After breastfeeding two kids my girls got a well deserved lift! Dr. Chevalier was so great. He has great bedside manner and I felt very comfortable with him. It’s only one day since my surgery but the pain hasn’t been to bad. I do have a lot of swelling as expected but so far I’m happy with the results. Updated on 17 Jun 2020: So far I am healing nicely. I had the worst reaction to neosporin and so I can only use petroleum jelly. I tried polysporin and I didn’t react well to that either. However, that’s the worst of it. The only thing I’ve taken for pain is Tylenol so the pain really isn’t that bad. I’ve Ben able to sower everyday and recovery has been great. Updated on 18 Jun 2020: So yesterday evening while showering I heard a “pop” near my right breast. I was like oh shoot did I pop my stitches! Nope everything looked great. Ten and this excruciating pain and I didn’t know why. I called my surgeon and was instructed to apply cold compresses and make sure my surgical bra was on tight in case it was a hematoma. I did both. About 30 minutes later my right breast was getting hard and swollen and tight. I called him back and he said continue to apply cold compresses. That the body will normally re-absorb the fluid. I had an appointment to see him the next day and he advised me to come in earlier that morning. Another 30 min and it was getting worst! I could feel my underarm getting swollen. As an RN I knew something was wrong. There had to be internal bleeding and it was running out of places to go. My entire right chest was so tight as well. I spoke with my surgeon again, told him what I was experiencing and expressed my concern. He instructed me to go to the ED where he met me. By the time I got to the ED I was in so much pain! I thought my breast was going to explode. Thank God for dilaudid because that was the only thing that helped calm me. Dr. C took one look at my breast and said we would have to go back to the OR. It turns out that I had a small arterial bleed with a hematoma. I lost about 400cc of blood in he process. He was able to do a wash out, placed a JP drain and stop the bleeding. There was no explanation as to why this happened. Did I do too much because I felt so good? Maybe. Resting is key after these surgery. I don’t think I rested enough. I am so glad that he was promptly able to address and fix my problem. I will have to keep the drain in until Monday and that’s fine with me. This post isn’t meant to scare you because I don’t regret my procedure. I love my breasts and they still look great. This was just a wrench in my recovery and a reminder to rest and not to do too much! Also you know your body and what you feel. So make sure you share your concerns with your doctor. Don’t brush it off and don’t allow them to either. You don’t have to be a medical professional to know when something is wrong with your body. Be annoying! You paid a lot of money and you deserve to know that you are not in danger. I’m home now and everyone is making sure I rest though no reminder is needed. Lol. I’ll attach a pic so you can see how it looked with the swelling.......And it did get worst by the time I get to the ED. I’m thankful that everything turned out well for me. The girls still look great but now I start the recovery process over in my right breast. Updated on 24 Jun 2020: Today was my first day back to work. It wasn’t too bad but I was very tired and got short of breath quickly. I do know that’s because I had two surgeries in one week and lost quite a bite of blood. The right breast is still more swollen but that’s expected. It’s getting better day by day because I do see the swelling go down a little everyday. Updated on 30 Jun 2020: Hi everyone. Since returning to work last week I’m feeling so much better. My nipples were really sensitive and they sill are, but I can definitely feel them returning to normal as the days go by. I was also experiencing some numbness and tingling......kind of like when your feet falls asleep but that’s normal. It’s just the nerves regenerating. The feeling always goes away. There is obviously still some swelling present more so in my right breast (the one I had the emergency surgery on) but you will see in the picture it’s getting better. I have also noticed that in the morning I get up both breasts feel very sore. It’s almost a burning sensation but again just part of the process. It also goes away once I’m up and massaging with bio-oil. I massage with the oil twice per day and apply Merderma PM every night. I sometimes put on the scar tape but it irritates my skin. Anyway that’s my update so far. Hope all this is helpful to someone out there! Updated on 10 Jul 2020: So far I’m feeling great and healing nicely. Absolutely no regrets here. I still haven’t worn a regular bra yet. I’m still in sports bras my right breast has time to heal and catch up I the left. Swelling continues to go down and my scars are fading nicely. Have a great weekend! Updated on 28 Jul 2020: So today I wore a regular for the first time. It was actually a bra I already owned and it fit perfectly. The only difference was that there was nothing trying to get out! Lol. I am so happy with my results as have no regrets!
From the consultation to my second post op appt he’s been 100% honest with me. His staff treats you like family and they made me feel very welcomed. Right before the surgery began and I was put under general anesthesia, they surrounded me sorta. My nurse held my hand, and they just kind of reassured me that everything would be ok. I loved that! My results! So I’m only 8DPO but I can already see them and I can’t wait for the swelling to go down completely. My incision is very neat! Totally grateful for that! Belly Button still weird but better than before. Overall I’m a happy camper!
