I first tried for Brest reduction when I was 21. The dr told me "men like big Brests!" I felt so shamed. I repeatly asked various drs to do this. The older I got the more reluctant the drs were. Than I got diabetes. Dr Rishavy was willing, brave enough, to do this surgery on a 60 year old,over weight, diabetic. I am now 70 and am still thrilled with the results! Thrilled! There is not a day that I'm not thrilled he was willing to do this for me. My only regret is that It took 39 years to get this done. My shoulder no longer bleed, I can work with my hands over my shoulders, I no longer get sores under my breasts or around my rib cage, and when I say sores, I mean sores, SORES!
I have hated everything about my mole for years and it was only getting bigger, so after talking to my primary doctor, I was refereed to a plastic surgeon. I met with the surgeon for a free consultation, but since I had no questions from all the research I did prior to, it went very quick. He took a picture and explained what his plan was, and then I was on my way. A couple weeks later I came back for surgery, although I had to wait a bit for the surgeon to get out of an earlier surgery, the nurses did an excellent job talking to me and keeping me occupied. Since it was on my face I also talked to an anothiesiologist who explained to me that I would be put to sleep during my surgery, which I was more than okay with because I rather not be awake during it anyways. I was hooked up to an iv and brought into a surgery room where the magic happened. It took about 20 min for the operation and I had absolute no problems. I woke up with the normal swelling (as seen in pictures) but it only lasted for an hour or two. Instead of using stitches, they just used super glued it to keep it close which was also awesome since it looked way better than what stitches would have! The scaring matched the ridge from my nose to my lip and it was very small for being so fresh, so I have no worries that it will heal perfectly. Overall, I'm so happy with my whole experience at northland plastic surgery! I will try to keep yous updated with the rest of my healing process. Updated on 18 Sep 2015: Still no pain. Woke up with little swelling. Still happy with my decision. Worked a double at work with no problem. Updated on 29 Sep 2015: After the glue washed off, I had trouble smiling, eating, talking, etc without it feeling like it's going to open. At one point a pen point sized hole opened up and leaked clear fluids. This worried me, but the doctor said it would be fine. I used butterfly bandages to help it stay close. Just yesterday I was able to feel comfortable enough without the bandage since it formed a solid scab. So far so good! I will post a picture of what it looks like now.
I am a mom of 3 (10, 4 & 2 years). I am small-ish. 5'2" and 133lbs. My first baby did a number on my abdomen, but at least it got flat the first time. I wasn't so lucky with number 2 or 3. I've had c-sections with all 3 of my children - and with each one the muffin top and extra fat got worse. I think most people would say I look fine in clothes and don't need to do this, but there are certain things that I'd love to wear, but am just not confident - like pencil skirts and wrap dresses - I just have a bulge that I can't overlook. I am a faithful gym rat and I know I have abs of steel under there somewhere. I'm so excited to see them again, it's been so long. No amount of exercise seems to make much of a difference. I've been waiting 10 years to have my pre-baby stomach back and the time has finally come! I literally am brought to tears when I think about it. My surgery is scheduled for March 19th - I'm excited and a little nervous - but I feel like if I can't handle 3 c-sections, I can handle this. My pre-op appointment is set for Monday, March 12th - just around the corner! I will post some before pics very soon. Updated on 12 Mar 2012: 3/12 - Today was pre-op appointment day. I'm feeling confident about my surgeon choice and got some questions answered. They don't offer a pain pump and don't do antibiotics here - so I left with a prescription for Lortab only. I told him of my concerns about getting sick after coming out of the general anesthesia and he said that he would make a note to make sure I got some meds for it - I guess they also give you one of those tabs behind the ear. We also discussed incision placement, as I have a small tattoo on my hip area that will require a bit of creativity. At first he suggested taking the incision higher in order to avoid