Gregory Swank, MD

I have been debating on having a breast reduction for years. I'm 5'2, 175ish pounds and had 38h breast. I could never get insurance to cover it so paid out of pocket. I had surgery this morning with Dr. Swank at Piedmont Plastic Surgery and Dermatology. We were aiming for D cup but I just wanted nice promotional boobs. I have not seen them properly yet but I'm already SOOOOO HAPPY! My neck and back pain are gone! I'm writing this as I lay on my wedge pillow. I'm still very medicated. I do anticipate pain and issues moving around a bit in the coming days but, I've had no pain yet. I dread sleeping sitting up! If you're considering to it... just do it. I feel like I've got a new outlook on life moving forward. :) I will be posting before and afters soon!

i’m a little late to the game, but this app has been such a huge help to me i wanted to make sure i documented my journey for others out there. today i’m four weeks POST op. I’m 5’5”, 115lbs and i started flat chested. my PS suggested 325cc Natrelle SRF implants to get the desired large “b” look. i work out a lot so i did want something in the way or unnatural looking due to my smaller frame. i’ve included my progression photos from before until now (27 days later). so far so good. i’ll write some of my thoughts in the immediate next posts.

Updated on 30 Dec 2018:
i’m quickly coming to 6 weeks post op. i have mixed emotions hour to hour. honestly i forget they are there most of my day. my activity is fairly normal and some task such as reaching or lifting heavier things (like my child) catch me off guard and reminds me to slow down. however, i find myself frustrated due to hoping i haven’t made a mistake and wanting to resume my normal life - like working out hard daily, loving/hugging/consoling my toddler, intimacy with my husband, etc. i’ve read many reviews and see that i must be patient - buts it’s hard.

the progression of the right side is several days/weeks behind the left. i’m right hand dominate and for a while i was concerned due to the right breast feeling very tight, hard and fatigued after moderate activity like cooking supper. that uncomfortable muscle tightness has finally vanished and i’m grateful.

the hardest thing to date is sleeping on my back! i’m a side and belly sleeper. i am sore from laying in one position all night and i’ve found that using a travel neck pillow helps greatly. again i keep reminding myself extreme patients must be present during this process.

they are getting some squoosh to them. i find myself massaging them unknowingly while around others. haha. they are tingly at times. i have described the feeling as the burn/tingle you have about 30 seconds after pulling off a bandaid quickly. but that seems to be lessening day by day. i find cold weather really makes them tingle/uncomfortable.

overall, i’m still happy about the decision of having my ba. i’m really wanting to get back into my workout routine and get this body back in shape. but time time time. i’m at the
point where i have to be grateful and mindful of the saying “time heals all”.

my follow up appt with Dr. Swank is in 4 days. i will continue to update!


Updated on 5 Jan 2019:
i had my 6 week follow up appt with dr. swank yesterday. he said all looked fantastic and i was released to dive back into my normal routines. he specifically said you can do push ups and bench presses. haha. although this made me super happy to hear, i feel i may still take a cautious approach and ease slowly back into my workouts. i’d HATE to hurt myself in any way and result in an even bigger setback.

i have only been wearing the Barely There bras since surgery- they only provide coverage not support. today i put on my first sports bra (a new size medium!). it was uncomfortable at first as i still have some sun burn/skin irritation feelings - but i knew if i was going to work out today i had to have the support. i completed a lower body workout - beachbody’s 21day fix in my home gym. man! have i lost my stamina over the 6 weeks. i was winded and that’s not normal for me. but the sweat felt great as it rolled off my skin - and my boobs look marvelous in the sports bra! great new motivation to have a slamming bod for summer.

my ps also mentioned that i could sleep on my side or stomach as i wanted. so i did try my sides last night. no pain, but super weird feeling. i could literally feel the implants shifting as i turned. i’m a stomach sleeper and i long to reach that point again. slow steps.

the only downside currently is the sensation i have all over my chest. the closest comparison is the “sun burn” feel i’ve been reading about. but seems all the reviews and q&a promises this will improve overtime. i’ll keep waiting before worrying:).

till next time.





