I had a mommy make over at 30, this was 10 years ago. My tummy , lipo sites and breast augmentation look better than ever. I trust this physician whole heartedly. He never skipped a beat. Super nice astute cosmetic physician. Im having Dr Normington do my lower lids and mid face lift quite soon. Thank you Lewisburg Plastic Surgery!!
I am two weeks post- OP TT/with muscle repair and lipo to the flanks. I am very impressed so far with the entire process. Dr. Normington and his staff have been very courteous and informative. My results at only two weeks post op(and two days) are impressive to me. My incision is low(and symmetrical) as requested .. and my navel looks natural (one of the reasons that I chose him for the TT surgery). I will post pictures when I get a moment, and will continue to update as my swelling subsides. I would definitely recommend him to anyone who is considering an abdominalplasty.
After having three kids in less than 5 years, my breasts were very small and deflated. I always had smaller breasts but they were at least perky. After breastfeeding, I was depressed and couldn't get over how terrible I looked in any outfit. I decided I was ready to spend some money on new boobs. I had done lots of research so once I decided to finally call and schedule a consultation, I had a consultation, pre op, and surgery all in a month.
I love makeup and would constantly draw my lips in bigger. Especially my upper lip because it was so much smaller than my pouty bottom lip. Finally decided to get injections. The pain is bearable. Just like having a needle stuck anywhere else. Eventually the product itself numbed my lips and I didn't feel much pain then. Right now my lips are swollen and lightly bruised looking where the needles went in. When i left the office I didn't have any sign of bruising which my surgeon said was a good sign. I can't say for sure how I feel about them but once the swelling goes down I believe they are going to look amazing. Updated on 2 Feb 2016: Still swollen. Especially the upper lip which is really bugging me. I noticed bruising inside my gum area. Hopefully the swelling will go away and I'll know exactly what my result looks like. I definitely recommend going for a naturally enhanced look the first time because you don't know if you'll like bigger lips. Updated on 8 Feb 2016: Looks like my swelling is all gone. My lips do have some small lumps (On the inside of my lip I thought it looked like clearish bloodveins) but they are not visible to anyone. I called my surgeon and he said it is normal-it's the filler that hasn't quite settled or gotten absorbed yet. Some bruising is still visible on the inside of my upper lip but that's almost gone too. Overall I love my lips! They are enhanced but not too dramatic. I'm still getting used to the feeling of having bigger lips. Updated on 1 May 2016: I got my lips done in February. A couple months have passed and it's now May. My lips have gone done in size quite a bit and looked almost like they did before juvederm. Not sure if I'm going to go back for more because who wants to pay so much for something that doesn't last. I thought about getting lip implants but after doing so much research I don't think that's the choice for me.
After losing 50 pounds and keeping it off for over a year, I decided to have my belly apron taken care of. I had my first consultation in September 2014. I decided for financial reasons, to hold off on the surgery. I was finally able to go through with it on September 2nd, 2015. They removed about 11 pounds of skin and tissue and did a little lipo on my hips. Updated on 7 Sep 2015: Updated on 30 Sep 2015: I am 4 weeks post op and have been able to take 30 minute walks a few times a week. I still have my drain in because I am still draining 50cc in 24 hours. I cannot wait to get this drain out and I hope it's soon. Updated on 8 Oct 2015: I am 5 weeks out as of yesterday. I've been pretty swollen by the end of each day. I'm exhausted by mid afternoon each day. My drain is finally out, but I have a rather large hole on the left side of my incision. The nurse says it's healing well and just to keep putting the prescription antibiotic ointment on it twice daily. I am also on antibiotics.
I've gone to my doctor twice now for botox - like the eye brow lift I get from it. Always liked the kissable lips and wanted to give it a try. When I say I'm a baby about getting anything needles by my mouth im not lieing. I'm a huge baby just to get my teeth cleaned. He put on a numbing cream and injected ju exert mixed with lidocaine. I didn't feel a thing. He said I was the best patient of the day. I could totally get addicted to it!
I have cried over my small chest for years and final after this November getting ready for my husband 7 TH Xmas party and my dress laid across the room and he said honey why don't you like it you like wonderful.. I said they don't make formal dresses for flat chested girls! So on Christmas morning merry Christmas to me .. Pre op appt in Jan and surgery in Feb... Yippie, I felt I never would do it because all my money and time was for the kids him and house.. But since he was paying thanks you honey... But want sure I could go threw with it! Updated on 3 Mar 2015: Just feeling good enough to work, scars look great but have a spot braw rubbed and they itch like crazy.. But little drop, muscles not to tight starting to not spaz evertime I move. That didn't hurt just very very tight.. Updated on 5 Mar 2015: Feeling great going to try to work my job is manicurist, acrylic clients may be harder due to pushing makes my muscles spaz but other than that gel clients hopefully will be easy.. Updated on 12 Mar 2015: Lookin better loving the size and they are starting to shape up.. VS says 36 C never wore 36 before but OK.. C is what I wanted so good news for me:) Updated on 12 Mar 2015: Feel awesome boobies are lookin great doc says one more week he will clear me to do my work outs that's been the hardest thing about being off NO GYM:( soon... Updated on 16 Mar 2015: Going Thurs for check up hippie to get cleared to go back to the gym. My boobies are looking nice so happy:) Updated on 27 Mar 2015: I got release to do everyday activities along with the gym he said my body will tell me what I can't do but I'm allowed to try to do anything I want to and also lift weights:) Updated on 27 Mar 2015: Wow after 4 weeks I feel awesome I feel like they're finally my own they're nice and squishy I have been doing all of my lifts everything feels great the only thing I didn't try with bench press and pushups I just chose to wait even though he said I could.. Updated on 31 Mar 2015: Feeling back to normal they are very squishy now.. Still right one is pointing down a little but better and some of that is going to be I was a symmetrical any ways.. Updated on 15 Apr 2015: So I have been lifting, running, insanity, tabota training, weighted conditioning and feel awesome.. I had tried at 5 weeks push ups and bench and could only go so far down before an odd flutter would go across chest so I said I will wait till month 2 then on accident I was doing insanity and the move was push up balance and omg I did it along with 20 or so more:) so I figured let's try bench press.... 65# x10, 75#x 10 and then 85# x 5 yippie I think I can do everything now:) keep in mind this is exciting because I used to do allot more than that: ( but to start at anything at 7 weeks is sooner than I thought.. Deadlift was easy at 135# 4x10 Updated on 15 Apr 2015: Doing awesome Updated on 28 Apr 2015: Left one is rounded on bottom and hides the scar the right has not rounded out so you can see the scar more standing up and looking at me straight on you really can't see either scars Updated on 30 Apr 2015: Best Christmas present ever:) Updated on 13 May 2015: So I said breast make me look heavy in some clothes that's the only down fall but not in sports braw..or hopefully swim suit:) Updated on 13 May 2015: This didn't download Updated on 15 May 2015: First top to bikini hope pic goes thew the last one didn't Updated on 15 May 2015: Pic Updated on 11 Jun 2015: It's gone so fast but just enjoying and adjusting to them I actually forgot I had them done Updated on 21 Jul 2015: Almost 5 months Updated on 21 Jul 2015: Almost 5 months doing anything and everything Updated on 21 Jul 2015: Closer Updated on 23 Jul 2015: Left is out on the side a bit keep massaging Updated on 12 Aug 2015: Massage it Updated on 12 Aug 2015: Updated on 11 Sep 2015: Updated on 6 Oct 2015: They are so real Updated on 7 Oct 2015: Updated on 31 Oct 2015: :) Updated on 3 Nov 2015: Yah Updated on 19 Nov 2015: Still having to massage the right one:(little high not sure it will change Updated on 19 Nov 2015: Stilll high may stay that way Updated on 18 Dec 2015: Updated on 17 Feb 2016: Almost a year Updated on 19 Feb 2016: Love them
I've been looking on real self for about 3 years now, watching many women go through the process of having their implants removed. I have wanted to do it for 5+ years now but quite frankly have been quite frightened by the idea of how I will look after. Just as every woman I have followed has felt. So I decided last year that 2015 was the year and I would use my tax refund as a gift to myself and have them removed. Well, I just got the refund today and got a cold chill because its finally time and Im not going to back out. I called the DR I saw about the removal 2 years ago and scheduled an appointment to talk to him for Feb 6th. I am a cocktail of mixed emotions right now. Excited, ready, quest, scared, etc. I am a single mom and while the attention my breast have gotten can be fun at times, its mainly a pain. I get men talking to my breast instead of me. People feel that its ok to ask me, quote loudly, if my boobs are real. Im a small woman. 5'1" and weigh 110 lbs. My bra size is 32D or 32DD. HEAVY AND PAINFUL. I worry about being comfortable enough naked afterward to even attempt at an intimate relationship with anyone. UGH. Im sure it won't be pretty. I've seen some amazing results on here and I am PRAYING that my results will be the same. So I cannot actually tell what my implant sizes are because in my embarrassment of actually having implants I discarded the information from my dr who implanted me. Along with the before photos. Bad, I know. But I hated to admit even to myself that I had done this to myself and I wanted no reminders. I will try to find some pics from before and I will take pics later from now and post them. I will be having my implants removed under local, which is honestly what I am so scared and nervous about. I get quote faint at the sight of blood. My best friend is going with me so that will be nice. Im just praying I don't chicken out. I feel that by putting this on real self that it will help me follow through. Updated on 1 Feb 2015: So I took the time this AM to take some pics to post. Updated on 1 Feb 2015: Updated on 6 Feb 2015: Well I set the date and paid so there is no turning back now. The dr explained everything and said that mine will be very quick and easy to remove. My implants were put in under the arm and he said he could remove them that way but it won't be as easy. So we're going to go under the breast. I might change my mind between now and the day I get them removed. I'll think about it. Anyone have them removed from under the arm? They gave me 4 Valium. I'll take one an hour before the procedure and bring the rest with me so they can administer it if needed. My implants are smooth and my capsule is tissue paper thin and extremely soft so he isn't taking it out. My body will naturally take care of that. I will really only need Tylenol for pain if needed and I will be able to return to work the following day as long as I take it easy. I can return to working out 3-4 days later. He said most of my shape will return but in 4-5 months we should know for sure the extent of how much I will fluff out. At that time if I need something else we will discuss it then. So my date is set for March 3, 2015. 