Sutton Graham II, MD

Okay so I am a 21 yr old female that has suffered from bug breasts since the 9th grade. My senior year I was sized at a 32DDD and honestly I have not been sized since then so they have definitely gotten bigger. My mom finally scheduled my consultation for July the 13. During my consultation my surgeon wrote down a couple things and informed me of what to expect during the process. He notified my insurance and about a week and a half later the insurance approved it! We got the surgery schedule for Sep 29th through one of his assistants, I can say it was one of the smoothest processes I’ve ever been through. This surgery has definitely changed my life for the better. I immediately felt lighter, and haven’t had any back pain since.

Updated on 4 Oct 2020:
So I consider my first day post op as my surgery day, only because my surgery was SOOOO early in the day. I was really zoned out, mostly sleep during the entire day. Pain was at a minimum, it really only felt like soreness. I did not take a shower this day.

Updated on 7 Oct 2020:
Okay today makes 1 week and one day since my surgery. I’m feeling really good but my right breast is starting to get a little irritated the more the feeling comes back. Other than that I am loving my new breasts. I had my post op appt today with my surgeon and he says everything is healing well.

Updated on 31 Oct 2020:
So I had my last post op appt with my surgeon on the 29th of october. My doctor removed the 3 stitches that didn’t dissolve which was pretty painless. He also took the tape off from around my nipples which hurt a little bit since they were still pretty stuck on there. He has lifted all of my restrictions but he still doesn’t want me to put too much pressure on them until a few months. I have my last appt with him completely in january. He also told me in a week or 2 I can start scar treatment which I’m pretty excited about. I think I am going to do the silicone scar patches. I feel just about back to normal, I also started sleeping on my side last week which took some getting used to.

I am 45 years old. Recently, I have begun to notice my face becoming lax, especially around the mouth and jawline. Many of my older female relatives have quite heavy jowls, so I know it's just a matter of time for me :)

I've never had any problem with the idea of plastic surgery - although I had always thought I would wait until at least my fifties. However, I've read a number of medical articles that suggest facelifts done in the mid-to-late forties have higher rates of patient satisfaction. So I made the decision to have the procedure this year - and hopefully have many years to enjoy the results.

I am having a facelift and neck lift: nothing done to the eyes at this point, since my upper and lower eyelids are still in pretty good shape.

I visited Dr. Graham's office last fall and was impressed with his surgical background, his personal surgical suite, and his staff. He was honest about what the procedure would and would not accomplish. He stressed that my face would continue to age after the lift and that I might need additional work to maintain the results in 10-15 years' time. There was definitely no hard sell: just a realistic description of the procedure, the expected healing time, and the likely results. Dr. Graham has excellent credentials and has been the chairman of plastic surgery at both of our area hospitals, so I feel that I am in good hands.

I have decided to take my best friend with me on the day of the surgery. My husband is supportive of my decision - but I still think that he would be pretty upset by my appearance right afterwards with all the drains and dressings. So my girlfriend and I will stay at a nearby hotel for a couple days immediately afterward until the worst of the swelling has passed. I love my husband, but I am pretty sure he would say things like "You look terrible - Is that normal?! Are you sure you did the right thing?" And I don't need that!

I am definitely nervous about the surgery: I mean, who wouldn't be, right? Fortunately I am super-busy at work right now, so I hardly have time to think about it. There's even a little part of me that is looking forward to taking 2 weeks off work to finally rest :) But I won't kid myself: this is real surgery and there will be plenty of ups and downs during the healing process.

I am really grateful to the other ladies on Real Self who have shared their photos and stories. You have given me the courage to take this step and to see past the first rough post-surgery days to the final end result. So I am excited to pay it back by sharing my journey with you.

Updated on 12 Apr 2016:
Today I met with the surgical nurse who walked me through everything that would happen on the day of the operation. I must say that all the staff at Dr. Graham's office are very helpful and kind -- it makes a big difference when you are feeling nervous!