Updated on 22 Jan 2019:
tomorrow will be 9 weeks after my procedure and i feel life is finally back to normal. i actually picked up my toddler (40lbs) and carried him to the car this morning with absolutely no issues or weird feeling! in a past post i mentioned the tingling/sun bun feel. that is completely gone thank God. i honestly think getting back into working out and stretching my arms/chest area really helped speed the “healing” of that sensation quicker. it just seemed to lessen quickly once i begin my workouts back.

i have been taking a reserved approach to working out. i did my first push ups yesterday. no pain, still cold tell my muscles were a little uneasy, but i did what i could within my comfort level - about 15 shallow push ups. i know that level will be regained with time. i can do all other activities with no issues ;).

i have moved to soft shell bras as well as sports bras. i have not been “fitted” yet due to the fact i still notice a difference in softness and dropping - i will wait the full 12 weeks as originally directed. but the ones i’ve purchased from target are a 36B - which was my goal!! i wanted a natural look and i think i’ve achieved that!! some nights i wear a sports bra, some nights i just go bare. but sleep is also finally normal again and i didn’t realize how much side-sleeping means to me. ;)

i am VERY happy with my decision to have the ba. cannot wait until summer when i can wear cute tops without a bra gap showing. ;)

Updated on 24 Feb 2019:
three months has finally come and gone! and life is back to 99% normal! i am able to do everything as before. however, i do still feel a little pull in my right side boob when doing pushups, chest presses. no pain, just a tug.

it’s still winter, and it’s still cold. i cannot wait until warmer weather so i can wear thinner shirts and tank tops. to date, not a single person has mentioned my physical change - not even my family or closest friends - which was the ultimate goal in having the procedure during bulky winter clothes season. not sure anyone will ever notice!

i am now a large B. the girly part of me wishes i would have went larger. but the other more conservative active self is very happy with having a full bra that doesn’t hinder my activities in the slightest.

my toddler is also enjoying a fully functional mommy again. bear hugs, picking him up when he’s upset and even wrestling from time to time. ;)

overall, still happy with my decision. now come on bikini weather so i can try them out ;) on vacation!

Updated on 15 Jun 2019:
seven months passed! i forget i haven’t had these girls forever. they are truly cool to have. absolutely no one has noticed. and even my closest friend nor family members have said anything. so i’m super happy the winter sweaters worked to hide them while healing. i’m working out 7 days a week doing HITT training - very demanding - with absolutely no issues. our first vacation was two weeks ago and i wore my first bikini. very cool feeling of confidence that i’ve never had. weird thing is i’m now a 32DD at victoria secret! the right is a little lager and lower - but so we’re my natural breast. like a reflection ;) overall, i’m so pleased.

I am a 30 yr old, mother of 3. Breastfed all 3 so they literally drained me! I am petite, 5’1” and 108 lbs. I was previously a 34d/32dd, now a 34c. I want to fill in the lost tissue and go back to my original size and shape! I’ve consulted and chosen Dr Swank who recommends an SRF385, no lift, to fill in tissue and keep my natural look. Calling tomorrow to plan a date and make my payment...eek!!! With a busy schedule, total care child, I am having to plan everything for work and childcare setup during my recovery! Using this thread to save my journey pics.

I cannot say enough good things about Dr Swank and his office! He is such a great doctor, he is honest, keeps you looking natural, just an improved version of you. I trust him 100% with any procedure I have done. He also done my breast augmentation and done a perfect job! His staff is also very friendly and so very helpful. He will always be my Doctor for anything I may want done. I highly recommend Dr Swank and I know you will not be disappointed by his amazing work! He is a miracle worker!

My BA is scheduled for the 29th!! NINE days!!!! I? have
been dreaming of this since I? was a preteen.. I? so looked forward to having boobs for years. They grew (in size) but they never took shape like I? thought they should. They never looked “normal”.

