I've thought about a reduction for many years but the thought always frightened me. I have always felt defined by my chest the girl with the big boobs. I have always had a low self esteem and felt they were my only asset according to how others saw me. I have had headaches, back pain, shoulder pain since I was 15. I have finally decided that it's time, but I have fears that he'll take too much, that maybe I'll feel worse about myself and then parts of me think I'll feel better in every way. I just want to fit into normal tops, be able to buy a bra in the store, wear strapless if I choose. The thing that drives me crazy is people will look at me and say you don't look big or like you need a reduction yet I'm in a 36fff? Maybe because they are so saggy, I'm 5'4 150lbs and still trying to lose 20 more lbs. I am going to be 33 in August and my chest sags like I'm 70, its crazy. So I'm just wanting perky, normal breasts and I'm excited as well as scared to how it will turn out. Surgery is July 9. This site is helping my anxiety. Updated on 10 Jul 2012: Well I am 1 day post op, I was scared to take off my bandages today to take a shower. I wasn't sure how they turned out, so I was afraid to look. I think they look good, but part of me thinks that they are too small now? My husband assures me they are not. I know that they will keep changing until completely healed...but I was wondering if they are going to look even smaller and if you all think they look too small??? I guess for me it's really hard to get used to for now, I'm hoping that as time goes by I'll be used to them and perfectly happy. I appreciate anyone who takes the time to comment!!! Updated on 11 Jul 2012: Day 2 post op, was a little more sore today and still no sleep. Decided to get out of the house, but found it was more tiring then I would have thought. I'm going to take it easy the rest of the night, I added a few additional photos. Updated on 12 Jul 2012: Post op day 4, after taking an ambien last night I was hopeful I'd get some much needed rest, started out on a wedge pillow to stay elevated on my bed and realized I was not getting tired or comfortable. I was however, physically exhausted. I came out and got in my recliner and fell asleep for a few hours, still hoping to sleep more. The pain is sometimes not bad and others I can just feel my breasts getting tight and hot and extremely uncomfortable. I'm trying to only take one of my pain pills when it gets really bad, if it's tolerable I go for just the ibuprofen. I still feel very dazed and dizzy when I get up and walk around. I removed the scopolamine patch yesterday and I kept wondering why my pupils were so dilated and read on another persons page it was from the patch. I hated the way it made me feel. I kind of feel zombie like, I just want to be able to get around like I used to...so hard to try to relax! I still feel like my new breasts are too small for me, but I'm hoping that will change over time. I'm so thankful for this site, it has helped me so much. Updated on 19 Jul 2012: Well I'm 10 days post op, got my stitches out Tues and since have had to change dressings once a day on my nipples. I have to say my nipples scare me right now, but my PS swears they look just as they should right now. He says they will eventually have a layer slough off as part of this healing process and that's why they look this way right now. I called about them being dark and they said it's normal, so any imput from you guys on my pics would be great. My nipples were completely removed and placed back on, so this is supposed to be the process. Would love to hear from anyone else who went through this. Thanks!
I had a very poor experience with this surgeon. He had a strong "I'm always right" attitude. Anytime I'd ask a question he would respond very arrogantly and it made me feel stupid. I asked him to explain the different implant profiles and he told me not to worry about it. I had to google my implant serial number to find out what profile he gave me! Would not recommend. I asked him for months for a revision for the asymmetry and he would always find an excuse as to why it was my body's fault that the implants weren't right. He took all of my measurements beforehand so he knew my body before surgery. When he finally agreed to "fix" the asymmetry, he picked out a smaller implant size for my larger breast and didn't even tell me what cc he chose. I had to call the office and a nurse told me. I ended up cancelling all future appointments with him and when I called to do so they just okay and hung up! I can't believe I basically had to play the blame game with a surgeon about what was wrong with my body.
I had a breast augmentation with a lift in January of this year with Dr. Thomas. By March my left implant had not fallen, so he did a revision ( I only paid for hospital/ anesthesia for this) to lower my inframammary fold. Immediately after the revision I felt the fold was too low. When I went for my 1 month post op I showed him how when I lifted my arms my implant just fell to the bottom of my breast basically. He said to me “ well I see it isn’t as round as the other one but I don’t think a third surgery is worth the risk!” I left the office feeling like maybe I should be on with it. A few weeks later i could tell it was getting worse so I called and went in for another appointment. I showed him the same thing and explained to him that when I wear a bikini top my left fold is literally below the top. He said to me again it wasnt worth a third surgery an that my rib cage is shaped oddly making it this way!! I left and immediately had a consultation with another plastic surgeon who said the implant was bottomed out. I have since traveled to Richmond to an amazing plastic surgeon who not only fixed the bottomed out implant but did a scar revision on the lift because the areola’s had stretched out. As a “perfectionist” he claims to be to look at this An tell me this is as good as it gets , when my boobs were perfectly even to start, blows my mind. It seems once you’ve paid whatever job that was done is done an he doesn’t think he can do any wrong!
