Elizabeth Kim, MD

Dr. Kim is an all star! Being premed, she’s someone I look up to, and as far as being a patient, she is someone I felt did a spectacular job! From pre-op to surgery to post-op, I truly felt cared for and in phenomenal hands. Her staff is also amazing and in particular, Cynthia, made a positive impact on my overall post op appointment. Thank you Dr. Kim for being a strong, lovable physician in a sometimes male dominated speciality. You rock!

I had breast cancer in 2000 and received a lumpectomy, radiation (including nipple), and large biopsy which left me with a little more than half a breast with a nipple bent completely toward the right side so that the nipple was barely visible. Most of the right side of the right breast consisted of hard scar tissue and the right breast stood high on the chest from radiation and was half size due to treatment. Over the years the normal left breast gained weight and drooped leaving me with a pair of breasts that didn't appear to go together. I had to wear a bra to fit the normal breast and use a prosthesis in the right cup. Nothing ever fit and I couldn't wear a sundress or anything without a bra. I consulted several plastic surgeons through the years and they all told me there was nothing that could be done due to the radiation treatment which took elasticity out of my breast skin. THEN, my new breast provider suggested I try a new procedure "fat transfer" and gave me a couple surgeons who were performing this surgery. I picked Dr. Elizabeth Kim, Cedar Sinai, Beverly Hills, Ca
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She was skeptical because of the severely hardened scarring and lack of tissue on the affected side of the breast. We tried it anyway. Over about two years, I had 3 fat transfers. Little by little the breast filled out and Dr. Kim was as astonished as was I that she was able to release the scar tissue to acquire a softened and fuller breast. She had hoped for a 20% improvement. I and she agree that the improvement was 90-100%. She also did a breast reduction to the normal breast. The result: I have 2 equally sized attractive breasts and I can wear a bra with no prosthesis and I can even go without a bra and it looks great! Note: The above cost of $6000 is just a guess on my part. Insurance paid for my procedures so I'm not sure of the price

Elizabeth Kim is a masterful surgeon. I researched quite of few options for my preventative double mastectomy with reconstruction and chose her following the recommendation of my breast oncologist, her direct, humorous bedside manner, and her promise to minimize surgeries to 2, when other plastic surgeons wanted to perform a minimum of 3. I am so pleased with the results. My breasts are truly beautiful! The best part is she takes insurance.

I had a breast reduction from Dr. Kim 10 weeks ago. She did a beautiful job taking me from a DDD to a perfect C. I healed very quickly, and my breasts are even and look great. I was nervous when I went in for my consultation, but her cheerful, sweet, and thoughtful manner put me at ease immediately. She let me talk and ask a million questions and answered each one. Her office took the reins and helped me get my insurance company's approval. The day of pre-op and then on surgery day, Dr. Kim could not have been more sweet and reassuring. Which really lessened my fears. I am 63 and was not looking forward to surgery. It took 4 hours, I spent a little time in recovery with the wonderful staff, and then I went home feeling good. I was wrapped and had on the support bra they supplied, and I spent a few nights in a recliner. It wasn't hard. I really had no pain to speak of, just slight discomfort. I took the pain killers for 3 days and then I switched to Tylenol, and they did the trick. When I finally saw my breasts, I could not believe how beautiful they were. Dr. Kim is an artist. Truly. I could not be more happy with the final result and really the entire process. I went to my dermatologist the other day for my yearly scan and when she saw my breasts, she couldn't believe how beautiful they were. She asked for Dr. Kim's name, wrote it down and put it in her pocket. Dr. Kim is who you are looking for. I can't recommend her highly enough. I am grateful to her for her artistry, expertise and kindness. And my pretty new breasts.

