- Our highly-trained Review Moderation team evaluates all reviews before they're published to ensure they're written by people like you and not a member of a doctor's office.
- This multi-step process takes up to 24 hours from review submission to publication.
- Doctors can't pay to have reviews removed or hidden.
- Reviews are only removed at the reviewer's request or if they violate our Terms of Service.
If you have questions or believe we should re-evaluate a published review, let us know.
1 YEAR UPDATE!!!
As far as my scars, HUGE improvements with them to date! I've gone through 6 rounds of Kenalog injections (done at my dermatologist, who is also wonderful). I saw the most improvement after this last round, which was done a week ago. So these pics don't even show how much more they're going to improve once they settle down completely after this final round of injections. I did before/after comparisons in the pictures from when the scars looked their worst (before injections) and just now, after 6 rounds. Biggest improvement is that they don't hurt anymore!!!! If nothing else improved, that was all I wanted to accomplish. And I did. HOORAY!!! Secondly, they're all MUCH flatter and softer. The increased vascularity (above/below the scar itself) you see is from the injections. That WILL subside over time. So once that's gone, the scars will be even less noticeable. Considering where I started, I'm thrilled with how much they've improved. I rarely feel them pulling at all, and if I do, it's only when I'm in the middle of a full wheel pose in yoga class. And that's to be expected.
And yes, my vertical and areola scars still look amazing, so no update needed with those.
So for all of you ladies who don't scar well thanks to genetics or poor decisions during healing, there is hope. It takes time, so learning to be patient is something you're going to have to do. There isn't a quick fix with scars, no matter what path you take to improve them. But for me, I'm thrilled with what I've chosen to do. I'm still on the fence about the laser treatment to even out the skin tone of the scar to match my surrounding skin. I might still go for it, but I'm going to give my poor scars a break for a while. I've been treating them regularly for quite some time, so I'm ready for a break, and so are they. If I go that route, I'll be sure to post an update. I'm eager to see how much they continue to improve on their own.
That's all for now. It's been an amazing year back as my true self. It's a decision I haven't regretted for even a second.
Blessings!
9.5 months post op
All in all, my scars look and feel MUCH better. That's the best outcome I could ask for considering where I started with them. They're all flatter and softer and not anywhere near as painful as they used to be. I've been keeping them hydrated with rose hip seed oil when they're not taped and taped when I feel like taping them. I end up doing around 24 hours on and 24 hours off. They are the softest and flattest right after I take the tape off, which is to be expected. I'll probably do more injections, especially in the medial sections as they seem to be the most stubborn parts. I might still consider the laser treatments when I'm done with the injections but I need to get rid of the bulk first. I'm also massaging the heck out of them when they're not taped. I can still feel the collagen "breaking" in some parts. It's kinda fun.
But let's talk about bralettes! Those suckers are my new obsession. They are SOOO comfy and inexpensive compared to the kind of industrial strength bras I used to have to buy. It feels weird being able to buy small tops again. But I am loving every minute of it. Target and Aerie are where I got the 2 pictured. The grey one (Aerie) feels like pure awesomeness.
So that's pretty much it. I hope all of you have the same positive experience I've had with this entire process. Being all ME has proven to be so much better than expected. My confidence and self esteem are through the roof. I find myself topless around the house a heck of a lot more often than I ever used to. The hubby certainly isn't complaining.
Blessings!
7 month update!
Everything continues to improve, especially because of the steroid injections. I posted a comparison between after one round of injections and after 2. I only posted 2 comparisons because I couldn't seem to get the angles/lighting right with other scar shots.
While it might not seem like HUGE improvements to you, I see and feel big changes. It's impossible to show on pics but the scars are continuing to soften and be less red. They're also getting flatter. The slowest improvement is the flattening. But I know that these injections are slow going with the improvements on the scar. Slow and steady wins the race, right? But the biggest improvement is in the pain relief which was my initial motivation. I wasn't able to sleep without a sports bra because it made my scars hurt. Now I can!!! I've reverted back to using silicone scar strips at night to keep slight pressure on them and I can sleep pain free. Rolling over from side to side used to hurt but not anymore! I can also go bra less during the day without pain. That alone has made the injections worth it in every way. I've got my third round of injections scheduled for next week.
I also bought some new scar "fading" serum (Body Merry Scar Gel). It's supposed to fade scars and I've been using it for about 3+ weeks. It says to use for 2 months before noticing any differences, so we'll see. If it doesn't fade the scar, no biggie, but I like how hydrated it keeps my scars and I like the ingredients. I wish it didn't leave a yellow residue on my skin, but it isn't a deal breaker. It's easier to wear under clothing than some of the other super hydrating balms I've used.
Other than that, everything else is the same. They feel great, they move and bounce, and overall look AMAZING! My other scars are still fabulous and barely noticeable. I've got ZERO regrets with it all and am loving the new real me.
Blessings!
Provider Review
There aren't enough kind words to explain how much I LOVE Dr. Fakhre!!! Most people go to multiple consultations when choosing a surgeon, but I didn't need to. I searched and researched at other local surgeons websites until my eyes bled. I didn't find anyone who had results that I liked until I found Dr. Fakhre. Then I triple checked all his certifications and accreditations to make sure he was everything he said he was and to make sure he was up to date and had no outstanding problems. All came back with shining colors! I initially went in for a consult to exchange my implants and get a lift. But when I returned a couple of weeks later once I decided to explant, he was even sweeter. Not ONCE did he try to talk me into an exchange or any other procedure. He listened to why I had a change of heart and was completely on board. He took the time to explain everything, gave me very realistic expectations and put my mind at ease. Plus, his entire staff is amazing! The girls who run the office are always sweet and extremely personable. They're always a pleasure to see. The day of surgery couldn't have gone any better. He was calm, jovial, yet very precise and focused. The man uses a torpedo level to make sure his marks are correct! How awesome is that?!? That alone put my husband at ease. He told me he was going to take his time and work hard on my case, and boy did he ever! The results speak for themselves. THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL!!! He should be extremely proud of his work because they are perfect. I'm thrilled at my choice to explant and have a full lift. Most surgeons don't get a lot of explant patients but this guy is a pro! Living in the Tampa area, I had A LOT of surgeons to choose from and I couldn't be happier with my choice. Dr. Fakhre far exceeded my expectations for what I thought was possible with my body. For the first time in my life I can say that I love the way my breasts look and feel. I couldn't imagine having gone to another surgeon. I won't hesitate to recommend him to every single person I talk to. My husband has been telling everyone how extremely glad he is that I found Dr. Fakhre. It's a tough decision to find a surgeon trustworthy enough to put my life and body into their hands. With Dr. Fakhre, I didn't have to worry about anything for a second. It has been the most wonderful experience I could have ever asked for. He is a blessing! THANK YOU Dr. Fakhre! You have severely improved my life in ways you'll never even know.