I went for Botox of crows feet first time ever! I was scared so I went with a friend who has gone before. Infact, I know two women that see him. His staff (Sara and I forgot the name of other young lady) are so sweet, and efficient . He is realistic. Honest. I went for my 2 week follow up yesterday and he added a little more to my right eye because I have this one semi superficial line that wont budge (it's the lowest crow feet area) . He told me too much can cause my face to look like I had a stroke due to the muscle connections. I will get resurfacing in the fall and then that line will improve. Otherwise I love the results. I have super crinkly, Irish eyes . I love my results. I will continue to travel 45 minutes to his office. Also, his mannerism is so comforting. He teaches (clinicals) to 4 year med students, so there may be another woman in the room. They are future cosmetic surgeons so I dont mind the company. Heads up! Make sure you have Brilliant Distinction program so you can add up points for future injection discounts
I have been reading and reading all the great info on here for some time now. I didn't really think I would ever write a review , but all of the info here has been so helpful and there are hardly any reviews for my dr, so hopefully this will help someone in the future who is considering him as their surgeon. I have 4 sons, all of them large babies (my second son was my largest at 11lbs 11oz!!) and all c-sections. My tummy is a mess! You all know that feeling real well :)! With my fourth, about a week after his birth (he's 5), I developed a hernia, which has grown in size. So my husband and I decided to go for a consult and see what could be done. We walked out with a date scheduled and a dream for me coming to life. I'm scheduled for Jan 23rd which is coming real quick! Pretty sure I'm mentally and physically prepared, but there are so many different stories here it's hard to know what exactly to expect. So I'll prepare for the hardest and hope for the best :). I did well with all 4 c-sections. My incision from my second son is almost hip to hip, and I had extensive internal repair after my 4th, so my dr says it is not so different from that. I guess we will see ;) Updated on 17 Jan 2015: I didn't think I would take any photos until the day before, but this morning I feel at such peace about it all and honestly photos are more realistic than looking in just the mirror. They will help me stay calm this week, I hope :). I feel pretty prepared. My sx gave me a vitamin recovery support program to start two weeks before surgery. Another part starts 3 days before surgery and then arnica to start taking immediately after. Love that it is homeopathic remedies. I also purchased a few essential oils to mix in with some lotion for after surgery massage to help recover loss of feeling and numbness on the tummy. I've read great reviews about this mixture with people who have circulation issues caused by diabetes and other disorders. We are also going to try it on my son's hands for Reynaud's Syndrome he has. I got a toilet riser (my toilet seems pretty low, even though my husband insists it isn't, lol), and a bed wedge system from Brookstone. We don't have a recliner and my bed is pretty high, so I felt stepping up a little step on a stool would be easier than trying to get out of a recliner. Going to make a bunch of freezer crock pot meals this week. Even my 11 yr old will be able to plop into crock pot and turn on. Thanks to everyone for all of the info posted on here. Great help when you just have so many questions in your head about the unexpected :) Updated on 22 Jan 2015: Time really went so fast! I feel almost like it isn't tomorrow. Just waiting for the hospital to call with my surgery time. All I know is it will be in the morning. Watching the weather closely. We are supposed to possibly have a coastal snow storm coming Saturday (I'll be overnight in the hospital). I love snow, but don't want to be driving home in it. We live in the mountains about an hour from the hospital, and the main highway tends to shut down. Anyway, super excited, super nervous!! Going to make some meals today that the family can take out of freezer and throw in crock pot. My husband will be off until next Weds, then one of my older boys took off of work on Weds to stay with me. And thank goodness I don't have to start work anytime soon. I have my own business and scheduled this to be done during the slow winter time so I could rest and have lots of time to heal. Two questions, any suggestions for what type of underwear if the drains will come from the hip side of the incision? And is it better to come home in button up shirt?? Updated on 24 Jan 2015: Day one post op and not nearly as bad as I expected. No pain at all. Just discomfort when I'm up and around, especially getting back into bed at the hospital. Only pain meds have been Percocet and I go about 6 hrs before another dose. I've had to pee about every hour to hour and a half from the iv and drinking so much water. But that was the only thing that kept me from sleeping. I did not have any lipo. Dr said I didn't need it. I'm still in schock that I did it!! Now so surprised how good I feel. It could just be the Percocet working real well. Updated on 24 Jan 2015: Updated on 25 Jan 2015: Followed the advice from another blog on constipation after surgery and already had a bm. She said to start Colace AND Senokot the minute you start the pain medication. So I did and then last night had one dose of mom and by 1:30am it decided to all take affect. Which I was super happy about. I'm pretty sure one of my hernias came from being constipated after my 4th c-section. I was so worried about it being difficult again. Probably way too much info here, lol, but it is even difficult to pee. Amazing how much you use those muscles to pee. My dr said no showers until he sees me at post op appt, so sponge bathes it is. So thankful for my hubby!! He has helped every step of the way. Cleans me, holds my drains, dresses me, and even keeps track of how much is draining. Made me a nice breakfast of egg white on low fat whole grain english muffin and warm lemon water with honey. Much needed this morning. Still don't have a lot of pain, none at all if I am resting, but I felt a little off when up and about this morning and it really does drain you just getting cleaned up and redressed. Tomorrow I will make sure some pain meds are in me along with some food before I get up and about. Probably won't take a pic today since I'm all wrapped up again. Not much difference from yesterday except some crazy swelling in my mons area. Dr wants binder worn as low as possible, and I think it is pushing all of the fluid there. Doesn't hurt though, just looks pretty silly. The only thing that is bothering me with the drains is a spot on my left side that pulls inside and burns a little when I move. Other than that I don't even notice I have them. I'm sure in a few days I'll be praying for their removal. Updated on 26 Jan 2015: With one percocet every 5-6 hrs the discomfort is very manageable still. The nausea is a different story. Although I handle pain much better over nausea. Not sure if it is the pain meds, needing to have a bm again, or not eating enough. If I keep pretty still it's not