So I am now scheduled for a mini tummy tuck with lower ab muscle repair. I've had four consultations and have decided on a doctor. I've been advised by one doctor to have a full tummy tuck but have decided on a mini because I think (hope) I will be able to get the benefits that I desire. I've also opted against lipo... seems everything I've read about it is negative. I'm not expecting to be a super model just a loss of the excess skin. I excercise often but like most can't lose the weight around my belly. I have two children 3 and 7...both c sections and now have the sagging skin and the "shelf". I have ITP (low platelets) so I have been working with my hemotologist also to manage any blood treatments prior to my date. I have an appointment with them on December 23 to obtain my clearance. I'm feeling a whole range of emotions... scared about the surgery, guilty for time away from my family, and anticipation of feeling better about myself. I will be 40 in April and hope to have a better body than when I was 20! :) I'm so thankful for this site. I've learned so much on here. I will post some pictures soon. Updated on 3 Jan 2012: Two days pre-op. Really nervous. Just posted some pics. During my pre-op visit with the PS, he highly recommended that I have a small amount of lipo around my hips and upper abs. He said I would have "bat wings" otherwise where the incision meets the hips. He told me he would be very conservative so I've agreed to that. Wish me luck! Updated on 10 Jan 2012: So it really is true when they say it gets better each day. Yesterday I got my drain out and feel like a new woman. I was really nervous about getting it out but was so ready. The drain was one of the most stressful things for me. Anyway, I felt like such a baby when she took it out because I held onto her arm but it was a whole lot of anxiousness for nothing. There was just a little pinching and it was over. Mind you, I could not watch though! I also am out of the binder and into the girdle which feels SO much better. I was also able to drive yesterday since I am no longer taking pain meds. I ran a few errands and then came home and walked up to pick up my son from school. They said walking and water really is the best way to keep the swelling down. Last night I took a shower and got the girdle on all by myself. I'll be honest, I wasn't a 100% comfortable with the shower because I was tentative about the water hitting the incision and reluctant to bend over because I didn't have any protection on (ie girdle) so anything that fell stayed there. But I got (mostly) clean, got out and even blew my hair dry after! Last night I was able to sleep on my side which felt so good. My back has been hurting from laying on it so long at night. Anyway, that's the latest. I hope you are all healing well out there! Updated on 18 Jan 2012: Day 12: feeling really well. Still have soreness where they did lipo but overall feel semi back to normal. Have a lot of energy and trying to walk at least 30 mins every day. I'm now in hurry up and wait mode. I've switched over to the spanx type binder which is smoother and more comfortable but getting it on and off is a pain. I'm still very swollen too. Anxious for the swelling to go down. Also taking showers now is a breeze. I'm getting more and more comfortable when I don't have the binder on. I went out and got several new pairs of leggings because that seems to be the most comfortable thing to wear. I did managed to squeeze into a pair of jeans one day but took them off as soon as I got home! I got my stitches out at my one week appointment. I wish I had known because I would have taken some advil beforehand. That hurt! But it was quick. Updated on 23 Jan 2012: 2+ weeks out: So I have been feeling pretty well overall although I've had a cold for about 5 days now that is driving me crazy! I talk to the nurse today and she said that I don't need to put antibiotic ointment on my incision anymore but can put any lotion with vitamin e. I asked her about scar cream and she said that the doctor doesn't advise it and says that she will show me how to "massage" the scar next time I am there and that proves to be more effectively. I go back in two weeks so I'll keep you posted more on that. I'm going to post some more pics today. A lot of the bruising is gone but I'm still pretty swollen. I had read someone else's post that said that they saw a significant decrease in swelling at two weeks and I have seen the same. It seemed around the two week mark there was a big difference. I just started my period so I suspect some of the swelling is associated with that too. Good news.... in the past weekend I've worn jeans twice and it wasn't too bad! Of course I didn't wear any shirts that were too tight but they fit! I'm still wearing the binder religiously every day and will continue to... even though it is not comfortable... blah! Updated on 16 Feb 2012: Week 5: Sorry I haven't posted in so long. I've been so busy. Things are going very well. I'm still a bit sore in spots from the lipo but overall feel great. I saw the doc this week and he told me I could resume all normal activities, exercise etc. He said I am limited to no