Awful. wouldn’t believe me when I told him that while in recovery I tried to get up. Slipped & fell onto left side. When he took the dressing off , I had huge bruise from above breast to hips. He didn’t know how that happened & just flipped it off. He took left side drain out of breast too soon.All weekend was in so much pain. called him he said probably getting virus that was going around. When I went in Monday he had to reopen the left side. Blood drained out into 3 basins. Took months to heal. Have deformed nipple on left side. He made it sound like he was a hero saving my nipple
Selecting Dr. Thomas as my breast reduction surgeon was a MISTAKE!!! I referenced his reviews but made the wrong decision. My surgery was December of 2017. Putting his perfectionist arrogant demeanor aside he butchered my surgery. After countless reiterated conversations with Dr. Thomas explaining my expectations along with pictures etc. of my surgery outcome he failed miserably. My breast were DDD before my surgery. I specifically explained that I wanted to be reduced to a full D no less. Following the surgery I had multiple complications including sutures not removed properly sewn too close to the skin surface. Any complaints were greeted with a dismissal attitude as if there could be no mistakes contributed to his work. I was seen in the office with abscessed raw painful areas of my wounds and sutures pulled out with a surgical instrument with no sedation. This is just a minimal example of the sickening complications and pain I endured during my post surgery. My care was extremely poor and heartless. Unfortunately, I've suffered not only physically but mentally at the hands of this doctor. I'm left with my breasts being a small C and extremely wide scars, my breast are not symmetrical in any form. After discussing my dismay Dr. Thomas wanted me to pay to fix his scar mistakes. When I asked what about the fact that my breasts are too small his heartless response was.... "SO WHAT"? What so called doctor of any field of medicine could look at a patient and say such heartless words given such a delicate position for any woman to be in? A woman's breast and how she feels about herself and her image shouldn't be disrespected by Dr. Thomas or anyone. A portion of my scars have recently reopened a year and a half since the surgery to gaping open wounds with no explanation. I write this in hopes of helping someone else trying to make such an important life changing decision.
I just had my consultation with my board-certified plastic surgeon, and it went very well. I have to wait a little over 3 weeks for the surgery, but I have waited a long time to have this done, so that is ok. We are trying to contact my old Surgeon in California to determine what size my McGhann's were. I no longer have the documentation on them. Really looking forward to getting this taken care of! Updated on 28 Jul 2015: I am so impatient for my surgery date to be here, but there are still decisions to be made before then. Such as which implant and size to go with, lol! Turns out, my original PS no longer has my records - almost 26 yrs ago, so I am not surprised. I was totally flat-chested before the surgery that made me a "D" cup. I have a pre-op appointment with the PS Aug 4th (surgery is Aug 14), and I am supposed to bring a bra the size I want to be with me. Also, the PS said something about putting the implant in water during the surgery to see how much water it displaces after he takes one out of me during the surgery to determine its size. I think I want the same size, the PS said I can't go smaller (which my husband wanted), which I am glad. As a typical woman, I could actually see going a little larger, like a nice "DD" cup. Sometimes I could wear C cups with my current implants, and that did not seem all that special. After seeing several posts about the explant portion often being covered by insurance in cases of rupture and severe capsular contracture with pain and discomfort, I called my insurance. It may just be possible! My PS office is going to call the insurance for more info. I bought several pajama sets that have button-front tops, and two front closure bras, although they will be for later. My PS said I will be wearing an ACE BANDAGE type thing (and DRAINS) at first. Ugh! But whatever is best for good healing and keeping my soon-to-be-new girls in place. I have been doing a lot of reading here on RealSelf, and have especially been reading up on all the revision stories I can. I have been jotting down a lot of helpful tips, and really appreciate learning from all of you! I am posting my before pix, and will start posting wish-pix's soon! Thanks again! Updated on 30 Jul 2015: Well, I have been on RealSelf a LOT lately, reading everyone's stories, and looking at the photos. I have come up with some "wish pix" although I am heavier than some of the women who have the best looking after pictures, the implants are still the desired results I want. I wish I could have lost some weight before the surgery, but it just isn't going to happen. 