so bad. Everyone is right about showering wiping you out. I haven't showered yet, but did get a good sponge bath, and hubby washed my hair for me. Totally exhausting and took two hours to feel not so nauseous. But so worth it!! All of it! Still not as bad as I had myself prepared for and would do this again, for those that are preparing and getting nervous. My swelling has pretty much contained itself to my hips where the drains are, my pubic area, and thighs. I guess even my feet a bit when I get up and move around. My pic for today, everything still looks good. Not sure what is up inside my belly button, and don't really like to investigate because it makes me more nauseous, lol. I did not have any high expectations on my belly button so however it turns out, I'm sure I'll be fine. My biggest concern was my roll which is now gone :). I also ended up having a second hernia that we weren't aware of and I'm pretty sure he said it was around my belly button. He repaired it, but maybe it is why it looks funny to me. When I look past the part that I look like a chuckie doll, lol, I am just amazed at the results already. Even if I go through swelling, and more bruising, or whatever, I feel so excited at what the end result will be after healing is done. I really did it!! Why did I wait so long!! Updated on 30 Jan 2015: Yesterday was my 6 day post op dr appt. I can't say enough good things about my dr. We went over my hernia repairs (I had 2 hernias), and I was so happy he did not use mesh. He feels better to do the repair without it and I was on the same page, so that was a relief. It is all my own muscle repair that he did double duty to so that they would be nice and reinforced. Stitches came out in belly button, and both drains were removed. That definitely took my breath away for a moment. Especially the right side. But he warned me and it was over in seconds. Soooo glad they are out, even though I didn't have problems with them. It just feels easier and one step back to being normal. My dr gives you a vitamin recovery program to do 2 weeks before and after surgery. Includes Bromelain and Arnica to help with inflammatory, bruising, and pain. No antibiotics. It is another thing I love about how he does things. More natural the better for me, unless something else is really needed. I did need to get a prescription for Zofran because nausea hit me really hard on Monday and stayed until I had that in me on Wednesday. I can handle pain, which I didn't really have much of, but nausea seriously took me down, lol. I know everyone on here has had different stories, and different degrees of recovery. I took so much in and prepared myself for the hardest. I've had 4 c-sections, one with almost a hip to hip incision due to his size, and for me, this recovery has been almost identical. Pain level, mobility, pretty much all of it. My incision is actually less painful with this. Maybe because I always had staples with the c-sections. They always got so infected or irritated. My biggest post op helpers: 1. Vicks! I had quite a bit of congestion and I kept that by my side to sniff, rub on, or whatever I needed to do not to cough. 2. Toilet riser - still using it. I never had it post c-sections and it was a great purchase for this. So wish I had thought of it then. 3. Shower seat - what a life saver. I could only sponge bathe until today, but we have a shower sprayer and I would sit and my husband would help clean. I could lean my head back for him to wash my hair too. One of the days when my nausea was in full swing it saved me from passing out, while changing things for the day. I took my shower on my own today and still used it. 4. Bed wedge - purchased from Brookstone. We did not have a recliner. Looked at buying one, but decided to go with this bed wedge. I can adjust the level of reclining I am at which has helped relieve my back from being in one position alot. And it has a curved area that helps with the lower lumbar area. I've been in my bed since I came home from the hospital. My bed is high and with a little step stool I am able to easily get in. The first few days I needed my husbands help with my legs and swinging them around but was able to do it myself quickly. After 5 hours out yesterday between drive to the drs and a little lunch out after, I was pretty tender and swollen in the lower parts last night. Still kind of swollen this morning, and other than taking a shower, finally SHAVING, lol, and drying my hair (with a big rest in between) my husband insists on the bed rest today. Other than that, I can tell for sure I am past the first week and onto the second. Get through your first week with remembering that one week goes pretty fast and it will definately be better at the end of it :) Hope something here helps someone as much as all the info I read helped me :)
Today I'm 15 days post op. More swelling around my mid section. Not painful or moveable if I touch it. My dr is out of state because I went back "home" for surgery. It's been rough. I'm standing pretty straight today. I love not having my pouch, but I still get to the "why did I do this?" Anyone else out there identify? Updated on 30 Nov 2014: I'm still swelling the same. But I googled ways to place the binder, and as of right now, it's more comfortable. Since my Dr is out of state, I haven't seen him since 6 days post op when he took out the drains. Thank god I found this group. I'm down in the dumps. Updated on 19 Jan 2015: It's been a long road. A lot of emotional, as well as physical ups and downs. In the last week or so, as I've started brisk walking and elliptical, I have found swell hell. My muscles were aching. Pretty sure I have developed a seroma, which was one thing I had escaped for 8 weeks. I had ditched the binder, felt good, exercised without it, and I'm a mess. Very uncomfortable and swollen with a lot of fluid. My dr is 10 hrs away in NY so will be seeing a ps in NC tomorrow. Some days I regret this, some days not. I had no idea the recovery time until I found this site AFTER my surgery. My ps has been in my life for 13 yrs and it's hard to only see internist occasionally. I also had my implants from 2007 swapped out for 575 cc saline mentors. He made that call, I never wanted that big. I'm in a funk right now. Depressed. Hoping it's just swelling, not seroma or hematoma. My friend is a nurse and thinks it could be an umbilical hernia. When y'all worked out for the first time, and I took it easy, how long did your muscle soreness last? Again I walked 35 minutes, 2 days in a row, and did elliptical for 30 min, no resistance, no more than 4 mph. Haven't done anything since. Sorry for the rant, but nobody else gets what I'm going through. Updated on 1 Jul 2015: I must say that I never thought I'd get to feeling better ever. The first many months were awful. The pain, swelling, depression. I had many regrets. I will tell you, it gets better!!!! I am about 8 months post op and fully back to my normal life and actually not regretting. I'm numb in one area incision line up to belly button in a square area. It's still weird sometimes. But when I'm at the beach, the pool or just dressed in tank tops, my confidence is so much better. I am posting a before and after. I took the after in the exact same panties and bra I did the before in.
