I had an up and down experience as I’m sure many girls do after this surgery with your emotions. The end result is wow compared to where I was. My right breast did have a stitch reaction which caused more scarring than the left but other than that I am super happy with my results. Hard to find pictures this far out from surgery so wanted to show some. Hope this helps with someone’s decision to have surgery.
I had ultherapy due to a square jaw after a chin implant. The office had this laughing gas type thing that eased the uncomfortable procedure. It was only mildly painful but after an hour of it, it's bothersome. The staff was friendly, and Angie was very careful and checked on me often. Unfortunately I saw no results in skin tightening. There may have been slight tightening closer to my ears, but I see no improvement in the jowl area which was the main reason for ultherapy. It is also not a permanent procedure, and has to be repeated which makes it a no go for me.
I had excess skin on my upper eyelid for years. I had the upper eyelid lift at the same time as my lower face lift. The eyelid lift recovery was easy, I wore an eye mask that held ice chips for a bit after the surgery. The swelling was minimal and didn't last long. Totally worth it and would do it again!
I’m so excited. I have waited so long for this and I am finally hours before. I am 5’7 and 236. I lost 65 pounds but I’m at a complete stand still. So hopefully this jumpstart more weight loss. My Dr is Dr Kirby and her office staff are amazing and so is she. Hopefully everything goes as planned and I can come back for a complete tummy tuck in 6 months once I’m at my ideal weight.Updated on 6 Apr 2018: Not that bad. I have no bleeding and lite pain. But I have been sleeping all day. Pics coming soon with next update hopefully Updated on 7 Apr 2018: Still lite pain but very sore and swollen. Updated on 8 Apr 2018: I finally was able to bath, still no bleeding and lite pain. Still a lot of swelling and pulling feeling. But for the most part I feel good Updated on 9 Apr 2018: I’m very tender and numb still but I see a difference already. The pain is bearable. But I also have a high tolerance or pain. I have taken meds in 24 hrs. Updated on 10 Apr 2018: Feeling good still pulling in my side area but no pain. Updated on 11 Apr 2018: It’s day six and I returned to work. I felt exhausted and wind it really fast. It looks like I never got anything done now hopefully it’s just fluids and swollen. But still no bleeding. I still feel a lot of pulling and numbness. My flanks hurt and sides hurt the most. Every move it’s like a pull and I feel like I have a tire around my mid section.........sad face hopefully better days come Updated on 15 Apr 2018: A lot of swollen but some days better then others. Today the swollen has gone down. But god am I itchy lol. I’m itchy in places I didn’t know I have lipo done lol
I went to 4 PS before choosing mine. I was terrified to do this over such a small problem area, in others eyes. But in mine it was such an annoyance and confident crusher. Before my surgery I was going to the gym 5-6x a week and eating clean...doing everything I possibly could to try to fix my issue but never having the luck and all the PS said it would never go away without surgery. 3 out of the 4 told me to just do a scar revision but it'd leave me with still having a pooch but at least the major indent would be gone from c section scar. Well anyways--I went along with the one that said mini would work great on me and give me that toned look when I can start working out again. Had it done on 4/14/16. Everything went great until day 5 went to have my drain taken out and they noticed I had a major allergic reaction to adhesive and tape or both. So they had to take dressing off, yes on day 5, so had to start putting bacitracin on rash then bandages under garment. Well day 7 came and boom major rash--Yes allergic to bacitracin ointment that was suppose to resolve my rash. Had to stop everything completely...no oinment...no garment...completely dry and started taking steroids. Well here I am at the 4 wks mark and my rash is completely gone--just insanely swelling and hard to keep it down. Don't know what to