It was hard first couple of days but each day you get better the first day I was drugged up didn’t feel much the second is when pain started to hit me and the drains were so uncomfortable when I got them out it felt so much better for me to move around
I had tt done 3 days ago and i have to admit the pain is excruciating but i know its going to be worth it! Dr.george valentini and his wife made me feel very comfortable and the price was great.others quoted me for 8000 or more.dr.valentini charges less and his work is beautiful! My scar is extremely low like i wanted and is perfectly straight ! My belly is quite swollen and bruised but as soon as drains r out and im healed a bit ill post pics! If youre in ky b sure to check out dr.v his consultations are free and he is a 2 time board certified plastic surgeon.hes great! Updated on 18 Apr 2017: Slowly but surely i am making progress! Im still n pain and have drains in but the pain is starting to be less daily. Im still very swollen but i can c once i heal and swelling is gone it will be so worth it! Dr.valentini and his team have been amazing ! They call to check on me daily and make sure im ok.my next dr.appt is this evening at 6 pm.im really anticipating the removal of the drains ,once theyre out i think ill feel a LOTTT better! I cant wait 2 c the new me! Updated on 19 Apr 2017: Today is 5 days p.o. the pain is pretty low in my tummy now,its my back thats hurting the worst from not bein able 2 stand up str8.im very very swollen and bruised still but as i said,pain is finally dying down.i was able 2 finally get comfortable and sleep last night so slowly yet surely im beginning 2 heal:).. I saw my dr yesterday n he changed the bandages and rewrapped me up.he says everything looks great and drains finally. get to come out saturday! Yaaayyyy sweet freedom lol! Heres some more pics too,cant wait for the bruising n swelling to go down! Updated on 20 Apr 2017: I made it to day 6! Yaayyy! But i gotta say im starting to wander if the swelling is eveerrrr gonna ease up. My belly swells so tight it feels like its going to pop. And my sides are really puffy. Do any of u amazing dolls know of anything to help w swelling besides compression and arnica? Im wandering if theres anything else i could b doing to ease the discomfort. Heres some pics from day 6 Updated on 21 Apr 2017: The swell hell just wont go away : ( i hope it will eventually ease a lil Updated on 22 Apr 2017: Updated on 22 Apr 2017: Updated on 22 Apr 2017: It feels so liberating with these drains out!! I can stand up straight pretty much all the way! That feels so much better on my back! next saturday staples are out!!! Im still highly swollen lol but i still feel ten times better! Im so xcited to c the final results with my bbutton healed up and the scar healed up! So xcited! Updated on 22 Apr 2017: This swelling gets so bad at night Updated on 23 Apr 2017: I may be swollen but even so i still cant believe how much better i look n my clothes and my skin! Im so happy with the results im seeing! Ty so much dr.george valentini and wife suzan.i am so glad i chose u!! Updated on 25 Apr 2017: I had a scare today! I felt liquid a(seroma) gathering above my incision and i had to make an early trip into town. My amazing dr.s wife answers who I called immediately upon seeing the seroma, They needed me in the office to drain the mess and i cldnt get to them. Then suzan ,dr.v wife paid the taxi cab for me to get to his office . and back home. I was scared but it was nothin,just a pinch and amazed always at the love and care they provide for their patients.. my belly is still numb but it ddnt hurt .i was terrified and emotional thinking of a needle going in my stomach but it was fine :). Updated on 6 May 2017: Its startin to finally come together yall !! ???? thanks dr.valentini! Sorry i havent posted n a while ladies,life gets a little hectic sometimes,but heres sum new pics :) Updated on 11 May 2017: Im feeling great these days tummy tuckerz!! It was very painful for the first few days,swelling was outrageous and i couldnt get any sound and/or comfortable sleep for a couple weeks(about 2). There were times when i was hurting so much right after surgery that i wandered why i did this to myself lol.. . However! Iadies n gentlemen! The pain and discomfort goes by fast and is easily forgotten as u begin to feel 100% again and enjoy your journey to the flat side! I am absolutely more than happy i did it now! I can wear any thing i want without pulling on it and tugging and wearing everything a certain way to hide my rolls . my tummy looks better than it EVER has looked in my life! .i feel sexy and confident! Something i have ALSO never had until surgery! Over all guys n gals this has been a positive challenge ,a beautiful journey i am still on right now and an overall wonderful experience. Dr.george and suzan valentini are hands down the most caring and compassionate people i have ever met in the medical field and dr.valentinis work is equally as magnificent.They first of all charge sooo much less than others and He is a double board certified plastic surgeon(which i say because ive seen on this site alone,the horror that can come to you at the hands of someone who is not board certified)..dr.valentini is a perfectionist and its amazing 4 him to posess this characteristic in this line of work! My scar is perfectly straight and extremely low...my belly button is perfect and my muscles look beautiful under my skin! I still have swelling but my belly is still completely FLAT! Each morning i wake up , i see myself healing more and more beautifully! The price they quote covers absolutely anything and everything that is involved in this surgery too! Heres for instance on how much they ?love their patients and take care of them : I couldnt get a ride to the office one day,i had developed a painful seroma that needed drained and i could not find a ride and had no $ at that time to get to their office.mrs.suzan valentini told me they will take care of me and called me a ????taxi. They paid for my taxi to the office and back home after draining the seroma and bandaging me back up:)...i have been sooo blessed to be in the care of mr. N mrs valentini and i would most definitely recommend Dr.valentini to someone else thats ready to become a barbie:) #valentinisbarbie Updated on 20 Aug 2017: This surgery has been so worth it so far I am down to 135 lbs from 188! My body looks great,exactly like I wanted girls!! So worth it!!
