Skilled professionals but wholesome and real. I had the best experience with him. So glad he performed my surgery. Best in ATL. He was professional but so funny. Made me less nervous. He asked what size I wanted and I left it up to hi. He did a great job and for the first time in 13 years I dont feel trapped in a body I dont belong in. Thank you so much Dr. Weatherington I dont know I could ever repay you
I always had great breasts with natural upper pole firmness . I didn't enjoy much else about my body because I was skinny as a rail. After two babies I sadly put all my cute little tops away , lacy bras chucked in the trash., as my nipples were constantly peeking and falling out when I bent over, sports bras became my thing. I couldn't take it anymore I wanted my old chest back, Surgery Day Things went smooth. There was no waiting. My anesthesiologist was there in a flash to help elevate the anxiety. Before I knew it it was over. I was in minimal pain . It was just very sore. I wanted to walk around. I did laundry and cleaned hour the next day that probably wasn't too smart. But I drily great with the pain pills. I'm spraying Lysol everywhere because I'm a germaholicand I'm takin vitamin C and Traumeel and Arnica religiously. My bandages come off on July 30! I can't want to start working on the scars ! Updated on 30 Jul 2014: I can't believe it's only been 8 days!!! So far I am very happy. They look a little gruesome and boxy, but from all of my reading all the helpful stories on here I knew what to expect. I seem to be belong so well. I don't want to jinx myself! When did you ladies start using Bio oil? Updated on 23 Aug 2014: I'm at the 4 week mark and things have really smooth. I haven't had any infections. The incision on my right breast kept wanting to raise, but between massaging with a mixture of vitamin e oil, antibacterial cream, and Bio-Oil and using silicone sheets, I have managed to flatten it a lot. I really didn't expect the scars to be this healed at 1 month. Updated on 23 Aug 2014:
I am going for pre op feb 20 and need to make up my mind! I've gone to three consults and they all say I'm borderline needing a lift I'm not worried about scars as much as I thought after seeing a few peoples scars they really aren't bad but I'm wondering if I'll be happy with out the lift? My bwd (boob width) is 13-14 and currently a 34 FULL C . I weigh 135 5'4! I'm afraid of the snoopy look or the double bubble I don't want skin hangin off my implant any one similar got away without a lift or happy they chose the lift? I'm also 5% bigger on my right breast so I'm choosing natrelle saline since I have enough tissue it really doesn't matter my doc wants to do a dual plane with a lollipop lift if I choose a lift I'm also in between hp and mod + depending on size I'm still unsure of 375-400 since I have a large bwd I've also had 2 kids and stretch marks on my breast I want my stretch marks to be filled out I'm concerned they'll be to heavy and sag more with out a lift help!! Updated on 21 Feb 2014: Went to preop yesterday and I will be getting the lift and 400 cc moderate profile natrelle I'm happy with my decision and can't wait!! 11 more days to go Updated on 3 Mar 2014: I go tomorrow 7 am for surgery I'm beyond nervous and excited I will update after with pics Updated on 4 Mar 2014: Yay it's done !!!!! The doc said I was probably the best patient he ever had dealing with pain so far I have no pain what so ever I'm walking around and I'm a bit drowsy so it's nap time I'm sure tomorrow my pain level may be diff but right now I'm so excited and happy with my results I have 430 cc on the right and 400 cc on the left!! I have natrelle saline moderate profile will update soon :) Updated on 4 Mar 2014: I did have the lollipop lift :) Updated on 4 Mar 2014: Updated on 4 Mar 2014: Updated on 5 Mar 2014: Well awake and not hurting I guess I'm one of the lucky ones bc I'm taking it easy not lifting anything and I'm not hurting at all I say on a scale maybe a 2 it feels like I worked out really hard and little sore around my armpit area I'm not sure if it's bc I got the dual plane procedure instead of fully under the muscle but so far my lift scars seem to be good not bleeding I'm still very swollen ready to be able for them to drop excited to take the drop and fluff ride !!!!! :) I am taking percocets and and antibiotic and so far they are doing there job as far as pain I couldn't be more happier the way it's turning out! Updated