do but just give it time and don't do anything I shouldn't and solely listen to my PS. I wasn't going to post on here but who knows if someone else has issues that I have had or will and I can assure u...I know it doesn't feel as its going to resolve...but it will!! Updated on 16 May 2016: PS said everything is looking good but I'm likely just one of those who will swell for maybe 6 mths-1 year...just never know but we'll see. At least the incision itself looks amazing and a huge plus--just to get over all the swelling...that'll be when I'll be truly 100% happy. Started with Embrace today and hoping that'll help especially with my scar tissue build up. Just praying I don't have a bad reaction to it like everything else--I'll be watching it very closely. PS also said I could start doing more physically and see how I'm feeling the next day...just go day to day but never overdoing it and listen to my body closely. Very good overall appt today Updated on 17 May 2016: Embrace takes all the tension off incision site and feels tons better!!!! I'd definitely suggest Embrace to everyone out there Updated on 20 May 2016: Overall I'm feeling good just wish the swelling and humps around incision would fade away with the days. I'm also sensitive on left side of belly button about an orange size in diameter but she did fix an umbilical hernia so maybe that's why..?? Also I have this spot on my right hip, goes numb a lot, but very very painful as well. Kinda feeling like I have a bruised bone; been there since having drain removed on day 5 so was thinking it was connected to that somehow-hoping it'll go away with time. But other than those few issues--I'm feeling pretty good. Updated on 25 Jun 2016: Okay so I'm now 10 wks out and still pretty sad about the lump I have on both sides of incision. I don't get it and thinking it's never going to flatten. I went in because I didn't like the over hang from my 2 c sections and now the center is flat but over hangs in 2 places and further out towards sides now vs just in center of course section scar. My only goal was flatness and that's what the Dr said I'd get if I went the "Mini tummy tuck vs just a scar revision" I don't even know what to think or do about this ???? Cause of one spot about 4" long I didn't like and felt uncomfortable with...I go to have fixed and now I'm left with 2 areas of about 4" on each side, 8" total--I don't like. I would've never done this if I wouldn't have been told--"yes it'll be completely flat after mini tummy tuck." Updated on 8 Apr 2017: So I wasn't happy with the final outcome of the mtt/revision of c section scar so I once again went under knife and had a revision done on scar 2/3/17. My belly, even 10 mths after mtt, looked not what I was expecting. I seriously looked 3 mths prego 24/7. Couldn't even flatten My lower belly with a waist trainer. Like lower belly stuck out further than before and so hard. My new amazing Dr did exactly what I asked for from the get go. Flatten lower belly area and no more indention!!
I have been thinking about getting a breast reduction since I was a C-cup in junior high school. I kept growing and growing and finally, at the beginning of this year, I decided that I had had enough. I was measured at a 34F, having to spend hundreds of dollars on bras, and never being able to get comfortable throughout the day. I had severe lower back pain, along with regular tension headaches from shoulder and neck tension. I am 8 days post-op and am so very happy with my results, even with swelling. It is definitely the best decision I have made so far in my adult life! I am not sure yet exactly what size I will end up being after swelling, but I am pretty sure I'm already a C-cup with swelling. Updated on 1 May 2016: I completely forgot to take before pictures (I'm hoping my PS can send me some that they took for insurance), so the best that I can do is hold up a bra that I used to wear to kind of show the difference. I am 10 days post-op, so I still have some swelling, but you can see that my old bra is a monster compared to the size I'll be wearing now. Holding that thing up to myself put a huge smile on my face because I had kind of forgotten exactly how much bigger I used to be!
