinse the wound sites with fresh tap water before exiting the tub.) I was also given clearance for some light cardio exercise. I haven't tried that yet, but will have a go at it in the next day or so. One step at a time, but so far so good!
Bentleyshouse's provider
UPDATED FROM Bentleyshouse
14 days post
2 weeks post-op; before and after pics
Hello - well, I am exactly 2 weeks post-op today. Am feeling a little shy about posting the boobie shots, so here are the G-rated pics. (Perhaps I'll feel a little braver later on down the road.) Nonetheless, this gives an idea. I am sooooo pleased with the results so far and I am still quite swollen, so should continue to improve over time.
Replies (9)
You look great! Thank you so much for sharing on RealSelf.
Your belly button looks great. How does your scar look? You must be so happy. Would you suggest renting a hospital bed or a recliner?
Thank you, so far I am extremely pleased! I haven't seen the scars yet; I am still stitched up and those are covered with tape (so right now it really doesn't look so bad - ha!) It may be awhile before I'll know, but I have a follow-up appointment with Dr. Leber today and I understand we are going to be discussing scar treatment. (One of the really cool things Dr. Leber told me is that all of the stitches are dissolvable, so I don't have to get them removed - yay!)
Regarding a recliner or hospital bed, I did neither. A friend of mine who had the same procedures said not to bother. I did end up buying a wedge pillow to elevate my legs (it was about $30 on Amazon) but honestly, I think a big pillow would do just as well if you have one. And then I piled a bunch of pillows up at my head to keep me elevated. A recliner might have been nice to have, but for me, I did not want to add the extra expense and I managed just fine in my own bed. One other thing I did was to put a riser by my bed. (In my case it was one of those steps used in step aerobics.) I have a bed that is pretty high, so this made it easier to get in and out of bed.
Please don't hesitate if you have any other questions! I hope you'll let me know how your appointment with Dr. Leber goes. :)
I rented a power recliner for my recovery and was so glad that I did. I live alone, although I stayed with a friend for the first 6 days. It was much easier to get up from the recliner than the bed. I went to Aaron's Furniture and rented one for a month for only $80. I could have done without it, but I was all for anything that would make my recovery easier!
Thanks Dazzlady. I have been going back and fourth between a recliner and hospitol bed. A recliner will fit in my house better, just hope that I can sleep in it. How are you feeling? Looks like your doing great.
Hi Bentleyshouse. I had my appointment and I think Im ready to set my pre-op. I am very nervous about scar placement. Do you feel like your scar is low? Did you do the shots in your legs for a few days? I feel lucky to be following you. Thanks for sharing. I hope you are doing well.
Hi Backup13,
I am so glad to hear this is helpful info and please feel free to send more questions - I was a train wreck prior to surgery, so I understand any concerns and questions you may have.
I have to say that I am very happy with the scar placement; it's actually lower than I expected. That was also one of my concerns and I spoke to Dr. Leber about it during one of the pre-op appointments. (I haven't had babies, so I was worried that I might not have enough 'material' for him to work with. He assured me I had plenty - in the nicest way possible, of course - he he.) If you look at the 'after' photo that I posted, I am wearing underwear that is pretty low-cut and you can't see the scar. But, I would definitely recommend you ask him about this when you see him next.
When you ask about the shots, are you referring to those to prevent blood clotting? If so, then yes, I did give myself the shots. I alternated between arms and legs and for me, it wasn't a big deal. My aunt stayed with me for the week following surgery and I would have her pinch the skin and then I administered the shot to myself. (I probably didn't need her help, but you'd have to understand that my aunt and I can be a little goofy; plus, her daughter was having knee surgery the following week and also was having the shots, so she wanted to see what they were like.) If you have never done it before, the first one can be kind of scary, but it's no big deal after that. (The needle is tiny.)
Please keep me apprised of your journey!
Best,
Bentleyshouse
HI Bentleyshouse, how is your recovery going? I set my surgery date. I am excited and nervous! Have you been having a lot of swelling? Hope you are doing well.
Congratulations! I am so excited for you!!! Yes - nervousness, excitement - that is exactly how I felt, too; it sounds like you are exactly where one would expect to be given such a huge decision and life change. Is your date coming up soon? I am definitely still in recovery mode, but every day a little better. I still have swelling, which is normal at this point; it takes time. But my biggest problem now is that my clothes are all too big!!! I'll be thinking of you in the coming days/weeks. Please keep me apprised of how you are doing.
ORIGINAL POST
I have been unhappy with my breast size since I...
I have been unhappy with my breast size since I was in my twenties (I am 5'2" tall with a curvy/muscular build, size 6/8 and 138 pounds.) In recent years I have suffered signifcant back and neck pain and at the time of my decision to move forward with surgery, I was a cup size 34G. I have also been dealing with saggy uneven skin on my abdomen (it runs in the family, so as much time as I spent at the gym, that saggy skin wasn't going anywhere...) so had also been considering a tummy tuck. I finally made the decision to move forward with these changes and consulted with 4 board-certified cosmetic surgeons in my home town of Scottsdale in order to educate myself on the various options available and get the opinions of what would make the most sense for my body. My choice of surgeon was an easy decision (Dr. Geoffrey Leber).
Surgery day was 8/26/2014. Going into the procedure, I was really scared, but everyone at the surgical center was so nice. The recovery, while not fun, is not as bad as I thought it would be. I did need some help around the house for a week or so, but am already back to work after a week (granted I get to work from home, so am sitting at my desk in my compression gear and not having to deal with fancy clothes and makeup.) I have been told by others that it is good to have a couple of weeks off before returning to work if possible.
For those considering a tummy tuck, I highly recommend the Exparel injection to make the recovery more tolerable.
Surgery day was 8/26/2014. Going into the procedure, I was really scared, but everyone at the surgical center was so nice. The recovery, while not fun, is not as bad as I thought it would be. I did need some help around the house for a week or so, but am already back to work after a week (granted I get to work from home, so am sitting at my desk in my compression gear and not having to deal with fancy clothes and makeup.) I have been told by others that it is good to have a couple of weeks off before returning to work if possible.
For those considering a tummy tuck, I highly recommend the Exparel injection to make the recovery more tolerable.
Replies (1)
I loved reading your story. I am meeting with Dr. Leber for a consultation soon. I cant wait to see your before and after pictures. I am glad to hear your recovery is going well.
Replies (6)