I? just got married in September and even on my wedding night, I? felt the need to cover my breasts. My husband loves me for me and he never saw an issue with my body but I? can’t stand the sight of them. With lots of discussion, research, and even some (wanted and unwanted) advice from family members, my husband and I? decided this is happening!!!

I? went to a consultation with a surgeon that performed BA for my cousin and best friend. I? fell in love with his work immediately! His staff was amazing and he made me feel comfortable and confident. During that consultation, I? mentioned of course what I? wanted and why. I? told him how much I? hated the shape of my breasts and that I? didn’t feel like a woman. He informed me that I? have tubular breasts and that could be altered with implants and a possible lift.

I? go for my pre-op on Wednesday and surgery is scheduled for the following Wednesday! There are no words for how excited I? am! No nerves yet, just anxious! I? can’t wait to look in the mirror and love the body in it!!! ????
Updated on 21 Nov 2017:
Tomorrow is pre-op!!! I? am beyond excited and I? have a LIST of questions to ask my PS before surgery. At this point, I? am not worried a bit. I? think though I? am anticipating the recovery to be much worse and that has me a bit anxious. But I? took a week off work and have an amazing husband to care for me! Only 8 more days ????


Updated on 1 Dec 2017:
Day 2 has been a little rough. Slept in the recliner last night and only woke up twice to take to take pain meds and muscle relaxers! Even though I don’t feel like I necessarily need the pain meds, my dr said it would be best to stay ahead of the pain rather than get pain and then try to get it back under control.

My wonderful husband slept on the couch next to my recliner last night and was there for my every need. He works second shift and unfortunately had to go back to work this evening. So far things are good. I can stand up and walk around with little to no pain. Lifting my arms up isn’t as bad as reaching sideways. I was able to get a shower this morning with no help needed! My husband sat on the bathroom counter the entire time waiting for me to need him but I was able to wash and even dry my hair on my own! My dr said it was ok to take my bandages off and shower with just the brown tape on. I meant to take some nudie pictures after my shower but I completely forgot. I will definitely take some after tomorrow’s shower! I was super emotional this morning. After my shower, I just kept looking at my new boobies and couldn’t help but think how ugly they were. I went into my operation with tuberous breasts (see before BA post). I guess I expected them to be even just a bit round after surgery but they are gigantic cones!! I hope that changes! The front view isn’t bad but side view is so triangular. I hope they will round out once they drop and fluff ???? Anyways ladies, as far as pain is concerned, it’s not as bad as I expected!!! I am super sore and feel like I did a HEAVY chest workout. I just hope this emotional rollercoaster would settle down.



Updated on 1 Dec 2017:
My tuberous deformity seems to just be glorified with my implants :( I’m having a hard time being patient with the drop and fluff process... I was really hoping to see myself differently after surgery but all I can see is the deformity that I am trying to fix! That was my whole purpose for augmentation. I wanted larger breasts, but I would’ve been happy if I could just fix the odd shape of my breasts. NOT amplify it! Ugh... maybe I’m just emotional from anesthesia and surgery and meds.
The pain was minimal today. My husband got up and fixed breakfast this morning while I showered. It wasn’t hard today at all. Slowed movements but I could wash my hair without a problem. TMI but I still have not had a BM since the morning of surgery. I took 2 exlax yesterday and still nothing :/ probably why I am SO bloated. After breakfast, we went to the mall and did some Christmas shopping. That wasn’t so easy. I was exhausted and out of breath the whole time! The mall is about 45 minutes from us and I slept the entire way home.

Updated on 2 Dec 2017:
2 days before BA and 4 days after BA. Not much difference yet. I have 520cc silicone in each breast under the muscle.
Updated on 2 Dec 2017:
Shower was easy this morning!! I have almost all range of motion back in my arms. I am still numb all over but I keep getting bits of tingly sensations and a little itchiness... so I think feeling is trying to come back. Today is the first time I heard my implants make noise!! How weird... it sounded like rubbing two pool floaties together.. I know that is a weird way to describe it but that’s all I could think of ????