I had an upper and lower blepharoplasty done by Dr. Valentini in 1997...I'm writing this email because yesterday, in 2017, I went in for a facelift consult fully expecting the doctor(s) to recommend the same procedure, and was told that I didn't need one! That's how good a job he did. He also did a great facelift on my mother.
I was very unhappy with a lot of sagging skin on my abdomen because of three pregnancies and three c-sections. My husband put in a consultation after a friend of mine referred Dr. Valentini. Overall, I was very pleased by everyone in his office and everyone's care. Dr. Valentini did an absolutely wonderful job and I couldn't be any happier! Pics are soon to come!
Had saline implants to bring me from an a cup to a full c/d cup. I met with dr.kaye first ... He has a beautiful facility with wonderful staff and he himself was great and took his time with me but I felt he had to do too much cutting and the size he was saying would be ideal for me was not what I wanted. Im 5' 5.5" 140lbs with curves. I decided with dr. Valentini because I felt he understood what I was wanting and required less hacking of my breast. I'm only a few days post op but love how they look! Cannot wait to see the final result after all the swelling is gone!!
The last BA didn't fit my body type and felt too small. So I decided to go bigger. Now they are perfect. The pain was nothing compared to the other two times. Was back to work in two days (although I don't recommend it) Lots more stitches to handle these big girls , but well worth it. Can barely see the scars now. Ladies, make sure you get the size you want on the beginning. You'll save yourself, time, money and some pain.
I will have my procedure in 2 days and I am anxious. I have been scrounging the internet for stories and I spent all day shopping for items on my pre/post op list. My preop was Thursday and I have a million emotions. I underwent RNY gastric bypass 5 years ago and my weight has been stable for the past year. I lost about 90 lbs but gain back about 15 following a divorce a couple of years ago. My health is OK now but I am terrified of how much pain I will likely have following this TT. My gastric was the most pain I have ever felt post op and I had 3 children - 1 natural, 1 C-section, and 1 with epidural. The pain from the RNY was better after 24 hrs but before then I thought I was going to die. I look forward to hearing feedback and journaling my process daily as I press on. I am so embarrassed to add a photo at this point as so many of you looked great even before the TT. One blessing is that my insurance is covering the cost due to this being a result of RNY surgery. I plan to have a panniculectomy and abdominoplasty with lipo. Updated on 14 Jul 2013: Ok - so my bag is packed and everything appears to be in order.....except that I can't sleep. I'm anticipating all of the pain I'll endure for the next week, particularly the next 24-72 hours. The swelling...I know it will pass but I'm anxious as I am having a lot done at once. Reading the posts here has been encouraging and I know all will go well. I must follow Drs orders and stay on top of the pain. I'm sure it will all be worth it when this bulk of irritating skin and flab is gone. Updated on 17 Jul 2013: I am extremely happy. It's day 3 post op and I still have very little pain. It's really just discomfort. I'm at my surgeon's office for a follow up. I believe he is going to rebind me. I'll get my drains out on Sat. The only Thing really annoying me is this cotton/dry mouth. Also, I started getting a headache this morning. Took Tylenol bu it's still not going away. I may just need to rest. Updated on 18 Jul 2013: Yeah!!!! Still virtually no pain and the headaches of the past two days are gone. I am getting tired of laying in the bed all the time. Now I see how people get bed sores. I'm having terrible constipation as I haven't had a bowel movement since Sunday, the day before my surgery. Otherwise, everything is going great. I'm still anxious to see my stomach when the drains are removed on Saturday. I had a small peek at the incision yesterday when I had my bandages changed. It looks okay I guess. I can't really tell. Updated on 18 Jul 2013: Wow, I didn't realize how self conscious I am. Even after the tummy tuck, I am still ashamed to show myself. I am even dreading the whole bathing suit issue. Updated on 18 Jul 2013: I need a pick me up Updated on 19 Jul 2013: I'm 4 days post op and still feeling very good. Last night around midnight was my worst bought with pain. I couldn't sleep or get comfy so around 4am I took a Percocet and felt wonderful. I'm sleeping in my daughter's bed because mine is too high off the ground. My bottom is just getting sore at times. I'm much better emotionally today. Just having a moment last night. Had a friend talk to me about our kids and life in general and I remembered what is important in life. My mom took these pics this morning. Updated on 19 Jul 2013: I am really feeling great. My mom changed my bandages today and I got a really good look at myself. I'm quite pleased and excited that I am on the flat side!!!! There is minimal swelling and I notice it is heavier when I eat certain foods with more salt and when I walk a lot. I've lost about 2-3 lbs from surgery, nothing major. I am looking forward to working out more regularly once my Dr permits. I feel like a new person. Hopefully, the emotional roller coaster has parked :-) The stretch marks are a bit unsightly but they are what they are. I'm still happy. However, there will not be bikinis in my future :-).....and that's OK with me. Updated on 19 Jul 2013: Yeah! I'm looking forward to 9am. It's like the night before surgery and I can't sleep because I'm anxiously awaiting the removal of these two drains so I can take a relaxing shower. I know it will feel "icky" when the drains are pulled out but it'll only last a few seconds.....then freedom :-) I'm interested in hearing any new instructions Dr. Valentini might have. Thus far it's been wonderful. The staff called today and checked in on me. They have been amazing and so warm. This process has been a blessing. Updated on 19 Jul 2013: So far I've only paid $186 but my deductible is $296 so I expect another bill. I was blessed that my insurance covered the procedure because I had gastric 5 years