If I could give this Doctor and business 0 stars I would. I am amazed at all of these 5 star reviews. It leaves me to wonder what went wrong with my surgery and why is the doctor unwilling to fix his mistakes. I had my Surgery on February 22, 2023. I had larger implants removed to have smaller implants put in along with a breast lift. Doctor Park asks that you give him wish pics of what outcome you'd like. I got nothing I asked for!! (Size, shape, overall look) I did that. My breasts are an absolute disaster. I definitely have the scars for a lift.... Much thicker than I've ever seen and much thicker than I'd expected. However, my breasts show no sign of a lift. They ARE smaller (only positive) however they sag more now than they did prior to my "breast lift" I have waited this long to post my review because I kept being told it was still in the healing process... Which I knew was BS. I've has my breasts done 3 times prior to this and NEVER had a disaster like this. Not only do my breasts sag, one breast is much larger than the other. I have excess skin on the sides of my breasts now kind of like boob fat I guess that rolls up in my bras (Dr Park says that was always there I just couldn't see it before because my breasts were so big.) ABSOLUTELY NOT! I can feel it in all of my bras, it shows in my shirts. That was never an issue before. So after complaining at multiple appointments Dr Park decided to tell me it is capsular contracture and he'd have to file a claim to see if the implant company would cover replacement implants. This was only after I kept insisting that there was something wrong and pointing it out over and over. He kept trying to convince me that it looked good. So my surgery coordinator Frances was ignoring all of my phone calls and text messages so I had to reach out to the office manager Lyssette. In the end their final solution was to replace ONE implant at the end of this year and try to do a scar revision. No mention of fixing the lift that I paid thousands of dollars for and it completely failed. Who wants breast implants that were places almost 1 year apart? And who wants to pay $7-8,000 for a breast lift to be left with breasts that sag more than prior to surgery? Needless to say. PLEASE RETHINK YOUR DECISION BEFORE CHOOSING DR PARK AT FACE N BODY. I paid $11,500 to be insecure and hate my body. Don't make the same mistake
I had liposuction of my lower and upper abdominal and right and left flank's I love my results my recovery was a couple weeks everybody recovers differently my cosmetic surgeon Dr. Edward Park at face N body in upland Dr park and his team are amazing.
I was referred to Dr. Park by a client ( I’m a hairstylist) I went in for a consult and immediately felt 109% comfortable with staff and Dr. Park. I love how honest he was with me on exact procedures I’d be needing, and quoted me right after my appointment and gave me info on financing options. I have wanted this procedure for 13 years, so this last year I really worked hard on getting fit and losing weight for the mommy makeover. This surgery was a LOT harder than I thought being a mother of 2, both c sections! I’m 5/6 weeks post surgery and I’m having good days and bad days depending on what I’m doing. I have a physical job so realistically I should have personally wait 7 weeks to return to work, I went back last week. I still have swelling and I’m finding having my husband massage my back has been helping! I had a bad reaction to pain meds so I unfortunately had to switch to ibuprofen ( didn’t help pain wise, but did with inflammation) I already love my results and can’t wait to see what I’ll look like in 3-6 months post surgery! I highly recommend checking Dr. Park out and having a consultation! Updated on 8 Dec 2020: Just got my 7 weeks. I’m feeling better, I’m still not sleeping all the way flat as I feel it’s still really tight at my tummy and it’s more comfortable sleeping in an elevated position. I’m a stylist so I stand all day... if you have an active job I’d advise taking 8 weeks off, I’ve been working since 4 weeks so I have good days and days that my tummy is swollen. But I’m loving my results! Updated on 31 Dec 2020: 10 weeks out and feeling so much better!! I started going to a lymphatic massage specialist and what a difference that has made!! I suggest everyone getting one! I haven’t started working out yet but just walking. Updated on 14 Jan 2021: Feeling 70% back to normal! Finally started walking a mile everyday, going to up it to 2 miles a day! Tummy still feels really tight/ stiff, so I’m still continuing the lymphatic massage once a week! ( helps so much with swelling) that comes and goes depending what I’m doing that day! I find when I’m working long days I swell more then my days off! I’ve lost 7 pounds after surgery! Still extremely happy with my results! Updated on 31 Jan 2021: 15 weeks post surgery! Started working out this week, I was not prepared how well I’d do with getting back into my workout! I’m still having swelling in my lower abdomen ( hard to believe I’ll be any smaller) feeling really good and can’t wait to see the changes from working out!
My breasts used to be so cute and perky. Then I had my daughter and breastfed her for two and a half years and she sucked the lift out of them. I haven't breastfed in over two years yet my breast have gotten progressively worse. I finally saved enough money to pay for a breast lift after wanting one for three years now. I booked my consultation with Dr Edward H Park. He was my #1 choice but the consultation wasn't booked for a month and a half. Then they called me and took me in a month early. I went in and knew he was the one for me. Everyone was so kind and he had a lot of before photos that looked like my breasts and the after photos were exactly what I wanted so I knew I needed him to do my surgery for me whatever the cost. My surgery is on August 12th, 2020 and I am beyond excited!!! Updated on 23 Aug 2020: 8-12-20 The day before my surgery they called me and gave me a new appointment time. Couldn’t eat after midnight. Can’t drink after 6am. Woke up at 7am and had my friend drive me to the clinic. Waited in the office for a little bit and then was brought to the surgery area which is so large and beautiful. You’d think you were in an actual hospital. Everyone was beyond nice and helping to calm you down. Gave me my IV then went into the operating room. Dr Park went over exactly what I wanted again. Had my wish pics hanging on the wall. Let me choose some music to play to help relax me. Drew on my chest. I laid down and was asleep. I woke up in a wheelchair and was brought to my friends car. Went to her house and started throwing up around midnight. All I did was sleep and puke. 8-13-20 My friend brought me back for my post op appointment. They changed my bloody gauze and looked at everything. told me I was healing beautifully and they were going to be perfect when they heal. Prescribed me anti nausea pills which didn’t help. 8-14-20 - 8-19-20 I was in the most pain I’ve probably ever felt in my life and I’ve had a baby and two other surgeries. I needed 24/7 help. All I did was puke and sleep. Finally stopped taking the norcos and I stopped puking but made my pain worse. Felt dizzy every day until I stopped taking my anti bacterial medication. Today is 8-23-20 / 11dpo It’s still hard to get out of bed and off the couch. My breast muscles hurt SO bad. I can’t wash my hair properly. It’s hard to reach for things. I’m SO TIRED. I can barely stay awake for more than a few hours at a time. It’s not safe for me to drive yet because it’s hard to steer. I get shooting pains in my shoulders every time I reach for anything. I’m getting goosebumps which hurt. I can feel my nerves regenerating which feels like stabbing pains which hurt extremely bad. My chest feels really tight. Like a Charlie horse in the back of your leg. My next appointment is tomorrow to remove the bandages. I’m scared they’re going to look even scarier than they do now. Updated on 23 Aug 2020: Sorry I realized some of my pics in my last post got cut off. Dpo in description. My right breast is really swollen up into my armpit. At about 7DPO my left breast starting hurting more than the right and felt more swollen. Updated on 23 Aug 2020: In bathing suit so you can see more of a comparison. Of course it’s still early and they need time to drop and fluff but you can already see the difference. I am so happy already. Updated on 25 Aug 2020: I was beyond terrified to get my tape removed. I don’t have full feeling in my nipples yet so it wasn’t that bad. It did hurt when she had to kinda dig the knots out to cut them off. I wasn’t expecting the cuts to look so terrifying though. She reassured me that everything looked good and normal and everything would smooth out over the next few weeks while they heal. I trust her and know it’s all going to take time and they’re not going to look perfect overnight. My next appointment is in four weeks.