We reviewed all the prescriptions I would need to fill: antibiotics, Celebrex, anti-nausea meds, pills for pain, etc. There was an antibiotic ointment for the sutures and special gauze pads to wear under the compression garment. She also recommended that I pick up some Arnica tablets for bruising.

They will send me home with a special wedge pillow to elevate my head... We will see what my cats think of that -- they will probably want to sleep on it immediately!

I'm also scheduled for lymphatic drainage massages several times after the surgery to assist with swelling.

Only 9 more days - eek! It's kind of hard to believe. I am trying to stay focused on work in order to keep my nerves at bay.... But I can't help but spend more and more time on this site following everyone else's experiences.

Updated on 21 Apr 2016:
Had a great experience today with Dr. Graham and his surgical staff. I'll write more when I am rested, but just wanted everyone to know that the surgery went well!

My surgery buddy Tamara changed the drain like a champ, too! My husband would have been out on a stretcher lol :)

No pain at the moment - just stiffness and tightness.

Updated on 23 Apr 2016:
Definitely verrrrrry swollen, especially on my left side. But as yet, no bruising. Perhaps the arnica and bromelain are working there. I can see a real improvement in the nasolabial folds - they are basically gone. The sutures around my ear are very neat and close to the hairline - I do a lot of sewing and embroidery, so I am definitely impressed with the tiny, regular stitches. It's been hard to sleep - maybe once some of the swelling goes down I will be able to sleep better.

Updated on 23 Apr 2016:
This one from the less-swollen right side looks a bit better!

Updated on 24 Apr 2016:
I'm still really swollen but I feel worlds better today - as though I am beginning to get my usual energy levels back. I am taking it easy because I know I should.....but really I feel as though I could do light housework or go for a walk. I'll wait a few more days, though, since I don't want to do anything that could make the swelling worse. Still no bruises, and the incisions seem to be in good shape. I am keeping them covered with the antibiotic ointment. Underneath all the swelling, I think my face and jawline are looking really good....I will just have to be patient (not a character trait I am normally known for!)

Updated on 25 Apr 2016:
Still v. swollen, esp on left side - I am stopping by my PS office this afternoon just to be reassured it's normal. Poor doc - I bet everyone panics and asks this after a facelift! Truth be told, I can already see how nice it will look in a few weeks.

I was feeling like a slug just watching TV all day, so now I've picked up a Dickens novel that's been on the shelf for a few years. It's engrossing + gives me the sense that my brain is not turning to mush :)

First light yellow bruising showed up today - only on the neck, and really it's quite minimal.

Updated on 26 Apr 2016:
My PS assured me that I am healing just fine, and indeed my swelling is down at least 20% on my highly subjective chipmunk resemblance scale. Got some impressive multi-colored bruises happening, especially on my neck. Going without the face bra today too, on doctor's advice. He has indicated that I only need to wear it at night.

For my Real Self friends who are wondering about returning to work, I would say there's no way I'll be ready until at least the two-week mark -- BUT, I do feel ready to begin some light computer work from home. Today is the first day I've felt that way. Plus tbh I dread the email backlog if I stay incommunicado much longer!

It's pretty funny that the neck tightness I had attributed to the compression garment is actually still there when I remove it: it's actually the tightness of my new wattle-free neck. I am not complaining!

Have a good day everyone - wishing you all speedy healing [RS bleep]

Updated on 27 Apr 2016:
I promised a neighbor that I would feed her feral cat colony while she was on vacation, so today I have to briefly leave the house. I put a little makeup on the front portions of my face only. I live in a college town with people from all over the world: I'm pretty sure no one will look twice at the headscarf.

Anyone else sleeping really deeply these days? I feel like I am suddenly getting the best sleep of my life these last few nights - maybe my body sleeps really deeply so that it can get on with the business of healing? I'm also taking two really good naps a day.

Swelling is still pretty significant, neck bruising is definitely in full effect. I'm hoping week 2 will be when my face regains something like a normal shape. I've got these weird divots in my cheeks too, but I know they'll start to disappear along with the swelling....

