Saul R. Berger, MD

I've thought about getting a tummy tuck for years, but kept putting it off for money reasons and because I wanted to be in better shape before doing it. I wish I'd been able to scrape up the money sooner and just done it as soon as I put in a deposit last year. I went in for a consultation and didn't want to book the appointment right away because, once again, I figured I'd lose some more weight before. Then the pandemic hit and I'm now 15lbs heavier (but probably more so because I lost a lot of muscle as well). Last month I finally set the date to July 19 to try and kick my butt into gear and hit the gym hard again like I used to and at least get back to the weight I was when I had my consultation, but things keep getting in the way almost daily. It's been a real struggle and I haven't made any progress and now it's only a month and 2 weeks away. I'm seriously considering postponing it, but I'm afraid of that being a mistake too. I'm a little lost on what to do or if the time I have left until my date is enough to make any real progress.

Updated on 4 Jun 2021:
So, I was assigned a surgeon during my first and only consultation a year ago. I only recently booked my surgery date (July 19) and found this site (real self). I'm nervous because on here he only has 6 reviews, 1 which was for Botox and he's not rated, and another in which he was rated 1 star for a breast reduction. The other four are 5 stars for breast augmentations but were done 3-5 years ago (the 1 star was 1 year ago). I'm getting a tummy tuck with him and there are no reviews for him for that. He does have his own site, and the tummy tuck gallery of his work there does look good, but I don't know how recent they are and if he's maybe only showcasing his best work. I've read stories of people's messed up work by other surgeons and I'm scared I'll end up having a similar experience and dislike or hate my results. I'll be getting a tummy tuck with light lipo of the hips, flanks, and upper abdomen. The cost is $10,500. I had tried getting consultations with other surgeons, but it's always a few hundred just for a consultation (even if it's virtual) and I don't know if I'll even be choosing the surgeon I have the consultation with. And going off reviews, it seems those same doctors I'm curious about, for the same procedures, would cost me at least another $5k. I don't want to be spending hundreds on various doctors just for a consultation when I might not choose them and then on top of that be paying a ton more for the procedure. I don't know if I can shell out that kind of money, but I also know you get what you pay for. At the same time, I've seen other people here get the same procedures for less than what I will be paying too and they came out phenomenal. I'm just not sure what to do.

Updated on 11 Jun 2021:
Just wanted to have some pictures to compare to later. This is one month prior to my procedure date. I couldn't take a great picture from the side but I wanted to show how I look with my pants holding in that excess skin and how I look with that excess skin hanging over them. It might be hard to tell, but those pictures are of the flab of skin hanging over and on top of my pants.
Updated on 14 Jul 2021:
Had my pre-op appointment this past Friday 7/9/21. Basically made the payment and talked about how to prepare:

- have plenty of protein in the days leading up to the big day

- take iron pills daily (I'm anemic)

- no painkillers other than Tylenol 10 days prior

--night before/ day of--

- no eating or drinking for 8 hours before surgery, not even water or ice chips. NOTHING.

- shower with antibacterial soap the night before or morning of (they suggested Dial soap)

- no lotions, deodorant, creams, makeup, nail polish, hair products, nothing

- no jewelry

- wear loose comfortable clothing when I come in

--afterward--

-take Arnica (muscle soreness and bruising), Keflex (antibiotic), and Norco (pain) as directed for the following week

I got some Arnica gel as well and I'll probably be buying something to help with the scarring after the bandages and stitches come out. Other than that, I don't really know how what else to do. My regular physician told me I'll likely be sleeping propped up/sitting up on pillows the first several days and she said I NEED to get a walker. So I'll be looking to get one from a thrift store or something.

