The whole process from start to finish it was really seamless and quick. Around November 15, 2021 I went to my orthopedist for my persistent back pain and that’s when I decided that I wanted a breast reduction. I’ve been dealing with back pain for the past 5 years and I have a herniated desk in my lumbar spine, so I’ve had a long paper Trail of history of problems with my back. I have history of going to physical therapy, going to a chiropractor, and seeing my orthopedist regularly. This paper trail is what helped when getting my procedure approved by my insurance and proving that I was a good candidate. About a week later, I called My insurance company, Aetna, to see what the proper protocol was to get the Breast Reduction insured/approved. My insurance plan allows me to see any specialist without a primary care providers referral, which is great because I didn’t visit one to begin with. My insurance company sent me a list of plastic surgeons that are within network and I picked from that list. I ended up going with Dr. Sybile Val because not only was she a black female but she had five star reviews. I went in for a consultation on Dec 2nd, 2021 where Dr. Val assed me on my problems that my large breasts were causing like neck and back pain, took my measurements, took before photos of me, and showed me pics of her work. She must have written a compelling letter to my insurance company, because they approved my surgery on December 16, 2021 (less than 2 weeks after my consult, when the standard approval time is 3-4 weeks or months!) That same day, Dr. Val’s office scheduled my surgery on Dec, 30th, 2021. Such a quick turnaround time! Today is December 31, 2021 and I had my surgery on yesterday. I had to be at the hospital at 8:30 AM and my surgery started at 10:30 AM. The procedure lasted about three 1/2 hours, with a two hour observation time, so I didn’t leave the hospital until closer to 5 PM. The entire medical staff at Northside Hospital was very friendly and helpful, Dr. Val made sure to answer any questions I had and she was very professional the whole time. After my surgery I was very nauseous due to the anesthesia (I threw up a couple of times), and my throat was dry and scratched because there was a tube in my throat, to help me breath I presume. Dr. Val used some type of numbing cream on the incision area so I thankfully didn’t feel the pain of the incision cuts, but I did have a lot of tightness from the wrapping and soreness due to the drain tubes that she put in me to collect blood and fluid. When I got home I was still nauseous and I had a headache, it was also very hard for me to stand completely by myself and walk because I constantly felt dizzy. But today I feel a little bit better. I’ve been in bed most of the day and can’t really do too much moving around as my wrapping is still tight and I’m starting to feel the incisions now that in the numbing cream had worn off. The nausea has almost completely gone away but I do still have a headache. Because I can’t keep food down, I can’t take the pain meds like the Percocet's she prescribed, without getting nauseous again. I’m slowly , but surely trying to eat light things like bananas, apples, toast, and crackers. Below you will see a quick before an after. Before I was a 38 DDD and I have no bra on in the left pic, and the right pic is the exact same day of my surgery and I got the anchor incision. I don’t know what size I am now because I’m still bandaged up and there’s a lot of swelling but I did tell Dr. Val that I wanted to be a full size C and that’s what I’m praying I am. After my four or six week follow up I will post an update here to tell you guys about my full experience was and show what my true size is! Updated on 1 Mar 2022: 3 months later and I am loving my results! Pros: 1. My clothes fit MUCH better now and I look a lot slimmer! 2 lbs of breast tissue were removed. 2. I can finally see the top of my stomach without needing a bra to lift my breasts up. 3. All of my back and shoulder pain has vanished. 4. I love that I don't need to wear a bra anymore, like in this dress that I'm wearing in the pic below. 5. The shape of my breasts fits perfectly for my body and they sit up high and perky. I also love how much smaller my areolas are. Cons: 1. I do not have any sensation on my left nipple, but I am feeling some "shock waves" in the breast, so I believe that the nerves are reconnecting. 2. My scars are healing nicely, BUT they are still visible and will take time to heal completely. I also have some scarring on my sides from the drain tubes 3. My stretch marks have become more predominant, especially on the top of my breasts 5. My insurance did cover about 80%+ of my procedure, but I'm still getting bills in the mail. I did learn that you can call hospitals and dispute a charge or ask for financial assistance, and if you qualify, they can cover the cost of the bill for you. I "owed" over $1k to the hospital, called them up, and qualified for the financial assistance and they covered my bill! Unfortunately, I couldn't do the same for the surgeon's office... 6. I wish that Dr. Val would have removed some of my side boob fat or liposuctioned it away because now the extra fat on my sides looks kinda weird with the smaller size of my breasts. But at least this motivates me to lose more weight. Overall, I think Dr. Val did a great job on my breasts and she called me the same day to check on me, which was nice. Unfortunately, I did catch Covid while recovering inside my house, which made it difficult for me to go into the Dr office and have her remove the drain tubes (which was much needed because they were painful!) However, I do wish that I was sent home with more post-care instructions to better understand what I could and couldn't do while recovering. I had to Google a lot of my questions and watch YouTube videos to fully understand best practices. plan on getting sized this month, but I believe that I am a 38C, maybe borderline D!
