I have A cup breasts and after nursing my 3 children they have stretched and sagged. I have gone back and forth for years about getting implants. I had a consultation and given my goals and concerns, my surgeon recommended a lift without implants. This should increase upper pole and reduce the size of my areolas to give me a more youthful look while staying natural. I'm nervous. But I feel like I'm in good hands with my surgeon. I trust him.
Updated on 5 Jun 2020:
The preop was done over the phone (due to COVID-19) and it went well. I read over the preop packet and I’m getting more and more nervous about anesthesia, blot clots, dying on the table etc. All of those things they have to mention in the packet just freak me out even though I know they aren’t likely. I’m also nervous about scarring. I will be getting an anchor (inverted T) incision. I asked about other incision options but Dr. Rudderman is confident I’ll get the best results with the inverted T. I am staying calm by thinking about how much better I’ll look when it’s done!
Updated on 8 Jun 2020:
Surgery is tomorrow and I am SO NERVOUS! I’m preparing the house, making meals for myself for recovery, and trying to keep calm. I’m so excited! I’m so scared! My A cup breasts are so low and flat. They did a great job feeding my children and for that I am grateful. But it’s time to lift them! Hoping the lift gives me more upper pole fullness even though I have very little fat in my breasts. I may do a fat transfer or implants in the future if the lift doesn’t give me enough upper pole.
Updated on 9 Jun 2020:
I had my breast lift today! Dr. Rudderman spoke with my husband afterword said everything went well! I have bandages and gauze and a surgical bra so I have no idea what my breasts look like under there but I’m feeling OK, pain is under control and I go in tomorrow for the post-op. I have drains and my left breast is draining more and my right breast is bleeding through the bra a bit. So far so good!
Updated on 9 Jun 2020:
It’s been 7 hours since my breast lift. I’m feeling good. I took my pain pill as directed & I’m also on Z-pack antibiotic. I haven’t needed my anti-nausea medication so far. My right breast seems to be bleeding more. I called Dr. Rudderman about it and he was SO KIND and reassuring on the phone. He said it was normal to bleed through the bra. He didn’t seem annoyed by my call & reassured me that the surgery went well and that so far everything is normal and going well. I’ve been a bit anxious about this whole experience so his comforting words meant a lot to me!
I ordered these button front and pajamas from Old Navy and Gap & they are working out nicely. Easy to change into even with all of these bandages and drains. I’ll update again tomorrow after my post-op appointment!
Updated on 10 Jun 2020:
My little A-cup boobs are lifted! It’s the day after surgery. I had my post op appointment with Dr. Rudderman’s nurse, Mallory. She said I need to keep my drains in and I can come back in day after tomorrow to maybe get them out. She fitted me in a new soft bra and took off the gauze. I got to see a glimpse of the results! I still have tape all over but from what I can see I’m really happy with the results! Some bruising and bleeding but nothing abnormal. Happy happy!
I’m still taking 1/4 of my pain pills instead of the whole pill and that’s managing the pain. No nausea. I’m feeling good!
I wish I could shower! I can’t shower for a couple more days due to the drains. It’s no biggie, and I’m happy to do whatever necessary to get the best outcome. I just feel a little dirty haha!
Dr. Rudderman and his staff are friendly. This has been a good experience so far!
Updated on 11 Jun 2020:
Day 2 after breast lift surgery. I didn’t need my pain pills this morning! I’m sore, but it’s not too bad. I have some swelling and bruising. I called the office about it and spoke to a nurse - they are SO NICE and friendly on the phone. I have a follow up appointment tomorrow at 10am.
At my post op appointment they gave me a Bali bra to wear which is more comfortable than the surgical bra. I removed the Bali bra for just a moment today to snap some photos of the swelling. I uploaded the photos to my patient portal so Dr. Rudderman and the nurses can see the swelling and bruising. It is probably not a big deal, but I feel good knowing that they can check out the photos and give me feedback/reassurance. I LOVE my breast shape and perkiness. Dr. Rudderman did a great job with that. I still haven’t seen my nipples/areolas so I’m eager to see that too. Tape is still on until my 1-week post op appointment when they change it out. Overall I’m feeling happy and so so glad I did this!
Updated on 11 Jun 2020:
Before and after side-view of my A-cup Breast Lift! Such a difference! Love it!