1:30pm. Updated on 12 Feb 2015: So I have a question.... Has anyone had their implants removed from under the arm? I really need some advice? I know under the breast will be easier. I get that. But I really want to hear some experience/advice. I would appreciate it. Updated on 20 Feb 2015: So last night I had my first real hesitation with my explant. Not really a hesitation, more like a desire to procrastinate. My best friend took me and our other friends our for my birthday dinner. During dinner we got to talking about our FAV band and the fact that they would be playing soon. My best friend (male) and I love to dance and we dance so friggin well together. Its so much fun. Anyway our band is playing on March 14th at our bar so its double the pleasure. Problem is, ITS A BEACH PARTY THEME! Your supposed to wear a bathing suit. But I really, really will be self conscious since its only 1 week after explant. I HATE to miss this party, but I don't think I will look ok in a suit at that point. I probably won't feel up to going anyway. Im feeling very down about this and starting to question my decision. Which I knew would do, that is why I paid up front. Im so worried about how Im going to look after this is all done. I don't want to regret it. I don't want to feel so self conscious that I won't want another person to look at me. It sucks being single already, now Im starting to feel like I will remain in this single state forever. Updated on 24 Feb 2015: So I have exactly 1 week to my explant day. I think its finally setting in that its happening. I actually had my first dream two nights ago where in it my breast had had the implants out. It wasn't centered around them being out. I just noticed it after I had woke. They didn't look perfect but they were mine. Im still on the emotional roller coaster. I don't think that is going to stop until its finally over, fluffing and all. I went sports bra shopping over the weekend and bought XS. That was WEIRD. Especially trying them on to make sure I liked the style. lol I have also decided on having the implants removed through my original incision site, under my arm. I really don't want another scar. So I hope I don't regret that decision, but I really don't think I will. I am just worried that I will take longer to heal. I HATE the fact that I won't be able to work out like I have been. That thought depresses me, that and being seen naked. *shudder* Updated on 3 Mar 2015: So I'm laying here in bed and I cannot sleep of course. I'm just ready to have this done! I am slightly nervous but I'm ready. The only concern I have is what im going to look like in a few months and also not being able to keep up with my bodybuilding workout. I hate that. Also, IM STARVING! I eat a high protein diet and about 6-7 small meals a day. My body is rebelling against not having anything in it. Lol I packed my bag with my new sports bra and an extra change of clothes. Valium is already as well. Now I just have to get through a partial day of work till its time to leave. I will post pics and updates later on. I really hope my results are like the other awesome ones I have seen on real self. I want this to be a success and not end up being self conscious about my body. Please pray all goes smoothly, quickly and the Drs hands are guided. Updated on 3 Mar 2015: I ended up having to go under the breast because otherwise id have to reschedule and then be put under. I was not putting it off. It was soooo easy and really quick. They took me To a room with two huge lights and a bed that looked like a cross. They went over my info and then called the dr. He came in and they strapped my arms down to the cross sections. He marked under my breast and then shot me with Novocain in several different locations. They let it sit for about 10 mins. Then surrounded me with blue blankets just in case the saline leaked. I opted not to be covered. After I was numb he started on my right breast, he made the incision and then use what looked like scissors to I guess cut through the muscle. Then I guess he punctured because ice felt the fluid start to drain out down my sides into a pan he held there. The nurse helper pushed on my breast to help the fluid drained out. After it all drained he reached inside and pulled out the implant. I actually saw it when he put it inside of the pan that he used to catch the fluid. Then he sutured me up, I think I have three stitches. He said they would not need to be removed as they would dissolve on their own. They then moved to the left side and did the same exact thing. They could tell the right breast implant was actually larger than the left side. After they were both done they put a strip of guaze on the cut sites. They set me up and gave me what looked like two pads to put into my new sports bra. It took all of and hour and a half. I took a peak as I got dressed. Kinda disheartening at this time. But I'm keeping my chin up. No pain so far. Just loopy from the two Valium. So now I'm home and taking it easy. I hope you other girls have had a good experience. Updated on 4 Mar 2015: OK. So I KNEW that it wasn't going to be pretty after, but I can honestly say nothing can prepare you for the shock. The emotional roller coaster just got more intense. Once the Dr was done and I looked down I could se a flat chest. I figured that was going to happen and I didn't let myself freak out. They helped me sit up and took me to a room to dress. I took a pic IMMEDIATELY after so that I could see for myself the extent of the damage and post it. I was SHOCKED. I mean I knew form others pics on this site that they would look deflated and wrinkly after, but I was still shocked. I didn't let myself look at the pic more than a second. My best friend of five years/maybe soon to be boyfriend was waiting in the lobby and very worried about me and I so very badly needed to be in his arms for comfort and reassurance. So I dug out my XS sports bra and put it on so I could get to him. The nurse gave me these pads to put in the bra just in case more saline leaked from the incisions. Which that did happen. I was still very loopy from the 2 Valium. We stopped for food at some point and I think I must have slept till we stopped to eat. I then slept again till we got to the market to get food for dinner. My BF was great. We picked up my son and took him to my BF house and he took care of us. The sports bra was too tight Im pretty sure cause I was really hurting. I was worried and I think my BF could tell. He took my hand and took me to the room. He asked if I minded if he saw. Reassured me that it didn't matter what I looked like because what made me beautiful wasn't my breast. He told me I was a very natural type of person and me having the fake boobs just didn't fit. He also told me that right now they weren't going to look good and he knew that but to give myself time. So he helped me take off the bra and looked. We kinda joked about them and he said that my bra was too tight and helped me put on one that wasn't so tight. He told me that this was the right decision and not to let it get me down, he was going to be here every step of the way, through thick and thin. He also wanted to see them before, right after, and the whole way till they were all fluffed up. OK so today I am at work just as the Dr told me I could be. I am VERY emotional and it took me a few hours to work up the nerve to take my coat off. I wore a loose fitting shirt and a sports bra that had some shape to it so I didn't feel so odd and flat. Where I work we are SERIOUSLY like family. In fact my best friend/boyfriend is my boss. So there is no way people here won't notice or comment. Its just how we are. But I do know they all care deeply for me and wouldn't be mean. So now my coat is off and once in awhile I cry. I have mild pain but only from the incision site. I think the DR cut closer to my sides than right beneath the center of my breast. I know I have stitches and they are the dissolving kind so I won't have to have them removed. TG! I hate that feeling. So now its a waiting game. How long till I fluff? Cause Im flat as a pancake and wrinkly. AAHHHHHH!!!!! Im scared. Updated on 5 Mar 2015: Updated on 5 Mar 2015: Updated on 5 Mar 2015: So today I am very scared. My pain is very manageable with tylenol and my scars do not look bad. I changed the bandages last night and took pictures for everyone to see. As you can see I don't have the same results as other people on here so I am frightened. Today as I walk around work I feel something that might be liquid in my left side. So Im guessing its residual and my body will absorb it in time. My feeling of sexual femininity is at an all time low which I knew was possible going into this. I am a small woman but I was really hoping that I would have more breast tissue and would have something to hope for after the surgery. Its odd too because I was a full B - a small C before my BA. I know that working out probably doesn't help with having an abundance of breast tissue. I am going to start taking some supplements to help with increasing breast size naturally, so any advice would be welcomed. I can tell a little bit of difference today, I THINK. lol. I will be checking when I get home and taking day 2 pics. At this point I am NEVER being naked in front of anyone! I don't even want to post my pics on here, but honestly the posts that all the women before me posted is what helped me be prepared and secure in what I have done. Im trying to keep my chin up and hoping that with time , a good diet, exercise, and supplements I will be able to have some nice small boobs. Updated on 6 Mar 2015: Here are Day 2 photos. Slight changes so far. Updated on 9 Mar 2015: Updated on 9 Mar 2015: Well you probably won't believe this when I tell you, but I went skiing on Saturday. ALL DAY. 4 days after explant surgery. I really feel amazing. I weighed myself at the gym on Friday night during my work out, I have lost 3-4 lbs after my explant! Isn't that CRAZY?!?! No wonder I had so much friggin pain. LOL. All the shooting pains in my breast have stopped and I know now that I was correct in thinking the implants were resting/rubbing on nerves. The Dr was pretty sure that my pain would still be present, so glad to tell him tonight that its gone. Also the pain in my back has lessened so much. A huge weight has been lifted off me and seeing it on the scale just confirmed what I had felt was causing me so much pain. My incisions look AMAZING! You won't believe how they look. I will take pics tonight of the progress. My breast still don't look amazing, lol, but Im learning to adjust. Im not looking forward to the beach party this weekend. Mixed emotions there. Its hard to swallow pride. Ive been keeping the incisions moist with a mix of Neosporin, coconut oil, and straight vitamin E oil. Not sure if I just heal fast or if the mix is what is doing it, but they healed soooo fast. I wasn't even worried to go skiing. I've also started doing an excursive that my Aunt swears by. Her breast are amazing and she is now in her upper 60's. I use to laugh at her and think it was silly, but this weekend my mind went to her and seeing her do the exercise. I did the motion and the very first time it lifted my breast/muscles! I could see that because my implants were under the muscle that the muscle needs a lot of work. Which is crazy cause I work out. But I always concentrated on NOT targeting my chest muscles because it would make my boobs jump and I HATED that. So I am now doing 100 of these exercises in the morning and then again in the evening. Basically I press the palms of my hands together in front of my chest and press them together as hard as I can and then repeat for 100 times. I really think it will help to target and pull the muscles back into place. I will post todays pictures later on this evening. I hope you all are doing well and enjoyed your weekend like I did! Spring is starting to arrive here in PA and its beautiful reprieve after all the negative temps and snow we have had. Its a balmy 30degrees today and SUNNY!!!!! Updated on 10 Mar 2015: Updated on 10 Mar 2015: So I went my first follow up appointment and PA (Jean) walked in with another woman and told me this other woman would take my stitches out. I looked at her funny and said "I don't have stitches". She looked puzzled and said "you don't?". I told her I saw the Dr put them in but they were not in the incisions. I pulled the bandages off to show her and she was like "WOW they are GONE!" She couldn't believe how fast I had healed and how good I looked. She went and got some other people and then to talk to the DR. They asked what I had been putting on the incisions and doing for my breast. So I told them and they were very impressed. I was much further along than what they would have expected. I was in the office about 2 mins. As I walked out Jean went to ask the Dr how big my implants were but he could not tell since he did not put them in. He walked out and they started asking me about how I was feeling emotionally. I told them I was self conscious but I felt so AMAZING with the pain and weight gone that it totally made up for it. I said if I didn't have great results in 6 months I might come speak to him about using fat to fill them out, but I laughed and said "probably not though, I'm actually ok with me". They kept looking at me amazed and happy that I was doing so well. He told me to get out of his office cause he didn't need to see me anymore! lol So now Im on my own, with you girls! I hope that as time goes by I really do fluff out like so many have before me. I just want to have nice small breasts. Updated on 11 Mar 2015: I can't actually wear it yet because it hurts my incisions, but I just needed to see something positive this morning. SMILING!!! Updated on 16 Mar 2015: So today is almost 2 weeks. I think I have done well. I am now wearing regular bras without any issue. My incisions sit just below a bra line and no longer hurt me. I am keeping them moist with a lotion I make of coconut oil, raw coco butter, raw shea butter, and vitamin E oil. I still do my exercises daily along with my normal gym routine. My nipples are still folding over at the bottom but I do notice my right one is unfolding at times so I think that eventually they won't have the fold. At least I am really hoping they don't. I don't let myself look in the mirror and analyze myself so much anymore. I really am trying not to worry so much. I went to the beach party Sat night! It was Amazing!!!! Dan (my BF and amazing support through this whole thing) came to me last week and confronted me about being so down. I confessed I was having self confidence issues and especially with a beach party coming up. I was contemplating not going, but this isn't something that either of us wanted to miss. He and I dance. REALLY AMAZINGLY WELL. Its our thing. We just don't miss this. So a few days later he comes to me with a gift. It is a coconut bra the same size as I use to be. He trims and sands the edges to conform to my body and tells me to go buy a grass skirt. LOL so I did and it turned out it was one of the best nights we ever had. I danced ALL night. No pain, no worry. I was the only one in a bikini (type) other than one guy that was brave enough to wear a speedo. So I will have to post a pic of the outfit so you all can see it. I needed that night more than I knew. I didn't even have a problem changing at the end of the night into regular clothes and a small bra. Not one of our gang or people in the bar that knew us said anything or acted any different. I realized they didn't care about my boobs, so why should I care that much. All in all I feel so much better about all this. I may not be perfect, but I am me. Boobs don't make me a better person, better friend, better lover, better anything. I do that all on my own. Updated on 25 Mar 2015: Hey Ladies! It's been awhile since I posted and I thought I would post and ask a question. It's been 3 weeks since I had my implants removed and everything seems to be going smoothly. My scars have smoothed out, but are still a light purplish color. They do itch a tiny bit occasionally, but no pain with them. I had made myself not obsess about my boobs, which Im sure you all know is not easy. So I just stay away from the mirror and keep extremely busy. I went skiing Sunday and then all day Monday. I am back to a normal workout routine and have had no problems. I am rubbing my breast with my homemade lotion and try to keep my scars moist. So all in all I can't complain. So on another note: I started to experience breast pain/soreness three days ago. I honestly thought that I might be getting close to my period and that I was getting sore due to that. I haven't had much of that with implants, so I thought maybe it was part of returning to "normal" so I didn't think much of it. Then it started getting worse. Yesterday it was so bad! I couldn't even touch them without wincing. I checked my flow calendar and realized I wasn't anywhere close so this had to be something else. I started really feeling my breast to see exactly where the pain is and noticed it is mainly on the outside of my breasts. Its not the muscle at all. I massaged and there was not muscle pain in the slightest, even from working out. It is definitely the breast tissue. I told myself to give it a few days and that this might be normal. I figured I'd post on here and see if any of you have experienced this. This morning I was getting ready and noticed in the mirror that my breasts looked fuller, especially my right side. Also my right side isn't as sore as it had been also. The left is still painful though. So my question is this. Is this normal? is this part of the healing/fluffing process? I am hoping it keeps up if so. I don't want this to be temporary! Here are some pics. The good colored ones are from yesterday. The badly colored ones are from this morning. I took them in the work bathroom so forgive the lighting. Yuck. Can you see any differences? Is it just me? Updated on 31 Mar 2015: Well it has been a month since my explant procedure and it's hard to believe its gone by so quickly. I have certainly adjusted to the new me. I may feel a bit self conscious some days, but quite honestly they are fleeting thoughts. Even though my breast are far from perfect, I feel much better overall, mentally, emotionally, and physically. I'm sure others have felt the same way and can understand what I mean. I have been liberated. So I took pics. There isn't much change. I am fluffing up slowly and the upper parts (i believe) are starting to fill in a tiny bit. The folds under my nipples are receding and some days are barely there at all. Usually right after waking up they are present and that is when I take my photos. I went ahead and bought a VS bikini and it arrived yesterday. I HAD to try it on. It is a 32 A and Im kinda worried that I might need to go up to a B?!?! The left breast fits better than the right. seems my right is fluffing up quicker than my left. We will see in time I guess. So my scars are doing really well, as you can see in the pic. I only where a sports bra to work out and a soft bralette to bed. Other than that I have been wearing normal bras for a few weeks. I am in a 34A lightly lined, no push up. The SO brand from Kohls. Seems these are the ones that fit me best at this point. When I need a sexy boost I have the same brand push up. lol. I have accepted and adjusted to my small breast quickly and happily. I don't feel the need to pad my bras and don't really care if people notice, look, or say anything. I have even gotten back to wearing my tighter shirts and let me tell you. THEY LOOK SO MUCH BETTER ON ME!!! Lol. On the pain that I mentioned before... I now know that it is from body building. I have come to a few conclusions (along with my Dr.). My implants were under the muscle and because of this in the past when I lifted weights I purposely concentrated on NOT using my chest muscles because my implants would jump. So over the years those muscles have become underdeveloped while the rest of my body was developing. So after explant my breast had the extra skin and untoned muscle and that made for a pretty unsightly combo that hung down low. UGH. My Dr and I talked in depth before explant about my routine and he released me to go back to lifting 3-4 days later as long as I listened to my body. After 4 days I started lifting and really noticed that I had no chest strength, so I concentrated extra on those muscles. As time went on I could do more and more and then the pain and soreness set in. As you all know and read I was thinking it was due to ovulation and then when that passed maybe something was wrong. Well in the last week I have seen definite improvement in my chest muscles and breast. I can lift weights and there is hardly any jumping of the muscle. I believe that my good progress is due to me getting the muscles back to where they are meant to be, up high and tight. My Dr can't believe how fast I have recovered and how well I look. So even though I still have pain and soreness I can tell its the muscle that is sore and that it is moving higher onto my chest wall. To me that is a good sign because Im working to tighten a once very loose muscle. I can also see and feel the difference between the muscle and the breast tissue and I can actually feel the fluffing. All in all I am happy with my progress so far. So I think I am going to not take pics or post for two weeks and then see the progress I have made. Ladies, I hope you are all healthy and happy with your decisions to explant. If you are considering it then I can only give you my experience, Im sure there are others who are not happy with their results or decision, but this has been the best decision for me. No matter if I am only ever an A and have a fold in my nipples. Im FINALLY happy with my body and it only took 21 years to finally be ok with how I look. I don't even think that having the implants was a bad decision, because It taught me a much needed lesson and I can pass my experience onto someone who might have self confidence issues due to breast size. BE HAPPY WITH WHO YOU ARE, JUST AS YOU ARE. Every scar, stretch mark, and wrinkle tells a story and makes you unique and beautiful in your own way. And quite honestly your smile is the most beautiful part about you, especially when it reaches your eyes. SO SMILE and show everyone your true beauty!
I have finally scheduled my surgery for February 14, 2013. I am having a Tummy Tuck and Breast Implants with a lollipop lift. I have not decided on whether I am going with silicone or saline, but I am leaning more towards the saline. I have my preop appointment set up for January 31st. I am a 40-year old, mother of two boys ages 15 and 17. I have been struggling to lose weight for basically the past 17 years. At one point I was over 200 lbs and I have managed to get myself down….but it wasn't until this year that I discovered a way of eating that has helped me lose 50 lbs and decrease my body fat by almost 20%.. Although I was very happy to lose the weight and go from 173.5 in January to 123.5 now….I am less happy with the appearance of my stomach and also my breasts. I had looked into having a TT done in the past and got prices from two different doctors. First doctor wanted $10,000 and that was just for the TT and the second doctor wanted $8500. So, I decided that I just could not afford it at that time. Now, that I have lost this weight I really wanted to get my body back and that meant getting rid of the saggy skin and stretch marks. So, I was searching for doctors that were not far away that had good reviews and great patient satisfaction. I ran across a doctor in Lewisburg that had really good reviews and I had even seen some pictures of his work on this very website. That Is what really pushed me to make the consultation with him. So, on October 10th I had my consultation with Dr. Ernest Normington. I found him to be very professional and he took time with me. I did not feel rushed even though my appointment was at 6 pm and I am sure by that time his whole staff was ready to go home. I did not have to wait long to get into see him and he answered all my questions. I was very impressed with him and his staff. I wanted him to evaluate my breasts to see if there was any way I could just get implants. I had no idea what was considered “too droopy” but I figured I was near or at that point. He told me that I would not be happy with just implants and he would not even want to do just implants. I needed a lift. So, he told me that I would need a lollipop lift. I was familiar with this and I just kept thinking….”boy, this is going to be expensive”. After the consult was over he gave me two quotes. One quote was for each procedure done separately and the other quote was for them being done together. Turns out that his prices were awesome! After looking at them, there was no doubt in my mind that I would be having them done together if I was planning on proceeding. Together the cost was $11,490 for TT and BA with lift using saline implants and if I opted for silicone it would be a thousand more. If I had them separately, I would pay over $4000 more. I could not wait to tell my husband, unfortunately, he was out of town and I had to wait until the next evening to talk to him. I told him all about the appointment and I also got out the quotes and showed him. Now, he has never been on board with the breast implants. He never thought I needed them….until now….he realized how deflated they were and how unhappy I was with them. Honestly, if I had to pick one or the other…it would probably be the Breast Implants over the TT. So, to hear him say “you would be crazy not to do them together” I was beyond happy! I already had $8,000, but I needed to come up with the rest of the money and that is why my surgery is not until February. I feel that it is important to do your research….which I have. I have had plenty of consults with other doctors and I think that I am making the right choice by going with Dr. Normington. Not only is the price good, but I also felt comfortable around him and I feel that is important as well. I have a lot to do before my surgery. I plan on using this wonderful site for planning my recovery….there is so much information and we are lucky to have this to help with the process. I have posted pictures….so as you can see I have a lot of saggy skin in both my breasts and my tummy…I also have a lot of stretch marks that seem to be just right up to my belly button….which makes me happy. I plan on posting as things progress. I feel that people need to know what to expect when going through this. I hope that my posting will help others. Updated on 25 Dec 2012: 12/25/12 - Well, I ordered the "pre consultation" Breast Implant kit from Natrelle. I am unsure of what size breast implants that I want and kind of wanted to experiment with the different sizes. I was very anxious to get the kit and it finally arrived on Saturday. Unfortunately, it was NOT what I had anticipated and I was greatly disappointed. The implants had a odd shape and puckered when you inserted them in the sports bra that came with the kit. They were not smooth. This made it hard to really get a good idea of what the implants would really look like. Honestly, in my opinion, it was not worth the money. It came with 4 sizes and they were labeled from 1-4 and 4 was the largest. After googling it I found that "#4" is around 400 cc's. I thought that this might have helped me make a decision on how large I wanted to go but it really did not....the odd shape really threw me off. I am hoping that the doctor will have something better. The only good thing is that you can get a rebate....so essentially I will not have paid anything for the kit...but you have to send in several different items before you can get the rebate, but I will do what I have to do to get my money back. Updated on 6 Jan 2013: I have been looking at a ton of before and after pictures...particularly breast lifts with implants. I had been saving them to my computer so that I could show my PS. I realized this might be hard to show him without having ti drag my laptop along, but then I found a better way to save my likes and dislikes. If you are familiar with pinterest you probably know about "secret" boards. These are boards that nobody else can see but you. They are perfect for gathering all your pictures in one place. I have an iPad and now I can just take it to my appointment to show my doctor. You could also use a smart phone as well if you didn't have a tablet or iPad. This makes it much easier and eliminates the need to drag your laptop to the appointment or print out pictures. It also organizes everything into one spot. This might be old news but I thought I would share in case people were not aware of it or maybe forgot about pinterest having these secret boards. I had to laugh because when they came out with these secret boards I thought "I will never use them" but here I am very thankful that they did. Hope this helps! Updated on 12 Jan 2013: I am sick right now. I have a nasty cold that my son graciously shared with me. I had this coughing fit yesterday that was so bad I was gasping for breath....honestly I have never experienced coughing like that....the only thing I could think of was ...."glad I didn't just have my surgery"...I would have split something open for sure. From reading on this site I have heard that a toilet riser is a good thing to have and I remember my grandmother having one...so I called my mother and she said that she still had it she also has a walker i can use.....So I am going to get that stuff for my recovery...Along with a shower chair...and today I am going to go looking for a recliner to rent...I've been wanting one anyway so I may just end up keeping it afterwards if I like it. I also have opted not to tell my two boys....main reason is I really don't want my ex-husband to know and I know for sure they would tell their dad and I probably wouldn't care if other people knew but NOT him....he was mentally abusive to me after I had the boys...calling me a fat cow and a road atlas due to all my stretch marks...he was horrible and although he is only in my life a little now a days I don't need any comments from him to bring me down. . Problem is I don't know exactly what to tell them....I thought about hernia repair and then just trying to hid the boobs so that they were not aware but they are boys and teenage boys at that. I wish I could trust them to not tell their dad but they will......so I must lie to them. I wish I was going away for the surgery that would make it much easier to hid it. I am starting to have major anxiety with thoughts of "why the hell am I doing this at 40?" and then I think about being on our boat and going on vacation and not feeling self conscious about my stomach or boobs and the feeling passes....I just hope that recovery goes well and that I bounce back quickly. Good luck to all who are getting ready for surgery next week. 33 days until my big day....can't wait to get this over with!!!! Updated on 14 Jan 2013: I got my preop pack in the mail on Friday and I was a little disappointed that it did not have more information regarding the postop period. Thank goodness for this site and the experiences of others....I would be lost. I did read that he will be giving me some supplements to take two weeks before and after surgery. It also did have a section regarding the MRI. It is saying that if you get silicone implants that it is "recommended" that you get an MRI three years after the implants and then every two years after. That seems like a lot of MRIs if you ask me. I am pretty sure that they are pretty damn expensive too. Now, I know that this is only a recommendation and that you are not "Made" to do this, but it kind of scares me. I guess maybe I could just put money back for it and maybe have it done alittle less frequently than they recommend. At this point, I am still not certain that I am going with silicone so it may not even be an issue. I am going to make a list of questions that I am going to ask the doctor at my preop. Things that were not covered in the packet or things that I am not clear about. Updated on 18 Jan 2013: Checked into the whole "MRI" thing with getting silicone implants. I got my preop packet in the mail last week and it did have a section in it regarding the FDA recommendations of getting an MRI after three years and then follow ups every two years after that. I work in healthcare and I know that MRIs are extremely expensive but I never dreamed how expensive. I sent an email to a friend that works in the billing dept of the hospital and ask her about the cost of a breast MRI if you were paying out of pocket. She said with radiology fees the total price would be almost $5,000....that is just crazy...heck my boobs won't even cost that much and then they want that done every two years after your initial one....yeah right...like I can afford that. The last thing I did was I called my insurance company (blue cross) and ask the lady in customer service if they would cover this MRI and she put me on hold and found some information regarding breast implants and apparently they "might" cover it if it is medically necessary. So there is a lot to think about when choosing your implants. I am sure that most women are not following the recommendations set forth by the FDA. Updated on 24 Jan 2013: One week today is my preop. Getting excited, yet very nervous. My husband tells me to quit reading so much and relax....but that is easy for him to say. I just hope everything goes okay. I figured out that I will probably have my period during the surgery through the first week...which I should have really looked at before scheduling. But then my period is not quite as bad as it use to be since I had endometerial ablation done. So, maybe it won't be so bad...but then I do get very hormonal...which might not mix well with the emotions of surgery and recover. Guess there is really nothing I can do and I refuse to change my appointment. Good luck to all that are getting ready for surgery as well as those recovering. I hope I have more to add once the surgery is here and my recovery begins. Updated on 30 Jan 2013: My preop appointment is tomorrow and I am excited to get some questions answered and pick out my implants. So excited that I had my first bad dream. Last night i was awoken by a terrible dream. I was going to my preop appointment and when I got there they took me back to surgery...I did not talk to the doctor and I didn't even get to pick out my implants. Then the doctor comes in, but it wasn't my doctor it was some old man that had shaky hands and looked to be about 90 years old. Before I knew it they put me out and I woke up and they rushed me out the door...I didn't have a bra on or anything. But the wierd thing was that I was walking upright without a problem and I had no abdominal pain. I took my binder off and I had lumps on both my sides where he had sucked out too much fat in one place and not enough in another and there was no TT incision because one wasn't done...just lipo....then when I tried to put a sports bra on.... my incisions opened up and my impants came out the bottom of my boobs....I awoke...rather abruptly....and was so glad to realize I was dreaming. That was bad....Not even sure what would have made me dream about this old man doing my surgery...but I did. I hope to not have too many more dreams. I know I have read of other girls having dreams and I was hoping that not to be an issue for me. I hope all the girls that have had their surgery are recovering well and all the girls about ready to go under are safe. Talk to you all later Updated on 2 Feb 2013: WOW! I just had the most frustrating preop ever! I almost left without even picking out implants! Going into this I wasn’t sure about a lot of stuff, but the one thing I was sure about was that I wanted Moderate Profile (MP) implants and I did not want High Profile (HP) and this was simply due to the amount of space that I had between my breasts. I wanted increased cleavage and I knew that the MP implants had a wider base and therefore would take up more space on my chest opposed to the HP that are narrow and give more projection. So, imagine my surprise when the nurse and the doctor recommended the HP. I was very adamant that I did not want this. I was told that I had a narrow chest. I have always thought my chest wall was wide. The doctor NEVER measured me so I am not sure how he would know for certain what I needed. This upset me greatly and when I ask the nurse why he didn’t measure me…she said that he has done “so many augmentations he just knows". I did not feel comfortable with this. At that point I decided to go against their recommendations and after two hours I was DONE looking at implants and I decided on 371 cc MP silicone implants. I may go up to 397 cc, but I haven’t totally made up my mind. I was glad to hear that my doctor did not agree with getting the MRI as often as the FDA recommended. He said it was overkill. So, I decided that I would go with silicone implants because they felt so nice. After going through all of that, I go out to pay for the surgery and I had brought half the money and the other half I was using the Care Credit card to pay for. The secretary runs my card and it was declined. I got this card two years ago when I started my plastic surgery journey and I had never used it. I called them two week ago and checked my credit limit. I called them immediately when it was declined and I put in my card number and it said the account had been closed. My heart sunk. I had the office call them and once we got a customer service rep on the phone she told me that the account had been closed on Monday. I ask her if she could reopen it because I was sitting at the plastic surgeons office getting ready to pay for my surgery. She told me that I would have to reapply. My heart sunk AGAIN!…because I just bought a new car and I didn’t have that when I applied for the card. So, I hung up and I didn’t pay for anything due to the possibility of having to postpone my surgery. I had my ipad along with me so my husband and I left the office and got a bite to eat and while we were waiting for our food I reapplied….Thankfully it was approved and I was able to pay for the surgery. Of note, I was sent home on several different vitamins and I have to take these two weeks before and two weeks after as well as arnica after and bromelaine couple days before and then after. So, I have to get a pill reminder set up since I am definitely NOT use to taking medication. Updated on 8 Feb 2013: Well, I never realized how stressful this whole process would be. I am literally making myself sick over the breast implants. It was so much easier when i was only getting the TT...adding the breast implants has added too many decisions.. Did I mention that I have difficulty picking out wall paper. I just hope that I have made the right decision on the profile and size of the implants. I keep telling myself that anything is better than what I have now....but for some reason it has been hard to convince myself that. I rented a recliner today....hoping this will help with the recovery and make it a little easier. I am pretty sure I have everything....I just need to get the house cleaned and then I am set. Updated on 10 Feb 2013: Woohoo!!!! I was suppose to get my period on the 13th...which is the day before my surgery and generally it has been running three days late....well low and behold I got it this morning which is three days EARLY!!! Things are looking up. I should be over it by my surgery and have one less thing to deal with. What a relief. Not to mention this hormonal roller coaster I have been on is slowly coming to an end! Updated on 13 Feb 2013: Woke up this morning with an upset stomach....got better as the day went on. I was super busy so that helped make the day go fast...maybe too fast...lol I bought some last minute things today. I purchased a toilet seat riser...it was $40...a lot cheaper than I thought it was going to be. Got some fresh pineapples to help with the swelling. I hope that I have everything that I need.... I am sure I will be missing something. I will add pictures as soon as I am able to. Good luck to everyone that is scheduled tomorrow and fast healing for all that have gone before me. Updated on 14 Feb 2013: Well the waiting is finally over. I had my surgery today. My husband and I arrived at the surgery center at 8 am and they took me back... I had to change into a gown and give them a urine sample....then Dr Normington marked me for surgery. I finally decided on 397 cc....no turning back now. After all that I was ask some questions by anesthesia and then off to the OR.... Last thing I remember saying was " I don't want [RS bleep] star boobs!" and it was lights out. I awoke still in the OR and I was wheeled to recovery.... I was feeling no pain.....eventually the pain did start and I was given some Demerol......I chit chatted with the nurse and as we were talking g I ask how much skin was rmoved and she told me a pound and then I ask her how much separation I had and told me that Dr. N. said..... " did she have children?!? I know she did but it does not appear that way" so I ask the nurse if he tightened the muscles....she said he did but damned if I can feel it... From all I have read I gathered this was the most painful part and honestly my boobs are more painful than the TT. So I am puzzled. I also did not get any lipo which bummed me out...apparently I didnt need any....disappointed. I did get dizzy and slightly nauseated upon standing....so I was given some medicine to help with that....then out the door I went. The ride home was not pleasant... I felt every bump and was counting the time until I made it home. I didn't have any trouble walking up the steps to my house and I was feeling petty good. The only time I felt poorly was when I got up to go to the bathroom after sitting.... Not pain but dizziness and nausea... I would also break out in a sweat too. I also have a little discomfort behind my right knee and I am not sure if this is just something I pulled or something more serious like a blood clot.... That would be my luck The other issue I had was pain in my ribs like you get when u have a side stitch....I would rate my overall pain at the most a 5. I only have one drain. I have only drained it twice so far since getting home. I have only ate some crackers.....I have no appetite at all Well I am getting very tired.... I will check in tomorrow....and Saturday I get to shower ...I will take some pictures then Updated on 16 Feb 2013: Well, my pain level has increased greatly since my last update. POD 1 was very bad. I was in a lot of pain and I was also dizzy and nauseous. I dd manage to sleep a little last night but was extremely stiff this morning. The doctors office called yesterday regardig my drainage. I only had 50 cc's and I only have one drain. She told me this was fine and if I continued to have a low out put that It woud probably be removed at my postop appointment on Thursday. I hope so because it is quite uncomfortable. I was also able to take a shower today. I thought this would make me feel better and initially it dd, but I overdid it and ended up feeling like [RS bleep] the rest of the day....plus I was pretty devastated at the appearance of my boobs. They are pointy and small....at least they seem small. I am hopng that they will drop and fill out. My husband thinks that they will be a lot bigger after they drop.....but I am more than pleased with my belly button and my incision. They both look great and I am very relieved.. Did I mention how thankful I am for getting the toilet seat riser and recliner. Highly recommend them. I am also having horrible gas pain,which is causing me more pain than the incisions. Updated on 19 Feb 2013: Finally had a BM last night!!!! Feel so much better. I am so glad I took the stool softeners prior to surgery. Doctors office was suppose to call yesterday to get my drainage numbers...they never called...that is a little disturbing. My drainage is down to about 15cc and the color is a very pale pink. I only have one drain. I had anticipated a lot more drainage so I am surprised by the lack of drainage considering that I do only have one drain. I woke up coughing this morning....this is the second day in a row that this has happened. Does not feel very pleasant... Mornings are a hard time due to being so stiff but after I get up and move I start to feel better. I am very sad about my lift and BA. They look horrible and I can only hope that they drop and fill out. They are pointy and just look bad. My husband tries to be upbeat and tells me they will be fine but I am not so sure. My TT looks good and I am pleased with that... But not sure about the boobs Updated on 20 Feb 2013: Things are going better. Last night I did not wear my CG and I slept like a baby. It has been rubbing my incisions and i felt i needed to take it off for a little bit. I did put it back on in the morning. My swelling has not been too bad which I am grateful for...I did not have lipo so I think that probably is why....I was up 10 lbs immediately after surgery but that was also with having all cloths on. I am 6 lbs down as of this morning and it seems like most of my swelling is in my thighs and hips I tried on my bikini bottoms and I am soooo pleased with the position of my incision...it makes up for my disappointmenting boobs. I keep telling myself that anything is better than what I had and I need to be patient. I did take a picture in clothes and in clothes I look normal which is a major relief. Tomorrow is my first postop appt and I have to say that I am a little disappointed with the follow up care...somebody was suppose to call me to check on my drainage and they only called the day after surgery. Hope that is not how things are going to be Updated on 22 Feb 2013: I had my first postop appointment yesterday. I did not get to see the doctor at all. This seemed odd to me, but maybe this is normal...I don't know. I did see Jean, who is his nurse and she is very nice and knowledgeable. She apologized profusely for nobody getting in contact with me regarding my drainage numbers. She had been on vacation and it was another girls responsibility to call me. I let her know that it didn't make me feel real good that nobody checked in with me like they were suppose to. She did remove that pesky drain and told me that if I experienced five or more pound weight gain on Monday and a fluid wave when I touched my lower abdomen that I was to call the office and they would have me come in to drain the fluid. She also ask if I was happy with my implant choice. I told her that I was not happy with the pointy boobs and she said "well then it is a good thing you didn't go with High Profile". Geez, I agonized over my decision due to her and the doctor both telling me that I was better suited for HP implants due to my thinness and my narrow chest...I was totally against it but they almost had me convinced I was making a mistake. In the end....I am glad I went with my gut feeling. She told me that they would change over the next few months and they would not look like they do now. I know this and even though I do know this it does not stop me from worrying about it and obsessing over it. I can see subtle changes daily and I am anxious to see every morning if there has been any change. I was also told that I needed to start doing massages and these massages will be done for the life of my breast implants. She told me to push them together and then up and hold for ten seconds. The only thing I don't know is how often I need to do this. So, I will need to get this clarified. After my appointment I went to walmart. It was very liberating to not have that damn drain and by the way....I did have some slight pain when this was removed....but it quickly gone and I was fine. While at walmart I purchased two sports bras...one that zipped up and another one that had a little less supportive that was just soft and comforting. I also bought a spandex body suit that is shorts and has straps. Love this...it is very compressive but it makes me feel good and I think it makes me stand taller....not sure why but maybe it is the sense of support. After walmart I was wiped out and we headed home (home is an hour away) and I was sore and miserable once I got home. Got on the recliner and I was out like a light. Slept for about three hours and then felt much better. Today is Day 8 and I am feeling good. I tried not to push it too much today because of being so active yesterday and that left me more swollen than I have been since having surgery. I don't know if it was the medications that I was taking but honestly I really did not have a lot of swelling and I am thankful for that. I also did not have lipo so that could also be another reason for the limited amount of swelling. All in all, I am feeling pretty good and I am ready to start doing more. Updated on 25 Feb 2013: Went to wal-mart again....I just had to get out of the house. I feel so cooped up and it was very nice out today so that brightened my spirits. But, once again, I overdone it and was very sore and swollen when I got home. My left breast is really tender for some reason. I noticed that it seems like the Left breast is not as nicely done as the right. It seems like he may have had problems. It just doesn't look as nice as the right and it is sore and tender. It also was bruised as well. I was told to start moving my implants and I have started but I feel like they just don't want to move to easily. I am hoping this is normal and they will start to soften. they are still quite high as well. I bought some palmers cocoa oil to massage my scars. I was told that I could use lotion and so when I went to see what was available I found this oil that is for scars, stretch marks, uneven skin tone etc. I have some questions: 1. Has anybody else been told to start massaging? I was told at Day 7 to start. 2. Is anybody using the Palmers oil or bio oil? How is it working? 3. how long is it taking for them to drop? I am still very high and I am just wondering when I can expect them to change. They are very hard. 4. how compliant are people with their binders? I HATE the damn thing and I am not wearing it continuously. I have read that a lot of doctors don't even make their patients wear them. Updated on 16 Mar 2013: It has been awhile since I updated. I am getting a "little" happier with my breasts, but I still feel that I should have went bigger. My goal was to be able to wear some clothes without a bra and that just isn't happening. I need a bra to make them look the way I wanted and I think maybe that is what is disappointing me. I think that they look great in a bra but not so much without one. If that makes sense. I did have been having pain in my right breast for about two weeks now. It is like a toothache where if I move a certain way...usually bending forward....I get a searing pain that sends me through the roof. It also aches in the evening if I have been too active during the day. I did discuss with my PS and he felt this was a nerve that was irritated and he suggested massaging that area. So, I have started that. It does seem to help a little....but it can be painful. My belly button still seems red and there was a scab on the one side that the PS removed and there is sort of a "hole" there....so that needs to close up and heal. I go back in another two weeks to see how that is doing. I think once it closes and the redness goes away I am going to really like my new belly button. I had my 1 month appointment yesterday and I was told I could gradually start back to my normal workouts. But he cautioned me about lifting too heavy....so I guess I will just start out with body weight and keep increasing each week. I am excited to get back to my old routine...but also nervous because although I didn't swell much when I first had my surgery....I really seem to swell now with any amount of activity....especially in my hip area. After my appointment yesterday, I stopped at VS to check my measurements and to also find a bra that I could wear for support. The doctor said I was able to go to normal bras now....so I thought I would buy one for now. My breast have not dropped much at all. At least that i can see. The drop has been subtle. So, I didn't want to spend a ton of money on bras because I know that most likely I will probably change sizes...whether that is up or down...I have no idea. I measured out at a 36 D or 34 DD....the DD actually felt better...so that is what I went with. I am kind of hoping that I drop down to a D when everything has settled. I also have been having bouts of depression...the only thing I can think is that it is due to not working out and gaining weight. I am up 5 lbs from surgery and although my clothes fit they are fitting a little tighter than I like. So hopefully once I get back to working out....I will start feeling better. The cold, snowy whether is not helping either. Updated on 21 Apr 2013: It has been a month since I updated. So far, my right breast has dropped, but my left is still high. I still have puffiness in my left nipple and the right has smoothed out. I ask the doctor about this and he told me the puffiness was due to the stitches and once they dissolve the puffiness would smooth out. From the very start I thought the left breast was not as nice as the right. The incision was not as nice and either was the nipple....odd that it is also the one that is not dropping. I still feel like I could have gone larger, but my husband says "no way". he thinks they are appropriate for my frame, but as I said...I think I could have went up a little. What bothers me is that I still have to wear padded push up bras to get the look I want. Due to my anatomy, my breasts are wider than most and this causes me to need to wear push up bras to get the cleavage. It was a nightmare trying to find a bathing suit that I liked. I finally found one after several returns. Now, I have been very pleased with my tummy tuck...especially how low the incision is.....but I noticed that my belly button looks to be getting smaller. I called the office and I was told to stick a Q-tip in it to stretch it out. I have issues with scarring and I am afraid that my scar is going to be very visible around my belly button. I am just hoping that I do not have to have any revisions done on it. Oh....one more thing...and this has really irritated me. I ask the doctor "why" he didn't do any lipo on my hips like we had discussed and he said he did. I know that he did not do any lipo because I had NO discomfort, NO bruising and I ask the nurse that was in the OR and she said that he did not do any lipo. When I told him this he said "maybe the nurse did not realize it". Well, he can claim whatever he wants....I know that the lipo was not done. It just kind of makes me mad that he would lie about it and pretend that he did it when he obviously did not. I am posting some pictures.
I am 41 years old. I am the mom of three boys (23,18,16). I have a wonderful husband. I can remember when my oldest son was born, my body bounced right back...I had awesome abs, no issues. However, after the births of my second two children that was not the case. Each one seemed to leave behind a "roll" in my abdomen area. I really noticed this when I sat in the tub to bathe! I would look down and I was like oh my! Where did that come from?! Of course the years have progressed and so did the size of these rolls! Within the past year I decided to do something about them and started working out at the gym 5 days a week. I lost 25lbs..YEA me! Only the rolls have stayed! Hey that was not suppose to be the case....I thought if I put my time in at the gym, ate well, they would find a new home better yet disappear. That did not happen. While we were on vacation at the beach this year (sept) I decided to do some research on lipsuction. I felt confident that was a good option for me and upon arriving home set up a consultation. I attended my consultation on Sept. 20th and met a very kind and caring PS and staff. I explained that I was interested in liposuction on my thighs and abs and then showed him my thighs and abdomen. He took care to ask me questions and kind of get to know me. He then offered me his opinion and advice. He felt that liposuction was appropriate for my thighs however, my abdomen would be best treated with a full TT. REALLY? He went on to explain that those rolls would not go away with just getting rid of the fat. YIKES. Ok, so after he explain a little about the TT and the cost (OUCH) I left not sure of what I wanted to do. He told me he would be willing to do the lipo if that is what I chose but warned my that those rolls my be worse because the skin would become even more loose. Did I mention I had not told my husband I was going to this consultation? So I left the house thinking about liposuction only to come home to try and get a grasp on just what a TT would mean. So I YouTubed it. I made it through the video but was like ohhhh hell to the NO I am NOT doing that! Well after I digested what I had watched and did some more research (found this website) I decided to talk to my husband about it. He knows how upset I become over my body and it's shape and he loves me for just the way I am but he knows he can't love me enough for the both of us. So he said if this is what will make you happy then I support you. Ahhh I love him. So I phone the PS and schedule my surgery for Oct. 12th and also schedule my preop appt. for Sept. 25th. I go in on Tuesday to my preop and was offered a chance to change my surgery to Oct. 1st (WHAT! that is less than a week away) After I stopped panicing I chose to take the 1st. I have gone through a range of emotions--fear, excitement, not going to do it, going to do it) What if I die, what if I can't handle the pain...all the normal fears and reservation everyone has, what has really helped me to put them to rest was taking the before photos. I know I see me in the mirror but man the saying is true...." A picture is worth a thousand words" These have put doubts to bed now I just want it done! My PS has put me on a vitamin regimen and given me perscriptions for pre/post surgery. I take a multivitamin 3 tablets 2X's a day, today I have started Bromelain with Quercetin 2 tablets 3X's a day, The day after surgery I will take Arnica 3 tablets 3X's a day. I will take an antibiotic (Cephalexin), an antinflammatory (Celebrex), and a pain pill. I plan on purchasing the silicone strips to help reduce my scar. My sister is going to help care for me the first couple of days. So I am all set. I wish everyone luck and health that have chosen the TT path and will keep you posted on my recovery. Updated on 29 Sep 2012: Ok, two days to go and I am back to being nervous! I keep thinking what if I go through all of this pain and expense and there is very little result! YIKES! I am a pretty level headed person and realize this is probably not going to be the case but I still keep thinking about the what if's! I will also start a new job the begining of Nov. so I am hoping to be healed enough that it won't affect my performance. Part of me just wishes it was over so I could but this crazy mind of mine at ease! Does anyone have any other food ideas that are light and easy other than crackers, broth, jello, and gatorade? My PS told me it would be important that I get fluids into me other than water to help balance electrolytes after the lipo. Happy healing and many blessings to all! Updated on 30 Sep 2012: Ok, twelve hours and counting. I am anxious and excited. I can tell I will struggle to sleep tonight! I have gotten my jello, water, gatorade, pudding, applesauce, crackers and pillows and blankets ready. Ok, well good luck to the others going for their surgery tomorrow. I am sending prayers and positive thoughts your way, for peace of mind, strength, and healing. Blessings to all! I will post when I can tomorrow. Updated on 1 Oct 2012: I have made it to the flat side! Not an overwhelming amount of pain, I think it feels more like I did 100 crunches. My thighs where the lip was done are "achy" . When I first woke up my mouth was very dry and I had this plastic taste in my mouth. I became nauseated with "hot flashes" on my first attempt to sit at the edge of bed. After a bit of rest and a cool cloth to my forehead this past. I am at home now in a recliner with pillow under my knees. Made it to the bathroom ( which is upstairs) hardest part was standing up from recliner. I won't be able to see anything for a coupld of days. I will post pictures then. I am still very sleepy and the pain meds are kicking in again. Time for a nap! Updated on 2 Oct 2012: Day 1 PO.....Well so far I have stayed on top of the pain with my meds. I am not in a lot of pain it's more of uncomfortable. I stopped taking the vicodin and switched to tylenol with codine this does not bother my stomach as back as the vicodin. Can any previous TT's tell me when the stomach muscles stop feeling like you've just done 100 crunches? The nausea is what bothered me last night and my doctor had given me a perscription for antinausea suppositories and I broke down and used one....it worked! That helped me sleep a little better. I slept in like 2 hour increments. Yesterday I had to go to the bathroom every 2 hours, this may have been from the fluid iv they gave me during the procedure. Because I had lipo on my thighs I have a cg that goes from my lower thighs (almost to my knees) up to my rib cage. It does not bother me but causes me to take shorter breaths...kind of like when someone hugs you really hard. I can get up and move around my thighs from the lipo are probably actually more sore than my stomach. I have only been able to eat light foods, yesterday (day of surgery) I had a yogurt, jello, and munched on crackers. I also drank water and sprite. I found I could not eat a whole container of yogurt at one time. I have been taking stool softeners but nothing is moving yet. I am a little gassy and find it hard to get that out....so I am sending my sister to get me gas X (just what I need more pills) That is what I find the most annoying is all the pills and keeping track of them! I don't think I am taking another pill ever after this is over with....haha. I only have one drain which had to be drained approximately 7 times yesterday and overnight. It was alittle scary becaues I felt like it was so much but the nurse told me I may have to empty it a lot and that everyone is different. My energy level is zapped.....I can get up to go to the bathroom(upstairs) but by the time I get back to the recliner I am pooped! So far no regrets but I haven't been able to see anything and won't until at least tomorrow....so will post pics as soon as I can. If you have any questions feel free to ask....I will try to answer the best I can :) Updated on 3 Oct 2012: PO day 2. I slept about 4 hour clips last night so I had a decent nights sleep. I am feeling much more like myself today. I am sure I will feel even better once I get my shower after my husband comes home from work to help me. My pain level when I am sitting in the recliner is 0/10. When I am up and moving it's about 3/10 with medication. My ps office (nurse) calls me everyday to check on me and get my fluid numbers and she said I sound great. I will not go back to see them until around day 10 or when they think the drains are able to come out. I have been taking the vitamin supplements as scheduled and think this has really helped with the healing process. My energy level is still very low and probably the hardest thing I find to deal with. I am drinking lots of fluids, water, sprite, gatorade. As of now I have no regrets and still haven't gotten to see my stomach yet. I will post pics as soon as I am able. Blessings to all. Updated on 3 Oct 2012: Ok, first time showering! I feel so much better now but it was hard. Thanks God my husband was there....we had a plastic chair that we sat in our tub and that's how I showered. I used Dial liquid soap. By the time I was done I started to feel light headed and queasy so I had to lay down before putting my cg back on and dressing. I only needed a few minutes and felt fine afterwards. I unfortunately did not get any pictures because I was just too unsteady and dizzy. You definately need somewhere to sit and someone to help with the showering part. But ahhhhh I smell so much better now! Oh and my thighs look so much smaller and they are still very swollen but not all that bruised....Arnica works and I am so thankful for it! My stomach is still swollen and I don't know that I can tell a difference yet....but that is me looking down on it with swelling! Blessings to all! Updated on 4 Oct 2012: Another night in the recliner sleeping 4 hour increments. Getting up and down is almost without pain. There is a small amount of pain upon initializing the movement but that subsides quickly. I am still zapped for energy. My apetite is still not the best but I do eat yogurt, bananas, applesauce, and I had some pasta with veggies for lunch today. I just have to eat in small portions or I feel very bloated. The nurse called today and wanted to know if I have had a BM yet which I haven't. She wants me to get a laxative such as colace. (I have been taking stool softeners the whole time just nothing is moving) I am starting to feel as if I need to go but nothing is happening. I am also not the kinda girl that goes once a day either so this is not abnormal for me. I am starting to get the "itches" under my cg especially around my bb. My legs also but that is so weird because they feel like the itch but there is sensation loss and when I scratch them it's like I am not even scratching them. I find rubbing them helps to satisfy that iching in my legs. I still have a strong burning sensation in my legs every once in a while...it's not constant but seems to happen when I first stand up. If I massage that area, it helps and becomes less painful. My fluid output has gone down alot....I have only one drain and yesterday I only needed to empty it twice and it was 65ml. Previous to that I had been draining it alot and was at 128ml or more. The coloring of the drainage has changed also.....It has gone from a Hawiian punch red to light weak coolaid red color. You can pretty much see through it. Nurse said this was good and should be what happens. I have to say the back pain is annoying and prevents me from staying on my feet very long. I am standing a bit straighter today though and was told I may be hunched over for a week or more. I am hoping not but it is what it is. I am starting to get a bit antsy but not really to go anywhere because my energy is zapped but just to move around the house. I am getting up and down more just to give my butt a break! Ok, well that is all for now...blessing that everyone continues to heal and prayers to those about to embark on this journey. Updated on 5 Oct 2012: PO day 4- I attempted to sleep in my own bed last night but could not get comfortable so back to the recliner I went where I slept just fine. Had the best nights sleep yet. My major issue for the day has been having a BM. UGHHHH It was horrible and not even the pain was horrible....it just wouldn't come out! I have been taking stool softeners and even started a laxative with stool softner but it did not help. I am done taking pain pills at this point because I do NOT want to relive that experience again!! I have kept my fluid intake up, I drink a lot of water. I am going to up how many stool softners I am taking and also I am going to try some metamusil. All I know is I sat there forever and thought I am never going to get off of this throne! (sorry I know it's a gross subject) Other than that I am feeling better and better. I am standing up a little taller today but there is still a real tugging/pulling in my stomach area. I also get this terrible burning pain in my thighs from the liposuction. As in a previous post- massaging really helps dull the pain. I was able to stand long enough to make a sandwhich today about 5 minutes and then I needed to sit...in part from the back pain and in part I was just tired. My PS assures me this is normal and I should not be alarmed. It is just hard to sit around! My drainage had only been 50 mls today and had gone from a coolaid color to a yellowish/red color. My PS said this is also normal as the bleeding is ending and now it will just turn into fluids. It will probably change to an even clearer color. I know some people have minded the cg but I have found it very supportive and actually when I shower and don't have it on I am in more pain. It does take a bit to get used to that constant "squeezing" feeling but to me I am thankful for it. I also have only one drain that is not bothering me at all. I don't even know it there (I can't feel it). Blessings for continued healing to all! I am still not able to stand long enough to take pictures but as soon as I can I will! Updated on 6 Oct 2012: PO day 5 After the worst night sleep yet....I finally had a BM and feel like a whole new person! (I think I lost a whole person with that endeavor)That was complete torture. I had stopped taking all pain meds yesterday and I am doing fine without them. Everyday there is less pain but there is still that "pulling" feeling. I think I may even venture out for a car ride with my husband today, I really need to get out or I think I may go mad! I can put some pressure on my stomach as to clear my throat with minimal pain 2/10 which is about the same when I stand. I really cant believe how much better I feel today. Yesterday was a rough day for me, I was weepy, feeling sorry for myself, and just plain miserable! Today I am feeling more like myself and looking forward to the day! I am going to try to take pictures today so hopefully I will have some posted later on! Hope your day is a great one! Updated on 6 Oct 2012: I was online today since I am bored out of my mind and did a search for the recovery kit my PS "gave" me. Here is a link to where it could be purchased. http://skincarerx.com/VitaMedica-Recovery-Support-Program.html The brand name is Vitamedica. I really think it has made a huge difference in my pain and I have minimal bruising from the lipo. Updated on 8 Oct 2012: PO day 7- I made it through the first week! It's been an emotional one....some days good, some days bad, but overall I survived and so will you! I have an appointment with