I'm 37 and mom to 5 kids (3 that came from this body and have zero remorse for what they've done to it jk). I had my oldest at 19years old and gained around 60lbs, which left me with significant stretch marks and sagging skin. I am always worried about hiding my belly at all times, and haven't exposed to it to anyone other than my husband or doctors. So it's time. In 2017 I had a Rhinoplasty and Breast Augmentation with Dr. Edward Park in Upland. Dr. Park and his staff was so thorough, comforting, and attentive. I felt confident going into those procedures. Here I am 3 years later and completely regret not having my TT done at that same time. So now that 4 of my kids are 15-18 and can help with my errands while I'm out of commission, and my husband finally had his vasectomy, it's time for that Tummy Tuck. I CANT WAIT! The biggest deciding factor for me is the significant improvement in chronic lower back pain when having the abdominal muscle tightening done. I've delved into this researching am amazed at the possibility of alleviating this pain along with the embarrassment of my current tummy. I don't remember how long it has been since my lower back has not ached. Any improvement would be welcome! Of course, after my last surgery with Dr Park and his office, I would've never even considered going elsewhere! My only concern is the look of the belly button. I've seen tummy tucks that give an odd unnatural look to it, but after looking through Dr Parks portfolio I have not seen anything that did not look natural. This is so exciting! 22 days until flat tummy time! Updated on 7 Mar 2020: I received a call from Deserie at Dr. Parks office (who is just so knowledgable and helpful at all times), and told me they had last minute reschedule and asked if I would like to move my surgery up to the 18th of this month. It was originally scheduled for the 25th. I jumped at the chance to move this surgery up and recover sooner. My PreOp appointment has been moved up as well to March 10th. Based on my consultation I am having a "No Pain, No Drain" Tummy Tuck. Dr Park will using Exparel to help me control the pain the first few days, performing Lipo, Muscle plication and progressive tension sutures. I'm going to be posting before photos soon. Updated on 11 Mar 2020: Yesterday I met with a nurse at my surgeons office. She took my weight, vitals, and before pictures. I will post those pictures, but let me just say, I am super embarrassed of them. My nurse went over what to avoid prior to surgery over the next week, things like aspirin, alcohol, etc. She advised me that I may want to wear a camisole under my binder, which was advice I had not yet come across in my research. She says that the binder does seems to irritate the incision and a camisole will prevent that irritation. She gave me my antibiotic and Percocet RX to have filled in advance and a referral to have bloodwork done. My surgeon came in, and showed me exactly where my incisions would be, where he would be doing liposuction and was there to answer any questions I have. He assured me I was great candidate for this procedure and that my waistline would be smaller. I signed and initialed a million forms and paid my balance. Looks like I'm all set for 9:30am next Wednesday. I was beyond excited yesterday, but today the nerves have settled in. I woke up throughout the night worried about needlessly spending money, possible complications, whether the TT would even turn out ok on my body. I knew my nervous would set in eventually. I'm just trying to remember to breathe when I start feeling anxious. My husband has been so sweet, and reminding me this is something I've wanted for 18 years. I'll post again soon before next week :) Updated on 18 Mar 2020: I am beyond nervous and excited today. I received a call about 30 mins before leaving the house that my surgeon is running behind and is now scheduled for 12pm. I have been on edge over the last week waiting for coronavirus updates, and whether surgeries would continue. At this point I have total trust in Dr Park and his staff, and I am trying to remember that every time my anxiety level gets high. Took some before photos to share and compare. Wish me luck! Updated on 24 Mar 2020: I went in for surgery on Wednesday at noon. With everything happening with the coronavirus, I was prepared for my surgery to be postponed. As it turns out, my surgery went ahead as scheduled. I had the same experience this time, that I had the last time with Dr. Parks staff. From the moment I got there everyone was attentive, and comforting. Dr. Erick the anesthesiologist contacted me the evening before surgery and at the time I was feeling a high level of anxiety and worried about going into surgery, so I had asked her about a medication for the nerves. She said she did have medication she could give me, but by the time I arrived the next day my nerves had subsided and I was ready. My IV was inserted, and Dr Park spent some time marking my abdomen and flanks, then I was taken right in to surgery. When I woke up a nurse helped me dress, and wheeled me out. I slept so much day 1 and 2. I've been making sure to drink lots of fluids, and stay on a strict regimen of my pain medication every 4 hours. I did invest in a walker, which I thought might be overkill, but has come in very handy! My post op was the day after surgery and I had been feeling very nauseous with the pain medication. I did let my nurses know, and they injected a nausea medication (which left my arm super sore!), and sent me home with a nausea medication that has been a lifesaver. By the start of day 3 the exparel had felt like it had worn off, and my entire admonial area felt much more sensitive. However each day I've noticed significant improvement in my ability to move around. The binder helps me feel so secure. It feels very uncomfortable when I have to remove it for a shower or to adjust it. I'm currently on day 7 and still walking very hunched over. My abdomen feels so tight at this point, that I feel like I cannot walk any straighter if I tried. I cannot stress enough that a walker has been such a lifesaver! I feel like this is a must have for this procedure. I've been weaning off the pain medication and using half the dosage every 6 hours and hope to only use Tylenol as needed beginning tomorrow. So I am feeling much more lucid today and have more energy. I go on Thursday for my 2nd post op appt, and will post more photos then ) Also, I feel like I owe my husband and kids the world right now. You cannot do this without help and they have been so sweet and helpful at all hours of the day and night. I just love them, Please feel free to ask me any questions )
I love the way my breasts came out! Dr Park was very informative and once I met him I knew he was my dr. I explained that since I had very small breasts I wanted my breasts to be a D cup. I brought in a wish pic and he chose a great size for me. Every other consult I got from other doctors suggested 400cc but dr park ended up giving me 560cc. 400 would’ve been way too small for my liking. I also liked that he can insert the implants through the nipple, under the boob and through the arm pit. I chose the nipple cause it blends in with my aerola. My gf that went with him for hers done with the arm pit and her scar is light. I recommend all my friends to go to dr park.
