Had TT post divorce. 6 years ago and breast augment 5 years this summer. Haven't been happy with the love handles or bra strap fat that didn't go away with exercise or lifting weights. In great health with great skin, so very optimistic about what outcome will be!! Same amazing doctor for all work.
Updated on 14 Jun 2015:
Yesterday, was REALLY rough. I consider myself a tough gal, but completely underestimated the pain level. Spent ALL day yesterday on bed, using the pain meds as directed. Really struggled with after effects of anesthesia. I have no idea what I look like bc of the compression garment. Very swollen in my face and feet this morning. Have first appt with my doctor tomorrow. Excited to see what I look like underneath this thing.
Updated on 16 Jun 2015:
Had first post op appt yesterday but he only removed the gauze and sticky pads and checked my stiches (he closes his entry points with stitches as he doesn't feel the studies for leaving them open are that compelling vs the mess of open draining. He's never lead me wrong before, so I'm ok with it. Said I could shower, but was too exhausted after getting out part of the day. Will do that tomorrow and take some of my own pics. Dr E says I'm not that bruised underneath and cautioned me to wear my garment 24/7, so we get good skin re-bonding. No worries there. He said he removed almost 3 liters of fat. Wow!! Spent the rest of the day back in bed, but do feel I'm making some progress. Ate dinner with the family. Sleep is still med-induced, but that's ok. It's only been 3 days!
Updated on 16 Jun 2015:
Updated on 16 Jun 2015:
Removed my cg for the first time and got a shower. Was thoroughly exhausted afterward and hated seeing all my bruises. My inner thighs look and feel like hamburger meat. I've lost 3 of the 5 pounds that I've gained in liquid and swelling, but I still feel very heavy and my legs feel like tree trunks. Lots of aches throughout my whole torso, but I know I'm making progress. Could see a definite change in my "saddlebags" despite the swelling.
Updated on 16 Jun 2015:
Updated on 17 Jun 2015:
I put in a full day of work today and am exhausted. I am an attorney, so my job is not super physical, but just rising and calling all my cases, was a struggle with these tired thighs and bottom. It feels like I'm barely plodding along, my legs are soooo stiff and sore. My back and legs feel very itchy, especially around the stitches, but I'm trying to very gently scratch as I know I'll pay for it in the long run, if I am not careful. My family is being very supportive of my restrictions but I know they are anxious to have mom back. We are supposed to leave for the beach on Monday morning, and my physician says the salt water will actually be good for healing, but I know I won't be looking so great and my stitches won't be out yet. Thank goodness for cover ups! Sigh.
Updated on 19 Jun 2015:
Today I am one week post op from liposuction to my upper back, hips, inner and outer thighs and knees and am in the doubting stage. Extremely bruised on my inner thighs! Very sore and like many members have expressed, it feels like my skin is being ripped from the muscle when I move. Wearing my garment 24/7, except to shower, but the swelling is extreme! Worse than when I was pregnant in the heat of summer. Had a lymphatic massage yesterday and it helped relieve some pain, but the swelling is right back today. Having a hard time finding clothes and shoes to fit bc of the swelling. Have spent my evening after work with ice packs and elevated legs to get relief. Am upset at myself that I underestimated the severity of this procedure. I still have faith that the end result will be worth it, but right now, I'm almost 10lbs heavier than a week ago and I'm miserable, bruised and hurting. There is no real visible difference in how i look other than BIGGER. Sigh.
Updated on 20 Jun 2015:
Updated on 28 Jun 2015:
Well, a week at the beach was definitely what the doctor ordered! Feel I've made quite a bit of progress. Most of the bruising is gone and I get my stitches out tomorrow. They are very itchy and the one just to the side of my right butt cheek is infected, so my husband is washing it with peroxide and using Neosporin on it. It's very swollen and inflamed and hurts like he##. All the flying has left me with a ton of swelling in my ankles and feet and they are aching, as well....which sucks bc some of it had resolved while I was lying on the beach and playing in the waves. I think the salt water really helped. Am super tired of the monkey sit, i.e., compression garment....it's hot and itchy and takes strategic outfit choices, for sure. I did wear it every night, but took off days in the sun and dinner with the family. All in all, I've been a compliant patient. I'm down to me pre-op weight, but still swollen everywhere. I'm excited to see what my surgeon says tomorrow. I'll post more pix after. My husband says he definitely sees changes, despite the swelling! No one else has noticed yet, but I'm o.k.with that. Would rather it be a gradual change.
Updated on 5 Jul 2015:
3 weeks later and I'm feeling better! My stitches are out and healing. The one that got infected is still really hard, but am hoping that goes away. The insides of my thighs are still VERY tender to the touch and very knotty. Does that go away? I'm using the Arnica but not sure how much it's helping? My doctor said I can now just where the completionl compression garment 12 hours a day now, but I'm worried about that. Still lots of swelling in my knees, thighs, feet and ankles. Sometimes it's very painful. Even so, I'm 2lbs lighter than pre surgery! So that is exciting. My clothes still feel the same, but my husband said he can definitely tell that my hips are slimmer!
Updated on 2 Oct 2015:
As I had posted earlier, wasn't REALLY satisfied with how my back turned out (or didn't), so talked with my doctor last month about doing more and adding in my upper abs and arms. SO, we did that this morning! I was super nervous bc I got soooo sick post op last time and threw up several times. But this time was a breeze! It took a couple hours to stop shaking and teeth chattering in the recovery room, buy the nurses were wonderful and kept bringing me warm blankets! And of course my sweet husband who even went to the car and brought me in a stocking hat to wear! But zero nausea this time. So major kudos to anesthesia dept! Have been home in bed for about 5 hours now. Have tried to sleep but it hasn't happened. Not entirely uncomfortable, thank you Vicodin, but not comfortable either. Go see Dr E on Monday to change/remove bandages and packing and no shower this weekend.... Yuck! So no peeking, other than these before shots. He seemed very pleased with what he did, so we'll see!!