Dr. Elizabeth Kim: AWESOME PHYSICIAN!, and I acknowledge and believe that GOD ordained our meeting! I knew I was going to experience an experience the moment she walked into the exam(more like a comfort) room! Her beautiful, comforting smile is amazing while I'm on this journey of breast reconstuction, post breast cancer surgery. Dr. Kim's staff is also just as comforting and awesome as she is! I was so touched when I was called by Juanisha(could be spelled wrong

Grateful to have had the compassionate & talented Dr Betty Kim do reconstructive surgery following my breast cancer. I had lost quite a bit of tissue from my lumpectomy & subsequent radiation. I am an athletic woman and found myself really unbalanced due to the different sizes of my breasts and I was beginning to feel very uncomfortable. After meeting with my breast oncologist (Dr. Bill Audeh) & breast surgeon (Dr. Alice Chung) they both pointed me in Dr. Kim's direction. At my initial meeting Dr Kim stated "I know exactly what we need to do," it was such a relief to be in such capable hands, she got it, I had been suffering for quite awhile. Dr. Kim & her staff were wonderful pre-op & post-op. Their aftercare was thorough. They referred me to their best possible physical therapist the amazing Stephanie Bolling to prevent scaring like I had experienced following my lumpectomy. All & all my experience was nothing but positive and coming from a Boston medical family of eight doctors I am very discerning when it comes to my healthcare & I believe Dr. Kim is one of the best doctors to ever treat me. I can beyond recommend her, I'm a devotee, she's the best of the best.

One year ago (when I was 30 years old) I was diagnosed with DCIS Stage 1 breast cancer. One of my biggest fears was how my breasts were going to look after everything. During my consultation with one of the doctors at Cedars Sinai - I expressed how important to me that my breasts look as normal as possible after a double mastectomy. He then referred me to best reconstructive cosmetic surgeon ever - Dr. Betty Kim and because of her, I have the best confidence any woman can dream of. The pictures speak for itself. My first consultation with Dr. Kim changed my spirit completely. Before meeting with her, I googled pictures of women after their reconstruction and I was terrified. I was really nervous at first. The receptionist checked me in and then I was called back into a room where I met Dr. Kim. She’s a great listener and I explained to her that I work at a pool party club in Las Vegas and that I would be continuing to work throughout my surgeries. She was very understanding, funny, yet professional at the same time. After my double mastectomy, I had to stay two extra nights in the hospital and Dr. Kim saw me every morning to make sure everything was okay. Expanders were put in. Then every other week, I would drive down to the office and she would inject saline to stretch out my skin. I did this about 4x and it was time for the swap. During that same time, she also did fat grafting and she took fat from my thighs and inserted it into the breast area. They looked so natural! I did another round of fat grafting and now my breasts looks amazing - I’d say they look better then before the mastectomy. I have very minimal scarring and I always get compliments. No one would ever believe all the surgeries that I’ve gone through. I’ve already referred another woman that was going through the same thing I was - she saw my pictures I posted post surgery. Dr. Kim is hands down the best and if you have any questions, please feel free to send me a private message.

I am hoping to have relief from the upper and lower back pain. I'd like to learn to run, for the first time in my life. Tired of wearing bras with no support to avoid pain. I developed large breasts as an 11 year old child. I don't know what life will be like with smaller breasts. I am a little nervous about the recovery phase.

Updated on 27 Mar 2016:
I've just read some other ladies posts about how they felt before surgery. I began to ask myself, 'How do YOU feel?' Well, that is a loaded question that I'll try to answer in a few words. I'm not scared, but I do feel apprehensive. I wonder if my surgeon will leave enough breast so that I am not a pear shape. I'm a big girl, not a skinny-minnie. I also wonder if I will regret this irreversible decision. I'm afraid of being depressed and I dread a rough recovery.

At the same time, I think of my aunts and great-grandmother who suffered with large breasts and consider myself blessed to have this option. I pray that everything I've heard is true. That after the surgery I will feel lighter and free of pain. I pray that this will happen for me. If it doesn't happen, I shouldn't have gone through all of this.

But, mostly I am looking forward to learning to run, to wearing bras that don't hurt, to wearing clothes that fit better, and to being happy with my new boobs.

I read Kate's New Boobs and she inspired me to celebrate this decision. Thank you Kate. I will celebrate!!