Dr Park was fantastic, and his office staff are equally as friendly and professional. I felt completely safe in their hands. I went for a peel to address age spots and fine lines. I was given a 30% TCA peel. I didn't start peeling until the fourth day after the peel, and then continued to peel until the 12th day. From what I've seen on this site, that is a bit longer than most. But, if you are thinking of getting a peel, PLEASE make sure that you aren't planning to attend a special event or getting photos done for a week or two after the peel. After the peel, I used Cerave Hydrating Facial Cleanser, and then Avene Cicalfate Restorative Skin Cream and Cerave Healing Ointment. I felt like those products really helped to keep my skin hydrated and healthy. Two weeks after the peel, Dr Park had me stop apply the Healing Ointment on my entire face, and just focus on the areas that were still peeling. I continued using the Avene Skin Cream. I'm really happy with the results and will try to post updated photos tomorrow!
This has been my first experience with Dr Park, and I have enjoyed working with him and his office staff. They have all been extremely friendly, accomodating (fit me in after I was late to an appt after being stuck in traffic) and professional. I have never felt rushed or that there was a question that I couldn’t ask. It is also very obvious that Dr Park takes great pride in his work. So I believe that I am more than just another paycheck coming through his office. He wants to make sure his patients are beyond thrilled with the results. I feel completely confident placing myself in his hands. If there was any doubt, I would have kept looking for another doctor. Updated on 31 Jul 2018: I'm a 40-year old mom of two and my stomach got quite large during both pregnancies. My mom was convinced that if I just waited long enough, all of the extra skin that I was left with would miraculously disappear with exercise and a good diet. I'm 5'1", 123 pounds, and my kids keep me reasonably fit. But even my mom had to give in when, two years after my last pregnancy, she saw that the flabby, wrinkly skin was enjoying hanging out with me (pun intended) and was not going to budge. I had a drainless tummy tuck on July, 23, 2018 with Dr. Park. I was beyond nervous the morning of surgery, and the staff were very calming and accommodating. Funny how much of a chicken I've become since having kids. Before them, I don't think this surgery would have scared me as much as it did. After surgery and time in recovery, I went home that afternoon. I had a C-section with my second child and spent the first two weeks of that recovery in my big, squishy armchair. It would have been perfect for use after this surgery, but I didn't want to spend the next two weeks in the living room where the kids would be tempted to continue using me as a living trampoline. And I couldn't fit the chair into the bedroom. I purchased an x-large reading pillow off of Amazon and it has been perfect (Linenspa Shredded Foam Reading Pillow). I use that in bed along with a Post-Surgery Elevating Leg Rest Pillow and have been pretty comfortable. The first three days were the worst. I was nauseous day 2 and 3 with some vomiting and that was absolutely excruciating. I put myself on the BRAT diet and was feeling better by the end of the next day. I also came down with a UTI, so I was taking 2 different antibiotics, along with the pain meds. Day 2 and 3 were also made worse by incredibly bad muscle spasms in my stomach. It was like going through labor all over again. The Dr put me on muscle relaxers and that resolved the issue. I'm sure the wealth of meds I was on probably led to the nausea. By days 4 and 5, I was definitely past the worst of it. I still needed help getting in and out of bed, and I had zero endurance, but I was feeling human again. For anyone planning on having this done and thinking they can do it without support, for the love of God, get someone to help you for the first week (or more if you have an incredible support system). Today is day 7 after surgery, and I am about 85% of the way towards standing straight, I'm off pain meds (except for Advil), can walk around the house at a slow gait, and getting some endurance back. The two concerns I still have are: 1) I haven't pooped since the day before surgery, and I've thrown every type of fibrous edible material at my colon that I can think of (I.e. Fiber supplements, raisins, leafy greens, peaches, high fiber cereal, etc.). And 2) I have a line that goes up the middle of my stomach, which according to other users on this site, will go away. But it seems really dark, and I'm worried about an infection?? But I wasn't cut there, so??? I just had a thought. Dr Park used a black marker to draw the "cut here, not here" lines on my stomach before surgery, which included one that went up the middle of my torso. I'm betting that the swelling is hiding a bit of that line and making it look like a dark line of infection. Funny how you always start to assume the worst when going through this process. I know that's normal, but it's still no fun to panic over every little oddity. Updated on 16 Aug 2018: I debated about posting pics because I feel like my progress is slower than many others out there. However, I decided to go ahead and include pictures in the hope that there are others that may feel the same way I do. It's now 24 days after my surgery, and all things considered, I'm feeling pretty good. I was extremely worried about the vertical line above my belly button. If I didn't know better, I'd swear it was an incision. Thank goodness, for Realself! After looking at others that had the same issue, I realized that the line isn't uncommon. I brought my concern up to my doctor and he confirmed that there were internal sutures which were made to help define my (hopefully to emerge soon) abs. As the swelling went down, it looked better and better and is no longer a concern. I'm still only standing maybe 90% straight, but as every day gets a little better, I'm not too concerned about it. But, oh, it feels soooo amazing to lie back and relax after getting home from work. I don't realize how that slight slouch can mess up my back. It is simply heaven to relax and feel all those tight muscles melt into the pillows. Sublime. I'm still wearing my binder 24/7, only taking it off for showers. Like everyone else, I continue to have a love/hate relationship with it. I've taken to always wearing a cotton tank top under the binder as that seems to help make it a bit more comfortable; less itchy. But such a pain to go to the bathroom. All the layers and readjusting the binder, etc. takes forever. I've also pulled out a couple pairs of maternity pants that I had packed away as none of my work pants fit with the binder. I have a check up with Dr Park tomorrow and will let you know how it goes and how he thinks I'm doing!
