Mark Allan Barnard

I am a busy mom of 4 who has had a significant weight loss (65 pounds) and kept it off for the last 9 months. I have saggy skin that exercise will not take care of. I am tired of lifting my tummy after a shower to dry or seeing rolls when I wear certain material. I have read hundreds of reviews on real self and gotten so much useful information. My hope is someone reading this will gain the confidence to do this for themselves!

Updated on 24 Nov 2016:
I didn't have enough time to get anxious about surgery. I am a planner so I was more anxious about getting meals made and having laundry done than undergoing a pretty major surgery. I felt very comfortable with the doctor and his staff so I suppose I let the anxiety part slip to the back of my mind. Here are the pics of the markings before surgery and the bandages afterwards.

I'm 45 years old 5' and 190#. I am a 42G and have had large boobies since I was 12 years old. I've never really considered BR until I started dating my now husband approximately 15 years ago. I went to see my PS and was approved 15 years ago but due to a change in my financial situation I wasn't able to go thru with the surgery.
Now fast forward to the present. I've decided that I'm tired of feeling like I am and went to see my PS a second time. I was approved in early Sept and now it's been a waiting game for me. It felt like when I scheduled the surgery it would fly by...well needless to say time has drug and drug. Now it feels like time is moving too fast.
I am getting excited though, can't wait to experience a "new" me.


Updated on 16 Nov 2012:
Just had my surgery on Nov 14. I am so excited. I just can't quit looking at them. The first time I got up to go to the restroom I looked down and couldn't believe it. I can't remember the last time I had a view like that.....maybe when I was 14. I don't feel as terrible as I figured I would. The pain I have isn't unbearable, when it starts to strengthen I take my pain meds to try to bring it back under control.
My PS is pretty laid back with his restrictions. He basically told me I can do whatever is comfortable for me, I just can't lift over 10 pounds for 7 weeks and I have to wear a sports bra for 3 months. My biggest problem right now is the itching. I"ve never had an itching problem before so I'm hoping that once I shower it'll go away. I do find myself getting wore out alot faster now....but i guess since I"m only 2 days out from surgery I can't really expect much yet. I so wish I could sleep on my back but I havn't ever been able to so I'm only catching little cat naps. I think I'll be so much better when I can actually sleep more than a couple hours at a time.
WIll post more later getting tired.

Updated on 25 Nov 2012:
Day 11....I'm so sick of being in pain and uncomfotable. Day 9 I was in so much discomfort that all I could do was sit in my chair and not do anything else. I finally had had it and actually sat without my bra on for a while. My pain is mostly around the bra band area and the nipples. I have 1 bra that is comfortable to wear. It's not a true sports bra but it doesn't have wires or clips, so as far as Im concerned it's a sports bra. LOL When I wear a true sports bra it compresses my nipples and make them VERY sore....has any one else had this problem and what did you do about it? I'm usually not a negative person but this is really bringing me down. I'm just taking one day at a time and learning the hard way not to do too much at once because I pay for it the next day. I am able to lift my arms no problem, the only thing I cant do is reach up high and outward from my body...it pulls too much on the incision. I should count my blessings in the fact that I have not had any complications and I am healing really well. No infection or anything like that. I can't wait for the tape to fall off so I can see what these boobies really look like. :-) Will post more as the days go on.

Scheduled to have surgery May 21st 2012 I am excited to start this new beginning of my life. My reason for doing it... I have never had a flat tummy, even when in high school. I am into fitness and have gotten so healthy, I'd love to feel good about my hard work.



Updated on 13 May 2012:
On Friday, 5/11/12, I had my pre-op appointment. It was at 10:15am, everything went ok for the most part. Had many questions. I was told I can't drink anymore tea!!! apparently it's a blood thinner. Also told I couldn't hula hoop anymore because it was causing bruising on my hip bone area. (I started hooping with a weighted hoop for exercise) I was also told that I can no longer tan, which SUCKS because I haven't been tanning and I wont be able to tan for a while afterwards so that means I'll be so WHITE!!!! I asked about the marble thing, he kind of laughed and said no, no marble, he uses some gauze in the belly button and it turns out fine. I asked about the silicone sheets to help reduce scarring, he said it was actually quite difficult to keep the silicone sheets in place in that area and that he prefers using medical tape. He did say that my stretch marks will still be located to where my new belly button is, but I'm hoping he is just not trying to get my hopes up. He said I have great ab muscles! WOO-HOO! I don't know why but that's awesome, he had to feel them, thats how he could tel, I can't really go show off my ab progress right now so those complements are awesome. Now when I went my blood pressure was VERY high and they were very concerned. It was 150/110, they wanted me to check it later so I went to a clinic on the same floor as my office and a nurse kindly checked if for me and it was 162/102... I called and let them know. They want me to keep an eye on it. I'm hoping it was just nerves, I CAN'T reschedule this surgery... They took before pictures. I made a lot of jokes (as I usually do when I'm nervous) and said he could totally use me as a before and after advertisement so that he would do a better job with the added pressure :). He just laughed. I genuinely do feel comfortable with Dr. Barnard. I trust him and am glad I went this route and didn't try to find any cheaper alternative elsewhere. I did look around and out of everyone I've talked to Dr. Barnard has a fantastic ethical review, he is highly recommended, and his staff has been a pleasure to work with. One week from tomorrow you guys... I'm terrified...