I am still cone shaped but I am far less emotional today and I have high hopes that they will soon found out :) I go for another post op appointment on December 7th and maybe my doctor will see a bit of change then? I am incredibly bloated still and have been taking exlax with no luck :/ I think I will try dulcolax today and see if that will help. I have been eating clean and drinking TONS of water! I have been living off of bananas and tuna for the last two days... idk why but my body is CRAVING tuna!!



Updated on 3 Dec 2017:
Today was hectic! I felt so good when I woke up this morning.. I finally slept in my own bed and not the recliner! I have been so antsy to get out of that thing. Sleeping in it, spending all day watching tv in it! I was over it. Being in my bed was great. I propped myself up with a couple of pillows and even found myself waking up on my side. That was a bit uncomfortable but not hurting. Right now the most difficulty I’m having is with the stupid strap!! My PS wants me to wear it for at least 2 weeks to help keep the swelling down. It itches and feels like everything is compressed and I can’t breath! Oh well.... it has to be worth it. Today the girls are looking better. Still coney but not as bad. When I left my arms, I can see that they are starting to round out a bit. The swelling is at a minimum and I couldn’t be happier with this stage. I have taken the strap off for just a couple hours to relieve some pressure and my goodness it feels wonderful!! My husband finally got a chance to feel them and he is extremely pleased. He thought they were going to be so obviously fake and they aren’t! We’re not excited for the drop and fluff process ?? I am so tired of the sweats and looking grungy so I slipped into my silk nighty and robe. Still keeping the sports bra on but my husband just can’t keep his hands off me! And even if he stops touching, he definitely hasn’t stopped looking! Lol

Updated on 6 Dec 2017:
I went back to work today! I am exactly 1 week post op today. Lots of things are going on right now... I can actually see the difference in my left and right breast. My left had dropped just a bit faster than my right. I have been itching a TON on the tops of my breasts where the implant is still sitting pretty high. For that I am using vitamin E oil at night before bed. That was NOT suggested by my doctor so I am going to run it by him tomorrow just to be safe. I’m pretty sure I will get my steristrips taken off tomorrow.
So I am completely numb from my areola and down. But today I noticed some soreness to my nipples and maybe even a little tingling? I want to say the feeling is trying to come back. I’ll also be talking with my PS about that in the morning.
As of today, I have full mobility with my arms. Work was not as bad as I expected today... I was able to reach shelves above my head just fine. The only difficulty I had was bending straight down. The weight of the implant was too much for my chest muscles right now.
Before my BA I had tuberous breasts.. to my knowledge, my PS did not do anything corrective like a life or scoring of my lower pole. He predicts that the implant alone will round out the lower pole of my breast because I had a very mild case. At 7 days PO, I am still very cone shaped without a bra on. WITH my sports bra, I am nice and round and perky! So hopefully that will change with time. If not, the fullness alone is enough to be thankful for in the moment. If need be, I will discuss revision options with my PS.
Also!!!! MAJOR boob greed........ I have 520cc high profile. I am really hoping that my D&F process will add a little bit of fullness.

Updated on 9 Dec 2017:
So I realize I’ve been off a tad bit on my days... TODAY I am 10 days PO and I am not sure how I feel at the moment...... for starters, I am feeling extremely depressed about my shape. Before my BA I went to a consultation with my PS and addressed my tuberous breasts. He told me they were minor so they would not require any corrective surgery.... ok! So at that point I was feeling confident that it would resolve itself with implants. We opted for 520cc because that’s just what he recommended. (Stupid me for not showing wish pics and begging to go bigger) I look AMAZING in a sports bra! Nice and round and pushed up and together. But then I take that off and.... my boobs fall apart to practically no cleavage and two gigantic pointy poke your eye out cones! Looking at the front profile in the mirror you can not tell. But when I look down at them, or from a side profile, they look not different then before surgery. Some days I feel positive and hopeful that the drop and fluff process will do the trick! But other days I feel so down in the dumps and that they will never change. I’ve been told before that implants will only create a larger version of what I already had. So WHY on earth would my PS not opt to correct my issue????? I am so bummed. I know it is so early in the process but I see a revision in my future :( of which I have no time or money for.... I had taken out a loan for the full amount of this surgery! I was so pumped and confident. (I have no problems paying for the initial loan btw.. that isn’t the issue) maybe I am just getting myself worked up over nothing but the main reason I wanted a BA was to have nice round full boobs!! As of right now, I have pointy oddly shaped not even big enough boobs... ugh. I hate feeling this way.

Updated on 13 Dec 2017:
Ok!! So today is exactly 2 weeks post breast augmentation! I am loving my girls ???? I have struggled lately with the idea that they aren’t perfect yet....LOL. Of course! I have a long journey ahead of me and so much change to look forward to. I have just decided to love myself in every stage of my healing process.

The only issues I have been having this past week is my skin. I feel as if my skin is totally raw! Which is so weird because I am also numb from my nipples down. But somehow I still feel burning... I’m sure it is from the stretching of the skin.

My left implant is still sitting relatively high but I’m sure it’ll catch up soon enough. I have noticed mor rounding out around my arm pit. Again, I have tuberous breasts so I am still very pointy and triangular shaped. Especially looking at them from the side. But looking at my breasts from the front, I can see (especially my right) the implant is setting more to the side. Which I am completely fine with. I ?? side boob!!!!

I go for my next post op appointment on January 11th which would be a month and 1 week post op. At my last post p appointment (1wkpo) my PS told me I could stop using the compression strap which he originally wanted me to wear for 2 weeks but I stopped after 1 because he said I was progressing quickly. He also gave me the green light to begin massaging.... now that, I am so lost on. I don’t feel like I am able to massage them the way he did.. so we’ll see I guess. At my 1 week PO dr Swank also gave me my scar treatment serum. I am to begin use tomorrow morning after my shower. This serum will be used two times daily (morning and night) for at least 3 months or until healed. He gave that to me for free and he said that if I continue to need it after I finish that tube, he will send me another!

Dropping and fluffing is literally like watching paint dry............. I am so impatient!!! Some days I tells myself that I’m not even gonna look at them and other days I can’t stop staring and comparing. Side note, my XL sports bra that zips in the front busted open in my sleep and broke the zipper LOL. Sooooo that may be a sign that I need to size up... ???? that’s a-ok with me!!!

Updated on 18 Dec 2017:
Feeling GREAT! They are dropping beautifully.. my left is slacking a little but not majorly. I’m still a little coney but it doesn’t bother me nearly as much as before. I can see just a LITTLE rounding out on the bottom of the right breast.

My skin is still a little raw still but not as bad as before. I am starting to get some feeling back under the breast as well. But I am still have a bit of boob greed :( 520cc is a large implant but it doesn’t seem very large on my frame... I mean I AM 200lbs... I was really hoping for huge breasts.. like extremely noticeable!! Hopefully I will become satisfied with them once they’ve dropped lol

Overall, I’m feeling great and I am so happy with Dr. Swank’s work!

Updated on 20 Dec 2017:
Shopping is so much more fun now ??????

Updated on 22 Dec 2017:

I talked to several surgeons but Dr. Swank made me feel the most comfortable. He was very open and told me what I could expect and what I needed without trying to sell me things I didn't need. He spent plenty of time talking with me and made sure I left with a clear understanding of the procedure and a folder with information and instructions on what to do before the surgery as well as a detailed break down of the cost. I go in for my final payment and post op visit on the 28th of this month and can't wait!

I have been doing so much research on breast augmentation. Thanks to RealSelf and all the lovely ladies on here for being honest and upfront.
I am 25 years old, weigh 135 lbs and am 5'5" tall. I have a pear shaped body and by thighs and butt are disproportionate to my upper body (I am very muscular). I have been wanting implants since I was about 18 years old.
I went for my first consultation yesterday with Dr. Hunstad in Huntersville, NC. I read his research on PubMed and his credentials appealed to me. He seemed very down to earth and very informative during my consultation.
We discussed having 375-400(right) or 400-425(left breast is smaller) silicon implants placed subfascially through my areola. He recommended under the breast crease, but I was worried about keloid scar formation and we decided the areolar would be best. I was very pleased that his infection rate is 0% and he explained all the procedures and prophylatic measures they take in the office to prevent infection.
I am looking around for another doctor for a consulation to get a second opinion and decide who I prefer. Any suggestions in the Charlotte/Huntersville NC area would be wonderful!