3 years ago, before menopause hit, I weight 25-30 lbs less, but now, at 5'6 1/2", I am 165 lbs. When I weighed less, the edges of the implants would poke me and really hurt, so at least now they don't do that. They hurt in other ways though. Anyway, here are some wish pictures. Updated on 7 Aug 2015: My surgery is a week from today now. I have some mixed feelings, not about the surgery, at least the explant portion, I know these rock-hard, 25 yr old implants have to come out. But I didn't handle myself very well with the PS, wasn't very assertive, and he just picked out my new implants for me. We don't know what size I have currently, the original PS no longer has my records since they are so old. I made the mistake of telling the new PS I "thought they were 385 cc's." Where did I get that number from??? Thin air? Now I am not so sure. I am afraid he took this as gospel, as he has ordered, I am afraid, based on that, 2 implants, I think a set of 360's and possibly 400's. He told me that at our pre-op appointment 3 days ago, on Tuesday. I thought we were together going to select a size at THAT appointment, but no. I wanted to speak up, but something held me back:fear of authority figures? I dunno. His assistant had told me to bring a bra in the size I wanted to be to the appointment, but when I got it out, the PS said that was a mistake, it was not needed. So anyway, I stewed over it for a few days. If I were younger (I am 58), wouldn't he take longer and go over the details, ie high profile, teardrop, round, etc? This is a PS who specializes in doing reconstructive BA after mastectomies, so I would think he would go over that level of detail too with those patients, but maybe not. Also I did not shop around for a PS. He was my first consult. I placed a request here on RS for a consult, but the PS never got back to me. Maybe I am worrying for nothing. I sure hope so. I just want to be about the same size that I am now, just without the breasts going into my armpits and arms. And a little cleavage would be nice. The PS did take a LOT of measurements at my first appointment, so maybe that was all he needed to order the right size implants. He did say something about my ribcage being... oh I am not sure, for want of a better word, odd? wide? Oh, I don't know. Problematic. I think I have the kind of physique that does not lend itself to cleavage (unless I wear a too-tight, push-up bra, lol). And I guess, when all is said and done, what I really want most, is for these rock-hard, painful implants to be gone, and new soft ones that don't hurt to be in their place. I have to focus on that. I am taking tons of vitamins and probiotics, got my post-op prescriptions filled, have arnica tabs and gel ready, and lots of extra gauze and tape ready, so I think I am good to go. Is it important to ice the breasts? Is it just at the incisions area where you ice? I read that those PEA ICE BAGS are good. If anyone has any good suggestions, or can point me to any helpful reviews, let me know. After I go through my surgery and have some experience with all this, I hope to be able to share with others the way all you have shared so willingly. It is so very helpful and I really appreciate it and this site! Updated on 14 Aug 2015: Well, it's over, yay! Had my revision surgery this morning; all went well, and now I am resting comfortably. My PS said the old implants were ruptured, and I forget what else he told me, lol. He put in the 400cc's implants. He did say he would be calling between 6-9 pm this evening to check in on me. I am just laying upright in bed relaxing. Didn't have nausea, just a very dry irritated throat, and some pain on right incision area only (so far), Hard to type, keep making mistakes, lol. Will try to post photos tomorrow. Have a big ace bandage and drainage tubes on. Hope everyone is doing well! :) Updated on 15 Aug 2015: First time I have seen the "new girls." They look ok from the front, but on both sides is a troubling indentation. I am including here a photo of the worst one (left breast I think). Has anyone else encountered this, and if so, did it go away on its own? My husband has been so Helpful! He has helped me with the drainage tubes, and this morning with the pix and re-wrapping the Ace bandage. He did not nearly so tight (it was so painful tighter). In fact, it was so tight, the bandage was starting to rip and tear in Places. By the way, these are Allergan Natrelle 400 cc, and the PS went above the muscle, same as I had done the first time. Updated on 20 Aug 2015: Had my first post-op appointment today. My PS decided to keep the drains in until next Tues afternoon, my next appointment, since I am still having some drainage, between 15-20 ml/ day. He reminded me to do no lifting, carrying, etc. So I am just being super-lazy. I sure will be glad when I can be more active! The indentations on the sides have pretty much smoothed out. I will try to take (or have my hubby take) more photos to post later tonight or tomorrow to show how I am progressing. I wanted to wait until the tubes were out, but it is time. I still have some significant pain, primarily at the suture site under both breasts, and also the area where the tubes went in on both sides. But the breasts are so much softer than my old implants: yay! Sending out good wishes for everyone, especially those who just had surgery, or are about to have surgery! Updated on 25 Aug 2015: Saw my PS today, and he finally took my drainage tubes out, and I can not tell you how much better I feel now! I was really getting depressed, felt so weird with those things in, and