Okay so I’m currently a week post op and I’m terrified my breast are too big and sticking out from the side too much. I got them done on 3/14/18 by Dr. Edward Park in upland. I went to him because he did have natural results and uses the funnel. I went thru the nipple under the muscle. I am only 5”2 112lb my surgeon had 3 implants ordered 310cc, 340cc, And 375cc. During my sizing he told me that I would probably not need the 375cc and it would be too big because the nurse who was there also got 375 and her frame was a little bigger and she was taller. I told him I didn’t want to go too big and wanted it to fit my body because I am tiny and skinny. Starting off I was a 32A/B. Day of surgery when I woke up first thing I asked was ow many CC’s hey said 375. I said “WHAT ?” Well I am one week post op and hate them. I think they’re too big but we’ll see. Updated on 26 Mar 2018: Okay I wrote the review in a bit of a rush but so far they are going down. I have been instructed to wear my band for a week. I went had 3 consults and he was my last one and decided to come here. His work looks great and I saw specialized in reconstructive breast surgery so therefore I knew I was in good hands. Everyone I met here has been so welcoming and comforting. Especially the desk girls. Anywho I know I’m 1 week out and being dramatic. They did tell me I was going to hate them the 5 weeks. I am just scared I am too big . I was hoping to go to a solid C I didn’t really want a D. My biggest concern was I didn’t see the dr. The day after my surgery. I haven’t seen him since to be honest. I called and told the desk girl that and she said “ wait you didn’t see him the day after ?” With a confused tone. I said no. I actually didn’t even see a nurse when they said they would send one . They sent the girl who organizes appointments to check me and Take off my dressings. I’m going to bring that up tomorrow so I’ll update on that. Updated on 26 Mar 2018: Updated on 1 Apr 2018: I forgot to make one the day I got my stitches removed but it didn’t hurt one bit. I didn’t even notice. My stitching looked great they gave me Scar gel for it but probably won’t need it but I will still apply it daily.But the ends were rubbing against me and made a scar. I did get to see my doctor he said everything looked great and still had swelling. So hopefully the size goes down. I’m getting used to the look. They still are high and sticking out. It doesn’t help when everyone said omg they are huge. I am still worried they’re too big but I know stressing myself out it’s only 18 days. He assured me not to worry. I can’t feel anything below my nipple or about anything 3 inches from my nipple. My surgeon said sensation will slowly come back . They taught me my massages and I see them in about a couple weeks . Let’s all pray they get smaller (,: Updated on 13 Apr 2018: Okay. So I just had my one month appointment yesterday. My dr. Said everything looked good but my breast are still high and need to be massaged down into their pockets. They def. have gotten softer but dr. Said they Will get way softer. I’ve been instructed to massage downwards. I still don’t have nipple feeling. I know it takes months to come back I just pray it’s not gone forever. My scaring around my areola is already unrecognizable. It healed so well and you can’t even tell. I still can’t show them off yet because they’re extremely high. I’m going to massage as often ass possible and hope they can drop ASAP. Updated on 26 Apr 2018: I’ve recently been really really depressed. My numbness hasn’t improved at all. It’s not just my nipple I can’t feel my whole breast. Neither of them . Not the top bottom of side . I haven’t gained anything !!! No improvements at all . This is the worst feeling . When I constantly asked about loosing sensitivity my nurse said no they would possibly be more sensitive. This really sucks . I wonder if it’s from the 2 sizes they gave me and took out of me. They gave me the biggest size after saying they’d give me 310 or 340. I constantly feel depressed about this. Yes they are starting to look better but I am starting to feel worse to be completely honest. I 100% regret this decision Updated on 30 Apr 2018: Still can’t feel most of my boobs on both sides ): slowly dropping . I massage a lot . Updated on 30 Apr 2018: Still numb lol over no improvements): Updated on 9 May 2018: I got fitted and fit Into a 32D/ double D. That’s not what I wanted I wanted a solid C cup. I understand they look good but I don’t not like them nor feel comfortable in them on my body. They are still way too big for my liking . I tried taking pictures but they feel so projected and huge ): everyone saying they’re not that big but they are too me. Let’s hope they shrink and cleavage goes down way more. Updated on 9 May 2018: Updated on 23 May 2018: So I’m getting really almost like a hard ball under my nipple. Its like the size of a quarter. I called and told my drs. Office and receptionist said keep massaging. The women at the desk aren’t really helpful or reassuring. I’ve called about 3 times and kind of just shrug me off. I hope it goes away ): I haven’t gotten any sensation back still no progress . Updated on 9 Jun 2018: I think the size and swelling has tons dosn I have gotten used to them not but I still don’t like my size . I wish they were less projected and smaller. Updated on 25 Jun 2018: I don’t think you guys understand how uncomfortable I feel in them . I wanted to be a solid C . I am BARELY fitting a 32 D they look gross to me . And are super projected . I can’t even take pictures because they look super fake .i wanted natural look . Not this ! Updated on 19 Aug 2018: So it’s 5 months and I’m still not happy with my breasts. I feel like they are still high and projected they look SUPER fake . I have really hard balls under my nipple where the incision was. I have no feeling in my nipples and haven’t seen any improvement of my sensation coming back. I made an appointment to see the dr. To discuss redoing it since I’m so unhappy ): I’ve also notice that my left nipple stitching distorted it’s shape ): Updated on 13 Nov 2018: Still want them redone. It natural looking at all. I’m so depressed. Updated on 30 Jun 2019: So I went back and went from a extra high profile 375 down to a 295 moderate profile and I’m so happy. This is exactly what I wanted . Still no sensation and actually lost more sensation but we will see if it comes back.
I have been doing research on and off for 2 years for a tt surgeon in the Southern CA area. I’m 5’5”, 40 years old, 135 lbs and I have 2 kids. I finally got brave enough to schedule consultations and have a date in mind for my surgery. The journey thus far has been emotional and eye opening. I contemplated a breast lift and small implant but I am too much on the fence to make the commitment so Ive decided not to do it. My head was going back and forth and it was driving me crazy. I happen to like my small 32 c size. Sure a little perkier and tiny bit bigger would be nice, but im not even sure i even want implants. I guess I can get the same look with a push up bra! So here are my tummy before pics. I have days when i question why Im doing this to myself - then i look back at the pics and remind myself about having a better quality of life. So here goes!!! Updated on 8 Feb 2018: I just set my date today for March 28th!! Its so exciting but I also feel like throwing up at the same time. I had 3 consultations and I chose Dr. Edward Park in Upland, Ca. I felt the most at home there. I feel there is a high level of customer service and that i will get a wonderful result. Updated on 15 Feb 2018: Looking at old photos motivates me to feel confident about my tt decision. Wonder if i will feel anything like my former self after its all done. Updated on 23 Feb 2018: Took these pics today after my workout. I also realize that I need to limit my time browsing on RS. The horror stories scare the sh*# out of me!! I just need to focus on positive things and being as healthy as possible before surgery. Updated on 22 Mar 2018: So emotional with this procedure around the corner. My oldest knows im getting an operation. I told her that I was going to fix my belly button. She loves playing with my “squishy stomach” as she calls it. She asked if my stomach was still going to be squishy after the operation. I was startled by the question and i told her that I didn’t know. She started crying and said she wanted my stomach to stay the same because she loves it. At that point i almost start crying and all these thoughts and emotions go through me like -Why am I erasing part of my kids from my body? This mixed with all the scary wavers signed at my pre op, and my husband leaving for a business trip, sent me into a 20 minute ugly cry a few nights ago. My husband asked if I was thinking of backing out. Nope! This thing is paid in full. No backing out now. Other than my emotional breakdown, the pre op went smoothly. Got instructions, prescriptions and blood work. My surgeon still thinks theres a chance I might need a vertical incision. He wont know for sure until he operates. I thought I would have to take certain supplements and get a list of stuff to buy, but thats not the case. I just have to avoid certain things like vitamins with vitamin e or extra stuff like fish oils. I need to also avoid aspiran products and ibuprofen products. I was told I could stay on my birth control pill. I chose to stop it on my own just as an extra precaution. I was told to bring comfy pants and a zip up hoodie to go home in. Flat side will be here before I know it!!!! Updated on 27 Mar 2018: So tomorrow is the big day. I am soooo thankful for many things. For my husband being my biggest supporter and helping me make this happen. For all my prayer warriors who are so positive and uplifting. And for my 90 year old grandfather!! He insists on being there and we could not talk him out of it. I am his first grandchild and Im sure he just wants to be there physically to give me support. He is an amazing man who has been through a tremendous amount of life struggles yet is so positive and is always helping others. He let me borrow a walker too! Love him to pieces!! Here is a pic of some supplies I have. I really didn’t buy much. I guess its a bit different when you don’t have drains. I have the walker, an elevated toilet seat, pain meds, antibiotics, stool softener, cough drops, 1 gatorade, and pillow for my legs. I also have a recliner with a lumbar support pillow, extra strength Tylenol and a bunch of healthy snacks. Flat side here I come!!!!!! Updated on 28 Mar 2018: Made it to the flat side!!! Pain is manageable. I will update tomorrow when Im not so out of it. I cant believe I did this!!!!!!! Updated on 29 Mar 2018: Hello all! Thank you for those of you who had me in your thoughts and prayers. This community is so amazing! My surgery went well. I was freaking out right before but managed to calm myself down. They were playing music in the operating room and the last lyrics I heard were “dont you wish your girlfriend was hot like me.” Perfect song! Lol. Going under was not as bad as i thought. When I woke though I was shaking. I knew that this could happen because i have read so many real self reviews so it wasn’t scary. By the time i got home, i stopped shaking. Pain was at a level 2! I cant recommend experol enough!!! I have been in a blur due to pain meds. I felt nauseas on and off. I also have problems completely emptying my bladder. At my post op I almost fainted when they removed my binder. I started sweating and got super lightheaded. Thank goodness it passed. Tummy looks good from what i saw. I felt like crap the entire time so i only got 1 pic that my sister took. They also gave me an anti nausea injection. So far the walker, elevated toilet seat and soda water are lifesavers. Updated on 30 Mar 2018: This stuff works but Im so loopy. Sleep time. Updated on 31 Mar 2018: As the exparel wears off, i have had more pain and soreness. My back muscles hurt and my body as a whole is a bit stiff. I am taking Percocet every 4 hours. Im still having trouble emptying my bladder fully due to the meds. On a positive note, I forgot to mention that I did not need a vertical incision!!!! Yay! Updated on 2 Apr 2018: So these past couple days have been rough. I have a love/hate relationship with percocet but it was really messing me up so i finally got off of it during the day. I feel more clear headed and can now fully empty by bladder. I also had my first bm today!! Yay. The pain and soreness are felt more with just the tylenol vs percocet. The days seem to be passing by suuuuper slowly. Ive watched more tv and movies than ever. I have been scared to take off the binder due to the fact I almost fainted the last time at my post op. I have not showered even though I can. Just scared so Ive been using wash clothes with a no rinse wash that I use for my kids by Mustela and also a dry shampoo. Have any of you been scared to take off binder? My Dr tells me that i should keep it on for 4 weeks but i already hate it because it moves a bit and its bulky. Im probably going to switch to Veronique compression garment- hopefully with his blessing. Updated on 3 Apr 2018: I just took a shower and it was exactly what I needed. My husband helped me every step of the way and it was so loving of him that I almost cried. These days I am so incredibly helpless and my husband has been my rock. He even took a picture for me. Updated on 5 Apr 2018: Im in so much pain from laughing!!! Thanks to my husband calling me “wheels” because of my walker. Just breath just breath!!! Hurts so bad. Updated on 7 Apr 2018: Stitches and tape came off on day 9. It was a turning point for me. It was the first night I slept well since before the surgery. I also adjusted my binder much lower. It made all the difference and now I can breath better too. Updated on 8 Apr 2018: Well I watched the entire Downton Abbey series in 9 days!! Thats a whole lot of tv hours in a day! I was lucky to have my parents and my in laws split the first 10 recovery days to care for my kids. It made recovery easier. They are back now and the “vacation” is over. I am so thankful for them being with grandparents all those days but now we have to readjust to mommy and daddy rules. Along with the fact they don’t have the same mommy. My 3 year old wanted me to pick her up and that led to a meltdown. Day 2 with them is much better. I have been sleeping in my bed for 2 days. Here’s a picture of my million pillows! It feels much better after sleeping on the recliner for over a week. I cant wait to be able to side sleep. Overall I feel really good. I am only taking ibuprofen at night. I dont push myself though. Im not standing straight yet and still using the walker from time to time to alleviate back pain. Updated on 9 Apr 2018: So the tape is off and its not pretty. I have a lot of dimples, swelling and unevenness which I have to believe is from the internal sutures. I have faith that this will all look much better in a couple weeks. I have a very peculiar incision on one of my sides. It looks like an arrow. As strange as it seems, I love it! I think its funny. Its my own version of a tattoo. Lol Updated on 10 Apr 2018: I was having issues with my binder after tt. My surgeon wanted me to keep it on for 6 weeks. However, it keeps riding up because of my booty and not giving me the compression I need on lower belly or digging into my incision. The sizing charts for veronique was spot on. They also have great customer service. Updated on 11 Apr 2018: Its 2 weeks post op and Im getting a little impatient with the healing. I just feel yucky and useless sitting around all day. My body is kind of sore. I am not walking straight yet. I also have not left the house aside from Drs. appointments. I wish I could sleep on my side already. I was able to shower on my own yesterday. I didnt wash my hair though. That would have been too much for me to handle. My poor husband has been handling everything and also working a very stressful job with long hours. I just want to get back to normal already. Sorry for the whining! Lol Updated on 12 Apr 2018: I noticed a little jiggly part on the left side of my belly. I took a video and sent it to my Dr. I got a call back this morning asking me to come in. After an examination, the Dr decided to drain it. He feels like perhaps some of the body glue wasn’t quite doing its job. Mu Dr used a mix of body glue and quilting sutures. It was only 50 cc and I didn’t feel a thing because Im still numb. I need to go back in 5 days so he can check it again. In the meantime I was told to take it real easy until then. Updated on 14 Apr 2018: Last night I noticed more fluid build up and it has spread to a wider area. The fluid was initially to the left of my belly button. Now its to the left and also down further next to my incision. :( I am frustrated to say the least. I put more compression on the area by adding a foam pad. This has me questioning the drainless tummy tuck big time! Full healing seems soooo far away. I have a vacation booked to Hawaii in July and Im wondering if 3 months of healing will be enough by the time I go. (Insert emoji face with a tear) Updated on 15 Apr 2018: I finally took some updated pictures. I took one right after taking off my binder. You can see all the indents from the foam pad I have been using. The rest were taken after my shower. The foam pad seems likes is really helping to reduce the fluid build up. The incision is healing well. Small victories! Updated on 15 Apr 2018: My binder tends to scratch my skin at the velcro ends that overlap onto my skin. I cut up some felt fabric and stuck it on the ends. No more scratches! Updated on 18 Apr 2018: Today marks 3 weeks for me. I developed a seroma and Ive had it drained twice. I was mistaken about the amount drained the first time. It was actually 60cc not 50. The second time was yesterday and it was 45 cc. My doctor wants to see me back in a week or sooner if more fluid develops. He also recommended additional pressure. Along with the foam pad, he also added a stack of gauze. I was ordered to basically do nothing and just sit or lay down as much as possible. Whoever said that you can go back to work at 2 weeks is slightly crazy. Its been 3 weeks for me and Im still a hot mess. Im not walking upright yet and I’m super slow. I guess you can go back, but it wont be comfortable at all! My 5 year old is at home with me but my 3 year old has been staying with my mom because it has been difficult for me to deal with the physical demands of taking care of her. I am so lucky to have my mom 10 minutes away. I showered from head to toe all by myself yesterday. It was exhausting but definitely a milestone. Updated on 21 Apr 2018: My kids are 3 and 5. My 5 year old has been great. She can dress herself, use the bathroom alone, grab her own snack, etc. The 3 year old has been a challenge. She doesn’t quite comprehend whats going on and is super needy. She still uses diapers for sleep time, wants to be carried at times, etc. I was lucky that my mom took over and kept her for a couple weeks on and off. My husband was also super hands on with them. If I did not have this help, it might have been better to wait until the youngest was 5 to get the tt. Its also been a super long cold and flu season so now both of them are sick. They got sick 2 weeks before my procedure and then again now at 3 weeks post op. I pray I dont get sick because coughing is pretty painful. These are the things to keep in mind when scheduling your procedures ladies. Have a plan and a backup plan if possible! Updated on 24 Apr 2018: Today I had my 3rd draining of my seroma. This time it drained 30 cc. Its going down for sure but my surgeon wants to be more on top of it. He wants me to come in as soon as I feel it. Unfortunately he wont be in the rest of the week so Im coming in on Monday. He will see me in between surgeries. I love how responsive Dr. Park is. I have never felt rushed and I always get my questions answered. I was also instructed to start standing up straighter and to do some small bending movements. I was given a new binder because the old one was thrashed. I am currently shopping for a different binder. The Veronique binder I mentioned in a previous post made me too hot because it was high back and hd shorts. I could not breath!! It was well made and had straps but I could not handle it. I will try a high waisted brief with side zipper and crotch clips