I'm not going to lie, a big part of me is terrified. I was reading the disclaimers and whatnot on the forms I was signing and I couldn't help but think the big"what if" questions. "What if I'm one of those extremely rare cases that ends being totally aware of everything happening during surgery while still being immobile? What if the anesthesia doesn't work like it should and I can feel everything?" Or, "What if I'm one of those rare but possible cases of fatality?" I'm trying to be positive, but this is my surgery and I guess I'm not used to doing things for myself either. The thought of me finally having something nice seems kind of unreal. My other, less severe thought, is what if I'm one of those people that ends up hating their results? What if it doesn't turn out right and it's just disappointing. I've been saving for so long as well as trying so hard to lose weight through diet and exercise. If this doesn't come out well, it would be awful.

Well, enough of the negative thoughts! I'm really hoping for the best and I'll post a bit more before my op day. I've managed to lose a little more weight, so I'll post some more before pics before the procedure. If anyone has more suggestions on preparations (physically or mentally) please share!


Updated on 21 Jul 2021:
So, I finally had the procedure done yesterday. Originally I was going to have a tummy tuck with some lipo of the upper back, flanks, and upper abdomen, but unfortunately I'm anemic and my levels didn't get into range in order to be able to do all of that. I was given the option to have either the tummy tuck OR the lipo. Being that my loose, lower belly flab was my main concern, I chose the tummy tuck. Anyway, Dr. Berger and the anesthesiologist (unfortunately I cannot remember her name) made me feel at ease, as did the nurses, Maddie and Krista, that assisted me before getting into the op room. This was my first surgery of any kind ever and I let them know how nervous I was about the whole thing. They did not sugar coat anything and answered my questions, being very patient with me. I only have one drain and have only had to empty it out twice so far. My sister and my son have been my nurses at home, helping me up and onto the bed and bringing me drinks or food. There is definitely pain, but so far it's not nearly as bad as I was expecting. A cough did sneak up on me and ???????????????? hurt like hell. I've also had to remind my sister not to make me laugh because that is also painful (she's a jokester, so it's been hard). I'm taking Norco sparingly, but the Keflex , arnica, and iron pills are routine, of course. I started taking a stool softener two days ago but haven't had a bowel movement since the night before last. That's making me a little nervous. I've been sleeping intermittently in a propped up/inclined position with my knees up as well. It's honestly hard to keep that position since I keep slowly sliding down and it isn't the most comfortable for my neck. Oh! My throat also hurt like hell yesterday. I'm assuming it is from being intubated. I should've drank some hot tea or something, but I haven't asked for it. At times I sort of feel like I want the garment (faja?) tighter, more pressure on my stomach. I try to apply some pressure myself, but it's difficult to keep it up. Well, that's all I can think to say for now. Time for another Norco!



Updated on 26 Jul 2021:
So, most everything has been going well. I'm moving around more easily and the pain has definitely lessened. I did have some leaking from where the tube of my drain is coming out of me, but I was told it's nothing to be concerned about and I did noticed it happens when I "push" or bear down a little due to gas. It isn't a lot and I'm not too worried about it. I do have three concerns, though. One is that when I finally took my first shower (6 days po) and took my compression garment off for the first time, I noticed that I have a bulge just above my panty line on the left side. The second is that after that shower, I started getting sharp pains just above that spot (about 2 inches above it). It's not necessarily constant, but any little thing sets off the pain. It's actually hindering my mobility more than anything else related to my procedure at this point. I don't know if it is something normal that just has to heal, something gone wrong during surgery, or that maybe I injured myself. To be clear, from the time I got home after surgery to the time of my shower, I was literally only getting up to walk over to use the restroom (and once to sit in the living room for a little while [5days Po]). I took it so easy. The only thing I can think may have caused injury is the first and second time I had a BM (3 & 4 days po). NOT from strain or anything having to do with actually using the bathroom, but from WIPING. And this is something I hadn't thought of before that first moment- how are you supposed to safely do this and why does NO ONE mention it? At least in the profiles I've read and followed, I haven't seen it mentioned at all. Maybe I missed posts somewhere? Maybe this issue was just me??? Anyway, when it came time to wipe I could not find a way to comfortably squat/stand/sit in order to get my body to twist for me to properly reach back there to wipe adequately. Like, I spent time struggling and trying to figure out the best angle and execution and just couldn't do it. Upon twisting my body (not even that it was a whole lot of course) and reaching back, I felt a sudden sharp pain on the left side of my abdomen. So sharp and throbbing I had to stop and just sit there and take some deep breaths before trying again. I finally managed to wipe (yay me), but the same thing happened the next day. I called and asked the doctor (I'm not so lucky as other people who got their surgeons cell phone numbers, I called the office) about both the bulging and the pain and he said it was fine, and to just come in on my next scheduled follow up this Thursday (7/29/21) for them to remove my drain. I don't know, he may very likely be right, but I'm still worried. Third concern is that I'm still having issues with shortness of breath at 7 days po. I have to take frequent deep breaths just to feel like I'm getting enough oxygen. There's no pain when I breathe, no coughing or wheezing, but it does feel more laborious than usual to take those deep breaths.
I'll try to get pictures next time I take the garment off. Aside from the odd bulge, I think it looks good and I'm hoping that bulge can be fixed easily and doesn't require more surgery. If I have to wait until Thursday to address all this with my surgeon, then I guess we'll just have to wait and see what happens. If anyone has any insight or tips, they are more than welcome.

