I now have Mentor moderate profile textured 325 cc submuscular saline implants. So my previous AA breast; although cute and perky had always been slightly asymmetric and this was not corrected with initial implant placement when I turned 30. I was satisfied with the outcome then within the last few years there have been some changes that were gradual but have worsened in degree. The left bottomed out and falls in my arm pit when lying down, ripples, stinging pain that lead me to the revision decision.
I'm here in Wichita Ks which is not exactly the mecca for cosmetic surgery. Looking for a surgeon I found that very few of the maybe 15 had much if any experience with pocket repair, none that I could see have revision listed under procedures on their web sites, not a single before and after revision photo to be seen. So I started calling. Most admittedly had very little experience, many flatly refused, and another that I consulted with gave me concern about their abilities at consult. I initially skimmed over
Dr. DeSplinter at Via Christi Health because Via Christi; that's where I get all my traditional health care I just didn't occur to me to go that direction. After consulting with Dr. DeSplinter and his staff I am confident that he can make the repairs needed with very minimal scarring and some great technique. Donya Rawlings his surgical nurse is even a board certified plastic surgery nurse. I have had questions on a couple different occasions and Donya has answered my emails and my questions quickly.
Here's the surgical plan
bilateral capsulectomies, exchange bilateral silicone implants; left mastoplexy, placement of phasix for pocket repair.
I had my consult two weeks ago and I have been counting the days down more than a few times each day. Some days I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas, and on others I feel like I have final exams looming over my head. It's very emotional and a very important procedure. First time around in 2000 I didn't have a care in the world. I hired a limo service for the day went by myself from Tulsa to Norman, Oklahoma, dropped $3,500 got my consult, & surgery same day then the driver took me back home and tucked me in with a lortab and a bottle of water. Ah to be young again. Yes; 30 is young.
I will have my wonderful husband of 6 years by my side this time although as he phrases it; "I don't want to know how the sausage is made" he is very supportive and adoring.
Only 9 days to go. Yay! (I think I'm gonna yack) I'm so excited/nervous.
Updated on 12 Apr 2015:
That's what I used to tell my son when he was a small child and there was a special event he was waiting for. Counting down sleeps until the big day seemed to help calm his mind and keep him from obsessing about the time he was anxiously awaiting. So since March 25th I've been doing the same for myself. So yes, two more sleeps and I wake up to the big event.
Updated on 14 Apr 2015:
8:45 check-in. Okay I know they won't get started right away. Likely I will be a couple hours in before I'm even on the table. It remains to be seen.
So this morning I cleaned my kitchen, bath, knocked out all laundry, ran all dishes, dusted, dry mopped the hard wood floors, (I have one of those big broom floor duster thingies that the custodian used to have in school, and it's my favorite cleaning toy), vacuumed the area rug, and painted my toe nails. I have little recollection of what I could do before but I seem to recall it was difficult to wipe my own ass, so I figured I'd be on the safe side and get done what I could.
Now I think the worst part of this might be the fact that I can not wear my Great Grandmother's diamond earrings, (which I never take off except for surgeries) my Wedding and engagement ring, (I don't realize how much I spin it on my finger till it's off), my promise ring, (my husband's sappy, romantic, token of love given to a thirty four year old woman when he wanted to let her know he had every intention of someday sealing the deal) and no make up, or contacts. Seriously what if another human being sees me looking like a person straight from the pages of People of Wal-Mart? Nothing to eat or drink is fine, but let's get technical, water is a drink, soda is a drink, juice a drink; coffee is clearly a pharmaceutical and should be exempt from this category. All those in agreement say aye. When I trash the reception area after I'm asked a stupid question like, "when's the last time you had anything to eat or drink?" it's on them.
So I go forth with humor, optimism, and hopes for a result that pleases me. I'll let you know when I'm awake and what it was like.
Updated on 14 Apr 2015:
We have been in preop for about two hours. Dr. Just came in with Danya and marked my breast, and answered some questions I had. So hopefully only awhile longer.
