After turning 41, I was ready to stop talking about plastic surgery and start doing. I gained and lost a ton of weight with both of my pregnancies and that along with age left me looking like I was 71, not 41.
Day of surgery:
I don't remember much after going into surgery. The anesthesiologist was the best! He numbed the spot before inserting the iv. Small thing, but as a cancer survivor I have had many iv's and he was the first to actually numb the entry spot! I told him ahead of time that I get sick after anesthesia so he made sure to account for that! No nausea.
First week post:
I was upset after the first unveil. I felt my breasts were not as perky as I expected and the scar on my TT was higher than I expected. Emotional roller coaster for those first two weeks. I hired a nanny to take care of my boys and the husband was amazing at caring for me. Not much appetite the first week but forced myself to drink protein shakes. Pretty much round the clock on my Percocet.
Second week post op:
Weaned off the pain meds and switched to Tylenol. Didn't have BM until day 7, with daily Colace and fiber supplements. Live and learn, do not wait that long! Dulcolax took care of it without cramps and bloating. Wore binder and my Marena surgical bra all the time!
3 week post op:
Day 21 post got one drain out. Felt weird but didn't hurt when it was pulled. I was walking more upright for short periods of time. Back ache city! Heating pad and Tylenol a must.
4 week post:
At 28 days post got drain 2 out and that was like amazing! I was able to walk more upright and had more energy to boot! My left breast seems to be settling and moving down faster than the right. I am assured this is normal and final results will still be weeks to months away. I have religiously worn my binder and surgical bras. Never had any issues with swelling! :) started being able to lie flatter with only two pillows under my head and ovcassionally one under knees between 3-4 wks.
5 weeks post op:
Like a whole new person! I started the scar silicone sheets after 4 week appt on my TT incision. Breast still have scabs so waiting on those. I purchased two pairs on Target spanx brand underwear to wear during the day and go without to sleep at night. I also purchased Jockey brand bra-lettes and wear those all the time. They are super comfy and inexpensive, they also do not run against my anchor lift incision.
Updated on 29 May 2015:
I really applaud these ladies able to take and upload after pics. I am just now getting around to it. This is after wearing a bra and my CG for the day. So under boob is wrinkly from impressions and so is the line at my waist.
Updated on 3 Jun 2015:
Also my two week post on using scar away silicone sheets. Supposed to use them for 7 days, I was alternating between two sets which is easier than just washing and drying then reapplying one set. Since I was alternating I used them 14 days. I think they are helping, too early to say. They do stick well and haven't had any issues with them staying on, wore them under my swimsuit laying by the pool and to the beach-didn't go in the water, but sweated and they never moved or curled up!! I have only worn them on the outer edges of my incision, when I tried at 4 weeks to put one over the middle part it burned so I removed it, gave myself two more was to heal there, and will start using one there tomorrow. I bought the ones for your breasts, the anchor lift ones. However, as you can see in the pics, I still have scabs on the T incision points of my anchor lift. And since those can become nightmares, the nurse told me to wait on using them there until the scabs are gone. Not too worried about those scars anyway. It was more for the little dog ears I have at the end of both anchor lifts. No biggie.
I am still wearing either my binder or spanx high brief during the day and nothing at night. I eat fairly clean and haven't had any issues with swelling. I am still wearing only bralettes or a tank with shelf bra. Tried wearing a real bra and it just looked and felt weird. I think I am having some mental issues with the new boobs. Don't get me wrong, I like them, just not used to them yet.
Mobility is almost normal. However, tried laying on my tummy at the beach and couldn't do it, too tight across my abdomen. I have had lots more energy and have not had any of the late afternoon crashes I did at 4-5 weeks.
Sleeping. I am a side sleeper and my back has been very angry with me over this back sleeping business. This week I started sleeping more on my side with a pillow propped behind my back. It helps take some pressure off, but also keeps me mostly on my back- not totally on my side. I can probably go ahead and start side sleeping, but wanted to give it a couple more weeks if I could stand it.
Hope this helps someone!
Updated on 15 Jun 2015:
Had a very busy weekend out of town with lots of walking and not a single moment of actual down time. I brought along my iPad to read, and never even unpacked it!
Thursday we walked all over Savannah sightseeing for nearly 11 hours. Friday I noticed when stretching after waking that my stomach muscle just to the right of my belly button felt strained or pulled. I have an intense burning sensation in that spot when the area is "used" or stretched, pulled, etc. Hoping this is normal?
Other than that, all good. Implants seem to be settling nicely and one scab has come off of the T spot anchor lift incision. I do have an occasional "discomfort" especially around the sides of my breasts, but guessing that's also normal. Bra shopping last week at VS has me at a 34 D, which I think is perfect for my body size of 5'4 119#. I attended a wedding this weekend with a strapless dress and wore no bra! It was quite wonderful to not need one and be completely comfortable, and of course, to look great!
I will post better pics later, but these will have to do. I am loving the Jockey bralettes. They are extremely comfortable with light support and the material is breathable in this summer heat! Feels like you are wearing nothing!
Hope everyone is doing well!
Updated on 17 Jun 2015:
I have been using the Scar Away silicone sheets for four weeks now and I can tell an appreciable difference! I haven't had any problems with them. I rotate between two sets, so always have a clean and dry set.
The dog ears on the end of the TT incision seem to be laying down and the scar has definitely flattened. I have only been wearing the sheets on the middle of the scar above the pubis for two weeks. That area was sensitive when I first started wearing them, so I just used them on the sides the first two weeks. I am looking forward to waxing again. Thinking of trying it first week of July when I am close to 10 wks post op. I am just a big baby and afraid of doing anything that could cause me any issues in healing!
I am thinking of trying the scar sheets on the scars from my anchor lift under my breast this week. Although the only one that really shows is where it runs from the underside of the breast to my under arm. Hubby is only one that's likely to see. Bathing suit top should cover it? But I will use them as I already purchased them and let you know how it goes!
Updated on 27 Jun 2015: