I found Dr Van Beem really approachable, kind and took the time to listen and explain the process to me. I have had many surgeries over my life and was very nervous about getting a breast reduction but was put at ease from the very first appointment. I was very pleased on how quickly I have been recovering and it is only 3 weeks post op!My scars are so very thin and I tend to scar quite badly (genetics). Friends who have seen the results are very impressed at how good they look and it is only early days. I am very cautious and always research when it comes to any surgery I require and can say that Ed Van Beem is the best in what he does.
Hi. I suffer from debilitating health anxiety and wake up most mornings convinced I have cancer. I have a wonderful GP, family and friends, thank God. I decided after 13 years of having implants that I wanted rid. I was always in and out of GP with all manner of concerns and was aware that I was becoming very focused on my breasts. I felt uncomfortable sensations, and they were hard as I do full contact sports and had built up muscle etc. My GP sent me off for mammogram and an ultrasound and some infolding was reported. Following 6 month I went back as I wanted get them out as I felt they had expired and I just didn't like the feel of them. As it was 6m from last ultrasound she sent me off for another to get a report on implant current state and again, nothing sinister picked up but some infolding. I have never experienced BII as such BUT for past 13 years my health anxiety has been horrendous and it was only until my physio said that my body is in a constant state of flight, fight as its working to keep me well with having 2 foreign objects in my body. I never looked at it this way and if made my decision even more necessary to get the implants removed. I had under gel textured implants removed one week ago (yes, you can imagine my anxiety re BIA-ALCL scare) and am due back tomorrow for tape removal and check up. My anxiety is very high as I am concerned that the pathology report will pick something up but my surgeon said in the hundreds and hundreds of implants he's removed not once have any come back malignant. But because of my thought patterns I fall into the pit with 'what if'... But if Im rational, I've had 2 ultrasounds, surgeon saying all went well with surgery etc. Health anxiety is very cruel and it keeps you focused on worse possible outcome. I also had a lift and from what I can see up to now albeit the pain, I am very pleased and to be honest, the fact the implants are out of my body makes me feel extremely blessed and priveleged. I just want tomorrow over with so I can really focus on healing and be a support to anyone who is thinking of getting explant. Thanks for listening.
I had tuberoys breasts. It was so difficult to find a doctor who I felt comfortable to do the procedure. Eventually I did, and he messed my breasts up so badly, and I had to get revision done. Van Beem was so amazingly calming. When I walked into his office in tears- he was instantly calming and tried to relax me and assure me that everything would be ok. I just knew from his demeanour that he would be the doctor I would see- as I was terrified it would all go wrong again. I had the procedure in June and I never looked back. The procedure was absolutely painless and the moment I got out of hospital I was totally fine. He was a life saver- and for anyone in Perth or Western Australia wanting any procedure done, please go and see him as o assure you, he is amazing.
Have just recently went for my consultaiton in Perth, Western Australia. I loved my surgeon and he made me feel very comfortable and listened to what I wanted and why I was there. I have decided to go with 350cc, round moderate plus silicone gel! I am about 70kg (around 150lbs - I think!) and quite tall ! So hopefully they won't look to small and I do not want them to look too massive either. Very nervous but also excited, can't wait for this two weeks to pass! Will upload before and after pics as soon as I can :) Updated on 25 Nov 2013: SO one week and one day until my surgery!! Getting sooo nervous now. I was wondering if any ladies could let me know how long you wore your compression bra for?? I have one of my bestfriends birthdays just over 2 weeks after my surgery and will I need to wear it to the party? Thanks! Updated on 3 Dec 2013: So going in for surgery in about a few hours cannot wait. Lets hope I don't get too anxious! Added some before pics so you ladies can have an idea if how I look before :) wish me luck! Updated on 4 Dec 2013: Hey everyone. in recovery now !!! When I first got out was fine just very tired from anesthetic. Now am in a lot of pain and nauseous cause general anesthetic is starting to wear off damn it. My doc has used drains and I can really feel them in there and they are quite uncomfortable and can't really move. Other than that had a peek at them and love them already! Quite swollen though. Cant wait to properly see in a mirror. Heres a few pics ;) Updated on 4 Dec 2013: Got home today!! :) The nurse had to remove my drains this morning which was quite uncomfortable but deep steady breathing helped a lot while it was being done. I have some tape over my breasts which I can't take off for a week which sucks :( cause I really want to see them!! But will just have to wait, loving them so far. Updated on 6 Dec 2013: So I am a bit (alot) worried cause one boob is bigger than than the other and I am worried how it will heal, stressing out a truck load!!! Any ladies have same problem??? Updated on 27 Dec 2013: So it's about 3 weeks post op and the difference in that short time is crazy! They have dropped heaps and are starting to crease underneath giving it that really natural look which I wanted! Here are some photos :) By the way ladies, the black and white bra is a bra from Bras N Things which has a removable under wire! Which is perfect for me now almost 1 month post op, and give more support as they are starting to drop, they are about $50. Highly reccomend! SORRY about all the mess in the background! I am currently putting together IKEA draws LOL and throwing out all my old clothes!