ago and the extra skin was causing rashes and back issues. So, it was a covered procedure versus being deemed cosmetic. Updated on 20 Jul 2013: I'm feeling great and had a burst of energy this morning. It's the first time I've gotten dressed and styled my hair. Yes, I'm anxiously awaiting the removal of my drains in about an hour an a half. Pics to come....I hope! I've walked around the house this morning and made my own oatmeal. From getting dressed to that, I'm tired. :-) But, I'm still happy I've been able to move about. Updated on 20 Jul 2013: It was so much easier than I expected. Dr. Valentini has been nothing short of amazing. He removed both tubes while I breathed in deep and released. It was not the queasy feeling I expected. This has truly been such a pain free experience for me, other than back discomfort. I feel so blessed. I am happy I had this procedure....and even more thrilled that my insurance covered it. I am much more free to walk around now that the drains are out. Standing straighter is easier too. I was worn out when I came home from the Dr. My mom and I stopped off at a yard sale down the street from my home after the appt and it wore we out. We were only there for about 7 minutes. I can't wait to take a warm shower later but I can't now cause I'm ready to pass out. I took 1 Percocet about 30 minutes before my appt as I as anticipating pain. It must have worked because I didn't feel anything. These pictures are from today's appt. I go back next Wednesday for a follow up. The staples and stitches will be removed the following Tuesday. Until next time...... Updated on 20 Jul 2013: I was so worn out after my tubes were removed. I came home and have been sleep ALL DAY! I finally took a shower and it felt good but afterward I was in the worst pain I've had since my surgery. It went away shortly after taking my Percocet. Now I see why people on the site recommend taking it at least 30 minutes before you get in. The pressure from standing (and I only stood briefly because I have a seat in my shower) made me feel like my stomach was going to fall out. :-) I can't wait for the swelling to go down. But it's great that I can see my feet and the pouch is gone!!!! No leaking from the tubes being removed and all else is progressing well. I notice that I tire so quickly. After about 15 minutes of walking around the house (like a turtle), combing my hair, or getting dressed, I am ready to pile back up in the bed and take a 2 hour nap. :-) Today was the first day since my surgery that I actually put on "nice" clothes and makeup. It was a workout. :-) I am looking forward to working out as soon as I am able - in about 3 weeks. Now that my tummy is flat I want to get my thighs to match. I do not plan on any more surgery, and I am so happy with the "new me". Updated on 20 Jul 2013: Well, this is not so nasty I think because I appreciated when others on RS shared when they finally had a BM. I had mine 3 days ago (Thursday). It took 5 days. My last BM was the Saturday before surgery (Monday). I took 2 Dulcolex around 6pm and had movement the next day mid morning. No strain. Nothing since but it's only 1:20am on Sunday so we will see. Updated on 21 Jul 2013: Whew. Last night was rough. I am not sleeping well at all. I didn't go to bed until 5 o'clock this morning and I can't seem to sleep more than two hours at a time. I loved my shower last night but I hope to never have that pain again. Today has been much better. The swelling has gone down a lot and I'm watching a movie withy daughter. Updated on 21 Jul 2013: More pictures Updated on 23 Jul 2013: Okay I haven't posted in the last day and a half because I had a slight scare yesterday. I was going to bed a couple of nights ago and I've been sleeping on the couch for the past week. I was feeling better so I thought I could get into my bed which sits pretty high off the ground. Long story short...... I was wrong. As I kind of slid in the bed I felt a burn on my left side (Near where the incision wraps around my back) but it went away fairly quickly so I didn't take off my compression garment to check. The following morning I got up to shower and when I took off my garment and my bandages I noticed that my skin tore a little. I know this sounds horrible but it's not as bad as it sounds. I will attach a picture. Nevertheless, I immediately called my surgeon (Dr. Valentini) and he asked me to come in. When I got there he didn't feel that it was a big deal. He rebandaged me and I am scheduled to go in on Wednesday to have my staples removed. This appointment was already scheduled on Saturday when I had my drains removed so nothing new or moved up because of the small tear. I am very pleased with the process. I am that much more appreciative of the surgeon that I have because of his care and compassion when I called and came into his office. He was so calm and reassuring and supportive on the phone and when I arrived to the office his staff was amazing and I went right back to see him. Once again, he encouraged me to call if I had any problems after I left. This evening, I couldn't relax and around midnight I wanted to take a shower to relax myself and I removed the bandages. He was completely right! You cannot even tell anything tore and it's completely healed back and I feel wonderful. Needless to say I am laying on the couch or in my kids' bed from now on :-) They are very low to the ground. Updated on 26 Jul 2013: Things are continuing to move quite well. I had all but 3 staples taken out 2 days ago. They were left because I have a little tearing near my hips were the incision comes around to my back. Remember my last post? I have been more mobile in the past two days. I asked the doctor to prescribe me something weaker than Percocet. He gave me Lortab. I really take it before my showers and/or right before bed. Lately I've been very anxious and it has been extremely difficult for me to fall asleep at night. I am experiencing very little pain but more pressure as I am swelling a lot as the day goes on. I'm still eating very little because after a few bites I feel full and as if I'm going to pop. It has been good to put on clothes the last couple of days and actually return to some household activities. Driving has been interesting to say the least. The couple of times that I have gone out I don't go too