more than 5 sit ups until I see him next. He said planks and any yoga was fine. He also advised that I continue to wear the binder (spanx) for one more week and when I exercise until I feel comfortable without it. I asked him about the swelling and he assured me that it will continue to decrease. He also told me not to waste my money on all the expensive scar creams. He showed me how to massage it with a bit of pressure. He said to do that twice a day and use any kind of lotion or even Palmers if I wanted to. He asked me about my feelings on the results. I told him that we had pretty much met my expectations. I knew I wouldn't come out looking like a supermodel but it looks SO much better than it did. Now I can focus on the things that I can change! Like toning up my legs and arms! Hope you are all well out in RealSelf land!
My story isn't much different than many other women with large breasts. I began developing at a young age, reaching a DD by age 14/15. Barely reaching 5' and weighing 110 pounds, my now 30H/I chest is quite literally weighing my otherwise petite body down. I've remained the size I am now for about three years and since graduating college have really begun to feel effects of my large chest. I've never hated my breasts, rather I find them to be beautiful; however, the daily back spasms, shoulder grooving, safety pinning of button-up blouses, neck pain, shoulder numbness and general inhibiting of my activity has to come to an end. For all of my adolescent and adult life, I have felt defined by chest - I'm always remembered as the girl with the huge boobs and although I've never tried to hide my breasts in shame, as many other women do, psychological effects are not absent. Instead of hating my breasts and wanting to get rid of them, I've been afraid to be without them. Without my huge chest, will people remember me? How will they remember me? At the point I've reached in my life with a secure job and benefits, amazing partner, lovely home and the best health I've ever been in, I'm finally confident enough to do what is best for me - reducing my breasts. I was approved through BCBS after an initial denial, followed by a thorough appeal and one and a half months. My preop appointment with my surgeon is tomorrow, Friday, December 5. I'm hoping to reduce down to a C, no larger, no smaller. My surgery is scheduled for 8:00 AM, Wednesday, January 7, 2015. I'm excited, anxious, nervous, impatient and frightened, as I'm sure is to be expected. (I'm not comfortable posting bare-chested photos but I am so grateful for those that do. ) Updated on 7 Dec 2014: After my preop appointment two days ago, I'm not nearly as nervous as I thought I'd be. In fact, the only part I'm really nervous about it returning to work because all of my coworkers but one are male and I'm concerned that they'll be awkward around me after. Other than that I'm just so excited to take this positive step forward in my life. Updated on 6 Jan 2015: I should be sleeping now. I have to check in at the hospital at 6:00 am and have to wash with the surgical scrub again before leaving. I haven't had green tea (I'm a huge matcha drinker) or wine in a week. I've been eating more protein and iron-rich foods than usual and have everything on my preop checklist. I've been so ready for this to happen and now I'm starting to get especially anxious. I know I'll be in great hands with Dr. Hagerty and that I will feel immediate relief in my back and shoulders but I have to admit that I am a little afraid. My breasts have quite literally been a huge part of who I am since early adolescence. I have to admit that I can't wait to try on my weddimg dress that is not exactly well suited to my bust currently. It's crazy to think that when I get married in September that my breats will pretty much be fully healed. While I am most certainly nervous, I truly can't wait for this new year and this new me. Updated on 7 Jan 2015: Well, it happened. I went in for my reduction this morning and it began around 8 am. I was so nervous this morning but the nurses, anasteisiologist and Dr. Hagerty were all amazing and by the time they wheeled me into the OR, I was fine. After arriving in the OR, I remember chatting quite a bit and then I was out. The next thing I knew, I was starting to come to and was asking for my mom and fiancé. I was in and out of sleep for about two and a half hours after surgery ended around 11:00 am. I was surprised to find that I got super nauseous since I haven't experienced nausea under anasteitha in the past. The recovery room nurse gave me something in my IV for the nausea and I was out. I left for home slightly after 2:00 pm and have been quite shocked by the burning sensation I have from the medicated gauze. Other than that, I've been really tired all day and more than hurting, I'm just very sore and uncomfortable. I am, however pleasantly surprised to find that my shoulder blades are already majorly relieved. I haven't seen my new breasts yet but my surgeon said they look awesome and that he's extremely please with how they turned out. I have my first post surgery appointment on Friday and will plan on seeing them then. Updated on 9 Jan 