it, but I vetoed that idea. We will keep the incision low, and may cut the tattoo at the half way mark (it's a butterfly with a symbol underneath it) - so we will probably take the symbol off. We'll make the final decision on Monday. I'll try to find some time to post before pictures tonight. The coundown begins. Updated on 18 Mar 2012: Less than a day to go. I'm so ready to be done and over with the surgery and being on the recovery side of things. My biggest fears are waking in excruciating pain and being sick. Hopefully things will go well. I'll be back to update when I'm up to it. Updated on 19 Mar 2012: 5 hours post op. Woke up with pain at a 7 so I let the nurses know and I'm now around a 3. I've been home for about an hour and a half. So far, things are going much more smoothly and less painful than anticipated. Not sure if that's because I'm on a cocktail of three painkillers at the moment. No nausea after the surgery either, so grateful for that. My first pre-op appointment is tomorrow morning. Hopefully I'll get to peek at my tummy then. I wasn't very nervous going into surgery. Went to sleep pretty quickly and woke up 3 hours later. I'll update tomorrow. Can't wait to see what I look like! Updated on 20 Mar 2012: PO Day 1 I slept really well last night, probably thanks to the ambien. My husband was not too thrilled at the 3 potty trips I had to make ... but, when nature calls. I am actually pretty comfortable - I am taking the pain pills religiously, every 3 hours. I have to say, compared to the three c-sections I've had - this is much less painful, so that walking and sitting down, even getting from bed is all easier. Went to a post-op visit and met with the surgeons nurse. However, sitting upright in the waiting room was uncomfortable and made me a little nauseas. Then walking into the exam room pushed me over the edge and I got dizzy and sick to my stomach feeling. Reclining in the chair helped, the nurse changed my dressings. I am having minimal bleeding and there is a little pleating, but what I can see so far looks really good! I will go back and see my surgeon next Monday. Crossing my fingers that I will have minimal draining by then. He told me no showers until they are out. blaah. Updated on 21 Mar 2012: PO Day 2 Pain has definitely increased since yesterday, like the pain is finally setting in or something. Getting in and out of bed is a freaking nightmare. I fell like my stomach is going to explode or my muscles will tighten uncontrollably and I have a horrible pinching & burning sensation at my incision. I'm hoping tomorrow I'll finally experience some relief. It's bearable, but still not fun at all. We put new dressings on my incision and BB, emptied the bulbs and I'm beat. Hubby is going to make me some breakfast and then a long nap is in my future. Updated on 22 Mar 2012: PO Day 3 Well, I came down with a cough - what horrible luck. Holding my stomach tight when I have a coughing fit helps, but man - it's no picnic. Hubby picked me up some Delsym cough suppressant and some throat soothing tea. Hope this takes the edge off. I really want to feel better. Updated on 23 Mar 2012: PO Day 4 I've been in bed basically all day. My husband had to go back to work to get some things, but he plans to be back earlier than normal. My 10 year old daughter is ear and she's been helping me get out of bed for potty breaks and bringing me snacks. I took a quick walk around the house, but was eager to get back in my room and into my nest of pillows. Pain has definitely lessened - and if it weren't for this darn cough I have, I would barely notice how tight my abs are. My energy still feels low - walking around the house made me a bit tired like I'm ready for a nap. Although I can stan a bit taller today - which was nice to see. I also switched to extra tylenol last night - I think the Lortab was making me nauseous. Updated on 24 Mar 2012: PO Day 5 Feeling better, pain wise. Extra-strength tylenol helps keep the edge off. If only I didn't have this stupid cough - such a pain! :( I'm taking back the statement that this is recovery is easier than a csection - it is not easier than a csection. For me, there has been less pain and discomfort with the TT, but this is a hard recovery. The physical limitation, the fact that you are so immobile (and somewhat of a recluse from you family), and sitting on your arse for so long - it is a challenging recovery physically and mentally. I am staying positive that this entire endeavor will be worth it, but I'm definitely over it and want to be back