far and I try not to stay gone longer than an hour. I still get very tired very quickly. I did laugh yesterday and it didn't hurt hurt. I felt as if I was going to get a cold because I've been scared to cough and phlegm was building in my chest. I am glad that I have more time before I go back to work. I'll post a few pictures. Updated on 26 Jul 2013: Photos from the last 2-3 days Updated on 28 Jul 2013: I feel amazing and I am fitting into a lot of my clothes again. :-) There is still some swelling and I sometimes leave the button on my pants undone because I don't want to "smoosh" my incision. My swelling seems to increase with being on my feet. For the past couple of days, I have been driving and cleaning the house. It actually feels like I am nesting like I did when I was pregnant. Sitting and laying around for the past 2 weeks was driving me bananas! I did take a nap today. Speaking of sleep, I am having a hard time sleeping more than 2 hours at a time. Anyone else? Has anyone goen back to work since your TT? If so, how long did you wait? ANy words of wisdom? I am not scheduled to go back for another week. Updated on 28 Jul 2013: I believe we are all on the same roller coaster ride....sometimes up and sometimes down. I experienced the same thing when I had gastric bypass 5 years ago (April 18, 2008). I am a Licensed Professional Counselor and I still experience emotions I can't quite describe. This is a time when we are redefining ourselves. I have given myself permission to live in whatever the emotion is at the moment. I don't tell myself irrational or negative things like "You shouldn't have these mixed feelings because you're a counselor". Yes, I have been trained to help people work through his/her problems, emotions, and mental health disorders. But, this does not negate the fact that I am still a human being. Hang in there. I don't know what I'd do without this site. I have had tremendous physical support from my family. However, the emotional support I really desire is lacking, particularly from my boyfriend. They don't understand my psychological and physical struggle with my weight. Thank you all for being here for me during this great transition in my life. Updated on 30 Jul 2013: Today some of my sutures and 2 remaining staples were removed. One of the staples looked like it had become embedded in my skin. Ugh!!!!! I went to the dentist and had to get a tooth extracted too! It's been one painful day full of anxiety. Well, not much pain as I have been doped up on meds since the dentist appt. I am very happy to share that m boyfriend and I talked extensively last night about how I'm feeling. He really didn't understand that I wanted to be taken care of and babied. He didn't grow up in that type of environment. He took this week off work just to be with me. I am so thankful for that. So, today he came to my dentist's office when I called to tell him I had to get my tooth pulled. I was very nervous and he made me laugh and feel calm by making faces. He then drove me to my follow up appt with the PS to have my stitches removed. He filled my prescription for pain meds for my tooth and now we are on our way home. Oh, and he picked up dinner for my kids and is staying over to help tonight. I am so happy to have this support. Oh, now back to the Dr. Appt. my tummy is so flat and the Dr. said it will still get smaller because I am still swollen. I am so happy. Guess what? My pants were falling down. I didn't put on a belt because I've never needed one. WOW!!!! Updated on 30 Jul 2013: The day of surgery and 15 days post op! Updated on 30 Jul 2013: The black girdle I am wearing in the pic is from Walmart and it is made by Cupid. Updated on 31 Jul 2013: My doctor removed my surgical tape two days after the procedure. Below is a picture of how I'm bandaged each day after I shower. I use bacitracin and gauze pads secured with tape to cover my incision. It's healing very nicely and will be a minimal scar when complete. I did develop a scan that peeled and looks disgusting. The Dr said it should heal with new skin and look fine in a few weeks. I hope so. Yuck!!! Updated on 2 Aug 2013: I am on my way to have my last few stitches taken out. I am still overjoyed with the results that I continue to see each day. This is a picture of me at the start of the day before the swelling sets in. I am loving the flat side! Updated on 5 Aug 2013: Today I went to a training at work from 9-2. I am not scheduled to go back until next week but I didn't want to miss this training. Although I was sitting most of the time, I was exhausted when I got home at 3:00. I left my home around 8 so this was a 7 hr day. My feet and hands have been swelling for the last two days. I've gained 4 lbs too :-( I'm watching it because I have a history of retaining water, which occurred right before I experienced double side heart failure in Dec 2007. When I prop my feet up the swelling goes down a bit. I hope the weight gain does too. Surprisingly, my tummy is still flattening and I had virtually no additional swelling. It is still numb right in the center above my pelvic area. There is also a hard mound in that area. Anyone else have this? My love handles have just about gone down and my scar looks so good. I think it will heal nicely andbe very thin. I've already hopped in the bed so I'll take and post pics of my belly in the morning. I return to the Dr this Thursday for a follow up. I've seen Dr. Valentini every week since the surgery. He and his staff continue to be amazing. I pray all of you are well also! Thank you for reading my journey and sharing your experience. Updated on 7 Aug 2013: This must be what I've been reading about in posts from people farther along than I am......swell hell. I've now gained 6 lbs this week alone and it's all from swelling because I haven't changed my eating habits. I have a follow up with surgeon tomorrow so I'll ask about it. My tummy is getting flatter but I notice puffiness and my feet and hands routinely look like chubby sausages. I went to work for half a day today (730-1130) and came home at noon and passed out until 4. I can't believe how exhausted I am after just a few hours of work. I'm a therapist so it's not like I'm doing any heavy lifting. I guess the mental is adding to the physical workout and just giving me a run for my money. I have