Have not had the procedure yet. I just received notice that the procedure was approved. When my breast reduction is complete and I have more information I will be back to update. As of now I am just excited that it is an approved by the insurance. I am sure I will hear from the doctor soon. I will post before pictures once I have my date. Until then, I look forward to reading all the thoughtful post and information on this site. Updated on 13 Aug 2013: The PS's office called today. I have a date! I am so excited, I have been having dreams abut smaller breast, and no back or neck pain. I am looking forward to not having underwire bras resting on my ribcage! I look forward to not having to go to Neiman Marcus or Bloomingdales to spend $100 + on bras. I am so excited to wear lingerie that has the impression of where your breast are supposed to rest and my breast actually rest there and not at my belly button. I am excited to buy blouses that aren't to big around my back, arms and shoulders but stretch around my breast. I will post before pictures when I get closer to my surgery. Oh, forgot to add, my surgery is scheduled for Friday, September 13th. Glad I am not superstitious. Updated on 13 Aug 2013: My 34h tig ol' bitties. Updated on 16 Aug 2013: I must say I love reading the stories on this board. I am making a list of questions to ask my PS for my 8/22 appointment. I am going to ask about drains, healing time and medication. Is there anything else I need to ask that I am missing? Also, did any of you purchase an additional surgical bra or sports bras? Besides losing any extra weight, how else did you prepare for surgery? I am so anxious about this surgery that I no longer count sheep to sleep I am counting size C bras. Updated on 18 Aug 2013: Updated on 22 Aug 2013: I had my last appointment with the PS today before I have the reduction. He is so very patient. This is what I was told about my surgery: He will do his best to make me a small C since that is what I want BUT he told me that taking care of me his main priority and if he feels that I will lose my nipple (as in losing sensation because of the blood flow) he will keep my breast at the safest size. I will have drains but they will be removed before I leave the hospital. He likes to keep his patients overnight just to watch them for 24 hours PLUS he says that he only keeps drains in for 24 hr so there is no sense in sending me home with them only to have to return the next day to have them removed. I will have dissolvable stitches so no back and forth to have them removed, very excited to hear that. I will have general anesthesia and the surgery is close to 4 hours. My areola will be resized and moved up. I should stop all vitamins 1 week before surgery. He said I can sleep in any position that makes me feel comfortable. If I can sleep on my stomach or side and it is comfortable then go for it. Finally, I will not be wearing a surgical bra when I leave the hospital. He said I can buy one if I want but he prefers that I bring an old bra that he will cut the underwire out of. I am so excited and this is starting to feel very real now. I do not know what time the surgery will be because the hospital will call me the night before to let me know what time to be there. I also will have my pre-op 12 days before the surgery so I am suspecting around 9/2. Updated on 27 Aug 2013: My pre-op is scheduled for 8/29. It is getting so close. My nervousness is starting to kick up. I am excited to finally have the surgery but I am seeing too many BR's gone wrong pictures. Time to get off YouTube! Updated on 27 Aug 2013: I called my PS yesterday to ask what size front closure bra's I should purchase and I was told by his staff that since I am "requesting" a C I should purchase size D front closure since there will be swelling. Does this sound accurate? Is 1 size up an appropriate size with the amount of swelling I have seen in pictures after BR surgery? Updated on 30 Aug 2013: Just a quick update. I had my pre-op appointment yesterday at the hospital. Everything went well. I was there for about an hour. I heard great things about my PS. He has done BR surgery on a couple of the nurses at the hospital and they swear by him. I saw some of his before and after photos and they were beautiful. I received a call from the Anesthesiologist last night. He just wanted to introduce himself to me and told me what to expect the morning of the surgery. He said that he would be in to meet me before the doctor and also wanted to make sure that I had no worries. I thought this was very nice, and rare. Anyway, time is nearing. I also purchased pure E-oil last night. It was quite expensive but the bottle says that is pure enough to drink. I am going to order Arnica Montana over the internet because I cannot find it in my area. Is it okay to use both or do you ladies recommend one over the other? Updated on 4 Sep 2013: I don't know why I am so nervous today. My surgery isn't until next Friday. I have been trying for the last couple of days to practice sleeping on my back with no success. I lay on my back for about 3 minutes and then I am on my stomach. That is what worries me the most. I know I can deal with the pain as I have had a C-section, hysterectomy and a myomectomy...BR seems like it will be easy compared to those. Just a little stress and needed to vent. I received my Arnica pellets in the mail yesterday and all I have been doing is looking at the bottle and decided what to do. Do I take them before the surgery or not? If I can't take vitamins why is it ok to take these? So many question are floating around in my head! I hope my breast are going to be the size I want as I have expressed my feeling to my PS.I don't want to have surgery and still have huge breast! Okay, thanks for letting me vent. Talk soon. Updated on 12 Sep 2013: Tomorrow is the day. Last night I had to fill out a Life Choices form that the hospital gave me...just in case. I don't have any worries about not seeing my new boobies after surgery. I called to tell my mother that she is 2nd to make decisions after my husband but they are both on the same page. My mother wants my pocketbooks and my sister wants my shoes. Both want my bra's. We laughed and joked about my silly requests :-) I am anxiously waiting to hear from the hospital to let me know what time to be there in the morning. Did anyone else not know what time their surgery was until the day before? I purchased PJ's that button up, I got my Arnica Montana but I just couldn't bring myself to begin taking it. I have