to normal. Realizing I'm far from that. Walking hunched over is really the worst part right now - my back kills as soon as I stand up. Hoping to feel a whole lot better soon!! Updated on 26 Mar 2012: PO Day 7 Had a drain removed today. Not fun! As long as my left stays below the limit the other will come out Wednesday. Can't wait - sick of this thing! Yesterday was a better day for me, I started feeling a little more positive - PO day 5 was depressing as hell. I finally felt good enough to sponge bath and my hubs helped me wash my hair. I did feel that today's appointment was too brief. I swear the doc was in the office maybe 5 minutes. Grr. I asked two of the questions I wanted, but of course forgot the others. I'll bring them up on Wednesday - they are not pressing matters. Updated on 27 Mar 2012: PO Day 8 Big turning point for me today! Unfortunately I did wake up at 5AM and stared at the ceiling until 7 - ugh! But, when the family had finally left the house I slowly crept out of bed at 8:20 and for a few brief moments was able to stand up straight!! YAAYYYY!!! Such a relief, I was beginning to wonder if I'd ever stand up straight again. I also have a ton of energy and I know I've already done too much and it's not even noon yet. After making myself an egg-white omelet I emptied the dishwasher, cleaned the counters, did 2 loads of laundry, cleaned the counter tops in my bathroom and paid some bills. My back is killing me and I definitely cannot stand up straight anymore. lol. I really hope the days just keep getting better - a big setback in pain or my ability to stand upright will be very depressing for me, I know. Updated on 28 Mar 2012: PO Day 9 Random thoughts for the day: I haven't even gotten out of bed yet :) I want to get my last drain out today, but my hubby is not sure if he's going to be able to get away from work. I really don't want to have to wait until tomorrow. We'll see what happens... A shower would be heavenly. I have been pouring over other lady's stories and I have been pretty amused at how the spelling in posts (mine included) gets funny the first few posts after the surgery. Gotta love those pain killers! lol. Hey... at least they're taking the pain away. I never got any gas pains after my surgery. I had been paranoid about it happening because I had it so badly with c-section #2 that I thought I was having a heart attack.I dosed myself with MOM the couple days prior to the surgery so I'd be empty - didn't want to be constipated either (momma's know what the first poop after baby is like, anything to avoid it - right?). I think doing that helped with the gas and the constipation as I managed to keep both away. I am also glad that my legs are strong and I like to squat with heavy weights. Sitting on the toilet and getting things down low hasn't been an issue since I can safely and easily squat myself to the floor and back up. I see iit as a little bit of strength training I can get in while I recover ;) I do wish I had focused more on my back, maybe if it were stronger it wouldn't hurt as much now? I was so sore last night after all my activity yesterday. I'm going to rest a lot more today and give my body a break. Updated on 28 Mar 2012: PO Day 9, part II I have to say that I have no pain, really. I haven't taken any tylenol yet - and if I keep feeling like this, I won't take any until tonight when I have some Tylenol PM. I took my last Ambien last night. Damn things though, it's like they wear off exactly at 5AM because I was up that early again this morning! argh. If there's any pain to speak of, it's really from the lipo on my flanks. And the last 2 days the only time I notice it is in bed if I happen to start rolling to a side. I would like to try a sleeping position other than on my back - I'm a tummy sleeper. Hmmm, wonder when I can sleep on my tummy? (another question for the surgeon, I guess) And my back, my back is still sore of course. Standing upright is going to take longer than I expected. Sad. Still no word from my husband on whether or not we'll have time to get the drains removed. I added a pic from right before surgery when my ps marked me up. He actually marked me higher above my belly button than I expected and said, "we'll be able to get most of your stretch marks." Pretty sure I shook my hoo-haw in his face doing the happy dance :) I'm still trying to find them on my post-op body, I haven't found one yet. The remaining marks must be so stretched they've 'disappeared.' Thanks doc! :) Updated on 29 Mar 2012: PO Day 10 Things get better every