how they were in the way, plus they were hurting on the sides of my breasts. It will take a day or so for the little opening left in my skin to close up and the soreness to go away, but I already feel so much better without them, both physically and emotionally! Sorry I haven't felt like posting. Also, I have been a bit bummed that I did not do more homework before my surgery. I wish I had interview more than 1 PS, and perhaps gotten 1 who would have agreed to do an under-the-muscle surgery. I originally had over-the-muscle implants 25 yrs ago, and that is what this PS chose to do again, no discussion. My over-arching concern was to get the old implants out, and for some reason I thought I was in a hurry. I think maybe on some level I was afraid my husband might change his mind and try to tell me I didn't need to spend the money, so I wanted to quickly go ahead with it, I don't know. Anyway, the vast majority of what I read here on RS recommends under-the-muscle. I just hope I don't end up with implants that harden up in far less time than my last ones. Oh well, it is done now. At least these are safer silicone ones than the ones I had put in 25 yrs ago. I am going to see if my husband will take some photos now. I am no good at selfies. Also this PS says I don't need to wear a bra, and that I can resume ALL activities, including exercise, next week. I guess that is one of the difference in recovery time with over the muscle vs under. Shorter recovery time. Don't get me wrong, my PS has been great as far as it goes, and he is highly regarded in our town, I just think I did myself a disservice by not getting 1-2 more consultations to compare. I have such a wide chest, I feel like my implants are going in my armpits, which I don't like. I am wearing a Sports Bra anyway in the hope of getting it to move a tad. Sorry to ramble; wishing everyone the very best! Updated on 26 Aug 2015: I got my husband to take some photos a little while ago, so I can post them, finally. I am at 12 days Post Op today, I got my drainage tubes out yesterday. The scars under my breasts look angry still, and there still is a bit of an indentation in the side of my left breast, but much less than it was right after the surgery. I have pain in that area of the left breast, but I think the drainage tube went up that high, and caused the pain. I am thinking it will go away in a couple of days as the "tunnel" as my PS called it, closes up. I had bad reactions to the Norco, so I am just taking the Tramadol instead that I normally take for my Fibro. It helps somewhat with the pain, and the pain is lessening, thankfully. My PS said to be sure to not do repetitive actions with my arms (like vacuuming) this week, but I am going to resume walking my dog. Sometimes he really pulls on the leash (he weighs about 80 lbs), but I hope he will behave. I am anxious to start getting active. I want to loose weight, lol. Ok, so here are the photos. Updated on 27 Aug 2015: Funny how we get into this Boob envy thing, and our minds can play tricks on us, or at least mine can. I was sure that my new "girls" looked smaller than my old, but photos don't lie. I thought I would put my before pic next to my after pic from yesterday, 12 days post op, to compare. By the way, I asked the PS what he weighed my implants in the OR, and he said around 390 cc. That was why he went with 400 cc ( Allergan Natrelle™ Smooth Round Silicone Gel Breast Implants Natrelle™ Style 40 - Moderate Profile). Unfortunately, my before pix is a selfie, and is taken at a bad angle, but it gives you me a point of comparison. So I can see know they really are close, and the new ones are rounder. Also, I paused before I posted this, and tried on several of my old bras, now that I can do back closure ones ok, and they fit pretty much they same. I am pretty much a 38C with cleavage, or sometimes a 38 D with less cleavage, just like before.
After my not so happy experience with labiaplasty I am going to move on after excepting (for now) my poor outcome. It's best to wait and see what's out there before being so hasty to have it repaired. Besides maybe I won't care what my vajaja looks like if I can't see past my new boobs. So, breast it is! This is something I know a lot more about and have been researching for 10yrs. I have worked with DR Thomas for just as long and have enjoyed watching him do this type of procedure. I also know several ladies who've had boob jobs from this doctor. So my first consult will be on September 11th. Can't wait to tell you guys about it! Does anyone have any good questions for the kind doctor? I know I do:) What I am trying to achieve by this is a larger size breast and more fullness after the birth of two children I am left a little flat! Updated on 23 Aug 2014: Updated on 11 Sep 2014: Well I've gone to my first visit and I was recommended a donut lift to reduce the size of the nipples because they will be much larger after the breast size is increased as well as raise my nipples to the appropriate height. I was told to achieve a D would be okay for my body type and I would be a good candidate for saline because I do have a viable amount of breast tissue to start with. Price quotes should be sent out to me tomorrow because the lady who does those is at a wake:( everyone in the office including the doctor was top notch!!!