to upload some pics this evening. Not much has changed except the scarring from my scab and where the staples popped looked much better. I think my scar will heal nicely. I'm pleased with the entire process thus far....except this swelling :-) Updated on 7 Aug 2013: These were taken this week as I returned to work part time. Updated on 11 Aug 2013: Here are some pics of the healing scab and my tummy. I'm reading some people getting tale after stitches and staples were removed. Now that my incision has closed fully, my surgeon has me using Bio-Oil. It's sold at WalMart. I rub it on the incision line 2X daily. I'll see how it works. So far, same story - flat in the morning and swelling by noon. I have a lot of swelling at the too of my tummy after I eat and a sharp type pain whenever I laugh still. :-( it's on the left side of my BB. I also had a muscle repair and it feels like it's going to bust open if I eat too much or laugh too hard. :-( Still numb right above my pubic area and in my lower abdomen. My BB is even still numb but I can tell its wearing off a little because I get a prickly feeling every now and again. Updated on 23 Aug 2013: Ok. It's been a minute since I posted. I've had several deaths and tragedies in my personal and work life over the past 2 weeks but I am still blessed. I had my 6 week follow up yesterday. Unfortunately, I have a lot of scar tissue in my lower abdomen. There's abig hard lump. I'll begin massage therapy next week but it's not going to be the soothing kind. The nurse said it'll be painful. Ugh!!! Otherwise, all is well. I have my bouts with swelling but it's been much better over the last two days. Dr. says to expect this when close to my cycle starting. I notice it worsens when I don't get enough sleep or when I stress. With recent life events this has been status quo. I'm fitting into my size 6 clothes again which is nice. I haven't worn them comfortably in the last year. My weight seems to be stabilizing a bit. I'm down about 9-10 lbs from preop. Updated on 4 Sep 2013: Wow!!! The time now seems to have flown by. It seems like yesterday that I was wondering if it would get better. I am so happy with my progress but still have some healing left. I have scar tissue in my lower abdomen and have Endermologie treatments twice a week. It's breaking up and will flatten soon. I found out Dr. Valentini removed 4.5lbs of skin and 800cc (1.69lbs) of liquid fat :-(. I've lost about 7 lbs since surgery and have been cleared to start working out as of last week. I hardly wear my binder anymore and last night I slept on my tummy for a few. I didn't even realize when I was doing. I'm still numb in some places. The Dr said it should subside around month 4. I'm excited about working out so I can tone up a bit. Updated on 4 Sep 2013: I also use Bio-Oil and Silicone Strips on my scar. They're working small wonders. I won't know the final results until this endermologie treatment is over. I hope to look as good as so many of you. I love reading the posts and support. Updated on 8 Sep 2013: Wow time flies when you enter the flat side. I still have some swelling, which is par for the course according to other posts that I am reading. Here are some pictures of my scar. I am still undergoing Endermologie treatments twice a week to remove the scar tissue right below my belly button. Otherwise everything is perfect and I am extremely happy with the results. Updated on 21 Sep 2013: I'm feeling pretty good but I need to start working out. The scar tissue lump is getting smaller but still there. Ugh. I swell maybe once a week now but nothing too major. I still very happy with my results. Updated on 9 Nov 2013: Unfortunately, I've hit a depression slump. Not sure why. I tried exercising a little but honestly not motivated. I still swell a little but Dr said this is normal for starting to workout. My numbness isn't completely gone either so I still have moments when I feel weird in my tummy and belly button area. I'm still very happy with my results and I hope to kick this sadness soon so I don't mess up all the Drs hard work. Updated on 10 Jan 2014: Ok. I know I've been horrible with getting on and updating. I've just been in my own zone. I'm happy with my results but still disappointed in my own laziness. I have yet to exercise consistently. My belly button is still a bit weird feeling when I touch it. There is an awkward sensation. My follow up with the Dr isn't until Next month due to the holidays. Also, I am still completely numb in the middle of my stomach below my belly button. I can pinch, stab, or scratch it and feel NOTHING. I mentioned this at my last appt and the Dr. said this can last up to a year. I hope not. The only other thing is that my scar tissue lump hasn't completely gone down. It's shrunken a lot but I'm scared it will not completely be flat. ???? I have some love handles and I know if I get off my butt and exercise they'll go away. Updated on 19 Jul 2014: I can hardly believe it's been a year since my surgery. I have not updated in a long time and there is no excuse. I have had some ups and downs but I am determined to keep moving forward. There is still numbness around my belly button and lower abdomen area. I have not exercised regularly like my Dr. recommended. I notice that when I do, my tummy get a bits tighter and tingles a bit. I do not think I will regain full sensation in my lower tummy. The scar tissue has shrunk but it's not completely flat. Again, I don't think it will go away. I am ashamed that I haven't worked out like I should. I walk from time to time and did aerobics for a few weeks. Still, I have no excuse other than I have been lazy. I was a bit down for a while after my surgery. One good thing is that I have not gained any more weight. I lost about 16lbs since the surgery. I will try to muster up the nerve to post pics. I feel like I should look a bit better than I do. There is a small pouch where the scar tissue is and that's a bit depressing. Even though my tummy is not flat in that area, I still love that I am not as big as I was. All that extra skin has not been missed. :-) Updated on 19 Jul 2014: Not as nice as most I've seen on here but my tummy looks much better than it did the day before my surgery. Updated on 20 Jul 2014: Those pics I posted last night were horrible so I thought I'd add these.