day. Thank goodness. Finally got a good night sleep and woke up at 6:30 and not 5! Yes!! Awoke to laying pretty much flat in bed and didn't feel a whole lot of discomfort at the incision from stretching, nice to know that area is healing up and getting stronger... Definitely standing taller, but it's hard to keep that position when walking. Got the last drain out this AM! It was a whole lot easier than the other drain - the first one burned and stung so badly. Got all my questions answered by the nurse; she is very nice. Random thoughts for the day: Don't think I ever mentioned this - but the ps had told my husband right after the surgery that he pulled me *really* tight, and then the anesthetist came in and told him the same thing. yowwww - yeah, there's a *reason* why I feel so tight. Yesterday I realized how short waisted I am. I was wondering about the placement of my scar, but I think I've come to the determination that 1) it's in a pretty typical place; 2) he did remove my c-section scar, so it has to be pretty low 3) I am small - there's just not as much room as longer girls have 4) it's below most of my underwear. I think I was just used to that damn gut hanging over my scar, I kind of forgot where it really was. Anyway, I need to be happy and at peace with it - too late now, ya know. It's probably normal to second-guess things - I sure hope so. I know I have a tendency to stress myself out about things. I was told by the nurse that once the steri-strips come off the incision I can begin to massage it Vitamin E oil or something like that. Updated on 30 Mar 2012: PO Day 11 I can stand much taller today! Just about straight up. YAAY! I'm sure as the day goes on that will change, but that A-ok with me. It's progress and lifts my spirits. So today I finally felt ready to change my rating to "Worth It." I'm a little slow, huh? Last night I was pretty swollen when I went to bed and woke up so much flatter this AM. Actually buttoned my jeans (just barely) and SAW for the first time in ... oh I don't even know (since 2001?) ... a flat abdominal profile and an hourglass figure. No flabby overhang and gross pudge. WORTH IT!! I have a single, or maybe two - not so sure, the tape is still on - small little wrinkles on the right side of my incision. They are approximately mid-way between my belly button and the end of the incision, which ends at my hip. But, they are much better than the roadmap of stretchmarks that were all over my abdomen before. Must remember that and keep it in perspective. And, because I'm high anxiety - I'ver searched and searched about 'pleating' and it seems as though many pleats can be expected to resolve within three months. If anyone has any insight or personal experience about that - I'd love to hear. I may try to get close-up pics if they don't go away soon. Updated on 30 Mar 2012: PO Day 11, part II Just a few more things I wanted to add: 1. I put on a bunch of bikini bottoms on last night and I'm pretty confident my scar will be covered in just about all of them - except I looked horrible and ridiculous due to the swelling. 2. I just put on my spanx binder - and holy cow, this thing scares me. It is so tight. Not sure if I'll be able to roll it up over myself later today after more swelling settles. It's freaking tight, and I'm kind of scared when I pull it over my incision. 3. On my way to the bathroom I decided to stop in my closet. :) I tried on some work pants. Holy [RS bleep]. There was a good 2-3 inches in my waist (and I'm still bloated!) Wow - to not see that familiar lump of fat that collected heavily on my left side was amazing. I pulled on some pencil skirts - same thing - almost flat as a board. Little too swollen for the optimal effect, but leaps and bounds ahead of where I was. Okay, that was a much more positive post than from a week ago, huh? :D Updated on 31 Mar 2012: PO Day 12 ...and what a day. I took my first shower since surgery today. Oh God, how good that felt! I could have showered yesterday since the last drain came out on Thursday, but I figured I had already waited so long - another 24 hours wouldn't kill me. I am little paranoid about my incision or a drain site becoming infected. Hubby and I left the house at 11AM and went to a few building supply stores to return samples. We're building a big addition onto our house - so we have all that planning going on amidst the the surgery and everything else (life). Stopped and had lunch, and then met a bunch of girlfriends at 1:30 to go wedding dress shopping for a friend. I thought I would be