Updated on 10 Dec 2013:
I am considering having a consultation with Gregory Swank at Piedmont Plastic Surgery in Hickory. A girl friend's sister of mine had implants placed by him and she loves them. Hopefully by the end of January I'll have my consultation :). Any suggestions would be great~!

Updated on 19 Jan 2014:
I have a Consultation with Gregory Swank tomorrow at 2:15 PM at Piedmont Plastic Surgery in the Hickory, NC Office. I'm looking forward to what a different doctor has to say. Let's hope it goes well!

Updated on 29 Jan 2014:
I had my consultation with Gregory Swank and am positive that I will have my breast augmentation done in the Hickory, NC Piedmont Plastic Surgery Office. I'm just really unsure as to when. Since I'm in graduate school its a little difficult to plan around everything. I'm thinking about having it in March because the only other convenient time would be sometime in August. I'm not sure how soon in advance I should book my appointment... I would definitely like them sooner so I am really torn.
Dr. Swank suggested under the muscle and inframmamory. I really wasn't wanting them placed that way... I would prefer them to cut my areolar because I scar very easily and the smaller the scar the better. I was wondering if anyone had any opinions on the placement of the scar and which they preferred?

Updated on 29 Jan 2014:


Updated on 29 Jan 2014:


Updated on 29 Jan 2014:


Updated on 6 Feb 2014:


Updated on 6 Feb 2014:


Updated on 7 Feb 2014:
So I decided after much deliberation to schedule my surgery for June... since I will not have my rotations during that month and will only have online classes!! Paid my $500 to secure my date... SUPER excited!!

Updated on 9 Feb 2014:


Updated on 4 May 2014:
I am about one month away from my surgery date and am very excited! I was wondering I should do to prepare my body for the surgery? I've tried to get things ready (baby wipes, cleaning supplies, etc) so that when I finally do have my surgery I can take it easy. Does anyone have any suggestions that helped them?

Updated on 4 May 2014:


Updated on 4 May 2014:


Updated on 10 Jun 2014:
Excited about tomorrow! I will be sure to post some pictures after surgery.

Updated on 11 Jun 2014:
Everything went well! Got done faster than expected, which was great. I had 405 HP Silicone implants placed over the muscle. I experienced shivering for about 10 minutes after the anesthesia wore off. I'm going to try to get a list of all the medications they had me on IV. I do have some pain and lots is tightness, but nothing unbearable. Just took my pain medication so that'll help too. So glad I have someone to take care of me. It's so difficult to move my upper body! I'm going to try to walk around the house today to get blood flow moving. Overall, the experience wasn't bad at all. I have my pre op tomorrow at 9AM.

Updated on 12 Jun 2014:
Ouch! I woke up this morning and was in pain, but took another Percocet and that helped. Had my first post-op and everything looks great. I was oked to shower and will do that today. They already feel like a part of my body. They are still very sore and the band around the top to bring them down is probably one of the most uncomfortable parts. I am currently taking Percocet every 4 hours as needed for pain, Cyclobenzaprine for the muscle spasm/pain and Cephalexin for the antibiotic. No issues with the medication except that it make me flush a little. Not sure which drug is the culprit. I did not experience any post operative nausea and/or vomiting, but I was given Zofran just in case.

Updated on 12 Jun 2014:


Updated on 14 Jun 2014:
Still sore but I'm able to move my arms up and haven't been taking the pain medication. I am still taking maximum strength Tylenol and muscle relaxers for the pain. Everything feels tight and I have had a little bruising. Hoping everything heals quickly!