2015: Yesterday was a rough day but I woke up this morning feeling distinctly more functional. Yesterday I found it difficult to do the smallest, simplest movements but this morning, I was able pick up something I dropped, wash my face, brush my teeth and make myself a cup of tea without feeling like I was straining myself at all. These may sound like small accomplishments but I was having a pretty hard time yesterday so I'm very pleased. I have my first post-op appointment this afternoon so I'll be seeing my new breasts for the first time. I must say that even though I know Ive had the procedure, in my mind my breasts still look like the they before. I'm not in denial about it but I just don't think its really sunk in quite yet. Updated on 9 Jan 2015: I have a tendency to make myself a nervous nelly by thinking things are going to be way worse than I should. That being said, I was highly apprehensive about seeing my new breasts for the first time. BUT I saw them and just couldn't stop smiling. They definitely have some healing to do but they are AHmazing. I haven't taken a very good picture but I'll share what I've got so far! Oh one more thing - I didn't know this would happen but I am retaining water like crazy. I feel like a puffer fish! Updated on 9 Jan 2015: Just showered for the first time. I usually love my showers but this was just awkward. I have a lot of feeling and only small random numb spots. Does anyone have any re-bandaging tips? My surgeon's nurse said most women tell them panty liners are the easiest thing to use but they just don't feel like they're doing the job to me. Updated on 11 Jan 2015: I am so pleased with my progress; things are getting easier every day. I was able to shower a little longer today and I touched my nipples lightly with my fingers just to see how they respond and it almost felt normal! I have strange tingly sensations at my incisions but they aren't really painful, just uncomfortable. My biggest complaint right now is probably the strange achy numbness around the side boob/underarm area. Other than that, my range of motion is better each day and I can be up and moving for a few hours at a time. After being up and about for a spell, I crash... So maybe I'm pushing it. I'm sleeping in my bed propped up with a husband pillow and have stopped taking hydrocodone altogether in favor of ibuprofen. I'm so happy with my results and how I'm progressing thus far. Updated on 13 Jan 2015: I am feeling extra tingly these past two days, kind of like really intense icy hot all over my chest, in addition to deep aching. My arm movement has greatly improved though and I am to do just about anythjng that doesn't require handling weight or having my arms above my head for extended periods. I have actually been going to my salon to get my hair washed because I can't handle doing it myself yet. So far I've had it done twice and have just used dry shampoo between the two washes, which is normal for my hair. I can't wait to be able to exercise; some basic yoga flows would feel amazing for the rest of my body right now but there is no way I'd be to handle even that. The swelling in my breasts has gone down so much, the left breast being more swollen than the right. Today is good so far, the pain and discomfort is easily manageable with a little ibuprofen. Updated on 15 Jan 2015: I went back to work yesterday (my job requires little physical exertion) and it was one of my not so good days. Every day really is truly different so one day is not necessarily a good predictor of the next. My deep pains have subsided for the most part and what remains is lots crazy nerve zinging and lots of sensitive and swollen areas, chiefly where lipo was used. I still feel like I have a ball under my left arm. When I woke this morning, all pain medications had worn off and I was not a comfortable or happy girl. After taking a dose ibuprofen, I was completely fine and the rest of the day has been my best post-op day so far. My breasts are no longer feeling super tight and they're beginning to soften; I can even feel them bounce ever so slightly at times. Pain has been minimal and I've felt like myself today for the first time since surgery. I still can't lift my left arm much but my movement improves daily. I'm not yet ready to try on bras since I'm still using Aquaphor and maxi pads but I did hold up some lingerie of mine in a few different sizes and have determined that I am most likely a comfortable C cup! My D cup lingerie has lots of gappage, even with the bandaging. I just about jumped for joy with this discovery and I already love how my clothes look on me - I finally look like a petite girl on top, like a petite girl with nice full boobs that don't overwhelm my frame. I can't wait to see what my wedding dress will look like, although I'm waiting until I'm done with the maxi pads to try it on (it was previously tight and wayyyy too boobilicious on top). Despite the annoying discomfort, I am so happy with my results and they'll improve from here! If you're in a situation similar to my own before I had this procedure, my advice is to do it. It's the one of the best personal decisions I've ever made for myself.