I’ve had saggy boobs for as long as I can remember, but pregnancy and breast feeding took my sagginess to a whole new level. I have finally taken the plunge, thanks in part to the many women on this site who have shared their experiences and given me the confidence to go for it! I had my surgery yesterday and so far, m feeling pretty happy :) Updated on 18 Oct 2017: Not comfortable about sharing these... Updated on 18 Oct 2017: Pretty happy with what I can see so far. I’m swollen and heavily taped so I know my new boobs won’t exactly sit like this once they’ve completely healed. I just hope they don’t drop and flatten out too much! Pain is really quite minimal. Have been taking panadol 4 times a day which seems sufficient. I’m one of those ‘can’t sit still’ kind of people so having a tinge of pain is a good thing as it will remind me to limit my activity. I’d hate to jeopardize my healing by doing too much! Updated on 28 Oct 2017: Support tape removed. Swelling has reduced a little but still have some bruising. Really happy with how I’m healing as well as how I’m looking ??
I'm 27 years old and have had massive boobs for what feels like forever. I got all the unwanted attention throughout school and found myself unable to embrace my breasts. As time went on, pain became a daily issue. My lower back has a constant dull ache and I find myself unable to sit or stand for long periods of time. I am seeking a reduction for medical reasons so I am able to run, be active and do gymnastics again. My first consultation is in 2 weeks! Updated on 21 Sep 2017: I have approached doctors in the past to see if I can get referred to a PS but never really took the plunge. This year I am finishing my degree and will start a new chapter of my life as a graduate. I feel the time has come to revolutionise myself and that includes sorting out this medical issue! I am getting married in 1.5 years and do not want to have to sit down after simply walking down the aisle. (Due to back and neck pain) I also enjoy doing gymnastics, but I'm fairly limited in what skills I can do due to the size of my chest. My first consultation is in two weeks with Dr. Mark Lee. I will let you know how it goes. Photos attached from today Updated on 24 Sep 2017: I haven't even had my consult yet and I'm so ready to have small boobs! I took some more photos today. I took some with me holding my boobs up and it makes me look so much slimmer. Only two more weeks to go until my first consult (it was meant to be this week but it got pushed back) Updated on 1 Oct 2017: I’ve been ready for my appointment for weeks so I’m just reading over my research and questions I’ve come up with. I’ll share my questions and if I’ve missed anything - let me know! (This community is the best at helping our fellow sisters) Will any of it be covered by medicare/insurance? Issues for breastfeeding How do I mentally prepare for it? Pre op and post op care How many breast reductions have you performed? What are the major risks and the chances of them happening? What method/procedure will you use on me and why? What would you consider an ‘in proportion’ size for me? Do you consider what size I wish to be? What are my options if I’m not happy with the results i.e. misshapen nipples — or there are complications? What is a ‘free nipple graft’ and will I need it? Updated on 3 Oct 2017: The dreaded bra marks ???? Updated on 12 Oct 2017: Hi friends. This week I had two breast reduction consults with Dr Mark Lee and Dr Ed Van Beem. Firstly, I must advise that these are my personal opinions and your experiences may differ. I had researched my surgeons for a while and got recommendations off friends and my GP. I narrowed it down to the two above and booked in for a BR consult. The first consult was booked in with Dr Mark Lee. Dr Mark Lee was my first preference to be my surgeon from my own reading. His office is in Subiaco and was busy. It felt like there was a lot going on and everything was rushed. I waited half an hour before being seen. I understand surgeons are often busy people so at this point, I was feeling happy and eager. I met with Dr Mark Lee and he ran through his procedure and my medical history before looking at my breasts. After this, he showed me a slideshow of before and afters and I feel comfortable. I wanted to ask my list of questions but kinda felt talked over - again I understand this since surgeons have done this time and time again. At this point I had been with him for 30 minutes and was then ushered out to sort out the finance. I left the appointment feeling slightly disappointed and like I had been rushed through. The next consult was with Dr Ed Van Beem who was my second/alternative surgeon. His office is in Perth and it was easy to find parking and it was not busy. I only waited ten minutes before being seen. As soon as I entered I felt completely different. Ed was happy, calm and humourous. He talked slowly and allowed me to ask all my questions, I even had a chance to show him my comparison chart I made to show what I thought would be too small and too big (thanks to another RealSelf user for the idea!!) He then went through his procedure and before and afters. He chooses internal sutures and showed how much better it looks post op. He then analysed my breasts and discussed the surgery