I have never been happy with my breast size, but I have always been too nervous to make a consultation appt. I'm glad I finally did. After having 2 children, I could not even fill out an "A" cup bra. During my consultation I chose silicone in a 400cc range. I've had my surgery, and am recovering. My implant size is 421cc. I can't wait to see my final results. Updated on 4 Mar 2016: I completely forgot to get any befores, so I had to do some searching for a bathing suit photo. Updated on 4 Mar 2016: Things went well, and everything was as high up as expected. Updated on 4 Mar 2016: I ended up having some sort of skin irritation. It felt like a sunburn, and i was able to feel the heat radiating off of my skin through my clothes. No fever. Called my Dr. and she thought that it was due to using chloraprep, then alcohol to prepare my skin before and after the surgery. From time to time I have sensitive skin. She recommended Eucerin calming lotion. Updated on 4 Mar 2016: The lotion my Dr. recommended was amazing. I felt instant relief, and by the next morning the redness was subsiding. Updated on 4 Mar 2016: Today is the day I'm allowed to remove my surgical bra, bandages, and take a shower. I was quite anxious to check things out. Updated on 4 Mar 2016: They're finally starting to drop some. Updated on 4 Mar 2016: Got a look at my bruises today. Updated on 4 Mar 2016: I am feeling good, and I'm able to do things for myself again. The bruising is getting better, and I'm still dropping. I'm still really happy with my decision to give myself the body, I always knew I deserved. Updated on 8 Mar 2016: Overall I feel great, I still have some limitations, but that's to be expected. Sleeping still isn't comfortable, but I'm hoping that the reason for that is the bruises I still have. The steri-strips are off, and I can clearly see my incisions, and they look great! Tonight starts scar massaging, and tomorrow I am allowed to sleep without my surgical bra on. I'm really looking forward to that! Updated on 11 Mar 2016: Yesterday I did myself a favor and bought a new bra. My surgical bra was so uncomfortable that I was in pain. It rubbed at my incisions, caused bruising. I went in a search for a front closure sports bra. After visiting 4 stores and having no results, I had just about given up, I found a zip up genie bra. Let me just say that it is the most comfortable bra I have ever put on. I plan to go and get another one. Updated on 24 Mar 2016: I had my 2nd post-op appt this week and everything is looking well. I still have some swelling in my armpit area that needs to go away. Scar massage isn't my favorite thing to do, but I can tell a difference in the way the scar feels. Sleeping is still slightly uncomfortable, but I'm finding more ways to get comfortable. I got a couple of new sports bras from Walmart. I'll be glad when I can wear a nice bra. Updated on 4 Apr 2016: I'll be 6 weeks tomorrow, and I'm really loving my new boobs! They are starting to look normal, and they certainly feel (more) normal. They are still firm, but everyday I notice them getting more soft. I bought a new sports bra, and let me just say it is wonderful to have a bra that doesn't irritate my incisions. My advice, when buying a sports bra for post surgery, stay away from an elastic band. Updated on 19 Apr 2016: Today I am 8 weeks post-op and I am just loving my new ladies. I'm still in a sports bra and can't wait to go bra shopping. Scar massage is going well, and I am starting to work out a little. My new boobs deserve a healthier body! Updated on 18 May 2016: It's been 12 weeks since my surgery. Things are going great. My breasts are nice and soft. They have rounded out quite nicely. I'm very happy with them.
I had my consult today with my chosen plastic surgeon and have set the date for surgery! I will have my pre-op in a week and the surgery on March 24! I currently wear a 36b (per Victoria Secret) and hardly fill it out. I struggle with self-confidence because of my small boobs and am so ready to look much more proportionate. I am shooting for a full D! After taking measurements, talking about my end goal look, and expressing recovery concerns with my active lifestyle, we decided Natrelle 410 implants will be the best option for me. I will be getting between 400 and 450 ccs. I don't recall exactly, but I think the dimensions that we are going with are full height and projection? I'll confirm later. Please let me know your experience with Natrelle 410s, what height and projection you chose if you have similar stats, or any other advice and experience you have! I'm so excited to share my journey with the realself community! Updated on 25 Feb 2016: I need to prepare! What unusual items helped you through your recovery? I have the usual list: neck pillow, icepacks, bendy straws. What am I missing?! I have less than a month and am officially in freak out mode. Updated on 28 Feb 2016: I have stretch marks on my hips, thighs, and rear from puberty like many others. Does this mean I will definitely get them when I get my BA? Is there a way to prevent them from happening? Did any of you have stretch marks elsewhere and successfully avoided them following your BA? Stretch marks would be a total let down. :( Updated on 8 Mar 2016: Pre-op is over and I am one step closer to new boobies! I paid my balance, signed consent forms, decided on an implant and size, and got the details for pre and post surgery care. I received an adorable goody bag from my plastic surgeon and the recovery kit from Edenknowsimplants.com. Both are so awesome and I'm excited to put them to use! 16 days to go! Woohoo! Updated on 10 Mar 2016: I'm uploading two pics that show my torso and hips for a better idea of how disproportionate I am! It is going to be soooo nice to not feel "bottom heavy" and have awesome boobs! I deleted my old pics because I was pretty sad when I saw them, but I've gotten over myself and have posted these in their stead. Enough whining! I will have new boobs two weeks from today! I am running through my surgeon's recommended checklist for items to have post-op and see I have some shopping to do! A lot of it is pretty intuitive (anti-nausea stuff like saltines and ginger ale or laxatives) but I didn't really think about frozen peas to ice my boobs after or easy foods to have on hand, like jello and broth. This list is amazing and incredibly thorough. My surgeon did an oustanding job putting together a handbook for her surgery patients that entails everything pre and post related. After reading it front to back, I have no questions and feel very confident about going into surgery. I am typically pretty pain tolerant, so I am hoping to have surgery on a Thursday and go back to work the following Monday or Tuesday. I'm prepared to take time off for a longer period, but I would like to avoid it. We shall see! One major concern for me is running. I will be running a half-marathon the weekend before my surgery, so I do not think I will lose too much stamina during my recovery period. My surgeon said the recovery time for these textured anatomical implants is shorter than the smooth round alternative, so I am hoping this is true for me. I want to get back to running as quickly as possible. It will be a whole new world having to spend a pretty penny on really supportive sports bras, but it is worth it. I want to keep those things in place so I can run to my hearts content. Are any of you runners? What was your experience like? Updated on 13 Mar 2016: So I have kept my surgery on the DL telling only my boyfriend, dad, one co-worker (who is likely getting a BA soon), and one of my good friends. Said good friend told another friend who announced it aloud during brunch and now everyone in our friend group is informed. It's amazing how this sort of thing spreads like wild fire. I'm going big enough where it will be evident I've gotten surgery (kind of the point), but I wanted it to be something I address if it's brought up instead of having it announced by someone else. I more or less wanted to have a coming out party for my boobs at some point after it was said and done lol. I'm pretty irritated at my friend for leaking the details when I told her in confidence. I really don't like how it came up at brunch and I had to be like "yeap I'm doing that" and answer a ton of questions and receive unsolicited advice about my future augmentation. I also kept this on the DL to specifically avoid irritating and uninformed advice when I have been researching for this procedure for years at this point. I am pretty livid, but have learned my lesson with telling this "good friend" important things in confidence. Can any of you relate? Updated on 14 Mar 2016: Each passing day gets me more excited about the procedure! I am prepared overall and feel so good about everything. The main struggle for me now is determine whether my existing button downs and jackets will fit following surgery. I also had a really hard time finding a front close bra at Walmart or Target. I want to have one available so I can wash my surgerical bra as needed. Any suggestions as to where I can buy one? Updated on 15 Mar 2016: I made some rice sizes today (1.9 cups = 450 ccs) so that I could get an idea of what clothes will fit and what clothes won't. As I tried everything, I learned nearly all of it will likely fit and I will fill out the top of every piece much better. It was sort of emotional thinking about how my confidence will improve, not having to worry about how to fix how my boobs look in everything. I already have major butterflies and will be a nervous wreck come D Day! I'm so ready to wear clothes without a bra if I choose to! It's going to be amazing. Updated on 17 Mar 2016: I will have new boobs a week from today. I have my surgery pre and post op shopping list done, have paid everything, and have my time off work adjusted accordingly. I am going to try to work in the office the Monday after surgery (Thursday before) and am hoping that isn't a poor decision. I carpool to work anyway, so I won't have to worry about driving! I am so anxious and I feel like the only thing I have thought about is boobs! I have constant butterflies when I think about the surgery. I dont think it is going to quite feel like the real deal until I'm being knocked out and out under the knife! Now it's just a waiting game... Woohooo! Updated on 25 Mar 2016: The night before, I stopped eating and drinking by 12am. I also placed an anti-nausea patch behind my ear that Dr. Kirby prescribed. I packed up my meds and miscellaneous things I would likely need for the day. I arrived at the surgery center at 8:30am and was amazed at how efficient the office staff and nurses, etc taking care of me were. I finished signing consent forms and such in under ten minutes and was immediately brought back to do a vitals check, blood testing, and get my socks and gown on. They