Updated on 22 May 2012:
It is May 22nd. Day after my procedure was done. I came home today. I have no idea what the results look like. I have the drain tubes in place, it hurts to move. When I do move to get up to go the the bathroom I have moments where I get overwhelmingly hot and start to sweat profusely. There is quite a bit of pain. Especially in moving. I learned that my arm muscles use up too much of my abdominal muscles to rely on the for movement, so my legs combined with rolling have been the best way for me. Wont see my results until Thursday, (today is Tuesday) Keeping fingers crossed that this is awesome....

Updated on 24 May 2012:
It's May 23rd, 2 days post op. I was able to remove my compression garment and bandages and take a look. As expected there is a lot of swelling. I am disappointed to see so many stretch marks still but I'm excited that the skin is gone. My belly button it rock hard and purple. My doctor put gauze into the belly button to keep it open so I'm following his lead and doing the same, also coating it and my incision with bacitracin ointment (neosporin). I took my compression garment off to wash it while I took a shower as instructed by my doctor. I have a this cashmire belt I pinned my drainage tubes to and hung over my neck to hold them up. They are not draining like they were the first 2 days. Sometimes it's a yellowish clear water type drain and others its light red with thick clumps in it. I've had some draining where the tube exits my body on the right side which has soaked through a few things. I'm not draining much at all now and I'm not sure if that is normal on day 3. I assumed there would be quite a bit for a while.

My activity level I feel is where it should be. I'm doing a little more then advised but I feel that I'm capable of handling it as long as I'm cautious. For example, I've put dishes away, washed my own hair in the shower (after reading I shouldn't have my hands reached above my head. I've gone down stairs (slowly) to wash my garment. I'm taken large/slow steps over baby gates (there to restrict dog access). I've cooked my own food. For the most part I've doing very well. I am stubborn and very independent but I'm making a point to only push myself as far as I can. I don't want to hurt myself and further.

I noticed today however that my face is breaking out! I never have acne but [RS bleep]! I have it right now! Total bs....

Anyways. I'll keep you updated and post some pics soon.

-Amy

Updated on 24 May 2012:
CORRECTION (last update I stated it was May 23rd, that was wrong, correct date is May 24th)

Updated on 14 Jul 2012:
I'm just shy of 8 weeks post op and I have quite a bit of swelling still. My stomach is SOLID and round. Almost pregnant belly like. My scar looks pretty good however. My lipo is not very impressive. I don't feel like it looks any different to be honest. I am ready for the swelling to go down. I will start working out again and hope for good results!

Updated on 29 Sep 2014:
Has anyone else experienced a tingling sensation during or after workouts in abdomen?
Also, after the heeling has completed I want to state one disappointing aspect of my tummy tuck, the ends of the incision where not tucked well, leaving small little pockets on each side that stick out slightly...

Updated on 29 Sep 2014:
If I had to do again I would not have had the abdominal tightening. My abs were already really nice before, but because of the tightening it looks like one roll of abs, more like the appearance of a ear of corn down the center of my stomach. If your abs are ok, ladies, don't let then tie and tighten them together!!!!!!

Since I was a teenager I always felt incomplete about my breasts, or lack there of. At the age of 43 and after 2 children, I decided to have it done. That was 3 weeks ago, and I don't regret it at all.

My only concern is my left breast is slightly higher and larger and still is very sore on the side if I lift something wrong or put my arm over it to reach for something. My right breast has dropped a little, swelling seems to be gone and it feels great! Is this normal??? I feel like a big baby when I call my PS's office, but they are so awesome, they never make me feel stupid for calling.

No pics to post now, but would like some comments to make me feel better.


Updated on 17 Dec 2009:
UPDATE:  Pic added, 6 weeks after.  Barely any scars.  Exactly what I wanted!  Still can't wear a "real bra" so not sure what my actual bra size will be but I know it's larger then the A 1/2 I used to wear!!!!!


Updated on 28 Sep 2010:
It's been 11 months now. Completely happy! Only regret is I wish I would of gone with 300cc, but that is my own fault. Should of never listened to my husband. I'm not a full C or small D cup. I would do it all over again in a heart beat!!!

I had always had nice breasts, but after loosing 130lbs and the passing of years, I've lost them. I want to have breast augmentation done to resurrect my D flats. My surgeon told me that to get the look I want I will need to have breast augmentation along with mastopexy (a breast lift).
My husband asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I told him 'new boobs'. He laughed, but said that if that's what I wanted he would do that for me. Ever since then, that's about all I can think about.
I'm so excited. Tomorrow I go in for my preop meeting. I know we will discuss size, type, shape, texture and many other things. I will post before photos later.