on 5 Mar 2014: Still no pain every thing is bare able I'm just super swollen anything I can do to help swelling? Updated on 6 Mar 2014: Today the swelling is gone down a tiny bit I'm still swollen so far still not much pain for me the only thing bothering me is this tape under my boobs is starting to irritate me when my bra runs against it so far still extremely happy with my choice they look amazing! They have soften a bit my cleavage is starting to form and not be so tight in that area will update more later Updated on 7 Mar 2014: I am able to get around the house now real well it's getting easier but today I have been experiencing bad headaches and slight nausea which is cured with some zofran I think it's from the medicine not sure but soon I'll be weening myself off the pain killers they have less swelling today they are more even still got some more swelling to lose and some dropping to do will post pics later Updated on 7 Mar 2014: Decided Tory on my swim suit Updated on 8 Mar 2014: I've only taken one percocet I'm also done with all my antibiotics so I am feeling good I'm able to pick up things move my arms I'm still taking it wash I don't want to open my incisions so far I'm suprised at how well I'm taking this pain I jut feel very heavy and tight! Ready to start massaging my left breast is still a little higher and more swollen Updated on 8 Mar 2014: I'm ready to see them without tape!!! Updated on 10 Mar 2014: So sad I couldn't make it to my week post op visit now I have to wait till Thursday and this tape is killing me also wondering how they get this tape off without opening my incisions Updated on 11 Mar 2014: Anyone else have trouble with one dropping faster then the other my left is still stuck it was my smaller boob that got 30 more cc so I think that's it idk my right feels like it's where it's suppose to be and is much softer the left is still tight firm feeling Updated on 11 Mar 2014: Updated on 12 Mar 2014: I since I'm a stay at home mom to two little ones under three I haven't really went any where much so I basically been lounging in my comfy ok pants and my bra and I thought what happens when I have to go somewhere do I have clothes that even fit so I tries some on wanted to see what I look like in clothes bra less to see my profile and how it changes the next months and luckily all my tops for still and I have notice some swelling to go down but I haven't really seen anymore dropping and i still have one boob a tinsy bit higher which isn't that noticeable so if it doesn't go away I'll be okay! Post op tomorro at 2:45 Updated on 12 Mar 2014: Errr Updated on 13 Mar 2014: Appointment went well got my annoying tape off and got to see my scars right now they have some dried blood so they look worst then they are once I shower some if the dries blood away they should look better so far I'm satisfied no two boobs are alike or perfect Updated on 17 Mar 2014: Boobs have droppd and feel very soft now I'm also so dry AND ITCHY AHHHHHH other than thy I'm good my scars are healing no pain and pretty much back to doing my normal routine Updated on 20 Mar 2014: Okay so from the get go I've notice my left boob to be larger and I can't take it anymore I go back April 4 so I'll talk to my doctor but I want to feel my right boob a little more it's under fill 420 to 400 whole my left boob is 420 implant filled to 430 so 30 cc may no make that much diff but it does to me my elf is more full and a bit firm but still natural feeling my right is to jiggly for my liking and flat looking I'm def going to get this fixed my doc told me to wait three months but I don't think I can besides that I love them the scars are healing awesome barley noticeable besides a few scabby places my nipples look good just want this tiny problem fixed Updated on 20 Mar 2014: Still have small scabby areas
I started writing this journal offline. Then, I found this site! So, my first entry is lengthy to get the group caught up with my Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) experience. Some Background.... I am 46 years old and had my first of three children 16 years ago. Some people (men and women) say what pregnancy does to a woman's body is a "badge of honor". This was NOT how I felt. I never felt that way. While I would of course NEVER trade my children and would NEVER the experience of having my children, I have always felt that what pregnancy did to my mid-line was a price I paid. At one point, my now ex-husband even asked will it always look like that? For 16 years, I hated how my mid-line looked. I just could not get past how I looked and I continued to feel insecure. I knew I would NEVER take away from the experiences of my children growing up. I wanted them to enjoy summer camps, family vacations, team sports, etc....; things that cost money. I remarried 4 1/2 years ago. My new husband has always been sensitive to how I felt about my mid-line and has been very supportive through the experience . He knew why I would turn away when changing. In October 2013, I brought the topic of an Abdominoplasty up again. He said if I really wanted it, I should get it. The timing was good financially. Given that we are going into winter, me being slower for a while would not be taking time from running the kids from activity to activity. I knew that my work would get busier with the new year, activities would start up, and then summer would begin. My husband and I frequently travel for work and we had a very small window that he could be home for 2 weeks to help me get back on my feet. If I didn't do it now, I would not have a window of opportunity until next winter. One more year of feeling this way. It was something I needed to do for myself. It was time to get my body back! So, with that said, I discussed it with a friend who had other work done a couple of years ago. She was very happy with her doctor and referred to him as an "artist". That was a good place to start for me, so I scheduled the consultation. Week of 11/4/2013.... My husband and I had the consultation with the doctor that our friend referred me to. I'm one of those people who ask TONS of questions. The doctor was very patient. He discussed my expectations, answered all of my questions, and showed before and after pictures of other patients. My husband and I decided to think about it for a couple of days before deciding. Given my friend's direct experience and other research I did on the doctor, I found for me consulting with only one surgeon was enough. I do recommend though if you are considering any procedure to consult as many doctors as you need to give you assurance. Week of 11/11/2013 ..... At the consultation appointment, my doctor said he recommended that I bring in a swimsuit or two so he could get an idea of where the incision could be hidden and to better understand what my expectations were. Well, I took that recommendation quite literally. At my pre-op appointment, I brought four swimsuits and underpants! I had two bikini bottoms, one pair of panties that I liked, and a one-piece swimsuit that I had a higher leg cut than the other pieces. I layered them over each other so he could see the intersecting lines. I wanted the most flexibility after the procedure to wear anything I wanted to wear. I figured if I'm going to do this, it will only be once and I'm going to ask for the world! I did feel a bit unusual when the doctor looked at his assistant and said this was a first! :) I felt more comfortable with him knowing my high expectations, but I was also okay with him telling me if my expectations were not realistic. I was not asking for my 22 year old body back. I only wanted to feel comfortable with myself. Luckily for me, he said he could make it work. I scheduled my surgery for the doctor's first available opening, filled scripts, and bought high waisted panties so the elastic would go over the incision. 11/17/2013 (-4)..... Started stool softeners today, just to be extra prepared! 11/18/2013 (-3)...... Here are my before photos are linked. I'll update the rest of the dates in my next post! Updated on 2 Dec 2013: Here is the rest of my journal that I documented offline before finding this site. The remaining posts will be documented in "real" time. :) 11/18/2013 (3 days before surgery).... I was never able to change my midline with diet or exercise. When I discussed it with my doctor, he agreed that diet or exercise would never resolve this for me. Here are my measurements before surgery... Waist at the most narrow area = 29” Waist at the widest (just below the BB) = 35 3/4” Hips at the bone = 38” (Weirdly, I'm documenting so much on these posts, but I am not wanting to confess my weight. Funny how some women can be like that. I am a normal weight for someone 5'5" though.) 11/20/2013 (1 day before surgery).... My last supper was a sushi at our favorite restaurant. Yum! I am feeling nervous and anxious, but excited! 11/21/2013 - Day of Surgery!...... The day of surgery. It was a long morning of waiting and thirst! The doctor had another patient before me that morning who needed more time than he planned, so my scheduled time ran later than planned. I asked the nurse and doctor several times if he had enough rest in between surgeries, if he had his lunch, and did he need a nap? I didn't want to be the patient at the end of a long day. He could take as much time as needed in order to be an "artist". :) When the doctor saw me that afternoon, I had narrowed my selection of outfits to two. He marked his lines on me using various colors of makers. Surgery went well. I woke with very little pain. I only remember the nurse say that my stomach was now "tight". I think I fell back asleep at that point. The actual surgery took about 4 hours. I was discharged with two drain tubes and three prescriptions (Percocet for pain, valium to control muscle spasms, and something to control nausea). I did let the doctor know I was okay with lipo if he felt I needed it, but he did not find it necessary. My issue was only loose skin and needing to reconnect the upper abdomen muscles that can separate with pregnancy. 11/22-25/2013 - Post-Op Days 2-5...... These days are a bit blurry. I slept a lot. I found it easier to sleep in a recliner we already have in our bedroom instead of the bed. This allowed me to stay in a bent position and not feel the need to turn on my side. My husband was very helpful. (A saint really!) He woke me every 4 hours to give me water and more pain meds. He also slept on the living room sofa for a week so his snoring wouldn't wake me. We have an phone with an intercom so if I needed him, I could call him in the other room. I stopped taking the Percocet on Day 4 due to the side effects (Let's just say that stool softeners do not stand a chance against Percocet). 11/26/2013 - Post-Op Day 6...... Day 6 was my first BM post-op. WOW! My husband said it sounded like I was calling moose! I can't image if I didn't take stool softeners! I also had a weird bout of nausea. I was huddled on the floor in a ball. I was so worried that I was going to vomit! That feeling lasted for about 20 minutes and that was it. Weird. 11/27/2013 - Post-Op Day 7 – First Post-Op Appointment...... I had my first post-op today. Bandages came off, so I was able to see the incision for the first time. It wasn't as bad I had expected. I think pictured much worse in my head. I expected more yuck than there was. One drain tube was removed. I had add more fluid than I expected in the upper abs. That must have been due to the bandage since it disappeared about a day later. I only had one dime sized bruise near my BB. I was also very puffy in the south region from the fluid. The other drain tube will need stay until after Thanksgiving. Since the bandages were off, it was very helpful for me to line Kotex pads along the front of my panties to add more padding along the incision. I found the stitches would get stuck in my panties, so the Kotex prevented that. I expected my upper abs to be more sore than they were. They felt like they had a tough workout. That part of the pain was very manageable for me. On the other hand, since my core wasn't supporting much of my body, my lower back pain was wicked! The best part of today was I got to shower! So much better than the sponge baths I had all week! I just hung the remaining drain tube pod from the shower handle and enjoyed the warmth! 11/28/2013 - Post-Op Day 8...... I can laugh now with minimal pain. Coughing is still horrible though. I haven't sneezed yet though. (I can't image what that would feel like!) We spent the day with my brother-in-law and his family for Thanksgiving. While it was a wonderful party and dinner, it was very exhausting for me. We left shortly after dinner and I was asleep by 8:30 that night. 11/29/2013 - Post-Op Day 9..... Most of the puffiness in the south region is almost gone. I have attached pictures as of Day 9. While there is a long road to being full healed, I think it already looks much better that before the surgery! I think my BB already looks cute! I can't wait to see how it will look after it fully heals! 11/30/2013 - Post-Op Day 10 ..... My husband and I went to a local pub to watch the the SEC football games. I wore my "fat" jeans (you know, the ones you keep around for those extra 5 pounds). Since I still have one drain tube and a sore incision, I'm guilty of wearing my jeans unzipped and unbuttoned under my baggy sweater. I definitely tired of sweatpants and baggy tshirts. :) 12/1/2013 - Post-Op Day 11..... Had a bit of nausea this morning. Hum. I took the prescription for that and it seems to be helping. I still have no feeling right now around BB in about a 6" diameter. Hopefully that will heal with time. Here are my current measurements... Waist at the most narrow = 29” (original was also 29”) Waist at the widest (just below the BB) = 34” (original was 35 3/4”) Hips at the bone = 36 3/4” (original was 38”) …. I don't know how that happened! Not that I'm complaining! Weight = I lost 2 lbs. 12/1/2013 - Post Op Day 12.... Ew! I had my first sneeze this morning! Dang! I had my second post-op appointment today. The last drain tube was removed! I feel so free! No more getting it caught on door knobs and stuck in bedding! No more emptying the pod! My doctor says I'm doing well. I started scar therapy. I'm using Aleo gel with lidocaine and menthol. It didn't feel too bad. I'll increase more pressure tomorrow. Updated on 4 Dec 2013: I'm 2 weeks PO today! I'm still happy with how things are looking. Scar Therapy 101 is underway. I'm just feeling off today though. I'm flying solo for 2 weeks since my husband needed to return to work this week and travels a lot. (I knew when he needed to be back on the road when I scheduled my surgery date.) I also started back to work today. Since I work from home when I'm not traveling and I have a sitting job, starting back today was fine. I'm on my feet a lot more than I was, ...cooking, etc since I'm solo. I slept very uncomfortably last night. When I slept on either side, it felt like my upper abs were twisted. Obviously due to the MR, but I'm not sure what I did to make it angry. And, I'm puffier than I was in the south region. And I felt all hormonal and weepy when I took my shower tonight. I did sweep the front porch today because I was feeling antsy. I had hoped some fresh air would help. I'm going to ease back on my antsy-ness and see if that helps. ARG! Updated on 16 Dec 2013: I'm so happy with my new shape and new BB! We planning a trip soon to a warm beach and I'm looking forward to swimsuit shopping! Cute bikini here I come! My new BB wants to be seen! What I'm not as happy with though is I'm still oozing on the sides of the incision. Is it normal to still ooze at PO 25? I was doing scar therapy 101 up to about 5 days ago. I stopped because the ends became VERY raw feeling and sore. I thought I was overdoing scar therapy so I thought I should give it a rest. I have my next post-op scheduled for Wednesday (in 2 days), so I'll find out more then. I still have some puffiness in the upper abs and in the pubic area. It's still a bit sore to put pressure on the pubic area. And I'm still tired. I don't usually nap and I'm taking a short nap most days. That could be because it's been cold and rainy lately, so I don't know. As you can see in the photos taken today, I have a lot of wrinkling on the sides. Is that normal? The doctor said, per my request, he did not take the scar upwards, so it caused that. Looks like I'll need to get those touched up eventually. But, since I can hide those under a new bikini (WOHO!), so my only real complaint is the oozing and rawness. I'll try to post again in 2 days after I have my next post-op. Updated on 30 Dec 2013: We are going on a beach vacation in a few weeks, so I was out bikini shopping this weekend. Here are few pics of my new bikini at 6 1/2 weeks post-op! Drain tube scars are still visible. My new BB is still healing, but is looking cute, I think. I like how my new tummy makes my breasts look larger. I'm a C cup, but they look even fuller since the surgery! The other cool thing about my tummy tuck results is that before the surgery, I had slight back rolls (mini back boobs) that I could not get rid with diet and exercise. I did not have lipo, only the TT and MR. The skin removal with the TT allowed the back skin to flatten. My back looks much better because of my TT even though I had no surgery in that area! It's like getting a 3-for-1 deal! :) I forgot to take a pic of my back. I'll include that pic in my next update. :) Now, I just need a tan to get rid of my winter pasty color so I look the part on the beach!
I love it. And it does not hurt, and you just have to realize it last longer, the more times that you have it because the muscles are weakening over time and therefore, you get better results and longer results the longer you use it.