my Palmers Skin Therapy Oil and pure vitamin E. This is all I purchased, am I missing anything? My husband is going to get pillows for me while I am having the surgery and he is taking off from work for as long as I need him. My hubby is the best! My mother-in-law is going to visit and do some cooking. She is awesome! Well, ladies, this is my last post until the morning. My husband is bring the camera so she can take more before pictures, pictures with the markings and after pictures. Updated on 12 Sep 2013: I was just searching around the internet on how to prepare for surgery. I read an article that had information I already knew and some things I did not. I know most of us are concerned about being the size we want. The woman that wrote the article had some really good advice she said (I copied and pasted) "Also, don't forget to bring your goal bra. A goal bra is a garment in the cup size you hope to attain after surgery. For my surgery, I brought a goal bra with padded cups, so the surgeon could easily see what size and shape I wanted to become". I think this is perfect advice for woman that have not have the surgery yet. I did not post this on the forum as it takes two days to get approved and some, like myself may be having surgery tomorrow :-) Updated on 12 Sep 2013: Just got the call from the hospital. I have to be there at 6:45 am tomorrow. I am hoping to get a good nights sleep tonight but I highly doubt it. Anyway, chat soon. Updated on 13 Sep 2013: I'm at the hospital. The nurses are very nice. I arrived at 6:40 and they took me right away. My IV is in. Updated on 13 Sep 2013: Hi ladies! Couldn't stay up long enough to post an post an update. I'm in very little pain. They gave me something to relax me before i went into the OR and that was the last thing I remember. The nurses told me that the doc did a beautiful job. The PS told my husband he knows I'm house going to be very pleased with the results and size. Updated on 13 Sep 2013: They look small, even with me being swollen. Updated on 14 Sep 2013: My doc just left. He cleaned me up and gave me my discharge instructions. I can showers tomorrow. Here is a picture of new boobie. He removed 4 lbs. Updated on 15 Sep 2013: I feel minimal pain. I think my back is hurting me more than my new boobies. I haven't begun to use any of my healing products. My doc says I can shower today so I'm gonna use palmers and Neosporin. I was able to lay on my side a little bit last night. Didn't feel any pain. I can't believe how good I feel. I'm milking it though because my husband is spoiling me!! I will post more pics after my shower. I'm also able to put my arms above my head. Is this the calm before the storm? Updated on 16 Sep 2013: Can I lay around with my bra and gauze off for a while just so these babies can get some air? Updated on 16 Sep 2013: I called my ps to see if I could let these babies lose for a while and he said yes. I took some more pics for you all. Updated on 16 Sep 2013: Sorry, hit update before I was finished adding pictures. I have very little bruising. In face the only Place I see bruising is where he removed the drains. Updated on 17 Sep 2013: I was so caught up in the fact that I made it to the other side, I failed to mention that the pain in my shoulder, neck and back magically disappeared. It's like magic! I had pain in my left shoulder that shot all the way down to my thumb. I always thought it was from nerve damage or carpal tunnel syndrome, actaully I learned it was from the bra strap pressing on my should causing continus pain. I cannot believe it just went away with my extra breast fat. It is amazing how much pain heavy breast can cause. I had plans to go to the mall tonight to get a front closure bra since the ones I ordered before the surgery don't fit, but when I woke up this morning had had this sever pain in my toe that is preventing me from putting my foot flat on the ground. I'm sure it has nothing to do with my breast, I just find it funny that I more pain in my toe than I do in my breast! I've been forcing myself to walk on it to relieve the pain but its not helping. I want to get tot the mall before I return to work next week. I have a question, when did you knowledgeable ladies remove the gauze and just wear a bra? I'm not planning to do this any time soon because I'm afraid to find my nipple attached to my bra or wet spots coming threw my shirt making it loo like I need to breast feed a non-exsistant baby. Updated on 18 Sep 2013: So today I went out for the first time since the surgery. I really needed to purchase some front closure bras because the ones I brought online were too small. Unfortuneitly they did not have any at the stores I went to so I ended up buying two sports bras...size medium. I never worn anything on my breast that were a medium. They are so cute and tiny. I go see my ps tomorrow so ill have more of an update tomorrow regarding my progress. Here are pictures from today. Besides bruising around the area the drains were removed I think I'm healing quickly and nicely. Also, I did get extremely tired quite quickly at the mall. I love my new boobies! Updated on 19 Sep 2013: Just left the ps's office. He says I'm healing well, actually faster than he expected. I asked some basic questions about my limits. He just advised that I rest when needed, no heavy lifting and maybe half days of work for the first week. He said I can discontinue the gauze and neosporin in two weeks and I should be able to purchased wireless bra's in 3 weeks. I was concerned about my nipple falling off since reading a couple stories on the internet about some women losing them. My ps said that he has never lost a nipple in his 37 years of practice and it usually only happens when a nipple graft was done, which in my case it was not. He said my nipple was never ditached from the blood supply. I have feeling in both nipples. He said the only thing I might see is little scabbung around the nipple area where the dissolvable stitches are, other than that I should not expect anything unusual, of course, unless I do things that I should not. He wants me to relax and let the natural healing process take its course. He also told me when the swelling goes down I should be a small C. I was very happy to hear that. I feel great, no pain. I have not taken any pain meds since I came home from the hospital on Saturday. I simply don't like the way they make me feel. I feel they don't do anything for my pain except to put me to sleep where I don't realize there is pain. Updated on 19 Sep 2013: Updated on 21 Sep 2013: I just wanted to check in. I am at day 8 and I'm doing very well. No complaints, just progress. I am healing very well and quickly too. I was able to clean, cook and shop. I find myself getting tired faster but I keep pushing forward because I return to work on Monday. I am a mental health counselor which requires a lot of groups, sessions and meetings so I need my endurance and strength - emotional and physical. I will post pictures soon as I am typing on my iPad but my pictures are in my iPhone...photoshare eats my iPad memory :-) Updated on 21 Sep 2013: Updated on 25 Sep 2013: Just a quick update. I am back to work for three days now and I must say that I feel great. I think the activity of driving and more movement is helping the healing process. When I was home I appreciated the time off but I also felt lazy and sluggish. I think the swelling, actually I know the swelling is going down significantly because these babies are moving around. They bounce when I it a bump, not the most comfortable feeling at this stage. I am still a bit boxy though. I am able to almost put my arms all the way down on the side of my body. I still use a pillow but sleeping on my side gets easier and less painful daily. I am so tired of staring at the ceiling until I pass out. It is kind of weird feeling the swelling going down, almost like weights on a levy. The top is soft but the area around the nipple is still pretty hard, it's like a pulling feeling. I apply Neosporin daily and new gauze daily and can feel where the stitches have dissolved. I opted not to use panty liners instead of the gauze because I like the feeling of more cushion between my stitches and my bra. CVS had a buy one get on free so that should suffice until I don't have to wear them anymore. I know we all have boobs but I am looking forward to the day that I don't feel them daily :-) I have not had any back pain and my posture has increased a great deal. I still have some pain in my shoulder, although not as bad, but I think the damage to the nerve was probably already done. I take Aleve and it helps a great deal as it is an over the counter anti-inflammatory. I made an appointment with an Orthopedic doctor. Well ladies I hope everyone is healing well and to the ladies that have not had their surgery yet good luck to you. That really wasn't that quick was it? Updated on 25 Sep 2013: I forgot to add that as the swelling does down I see more bruising below the nipple area, not around it. I can only see it if I use my forward facing camera. The sides where the drains where are almost completely healed. I will post updated pictures on Friday. Updated on 27 Sep 2013: I don't have anything new to share since my last update except to say that each day gets better. The swelling is going down a lot and my boobies are dropping. I actually like them better hanging than I did with them sitting in my neck, they look more real. My right boob is more swollen than my left, that seems to be the general consensus. My scars are healing nicely. I haven't used anything to help with the healing process. I just take my vitamins daily. I will start to use my oils and vitamin E once the incisions close completely. I bought two more grey and black sports bras...looking forward to being able to purchase more bras and not having to wear one 24 hours a day. The shine you see on my boobs is the Neosporin I continue to apply daily. Updated on 30 Sep 2013: So this was not a good weekend. I was feeling really bad on Friday, I guess because it was my first week back to work so by the end of the week my boobies was feeling it. I took ONE Percocet - what a bad decision. It was the worse feeling I have ever experienced! I hate controlled substances for pain. I was so sick!. I threw my dinner up and felt hung over. My stayed nauseous and could not sleep. Whenever I moved my head I felt the need to throw up. Fast forward until the next morning and I am still reeling from the pain medication. My husband suggested I put something on my stomach. He was kind enough to cut up some apples for me to eat. Those came up as well. I threw up seven times in less than 20 minutes. I could smell the Percocet on me and coming through my pores. Anyway, I am feeling okay except the swelling under my arms is annoying and I am not sleeping well at night because my shoulders hurt so much from sleeping on my back. Updated on 3 Oct 2013: I just have a quick question. When did you ladies stop wearing gauze 24 hours a day? I'm at 3 weeks tomorrow and I'm so ready to stop wearing gauze! Updated on 4 Oct 2013: My left breast is doing amazing. I think my right one is doing well too but I feel more uncomfortable in my right breast when I hit a bump or make any kind of sudden movement. There is still a slight purplish/brown bruise above the incision and under the nipple. I also have a little bit of redness around the nipple, not directly on the nipple but more like 1 inch above it. It is like spotted redness that does not itch or hurt. Have any of you wise ladies experience this? I am not in any pain or anything. Should I be concerned or let it ride out? Updated on 4 Oct 2013: I am not sure if you can see the redness and bruising in these pics. My breast don't feel hot or irritated but I want to catch it early if there is a problem. Thanks for your input. Updated on 5 Oct 2013: Ok, so I just went to Jcpenny cause they were have door busters until 1. I was measured at a 36C at VS last weekend. I'm not sure if I'm a C?!?! The bra I'm wearing is a 36C! Updated on 14 Oct 2013: I love my new boobies and can't stop taking pictures and looking at them. I still have swelling on the sides and I can feel shifting on the inside when I try to lay on my side. My questions is, when will my areola be flush with my breast. They seem to be swollen all the time as if I put a stick pin in them they will pop, you can see them in my October 4th posting. They are flattened out when I have my bra on but as soon as I take it off they swell up! Also, my back hurts so bad from sleeping on my back...when did you healed ladies begin to sleep on your stomach? I would not try it now because I know they aren't ready to be flattened out like that. Besides this I am doing great. I go for my 5 week PO on Thursday. Can't wait to shop for a real bra...in the mean time I am buying up all the sexy pajama's I can find that accentuate my boobies. My sister said I no longer have breast, I have [RS bleep] now...I love her :-) Updated on 14 Oct 2013: I just wanted to update everyone with recent pictures. Updated