Hey everyone! Like everyone else, Im here to shed some insight to others about my breast reduction surgery exprience. Right now, I have 4 weeks until my scheduled surgery date and I dont mean to wish life away but I am so excited! I am a 23 year old stay at home wife, 5'11, 250lbs, and currently in a 38/40G (which I believe is a little small cup wise, if I bend over, I spill out). All my life I have been that girl with huge boobs, who also played sports that required atleast two bras. Ive wanted a reduction for so long now but kept postponing because I wanted children first. After recently being diagnosed with PCOS and my husband with low count/motility, I decided to seek out a consult with a PS that I was referred to from a friend. The consult had to be one of the most laid back, easy going appointments Ive ever been to! He took pictures, measurements, weight, and did some different drawings and markings. I was also very briefly told about how the surgery and recovery process works, as he said there will be lots more information to follow once an insurance claim is filed. I did openly tell him all of the discomfort I was experiencing (migraines, rashes, shoulder and neck pain, grooving) and he documented these things along with pictures in a letter that was sent to my insurance company (BCBS of Alabama PPO). It took 4 weeks to hear anything back and I was APPROVED! Simply the best phone call I have ever received! I am hoping to be a C/D cup. I think I am leaning towards a D. I mean, I just want to buy cute Victorias Secret stuff! My pre surgical physical, blood work, and markings are scheduled for November 7 and the big day is November 11. While I didnt need a referral for a consult, my PCP was made aware that I need additional documentation. Better safe than sorry! I also wasnt asked to lose any weight but I did take it upon myself to lose 8-10 lbs before surgery (3lb loss thus far!). So any wonderful words of encouragment or tips of things to have on hand to make things easier/comfortable would be greatly appreciated! Ps, Im not sure what my cost is yet, but my OOP Max is $1500 so it gives some of you a ball park idea. And I dont have any boob pics yet, but will post some other photos. Updated on 30 Oct 2013: I havent been on here in awhile, keeping busy with things around the house that I know cant be done for awhile post op. I actually have my first preop tomorrow! Urine sample for a pregnancy test. Meh. Im not good at peeing on demand. Then next Thursday, I go for blood work! Its so close that Im getting anxious but far enough away that it hasnt set in yet. I went to the chiropractor yesterday and had her adjust my neck and shoulders.... so wonderful. I have one more appointment next week, then afterwards she is going to work with me getting proper posture back. Yay! I havent bought much in terms of post op goodies, I guess I should get on that. Next week, we are also having an estimate done on our exterior renovation.. Im hoping being busy will pass the time quickly! Anyways... Ill be back after my preop to give detsils. Goodnight ladies! Updated on 9 Nov 2013: Its Saturday night at midnight... my countdown app on my iphone says I have 1 day and 9 hours! Its getting so surreal! My preop appointment was wonderful! Dr. Thomas did my measurements and did markings. He was very thorough and excited for me as well. I had my antibiotics filled at Kroger, did most of my pre and post op shopping after I had bloodwork done. I have finished a majority of household chores, now to make it through tomorrow! Oh... can I say that I am just 100% nervous about being put under?! Eeeeee! Anyways, 1 day!! Goodnight ladies :-) See yall on the small side! Updated on 12 Nov 2013: Yay! I have made it to the small side! Yesterday (Monday) was a total blur for me. It was my first time being put under so I was exceptionally nervous. I will give you guys a run through of my surgery day! Arrive at hospital at 930am accompanied by my husband and mother in law. Checked in, got my wrist band, and was given a tracking number for my family to stay up to date during the surgery. Around 10 I was taken back to preop where I was given a pregnancy test, and to brush my teeth, then rinse with this nasty stuff. My heart rate and BP was a teeny bit above normal, your typical jitters. My PS came in to talk and meet my family, he was so polite. I was in surgery from 11-230. In recovery from 230-530. I had trouble fully coming to, so I was given oxygen to help. Afterwards, I was rolled to my room and greeted by my handsome husband :-) The anesthesia kicked my tail 10x to Sunday. I was groggy all evening, and very nauseous, and ended up getting sick once. I slept until about 1am, then woke up feeling much better. I slept off and on until we were discharged, around 9am this morning (Tuesday). The pain isnt so terrible, just more soreness and discomfort. I am home now, and have been snoozing off and on all day as well. I did have a peek at the girls when my drains were taken out.. theyre so perky! He said I will be about a D cup.. exciting!! Right now I'm trying to drink as much fluids as possible and rest when my body tells me. Cant wait to read all the updates tomorrow!! Updated on 16 Nov 2013: Hey girls! It's raining here in Virginia and my husband and I just finished munching on some Chinese takeout. I'm starting to really fall in love with my new girls. They're so small and perky, but yet plenty enough to fill out a good C/D cup. I have had very little swelling or bruising. I am bruising a little around my nipples. I am still sleeping on my wedge and staying propped on pillows. Last night was the first night where I slept ALL night, and it was wonderful!! I haven't needed my pain meds much, I am taking Tylenol during the day, and my pain med at bedtime to help me sleep. I finish my last antibiotics today! My stitches come out on Tuesday and I'm so nervous about that!! Lol, everyone says it doesn't hurt but I'm still stressing it. I've been very grateful to have my husband shower with me and aid in helping me get dressed and just take care of the house. It's been such a blessing. Tomorrow we are going to go to Sams and get a few things.... I just want out of the house! Lol, I'm sure y'all can relate. Otherwise, I have been taking it very easy and slow. I rest when I feel tired and I'm drinking lots of water and juice. Now I think I'll get back to doing a little bit of Christmas shopping ;) Oh! I am going to post two pictures that I have on my phone. We have others on my husbands, lol Updated on 17 Nov 2013: I thought it would be a little helpful to some of you women that have scheduled upcoming surgeries, or women who are interested in a BR, but scared of what it entails. I have survived my first week! I am 6 days post op today. Here is a run down of what happened to me on day of surgery. Surgery was scheduled for 11AM. Got to the hospital at 9:15 accompanied by my husband and mother in law (retired RN who was determined to make sure I received utmost care). We parked in the outpatient lot, which led directly to the surgery check in desk inside. I had to verify my insurance information, spouse, address, DOB, height, weight, ect. Then I was given my hospital bracelet, and a patient tracking number for my family to keep track of my location. We sat in the waiting area for about 10 minutes before I was called back to pre-op. In pre-op, I was weighed, given a cup to pee in (for pregnancy test), a tooth brush, toothpaste, and mouthwash. I had to undress completely and put on a gown. They took my BP, pulse, and o2 levels. Another nurse came and inserted my IV. My PS came to talk to me, look at the markings I had done at my pre-op appointment, and essentially, to comfort me. A few minutes later, the anesthesiologist came to introduce herself and tell me what to expect. Super nice woman. My PS told my husband and MIL that I would be in surgery for around 4 hours, and recovery for 1.5, that they should go home instead of waiting at the hospital. He took my husbands cell phone number so that he could call when I was rolled to recovery. At 10:45, I was rolled to the OR. I kind of imagined it to be a lot like what I see on Greys Anatomy, lol. It was a room of fair size, with the wash sinks outside of the room. The OR bed was about the size of a stretcher, kinda small. My PS greeted me in the room, and went back to helping another man count instruments on a table. I had to shimmy from the pre-op bed to the OR bed. My PS secured my arms out and made sure I was comfortable. The anesthesiologist was petting the top of my hair and telling me to relax. PS asked me if I was going to go anywhere special to show off my new breasts, and I told him that my husband and I were going to the Caribbean in April for our anniversary. He asked what part, and before I could respond I was out like a light. In my opinion, I appreciate that he took the additional two minutes to comfort me before just knocking me out. I "came to" in recovery around 2:30. I won't say that I was fully awake because I was so out of it. I could hear the nurses talking, but when I tried to open my eyes or lift my head, it was like I was unable to. I remember telling them that I was in pain. I do not remember getting wheeled to my room at all. Honestly, everything was such a blur. I remember very little about post op in the hospital because I slept constantly. I did throw up once, and it was horrendous. I woke up around 1am and felt refreshed. I dozed off and on all night. My PS came around 8AM to remove my drains, give me a brief look at my new girls (my exact words were "omg, I have boobies"), and drop off dressing supplies. He put in my discharge orders, and I was discharged around 10AM. So I was at the hospital for about 24 total hours. All in all, I highly recommend this to ANYONE. My MIL asked when I would be able to see my chiropractor, and PS said that I may never need to go back. What a relief! Updated on 19 Nov 2013: I had my first post op appointment today to remove my stitches and my foam nipple covers. I was *so* nervous about having the stitches removed... it just looks and seems SO painful! I hadn't been released to drive yet, so my MIL took me to and from the appointment. The nurse removed the stitches and foam covers in just a few minutes.. and it was so painless! I feel like it hurt more with the stitches in! No crazy horror story here! PS came in to do a good check and feel, he said that I am healing 100% perfectly, and my incisions look great. He gave me a run down of scar massage and what to do at home. He said that I am minimally swollen, a little at the top of the breast. And yall, I have been drinking fluids.. lots of them. Stay hydrated! I also have little bruising! SO happy! He is confident that the breast size I have now is the breast size I will be with when recovery is finished.. he doesn't think I will fluctuate any after the swelling goes down. SCORE! I was told that I could "graduate" into the sports bras.. I had brought one with me to get his approval. I will post a pic of the bra I got from Target. I actually purchased a few of them. So incredibly comfortable and soft and I'm just in love with my new breasts that I love bra shopping. PS said to hold off until my next appointment (Dec 19) to get the go-ahead to be fitted and measured for an actual bra, and even then, to go with wireless for awhile. FINE WITH ME! lol! He also said that he removed 2.5lbs, 1100g. WOW. That's a lot of boob!! Anyways, I have some pictures on my phone that I am going to post, so give me a minute and I will post them here! (I'm on my laptop because I knew I would be writing a lot, lol). Updated on 19 Nov 2013: I will also get some pictures in the morning after I shower of the new (kind of hideous) nipples and no stitch boobs! Updated on 21 Nov 2013: Today was so rough. And by saying that, I will first disclose that I have an extremely weak stomach. Before I got in the shower, I took the gauze off my nipples, and