Joseph C. Berardi, MD

After ivf, after 100 lb weight losses, after 2 sets of twins and type 2 diabetes I am scheduled for Diastasis Recti/hernia repair with Fleur de Lis and breast lift with implants. I’ve had a general surgeon consult who recommends a large mesh for the upper abdomen what he identified as a huge hernia with extreme DR. I have another incisional hernia from my 2 C-sections in my left lower abdomen. He said I would require a 6 inch vertical incision because it was too big for Laparoscopic surgery. However, I stared my quest to get pregnant at 34 and had 2 early miscarriages, 9 failed IUI’s, and finally 2 successful twin pregnancies within 3 years. I went from 165-170 to 200 with miscarriage and ivf drugs. That increased my insulin resistance and more insulin equals more weight gain especially when keeping controlled diabetes for a successful pregnancy twice... I was 275 at the end of the 1st pregnancy and easily lost 50 lbs day of delivery and got back to 170 for the next pregnancy. Took ivf meds again and back on insulin for a safe pregnancy ballooned to 270 2nd pregnancy by but only got down to 230 after this time. I’m still working on it and have 3 months to continue weight loss before my scheduled surgery on July 18, 2019. I visited 3 PS an 2 out of 3 recommended FDL due to skin laxity. 2 out of 3 recommended a BL w Implants. I’ve always been a 38D maybe even 38DD but I have broad shoulders and 5’6 somewhat tall. I’m not even sure whatI am now but with nursing was definitely 4D or G. Both said it all skin after milk supply dries up. So we decided implants are best.

Updated on 1 May 2019:
I’m including my before pictures to show where my skin had to come back from. I had edema in my lower belly and became preeclampsia at the end of my pregnancy. My breast normally a D went to DD first pregnancy then to 4D. Now as I’m losing weight they are just long saggy skin bags. So even though we are reducing them and lifting them I will need an implant to remain a D. I’m doing intermittent fasting with Keto way of eating and being successful. I Ali lift weights and do cardio 3-4 times a week inc January. I have to use machines with a back support to protect my Diastasis Recti and hernias. It’s been a lot of work but it’s worth it to be as healthy as possible before the surgery!!!

Updated on 7 May 2019:
I stopped nursing in February 2019. So my milk has mostly dried up. I have not had a leak since early March. My PS was right... I’m left with mostly skin. I want to be at least a D because that’s been my natural size my entire life. My family is pressuring me to just do a lift because they read or watched a news story on how implants make women sick. I feel like this news story is ruining my joy in having perky, beautiful breast. I’ve had large saggy breast long before babies and just wanted them to be artistically beautiful. I hate all this fear tactics they are placing on me. My PS said I would only have a B with a lift. Ugh! This is raining on my parade!!!

Updated on 7 May 2019:
I borrowed these from other profiles on here and their wish boobs/body. I snagged a few FDL samples of bellies similar to mine to have a reality check on expectation because I just can’t fully imagine any of this being possible.

Updated on 19 Jun 2019:
I was a ball of nerves the night before the Pre-op appointment. I wanted a lot of questions answered and I somewhat grilled my surgeon. They may seem like insignificant questions to him because he is confident in what he does but for me (and in selecting the correct person to handle what I think is a big job) these questions were necessary. No surgeon wants to be asked about other patient outcomes and ultimately I was told to stop comparing myself to other bodies. I have this idea that I’m supposed to offer what I’d like to look like and he says I need to just work with what I have. I’m a stocky woman... short waist, short neck, long legs, flat butt big boobs... I won’t look like a thin elegant swan but I’ll have flat abs and perky breast. If I wake up and heal without issues then I can call this a success regardless what I look like. I want so bad to know what my end result is before agreeing to go into surgery but all I can do is have faith I picked the right Dr and I think I have. I’m feeling more at peace with my decision and I am ready to do this. Eeeek!!!! ????

Updated on 7 Jul 2019:
I’m trying to get to 200. Started my consult at 230 and currently at 210. I think I can drop 5 more lbs in 11 days. I was 165-175ish before pregnancies and I was a standard 12. I was told by one surgeon that he would take off 20 lbs of fat and skin. My current ps said he couldn’t say until he got in there... visceral fat and all, etc. Regardless, this will be a step in the right direction towards getting rid of all this skin and lifting up my breast. I honestly can fold them in half . I’m on edge and nervous. I can’t wait to have this done already!!! On to clean my house! It’s never and I’m tying like crazy to have it close to perfect while I watch it unravel during recovery.

Updated on 15 Jul 2019:
So my general surgeon’s assistant dropped the ball and didn’t add me to the schedule. With only 3 days until surgery she calls to reschedule.

My plastic surgeon’s assistant jumped on top of this situation and lined up a replacement for the hernia repair.

Just like that I have my surgery back on track with minimal stress and a ton of support from my plastic surgeon’s office. I’m so glad to be dealing with competent people!!!

Updated on 23 Jul 2019:
We are very pleased with the surgeon, facility and overall experience. I’m having trouble focusing so I’ll try to update later when I’m off the meds. I’m sleeping in a chair lift and Nobody helps me do my 2 hour walks. I’ve even stopped using my cane and except to stand up from low areas like the potty! The bidet and lift chair were totally smart purchases. A cane and a reacher/grabber are blessings!!! The 4 year old twins are helpful too. My incisions feel itch ????
Side note:.these drains are awful! Maybe. He will remove them today!!!