as well. The pics I took today were a little rushed and the lighting was weird. Updated on 27 Apr 2018: Belly button So I dont love my belly button. To me its flat. Not an innie or outie- just flat. I guess I wont be able to tell what the final outcome is for a few months. Compression Garment Im still battling with finding the right compression garment that wont make me too hot. I need firm compression due to my seroma sitution. For several brands, my measurements make me range from size M to size XL depending on what part of the body I measure. Waist- 28in., hips- 40 in., thigh 24in. I spoke with 2 different people from Marena Group. One person told me to forget the post surgical garments and go for their regular shapewear thats made for curvy women. However, I didnt like any of the styles. The other person just recommended that I get a couple sizes and decide. He actually didnt believe my thigh measurement so he had me take it again. Yes I am curvy sir!! Lol! I ordered a few and we shall see what happens. If these dont work, I might try Leonisa or some kind of columbian faja. Energy My energy is up and I have been doing a lot more. I am taking and picking up the kids from school, doing dishes, laundry, cooking, etc. All in moderation though because I do tire out. Today I took a trip to Target and I was beat! Especially since I tried on some spanx while I was there. A nap helped. Now Im gonna cook quick dinner and finish a load of laundry. I am still having trouble getting comfy while sleeping. I tried side sleeping for bit and it wasnt too bad. I know that good sleep is coming soon!! Happy healing to all!! Updated on 28 Apr 2018: Today I decided to go to Macy’s to try on compression garments/fajas. All Leonisa was 30% off so I decided to give the brand a try. I have battle wounds!!! Trying these suckers on is a full on contact sport. It wiped me out but it was a success! I learned a lot about what I needed for my curvy figure. In a nutshell, I have to use a garment with shorts or use a waist trainer/corset. Any garment that is a brief style, does not work for me. One came close though. It was by Miracle suit but the issue was that it didn’t have enough compression. With all other brands, my thighs and butt were screaming to be freed!! I ended up choosing the Leonisa shaper short with removable straps. Its regularly $80 but I got it for $56!! There was also a boy short style and an above the knee style. The boy short gave me similar issues to a brief style. The longer shorts made me too hot. Even though the Leonisa brand is supposed to cater to latina figures, I still found myself between sizes M and L. I got them both and I’ll decide which to keep when I try them on again tomorrow. Im leaning toward the large though. I also got a Leonisa corset for $24, regularly 40. In the pictures I am wearing the wrong size and forgot to close one of the hooks. The corset is comfy and unique in that it has three bands instead of being one solid piece of fabric. When I got home I took 2 ibuprofen. Its bed time! Updated on 2 May 2018: Today I am 5 weeks post op. I still have the seroma. I got it drained again yesterday. I forgot to ask how many cc. I have to go in again tomorrow (2 days after.) My surgeon just wants to attack this. I just want it done and over with. The pics im posting are a few days old. I have some puckering still and it seems like I might be developing some new stretch marks. :( At the incision its still swollen but looks much better in the mornings. Its not painful to laugh, sneeze, or cough anymore. My stomach does get hard when I do -but its tolerable. Sleep is getting better but its for sure not back to normal yet. Updated on 4 May 2018: I had 30 cc drained on Tuesday. Yesterday, Thursday, I had 15 cc drained. My Dr. has been trying different things to get the area compressed. The foam pad was too wide so we have switched to gauze pads in the specific area. I put the stack of pads and then the binder over it. He marked the area where the fluid is building up. There is a little red dot in the middle. Thats where the needle went in to drain it. Thankfully I still don’t feel much of anything when that needle goes in. I have another appointment on Monday to check progress. I tried the corset binder for the day yesterday. It was not good. It gave me too many marks and didn’t give me the proper compression for the are with the seroma. I will have to keep wearing the binder until my Dr. tells me otherwise. I also have a cold. :( It came on yesterday. I have no idea how anyone made it to school today- but they did. I was on autopilot I guess. Updated on 8 May 2018: I went in to get my seroma drained on Monday but my Dr. could not drain anything. Hopefully this is the beginning of the seroma healing!! I still feel a little fluid but we shall see what happens when I go in on Thursday. Im gonna be 6 weeks tomorrow. My body is craving some exercise. Im not cleared to do that yet due to the seroma. I am not currently doing any scar therapy. My Dr wants me to wait. Here is a bathing suit I tried on!! Eeek! Its so exciting. The top was 2 sizes too big so I didnt buy it. Updated on 10 May 2018: Today I got my seroma checked out again and there was not enough fluid to drain. Its good news!! If it continues this way next week, I will be cleared to ditch the binder and be able to start working out! I do have a weird section on my lower middle tummy. Its a bit raised and it seems like theres brand new stretch marks. The Dr seems to think its a normal part of the healing but Im not too sure. Those marks were clearly not there before and its also a bit raised? One of his assistants was also baffled by it and said its the first time shes seen something like that. Could it be the extra compression we added with gauze caused this section of skin to stretch? Could it be some kind of scar tissue? I dont know but Im not liking it. The greenish looking spot of my belly is where they were draining the extra fluid so I got a bruise a couple days ago when they tried 2 sizees of needles. These close up pics are not too fun but alas, theres still progress. Updated on 18 May 2018: Great news! I have been cleared to work out and also to ditch the hospital binder!! The seroma looks great. My next appt is the first week of July. No more weekly and bi weekly appts. Its time to have a bonfire and throw the binder in!! I still dont feel Im completely upright yet. Sleep is slowly getting back to normal. Im side sleeping now. Cant wait to do a little shopping. Starting scar therapy. Happy weekend. Updated on 21 May 2018: I spoke too soon about putting my binder in a bon fire. It turns out I am super dependent on it. Cant live without it yet. I usually try to wear it when Im home. When im out, I wear a spanx type garment. But s soon as I get home, I feel the need to put it on. I hate this binder but I love this binder. :( Updated on 5 Jun 2018: I have started working out with modifications. I plank on my knees and I avoid or modify any exercise with jumping or running. No issues