Updated on 20 Jun 2014:
So I am already loving the new editions! I am still sore and am still taking Tylenol. I went back to work on the 18th and it was a very difficult first day. But since I have felt better in terms of soreness. I walk around a lot on the job so it took a day for my body to get use to the movement with the extra weight. I have EXTREME sensitivity in my nipples and to have a bra on or anything touching them is painful. I know that that's normal but it is very uncomfortable. I have my check up this coming Tuesday and an very excited to begin massages and get the girls feeling less tight. The incisions itch a little but it's similar to others stitches I've had. They are still swollen and I had to buy bras for work and got siZed as a 34DD at VS. This will not be my size in the end but it was good to hear for once! The swelling has gone down considerably already and I can already wear a 36C sports bra (a little big around but the girls rest comfortably in the cups).I hated to buy bras but had to buy something that was appropriate under my work clothing. So far so good and I am so happy with my decision to get them!

Updated on 4 Jul 2014:


Updated on 4 Apr 2018:
Still loving my breasts! Still get some sensitivity in the nipple area, massaging post surgery and every now and then have made a great difference. They were slightly asymmetrical at the beginning but fell into perfect place after 7-8 months ( I had a great surgeon). Redness around area isn't a scarring just chatting from a sports bra.

Updated on 4 Apr 2018:
The lightly pink area on the breast is the scarring. I used scar relief for 6-8 months post surgery.

I have 3 girls ages 18, 10, 3. Each time I got pregnant I gained weight then lost it after each one, only to put back on 20-30 lbs again. Such a cycle... Well I'm NOT having any more kids and have recently lost 35 lbs by eating healthy and running 3-4 miles a day. I weigh 144 and am 5' 5". Thanks to heredity I tend to gain weight around my middle. I have dreamed about getting all this flabby skin and stretch marks removed.. I want it gone so bad!! I finally decided u only live once and it's time to do this!! I have tried to make myself call all week to schedule but would hang up the phone... Finally today I just did it!! Thanks to all u ladies who have posted on this site I got up my nerve to just do it!! March 29 TT day! I just realized when I wrote that date it is actually the 7yr anniversary that my now 10 yr old was dx with a Wilms Tumor.. She is now cancer fee and healthy but maybe I need to rethink that date.. Uggghhhhh

Updated on 15 Feb 2013:
Took some before pics this morning.. cleaning out the freezer today.. my husband doesnt really cook so im gonna get some meals ready for when im down. I have to go back to work a week after surgery.. or i really hope i will be able to... im soooo nervous about being put to sleep but super excited about getting rid of this belly for good!!



Updated on 16 Feb 2013:
Sr. Prom dress shopping today with my oldest :)

Updated on 18 Feb 2013:
Surgery is paid for and time off work scheduled mannnn this is real!! I'm terrified!

Updated on 22 Feb 2013:
I bought some pretty panties today!! Woohoo I will actually look good in them soon! 35 days..

Updated on 23 Feb 2013:
I have have never taken so many skimpy underwear pics in my life.. I want some good before and afters!

Updated on 5 Mar 2013:
I just realized how I'm feeling about this surgery. Like when I have decided to ride a scary ride at an amusement park and they fasten the seatbelt and u know there's no turning back! I always get that omg what have I done feeling and this is the same! But in the back of my mind I'm really excited!

Updated on 11 Mar 2013:
Still the boring countdown, glad this is a BUSY month!!!!.... March 29 cant wait!

Updated on 29 Mar 2013:
So far so good! Pain manageable!

Updated on 31 Mar 2013:
Well I'm on PO day 2. Everything is going pretty good! The pain is very manageable . I have just kept up on the pain meds and muscle relaxer. I can get up from the chair and up and down on the toilet by myself! My hubby helped emptying my drains at first but I'm doing that now. I'm using a pillow for support when I walk and still at a 45. So far this has not been too bad of an experience. And check out my first after pic all this is definitely gonna be worth it!!