Updated on 2 Feb 2017:
I went to my preop appointmen this morning. I met with the nurse first and she was very nice and make me feel comfortable. She explained about the different types of implants. She had me put on a support bra and then showed me how my breasts will look afterwards. We are going with a round, smooth 335 silicon implants. Dr Mark Barnard came into the room and told me what the whole process would be like. He also told me afterwards I would feel like I'd been hit by a mack truck. Can't say I'm looking forward to that. He took measurements and through everything, he made me feel comfortable and made sure I was well informed.
My husband will be taking me to the hospital and then taking care of me afterwards. I
am going to try to post some pics tonight, if I can get it done, otherwise tomorrow sometime. I mentioned that I had lost 130 lbs, so I lots of loose skin.

Updated on 19 Feb 2017:
This is Feb 19th and my surgery is scheduled for Feb 23rd. I'm so excited and perhaps a little apprehensive. I really want this and I hope everything works out the way I want it to. I read different things about the pain. Some suffer with a lot and some with very little. I know it's different for everyone. However it turns out, I'll handle it and it'll be okay. I am so happy it's about to happen.

Updated on 20 Feb 2017:
2 days and counting down. I am still really excited about having this procedure done. I hope my results are everything I am expecting them to be.

I wanted to have breast augmentation but after seeing Dr. Mark Barnard, he told me that I would also need a lift. I really don't care about that, other than it raised the cost considerably. I was fitted with 300 cc, which is quite an improvement. I looked pretty good, but wonder if I want to go to 325 cc. When I go in for my preop appointment on Feb 2, I will look into this further. I don't want to get it all done then wish I had gone bigger.
My surgery is scheduled for Feb 23. That's all I have for now, but will add more later,( pics?)

Updated on 3 Feb 2017:
20 days to go yet. I am so excited and So Ready.

Updated on 5 Feb 2017:
I am getting so anxious to have my procedure done. The time just isn't going fast enough. I had been expecting my PS to tell me I needed to get a mammogram and or an MRI, but he didn't. I am happy about that. I have added some 'wish' boobs. I hope mine tirn out that nice.

Updated on 7 Feb 2017:
Down to 15 days till surgery. I come to this site multiple times every day. I keep reading the stories, concentrating on women my size. I want my husband to read some of these, mostly for the pics so he will know what to expect.

I have suffered from neck, shoulder, and back pain for as long as I can remember. This is my last option for relief. I am very nervous but excited at the same time. The nurse called me on September 27, my husbands birthday, and told me insurance approved it right away, but for insurance to pay the surgery had to be completed by December 12. The only opening they had left was November 7. My family is very supportive and excited for me as well. My pre op appt is October 27.

Updated on 11 Nov 2016:
So far everything is going smoothly. The pain has been well controlled when needed. My of the pain or irritation I have is the under side of my breast. So far I have gone from a 34h to a 34d but I am still swollen. I still do not regret the decision I have made. I have felt instant back and neck pain relief. I feel like I could run in a marathon and not get hot in the chin. I feel amazing right now. I follow up with my PS on Tuesday. Can't wait to hear what he has to say.
Please ask me any questions you may have. I can tell you about my experience.

Updated on 12 Nov 2016:
I still feel really good. But I feel very raw and irritated under the breast. I am trying to find other ways to get comfort but still follow the instructions of my PS. I wondering if I am not keeping the incisions moist enough with the triple antibiotics ointment. Can't wait till I heal enough where this is not so bothersome.

Updated on 17 Nov 2016:
The constant irritation under my breast and the pain under my arms is really getting to me. I feel good but I am exhausted. I still can not feel flat in my bed without hurting, so I have gone back to the lonely recliner. I sleep the best there but really want to be back in my bed. I think I am just over tired is why I am so emotional.

I still do not regret my decision and I love the way they look. My stitches started to fall out yesterday. I saw the doctor two days ago. He said the dark spot in the "t" area is skin that has died from the surgery and could take a little longer to heal. I am just to apply triple antibiotics in that spot everyday. I follow up with in a month.

Updated on 21 Nov 2016:
Everything has been healing well. Most of my stitches have fallen out. That is a blessing in itself as they were very itchy and irritating. Now I just feel slight pressure or swelling yet. Numbness and tingling around the scars. I still have a lot of healing to do at the T sections. Still have scabs in that area. The one exciting news now is that I can sleep at night without having the ware a bra, and most of the pain under my area is gone now. Best of luck to everyone and happy healing.

Not sure if I said before but they removed 583 grams from the right and 660 grams from the left. Just under 3 lbs total and can really tell the difference. It is amazing what 3 lbs can make.

Updated on 21 Dec 2016:
Sorry I have not posted any updates in a while. All is going well. I had a few stitches that did not want to dissolve so I had a few spots open to force them out. The T's under the breast have really improved in the last week. Still have very few pains and discomfort every now and then. Still very happy with my decision. I have not had back pains since. Just starting to workout again as I feel comfortable with running now and not in pain.

Super excited to have core strength back and finally have my chest stick out farther than my Stomach. I had my pre op today and chose between saline and silicone (my biggest dilemma) I chose silicone because I knew I would rest well knowing if one ruptured I would know. I also liked the option of going in by the Ariola. Pictures to follow

Updated on 26 Mar 2016: