Tuberous Breast Correction Surgery
2 months post-op
I'll preface this review by saying it took a long, long time for me to feel ok with even wanting the procedure and then an excessive amount of research before I chose Dr. Nguyen. It's a complicated type of surgery and choosing a specialist is the best course of action. I wish I'd had the procedure sooner but at the same time I'm incredibly grateful that the painstaking research led me to Dr. Nguyen and the SF plastic surgery practice. I knew from the previous reviews and pictures that the results were phenomenal, but I felt especially blessed by how kind and invested the entire team has been throughout the process. Dr. Nguyen really took into account my goals. I had heard from other people who have undergone breast surgery that the surgeons often encourage you to go much bigger than you plan. I was honest about my goal to remain on the smaller side for numerous reasons and she listened, respected my choices, and gave an honest explanation as to the benefits of each and the need for a certain level of size in order to correct the nipple. She has been amazing with tailoring the surgery to my goals while also providing very supportive expectation management as to my own anatomy's limitations. I never felt pressured and it truly felt like a team effort the whole time.
Aside from wonderful bedside manner and professionalism she and the whole office went above and beyond to help and accommodate me. I traveled from out of town because from what I saw they were the best at this procedure in Northern California. I also couldn't drive myself for a while due to unrelated medical issues so that complicated matters and I had to take a 3-4 hr train sometimes when I couldn't get a ride. They knew that and were so patient and flexible with me in spite of it!
Dr. Nguyen was extremely attentive even post-surgery. A week or 2 post surgery I laughed so hard that I thought I popped a stitch and the next day Dr. Nguyen made time to see me to make sure everything was OK, as well as maintaining a very calming presence while I was on the brink of crying/self-flagelation. This included the possibility of needing to do a surgical repair and additional imaging. She helped me to navigate, personally reached out to other providers, and expedited the extra imaging. Good news - it was totally fine - but I felt even better knowing if anything did go wrong there would be immediate support.
She's talked me through expectations for the timeline post-surgery which provides great reassurance. Despite the extra-severe restriction in one of my breasts the results have been fantastic and very symmetrical overall, but there is a difference in the "drop" time and she assuaged some of my nerves surrounding this.
An item that is probably important but it's such an afterthought to me because it didn't plague me - pain. When Dr. Nguyen said that her patients typically didn't finish the prescription pain medication I thought "well, I'm an absolute baby, so that won't be me." Come to find out I didn't even go through half of the provided amount, it was well enough managed with extra strength tylenol and ice!! Minimal pain, even for me, the aforementioned absolute baby!
This whole experience has been very healing in more ways than one. If you're reading this you may also have tuberous breast deformity and it comes with a lot of shame. The energy of the whole practice is very positive and affirming, and it feels like there's so much hope they provide throughout the journey. I know it might seem obvious but I didn't fully realize the improvement in quality of life that would happen as I start to feel more connected to my body rather than trying to ignore it. I'm so grateful to Dr. Nguyen, Dr. Romano, and the front desk staff. I couldn't have imagined how amazing both the process and the results would be. I hope everyone is as blessed in this experience!
Side note - while he didn't end up performing my surgery, I spoke to Dr. Romano on the phone when I was first doing the consultation. We only spoke once but when I was in the hallway of the office he greeted me warmly and remembered me, including the particular details of my case! I was so surprised! He told me this was one of his favorite surgeries because the results are so successful and the patients have such an improvement in quality of life. Couldn't have been more true!
Also, I deleted the pictures from my phone (not something i wanted anyone to find) but if I can I'll post the images at another time to show the progress!