from start to finish. Needless to say, as I was ushered to the office manager to sort the finance, I was sold. I am fairly certain I will be using Dr Ed Van Beem for my BR in the coming weeks. Just need to sort out money and insurance! Updated on 20 Oct 2017: I’m scheduled in for my BR surgery for 6 December! I’ve got 5 more weeks of uni and then will pretty much be under the knife. Just before Christmas so I get extra time off to recover. I’m now starting my surgery shopping list. I need a large upright pillow and a bed table. Please let me know your shopping list must haves! Or any tips for post surgery comfort! I’m a belly sleeper so not looking forward to being on my back for so long. Updated on 31 Oct 2017: For those who were like me at the beginning of my journey, money and the rebates were one of my main concerns. I did not wish to wait on the public system since I needed my new boobs fairly quickly for my upcoming wedding. A bit of background: I’m going private. I have a low level of health insurance cover with HBF. My doctor organised referrals to see the surgeons which helped keep costs down (you can claim back off Medicare with a referral) As you can see from the photos, I was quoted $7500 for the surgery and $1650 for the anaesthetist with rebates of approximately $1400. Thankfully, my insurance covers the hospital and theatre costs so I have saved approx $4000! Hopefully this helps someone :) Updated on 28 Nov 2017: Well it has been a minute since I last posted. To fill you in, I’ve paid off my surgery in full (personal loan from the bank of Mum) and I just finished my last exam EVER!!! I have one week in between the finish of uni and my surgery so I aim to work as much as I can and get all my Christmas Shopping done in this time. I’m not nervous at all - however this may change. Right now, my main concern is the heat. It’s a solid 30°C (86°F) most days and it’s increasing. I’ve complied my shopping list and will write a post on that after the surgery with what was essential and what may not have been useful. One week tomorrow!!! Count down is on. Updated on 6 Dec 2017: Hello everyone. I have had my surgery and I the results look good so far! No complications. The worst part was having the drains removed. The size and shape already look awesome. I will write a longer post when I’m fully conscious. Happy healing! Updated on 7 Dec 2017: Hello everyone! Now that I am two days out from surgery, I thought I would share my experience with you all. I was admitted around 9am in the morning and had the initial interview with the nurse. At around 10am I was lead into the theatre. My surgeon (Dr Van Been) was fabulous. My anaesthetist (Dr Hugh Speirs) was fabulous. They even asked me what I would like to listen to as I drifted off - my obvious response was Taylor Swift! When I awoke from surgery, I was panicky and confused. I was feeling extremely nauseous and I tired so hard to communicate to the nurses that I was going to be sick. I couldn't seem to get the words out, but they somehow managed to get a sick bag into my hand and I threw up. It was approx 12:30 and I was not fully conscious at this time. They wheeled me into my room where I stayed for a few more hours trying to sleep off the anaesthetic. When I finally felt a bit more awake, I was in a little bit of pain. They gave me paracetamol and some other drug that went under my tongue, that worked wonders (I can't remember the name) My family came to visit me around 3:30pm and I was still feeling funny. They left around 6pm, I ate some dinner and then watched YouTube until I fell asleep. Sleeping was difficult. I am a solid tummy sleeper and found sleeping on my back so uncomfortable. I ended up laying on my side ever so slightly and would change sides every 2 hours or so. I did not need any strong meds over night. I didn't sleep well and at about 5:30am I woke up to go to the toilet. I was a bit wobbly on my feet and actually pulled a bit at my drains which caused a small leak. After the toilet, I requested some pain meds in the hope that I could get some more sleep - I didn't. Breakfast arrived around 7:30am and then shortly after, my nurse arrived to remove the drains. This was the worst part of the whole hospital stay. I was struggling to stay calm and steady my breathing, however, the unknown was making me super anxious and nauseous. My nurse was AMAZING, she kept me so calm and explained what was going to happen. I was told to breathe in and then exhale like I was blowing out candles. As I exhaled, she removed the drain. I was pleasantly surprised that it was over with in that short breath of air. The second drain was not as simple. I will spare some of the details, but it was much more painful. The drain was 'stuck' and when it was removed, I felt a rush of 'liquid' come out of my side. I was sure I was going to pass out. Thankfully, my wonderful nurse talked me through it, comforted me and kept me breathing. They were both out!! HURRAY! My fiancé collected me at 10am and we went home. The best things that I have noticed so far: 1. Braiding my hair - this is my number 1 tip. The hospital staff all commented on what a great idea this is (thank you other RealSelf friends for the advice!) It has kept me looking cute, and I won't need to brush/wash my hair for at least a week. 2. A pillow for the car home - brilliant. I was so comfortable with the pillow between my chest and the seatbelt. A must-have for anyone who has chest surgery. 