Edward H. Withers, MD

Dr. Withers performed reconstruction surgery on the same day I had my mastectomy. I could not have asked for better results. He was caring, informative, and a true patient advocate. I am 12 years post mastectomy and tram flap. KT

I have a protein S deficiency so a two day hospital stay was ordered. Hence the price tag. I woke with no pain. My initial results looked great but two day later I had massive amounts of swelling and my handles popped back out. I developed a seroma two weeks post op so I had to go back to surgery to clean it where the Dr. Also did a revision. I looked a little better but after ten months of swelling my stomach just looks like a smaller version of the before surgery. I am very disappointed with my results. My whole purpose of risking death was to look good naked at this point I do not. My upper abs look good but that's all. My lower stomach is loose and looks like everyone's before pic. My back and flanks are gross. I advised my surgeon on what I wanted and I know it's possible because I have many coworkers who were bigger and they have achieved the results that I seek. I am now going to research surgeons to do flankplasty.

I'm nervous/anxious and second guessing the decision to have this done. Never thought I would do it but I'm tired of this tummy and these long boobs. Currently I'm 5 ft. 7in weigh between 175 and 180 lbs; and have 36DDD breast. My highest weight was 230 a few years ago; I've tried everything except surgery to lose weight. I carry the majority of my weight in my breast and stomach. I've scheduled with Dr. Withers in Houston who I heard about through co-workers. My insurance will cover the majority of the cost for the breast reduction. I'm concerned that I'll be disappointed at the outcome, I've read so many horror stories.

Updated on 11 Apr 2016:
OMG, I'm sooooo nervous! I really pray, I'm not making a huge mistake.

Updated on 11 Apr 2016:
Just finished my pre-op with Dr. Withers. The price I was quoted and paid did not include lipo of the flanks and bra fat area. Which means I would would still have a muffin top and under arm fat.....Uurrgghhhh!!!!!....cost another $750 per area.

Updated on 17 Apr 2016:
Spent two days in the hospital following surgery. The nurses and Anesthesiogy staff were AMAZING. As nervous as I was they really put my mind at ease. I can't remember anything past the, giving me something to relax. Woke up in postop. Confused as heck. Dr. Withers was my surgeon however he didn't come see me post-op or either of the days I was hospitalized. (Verry disappointing). His intern was wonderful, Dr. Kaufman. He suggested I stay the second night because my pain still wasn't controlled. It really helped. Walking for the first time was OMG........the staff were amazing so encouraging and supportive. I'm home resting, pain is controlled but gas is awful. Still haven't gotten a look at sites, plans to do that tonight.

There was confusion around my compression garmemt, when I woke up I was wearing a binder not the garment. Nobody seemed to know where the garment was. On Friday I called the doctors office and they said it was delivered to te OR no one could find it so another was brought over prior to my discharge. Hope not having it for 2 days negatively impact my success.

Updated on 20 Apr 2016:
First post-op visit today.
OMG, PS & nurse tag teamed taking out my drains, changing all my dressings and tape lighnting fast all the while making small talk with my hubby. No warning, just right too it. My husband said it was like being at Jiffy Lube. At first I was like WTH, then it was done and I was like God, I'm soo glad that was done quickly. Little pain, not horrible. Wish I had taken a pain pills before I went.

He told me he felt like my results were going to be really good. That I'm really swollen and I need to give it time. I shared all my concerns regarding the lipo and he said let's just give it time. My silhoutte would definitely be much narrower and not boxey. I made it clear that was my expectation and he kept saying we're only 7 days out.

I was surprised that I'm still not allowed to shower.

He and his nurse had a little debate about what my breast size will be. He says average C she says small D. I want a C, not a D and I told him that prior to surgery. Im pretty pleased with how my breast are coming along.

Surprised that he doesn't want me to take anything for swelling and that I'm covered and taped, gazed all over -breast and tummy.

Going back in 7 days.

Updated on 27 Apr 2016:
2nd post op visit today.

Doctor removed stitches from breast/tummy. (OUCH!!!!). Stings like hell and 2 hours later I'm still stinging.

Wrapped me back up padding, tape, gauze hip to hip and breast. Told me I could shower but not let water hit directly on incision. Wrap myself up after drying off throughly. Lots of swelling. Received a smaller garment.

I'm concerned about my bra fat area very swollen and flanks neither area seem to have responded to Lipo. Doc said it should be fine, just be patient. I'm still questioning whether it was done.

I'm really congested and It's hard because I can't cough strong enough to get mucus to come up. doctor was hesitate but gave me a z-pack (antibiotics) and made me promise if it wasn't better by Friday to see my PCP.

Cleared to return to work on Monday and drive.

I'm so looking forward to a shower!!!!!!

Updated on 4 May 2016:
Today I'm 21 days postop and not feeling good about this decision. My breast are two different sizes and heights and one side of my tummy is larger than the other, I still have a flap and love handles although I paid for Lipo of the flanks. The bra fat area that had Lipo is swollen and lumpy.

Every question to the doctor/nurse has the same response - it's swelling, it's too early to see the real results.