I am glad I didn’t get implants. Just lifting these tiny little breasts has made them look so much better!
(Oh -The nurse called back and said the swelling I had this morning was normal. Phew!)
Updated on 13 Jun 2020:
I got my drains out yesterday and was able to shower this morning! My husband helped me shower since I was nervous about getting too much soap in my drain-holes. I haven’t needed any pain medication. I have more bruising today than yesterday, so my breasts have a greenish/yellow color to them but they aren’t too sore. I still have the paper tape on the incisions and it will stay on until I see Dr. Rudderman for my 1-week post op appointment next Wednesday. The nurse said he will remove the tape and then put new tape on at that appointment.
Updated on 14 Jun 2020:
Day 2 without drains (you can still clearly see the drain holes!) and I’ve got a lot more bruising and on my left breast, a dark purple red splotch. Really hoping it’s not a hematoma - I don’t really know if it’s dark bruising or what is going on. It doesn’t hurt- it’s just a little crazy looking! I plan to call Dr. Rudderman’s office in the morning and upload these photos to my patient portal. They are always so kind and reassuring about all of my concerns.
Updated on 17 Jun 2020:
I had my 1-week appointment today and got to see my breasts for the first time without the tape on them. I’m so happy with these AMAZING RESULTS! Dr. Rudderman is an artist! I couldn’t be happier. If you’re thinking of getting a breast lift, go with Dr. Rudderman.
I’m still early in the healing process, so with time the scars and shape will improve. I’ll post more photos in time once the bruising dies down and incisions heal more.
Updated on 18 Jun 2020:
I don’t know how Dr. Rudderman took my tiny deflated breasts and turned them into this perfect shape, but he did it! No fat transfer, no implants, just a magical lift. I wish I had done this sooner!
Updated on 22 Jun 2020:
I am so happy with my breast lift! My left breast is looking great but my right one is getting darker with blotchy bruises (it’s OK, it’s a normal part of the healing process!). My nipples are pretty dry from the tape as well. My favorite thing to look at is my side profile. So perky! I am changing my tape every few days and today it ripped off a scab at the bottom of my right breast and started dripping out blood. I keep calling Dr. Rudderman’s nurses Kate and Mallory for reassurance and they are just amazing. So kind and patient. I just love them! I am looking forward to them healing completely.
Updated on 22 Jun 2020:
This photo shows before surgery and at 13 days post op. I still have lots of bruising especially on the right breast but the change in shape is amazing!
Updated on 28 Jun 2020:
I have developed a hole at the base of my right breast. Dr. Rudderman’s office has been very kind and responsive about this issue and I’ll be seeing Dr. Rudderman in person in a few days. A little hole has also developed under my left nipple and I am hoping it doesn’t get any bigger!! Aside from the holes I am really pleased with my healing. I love the shape of my breasts and I think Dr. Rudderman did a great job lifting them. I just can’t wait until I’m more healed. I’m having to put gauze under my right breast because of the bleeding hole. It has been 6 days of having this hole be open. I wish it would close up!
Updated on 28 Jun 2020:
My two holes - one under my right breast and one under my left nipple have formed. They seem to be getting bigger tonight. I plan to call the office in the morning and send them these photos. Dr. Rudderman and his staff are delightful and easy to get in touch with. The holes aren’t too painful but they scare me a little.
Updated on 1 Jul 2020:
I saw Dr. Rudderman about my holes today. He gave me antibiotics and told me to stop wearing the tape for a bit- just soft bras, no tape or ointment. He said it’s going to be OK and he feels confident I’ll heal up. He is a great doctor! I appreciate him and his team so much. They are so attentive and take all my concerns seriously.
Updated on 6 Jul 2020:
It’s taking a while to heal, I still have an open wound under my breast. My doctor is great and will be seeing me weekly until I heal. I’m still on antibiotics. Can’t wait to heal!!!
Updated on 20 Jul 2020:
Healing has taken longer than expected, as I developed a hole/wound under my breast. Thankfully, I have the best surgeon and he has been seeing me weekly and seeing me through this process. I’ve been on antibiotics and applying ointment and gauze daily.
Updated on 6 Sep 2020:
I’m all healed and pleased with my results!