3. Neck pillow - as a tummy sleeper, this has also been a godsend. I am able to work the pillow so that it feels like I am sleeping on my side (if that makes any sense) 4. Heat pack - as above, my neck and back have been SO STIFF since I have been restricted to laying on my back. The heat pack on my neck soothes my aching muscles. 5. My fiancé - he has been the best nurse I could ask for. He was washed me, clothed me and responded to every text of 'i need meds, put the air con on' etc. Thats all for now, happy healing! Updated on 15 Dec 2017: Heyyy friends. I have had a good week. Pain around my chest has been manageable and I’ve been sleeping ok. At points I’ve felt so good that I feel guilty for not being at work! However, for some reason, I’ve got excruciating pain in my upper back which is travelling through my neck and giving me headaches. The last three days, the pain in my back has been my biggest problem. Yesterday morning, at 5:30, I yelled for my fiancé to get me some pain meds and help me sit up - the pain was that bad I couldn’t move. The pain relief meds I was given for the surgery weren’t able to tackle this pain. I ended up seeing my GP and got a script for some anti-inflammatory meds and that has helped immensely. At my first post op appointment, I had my tape changed and the surgeon said everything looks fine. I am so pleased with the results and I understand it’s early days and scabs etc is to be expected. I have noticed a small dog ear but I’d say that will settle over the coming weeks. That’s it for now! Another update at the two week mark. Happy healing! Updated on 19 Dec 2017: See photo! Updated on 19 Dec 2017: I got my first ‘crop top’ bra today!! I am obsessed. I haven’t been able to get sized yet, but the crop in the photo is a size L. I am seriously so EXCITED to wear something like this and the back detail is just gorgeous!! Updated on 29 Dec 2017: I’m now three weeks post op. I survived Christmas and am back at work. The back pain has lessened and I have little to no pain in my chest. Still a bit tender to bend and reach. I had a day where I felt they were too big and I had another day where I was getting annoyed that I can’t exercise.. so really going through the motions. As for the incisions, they look amazing. I am so pleased at the results. My surgeon says I can start scar treatment any day now. Happy healing!
I am 37yo with 2 kids (6yo and 9months). Breastfeeding and having large children (my husband is 6'6") has taken its toll on my body. I am the last person you expect to have plastic surgery however I no longer want to look like I'm 6months pregnant. This is the largest I've ever been including pregnancy. I've always been slim to normal weight. Since having our second child I have found that despite going to the gym 4-6 x week trialling different classes, eating clean - I am seeing no change to my body. I have always joked to my husband that once we're done having children I want a new set of boobs as a reward for all that kids put your body through, but was never too serious. Well, here I am with just a little over 2 weeks until I have a mommy makeover. I am scheduled to have: TT, BA 375cc round high profile, BL, lipo to my abdomen, flank, thighs, buttocks. I have been told that I am borderline between requiring a full TT and a mini TT as I don't have much loose skin. Dr Vanbeem will be using a special suturing technique as my abdomen will be very tight. I have decided to write a review as i have found reading others journeys helpful and have been stalking this site for a while. Updated on 23 Jun 2016: Wow. I can't believe I am 10 days post op (the pics are day 8 post op). I have absolutely no regrets except waiting this long to have the procedure. I was in surgery for 5hrs 15mins. The first 2 days I spent sleeping, vomiting and curled up in the 'banana' position. I ended up with a blood collection to my right breast (I had some drained yesterday and will have further drainage in a few days). My husband and the nursing staff were fabulous and tended to my every need. Surprisingly I had few problems walking/moving, although it did take me 5 days to walk upright. The surgeon took just under 4pounds of fat through lipo and 2pounds from my abdomen. Apparently I bruise easily (as you can see in my pics). I am fortunate enough to have a a surgeon who allowed me to stay in hospital for 4 days to ensure I had recovered adequately. I have to wear the corsettes 24/7 for the next few weeks to allow for a smoother skin appearance and accelerate results from lipo. I am allowed to shower as long as I use a hairdryer on the dressings as none of them contain gauze. The hardest part of being home is not being able to 'pick up' my 10month old. I have been advised not to lift anything over 5kg for 6weeks. I am almost back to normal with most activities of daily living however I cannot: lift/ twist/ sneeze/ cough without being in a lot of pain. First thing in the morning my tummy feels really tight and I am moving slowly. I am looking forward to loosing all of my dressings and being able to lift things again. I am hoping to update again in a few days time.
