I received a breast lift and implants approximately 11 days ago by Dr Hollie Hickman. I wanted to write this review for anyone that gets surgery anxiety like me! This was truly such a calming and amazing experience. From my first appointment Dr Hollie Hickman was very informative and straightforward on what to expect. I left this appointment with with 100% certainty that I would be booking this with her. I had previous consultations and they didn’t give me that “feel good” feeling. I booked with her and received my surgery one month later. On the day of my appointment I was sooooo so nervous. The nurses, anesthesiologist, and Dr Hickman were all so comforting. I don’t even remember when they put me to sleep, just that I was being asked a question and then boom I woke up. It literally feels like a quick nap. As far as my recovery goes, I was swollen as expected. I was able to completely stop taking the prescription pain meds 2 full days after surgery and I quit the ibuprofen by day 5. The pain was minimal after that but manageable. Just really needed to move slower and care for your body, hydrate and take the arnica tablets! Now on day 11, I feel very good. I don’t feel any aches or pains, maybe a couple shooting pains here and there. The swelling has really gone down! I want to take this bra off but I know it’s for the best. I can’t wait for my 2nd post op Monday. We will be removing the tape on this day and I’ll update after that appointment! Everything I thought prior to surgery, all Of the thoughts and worries, it’s crazy to think how great this process has truly been and SO WORTH IT. Get the boob job y’all.
After having my 4th child, I was eager to have a “mommy makeover” to fix what multiple pregnancies had left me with. Dr. Hollie Hickman was my second consultation. After meeting with her, I immediately knew she was “the one” and booked my surgery that same day. She is a true professional and I felt very comfortable in her care. Every single staff member from front desk, to the nurses, to Dr Hickman herself has been extremely welcoming, kind and helpful at each appointment. Dr. Hickman really listened to my goals and gave me exactly what I was hoping for! I had a breast reduction, tummy tuck with muscle repair and lipo to my outer thighs. I’m now 7 weeks post-op and recovery has been a breeze. For the first time in several years, I feel confident in my own skin. I can’t tell you how thankful I am for PVPS!
After nursing two kids and never having much for a chest, I decided to go for it after years of wanting breast implants. I'm 35 yrs old, 5'5 and 130 pounds. This site has helped me so much so I want to share my experience. The 3D imaging and sizers in the office helped to pick the size but ultimately I trusted Dr. Hickman at the moment to give me natural-looking and proportionate implants. Aside from my wishlist, my mindset was that I didn't want to go too big and hate them but if they came out too small they would still be more than I had. I debated between the idea of saline and that I could just leave them until something went wrong but ultimately agreed to go silicone as the office shared how natural they felt. I knew I would be most comfortable with my decision with having implants that felt like they had always been there. Dr. Hickman and the entire team at Ponte Vedra Plastic Surgery were friendly, relaxed, professional, and attentive. I always felt in good hands and the surgery center was top notch with care and providers. Updated on 19 Apr 2021: Recovery has been pretty much a breeze! I was worried about the pain but honestly have been totally fine. Sleeping in a big, cushy, cloth recliner is KEY. I didn't have any trouble sitting up. If anything I have felt so good that it's hard not to overdo it and do nothing LOL. My chest is definitely sore and achy, but if you've nursed the best way I can describe is when your breasts are engorged when breastfeeding. They obviously sit super high and strange looking and I'm afraid to look at the incisions (breast crease). After 4 days I stopped the prescriptions and just took ibuprofen. The worst part has been the compression bra that I was instructed to wear 24/7. The straps and whole thing was so tight but I'm following the rules! Updated on 27 Apr 2021: Recovery has still been going well. So well it’s easy to overdo it! Just waiting for these puppies to settle down now that I’m halfway the six week mark. Week 1, I was instructed to wear the compression bra 24/7. Week 2, no bra 24/7 (or sports bra if needed). Week 3-4, strap all the time. Scars are healing well and everything feels fine. At Week 3 I was given instruction to apply Polysporin at morning and night. We will see at my next appt when to start scar treatment and massage. My right breast was a little bigger before, and it’s my dominant side. I can really see a difference so I’m hoping a they settle it may not be as noticeable and wondering if I should have different size implants to even it out. Also, my right scar is a lot longer than the left. I just keep reminding myself that it’s two different boobs, two different surgeries. Biggest complaints are just “morning boob” where they feel a little tight and swollen until I get moving. And of course waiting for them to drop and fluff. They actually feel pretty soft already. Updated on 27 Apr 2021: I meant to add at some point I never had any bruising, stretch marks or bleeding. I think most of that is because my smaller implant size, I had enough skin I think (just saggy but had grown when breastfeeding/pregnant), I have oily skin haha, and the skilled hands of my surgeon. One tip I received was Arnica Tablets, and I think that helped! And of course the recliner for sleeping. And I made myself drink lots of water the first few days. Updated on 5 May 2021: I’ve been instructed to go braless for the next six weeks! They seem to be dropping so slow. The upper pope looks very full and swollen so I’m hoping the bottom will fill out soon. My PS said everything was going normal so not to worry. I also have massage instructions for 1 min, 5x a day. In one more week I can resume most activities. Though honestly I have already been lifting my children a little, and they are over 20 pounds. With the right shirt on, most people can’t even tell I had implants, which is what I wanted. And once I start wearing a bra like I would normally, I think I’m going to be very comfortable with the 255cc size. When I lift my arms they look perfect LOL. Scars are healed and I can apply scar treatment if I wish. I’ve just been using vitamin E oil for now. One is small and thin and the other is a little longer and bumpy. Hoping it heals similar to the other. Breasts are not perfectly even but I keep reminding myself it’s really two different surgeries and each one will heal and drop in its own way. I know it’s still early to jump to conclusions! Updated on 13 May 2021: Mostly posting progress pics for myself here but there’s few post under 300cc so hopefully it helps others as much as this site helps me! They do seem to be dropping, slowly but surely. I also totally forgot my muscle (silicone under the muscle) was cut and though I’m cleared for most activity, I’m definitely weaker in my upper arm strength! Ready to get active again though. Slope is looking more natural and they feel pretty soft. No pain or soreness, they just feel like my boobs! Size is perfect and doesn’t feel too big even when wearing a bra. I am so much more confident but also not self -conscious. I’ve heard people say around the 6 month mark they really get in to place but I feel like I have more to go, hopefully. I see the doc in 4 weeks (2 months post op) and excited to hear her take on an update. Updated on 15 Jul 2021: My scars are looking good and implants feel great. Very natural and most can’t even tell I had surgery! Exactly what I wanted. Confidence boosted and no issues, yay!
Due to a rupture, I had breast explant surgery with a lift/mastopexy with Dr. Hickman. I did evaluate other surgeons in the Jacksonville area, including Mayo, before deciding on Dr. Hickman. Overall, I felt much more comfortable with a female surgeon. She is empathetic, listens carefully, takes the time to understand your expectations as a woman, and most importantly - does beautiful, clean, precise, and careful work. I am only on week 3 healing, but the results are already amazing. And, the PVPS care team is super efficient with excellent communication, service, and responsiveness. Overall, would highly recommend.
I've known since is was an early teen that I wasn't going to be blessed with big boobs. I've always just been so scared of going under anesthesia, but after having two babies I knew it was time to get over my fear and just do it. I'm 5'2" and 115lbs, I barely fit 32A bras. I asked around about recommendations for a surgeon, as well as searched the internet. Dr. Hollie Hickman is whom I decided to go with. She's kind and compassionate, she listens to what you want, and her whole team of nurses are just incredibly sweet. Updated on 26 May 2020: I'm currently three days post op and I'm feeling much better than days 1 and 2 post op. I wanted 360cc, but once the surgeon got in there she could only get in 310cc. Before surgery I stressed that I didn't want to look like I had two balls glued to my chest, so I'm happy that she didn't stuff me with more than 310cc. I will gladly have a second surgery done to achieve the size I want. The first two days were brutal, it was tough sitting up on my own, or really do much on my own. Here's my three days post op pic, I'm super swollen and just ready for the drop to happen. Please make sure you have someone there to open your medications for you, and make sure you have plenty of clothes that either button up or you can slide up over your hips. Updated on 26 May 2020: My right boob doesn’t hurt at all, my left boob is still sore. (Left tit was the weakling during breastfeeding also) The worst part is the tightness, I took my bra off to shower and I just felt like my implant was going to fall out, it was just strange not having them supported in the bra. I have a little bruising around the incisions today, and the pain is still just uncomfortable. I have more movement in me arms today which is cool. I also noticed that I can’t feel my left nipple, like all the feeling in the left tit is gone. The right is just fine and I so hope the feeling comes back soon. Updated on 28 May 2020: I had my first post op appointment yesterday. Dr. Hickman wants me to not wear a bra for a few days, and on Monday I will start wearing the strap. I haven’t noticed any little sort of dropping, but the bruising at my incisions look significantly better. No real pain today, just a little uncomfortable and like muscle tightness in one boob. Updated on 2 Jun 2020: On the 7th day post op the lymph nodes in my armpits started swelling, and on the 8th day they became incredibly painful. Moving my arms, putting on DO, and shaving were difficult. Things were fine up until that point and I had to start taking ibuprofen for the pain. My left boob and nipple were still really sore, like a burning sensation. I had no fever and my incisions looked fine so I just waited until Monday (10 days post) to talk to my PS about my concerns. She said my left incision was a little irritated and the severity of the lymph nodes in my left armpit were a little concerning, so she put me on an antibiotic just in case there’s any infection. I’ll post a picture of the swollen lymph nodes, I haven’t been able to shave so the armpit looks gross, every red spot is a swollen lymph node. Today I’m 11 days post op and they’re still so high, my PS gave me instructions to start massaging them. I’m super impatient and ready for the drop and fluff to happen. Updated on 3 Jun 2020: I had a follow up appointment today for the possible infection. On Monday Dr. Hickman only put me on the antibiotic as a precaution, today she said everything looks great and she doesn’t think I have an infection. The tapes over my incisions were removed today too. Updated on 11 Jun 2020: Just thought I’d drop a two week post op comparison pic. I’m so happy I had this surgery done Updated on 18 Jul 2021: If you’ve ever considered having ya tits done, just do it. This will give you the biggest confidence boost. Just please do your research and go with someone reputable, not someone cheap.
Very professional and intelligent! Was my first surgery ever and she made me feel right at home. Results are stunning! So happy I chose to go to her. Very honest and attentive. :) went in for a consultation and she went over my options without any pressure. Went back over my choice right before surgery and everything was just perfect! She's very kid friendly which is hard to find now days. So comfortable to talk with.
I'm so thankful that Hollie Hickman was my surgeon when I needed reconstruction after my double Mastectomy. She is very professional, compassionate and an amazing doctor for what I needed! I would recommend her a thousand times over!!
I am a 43 year old mother of 4 and my decision to have this surgery for me. I never really had big breasts. I took the depo vero shot about 15 years ago I was a size 36 B cup. As the years went by I noticed that my breast kept getting larger and larger until I ended up in a 36 Triple D. Anyone that has had children Knowles that your breasts will continue to get saggy and undesirable looking. I decided to let Dr Holly Hickman go ahead and do the surgery on me and my expectations where high, but she exceeded it. One thing I can say about Dr. Hickman is that she is very truthful and she would not operate on you if it's not in your best interest if you just want to have surgery. I truly appreciate that because that shows that she has honesty and integrity about her practice and business. Thank you so much. Dr.Hickman you just don't know that you made me feel so good looking in a mirror at myself again thank you so much