Updated on 4 Aug 2021:
So, I had the drain taken out this past Thursday (7/29/21) and my surgeon had a chance to look at how things are going. My belly button is apparently starting to scar pretty badly and he recommended their medical grade scarring cream to reduce the scar ring I'll have. It would be $80 for a small bottle and I am just kind of over spending money right now, so I didn't get it (but I'll probably regret it later). I did ask him about the bulging on my lower left side and he did seem a bit concerned about it but said that we would wait until the next appointment in three weeks to see if maybe it adjusts with more healing or whether it may be fluid or something else that needs to be addressed. I check on it every time I shower and it bugs me. I'm thinking more and more that I am going to have to go through this process again because that looks like not enough tummy was tucked. I am moving about much better, still wearing a faja 24/7 except to shower, and sleeping much better. I still get some small pains some times and it still hurts when I cough or sneeze, but not as badly (still dread every time I feel one coming though). I still can't seem to stand up totally straight when I'm walking, and it is frustrating to me, but I'm trying to be patient with myself. If I have to grab something that fell on the floor I also get a little nervous to bend all the way down to get it (I do so very carefully), but I think it's mostly me psyching myself out. The steri strips still haven't come off even tho I read they typically fall off after about a week or so. I'm wondering if the faja is helping them stay despite my showers and whatnot. I'm not in any rush to have them off, so if it's not a problem, I'm fine with it. I guess I also hadn't realized how far back my incisions would go. Guess it's normal for some people tho?? Anyway, I'm still glad I did it despite the bulging and the likely scaring of my belly button. I didn't get any lipo, so I still have work to do to reach my body goals. I do have lots of pretty bad stretch marks, but I can live with those. The pictures I'm posting aren't great, but I think you can get the gist from them. There's also a lot of marks on my skin from the faja, so just ignore those haha

Updated on 6 May 2022:
So sorry for the long wait to those who have sent me messages. I have been so busy with school and work and family.
To keep things short, I have to have a revision. The left side is still this odd lump/pudge and on top of that, my belly button shrunk so bad I can't even fit a Q-tip in it to clean it out. Honestly, it's ugly and looks like a cat's butthole. I'm sad.
I spoke to the surgeon and he said he'd he'd do a revision but that it would cost me somewhere around $1500-1800. I don't think I should have to pay for them to fix their mistake, but I don't know if I have a choice.
There was a point after the surgery where I ended up with an infection (cellulitis) right where my left leg bends at my pelvis. I couldn't walk, it was so painful. I went to the hospital and they put me on morphine and checked me, did a scan, gave me antibiotics, and said I should go back to my surgeon and have him look into draining fluid that was building up. When I did this, he said that the doctors at the hospital aren't surgeons and aren't versed in what happens during these kinds of surgeries. He assured me all will be fine and to just continue the antibiotics that were given to me. This made me nervous, but I did so, and I suppose ultimately I am fine, but I don't know if that is the reason for the pudge (the use of only one drain rather than to and maybe that's what lead to the fluid that had built up there??) and the infection. After all this, I don't really trust him to fix this with the revision and I don't want to pay for an attempt by him.
One more thing... I don't know if this is normal, but there are many times even now (9 months po) that the area from behind my belly button down to my pelvis at the incision feels delicate/sensitive. Like it almost feels as though I still need a faja or some kind of support sometimes. When I press around my belly button area it feels kind of hard, and in my opinion, strange, but again, I don't know if this is normal. I don't like it though and until someone with experience tells me otherwise, I'm going to continue to be concerned.