My friend and I at work one day decided that we were going to have our breast done prior to our husbands redeploying. We went to see several doctors and we finally decided to go with my doctor. To be 29 at the time I had saggy breast after pregnancy, so he recommended implants with a lift and areola reduction. I decided to have my surgery after my birthday so that I would not be in any pain on my day. I started my vitamins and video diary a week prior. On 18 Dec the day of my surgery my doctor asked me what I wanted and I said I want to have nice breast not to big but worth the money I'm paying. After surgery I was informed that I have 400 cc's mentor smooth round high profile. Also I believe I received the Benelli lift because he chose not to do the full anchor lift. which I'm grateful, I did not want that scar. The first day I was ok but when the meds started to wear off I must say it was very uncomfortable and felt like an elephant was sitting on my chest. I recommend that someone stay with you for at least 4 days or until you are mobile. So glad my mom flew in, I was her 30 year old baby, lol. I had major swelling which was primarily my fault because I can't sit still, but I did eventually. I was scared for one day because I thought my boobs were too big for my body (due to swelling) but my other friend who had surgery told me it takes awhile before the swelling goes away and that I would be please and just to relax. Which I did and now the swelling is going away slowly and looking great. I am currently 8 days post op and feeling great. I spent three days on pain meds but came off because I don't like taking prescription drugs. The tightness in my chest is still here but not as bad. I have an appointment of Friday to escort my friend to have her surgery done and to have my stitches removed. Not to excited about that part. But I will post pics and continue to blog my journey. Updated on 28 Dec 2012: I'm 10 days post op and I had my stitches under neath my breast removed. I must say it wasn't that bad but would not want to have it done again. To bad I still have to have the stitches around my areolas removed, Dr.V did not want to remove them as of yet. Next appointment is next Thur. Updated on 28 Dec 2012: Also I'm 125lbs 5ft 4 400cc's Updated on 1 Jan 2013: So I'm 14 days post op, I still have my stitches around my areolas which should be removed on Thursday . I haven't been cleared to do massages yet not until Thursday. Before surgery my right boob appeared larger than the left and now after my BA it seems to be the same slightly. My breast are still numb around the nipples and the bruising has darkened and going away a little. I was instructed to continue taking the swelling and bruising medication. Every now and them I have sharp pains in my breast and that kind of sucks but it's not that bad.. I must say they feel like they are apart of my body now and not like I'm carrying 2 children. Can not wait to go shopping at VS guess I won't make the semi annual sale right now but I should be good for the sale in July... Can't wait until I can wear regular bras because these BA support bra sucks, they are tight. Updated on 2 Jan 2013: So tomorrow I will have the stitches around my areolas removed...I'm not really excited about that because the sensation is coming back and I really don't want to feel discomfort right now. I may have to take a muscle relaxer before I go in... Pray or me :/ Updated on 3 Jan 2013: So this morning I had the majority of my stitches removed and I must say it did not hurt due to my chest was still numb. But after he removed the stitches my areola was bleeding a little and now it's burning due to the bacitracin. Also I have random sharp pains which I heard was normal. I just changed the bandage and cleaned it again but removed more skin so they started bleeding again :( but I'm still happy how my areolas look... Updated on 5 Jan 2013: 18 days post op. So I just measured myself to day with the bra calculator and I'm a 32dd... Below boobs 30 Above boobs 34 Across boobs 35 Hopefully in the next months breast won't be as swollen if they are swollen...I can't even tell anymore...lol I hope they are though I like them either way a 32D seems easier to find Bra wise I think. We will see...lol My boobs are still numb and nipples are still healing. But at least it feels like they are apart of me.. Updated on 7 Jan 2013: So my areolas are still healing. I refuse to change the gauze right now though because every time I take the gauze off it bleeds..I remove the gauze in the shower and it still bleeds... Its not that bad, or hurt...but its irritating.....I want my boobs to heal so I can do my massages.. I still have stitches left that wont be removed until this Thursday ... Am I looking forward to that...Uh No .... o_O . My boobs are still a little numb so maybe it won't be that bad... Glad my hubby is not home, because they probably would never heal...lol.... Updated on 8 Jan 2013: 21 days Post op.....So I said I wasn't going to remove the bandages prior to my Thursday appt but I did today and my areolas did not bleed...so far so good.. They are not completly healed and still have some stitches to have removed but..I know it's a healing process and make take a while but it's starting to look really good.. The bruising is looking better also. Still excited about bra shopping...VS your going to a few dollars richer when I get through.... :) Updated on 10 Jan 2013: 23 