on 17 Oct 2013: I saw my wonderful ps today. He gave me clearance to resume normal activity - within reason. He also told me that I was healing well despite my concern. Yesterday my left breast began to itch like no bodies business and I scratched. The itching wasn't on the incision or on my areola, it was on the side. I scratched so much that my breast swelled up. Anyway, it's kind of sore today. Not as red though or itchy. I was told that I can walk around without a bra and sleep on my tummy, if I feel comfortable. I was surprised to hear that I never have to wear an underwire bra again. I told him I was having a difficult time buying a wireless 36C with that fit properly. He advised that I go to a higher end store ( I was trying to get away from that), be fitted properly and buy off the rack thus getting a good bra for half the price because I won't have to pay custom size prices. Here are some pictures I took today. The front view always makes them look bigger than they actually are. You can see where one breast still looks bigger than the other. Updated on 22 Oct 2013: I had an allergic reaction to the pure Vitamin E getting into an open area on my left breast. This is what caused the itching and redness. I also have a rash. This is driving me crazy. I took Benadryl but that did not seem to help. I have been applying anti-itch cream to the area as of today. Hopefully the itching will stop soon because it is irritating. Anyway, I went to Soma on Sunday just to play dress up. Mind you I did not wear a day that day. I felt so vulnerable and free. I tried on some bras, when the sales girl first saw me, see said I was a 36 DDD, I could have choked her. Eventually she came down to a 36D. I attached pictures of me in a 36 DDD and 36 D. The bra is so pretty. For anyone interested as of Sunday they were having buy two get one free sale. I did not buy anything because I am not ready for an underwire, but they were so pretty! Updated on 22 Oct 2013: Sorry ladies I meant to say the cream colored bra is a 36C - NOT D Updated on 1 Nov 2013: Hi ladies, I don't have a new picture to post today but I will soon. I am doing great. I am healing very well. I still have some hardness on both sides, not so much that it concerns me. Each day the hardened area softens up. I am not sure if all the swelling has gone down yet, it feels like it. The only minor issue I've had is that I seem to get irritated around my breast easily and my areola's seem very dry. I use Gold Bond and the Palmers Skin Therapy Oil. I discontinued the pure Vitamin E because it seems this is where the irritation started. My skin is very sensitive and it might be too strong for me. This just started in the last week. I have also been applying cortisone regularly when the itching starts. Maybe I need to keep a bra on thus the material from my tops won't bother me so much . I have been sleeping on my side comfortably. I actually found myself laying on my stomach with my elbows propped up while talking on the phone. I didn't even realize I did it. I didn't even feel my boobs touching the bed because they are that small...I LOVE IT!! I have not purchased any new bras, actually at this point I am in no rush to because I love being able to go braless, even though I know I will have to buy one soon. I hope all of you are doing well and any questions or concerns you have are being answered. For those of you that have not had the surgery, good luck to you and read all you can on these boards so there are no surprises during recovery. Updated on 2 Nov 2013: 5 minutes ago I went to the bathroom to clean up and get ready for bed. I noticed a small hole near my areola. There was no scab previously. What is this? I've read things about suture rejection. Could this be what it is? There was no holes there just yesterday, because like I said in other post, I'm ALWAYS looking at my boobs. Should I be nervous? I put Neosporin on it and covered it with a gauze. When I looked at my sports bra I noticed dry discharge where the hole would be while wearing it. Updated on 8 Nov 2013: I just wanted to update everyone on the hole I was developing. I applied Neosporin and it seemed to have closed up in two days. These pictures were taken two days after my original post entitled "what is this". Thank you to all the women that lent their support. I did not go to the doctor because by Monday the allege hole was a lot better and I have not had a problem since. Updated on 12 Nov 2013: Okay, this will probably be my last update for a while as there is not much new to share. I slept on my stomach maybe 3 times in the last couple weeks. It gets more comfortable each day. It is kind of weird because my breast are so firm (not swollen) that it is odd to sleep on them. I am used to droopy flat breast that have minimal feeling in them. I have not had any new issues with hole, irritation or bruising. I don't wear a bra on the weekends but I do wear it to sleep in some nights, just out of habit. I realized all the pictures I was taking made my breast look huge still although they are very small, 36C, and some bra's I can fit a B - depending on the designer. I realized that when I turn my phone towards me it makes them look a lot larger. Here is a picture I took this morning. I want to thank, Kimmer25, Ginge, AVA07, greatexpectations and all the other women that have been helpful to me on my journey. You ladies are awesome. For the new comers that have had surgery and the women who have not I wish you plenty of happiness with your new breast and the freedom they allow you. Happy healing to all of you. I may not post but I will continue to lurk. I also realized that my hair is the same in all the picture, it either up and messy or in a shower cap...I swear I do my hair :-) Updated on 12 Nov 2013: Sorry, the picture did not post with update. Updated on 22 Nov 2013: All is well. Still have not purchased a bra. Besides them being so pretty, I have no other reason to rush and purchase one. My husband "played" with them for the first time yesterday :-) He loves my new boobs. My 10 year old is just happy to be able to fall to sleep on my chest without hurting me. The scars on my shoulder and breast are lightening up nicely as I apply Vitamin E twice a day. My nipples are more sensitive than ever and they show threw my clothes when I don't wear a bra which, forgive me, but I think is sexy sometimes. Hey, what do you expect I never had this problem before because my nipples were always pointing toward the floor. I sleep on my stomach quite often with no pain.