Updated on 15 Apr 2015:
Post Op Terrors. We all have them to some degree. I'm fighting then off as best as I can.
Implant size used was 425 high profile textured. My left pocket was repaired with phasix, and an internal lift was done. The nipple size was corrected to choose match the right. The right breast had simple implant placement. Dr cut all the way around this nipple as week do my scars would be symmetrical. Dr uses tissue adhesive instead of tapes. I appreciate being able to see my breast without the tapes as distraction, and not having to worry about them pulling or falling off.
The left swollen, nearly double the size of the right I'm hoping this will go down quickly. I'm hearing and feeling lots of sloshing in the left breast when I move, possibly fluid. I will ask about the swelling, and fluid sloshing today.
Last night was tough. I was in pain but at about 1 am sleep won. I woke at 4:30 feeling horrible, I have had a c-section, breast implants, a hysterectomy, and knee surgery; Nothing compared to this level of pain I felt this morning. I'm don't know if I'm becoming a bit more desensitized or if It's becoming more tolerable. I'm taking pain meds but I did vomit them up last evening.
Here are some photos.
Updated on 15 Apr 2015:
I e-mailed the Dr and less than 5 minutes later my phone was ringing with Donya on the other end to ease my mind.
She let me know that it was normal and that they had heavily flushed with antibiotic fluid to lessen the risk of infection and that fluid with swelling is normal. She said they did a lot of internal suturering with phasix on the left and also used some phasix in the right side pocket. My follow up is Monday. I was told to watch for increased swelling, fever, increased bruising being the little that is there.
So, I'm just relaxing, and my girl Murphy is enjoying my recovery time except that I can't play ball outside with her.
Updated on 17 Apr 2015:
Here are my day 2 photos taken Thursday. Left is still very swollen up top. Right appears to be settling in nicely.
Updated on 18 Apr 2015:
Updated on 20 Apr 2015:
Dr said they are healing nicely. Swelling will continue to reduce, breast will soften, and round out
Updated on 21 Apr 2015:
Updated on 22 Apr 2015:
Just in time the pain eased evening before last and I was able to plant some more flowers for spring. I worked in the yard yesterday with no lingering soreness over night and actually slept well most the night partially on my side.
So my week off is over today and it's back to work. The day will seem long and I'm sure I will rather be home with Murphy girl under the covers on the couch or out in the sun. But the real world calls.
The left still rides high. He over corrected a bit on the lift. Even if they aren't equal exactly in size hopefully it will drop more and smooth out. So the sisters look pretty good. Thus far I'm happy with the results but will wait awhile longer to finalize my review.
Okay have to hit the door.
Updated on 24 Apr 2015:
I'm ten days post and my right breast seems to have landed in a nice place. Its soft, shaped nicely, and no discomfort. the left on the other hand, seems to be riding high, shaped boxy, and strangely enough significantly smaller than the right even though it was the reverse before the revision. it feels like the edge of the implant is riding far left of center on my chest, that feels like a new development. In my mind I'm already scheduling my next surgery but hoping that there will be significant change in the shape, size and position of my left breast otherwise I'm going to be a very unhappy individual. I'm not ready to rate my procedure yet at this time. My recheck is on Monday I'm sure the Dr will just tell me that everything's fine and it needs more time but I'm skeptical.
Updated on 7 May 2015:
I had to take a step back for awhile because I was feeling so much stress about the way my breast were looking. At this point I think they are looking much better. The left still has some swelling on the upper pole, the side and bottom pocket is still tacked down very tightly but it is softening and gradually relaxing. The left nipple area where the lift was done is finally taking a nice shape. The creases are becoming more symmetric.
Updated on 19 May 2015:
My unprofessional opinion right possibly bottomed out. Post Op check Thursday so I will make mention of my concern at that time. That bridge will be crossed if needed. Overall I'm happy with the progression.
Updated on 19 May 2015:
Updated on 19 May 2015:
Updated on 20 Jul 2015:
Thrilled with the girls.