my ps or the nurse not sure which so she can look at the swelling I see. It really helped to take the pictures today because now I can see some of the difference. There is still alot of swelling but she told me days 7-10 can actually be the worst for swelling. My drainage opening is getting a little sore but until now it really hasn't bothered me. I get this burning sensation below my belly button....thinking it may be the nerves waking back up, but it is still very numb to touch...feels weird I can see I am touching it but can't really feel it. I really like ice on my belly area.....it feels good. If I had to name the worst thing I experienced over the past week it would have to be the constipation! That was just horrible! If I had to name the best thing it would be realizing I am a strong woman that deserved to do this for herself! (That and not wearing a bra for the whole week!) haha Good luck to all about to join this journey and blessings for continued healing to those on the path already! Oh I think so far my belly button is looking great! I still have an innie makes me wonder if he "took enough" of my skin.....hmmmmm Updated on 9 Oct 2012: PO day 8- Wow I don't know what happened overnight but I feel as if there is light at the end of this tunnel! I feel human again. I was never in pain to where I could not bear it but there is just something different about today! I felt confident enough to drive for the first time, so I drove and got out of the house! wooohooo!! I went to the PS and the nurse said everything looks great, but I will be stuck with my drain for at least another week because there is still fluid in there. FYI, I am sitting here watching Ellen...I do not recommend it while healing...laughing hurts! But I love Ellen! Ok back on track now sorry! So the drain stays and my fluid output is still around 60-70 mls although this morning I only had 10mls overnight. I am standing taller with less "pulling" and can stand for longer periods. The back ache is still there so that is really what prevents me from standing for extended periods of time. My energy level is returning also......Ahhhh it's just good to be me today! Prayers to those having surgery today and blessing for healing to those on this path already! Updated on 11 Oct 2012: I finally slept in my own bed last night! Although I still did not sleep through the night because when I needed to make a position change it woke me up, I still feel much better and slept better. I was really really struggling to fall asleep. It was like this surgery initiated insomnia. I asked the nurse well actually I was complaining about having trouble falling and remaining asleep and she told me that it is very very common for this to happen and told me once I can sleep in my own bed it may help, so I thought I would try and it did help! I took a few more pics today so I will post them. I am still swallon and will remain that way forever (at least that is how it feels of course). Patience is not my strong suit! Overall I think once I hit day 7 or 8 that seemed to be the "hump" day for me and things are getting noticeably better day by day. I can stand much longer now (still with back pain) nurse recommended a heating pad for my back. I am still putting ice on my stomach and I LOVE it! It really helps to reduce that bloated feeling for me. I am soo thrilled with the lipo on my legs, I am hoping the swelling in my love handle region goes away and this is not just an area he missed....it looks like one side is bigger than the other so I am thinking it is swelling. Well good luck to those embarking on this journey and blessing for healing to those already on the path! Updated on 13 Oct 2012: PO day 12- If you look at my pictures in which I am slightly bent over...I have a "pooch" although I know I am early in the recovery phase, I look at so many other members pics and they do not have this pooch. My right flank/hip area is larger than the other and I wonder if this is also swelling or not. I am really nervous it is not going to go away. It may just be the blues coming back...but I am just feeling really disappointed right now. :( I know it looks better than it did, but I do not want a pooch! Sorry to vent! Healing thoughts to all and prayers to those about the embark on this journey! I am still not standing straight yet but I don't want to force myself because when I try there is a lot of pulling in my upper stomach. The opening to the drain is starting to become irritated and sore, so I hope they will take it out Monday or Tuesday. The past two days I have had 30mls of fluid. I know they wanted it between 20-25 for a couple days before they remove it. Updated on 15 Oct 2012: 2 weeks PO! My drain was finally removed today! Hurray...because it was really getting sore at the insertion. It did not hurt...the nurse had me take a deep breath in and breath out....before I even had the breath in...the tube was out.....felt.....weird.....like something was crawling under my skin but no pain during the actual removal. I have minimal burning where it is open but it is easily tolerable. I still have not been able to stand up straight and my stomach is very very tight and I was afraid to try and push to stand up straight but the nurse told me there is nothing preventing me from standing up straight, i can do it to my pain toleration. Since the tube is out I am able to stand straighter (not afraid of pulling on that now) and I am going to stretch as much as I can because the back pain is what prevents me from standing too long. I really thought if I stretched to much I would ruin the MR but now that I know it won't I plan on stretching as far as I can handle because I am ready to stand "normal" again! Updated on 22 Oct 2012: PO day 21---3 weeks! Well I am feeling very good. I have been able to go to the mall shopping for hours with minimal back pain. I am standing almost completely straight but by days end I am sore and a little hunched over. I have pretty much reengaged back in life. I am cooking supper, doing laundry, cleaning (not scrub cleaning) but easy stuff, I am conscious of how much I lift and how much effort I apply to activities --my body tells me when I have done to much. I still have swelling in my lower abs and flank area...(I hope it's swelling) you can see it in the pics...I don't see too much of a change from last week to this week but it's a process and time will tell what the end result will be. Overall I am happy. I am able to have sex again. There was no pain or uncomfort. I know this is a question asked alot and honestly, a week ago I wouldn't have thought I would be able to participate but I can. It is amazing how much of a difference 24 hours can make. My scar is pretty much still covered but where the tape is gone it is red but looking pretty good. I am going to buy the Oleeva silicone strips to use once I am allowed. I am able to wear my jeans but they tend to be tight around the waist but the legs do not feel as tight. I don't own a scale so I have no idea what I weigh....to me that's just a number and could care less. What I like is even though the waist on my jeans feels tight.....my muffin top is not really there accept for the sides where I think is still swollen from the lipo. I still have no feeling around my bb or in my lower abs. Blessings to those about to embark on this journey and continued prayers for those on this path. Updated on 22 Oct 2012: I just ordered a 2nd stage garment from Marena....just an fyi...if anyone else decides to order from there...be sure to do a web search for coupons...I did and got 10% off so I save almost 10.00...Hey this surgery is expensive enough...I will take it! haha I will also let you know what I think of it when I get it...Marena is the brand that made my first cg that my ps gave me...the nurse said I could move into spanx this week but really like the marena brand....I do not sweat under them.....they do not smell bad from wearing them so much....and when you wear it day in and day out they could get smelly! I wash mine every other day in cold water and place it in front of a fan to dry.....so I definately recommend this brand. Updated on 23 Oct 2012: I know I have read some reviews and people have struggled getting in and out of bed. I recommend doing a log roll technique. I have been able to roll onto my side and I am not sure how it would work for those of you that can't maybe you could adapt it to not roll completely onto your side? Here is a link to a you tube video showing you the technique I am talking about. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heEvgDc4w90 It help reduce the use of your ab muscles as much as possible. Hope this helps some of you. Updated on 24 Oct 2012: I purchased a second stage cg from marena.com. They are a little pricey but I decided to buy it because the one my ps gave me was made by marena and I really liked it. Considering we are in these things 24/7 with the exception of showers and washing them. This brand did not make me sweat or feel as if it was wet with sweat. It does not roll down. It provides even compression and support. I would definately recommend this brand of cg. Updated on 31 Oct 2012: I am feeling very good but by the end of the day I am swallon. I still not sure about my flank/hip area....there is an overhang on my sides when I have pants on. I am going to discuss this with my ps on my 6 week checkup. I am still a little tight, and am having pangs of shooting pain that I attribute to nerves coming alive again. My ps has cleared me to begin slowly into exercise which I haven't done yet. My scar is looking pretty good so far. I just took the tape off of it two days ago...it was itching like crazy and I couldn't take it on there anymore! I have started using Kelo-cote silocone gel on it twice a day. I have only been doing it one day so I haven't notice any difference. I have posted updated pictures and some of the swelling in my lower abdomen has gone down but bless it's heart it comes back! I think it's afraid I will miss it....there's just something about that bloated, tight, uncomfortable feeling that becomes so familiar! bleck! Well prayers to those embarking on this journey and to those already on this path I wish you continued healing and peace of mind.....Oh I start my new job in a week. Really excited! Updated on 1 Nov 2012: Ahhhh I started working out again today!! Hurray!!! I forgot just how much mental and stress relief it gives me. My ps told me not to go crazy and to ease back into it but I really struggle doing anything in moderation. However, my body told me what I could and couldn't do. I did wear my cg while I exercised. I was able to do the eliptical on the same level I was on for 30 mins and then bike on 2 levels lower than where I was for 30 mins. Which meant I biked about a mile less than where I was. Not too bad! I also worked on the machines for my inner and outter thighs. I had to adapt these to lower weights and less reps because it pulled on my stomach. I am swallon, feel a tightness in my abs and feel like my energy has been zapped but I expected that. Overall, it was not too bad. Glad to be back!! Updated on 2 Nov 2012: Day 2 back to the gym...Why oh Why do we decondition so fast?! I am so sore and not in the tt area but my inner thighs! Ok done whining, it still feels good to be back!! Updated on 2 Nov 2012: One more thing! Why O why did I have to buy so much candy for the trick or treaters! I have a sweet tooth bigger than Texas and I am going to wind up with a butt to match! ughhh!
There is really no "recovery time" following a Botox procedure. As with any type of injection, you should consider the possibility of bruising. Most times any bruising is minimal and will be gone in a few days. Makeup can be used to minimize the appearance of any bruising. I would suggest avoiding any aspirin products for a few days prior to the procedure to help limit the possibility of bruising. Of course if aspirin products are prescribed by your physician be sure to talk to them prior to stopping any prescribed medication.