my left nipple was all... oozy and gross and I could see the fresh nipple tissue under the layer of oozy that was coming off on the gauze. I got incredibly light headed, super pale, so I sat down on the toilet to see if I could calm down, it didn't work, so I jetted to the bedroom to briefly sit. It was probably the closest to passing out that I have ever experienced. YUCK. Needless to say, my husband helped me with a SUPERRRR quick shower, gauzed my boobs, and I put my lazy clothes on and have been snuggled on the couch ever since. Not much pain today, lots of soreness on the top of my breast. Have intermittent itching on my incision lines. So not too bad other than soreness. Can I mention that I am super terrified of my nipples healing properly? MAN :/ In other news, I showed my Dads lady friend today and she was tickled to death over them, and still told me that I had big boobs. LOL. Girlfriend.. what I had before was big! Hope you all are doing well! Updated on 23 Nov 2013: So, my husband and I just finished reserving our 2 time postponed honeymoon/anniversary trip. We were originally set to wed in August of 2013 and honeymoon with Sandals in the Caribbean. My dad was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in October 2012, so we cashed in all of our wedding/honeymoon deposits to help care for my Dad. As time went on and his condition worsened, we got married at Virginia Beach in April 2013, planning to maybe take a 5 day trip to the Caribbean, but as the days crept closer and closer to the wedding, the worse off my Dad got and the more we knew that we just couldn't travel at that time. So we got married with just family present at the beach (which was beautiful), and stayed a little over a week down there. My Dad passed in June of this year, and now that things have settled down financially, my husband and I are 100x ready to plan our trip! I'm a first time flyer... so incredibly nervous about flying! My husband has flown a lot as a child (his fathers family is from CA and we live in VA), and my father in law as a pilot, so naturally my husband grew up in the [RS bleep] pit. We just finished putting down a deposit on our vacation rental and purchasing our airline tickets with Delta. Our trip is in May.. 6 months! Can't wait to show off my new boobs in swimsuits that will FIT. HOLY CRAP YALL! Anyways, I'm just here to nervous ramble about flying. I tend to just want to talk.. a lot... when I'm nervous. On a positive note, my nipples seem to be progressing as they should. Still oozing and way gross looking, but I can see tiny parts of the nipple tissue under the pieces that are oozy and peeling off. Thats a good sign, right? LOL. My incisions are feeling and looking great. I am having a lot of soreness on the tops of my breast (swollen), and the most soreness at the incision site on the side of my left breast.. like where it ends. It hurts like a bruise when you touch it. ouch. Hope you ladies are doing and healing well! Enjoy your weekend! Updated on 25 Nov 2013: Hi ladies! It's almost Thanksgiving! Woo! I am a big holiday person. Something about the togetherness that I feel warms my heart. Anyways, today, I am 14 days post op. I've made it TWO WEEKS! I feel GREAT. The past two days, I have not needed to take any tylenol because my pain is now minimal. I will probably take some on Thursday because we have a 1.5hour commute to Thanksgiving dinner. I had a FNG performed, and at first I was *very* nervous because I've seen and read horror stories. Took off my gauze in the shower today, and they are looking better everyday! Lets oozy and more actual nipple! BUT, my husband (who has been showering with me and washing my boobs.. I have a crazy weak stomach) noticed that the vertical incision going from my nipple to my fold looked a little bruised. I couldnt really feel any pain behind it. Continued on with my shower, and then I had to sneeze when a little drip of blood came out of my incision! Of course I freaked out, got extremely light headed, finished my shower, and got out. Hubby was gauzing my nipples, and he said that the "bruise" was now gone and the incision wasn't "puffy" anymore. I immediately called my mother in law and explained to her what happened. She said it was probably a blood blister from swelling, then having the swelling subside. Hubby placed a bandaid with bacitracin over the spot it bled from.. he said it was a teeny tiny little pin size hole. I checked on the spot earlier and it looks good. Just a reminder to myself that even though I feel great, my body is far from healed. I'm icing now as we speak :) Speaking of over-doing it, we put up our Christmas tree over the weekend and I wrapped a handful of presents. I am t-totally ready for some SNOW! Back in May we bought a new Honda CRV, so as our first winter owning a 4wd, we are looking forward to not being stranded or without transportation! My poor little Honda Civic did so good in the snow last year, though. Anyways, hope all of you ladies have a great Thanksgiving with your loved ones! and try not to over-do it like some of us ;) Updated on 1 Dec 2013: Adding a few pictures from my phone! Updated on 1 Dec 2013: Tomorrow I will be 3 weeks post! Oh my, how time seem to be flying by! I am doing and feeling very well. I still have that "troublesome" spot on my left breast, vertical incision. Blood is sitting on the inside of the incision. It doesn't hurt, but it's ugly to look at. I had called PS last week and he said that as long as no apparent signs of infection, to just keep gauzing and bacitracin over it until it's healed. The picture I posted is 4 days old, but is looking a little better today. It doesn't bleed a lot. Maybe a drop a day. Nipples are healing great! At first I was almost discouraged at how hideous they looked, with the ooze and black scabs and everything, but my husband has reassured me daily that they look great and I am doing great. The last large scab is starting to peel off the left nipple. YAY! I have been doing