Good luck to all the pre-surgery gals and happy healing to everyone!

Updated on 29 Apr 2016:
Got some stitches out yesterday - didn't hurt at all. Then had a lymphatic massage, which felt great and will hopefully get some of this swelling moving.

I'm including a picture of the front incision area so you can see what a nice job Dr. Graham did. The front incision runs behind the tragus rather than in front of it, as I have seen elsewhere. I don't know the pros and cons of these two approaches, but in my case cutting behind the tragus certainly seems to hide the suture line very well.

My face still feels really hard and swollen in places, but I know it's early days still. Trust me when I say that the second photo is taken from the only angle that hides the swelling decently! But it gives me something to look forward to. I have to keep reminding myself that I am not going to be the only person in the history of facelift whose swelling never went away :)

Updated on 29 Apr 2016:
When I smile you can see the bumps and swelling a lot more. Also: filters!

Updated on 2 May 2016:
My bruising is fading, but the swelling hasn't budged much in a couple days. My neck is still pretty thick, my upper cheeks are hard and swollen, and I've got some divots in my cheeks. Not that I am complaining: as far as I understand it, this is par for the course. I have had to give up my beloved Mac and cheese, since every time I ate it (with its delicious 600 mg of sodium) - I swelled back up to day 2 levels. Very discouraging! I've been drinking lots of water and tea to try to flush out the edema....probably it's just giving me the illusion of control, though. Nothing's gonna cure this but time!

With some clever camera angles, I get a cheering sense of how it will all look when the bumps and swelling resolve. But bear in mind that if you saw me in person, I would not look quite as good as these photos suggest (yet!).

I'm still super pleased with the outcome and can't wait for a few more weeks to pass so that I can stop thinking about my face all the time. I would say I've got 2/3rds of my usual energy back, and I am doing a significant amount of work from home now.

Updated on 4 May 2016:
So...first world problems: what to do when the house cleaners are coming and you are holed up recovering from plastic surgery? I made my first real foray into the outside world to do some computer work at a local coffee shop. No stares of horror or astonishment, so clearly I can pass for a normal human being!

Swelling is a lot better today..although my little excursion completely wiped me out energy-wise. One coffee shop visit + short trip to grocery store and pharmacy = exhaustion for the rest of the day. Feeling kind of guilty that I should have gotten more work done from home.

But all in all a good day! Best of luck to all the pre- and post-surgery gals out there [RS bleep]

Updated on 7 May 2016:
Here are some no makeup pictures first thing in the morning: the residual lumpiness in my cheeks is almost completely resolved and the front sutures are seriously invisible. All that is left is a little bit of swelling in my upper cheeks and neck, which is probably noticeable only to me.

I did run into the office yesterday and got some longer than usual stares...as well as complements on my blouse and my new hairstyle ;)

You wonder how many people secretly suspect what you've had done and are too polite to ask! I really don't mind talking about it -- all the gals at my hair salon know, for example. It's more that I have a very conservative workplace, and I work in a field where everything that is not male, factual and pragmatic is deemed frivolous. So I guess I don't want to be perceived as doing something as stereotypically "feminine" as worrying about my appearance. Lol - maybe I'll dress sloppily for a few weeks to offset any additional attractiveness!

I had the remaining stitches out on Thursday - a little stinging, but really no big deal. My PS stressed that I should not do any strenuous exercise or yoga poses for another couple weeks. I am walking around the neighborhood though - staying on the flat parts. I will be going back to work on Monday, too - I feel ready at this point, both from an appearance and an energy standpoint.

After two+ weeks, I feel really positive about the whole experience: there were a few rough days in there, but it has definitely been worth it.