Hi! I had implants put in 11 yrs ago after giving birth my second time. I've always been large chested and I've battled weight issues most of my adult life. I'm comfortable now at a size 14 pants, but I have to wear a 1X top. I would be thrilled for a L after I'm done with everything. My implants are actually not that big and were only put in to add "perkiness" not size. So on removing them, the doctor advised I would really want a reduction and lift as well for the desired outcome. So... On May 18, that is what I'm scheduled to do. I have spent the last few weeks researching and I am thankful for this site for giving us the ability to network with one another on this stuff! I'm hoping my surgery goes off without a hitch. I've been told with large breasts there is always a chance of losing your nipples and I think that concerns me. But not enough to make me cancel my procedure. Anyone had this done yet? What did you do that made it a success? Updated on 19 Apr 2016: I have my pre op appointment scheduled for this Thursday morning at 10. I'm so jazzed!!!! I wore the prettiest new dress shirt today and had to keep tugging it forward all day to keep my button line straight and forward.ugh! I will NOT miss this! I have been window shopping for cute clothes and then decide you know what.., a new purse will always fit right! Lol Updated on 11 May 2016: I'm officially one week away from surgery and I'm so ready!!! I still keep researching / reading everything I can about reduction and explant surgery. I love that real self is here for us! But I'm still Hoping to find someone else who has had an explant , reduction and lift. I'm most afraid of my nipples dying... Yikes! Ok, I refuse to dwell on the negative. Best wishes to all of you!!! Kim Updated on 18 May 2016: I had them taken out today and I feel great!!! Sore but great!!! I can't really rest well yet. Hopefully tomorrow will be more restful. But I'm very thankful for the size reduction and I feel way thinner!!!! Updated on 22 May 2016:
Well I've decided to bite the bullet and go through with a breast augmentation. Something I've been wanting to do since I was 18. I am currently 5'5" about 170 and can wear a 38a/b depending on the bra. I am looking to have my surgery early 2015 as I am trying to knock down some weight before I have the surgery. I've seen about 4 different surgeons and finally picked one. A friend of mine used this surgeon for her BA about 4 years ago and she couldn't be happier. I met with him twice before making my decision. His bedside manor, before and after photos, and the fact that he was patient and willing to answer all of my questions is what sold me. I've gotten approved for financing for the better portion of the surgery which is fabulous. Going with high profile salines under the muscle, not sure of the ccs yet. I'm a little concerned about the rippling with salines but my Dr. says that if we go under the muscle it will be reduced and that I have enough tissue that should cover it. But we will see I guess; I don't really think I do. Updated on 24 Nov 2014: Booked the surgery for April 10th. Can't wait. Got approval for financing. Everything seems to be falling into place now. C'mon April! Updated on 24 Feb 2015: Well, I'm starting to get nervous but really excited. I think I'm mostly nervous about the recovery process and how long it's going to take before I'm back to my normal routine. In two weeks I go for my pre-op appointment with the surgeon. We will figure out what cc each implant is going to and all the paperwork fun. Yay! Updated on 17 Mar 2015: Wow, I just looked and the last time I posted an update I had 45 days left. Yikes, the time is going by so quickly. I had my pre op appointment last week and will be going with 350-400cc. I am quite content with this size as I don't want to end up huge. My surgeon gave me a pack of supplements to start taking next week and a bottle of arnica for after the surgery. Everything but the anesthesia and the hospital stay are paid for. It is becoming more and more of a reality. Updated on 27 Mar 2015: Just 14 days to go. I have started my pre surgery herbal supplement regimen as provided by my surgeon. They are supposed to assist in helping your body heal and reduce swelling. He also gave me arnica for after the procedure. Love that my surgeon uses natural products!
Swelling after a " Tummy Tuck " is very variable. I tell my patients between 4-6 weeks at the minimum. It also depends on a patients level of activity. Another variable is whether or not liposuction was preformed at the same time which will make swelling last longer