Updated on 28 Mar 2016:
It's 5am and I'm on my way to the hospital. I'm not nervous at this point. I stayed up most of the night making sure the house was clean, dishes washed, pillows fluffed. I hydrated myself well the last few days in hopes of them finding a good vein. It's only a seven minute ride to the hospital and we're almost there. The next time I check in, my big breasts will be gone forever!

Updated on 29 Mar 2016:
Well, I did it! There were a moments when I thought about cancelling the surgery. Even as I was walking through the doors to be prepped, I thought about telling them I had changed my mind. Somehow I knew I had to do this, for me.

Yesterday, after the sugery, the pain was awful. It was as I expected from reading all the blogs. (Thank God for all of you who freely share your experiences.) It was a very long day. We arrived at 5:15 am and left around 6:35 pm. I have anaphylactic reactions to penicillin and my doctor inadvertently prescribed an antibiotic that I shouldn't take. So, we had to stop by the pharmacy on the way home. Once I got home I was so thankful. My chair was waiting for me.

My family is taking good care of me. I am divorced, so no hubby to help out. My daughter(age 27) took the night shift and mom the day shift. I am in pain, but it's not unbearable. I have more family who volunteered to help.

I am glad I did it. Will write more later. Here are the before and after pics. My surgeon marked my heavy size G breasts. I am pleased with the results.

Updated on 30 Mar 2016:
I'm off of the pain meds. Just Tylenol. Narcotics were giving me bad dreams. :-)
I slept most of the day yesterday.

This morning I had my first shower. I read another post where the you ladies mom poured water over her breasts to clean them, so that what I did. I used surgical scrub and water to make a soapy wash. I used a clean pitcher to gently pour the soapy wash over my breasts. Then, I used clean cleat water to rinse them. I used a shower chair because I felt very lightheaded. Now I'm clean and in the bed. It feels good.

My drains have slowed down tremendously. My daughter made a chart. We also have a tablet to record the amount of drainage.

Updated on 30 Mar 2016:
I have much more energy today. I feel better and at the same time I feel super restricted because of all the things I can't do.

I need to go in for a bandage change and hopefully at least one drain removal. The drains aren't bothering me; but they do limit what I can do.

I haven't spent much time looking at my new boobies. I'm sure that will come. Oh, and by the way (BTW), if I didn't mention it before, I have sensation in both nipples. My left more than my right.

Good night and I'll post again tomorrow.

Updated on 31 Mar 2016:
No real change from yesterday. Every day I do feel a little bit better. My drains are almost empty. The main complaint I have is I am experiencing quite a bit of lightheadedness.

I spoke to the Physician's Assistant in my Dr's office. She told me to increase my fluids. The amount of breast tissue removed was just under 5 lbs. So, quite extensive. She said to rest and drink lots of fluids. Will do. :-)

Otherwise, everything is okay. I'm in some pain but mainly discomfort. Like a lot of ladies on the site, I want to get out and do things, but I know I need to rest. One comment was to be patient. So, I'm working on being patient as I recover.

I feel like I need to be productive in some way. So, I used my office chair, which is on rollers, to sit on in the kitchen as I made roasted Brussels sprouts. It's an easy dish and doesn't require a lot of energy or time to make.

I have some puzzles in the front room, the electronic Scrabble game, Netflix, Hulu and Amazon. I have books to read, bills to pay...That should keep me busy for a bit. :-)

I'm thankful that I feel good and that I am not experiencing any complications. I'll check in again tomorrow ladies.

Updated on 1 Apr 2016:
Today I feel much better. I'm weaning myself off of Tylenol even though I still have pain and discomfort. I went out for the first time since the surgery; drains and all. The drains were were hanging in the front under my blouse. I looked like I was 6 months pregnant. But I didn't care.

After going to the bank and to Costco, I felt exhausted. We stopped and got food and headed home. My left breast was aching. I think I overdid it. We had family over and finally, I had to excuse myself, head home (next door) so I could go to bed. (I live next door to my mom and my daughter lives a mile away).