Updated on 11 May 2016:
A couple people asked to see pix of the scars behind my ears and under my chin. In both cases, these scars are already very thin and difficult to see - even though I am less than 3 weeks post surgery. All but the last bits of swelling have gone away, and I am very happy with the results. I'm back at work now and don't feel self conscious at all. I still have a little less energy than usual, but that's to be expected. Best wishes to all! [RS bleep]

Updated on 23 May 2016:
I've been cleared to exercise by my PS and I am gradually adding some yoga and light weights + cardio back into my routine. That feels good after a month of not moving much! He also instructed me to massage the small remaining hard/swollen areas under my chin and on the sides of my fave, so I've been doing that a couple times a day. Overall I feel very good. The results are continuing to settle with time - I am more pleased every week. I am definitely starting to look more and more natural - although at this point the weekly changes are less noticeable. I have a little numbness on the sides of my face, but it's no big deal.

I'm going to visit relatives over the holiday weekend -- so we'll see if they notice anything!

I notice that I feel like going out and doing things more. I have become a real homebody these last few years - but now I am more excited about going to social events, dinner, plays, etc. I think the increased socializing will be good for my mental health and happiness. I am usually somewhat shy...but that can so easily devolve into reclusiveness. Anyway - I feel more cheerful and hopeful now.

Updated on 29 Oct 2016:
Really pleased with my results....I actually have trouble remembering how I looked before. I can wear my hair back again, since my neck line is smooth and there are no more jowls! That in itself was worth the cost and downtime of surgery, since it saves me so much time on busy mornings!

Updated on 29 Oct 2016:

Thanks to all the ladies stories really helped me. I was a 38DDD. The pain in my Back and shoulders was un real. I checked in at 530am. My nurse Pam put IV in and I talked to the Anesthesiology. My doctor came in marked me up. He took his time. They rolled me to OR and woke up in recovery 3 hours later. I don't remember anything. I have a little pain. 2 drains placed in me. I'm seeing my doctor this morning. I hope to see my new boobs :). My back feels great!!!! I got up every hour to move around house. My 2 year old seems to be ok sitting next to me and my 6 year old is a lot of help. Hubby doing great this far around house :). I want to thank Jesus for waking me up from surgery. I'll keep you ladies posted. I'm sleeping in recliner. My insurance paid for me. They approved me in 5 days.

Updated on 26 Jul 2014:
I'm doing ok. I'm sore and my nipples are stinking. This stared happening after my shower. Over all I'm doing pretty good. My boobs look small. Yikes...... My back feels great. My incisions are stinking a little as well. I hope this is normal.

Updated on 27 Jul 2014:
I'm doing better. Taking Tylenol off the narcotic. Did some dishes. My boobs look like a full c. Yikes I have to get use to that. I wanted a d. Overall. Scars looks good. Still sleeping in recliner chair. My right incision on breast starting to itch. I hope thus is normal. I Just hope I don't go smaller then a C.

Well I'm at the beginning of this whole process. I have emailed a plastic surgeon and am waiting to hear back about a consultation appointment.

A little about me:
I'm 30 years old. I've had issues with large breasts since 11th grade. When I graduated I was a 36C. Now I wear a 38DD but I know I'm larger than that bc I'm always adjusting. I've always had self confidence issues with my chest. I always keep my arms crossed to cover them. I have to wear a bra, and sports bra everyday. I can never go with out a bra, even while sleeping because of the discomfort. Working out is an issue as running and jumping hurts. I'm a cosmetologist, and having large breasts is making my job really take a toll on my body. I have constant pain and tightness in my back, neck and shoulders. It's there when I wake up until I go to sleep.

I just can't deal with the discomfort any longer. I excited to set up a consultation and submit a letter to my insurance(blue cross blue shield) to see if I will be approved. I'm hoping the approval will not be a long process. I'm a little worried bc I don't have documentation of pain from a family doctor, but that is bc I did not have one until a month ago.

I would love to be a C-cup. I play to go look at bras in the next day or so to figure out my true size.

I will update through out my entire experience.



Updated on 10 Apr 2013:
Consultation is scheduled for May 20th @ 9:45 am.

Updated on 19 May 2013:
Finally after waiting over a month and a half my consultation with PS is in the morning. Prayers please that I can get insurance approval!