Returned to work this week. Hoping/praying this gets better.

I have been stalking ppl pages, because I'm so scared of my surgery. .. more so scared of not waking up after surgery. . I'm having a breast reduction and tummy tuck at the same time.. I can imagine the pain... I will be up loading my b4 pictures in a couple day.... my PS is Dr withers.. so my surgery is April 26th.. my PS.. told me to start wash with antibiotic soap, which I already do... but told me to start using that... I have been watching youtube video and I'm really scared that my stomach won't be as flat as I hope... don't kno if I'm over thinking it or what.. my breast is a 44h.. I wanna go down to a B cup.. but they said that's not possible. . I have to be a D cup.. but I will keep you posted with pictures. .

Updated on 8 Apr 2016:
These are my b4 pictures.. I swear I hate my body... if everything goes well .. I will be getting a bbl.. in January

Updated on 26 Apr 2016:
At the hospital getting ready for surgery... plz pray for me... I'm beyond nervous.... and hoping for the best results..

Updated on 28 Apr 2016:
Went to surgery on the 26th. At 730am.. didn't get out till 4:00pm... recovery went ok... I stayed on meds... so the pain was bearable.... the burning and itching is was getting me.. and I think my breast to lil... but I will see when the swelling go away.... just happy everything went smoothd..

Updated on 29 Apr 2016:
Had a mental break down this morning... my daughter wouldn't listen to me.. she rolled her eyes.. I just want this to be over... I'm crying right now as I type... I'm tired of laying in the bed . I keep being extra hot .. one breast feels swollen as ever.. one drain won't drain.. and it has me worried..

Updated on 15 May 2016:
My breast are healing just fine.. but the middle of my incision on my stomach wont close.... and im getting really frustrated.. any one have any ideals on how to get it close

Updated on 20 May 2016:
My stomach seems very swollen, but my BB is looking good.. i love it.. but im still numb under my arms from my BR ... is this normal .. ill be 4 weeks on Wednesday...

Hey I am a 29 yr old mother of three I've had three c-section after my last c-section in august 2007 I weighted in at 218 pounds before my pregnancy I was 145 pounds do to preeclampsia & Gestational diabetes I gained well over the recommended Weight. Do to natural weight loss I developed what's called a apron I am 154 pounds now & am scheduled for a panniculectomy I'm very excited & scared at the same time any advice pictures coming soon.

Updated on 7 Feb 2015:
My surgery is only 3 days away and I'm getting very nervous, excited, scared been doing a lot of research but Dr withers makes me feel very good about every thing. BTW anyone knows how to upload photos from your phone to here?

Updated on 7 Feb 2015:
These are some of the photos I took before my surgery

Updated on 9 Feb 2015:
I am excited he said I would gets the results I wanted if I get liposuction as well so I'm doing it schedule for a panniculectomy with liposuction and a breast revision on 2/10/15 @7am

Updated on 10 Feb 2015:
My surgery was at 730am til 130pm afterwards recovery I'm still in the hospital til tomorrow doctor wanted to monitor me for 24 hours I am very swollen & sore not in very much pain more so aching from the garments they have me in from top to bottom thanks for all the well wishes and checking on me especially from @Ckbaby can't wait to see myself and show pictures.

Updated on 12 Feb 2015:
I doing okay not very much pain only very sore can't stand or walk for very long either been on a soft diet since I left the hospital my family says everything looks small lol I hope that's a good thing I been in bandage and garments since my surgery really swollen on my stomach area I will post pictures after my 1 week check up with doctor withers on Wednesday

Updated on 15 Feb 2015:
It's been 5 days since my surgery I am doing very well I can stand up almost straight no pain in my incision area just the drains my breast are still really sore and itchy I've been noticing some shortness of breath the pass two days due to pain in my breast which I will being up at my appointment my stomach is still swollen it's not flat but I didn't expect it to be seeing as I had a panniculectomy not a tummy tuck but I'm still happy cause it doesn't hang like at first. Be aware that u will be constipated for few days after surgery which is really uncomfortable but laxative and stool softer help. I will post a picture of my tummy tomorrow.

Updated on 15 Feb 2015:
Breast are still heavy bandage so no photos yet sorry.

Updated on 15 Feb 2015:


Updated on 18 Feb 2015:
Went to the doctor today got my drains remove and some stitches they put more bandages seeing as I got liposuction and gave me a new girdle to wear. I have to return in one week.

Updated on 25 Feb 2015:
Today I had all my stitches removed which was a little uncomfortable but I'm excited the doctor re bandages me on my tummy and my breast and told me he doesn't want me to return to work just yet I am currently still wearing the girdle which he recommended for the next few weeks my breast looks awesome no more pain my stomach is it swollen but I see a huge difference from not having the panniculectomy with liposuction to having it all my pants fall down now so I guess that means shopping my doctor recommend that I loss 10 more pounds to be at a more healthy weight. I will post pictures tomorrow

Updated on 9 Mar 2015:
Even though I gain 6 pounds after my surgery total I'm still happy with my results. I finally get to return to work tomorrow which is great that's a little excise that I will be getting.