cashed out after an hour or two, but I think it was actually a nice diversion and kept my mind off my pains. Shopped until 5PM and then went out with the gals (and the hubs) for a nice dinner a short oatmeal stout. Between the food, lugging wedding dresses around and the beer I am terrified of the swelling to come. I have my binder wrapped so TIGHTLY around me right now!! And I have my feet up and I'm all snug in bed. lol. I may be paying for all my activity tomorrow ... But it was definitely nice to be out and among the living for a change!! Updated on 2 Apr 2012: PO Day 14 Wow - it's been 2 weeks since surgery. That is just crazy! Everything seems to be going along smoothly. It's my last day at home as I return to work tomorrow. Not really too worried about it - I think I'll be fine. I sit at a desk all day, so I will just have to get up and walk to help keep swelling down. Probably will cut the day a little short since I won't be taking my usual 1 hour lunch/gym break. Yesterday my husband and I ran a bunch of errands - Target, Old Navy, Menards. Not to mention my 2 year old son let me hold his hand if I walked him down the street. So we took a slow walk :-) Funny that that little guy can chuck it faster than me right now. I see my doctor in 2 weeks for my 1 month post op. Hoping things continue to progress well. Still very happy that I did this. So far my swelling hasn't been so bad that I can't fit into most of my clothes. Maybe that will change as the weeks go on and I enter different phases of healing, but of course I'm hoping it just gets better and not worse!! When my husband gets home tonight I'll post some 2 weeks pics. Updated on 2 Apr 2012: I'm adding some 2 weeks pics. I really like my belly button - although it still has some crud from surgery in half of it, and it doesn't show up well in the pic. My waist and hips are still pretty swollen from the lipo. Updated on 4 Apr 2012: PO Day 16 Just a quick update. Yesterday was my first day back to work and all went well. However, I didn't get up and walk enough. I was really stiff at the end of the day! I have not had really bad swelling thus far - definitely get a little bloated at the end of the day and you can definitely see it above the incision - but nothing extremely uncomfortable. I do wear my spanx and the CG that was sent home with after surgery. I was told after 2 weeks I didn't have to wear it anymore, but after all the reading I've done on here - I'm going to keep up with both of them for as long as I can take it. My kids did tell me this morning as I was making them breakfast that I look better and the 2 year old asked if "owie gone mamma?" haha. So ... things seem to be improving. Updated on 6 Apr 2012: PO Day 18 Wow, when you put it like that - day *18* - seems like a long time since the surgery! I woke up pretty skinny and flat this AM - I could actually see the midline in my '6 pack' really well. Everything looks great until you get to my hips, which are still bloated, bigger and bruised from the lipo. Ahh - I'm so excited. I ran out and showed off my waist to the family and they are say "wow you are so skinny!" Love it; I need to go look at myself in the mirror again :p Updated on 9 Apr 2012: 3 Weeks Post Op! How crazy that it has been 3 weeks since my surgery. I'm definitely feeling good. So far I have had minimal swelling in my belly - I definitely get a little swollen at the end of the day, but I've never gotten the ridge I often see posted on here. In fact, there is a very smooth, flat transition above and below the incision, which I love. FLAT!! The only areas I really have pronounced swelling is my hips and the ends of the incision (which are at the end at my hips). I suppose that is from the lipo and from what I can gather between reading online and my ps - that could take 3 months to go away. I finally replaced the original steri strips this weekend. Removed it in the shower and had a good look. I covered the incision with new paper tape - it's pretty funny, when I run my hand over my incision I can feel sensations in the middle of my stomach, so weird. My stomach is so freaking *dry,* I started using baby oil on it to give me lasting moisture and relieve the itching. I think I'm going to start massaging my scar next week once the ps takes a look at it. I posted some pics from today. The two side shots are from this AM, and the front shot is from after work, where I was a little more swollen. You can definitely see the swelling on the sides of my waist going down to my hips - it may even be a little