Updated on 20 May 2013:
My consultation was this morning. Couldn't have gone any better. Doctor and staff were great and it was not awkward at all. He said he would take out the 500cc which is what insurance requires and that would get me down to a C-cup. That sounds like heaven!!! He said I was a great candidate and should know about approval in a week to 3 weeks. If I get approved I'm looking at paying anywhere from 500-2000 dollars. The cost without approval is 8,000. So approval from insurance is very important. Please say prayers for me.

Updated on 21 May 2013:


Updated on 22 May 2013:
How long did it take before you received a letter from insurance after your consultation?

Updated on 27 May 2013:
So it has been a week since my consult and I swear now that I'm trying to get this process rolling I feel like my back is about to break in half. Is killing me! Also went to target today to pick up some things. Stopped by the BRA section. I held up a 38C to a 38DD and I almost started salivating. It looked sooooo tiny and AMAZING!

Updated on 31 May 2013:
I just got the call from from plastic surgeon. I'm approved and feel like I could fly! When I calm down I will call back an set up a date.

Updated on 2 Jun 2013:
I notice in my paper work they gave me about the surgery that you need to discontinue birth control. I will ask me Doctor but does anyone know about the mirena IUD? Do you have to have it taken out? Hope not bc I paid about 1,000 dollars for it and have only had it a year and a half. Anyone with mirena have a breast reduction?

Updated on 3 Jun 2013:
Just called PS Office to set up my surgery date. She said the soonest they could do would be June 18 Which sounds amazing but unfortunately that does not work with my schedule. The month of June and July are both just really busy months for me as far as work goes. So I asked for Early August. She is going to start checking on the dates and she will get back with me. Crazy to think that if it worked out I could have the surgery done in two weeks. It makes me sad but I try to look at it as me getting to enjoy my summer little more I guess. I'm just so ready to do this.

Updated on 4 Jun 2013:
Pre-op Is July 25Th And Surgery Is Set For August 2Nd. Can'T Wait!!

Updated on 4 Jun 2013:
So I just received my letter from insurance. It says authorized until June 17th. My surgery is scheduled for Aug2nd. I hope this doesn't become a problem. I emailed the surgeon's office about it bc they are closed? Anyone been in this situation before?

Updated on 5 Jun 2013:
I called about the pre authorized letter. She said that Always happens because when they send in the information they have to estimate a surgery date. She said when I come in for my preop appointment they will resubmit For the date of surgery. She said it is no big deal it will all work out so I'm going to trust that and relax

Updated on 5 Jun 2013:
Insurance has been contacted and date has been changed. Nothing to do now except enjoy my summer until 10:30 am August 2nd. I'm sooo excited its all I can think about. I'm sure you get that from all the postings!!

Updated on 5 Jun 2013:


Updated on 27 Jun 2013:
Surgery date has been changed to Aug 6th. Kind of a bummer but doctor has a meeting on my original date and can't do it. Also it is scheduled for 1PM???? That is a long time to go without eating or drinking.

Updated on 6 Jul 2013:
I hope this month goes quicker than last month. I'm ready to do this and start healing.

Updated on 21 Jul 2013:
Pre op is this Thursday!! 16 days till surgery. At this moment I'm not nervous but I think I will be. I've heard great things about my surgeon so I feel confident.

Updated on 25 Jul 2013:
Pre-op was today. Went well. Here is a list of prescriptions:
Celebrex(anti-inflammatory medicine)
Cephalexin (antibiotic)
Enoxaparin (an injection to prevent blood clots)
Nucynta (pain med)
Scopolamine hydro bromide patch (nausea)
Phenergan (rectal suppositories for nausea) doesn't sound like a good time!!

I will be having another preop at the hospital to have vitals checked. That should be sometime next week.

I will have drains that will be removed the following day. After they take the drains out they will give me a post op bra to wear. The only part that will be taped is my nipples. Anchor scar will be left exposed.

I'm so ready!

Updated on 25 Jul 2013:
My surgery time was changed from 1 to 9am so I'm very happy about that!