with the elliptical. I still get tired more easily than normal and still swell in the evenings or after lots of activity or heat. My seroma is totally healed it seems. Yay! I have a little loose skin where the extra compression my have caused the skin to expand. I also think I have a tiny dog ear. In my pics I have biocornum on the incision so that’s why it looks glossy. Im still dependent on compression. Argh! I mostly wear spanks when im out and the binder when Im home. I wear it looser though. Updated on 26 Jun 2018: Its hard to believe that in one week I will be 3 months post op! Im feeling great and have much more energy. I still feel tight and swell at the incision but overall, I feel amazing. Ive been getting in quick high intensity workouts but still modify. I dont prefer running or jumping exercises. I also watch tv while on the elliptical. Its almost time for Hawaii!! Here are my bathing suits from Target and Venus swim. Updated on 3 Jul 2018: Went in today and everything is looking great. Healing is on track and I will be seen again at 6 mo. Post op. Here are my before pics, the skin they took off and a pic of my newest bikini!! Wow- just wow! Sooo happy! Updated on 3 Jul 2018: Updated on 5 Sep 2018: Im doing well and have been enjoying bikinis over the summer. I still swell every night and I dont have complete feeling of my stomach yet. I finally stopped using the hospital binder at 3 months. Now Im using spanx type briefs and I am so dependent on them. I dont know if its a crutch or if I really still need the support. When I spend a day without them, all I want to so i get home and put them on. I need to get more consistent with working out and getting core strength back. I also need to stretch more. Maybe that will help me get rid of these spanx!! It will also help me fit into clothes better. My sister encouraged me to wear a smaller bikini bottom to show off my figure. I just couldnt. I put them on, took a picture of myself and when i saw them, i switched them for ones with more coverage. I just feel so uncomfortable with my bum hanging out like kim kardashian!! Well for your viewing pleasure, I have included those pics so you can see what I mean. This is also why I had such issues with finding a compression garment that fit right. “Itty bitty waist and a round thing in your face...” Updated on 27 Sep 2018: Looking good. I’m still numb on parts of my belly. Since increasing exercise, I have seen more puffiness in my lower belly area. It feels like fluid but not like fluid that needs to be drained. I will go to my 6 month appt in another week or so and Ill address the issue then. Updated on 25 Apr 2019: I cant believe its been a year!!! I have been doing well. The only issue is that Ive gained 10 pounds!! Yikes. I need to get consistent with working out. Overall, I am still extremely happy with my results. I feel a lot more confident and my clothes fit so much better. My stomach still does not have full sensation but It does not bother me. I am happy I decided to embark on this journey. Time to work out!!
Greetings and Salutations,Firstly, I am sorry for what you are going through. Skin necrosis is a difficult complication, and if it is a large area of necrosis then the next step to consider is a flap to replace the area of skin loss. The two common flaps to consider are the TRAM flap from the abdomen and the Latissimus flap from the back. You mentioned you had a lymphadenectomy performed; however, if the Latissimus muscle is still active, it can still be used to reconstruct the breast along with an implant or tissue expander. If your Latissimus muscle is still viable, then this would be my first option along with an implant. The reason being that you have an implant on the other side and we want to achieve the closest symmetry in shape. It is difficult to match a TRAM flap with a contralateral implanted side because the TRAM flap reconstruction results in a very natural ptotic shape. Thus, a lat flap with an implant can achieve better symmetry. Best of luck!
Greetings and Salutations,The decision to convert a periareolar to a vertical breast lift can be very beneficial. The problems associated with a periareolar breast lift are widening of the scar, irregularity of the scar and flattening of the breast shape. The procedure of revising a periareolar breast lift to a vertical breast lift can be safely performed with care. Ultimately the result should improve the size of the areola, the quality of the scarring, better control of the breast shape and an improved overall "lift" of the breast tissue. Best of luck!
Greetings and Salutations,Congratulations on your 2 children! After breastfeeding, the skin envelope can certainly stretch and also become very thin - thus losing support structure allowing implants to bottom out. In your situation, I would perform a combined mastopexy along with an implant exchange with placement of textured silicone (Sientra) implants below the muscle. I will routinely perform this all in one stage without any issues. My concern, however, has moreto do with the longevity of how long your breast lift will last before bottoming out again. If you have very thin skin, then you may want to consider the use of a support structure such as the use of Strattice. Strattice is a dermal graft that can serve as an internal support structure to hold the implant in position over a long period of time. Best of luck!
Greetings and Salutations,First off, I am sorry to hear about your recurrent capsular contractures, and I empathize with how frustrated you may feel. My algorithm after one recurrent capsular contracture leads to a detailed discussion of the use of Strattice. I have used Lifecell products for over 10 years - I use Alloderm in 100% of my Breast cancer reconstructive patients who opt for tissue expanders/implant reconstruction. I can safely say that I have seen near zero capsular contracture in these patients. Thus when Lifecell introduced Strattice for cosmetic patients with difficult revisions, I knew it would be quite successful in recurrent capsular contracture cases. I have used Strattice for several recurrent capsular contracture patients of mine with great success. One of the keys is to use a large enough size (Contour 2) of Strattice to prevent the capsular contracture from recurring. Although Strattice can be quite expensive, it is definitely worth the long term investment in my humble opinion. Best of luck!
Greetings, A mastopexy/augmentation procedure is a challenging one that requires experience. Referrals are a great avenue to get introduced to a plastic surgeon. The next step is to look at their credentials -- make sure they are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Subsequently, make sure the surgeon is experienced in this area. Look at several before and after photos of their work to know what to expect. Finally, establish a trusting relationship with your plastic surgeon. If you trust him/her and they are experienced with the proper credentials, you should get a fine aesthetic result.