I forgot to mention a while ago that while initially the total cost was going to be $10,500 , that changed because I did not get the lipo I originally was going to get with the tummy tuck. This was at first because my iron was too low (I'm anemic) despite my taking iron pills, but when they suggested I just come back and do the lipo later, I decided not to. They refunded my money (though they did try to short me $250 and I had to bug then until they gave that back too). Total cost of just this messed up tummy tuck was $6,500.

Updated on 6 May 2022:
Accidentally posted my last update before I got to upload pictures. These are from October (about 3 months po) and November (4 months po) 2021. I haven't taken more pictures since because it's just disappointing. In the first ones, my skin kind of looks odd (aside from the stretch marks) because I was wearing a faja just before and there was also some kind of bruising or something going on because of the chaffing from it at the top (under my bust). In the ones from October, I am wearing some tapes that are for reducing scars. I do think they helped.

5 stars are not enough for Dr. Berger and his staff! I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Berger and his staff! When in doubt go to Dr. Berger!!!! I had a breast augmentation: 330 cc moderate profile silicone implants under the muscle. I am 23 years old, 5’0, 115 pounds, and do not have any kids. Pre-op I was a 32 B at Victoria Secrets. This is a long review but I think it is important to understand my experience with Dr. Berger and his staff during my consultation, surgery, and post-op. Consultation: I had two consultations before going to Dr. Berger. I had a very close friend who went to Dr. Berger (her breast look amazing and very natural) but I thought it was important to go to multiple consultations. I did not feel comfortable with my previous consultations at all; I felt rushed and like I was not being taken serious. The moment I stepped into Dr. Berger’s office I had a good feeling. When I met with Marianne (the surgical coordinator) she was so kind and made me feel very comfortable. When I met Dr. Berger he was very kind and patient. He did not know I was ready to book my surgery that day and he took his time during his examine and did not make me feel rushed. He performed a very detailed examine and addressed things that my previous consultations never addressed. Dr. Berger personalizes his care based on your unique circumstances. The office stayed open almost 2 hours after closing to address all my concerns and book my surgery. Surgery: EVERYONE was very kind, friendly, professional, and knowledgeable. The nurse and anesthesiologist were very friendly and made me feel very comfortable. I went home after surgery, fell asleep for 3 hours, and then woke up and had a full meal. I would rate my pain 3/10 (0 being no pain and 10 being the worst pain I have ever been in). I took my pain medications on time. I did not have any side effects from the anesthesia. Post-op: I would rate my pain a 3/10. I felt tightness and soreness but mostly tightness. It felt like I did an intense chest workout or like I was wearing a really tight bra. After a week I would rate my pain 0/10. By two weeks I felt like my new breast were mine. It is very important to follow Dr. Berger’s post-op instructions to have the best results. Dr. Berger gave me EXACTLY want I wanted! I attribute this to Dr. Berger’s amazing technique. After 3 days I only took Tylenol for the “pain”. Overall my recovery has been very easy. His office is amazing and they will answer any questions or concerns. My experience with Dr. Berger and his staff was amazing and I HIGHLY recommend Dr. Berger and his staff!!!!!!