my scar massage every other day this week versus every day because I am still finding myself a little sore/tender. This week I will try to do every day based on comfort. I am still limiting myself to heavy lifting/pulling/bending because some things still hurt (like reaching in the cabinets), and I am terrified of that blood spot on the left breast. My husband and I did venture out for Black Friday. Normally I go out with my girlfriends, but he insisted on going this year because he knew I would need someone to carry my things. I just *HAD* to buy a bra from Victoria's Secret with their sale. I bought a black lace full coverage (I'm not sure of the actual style), and a nude demi bra with glitter lace, both in 38D. I was sure to ask the manager if I needed to exchange, if I could without issue. My husband helped me into the black lace to try it on (in the picture above), and I was just too excited to be able to fit into a CUTE bra! I'm not spilling out! Is this real life?! It almost seems to good to be true. I have put them away in the closet in the bag with receipt until at least end of December. *sigh*. My boobs are getting more soft and squishy! Most of my swelling is still at the top of the breast, very firm there. Not taking Tylenol regularly anymore, just as needed, if traveling in the car. What a relief! I am still icing at night... I can definitely feel it if I need to do it. Hope everyone is doing well and had a great Thanksgiving! I will try to remember to get pics today or tomorrow. Updated on 2 Dec 2013: Here are some pictures from earlier today after showering. Three weeks postop! My left breast is looking better each day, still very swollen and firm on the top. The left breast is starting to take shape. So perky! My drain sites have been itching like crazy today. Healing! I was so terrified of the free nipple graft at first because it looked plain out gross, but I am so happy to see their progress each day. Updated on 14 Dec 2013: So I am a little over 4 weeks post op... well, actually, I will be 5 weeks on Monday. I am doing very well. I have resumed most daily activities (with limitations of course). I am still wearing my sports bras, for the occasion that I do wear a wireless bra out, but change once I get home. I have started moisturizing with lotion and vitamin E oil more frequently, as I am getting less and less sore each day. My trouble spot is getting better... I think. It quit bleeding, the bottom half of the incision looks great, and then last night I noticed a suture poking out where it had been bleeding. I guess it was trying to push it's way out this whole time. Tonight, as I went to clean it with peroxide, then re-gauze with bacitracin, it fell out.. just a tiny little piece. Strange. I see my PS on Thursday for my monthly check-up thankfully. Doesnt look infected to me or my husband, so I am going to continue to bacitracin and gauze until the little hole is healed up. I had put a bandaid over the spot last night.. took it off this morning to shower, and when I took off the bandaid, it really irritated my skin :/ I will post some pics from my phone now! Hope everyone is asking for lots of cute and fun bras for Christmas!! I bought a t-shirt bra from Target for $15! I have 3 total real bras.. keeping all tags and receipts on until I'm approved from my PS to move on. Updated on 14 Dec 2013: Updated on 20 Dec 2013: Yesterday (the 19th), I had a follow up appointment with my PS. Everything went wonderfully! I am just too excited to type everything that I don't know where to start. I have ZERO restrictions! He said that I can go back to biking, jogging, swimming, whatever I do, just careful to listen to my body. My swelling is GONE. I have soft, squishy boobs that actually have a natural bounce. AND he measued me saying that I am free to wear whatever bra makes me comfortable. My FNG is healing perfect, my scars are looking great and flattening (thanks to scar massage). Now for the bad news. He said that I need to increase the pressue of my scar massage on the inside of my incisions (like at the cleavage part of the fold) because they are not flattening like the rest. Theyve been sore, so I havent been doing it as firm as the others.. and he said that if I don't, they will stay big and form ugly scar tissue, and his words "who wants ugly scars on perfectly sculpted breasts?" Sigh..... so of course, my husband said "amen," and reminded me 100 times to massage last night. MEN. Afterwards, my husband took me on a lunch date (he works 60-70 hours a week, boo), then to Victoria's Secret to be measured. UHM.. TWO different women measured me at a 38DD, or even a 40D. W.T.F. DD? She said the D cup in a 38 would be shallow... but the 40D has a little bit of gap on the side. Sure enough, tried on a 38DD and it fits great. I also tried on a 40D from Macy's and it fits great, the 38 was SO SNUG. So little bit of trial and error to see what I will wear at different stores. Needless to say, I bought a super cute lace push up bra. Who is excited for Christmas pictures and button down pajamas this year? THIS GIRL. ;) Also, PS said that when I massage my scars firmly, they should pop. He told me that 1 week out to be expecting them to pop. I thought he was crazy, my MIL thought he was crazy. He reminded me again to look out for the popping since it hasn't occured yet. Last night, I was rolling over in bed, and when I roll over, I find it more comforting to cup the side of breast as I turn. My right incision on the side of my breast "popped," and it was the craziest feeling ever! It was like I smushed a bubble with my finger! So weird. He told me to massage every day for another month, while they are still pink and in the early stages of healing to make the best result. WEIRD. As excited as I am to be "released," I am still very mindful of my body. We are still healing, so when I'm tired, I'm still sure to rest. Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas! Santa has been very good to use this year ;)