days post op - Sooooooo stitches are all out...Finally and I go back on Tuesday for my follow up...I must say a couple of those stitches hurt.. ;( glads that's over with. Now one of my boobs are swollen but that was from last night don't know why the doctor said that is normal. My babies are finally falling in place though.. ;) will take more pics soon. I love these things..I might name them..lol... Updated on 12 Jan 2013: So I have finally experienced morning Boob...and it happens every now and then.... When I wake up my left breast is a little hard then softens..... Then I guess when ever I'm moving to much...can't wait until they are soft and stay soft...Tuesday I should learn my massage techniques...maybe that will help... Updated on 14 Jan 2013: So I'm added more pics...hubby hurt my feelings kind of last night via Skype ..he asked do they make more breast like implants vs. round ones.. He apologized and meant no harm...but he had to suffer because my feelings was kind of hurt. I explained they are still swollen and healing and will look more natural once I begin my massages.. :( ...but anyways I must say I love this site because others post relates to mine and it makes me feel better that if I'm worried or have any questions.. I'm not alone. ;) Updated on 27 Jan 2013: So I got measured yesterday about 6 weeks postoperative I'm a 32dd.. So when I went in I said a D but got a 32dd...it is ok.. I love them anyway..wouldn't mind a tad smaller but I will work with what I have. And who knows in about two months they may go down a bit... o_O lol..who m I kidding...well I uploaded pics. Enjoy and have a booby day... :) Updated on 7 Feb 2013: Finally scars on areolas are healing better. Have to increase the massages to reduce the scar tissue so they can become fluffier. Was so scarred to post my babies before but they look better now so had to share. So any woman who has to have it done, be patient they look like monsters at first but then then start to look normal again. Lol
I used Dr.Valentini for breast augmentation in 2001 and everything was great. I recently had him replace them because it had been 16 years. BIG mistake! I think it is time for this doc to retire! My breast look very asymmetrical and one is smaller than the other. I've had nothing but pain on my left side. Dr.Valentini offers free revision surgery but in his opinion my breast look good. Judge for yourself. Not only do I no longer trust Dr.Valentini, his office staff is just rude. His wife, Susan, runs his office and she is something else. She actually yelled at me for questioning Dr.Valentini about my breast. In my opinion, if you want your surgery to look good and want to be treated nicely, go somewhere else! I also had lower eyelid surgery at the same time that is botched!
Mom of 2 who breast fed. I live a super active lifestyle but want to feel and look more womanly. Up and down in weight several times. I am a small B at my stable Weight. I am scheduled for surgery November 1st with Dr Valentini in Hopkinsville KY. HP saline under muscle. Dr thinks 380-450 but says he will decide during surgery what looks best. Beyond excited. Anyone have 380-450 results I could view? Updated on 14 Oct 2018: I’m getting nervous! I have to do at least 35 push ups come February for my job. Any experience? I do 60 in 2 minutes now. Any military ladies who know how easy it is to “bounce back”? I am having dual plane saline. Thanks in advance! Updated on 14 Oct 2018: I want full perky boobies! Size matter less than perkiness but my PS said with a 380-450 I will have the fullness I desire. My nipples are relatively “straight on” so I should experience the cleavage I desire according to him. Here’s what I hope to achieve. Updated on 30 Oct 2018: I’m only 2 days away from the big day and I’ve come down with an upper respiratory infection. I know I cannot take NSAIDs but not sure about the inhaler and mucinex I was prescribed. I called me surgeons office to double check and am waiting for a call back. I’ve also been doing dumb things like checking pages on breast implant illness. I sure hope I don’t drop $5,000 just to buy health issues. Anyone else have terrible last minute jitters?? Updated on 31 Oct 2018: So I’ve gone through my checklist and I think I’m ready! I showered, washed my hair, put my nipple retainers in (no metal allowed), I packed my bag and clothes, have my pillow and blanket for the car. Surgery is tomorrow! I’m looking forward to the Two weeks off of work just as much as I’m looking forward to the new boobs! Im just really hoping and praying I can do push ups again soon. How long did it take you athletic ladies to get back into it? Any military? Updated on 31 Oct 2018: I know tomorrow I’ll be bloated so here are my night before pics. Updated on 1 Nov 2018: Holy cow what a day. I am about 5 hours post op. I currently have my 4 bags of frozen peas on my chest. I’ll share my whole story tomorrow when I’m a little more coherent! Before surgery I weighed 135.4 lbs. just weighed myself and I am 141.2. Lots of swelling!! Updated on 2 Nov 2018: So... I almost left my procedure before they even got started. The CRNA came in to get my medical history and asked about smoking. Let me mention also that I was most terrified about being put to sleep and not waking up. Terrified! So he comes in and I can tell he is all amped up.. like.. you alright bro? Anyway he gets to the smoking part? Do you smoke? Nope, not anymore. I quit (again) about 6 months ago. Previous to that was about 2 years. But my husband and I often split a pack on weekends. After my consult my PS said no more smoking! So I stopped completely and used only nicotine mints. Then the CRNA asked me if I was lying. Said my story sounded just like the lady before me and she almost died because she lied to him. She crashed on the table and a bunch of [RS bleep] was coming out of her lungs so he had to breathe for her. I was like ???????? why the [RS bleep] would you tell me that right before I go in!?!?!?! I wasn’t lying. My husband confirmed it. Everything went fine. But I almost walked out. I’m still mad about that. My pain is tolerable. I feel like my right breast is much tighter than my left. And just peeking in my right nipple seems to be much higher than the left. I’m hoping that’s only due to uneven swelling. I go back on Saturday for the big reveal ???? Updated on 3 Nov 2018: I’m unevenly swollen and feel huge and bloated but I do really like them so far???? Updated on 4 Nov 2018: Really falling in love here. My bruising is minimal but my swelling is outrageous. They feel very hard and swollen on the edges, like under my arm pit. But I know this is part of the process and I absolutely love them ???? Updated on 5 Nov 2018: Aside from some stiffness I feel amazing. Send hubby this selfie this morning. I’ve decided he gets one a day after all this. Can’t wait til he can touch them! New today is some stitches itching. I’ve been numb down there thus far but I think it’s starting to itch. Incision looks great still so I’m not worried. Updated on 6 Nov 2018: Looking and feeling good today. My only complaints are the “burping” I feel under my right breast. Like air bubbles. And it tingles sometimes. Very strange and distracting but not painful. Second complaint is constipation. I’ve been taking stool softener since day one but started laxatives today. My belly hurts ????. Updated on 8 Nov 2018: Exactly 7 days and I got my stitches out today. They put steri strips on and said those will fall off in a couple days then I can start using my silicone scar removal strips. No running for at least 3 more weeks. No chest work for at least 5 more weeks. My next follow up is November 27th. I’ll post pictures then! Also the milk of magnesia worked great! I finally pooped haha Updated on 11 Nov 2018: I think they are “dropping” some but they are still wide outside my frame. I’m beginning to think this isn’t just swelling but the actual profile. Different than I thought but I like them so far. I also feel like my stomach is retaining water. Or I’m just getting fat. I don’t like that at all though lol. Updated on 15 Nov 2018: Finally 14 days have passed. Suffering from dry skin and stretching. I got some awesome new bras from amazon and they already feel better. My steri strips are still on but one is still loose. The corner that is loose I can see the scar and it’s dark and doesn’t look to be super closed yet so I’ll leave them on. I’m going to call my surgeon tomorrow to ask advice. Dropping nicely but they still feel very firm. I imagine that’s because they’re saline and not silicone or gummy whatever. I jogged for half a second at work today and OMG they feel like rocks on my chest with thin support. When I start running at 4 weeks I’m going to need two super tight sports bras. Updated on 28 Nov 2018: As you can see right is dropping nicely. Left is tight as hell and not working with me. I had my one month appointment yesterday and my PS said all looks well. I am right hand dominant so it makes sense my right settled faster. So now I am doing my “exercises” more on my left so it will catch up. They’re still perfect and I’m so glad I did this. I was cleared to start running again next week. He only told me to wear a super tight high impact bra. Two if needed. Feeling great and sleeping on my side is finally tolerable. Updated on 14 Jan 2019: Well... lefty has an issue. I may have a slow leak in the valve of my left implant and I go back to my PS Thursday to see if it will need replacement. They are under warranty so it would be free of charge however the thought of going under anesthesia again makes me upset. And more recovery time. I was just getting back to push ups! It’s very soft and has dropped into place but it’s clearly much smaller. Thoughts? I’ve lost almost an entire cup size in the last month Updated on 4 Apr 2019: I am much more evened out now. I can do push ups and work out without restrictions. So glad I decided to wait it out rather than opt for revision! Updated on 21 Jan 2021: Love love love them!! Like I said before I waited for the left to drop before I opted for revision but I was very uneven those first early few months. I am now just over 2 years post op. Please ignore all my skin indents from spandex and sports bras I have no issues working out. I also sleep on my stomach sometimes too without pain or discomfort. Before surgery I was an only stomach sleeper so this has made me happy. And .. hubby loves them just as much. ????
Sometimes implants alone are sufficient to provide lifting of the breast without requiring a lift procedure. Depending on the sagging you may need a large implant--450 to 500cc- in order to achieve an aesthetically pleasing result. However a large implant will mean a heavier implant which will cause sagging in the future. You may need a lift at that time but a least you might delay this outcome for a few years.