I found Dr. Berger online and was very please with his photos on his website so that made me want to move forward with him. Upon the consultation I found the entire place and people to be honest and super friendly. My implants were overdue for a replacement. Dr. Berger did perfect work! My boobs look better than the previous implants I got done in another state. I recommend him for this procedure and am confident in any other procedure he does. Thank you Dr. B!!!

I LOVE DR.BERGER!!! He and his staff are amazing people! As good as it gets!
I've been going to Dr. Berger for years and years for Botox and Juvederm filler. He always does an amazing job and his staff are so friendly and helpful. The office is gorgeous.
Most recently, 2 months ago, I had a breast augmentation and this has been a long time coming for me. My breasts look incredible, I feel great, and I have been getting compliments on them by my close friends(current and future customers :) ).
I have and will continue to recommend Dr. Berger!

Nursing three children over the course of the last 2 decades took a toll on my breasts. Sagging, stretch marks, other scars and what I would call "puckering" made me really self conscious of my breasts to the point that I concealed them during sex (forget leaving the lights on). And mind you I am a very sexual person.

I completely avoided certain types of tops and purchasing a flattering bathing suit was always a challenge. That said I stocked up on a lot of sexy lingerie. For the most part I have been a high B/Low C and at the height of nursing I got to even an E at one point (huge/engorged). More recently I was "folding" my breast tissue into a size 36C.

I had a full TT 4 years ago and while I contemplated having a BA at that time I still was not certain that it was right for me. After all, with the scars and generally bad skin I figured why would I want to stretch that out. Also, I was having an umbilical hernia fixed with the TT so I knew the recovery was going to be painful to say the least and could not imagine tacking the boobs on at the same time.

Fast forward to last year when my best friend of 36 years got her BA and could not be happier and then another friend of mine got one as part of a mommy makeover in December. I spoke to many of my co-workers (including my boss) that I found had BAs and were happy they had done it. While I received many recommendations and contemplated going back to the surgeon that did my TT (he is in Beverly Hills and I wanted to avoid going over the hill and BH prices), one of my co-workers highly recommended her surgeon, Dr. Saul Berger, in Encino.

I kept his information for some time before finally making an appt. to see him in February. Dr. Berger and his staff were so great from the beginning and his bedside manner, years of experience, ability to convey things in terms that I would understand (to include some great sketches), and his non-BS realistic approach and understanding of my desire to have as natural result as possible really won me over. Within a week from meeting him for the first time I was making my appt. to have surgery on March 20th (pre-op on March 9th).

The postings on this site really helped me prepare for my surgery and gave me a great idea of what to expect and the comfort of knowing that I was one of many who had made this decision in their late 30s. I will say that my teenage children and even my mother was not that supportive of my decision but only because they felt that I was fine just the way I was and imagined "fake". My husband has been SUPER supportive and even though he has always been more of a leg man (thankfully) he is now considering himself more of a boob man.

The kids and mom are coming around....she even took care of me day 2 and 3 (hubby had day 1). My boobs were borderline when it came to needing a lift. The surgeon felt he may be pleasantly surprised upon placing the implant so we knew it would be a game time decision on whether or not he would do a crescent lift (adjacent to the nipple) on both or just one of my breasts (given one sat slightly lower that the other...note that I also have scoliosis). I had seen the results of another crescent lift that I thought turned out really nice so I told him to do what he had to do. Given how I scar, he was trying to avoid any unnecessary incisions. He worked off of photos of what I wanted my outcome to be. I ended up with 425 CCs of cohesive gel implants (silicone) and a crescent on my left breast.

Day one was tolerable with the pain meds and all but day two was a killer with very intense pressure. Yes...like a rhino was sitting on my chest and as a side sleeper...sleeping on my back was no fun. I did not really have to replace my gauze as I did not have any bleeding and by day 3 I was able to take a shower. I will say that on day 2 I took my bra off to inspect the gauze and when I saw how high and big my breasts were I almost fainted and second guessed my decision to have had the surgery. I was thinking please tell me these things are going to settle down...please don't let them stay this way. I seriously got hot, sweaty and light headed.

It passed and I did some research and reminded myself that it was only day two. The thing that I was immediately happy with was how good my skin looked now that it was filled in. Gone was the puckering and even the stretch marks seemed to disappear. Things have settled down and I am wearing a strap to help even my boobs out (the right one is higher) since my first post-op on March 23rd.

My surgeon does not believe in massage which was a bit of a surprise to me as everyone kept asking me when I would start massaging and even offered to help (hehe). His explanation as to why he does not prescribe it made sense to me. I have my next post-op on April 9th. This week marks two weeks post the surgery and the boobs have been taking shape daily. I am hoping my end result will be no more than a D cup. Hope this helps as I really appreciated all of the stories that I read on this site. ;-)



Updated on 2 Apr 2012:
I did not mention in my original post that the implants were placed under the muscle through incisions made in my breast fold. The incision under my right breast is extra sore today. I can't believe that tomorrow is already 2 weeks post-op. Really curious to know when the incisions will fully heal...right now they are totally itchy with the surgical glue slowly flaking off on the edges but still fully covering the incision. I guess next week I will get an update on what I can start putting on the incision/scar site after the glue wears off. I find myself rubbing the nipple (over my clothes) with the crescent lift with my open palm from time to time in reaction to the itchy feeling. I must look like a total perv.

Updated on 8 Apr 2012:
So on day 14 my surgeon called to check in on me at 7:30am. I asked about getting out of the sports bra and he recommended that I purchase a cheap bra (Target) with no underwire but that would give support. He recommended something semi disposable as the breasts will continue to take shape and may shift in size. He was ok with the use of a regular bra as long as I wore it in conjunction with the bandeau (strap) to continue to help my right breast drop (still slightly higher than my left). For the itching around the surgical glue he recommended some hydrocortisone cream around the edges of the glue and some Benadryl at night. I asked him what I could use to minimize scarring now that the glue was starting to come off but he said he would give me his recommendation at my 4/9 post-op visit (he mentioned the name of a cream but it escapes be right now). He mentioned no need for ointments like polysporin. I was really glad he called and took the time to answer my questions.

On Day 15 I called my surgeon's office to talk ask about the scar cream as the glue started to come of the incision under my right breast the night prior and there was now less area with glue than without on that breast. The nurse consulted the Dr. but told me not to worry as long as the incision was closed and that he would go over his recommendation at my next post-op. The incision is actually looking good in my opinion. I can tell that the rest of the glue is going to start falling off soon on my other breast. Although I think most of it will still be on for my upcoming post-op. I am feeling a lot better these days but still need to remind my self that I am still recovering from surgery and in healing mode (whenever I get a twinge of pain). I did take some ibuprofen within the last week for discomfort with my right breast and my back (still sleeping with my head slightly propped and on my back).

Tomorrow is my post-op at 20 days....looking forward to getting his reaction to my healing and how things are settling and will ask when I can get back to the gym....I am getting soft in all the wrong places. ;-) I have posted a couple pictures of the new bra (so comfy) and a picture in an old button down and sweater...I need to go shopping!

Updated on 9 Apr 2012:
Just had another post-op visit on this 20th day following my surgery. Hooray I have been given the ok to sleep on my side (what a relief)! The Dr. recommended bioCorneum cream for scar treatment which I purchased at his office. It was pricey so I hope it works. He wants me to be a little more agressive with the wearing of the bandeau and placed it a little higher and tighter than I had been wearing to try and coax my right breast down further. He says another 7-9 days of wear and we will see where it sits in a few weeks. That really limits the tops I can wear...bummer. He recommends I slowly start back to the gym in 7-9 days with light aerobic workouts and gradually reintroduce exercises/machines/weights to the upper body towards the end of 3-4 weeks leaving anything that impacts the pecks for last. Although I am eager to get back to my work out routine I will follow orders as I don't want to F things up. I have a weird thick vein that popped up under my left breast that is a little sore when I lift my left arm (it runs vertical bellow my breast near my ribs). He says that happens and that it should subside on its own. I guess only time will tell if the boobs will even out. My next appointment is May 11th just before a trip to NY.