Updated on 29 Jul 2013:
8 more nights until surgery. Dropped my prescriptions off today. They will be ready tomorrow. I have been doing the DASH diet for a week now. Just changing my lifestyle to be healthier. (Lost 7 pounds in one week) Can not wait to exercise once I'm healed. Still not nervous as of yet. Feel really ready. I had a day or two of second guessing which I think is normal bc it's an elective surgery. It's weird to go in and be put to sleep. How was it for everyone?? Piece if cake?? I'm so ready for this.

Updated on 3 Aug 2013:
Well, it's almost time. I've been so busy with work I haven't had to to be nervous. I have tomorrow off so I'll spend it with church, family and a little swimming. Mondays are my day off but I'm going to go ahead and work. Should have my pre-op with hospital on Monday. I still have not heard from them which is frustrating. I called my surgeons office and they said the hospital will call Sunday to set the appointment up.
I picked up my prescriptions yesterday.
Nothing really new to tell. I can not believe this is going to happen.

Updated on 5 Aug 2013:
Today is my last day to have a large chest. I'm going to go to work for a few hours, then love on my baby yo (19) months before he goes to my in-laws for a few days. After that a little grocery shopping, 3 mile walk, bathe with antibacterial soap then bed. So far my nerves have been great. I did speak with my sis earlier and she is really nervous so that kind of got me going a little. I'm better now. Really the only thing I'm nervous about is being put to sleep. It REALLY freaks me out. So I will be happy to get it over with so I can report back to anyone who is afraid and ease their mind! Prayers for me please everyone!!! :)

Updated on 6 Aug 2013:


Updated on 6 Aug 2013:
Surgery was at 9. Took 2 1/2 hours. When I woke I was in a good amount of pain. Nurse corrected it immediately. I have been sleeping on and off today. I will give an overview of my surgery tomorrow . Right now have very blurred vision. I hope this makes sense. I'm pretty out of it at the moment.

Updated on 7 Aug 2013:
Ok, going to try to update. My vision is blurred looking at small print.
So yesterday I woke at 5:45 and showered with dial antibacterial soap husband an I drove to the hospital. Checked, gave urine sample and was put in a private roo. Nurse came and asked a lot of questions(family related) she left and didn't come back for another. When she came back to put the I'VE in my doctor walked in and did his drawings. Before he came in I was feeling super anxious, mainly about the getting put to sleep. He assured me I would like it and it would be a smooth transition. After that I was calm. Then anesthesiologist came in and answered any questions. After that they took me to OR and put a happy drug in my I'VE. I don't really remember it relaxing me, but I guess it did. She put an oxygen mask on me and said she was putting in my med. to make me go to sleep and I was out.surgery was at 9 and I came to at 12:15. Surgery was 2 1/2 hours.i woke up in a good bit of pain then she put something in my I'VE for that. She gave some ice chips which was great bc of my sore throat from the breathing tube.at about 1:15 then put me in another room and allowed my husband to come in. Pain was starting to come back so they gave me a loratab. That helped. Then she gave in structions about post op care and after that I was allowed to go home.

I slept on and off all day from yesterday I make sure I take my pain meds so it doesn't get away from me. A lot of people on here talk about how minimal the pain is. Welllll, not for me and I have a very high pain tolerance, but with that being said its not unbearable.
Right now I'm wrapped up with gauze and NO bra. Haven't gone without a bra since um NEVER!
I go today at 3 am for him to remove the gauze. To be honest I really don't want to look at them there . I would rather look when I get home. They look pretty flat right now but I am taped up tight. It's truly a crazy experience. I do have to say my shoulders and back already feel great.

Updated on 7 Aug 2013:
Went to the dr today to remove gauze. Came home and took shower. My back/pain has already improved. I do have what you call dog ears. They said a lot of it is just swelling and should go down. They also told me in a few months if I don't like it he will do lipo in the area. All in all I'm happy to have this weight off my shoulders!