Love Love Love Her And The Staff.. She's Super Friendly Answered All my Question Made Me Feel very Comfortable. I'm Very Pleased With My Tummy Tuck. I received No lipo wish I had For My Sides but I'm planning another surgery For July if Just Lipo I'll stick With Hollie Hickman but if I plan on Bbl it'll have to be Someone else
After giving birth to my "irish" twins I was left with a very bad over hanging belly. I decided to hire a personal trainer, and with him I lost 70 pounds. You would think that made me feel better. NOPE! The hanging skin looked evern worse. I was so depressed and starTed putting the weight back on. After my husband suggested the TT did I really believe there was hope. I was very nervous a b d scared because I never had any kind of surgery before. But I had a terrific surgeon. Dr.Hickman and her team of nurses really babied me. They took such great care of me that I wonder why I was ever scared. I can tell you more about the operating room and procedure if you like. But as for now I am 2 days post operation and I'm in pain! Beginning to doubt the procedure being worth it. I know I'll feel better once I'm healed and back to normal. We shall see. Updated on 25 Feb 2015: Okay so it's been five days since my surgery and I'm feeling pretty good. My pain has decreased some . Thank God we purchased these recliners before surgery bc it has made all the difference. Both me and my husband sleep on the reclining sofa. He's been good at helping out. I had my first shower last night with the bandages off, and it was ok will be better when I can wash without sitting in shower chair. I have po dr visit this morning so I'm gonna try to doll myself up to make me feel better. I don't know about anyone else at this stage but I'm not impressed with my procedure. I can't stand to look in the mirror at myself my PS and hubby both think I am just swollen but to me I look fat. I look like a can of biscuits. Before surgery I had a overhang belly flap. Now it just looks like I have a belly. I thought I'd be flat after procedure. I had full TT with abdominal restructuring and lipo. Now I'm asking " was any of this worth it" . I've experienced some depression over these five days, been told that too is normal. I really don't know how to feel. Is this the "swell hell" people keep referring to. Updated on 28 Feb 2015: Ok every one I made it to exactly one week. My surgery was last Friday 2/20/15. I am eager to report I feel better than last week. I'm off my pain meds bc I have to go back to work on Monday. Desk job do I don't have to do much but sign papers. No walking around, and I'm only gonna work a few hours a day. Atleast that's what I'm telling myself. Anyway, I feel good. Still have a LOT of swelling, so much so that I'm not sure my procedure was good or not. I'm trying to be patient but I'm so sad. I can't stand to look at myself. Any remedy out there for renewed spirt? I think perhaps my expectations were to great. I compared myself to others thinking that's how I'd look. Bad idea. As for the procedure, I'm healing well according to PS I may get my drains in two days, my drainage put is decreasing steadily. My surgical tape has been removed by PS and she says I have to wait a few more weeks before I can use scar therapy tape. How are you all doing ?
"Age spots" are a difficult problem in darker skin patients. They can be improved, but very carefully. First, any treatment must be followed by strict sunscreen SPF 50 everyday under makeup. Any treatment is waisted with sun exposure. Sun exposure will bring the pigment back to your skin. Next, the treatment I recommend is BBL (Broad band light therapy). This is 300 x the strength of IPL. I start dark skinned patients on hydroquinine to down-regulate their natural pigmentation so there is less risk of PIH (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation). Then the BBL can be used on lighter, less aggressive settings to help with "age spots". It will take a few treatments.
There a lot of surgeons performing breast augmentation on women that travel. My partner and I have done breast augmentation on patients from all over the world. You can Skype your first consult and get recommendations. Our office can assist patients with lodging information near the office and surgery center. Typically you would come to the office on a Thursday after your first Skype consultation for sizing and the examination. The next day would be surgery. It is recommended staying at the hotel over the weekend. Monday you would have your follow up and the remaining exams would be done via Skype. I think a lot of surgeons are doing this now with current technology. You shouldn't have a problem finding someone. Best of luck!
You picture is typical of a new breast augmentation. It takes a full six months for the implants to drop into the pocket. When I have a patient similar to your pictures I tell them not to wear a bra for the first few weeks to help facilitate the implants to drop. The first few weeks the pectoralis major muscle is swollen so it accentuates the droopy breast. You are way too early to worry about this now. I know it is hard to imagine but your photo is normal at this point in time. I tell patients the hardest part of a breast aug is waiting for the final result (the fall). Hope this helps.
If you have a small amount of chin fat with very little loose skin you are probably a great candidate. If you have a lot of fat you may end up with loose skin that looks worse. If you do have a lot of fat you can have a small amount of lipo and expect less of a result but less risk of skin laxity after surgery. Good luck.
Swelling does not necessarily mean you will have drooping. You may have a small hematoma that would resolve. But most importantly...ask your doctor.