Updated on 16 Apr 2012:
So this weekend was interesting. I decided to go into Nordstrom to get a proper fitting just out of curiosity and because I want to buy one pretty underwire bra for and evening out on 4/20. The fit specialist started out by measuring me just beelow my breasts/above my ribcage. She noted that I had a small frame...32. Then she brought in a few bras that she called fit bras to gauge cup size (all the same nude bra in varying cup sizes). She then said not to freak out as she put me into a.....drum roll please....32G! After catching my breath she told me not to be startled because a G is just a Quad D. Still not comforting. And then she explained that bras don't sit the same on implants than they do on real tissue. By the end of the fitting I walked out with the most beautiful La Perla black stretch lace bra in a 34DD. I will post pictures later today. It is the only one I am buying for now until things, hopefully, simmer down. Remember...I was shooting for a High C/Low D...although I am not entirely disappointed but I know that at 27 days post-op I still have a ways to go to final state. The glue is completely off now and I am impressed with how thin the line is on the crescent adjacent to my nipple.

Updated on 22 Apr 2012:
Well I am 33 days out now and things seem to be shaping up nicely. I finally posted updated photos. I wore the underwire bra on Friday and Saturday night and it was actually very comfortable. The scars in my breast fold area are healing very well. I stopped wearing the bandeau (velcro strap) last Wednesday and it looks like my right breast has dropped further (it is still just a little bit higher). I have posted a picture of me in a dress that shows a little bit of the lacey underwire bra.....they don't nearly look as big as my bra size. I am very happy with my results so far (all things considered at this juncture).

Updated on 24 Apr 2012:
Hooray...it's their 5 week birthday!! So a friend of mine asked me if I named the twins. I said they are fraternal twins since they have different features and my left is Luna (which means moon since it has a crescent scar) and my right is named Sol (which means sun because that nipple is lighter and brighter/perkier and it's the one that still needs to drop some...or should I say set?). So Sol y Luna. Hehe!

Updated on 6 May 2012:
Wow...this coming Tuesday marks 7 weeks post-op. The girls seem to have completely dropped and fluffed so now it's lock and load. My bestie gave a Victoria's Secret gift certificate as a happy boob day present and I put it to use last weekend buying some t-shirt friendly bras (no padding or push up features). I am really happy with how my scars are healing (under my breast fold and the crescent near my left nipple). I bought a new wrap dress today and love the way my new curves stand out.

I have been lazy about getting back to the gym regularly (I have only been twice since surgery). I have a post-op appt. on May 11th so I should get the all clear to get back to some weights and machines and working out my obliques and more of my upper body (that may be more motivating). I will be asking my PS if he thinks I should go with a crescent on my right breast so the nipples match better as far as how they are positioned.

Today I cleared out my bra drawer....22 bras gone just like that (some really nice ones too). It's going to take some time to rebuild my inventory. Next I am going to clear out my button down shirts that now open up too much around the chest or I can't even button them in that area. I tried on some stretch lace lingerie that I purchased pre-surgery and wow...I fill them in so much better now. More like the girls in the catalogs LOL.

I am making a trip to New York with my best friend in less than two weeks and am so excited....watch out Big Apple, here come the big peaches!!

So to sum it up.....I am so happy I did this! :-)

Updated on 14 Jun 2012:
It's been a while since I posted an update so thought I would catch up and add some new pictures now that I am 12 weeks post-op. My last visit to the PS was on May 11th and he seemed happy with how things were progressing and that my right breast had fallen further into place (I followed all his recommendations and the strap really helped). I did let him know that I was thinking that my right breast could potentially benefit from a crescent lift like I got on my left. My left nipple looks straight/forward but I feel like my right has a little bit of a "lazy eye" effect... LOL. If both of my nipples are hard it is not as noticeable but when they are not the right seems to veer ever so slightly to the right (has a little bit of looseness compared to the left). He recommended that we wait and see how things settle by September (the next time I am scheduled to see him) as the left may still be settling and may look slightly different in a couple months. I am cool with waiting.