Updated on 8 Aug 2013:
I feel so much better today. Just a little sore. I just took my second shower. This time I did it by myself. Just washed my hair very slowly. Have gone from taking pain pill every 4 hours to about every 7 hours.

Updated on 8 Aug 2013:
I forgot to mention that I have complete nipple sensation!

Updated on 8 Aug 2013:
I highly recommend you drinking smooth move the day after surgery. I drank some last night and have used the bathroom a lot. When I had a c-section I didn't go for a week and it was one of the most horrible experiences of my life.
You can find it at your grocery store. It's organic and I think it's important to go to the bathroom easily bc straining is going to make you tighten your chest which is no good.

Updated on 8 Aug 2013:


Updated on 9 Aug 2013:


Updated on 9 Aug 2013:


Updated on 10 Aug 2013:
What is everyone using for the itching?
Today is day 4. Pain is getting better. More bruising is showing up. I'm feeling better but still kind of take naps. Right now I'm going bra-less while I wash my bras. Just needed a break from having them pinned up. I wish I could speed up this healing process. Definitely isn't the most fun I've had but it is worth it!

Updated on 12 Aug 2013:
Tomorrow marks 1 week for me. I'm not going to have time to update so I will do it now. I've taken it very easy this week. As far as my pain now, not too much, but I am super sore and very uncomfortable. I'm getting frustrated with how uncomfortable I am. I guess from reading other stories I didn't expect to feel like this. I have a 19month old. I sent him to my inlaws for a week. He is home now and I hate that I can't be the same with him. Luckily my husband is really stepping up and doing more. I just want to give my little buddy a tight squeeze. It's killing me. I'm feeling a little depressed but from what I've read it's normal. Depressed bc I can't be a good mom, because I'm extremely uncomfortable and bc I feel like my boobs are still big. I hope these next few weeks fly by. I'm usually an up beat person. Sorry to sound so down. I'm super grateful and I know what I'm going through now is soooo worth it. Just having a moment.

Updated on 15 Aug 2013:


Updated on 15 Aug 2013:


Updated on 17 Aug 2013:
I'm Almost Two Weeks PostOP And I Have What Feels Like Hard Lumps In My Breasts. Anyone Else? Is It Normal??

Updated on 19 Aug 2013:


Updated on 19 Aug 2013:
I know I have to wait a while for cardio, like 6 weeks, but what about walking?? I walk laps around the house, but my husband and I usually walk 3 miles everyday. Just wondering if anyone was cleared for that.

Updated on 22 Aug 2013:


Updated on 3 Sep 2013:
Today is 4 weeks. So far healing is going great. I'm happy with the overall look. I wish they were slightly smaller but hopefully that will come with some weight loss. There is an area under my arm that kinda looks like a roll. I do not like that. My surgeon said a lot of it is swelling but I'm not so sure. The good thing is I have up to one year to have lipo in the area free of charge so I am not going to concern myself with the area. They seem to be the same size and nipples match up. I'm still in sports bras so I'm not sure of my true size as of yet. I'm hoping to fit in a Ccup but who knows. Clothes look so much better on and I'm enjoying wearing strapless clothing. I've even gone bra less a few time. More importantly I've had no back/shoulder/neck pain.

Three weeks ago I had my carefully planned facelift, blepharoplasty,and YAG Laser resurfacing around my entire eye area. I had this surgery because I was feeling that my appearance (old) no longer matched how I was feeling inside (young). I had realistic expectations, i.e., didn't believe I'd look 20 again. I'm almost 57 yrs old and this surgery has literally erased years from my face. I'm very happy I had the surgery and would do it again in a heartbeat.

I will post more later...I have been waiting to do their ear surgery my whole life. I have spent the last few years reading real self....finally getting mine done. I visited two doctors in Greenville SC. thankfully because the second consultation was much better.

Im 5'3" and have lost 60 pounds since the birth of my last child. I am still 15 pounds above a normal bmi, but I promised myself at least a consult when I was within 10% of my goal weight. I had several consults and all said I was close enough to go for it. Yay! Things are going fast now. Preop only 10 days after consult and surgery 9 days after that. Nervy now that it's really happening. Trying to lose a bit more weight in the next two weeks to be as close as possible while also keeping a nutritious diet to stay strong. A full tummy tuck and breast lift with no implants. I'm a DD now and expect to be a full D after surgery. I will post pics after my pre op. I'm looking for info specifically on post op garments.... Bras and girdles.... What did you buy and where? Excited! Scared! Let's do this!

Updated on 12 Jul 2015:
Let's go good news first :). Dr Suttons staff are the nicest ladies you will ever meet. All his surgeries are performed in his outpatient surgical center right beside his office. It is fully certified, private and comfortable. Barbara the OR nurse welcomed me at 6:55 am with a big smile and off we went. I was dressed, tucked into a pre warmed bed, prepped, met the anesthesiologist, and was marked by Dr. Sutton all before 8am. Surgery took 5 hours. I had no pain on waking and made it home erasing. Now the not so good news. I had quite a bit of nausea that I had never experienced with anesthesia before. Meds worked, but Ick. It hurts. I am alternating the narcotic with Tylenol and the pain varies from nothing to omg! It is often burning not true pain. I am quite swollen and bruised. The compression garment is too tall. Lol! I am 5'3" and very short waisted. The top two hook and eye closures were not used by the doctor and I haven't used them either. They are simply folded down. The drain is a pain in the neck to maneuver, but I am trying trying to be patient. I used milk of magnesia yesterday and today and had pain free bathroom success, but wiping! Omg! The surface of my entire abdomen is numb. That is just weird. Now back to the good news. I look so good! I mean, it's hideous and swollen and nasty incisions, lol! But, flat! My stomach is flat for the first time in 20 years. My breasts are full and upright. I have a waist! It's amazing. I know the next weeks will have hard moments. I know I will have lingering pain and numbness. Right now I can say it is worth it.

Updated on 17 Jul 2015:
Had my post op visit yesterday. Drain was pulled, yay! The process itself was not painful, just odd. And having it out such a relief. I purchased a post maternity garment that was shorter waisted and while it is not as snug or supportive I am glad to have found something that fits. I will continue my search! Took my first shower completely alone today and rebandaged and redressed alone. Still swelling around my lower abdomen, but I am very pleased so far. Pain is completely gone except for occasional twinges at the incision. I can't stand up straight yet, but it improves every day. I spent 7 nights in the recliner. Last night in my own bed with a wedge under my knees was heaven! Two weeks to next post op when random stitches that haven't dissolved will be removed. And I hope to have a fully closed incision by then. I miss hot baths!

Updated on 21 Jul 2015:
Things are great... Mostly. My incisions on my belly and breasts are closing well. I have pretty extensive bruising left on my breasts but they are shaping up so well. I made it to Target and they have Hanes and Assets by Spanx body shapers that fit! Yay for the short girl. I have very minimal pain. The occasional twinge along an incision. Above my belly button feels strange. Not painful but rather disembodied and swollen. I'm stronger every day and nearly standing straight. I walk everyday the length of my street and back about a quarter mile. Next week I will bump it to twice a day. I am having one problem. My belly button doesn't look good. The skin began to grey a bit and look almost wet two days ago. I called the ps today expecting to talk to a nurse, but Dr Sutton himself spoke with me. He was reassuring and advised after showering I rinse my belly button with peroxide and gently wipe with a peroxide soaked q tip then apply bacitracin liberally. He said to let it air dry completely before redressing. I followed his instructions and the grey skin sloughed off like wet tissue paper revealing pink angry sensitive skin. It didn't hurt but it stung a bit. I am concerned but not panicked. Who else has had this problem and solved it? I use rolled gauze on my abdominal incision under my compression garment. So I redressed that incision and wrapped a wide ace bandage over my lower abdomen to act as a compression garment so my belly button wouldn't be covered. I have a gauze square loosely taped over it. I don't know ladies. Any thoughts are welcome. I have been doing so well. Sigh. :(