Before heading to I decided to try and change my bandages by myself. My cousin, who is a nurse, gave me tips on how to do it. I did pretty good until I got on my right side. That side is oozing quite a bit. The discharge is getting lighter, but it still seems to soil my bras. I had to get help with the right side.

Now I'm in the bed. I know I have another her week and a half of sleeping on my back. I accidentally laid on my side yesterday and the pain was excruciating. I have sooo many pillows in my bed to keep me comfortable.

My nipples are beginning to fill in. The were flattened out. I can't imagine going back to size G breasts. What a miserable thought. Thank God for dedicated surgeons like Dr. Kim. I am thankful to be able to live without suffering.

I'm posting pics of me in a sports bra before surgery. What a difference!

Updated on 2 Apr 2016:
Today is not a good day. I can't seem to get to sleep. I've been up all night and still I am wide awake.

TMI Alert!
Some good things have been happening though. I did not experience constipation since I stopped using pain meds after the second day. I've been eating yogurt, fruit, southern-style greens and drinking lots of water. So on day 3 or 4, I was regular again.

Other than those things, everything is basically the same.

I will see my surgeon on the 6th. I hope the drains will be removed. The fluid in the drains is minimal and becoming clearer.

I ordered a couple of sleeping bras last night. I took off my surgical bra and put on two very snug camisoles instead. I feel better and the pain/discomfort is better.

That's all I have for today. I'll check in again tomorrow.

Updated on 3 Apr 2016:
First, let's talk about the DRAINS.

My right drain is not draining anymore. I'm not sure if it's clogged or if the fluid is mostly gone. I called the doctor on call and he asked me to come in tomorrow morning so he can check it out. I'm so excited at the thought of being drain-less. Once the drains are gone, I can get dressed and go places without worrying about the drains being seen and sticking out through my clothing. I pray that the drains are removed tomorrow. If not, for sure they will be removed on Wednesday when I see Dr, Kim or the PA for my first post-op appointment. (will attach a couple of pics of the drains. It'll be a little yucky, but may be helpful to someone else.)

HOW MY DAY HAS BEEN:
Today was a great day! I slept sooo good last night. I woke up with lots of energy and in a great mood. I decided to think about all the things I COULD do instead of the things I couldn't.

I decided to take the sheets off of the bed and throw them in the wash. I prepared everything for my shower to make it easier for my daughter when she came to change my bandages and help me bathe. I moved my car out of the driveway and on to the street (they keep blocking me in). Once the drains are taken out and I'm no longer lightheaded, I can start driving again.

After my shower, I got dressed and made lunch for my daughter. She made up the bed and washed the dishes. I took a nap and went shopping online. I purchased a couple of new dresses and 2 sports bras to wear to work and 2 sleeping bras. I think I'll have enough bras to get me through the 3 month period when I am required to wear a bra day and night.

I feel great and believe the worst days are behind me. I'm very enthusiastic about my life with smaller boobs. I am very thankful. Can't believe I actually did it. It's like a dream.

More tomorrow.

Updated on 5 Apr 2016:
I woke up so excited about the day. I couldn't wait for the drains to be removed. Then, I got scared that it would be painful. I took two extra strength Tylenol before the removal. The funny thing is, I didn't even feel the removal. It was quick and painless. Although I'm thankful to have had them in to remove the excess fluid; I feel better now that I don't have to wag those drains around every day.

Now that the drains are gone, I thought I could get back to life as usual. NOT!!! My surgeon is really strict about the recovery process. She says she gets excellent results. So, no exercise, no driving long distances...yadda, yadda, yadda. Basically, I was told, the only thing I can do is wash myself. Lol! I know it's going to be hard and that I need to exercise extreme patience to get through the next couple of weeks. But, that's okay. I want to get the best results possible and don't want any complications.

I will probably post once a week until the tape falls off and I can see the 'true' results. Then I can post final pics. I feel good and I am so very happy I had the surgery. Now, I need to lose more weight to get my stomach down. :-)

My advice to anyone considering having a breast reduction is to wait until you're ready. If I had done it ten years ago when it was first offered to me, it would not have been the right time. Now was the right time for me.

Unless something extraordinary happens, I'll be back to post next Monday.

Updated on 11 Apr 2016:
HOW AM I DOING???
It's hard to believe it's been 2 weeks. Time flies. Each day I feel a little better. I haven't used Tylenol for the past few days. I only take one or two when the pain won't subside. In the past week I have become a little itchy on my breasts (not the incisions). I also noticed that the bras tend to aggravate the incisions and I am experiencing some soreness on and around the breasts. My nipples are becoming increasingly sore. I'm not sure if it's because of all the movement which is causing them to rub against the bras or what. But mostly I'm able to tolerate the pain.

I'm taking 'quickie' showers and have been able to wash my hair. After my shower, I blow dry the tape on my incisions using the cool setting. I am a bit restless so If I'm uncomfortable sleeping in the bedroom, I sometimes sleep sitting up in the living room. I'm kind of getting used to sleeping on my back. Though I've also partially been sleeping on my side. I put a couple of pillows behind me and one under the side I'm sleeping on. I can't stay in that position for long, but it's nice to sleep on my side, even for a little while.

Seems like any little thing I do tires me out. I can usually stay active for 1-2 hours at a time. After that, I have to rest or take a nap. I'm trying to build my stamina before I return to work on the 26th.

I have driven 3 or 4 times since the surgery. Mostly I've been at home, laying on my back - resting. I have been doing a little housework, like washing and folding clothes, washing dishes and putting them away, making my bed and generally straightening the house up. Otherwise, Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime (videos) have become my best friends. :-) My appetite seems to have decreased, which is good, since I'm not as active as I usually am.

BRAS!!!
Okay, I admit it; I've been shopping online quite a bit for bras. Yesterday, I visited Walmart and bought some bras too. Since I will be wearing these bras for a few months, I decided I needed enough bras for work and for home. I am satisfied that I have enough bras to last me. :-) Last count, I have 10 bras for sleeping and lounging around the house and 7 to wear to work.

As time goes along, the bras seem to rub on the incisions. It's painful and very uncomfortable. Someone on YouTube used sanitary pads under her bras to help with the soreness. I tried it and it works. Instead of a regular pad, I'm using pantyliners. So far, they seem to be doing the trick. I place the liners on the bra with the adhesive strips. It's easy and cheap. Works for me. :-)

That's my one week update. I'll post next week - week 3. Until then...'be well.'

Updated on 20 Apr 2016:
This week was a lot like the week before. The biggest change is the increase in energy. I am feeling like I'm almost back to normal. I have more energy than I had before. Even though I still get very tired, I am able to do more.

At first, it was not a problem sleeping on my back because I kept pillows all around me and slept in a simi-sitting position. The better I began to feel, the less I felt like I needed the pillows. A few times I woke up on my stomach. (Which is the way I normally sleep.) The pain woke me up. When I talked to the P.A. she said that sleeping on my breasts would cause too much pressure on the sutures. So now I am surrounded by pillows again to keep me from flipping on my stomach at night.

The swelling seems to have gone down quite a bit. I feel like my breasts are a little lower than they were last time I checked in.

It still hurts when people hug me too closely and sometimes the bras are uncomfortable at night.

The itching and soreness continues to be a problem. I have also broken out in rashes, but it may not be related to the surgery. The doctor believes it may be a food allergy.

I have been clothes shopping and feel good about the way my body looks with the smaller breasts. Family members insist that I've lost weight. The reduction makes me look smaller. I'm happy about that.

I am still taped and will see the surgeon on the 29th of April, three days after I return to work. I can't wait to see what the breasts look like without the tape.

That's all for my update. I'll check back in next Monday. ????

Updated on 13 Jun 2016:
Hello Fellow Realselfers! I waned to give a final update on my progress.

The GOOD
I am so glad I had the surgery. It has been a blessing. I would like to first share a few of the great changes that I am experiencing. The nagging back pain that was constant and unrelenting, is now gone!!!! I had a very tight area in my upper back that was the result of my body compensating for the extra weight of the breasts...that pain is also gone. When I do water aerobics I don't have to worry about my breasts coming out of my bathing suit...it doesn't happen anymore. :-) My clothes fit better. I know this is weird to say, but it's as if I don't have breasts anymore. Before, the weight from the bra was so much that I couldn't wait to get home and take my bra off!!! Now, I rarely even feel that I have a bra on. What a blessing. I love that v-necks fit properly now and that my sun dresses look good. I'm happy with the look of them in my clothes.

The BAD
My incisions are not completely healed, so I can't wear a regular bra without being in pain afterwards. Therefore...I only wear sports-like bras - and I'm fine with that. Because I'm a big girl...the tummy looks a bit bigger; but I expected that and am working to get some of that tummy down.

The UGLY
There are noticeable scars on the sides. To help with the healing process, I'm using vitamin E that I bought at Whole Foods for about $10 and Palmers Cocoa Butter to help with lightening. My scars are dark and some are a attempting to keloid a little. I'm okay with that. What I'm NOT okay with are those little bags of fat hanging on the side. OMGoodness, I heard others talk about the little bags, but I didn't even think I would get them. Oh well, no more surgeries and no liposuction for me. If I had it to do over, I would have asked the surgeon to do lipo on that area to avoid them.

Otherwise, I'm happy with my decision. I would do it again in a heartbeat. I love my life and have not complaints. I will add pics of my breasts and the oils I'm using.

Updated on 13 Jun 2016:
I almost forgot!!! So important...once the swelling goes down, so do the breasts. They are still 'perky' but definitely not as perky as they were at first. It took me a little getting used to them 'deflating' a bit. I am sometimes worried that they will be completely flat when I wake up. Lol. But, they're fine. Oh yeah, I am finally able to sleep on my tummy. Ahhh! I'm in sleep heaven now. :-)

Take care of yourself through the process and enjoy the new you!!!!

Updated on 14 Jun 2016:
I had to take these myself. Not the best angle, but you get the idea. Love my new boobies. :-) ???

Updated on 14 Jun 2016:
I had no complications and overall I'm pleased with the results.

First, Dr. Kim's staff is outstanding. They are gracious and professional all the while creating a warm and welcoming environment. And they run a tight ship; I've never waited more than three or four minutes.

Dr. Betty Kim is highly skilled, very straightforward about what can and cannot be achieved, and so delightful. She removed encapsulated implants, reduced previous scarring, and did some pretty amazing fat grafting. Thanks to Dr. Kim (and breast cancer) I'm 50 and have the body of a 25 year old!

I wouldn't trust anyone else!

Well, I've been a realself.com stalker for about 8 months now, ever since I decided to resize the girls. I'm scheduled for surgery August 29, and can't wait!
I was diagnosed with Lupus in 2004, and have suffered from fibromyalgia and rheumatoid arthritis for many years as well. I'm 45, 5'7" 138 lbs. over the last two years, my back and dock pain has increased significantly, as has my breast size.
I was a 34D at the time of my Lupus diagnosis, trying without success to have a child. I suffered a total of 10 miscarriages over 6 years of trying, which meant I was pregnant for a total of more than 24 months between them all. Each loss changed my body a bit and brought with it an emotional and physical downhill freight train. After the last loss in 2009, I was basically bedridden for almost 3 years with terrible pain, fatigue and as you might suspect depression.
Each loss also left me a cup use or so larger, so today I am a 31H. A 31" frame wasn't made to support an H cup! The weight and size limits my physical activity, although I am able to be much more active now. And I now struggle with constant neck and back pain. I'm hopeful the reduction will alleviate my pain, and help me be less self conscious about them! My posture has degraded a great deal over the years, due to both the physical issues with the size and weigh, but also emotional. I hide them as best I can! I have very few summer tis, which is tough living in LA. But, I can't just throw on a tank top or tee without under armor! I can't wait to wear a racer back or sleeveless top with a simple, much less expensive bra!
I know in this forum I'm preach into the choir, an you are all familiar with these issues and struggles, but I thought I'd share my story and journey to the new me!

Updated on 22 Aug 2013:
One more week! I can't believe my countdown is coming to a close. Literally dreaming of the day I can throw on a tank top and go out in the warm LA sunshine (with sunscreen of course) wearing a normal or maybe even no bra, or going to the pool or beach in a normal size bathing suit! I've been a little nervous about healing, since I take immune suppressant drugs for my Lupus. But, I've been reading a lot and I'm not too worried. I'm excellent at listening to my body and following directions where my health is concerned. So, this should be fine. I'm currently a little uncomfortable, since I am in the window of taking no pain medications. That, coupled with an interruption in taking some of my lupus meds, has me in a bit of pain at the moment. But, its tolerable - and well worth it, since the great life changing surgery is just around the corner! Thank you for your thank yous and comments! I will update again after the deed is done!

Updated on 28 Aug 2013:
So, I've just had a nice bath, yummy protein rich dinner and all around lovely evening. Getting ready for a few hours sleep before we head over to the surgery center. Very excited! A little nervous too. I got my 'body art' today in prep at the doc's. thought I'd share that lovely transitional look before the big day!

Updated on 29 Aug 2013:
I made it, don't feel too bad, allthough I definitely need pain meds every 4 hours or so.

It's hard to tell, but we think I'm a C, and it looks good to me, even squished into the surgical bra.

My neck feels better already, maybe from it being stationary and relaxed for so long, or maybe the weight. I do feel slightly wobbly, but my equilibrium should balance out soon.

Sorry for the poor photo quality, I'll get my guy to take better ones soon! Thanks for all the encourageing comments!

Updated on 31 Aug 2013:
Only 2 days, and I got to take the bandages off and shower today. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised! I am bruised a bit, and they aren't perfect yet, but they look pretty good! I feel great! A little sore, but not bad.

I'm dying to try on a bunch of clothes for normal use chests! I have bathing suits I bought that never fit, tops that were too tight - all sorts of stuff, but I don't want to overdo. I am a bit worn out just from the shower. I do have a what used to be tight tee over the bra pictured and it fits perfectly, not tight at all! And my husband just told me he thin I look! Bonus!

My neck and back feel good too, even though I've had to sleep just on my back. So far I'm thrilled with having this done! Each day of healing is bound to bring on even better news!

Updated on 31 Aug 2013:
Here's an au natural photo... Little bruising, but not bad for just two days!

Updated on 5 Sep 2013:
My pathology results came back, and I have atypical lobulan hyperplasia (bilateral). According to my wonderful doctor and the little bit of research I've done - that means my risk of breast cancer is 4 to 5 times higher than most women my age. So, she recommended I see a good breast oncologist here in LA, once I get further in my healing and I will probably get on a 6-12 month routine of intensive breast routine screening to included mammograms, which of course I already do, and MRI, etc. Since my tissue is so dense, my regular screening might not have caught this! So, I'm thankful - both that I did catch it now, and that a lot of the tissue was removed in my surgery. That arguably reduces my risk, although I don't know how much, and more importantly - found it! Big C scary stuff - but ahead of the game and manageable is ALWAYS better than a late game notification! :-) I'm making my appointment for the oncologist now!

Updated on 13 Sep 2013:
Couldn't be happier so far - physically or mentally! The stitches are a little itchy, and feel a little 'tight' at te end f th day, but I don't really have any soreness or pain. The bruising is gong away quickly, and the tape came off right at the two week mark. I was a little nervous to look at the bare incisions, but they look fine! Things are a little bumpy here and there, but Dr. Kim says they will smooth out as they heal and the stitches dissolve. I also feel like the left is a little bigger tan the right, but that too should even out over time, once the swelling and everything heals up!

I'm posting some duplicate pics here for side-by-side comparison. Front and side views, before and after.