Updated on 6 Apr 2013:
8 days PO and I'm ready to feel better! I went for a PO yesterday and all is healing good. Will keep these drains another week..... There not putting out too much so maybe a little earlier..... I have a sharp pain on the left side of my bb if I cough or move the wrong way. It's very intense the ps said it may take a while for it to go away... I'm moving around a lot better and did go back to work on PO day 6. I did good but was very tired I noticed more swelling. I'm a very active person and its really hard not being able to go and do but I'm trying to keep focused on the big picture.....

Updated on 23 Apr 2013:
Still doing great! Swelling during the day but that's expected. Loving my new body!

Updated on 23 Apr 2013:
Still doing great! Swelling during the day but that's expected. Loving my new body!

Updated on 28 Apr 2013:
Went for my 4wk PO today. All is healing good. Still swollen by the end of the day but I can stop wearing my cg!! It feels really weird without it. I slept without it last night for the first time and it was good. Swelling seemed to go down even better than when I wear the cg. Tummy is still numb and occasional sharp pains, Lipo areas are the most sore but manageable. Wearing jeans is still not really comfortable because of the Lipo soreness. But I can wear a bikini!! Woo hoo! And I know it's just gonna get better as I heal!

I am familar with Dr. S's work by the injections he has given me and by seeing first hand an overjoyed Patient that let me see her face, while in the office after surgery. She was there for a 4 week check up for a facelift and I could not see any scars. I am saying I trust him. Always find out what he does the most face lift etc... I think he is great and is very gifted.

I do not have before pictures. I just have after and I am thinking of the neck lift. Remember I had injectables and consultation. I will be 53 years old this year. I am still saving up for it. He is resonable with rates.

Hi everyone. First off I love this forum and have found so many inspiring people and their stories are very helpful. Thanks guys!

I am 28 yrs old and a tummy tuck is my birthday gift to myself. I deserve it. I have no children but all the years of being overweight had really done a number on my belly. Always been chubby I finally lost the weight through pure diet and exercise and a good dose of sheer will and determination! 4 years later and I'm left with sagging skin on my tummy. I hated it. I was nice and slim until I bent over and the skin just flops down. No matter how clean I ate or the hours at the gym it just wasn't responding. Also a previous abdominal surgery(splenectomy that left a long vertical scar) didn't help! So...here I am...its the night before surgery and I'm on here to share my story with you all.

I'm scheduled for March 30th and am super excited! I will post up pics soon.

Wish me luck :)



Updated on 30 Mar 2011:
Finally! Whew...I feel great despite the bit of pain I have. Its tender at the drain site and I am very annoyed it :)

I'm 3-4 hr post-op and will see my ps tomorrow. So my pain level is 6. Pain meds are helpful so I am making sure I'm taking it. I will post of pics soon.

Updated on 4 Apr 2011:
I am now 5 days post op and I'm feeling great. I went into this expecting a rough and painful recovery from all the research I've done and by reading the reviews on here. However I have to say that so far...I've been doing great. The first two days were the worst. It was difficult getting in and out of bed and I just couldn't get comfortable. I slept most the time but got up and moved around quite a bit so I won't get stiff. My back was sore from hunching over but I'm already standing up straight. All those deadlifts at the gym really paid off! Actually all the weight training I do has helped me bounce back. I am down to taking pain meds once in the morning and good ol' ibuprofen so its not the meds that's keeping me going. I even drove today and got some light grocery shopping done! I'm still being cautious moving around but besides that I feel pretty normal.

My abdomin is really itchy and tingling. Trying not to scratch is so hard! My biggest complaint are the drains! I despise them. The drain holes are tender and just wiggling them hurts. Can't wait to get them out.

Updated on 18 Apr 2011:
Hello everyone. Today I am 18 days post op. Here's a few pics of my belly so far. So far I have barely any swelling. So glad! I usually have a lil bit of swelling in the evenings right along my belly button if I over-exert during the day.

I'm still wearing paper tape along my incision and old vertical scar because as it heals its sensitive so it just feels a bit better. My PS had to make tiny little incision along my old vertical scar to help it stretch when he redraped the skin. I chose not to revised that scar til a later date. Let me know what you guys think! :D