Highly recommend Dr. Val to anyone in search of a skin care line that actually produces results and combats the aging process. She cares about her patients and genuinely wants you to achieve the outcome you desire!
This was my very first surgery ever and I can say it has be the best experience. I am very great full and thank you for Dr. Val’s services. I highly recommend her for any major surgery that would like. She’s the best in my eyes. Thank you guys so much.
Dr. Val is amazing! She is an incredible surgeon, a true artist, and she is also supportive and very kind. You will feel immediately comfortable with her and she has the both the skill and personality to help you figure out the best solution for you. I honestly don't think you could find a better experience anywhere else.
From my first meeting with Dr. Val, my experience has been amazing. Her as well as her staff made me feel comfortable and they were all so welcoming with every call and visit. Dr. Val did an amazing job with my surgery, and I am more than happy with my results. My recovery has been much easier than expected, and I am so grateful to have done this with Dr. Val and her team. I highly recommend her for all of your needs!
My experience has been fantastic! Initially, I was nervous about the whole process, but from the moment I spoke with Dr. Val, I was at ease. Michele and Jene are warm and inviting and get you processed right away. The wait is never long, and the office is immaculate. Dr. Val goes out of her way to make you feel comfortable and thoroughly explain the process and what to expect. After my procedure, she followed up with me to see how I was doing and went over aftercare instructions with me. I heard many horror stories about the drain removal being painful, so when it was time to remove my drains, I was terrified and shaking (even though I wasn't in any pain, it was just the thought of I'm about to be in pain). Dr. Val noticed I was scared and did a great job in calming my nerves so I wouldn't focus on the removable. Overall it wasn't painful at all and went fast. My recovery period has been going great, and I have experienced very minimal pain. I'm thrilled I decided to go with Dr. Val and would recommend her to anyone and everyone!
Dr.Val was very patient with me and listened to all of my concerns. She gave me the best possible answers to my questions and was very personable. Made me feel very comfortable with myself and really listens to what I wanted but also accommodating what I wanted also.She suggested great methods and creams to reduce the stretch marks on my breast and what her personal outlook was for my condition .Dr.Val also gave me very helpful information and what would be the best option for me moving forward.
Dr. Val has been seeing me for a short period of time as she was my Doctor of choice to take over after a botched implant/mastopexy that took place a couple of months ago. I credit her with saving my left nipple and while I have some healing to do before reconstruction, I'm confident in her ability to replace and fix what happened to me. She's compassionate and positive. You won't regret calling her for all of your needs. I just had her inject botox into my forehead and around my crows feet and I look and feel 10 years younger!
Dr. Val is a great plastic surgeon. She is caring and compassionate. I was impressed during my consultation with her. I need a breast nipple reconstruction. She took the time to listen to me to show me pictures of her work. She answered all my questions and make me feel welcome. If you need a mommy make over, a breast lift or breast reduction. Make an appointment for a consult with her. You will very pleased.
Have battled acne and sun damage for years (had the scars to prove it!) I had given up on ever having clear skin and went to Dr. Val to treat the acne. She told me she could clear my face in 6 months. I rolled my eyes (heard that before!) I have spent 40 years and tens of thousands of insurance dollars trying to clear my skin but her confidence made me give her a try. Did she do what she said? Honestly? No. She did it in less than three months! I have never been happier.
I would recommend general anesthesia... you will be more comfortable while an anesthesiologist monitors your anesthesia and the plastic surgeon can do a more thorough job. Thank you for your question and good luck to you!
Without seeing both "before" and "after" photos, it is impossible to help you with any comments. Can you post your after photos so we can see what work was done? Thank you!
Yes, you can have a liposuction procedure without the BBL. The Brazilian Buttock Lift is performed to increase the volume of the buttocks by injecting the fat that has been harvested from your liposuction. Thank you for your question and good luck to y you!
Never heard of such a procedure. You are either a good surgical candidate or you are not. I would look for another opinion from a board certified plastic surgeon! Thank you for your question and good luck to you!
From the photos you've presented, I believe you would be happier with a tummy tuck that corrects your abdominal muscles as well as addresses the excess skin. I would also liposuction your waist to give you more definition. Thank you for your question and good luck to you!