As to pain, it for sure hurt. I've had botox, Ultra Light Therapy, Microdermabrasion, and 3 root canals with crowns, and this hurt the most! But next time, I'll insist on a Lortab before the treatment, if my doctor will do it. I will see. If not, I'll still endure it. I've had one treatment, and I'm about 30 days out, and for $90.00 a syringe, and it took 3 for my laugh lines. Sculptra actually stimulates collagen production, which starts about 30 to 45 days after the injection and varies according to each individual's response, according to my internet medical research. Therefore, on spot perfect filler-plumpness, I don't believe Sculptra would my choice but to cover deep indentions with natural collagen, for 1 to 2 years before new treatment is required. As to lumps, so far, I have none. The key, according to my research: an experienced injector, message, dilution of the product, and facial placement. Sculptra should not be used in shallow muscular areas: the eyes are a no-no area. In the past, the dilution ratio was much lower, so the lumps/nodules were higher. I believe the risk is 8%, according a medical article I read. My doctor states it is 6%. I guess, it depends on the study.
He was horrible. He performed a rhinoplasty with septoplasty on me. The outcome was terrible & my breathing was worse than before surgery. Do your research people. Dr's do not tell the truth on what procedures they have experience in. I was young & naive & believed all his lies
I am scheduled for surgery tomorrow to remove implant from right breast after I woke up with red, sore, hard, warm breast and later low grade fever with really bad chills. Infection!!?? I have read where the infection is there from final surgery and when capsular contracture happens infection is live? I really need to understand this and I really need to know how normal or rare this is. Thank you! Breast Cancer - right mastectomy, removal all lymph nodes, declined chemo but did radiation infection breast cancer sore hard 2 years post-op red Actually surgery this morning and I am pretty sure I won't get another implant after recovery! I will get answers! I posts the above question to doctors but think I may learn more here Updated on 3 Apr 2017: I was healing ok physically I thought! Post op was 3/14. Explant was 3/9. Yesterday stitches ripped open. Already severely depressed from surgery and after research I am 99.9% sure I will not ever put one back in!! Capsular Contracture, infection 2 1/2 YEARS post op final implant. Why don't surgeons tell patients the RISKS? BREAST CANCER RECONSTRUCTION IMPLANTS ARE HIGH RISK! http://center4research.org/medical-care-for-adults/breast-implants-and-other-cosmetic-procedures/what-you-need-to-know-about-breast-implants/ Updated on 3 Apr 2017: They are not going to do anything! He said it will eventually heal and its better not to mess with it because it could get infection. Wound care is how I am classified! So now due to radiation could take 6 more weeks to heal???????? I will see him tomorrow in Cartersville to confirm. Beyond depressed. I feel like I can't do anything physical at all or it will tear open more or get infected. I don't know how I am going to adjust to 6 more weeks healing! Already over 3 since explant. Over 2 1/2 years of my life wasted in surgery (4 in hospital counting explant and 1 in office) Not counting almost 4 years ago Mastectomy which was horrible pain and recovery and radiation and drugs???? I would tell any one considering breast implant especially after mastectomy and radiation to NOT do it!! Period. Anyone else I would say research it! KNOW the RISKS! Updated on 5 Apr 2017: After seeing doctor yesterday he decided it would be best to have surgery. At hospital he will go in and clean out area and stitch me up again. Hopefully prayerfully it will hold and I will heal faster!? I am not like those that chose to have an implant for looks it was simply I thought the less invasive way for breast reconstruction. I will never have an implant again. I think anyone who has gone through what I have should wait at least two years before doing anything after mastectomy. Just my thoughts. Maybe if I had known the implant risks for breast reconstruction I would have chosen the other but I don't know? I will never know because I am so done with all the wasted surgeries and wasted recovery and emotional energy it has drained from me. Never say never but it will be a long time before I consider anything and pretty sure I will just live with one breast for the rest of my life God willing Updated on 19 Apr 2017: A week and a half post op 2nd surgery explant from breast reconstruction. First surgery 3/9/17 I was EXTREMELY depressed!! 2nd surgery due to stitches and area tearing open I was EXTREMELY irritable!! Right now I am trying very hard to accept that I will never have another implant and forever lopsided. I am very small breasted so I can not imagine if f I was large and lopsided! Still struggling with anxiety but praying and believing that peace will come in time.
