So as a mom of 3 who is fairly in shape, but still couldn’t get that pooch to go away, I had plans for a consult today actually, but two weeks ago on a Friday I am sitting at home working when my phone rings and Dr. White was on the other end wanting to see if I wanted to come in early for my TT consult. Wilmington Plastic Surgery had done mine Breast Reduction/Lift with fantastic results, so I was comfortable with them as a provider. After chatting with my husband I agreed and went in for the consult Monday May 18th and was scheduled for the TT Thursday May 21. Mind you - I had already researched this but Holy Cow. I know they had openings bc of the recent COVID situation and while it seemed rather quick after 48 hours of back and forth questioning and weighing options, it was a family decision that I would go ahead and move forward. Dr. White was amazing answering questions along the way, and even given the expedited nature there was no pressure.
21 May - Had my surgery. It went very well, and they actually discovered I had a lot more muscle to repair than they had planned. I had prepared myself for the days of painful in and out of drug induced sleep, and boy am I thankful I did. Much more challenging than the reduction and WOW you forget just how much you use your abs, not to mention the shooting pain of the drain if you move the wrong way, and lets face it, its gross.
26 May - 5 days post op. I am not one who sits still easily so that is proving to be a challenge at moments but listening and following docs orders. I work from home so that is nice as I can work from my bed or sofa. Kids are being a huge help (14, 12, 7) as I had prepped them for being needy. Swelling is somewhat disheartening as I am one that wants “immediate” gratification, but thanks to many on here I have realistic expectations. Still have not had a BM with stool softeners so about to have to upgrade to something stronger. Only taking Tylenol at this point so the pain is def doing better. Hardest thing is still standing straight up, but again I remind my self patience and to not push it. Will keep everyone updated as able.
Updated on 28 May 2020:
Well it has officially been a week. Everyday gets better, less pain, less swelling, but I still have to remind myself to have patience! It’s hard to not be disappointed and want those IMMEDIATE perfect results. My drain is driving me crazy! It is what is giving me the most grief! Did start bromeline to hopefully knock out some of this swelling.
Updated on 28 May 2020:
The pictures would not post earlier so adding here. This is one week post opp. More details can be found in entry prior. Everything seems to be healing well. Trying out some different things with drain to see if I can make it more comfortable, 5 days til that thing comes out!
Updated on 29 May 2020:
So for me so far the drain has been the worst part. I will say my doc was very relaxed and let me shower pretty early on so that wasn’t even part of it. For me it just pulls (ouch), is the way, and is gross lol. I will say as of yesterday I did find a better solution so I thought I would share. I started taping a piece of non fuzzy gauze over the drain for some security. In one picture I taped it more vertically to my incision which looking back was totally dumb and I should have known better - DO NOT DO THIS - it hurt and was irritating it, in the second picture I ran the tube about 2in horizontally following the incision before taping and that is KEY! Which no DUH that keeps it from pulling, 1000x better. So hopefully this can help someone else :)
Updated on 30 May 2020:
I can honestly say today, day 9, was the first I saw a light at the end of the tunnel! Like many I have I read I am less sore in the morning than the evening. I was able to sleep on my side for a small bit last night and run a couple small errands today! It’s the little victories! My best advise to anyone is don’t try and be a superhero and have patience! I think today is the first day I can change my review from undecided to worth it!
Updated on 5 Jun 2020:
Well week 2 has definitely been better than week 1. Got my drain out day 10, that made me feel a lot better and more “free”. I have been getting around a lot better and working from my desk more. Swelling going down little by little. Still having to sleep on my back most the evening. Pain pretty much gone except maybe a little later in the evenings if I’ve overdone it a bit. Some mild muscle relaxers when needed have been a life saver bc stomach still get really tight feeling. Nerves are starting to come back which is a very odd sensation some places still numb and some a bit “creepy crawly”. Staying hydrated definitely helps with swelling. I’m continuing to take bromelain Have said it time and time again but just have to remind myself to be patient. Sporting my new swimsuit in the pictures and a comparison to pre-op
Updated on 12 Jun 2020:
Well officially 3 weeks in. Feeling better everyday and even went to the gym today for a modified workout to ease myself back into things. NOT trying to push it! Still a bit tight and swollen in the evenings but again every day is better. Had to really reflect on my photos for a bit today. So here’s the thing ... I was in shape before this, worked out heavy and often, in the grand scheme of things, most would say I looked pretty good all things considered, but what we as women don’t realize is how much we “suck in” on a regular basis. It was when I would relax and be able to look 5m pregnant or bend over and have this extra skin in the way, that I realized no matter how much I worked out or lost weight this was not going to go away. That is why I made my decision and looking at this pictures reminds me of the why behind that decision. We all have our individual reasons and story to tell :) so thankful to follow others on this journey
Updated on 10 Jul 2020:
It’s been way too long and I’m sorry! Things are going great. I’m back at the gym (still modifying things but back) I quit wearing my support items at 6 weeks. Scar is looking amazing! I can’t imagine what it will look like in a few more months. I can say everyday is still progress. Some nerves are still numb but coming back slowly and I know from my csections this is normal. The craziest part to me (in a positive way) is how tight my stomach is. I can’t stick it out to save my life :). My husband is amazed at the results and while I continue to say this surgery is not for the weak and I am tough.