I asked him if things were pretty much settled at this point as far as size was concerned and if I should expect them to drop any further (I did not want them to as they were just where they needed to be at the close to 8 week mark). He said they were pretty much where they would end up and said I could start wearing an underwire bra more regularly and that higher end bras could actually help "shape" the breasts nicely. I also asked him if I should still wear the sports type bra at night and he said it was not necessary and that I should be able to enjoy my BA without feeling constricted at that point. That said, if I wanted to continue wearing it that would be fine (I have opted to continue wearing it and I thing it has contributed to a nice recovery/outcome).

I did tell him that I sometimes second guess whether I should have gone with a lollipop lift but he reassured me that we went with the best most natural approach that minimized scaring (I usually scar pretty badly but the crescent scar he gave me is healing so nicely). I also asked him about the three knots I feel under my breast fold when I am applying the scar serum and he told me that they are the knots from the stitches from when they back out of the incisions and those take the longest to dissolve because the stitches are actually tied at that point. Makes sense to me....I think the whole process of closing you up is amazing when you think about it.

He could not stress enough the importance of sunscreen on the scars. Even if wearing a bathing suit the sun can do damage and darken your scars so he recommended even putting a bandage on my crescent scar when wearing a bathing suit. I think that is how my tummy tuck scar got so dark...the direct exposure to the sun the first time I sunned myself (lowering my bikini bottom) thinking it would be less noticeable with a tan...duh!! He did say that scars usually look better at fist and then they look wider and darker before they start fading and looking narrower.

I have purchased a few more bras..still 34DD (at least in VS bras). I have invested in a couple new dresses that really show off the girls and I'm loving how I fill everything out. Although it can be a little bit harder to find a dress that fits you on top without being too big on the lower half. My teen daughters have given me a hard time here and there for showing off more cleavage than they have ever been accustomed to. On the other hand the hubby can't get enough of them. It has really turned things up in the bedroom. Hehe!

I do still get twinges of pain/discomfort here and there but nothing too bad. I guess it is just my body getting accustomed to the new additions.

I am adding a few new photos. I guess we'll see what happens (regarding the need for a crescent lift on the right) in September when I am 6 months out and turn 40. Bottom line...I am so happy I took the plunge and Dr. Berger did an amazing job!

I went to Dr. Berger for a medically recommended breast reduction. I am highly disappointed with the performance of Saul R. Berger, MD. Dr. Berger took more tissue from my breasts than discussed or needed and left me with different sized breasts. He left me with scar tissue that impedes movement. There is a lot more to say, but this is not the right medium to write the whole story. It is apparent to me Dr. Berger lacks judgment, surgical skills, and compassion.

Updated on 9 Jul 2021:
This site is not the right forum to write the full story of what Dr. Saul Berger did to me. The injuries I sustained in Berger's so-called "surgery" caused me permanent and progressive physical disability, disfigurement, excruciating/unrelenting pain, and more. It's beyond comprehension what he did to me.

I have been going to {edited - provider information is located above the review for registered users}, who is a plastic surgeon, for the past 2 years for Botox, and he suggested that I try the Active FX. I'm on my 2nd day post-treatment. {edited} did the procedure under general anesthesia, and I'm so glad that I did it this way. I felt absolutely NOTHING during the procedure. (However, it was $500.00 more.) Afterward, I was groggy, as was to be expected. I have been taking Valtrex, and only Advil for pain, which is minimal. So far, it has not been painful at all-only a little uncomfortable, like I have left a face mask on too long. It does look a bit scarier than I expected-I look like I got hit with a blowtorch! I am following the post-op directions to the letter. I will follow up with more info, as I found these boards to be very helpful to me when I was researching this.