gave me an IV drip while I waited on the medical team to come by and introduce themselves. My boyfriend sat with me in the back until he had to go back up to the front lobby to continue working on his laptop. The anesthesiologist, his assistant, one of the nurses, and Dr. Kirby all came by to greet me and tell me about their roles during the procedure. The anaesthesiologist and assistant were very thorough discussing was would be placed in my IV and talked to me about my nausea issues. They said they would take care of me and certainly did. After Dr. Kirby drew on me, I received valium in my IV and was rolled back to the operating room. I don't remember anything after that until I was waking up. I learned that it took me around 90 minutes to fully awaken from the general anesthesia, that's nuts! My boyfriend and I definitely attribute it to my ability to sleep anywhere and everywhere at anytime. I'm just a really sleepy person in general. I remember receiving water and saltines when I woke up fully and then burping and getting embarrassed! That really woke me up! I slept the whole ride home (1 hour) and didn't remember much of anything. I am so glad I didn't get nauseous because that would have been the worst! They gave us bags just in case and I also brought a trash bag from the house. I think the patch helped and whatever else they gave me back in the OR to combat nausea. Yesterday really was not bad at all until later in the evening. I had sharp pains at what seemed to be my sternum, but learned from others that this does happen and I shouldn't worry. It really felt like I had been punched though! I also had severe dry mouth and still do, so I have to wash down anything I eat with a sip of water. I've also been trying to drink as much water as possible. Same thing goes for today. My sternum isn't painful currently, so that's great! The naps have been the best! Prescribed meds I'm taking: muscle relaxer, pain pill, and anti-nausea (I'll take it after I remove the patch tonight) Other things I'm taking: one a day women's, miralax, bromelain, quercetin, arnica montana These are for vitamin intake, digestion issues (still haven't gone), tissue repair, anti-swelling, and anti-bruising Got the last three with Jenny Eden's Recovery Kit. From the kit, I'm also using the boobie wash and boobie butter. I started all of this three days before surgery, and will get to use the wash again when I can bathe tomorrow. The boobie butter is seriously amazing though and it is so moisturizing! I slept in our recliner last night and will probably continue to do so because I slept so well! My boyfriend bundled me up with pillows and blankets in the recliner and it worked like a charm. Current lifesavers: travel pillow for my neck, bendy straws, app called "Medisafe" that reminds you to take your pills, my sweet fur baby kitty keeping my feet warm, and my sweet boyfriend who made me some homemade broccoli cheddar soup and has been doing anything and everything for me. So far, so good! Updated on 25 Mar 2016: Forgot to upload these with my last update! Updated on 26 Mar 2016: Anyone deal with a couple of specks of blood coming throigh on one or both sides of their surgical bra? I am dealing with this on my left breast. There were two tiny specks that probably came from the same spot in the bandage and they have since stayed the same. Looking now, it looks like another speck has come through. It doesn't appear that I am currently bleeding or anything. But I obviously was at some point. Should I be worrying? Updated on 26 Mar 2016: I worked from home today on my laptop while laying in the recliner. I took it slow and it went well. I'll do the same tomorrow. I am going to try to negotiate with my director to let me work from home Monday as well. It'll depend how I'm feeling tomorrow I guess. I'm taking my muscle relaxant every 8 hours religiously. Day of surgery and POD1, I took the max dose of pain killers, two total, every four hours. Today, I've cut back to one pill every four hours instead. I don't want to push away the meds too quickly though because even cutting back I've noticed a good bit more pain. Today my sternum hurts again, but I also have serious pressure and dull aches in my underarms. It's tolerable though. I still cannot, however, open my medicine bottles myself. I'm not sure why it is so difficult, but it requires immense effort to even try and then fail. I hate being dependent on my boyfriend. Luckily, he doesn't seem to mind. I finally was able to shower today. My boyfriend washed my hair because I could not reach the top of my head, but I was able to handle all else. I also lathered my boobies with the boobie butter from my recovery kit. My boobs are so hard, high, and tight. I'm ready for the swelling to go down and for them to drop and fluff a bit. They should a bit despite being textured, right? Anyhow, going to put on some more ice. So far, so good! I'm so happy to have something more than mosquito bites! Updated on 3 Apr 2016: I wanted to update daily, but that is pretty tough! Last week was a hard one. I was pretty miserable during my first week post-op. Each day was different. One day I had a ton of pain along my sternum, the next day my armpits killed me, and the next I had random minor bleeding. Nothing major, but frustrations none the less. I had some trouble during the first week with my compression bra. I think this was partially because I was incredibly bloated (and still am a little) and my stomach was pushing on the bra up at my ribs. My ribs were so sore. I also had serious trouble sleeping elevated in my bed. The recliner was awesome and I probably should've stayed there the whole first week, but went to the bed on day 5. I had so much pain between my shoulder blades down to the middle of my back. I finally learned the best pillow setup after a lot of reading. Placing a rolled towel at your lower back and a pillow under your knees makes such a difference. I also think I would have just bought a wedge pillow if I could redo it. Stacking pillows perfectly in the bed before going to sleep and then having them all over the place by the morning is a pain. A wedge pillow would eliminate that ordeal. Regarding my minor bleeding, my PS had me remove my incision tape early and keep the incisions covered with any Neosporin equivalent and gauze until they heal. I haven't had any further bleeding thankfully, so now it's a waiting game for them to heal so I can get to scar massage! I had my one week post-op appointment with my PS on Thursday. She said my breasts are looking good and I can expect them to drop and project more as my muscles relax. I can start scar massages at the two week mark and will be using my scar salve from the recovery kit. My PS also gave me the okay to perform any and all workouts, but warned that the more I do, the more sore I will be and the more I may delay my chest muscles relaxing. I plan to get back to the gym at two weeks post-op and do lower body work, the elliptical, and spin bike. I may try to run at three or four weeks post-op. am not going to give myself a hard timeline because I don't know how I will feel and be healed that far ahead. I plan to listen to my body and go from there. I am feeling so much better during the second week. I actually went to a wedding this past weekend and was able to dance. I have full range of motion and was even getting spun around by my boyfriend on the dance floor. I did feel a little sore this morning, but I expected that. Overall, all is well thus far! Updated on 3 Apr 2016: Updated on 16 Apr 2016: I understand you don't measure in your final size sometimes until 3-6 months post-op, but I needed a bra to wear out for my birthday evening and a couple of sports bras to get back to running. I bought the Knockout wireless sports bra, Body by V plunge, and a t shirt bra. All of them are wireless because I can't do wireless until 3 months post-op. I measured a 34DD and felt unstoppable. I am hoping my boobs only get bigger from here instead of smaller like some ladies report. Or honestly, I want them to stay the same. I love the size. I am still dealing with some soreness, but definitely feel back to about 90%. Updated on 16 Apr 2016: I ran for the first time since my half-marathon (Mar 20) and was so worried about running with my boobs. My PS cleared me to do anything at a week post-op, but warned not to overdo or I'd make myself sore because of continued swelling from surgery. I took the plunge and ran two and a half weeks post-op and did six miles. My boobs felt great, my lungs, not so much. The Knockout sportsbra really kept my boobs in place, but they are so hard and tight right now that I don't think they'd move without without a bra lmao. Anyway, I'll be anxious to see how they're supported once softened. I'll definitely be trying out different sports bras, so stay tuned! I also am noticing my left breast is bigger and more projected than my right. How long did it take fellow teardrop implant ladies for they're boobs to take they're final shape and size? I'm a bit worried, but know they go through this. Updated on 16 Apr 2016: Pre-Op Height/Weight: 5'7" 155 lbs. Breast width: 13.0 cm Bra measurement: 36B Post-Op Implants: Natrelle 410s with 450ccs (textured teardrop under muscle full height full projection) Bra measurement: 34DD (as of 2.5 WPO) Updated on 7 May 2016: I'm feeling really great and am happy with my progress thus far. I still have some numbness every now and again on the botter side of my left boob. Other than that, everything is healing accordingly and without me noticing too much. I'm back to running of course and run 20-30 miles a week. I planto try out other sports bras, so I'll let you know how that goes! I'm still super happy with the Knockout wireless ones I got! I was using the Scar Salve from the recovery kit I received, but have decided to take additional measures. I am now wearing the silicone scar sheets and applying the Mederma once a day when they are removed and Mederma with Spf before I go outside for a run. I look forward to progress because my scars are really hard under the skin they are also still pretty red. I need bikini advice! Where should I go?! I can't wear any of my old bikini tops, so I need to buy new ones ASAP! I am not allowed to do underwire until 3mpo, so I'm not really sure what to get other than triangle tops? I have gotten a good bit oudgiersonce before surgery, but I'm working on it. I think I'll be happier with the whole package once I lose a bit of weight. Updated on 7 May 2016:
No one ever expects a cancer diagnosis, especially at such a young age! I have been seeing Dr. Kirby for over a year during cancer treatment & breast reconstruction. She has been amazing. I am very happy with my results & would high recommend her to anyone looking into plastic surgery! She is very kind and listens to what your needs & wants.
I have been a patient of Dr. Emily Kirby since the summer of 2014. I met with Dr. Kirby for body contouring procedures after I’d lost a significant amount of weight through diet and exercise. From the moment that I met with Dr. Kirby, she didn’t treat me as a patient… she treated me as a person and a women. Dr. Kirby is excellent. You will find that she is meticulous, compassionate, caring and extremely patient. These were all things that I was looking for in a plastic surgeon. I spent many hours consulting with Dr. Kirby prior to selecting her as my surgeon. She paid attention to every little detail and she kept my wants and needs in consideration through the whole journey. She truly cares about her patients and it shows from the first consult visit through last follow up visit. I am very happy with the results of my surgery (Abdominplasty with liposuction). In fact, I’m scheduled for phase two (thigh lift and breast augmentation/mastopexy) late this summer. I whole-heartedly recommend Dr. Kirby to anyone who is considering having plastic surgery. I am truly blessed that I found Dr. Kirby. Updated on 27 Jul 2015: I thought that I should add a few photos to show the results of my TT. These are at about 8 months post op. I'm getting ready to schedule my thigh light so more to come. Updated on 27 Jul 2015: I thought that I should add a few photos to show the results of my TT. These are at about 8 months post op. I'm getting ready to schedule my thigh light so more to come.
Great question! The first question I ask my patients is if they want to be bigger or smaller than they are right now. If the answer is "smaller," then many times the lift alone is best. However, we are always fighting gravity. The breasts will be as perky and tight as they will ever be on the day of surgery. After that, your skin will relax to some degree (this is the biggest unknown part of the outcome). If your board certified plastic surgeon thinks that your skin will relax or that your breast tissues is significantly deflated, he/she may recommend a small implant to avoid too much flattening on the top of the breast. If an implant is recommended, it is not necessarily for the volume of the implant, but more to put the volume where you want it, where the cleavage of the breast is. It may help to get a second opinion in this case to make sure you feel comfortable with your options. Best of luck to you!
Congratulations!! You are right to be thinking ahead. The earlier, the better. Your board certified plastic surgeon will be checking your medical history. Some labs may be needed to make sure you don't have any vitamin deficiencies, which are common after massive weight loss. Your surgeon will measure and examine your tissues to determine what is right for you. Implants can generally be placed at the time of breast lift, however sometimes, with extremely stretched out tissues, it is best to wait for implants until a few months after a lift. Many patients losing this much weight will need an extended abdominoplasty instead of just a full or "regular" abdominoplasty. The extended length of the incision allows significantly more tissue to be removed for optimal tightening. Best of luck to you!
This is a great question! Board certified plastic surgeons try to keep the total operating time under 6 hours for safety reasons. It is also important for your surgeon to evaluate everything you want done and combine them safely, taking into consideration not only the length of each procedure, but how each procedure affects each other. For example, I do not routinely perform a breast reduction and a brachioplasty at the same time due to the pull that each procedure has on the other area. Your own board certified plastic surgeon will be able to evaluate you and advise the best combination of procedures safely. Best of luck to you!
It's still a bit early in the process to worry about final results. The tissues will continue to remodel for a full year after surgery. My patients keep their skin fully moisturized with oily cream during the year to encourage as much skin tightening as possible. Perhaps you were a good candidate for a full tummy tuck? Give it some time and re-evaluate later. My best advice is not to rush into any additional procedures at this time.
Yes! My patients are restricted for the first 6 weeks, but after that they begin to exercise more regularly, working their way up to full activity as tolerated. Some of my runners are running again not long after that! I always advise my patients that within that first year after surgery, any new or more intense activity that you do can cause some reaction or spasm of the abdominal muscles. This is fine, as long as it's done within reason. The diastasis is not likely to return unless there is a problem, such as a broken suture. Congratulations!