Updated on 2 Aug 2019:
I have had numbing in my left hand from a pinched nerve in my neck since my 10 hour surgery. What turned out to be a complete mommy makeover with muscle repair because the alleged hernia was not found. That was great news because I was afraid of having mesh as my general surgeon had insisted I would require.

So my healing has been going well. I have some raw places that my PS insist will heal correctly and is not a need of concern just extra Neosporin and a bandage on my right breast t zone.

I had one drain out on Tuesday and today is Friday 15dpo and my fluids are too high to remove my 2nd drain. I will be delighted when it is removed but I learned today that pointing the drain down and out of my underwear then back up out through the top of my underwear helps from all the tugging and pain. I wish I knew that 3 days ago when it started getting so tender. Anyway, hope it helps someone else. I’ll post a progression of healing up through today 15dpo.

Updated on 17 Aug 2019:
My right breast is slow to heal. We are using dakins solution and I guess it’s improving but I’m not sure. The bloating is crazy. I’m not fluctuating weight but sometimes I feel like a pumpkin. I see the potential and trying my best to eat clean and extra protein.

Updated on 18 Aug 2019:
I can see potential!!! I can’t wait to get back to the gym. Excuse the old mirror - it’s not dirty just old. I’ve got 50 lbs to lose and I need to move in order to get results.

Updated on 7 Sep 2019:
I’m still working on my wound care under my right breast and now I have two more tiny openings on the bottom of each nipple. Perhaps starting the Silicone scar sheets when it was humid at my visit to NC was a bad combination. So I stopped wearing them and treated the small wounds with bacitracin and bandaids. Also, since I was not home I stopped using dakins solution and switched to bacitracin and the healing has picked up pace. I’m thrilled!!!

I had my breast aug done by dr. Barardi 3 years ago and I couldn’t be happier. We agreed and I put it in his hands and he didn’t disappoint. I would definitely go back if I ever get any other work done.

I recently got a breast argumentation done by Dr. Berardi and I am so thankful I chose him as my Doctor. This was my first elective surgery and I was super nervous about picking the right doctor that would give me the results I was looking for. After meeting with 5 different Surgeons, I decided to go with Dr. Berardi. My experience with him was different than the other Doctors. There was something about his demeanor that I felt I could trust him. He took the time to meet with me not once, but three times before I booked my surgery. I also called the office after my first consultation with a few questions and within the hour, Dr. Berardi personally called me back. He was extremely patient and always answered my questions throughly. He was also very straightforward and informative which I appreciated. The staff is top notch too. Haylie, his Patient Coordinator is amazing! She basically held my hand throughout the entire process and I could not have done it without her. Choosing to do an "elective surgery" is a scary decision and having true professionals to help guide you along the way is invaluable. I knew I was in the best hands with Dr. Berardi, Haylie and the rest of the staff. I am thankful to be on the "other side" now and could not be happier with my results. If you are looking for a surgeon, I highly recommend Dr. Berardi!

I had BA 8 months ago with another surgeon. He ended up being a jerk. I was not happy with the end result. He didnt care. Went to see Dr. Berardi he was sympathetic and wanted to help. I got 3 consults all together. I guess I was a little paranoid after my first surgery wasnt what I hoped for. I love my new boobs.

Updated on 12 Apr 2018:
got steristrips off. Bruising getting better.

Updated on 15 Apr 2018:
bruising going away. Have on silicone sheets to decrease scars. But incisions are amazing.

Dr. Berardi's bed side manner and staff have been awesome and understanding during my entire procedure. I am less then 24 hours post-op and already look beautiful again. Everything was explained to me in great detail and I feel like I could go run again which I have not been able to do. I've known Dr. Berardi for years and I know I picked the best man for the job! Thank you to you and your staff for changing my life! ??

Updated on 8 Dec 2016:
My procedure included a lift, implants and nipple reduction and new placement 9 months post radiation.

I had 2 back to back pregnancies breastfed both babies & my girls just need to be perkier so I chose the memory shape silicone implant my breast look amazing & Dr. Berardi is absolutely fantastic I interviewed about 5 surgeon's before choosing him & I can 100% promise you it was worth every penny & his bed side manners are exceptional! I don't have 1 negative thing to say him & his staff are awesome! 5 stars!!!! I didn't want fake looking boobs & guess what? They look natural now that is talent!!

I'm very happy with my results so far even though I still have a lot of swelling and bruising. He also fixed my umbilical hernia at the same time. (surgery was 1 week ago) my stomach is much flatter and so are my sides. This is my second surgery with this surgeon. I had a double mastectomy with reconstruction in May of 2016. What I liked best about this surgeon is he's also a trauma surgeon for a local hospital in Phoenix. If something serious happened during surgery, I knew I'd be in great hands.

Had a large basal cell removed on my left shoulder. Dr. Berardi had to perform a skin graft to close it. Had to do a skin graft from my left hip to close the wound left on my left shoulder from the removal. Was very patient and did a good job with the challenge he was presented. Had complications after the surgery that he made sure were addressed and I healed properly.

Dr. Berardi was very professional, kind and reassuring throughout the entire process. He made me feel at ease at every step of the process, never rushed or pushy in any way. His expertise, knowledge and bedside manner are unmatched. The follow up care is amazing and I would highly recommend him to anyone.

No words can express how appreciative I am for Dr. Berardi. I have had several challenges over the course of my breast cancer journey. He has been there for my ups & downs. Not once did I feel like I was a troublesome case. He has the most awesome nurse, Melody. His office has made me feel like family.