bigger than last week? I'm hoping I'll see more improvement a week from now. I don't know why my belly button looks so weird in pictures - it looks a lot better in person. You can also see the pulling on my skin - it's definitely improved since the surgery and I'm just going to have faith that it will go away. I asked my ps over and over again about the length of the incision and would it be long enough to prevent pleating, but he just told me it would be fine. Anyhow, you can definitely see the difference in swelling on the side shots - I'm definitely flatter today than I was last week. I got antsy and feeling a little chubby last night so I did some lunges, squats and calf raises last night while watching TV. Aggghhhh - not being active is hard. I see my ps next Monday and will start doing some walking then too. Maybe more if I can get his approval. I'm definitely sick of sleeping on my back, but I haven't worked up the nerve to sleep on my stomach and it's not 100% comfortable sleeping on my sides. Has anyone else noticed the affect of the TT on their bladder - or, the sensation of fullness in the bladder. I definitely wake up feeling *full,* fuller than I usually had when I woke up pre-TT. I guess there is less room for the bladder to expand, so more pressure on it. Oh well, I'll take it!! Take care my fellow TTers!! Updated on 13 Apr 2012: PO Day 25 The past few days my incision has been bothering me. Not sure if it's because of the pants I'm wearing or what. I even left my Spanx cg off today because it's causing one spot in my incision to really hurt! It's like a pinching sensation. It doesn't look bad - maybe just a little red, but nothing alarming. I've put some Bacitracin on the entire encision just in case - but I'm not worried about infection, and it doesn't look like I'm popping a stitch. Yesterday I had an extremely skinny day - I got home and stared at my stomach for a good ten minutes - admiring my muscles that are beginning to make their appearance. The week after surgery my waist was 32" and yesterday it was 28", some definite progress is happening. My hips are another story - still swollen :-( Hubby poured me a very tall vodka tonic last night - that made me very happy. :-) And I went back to my mirror and admired myself again. I don't like how dark my belly button is - like the area that was stitched has become hyperpigmented (which I tend to do quite easily, especially from deep blemishes) - it usually takes 3+ months for hyperpigmentation to go away on my skin. OH - and GUESS WHAT?! I've been looking at bathing suits/bikinis lately - is it my age or what?! I've only been attracted to FULL PIECE SUITS - are you freaking kidding me?!! LOL Have a great weekend everyone - happy healing! Updated on 16 Apr 2012: 1 Month today! Time really flies! Well, for the the most part I really haven't had bad swelling. But I do keep my binder on pretty tight when I can - so while I'm sitting at work I'll keep it on, and at home, but if I need to make a public appearance for meetings, restroom breaks or the grocery store - I'll take it off if I have it over clothes (I can hide it under some tops, not all). Saturday I spent the entire day shopping with a girl friend and only had the binder on in the car. I got super swollen that day - my waist was at 30"! Typically I wake up and it's 28" and will swell to 29" at night on the 'bad' days - guess the shopping was a super bad day! I uploaded pics from this AM - my scar does peek through a little bit, but my jeans are really low. And my poor tummy has taken a beating from all the tape and the binder - it looks like I've been poked with a hot poker or something :-( I had the binder on really tight last night, so there are a bunch of ripples from that. If I learn anything interesting at my 1 month post op today, I'll come back to update. Updated on 16 Apr 2012: Follow up went well. Doc says I look good. I asked about the ridge on the left end of my incision - which is the hip area and right where I had lipo. Doc said the swelling will go down eventually, if not and the ridge remains - he will take care of it. I have the same ridge on the right, but each week it's gotten smaller and smaller - so I'm hoping the same will happen on the left side. I asked about working out. No ab work until 3 months. He said if I wanted to do light cardio now, I can but to take it easy. He would prefer I wait until six weeks. I'm going to head back this week and see how it goes - and hopefully in 2 weeks I'll feel good enough to ramp it up. :-) Updated on 16 Apr 2012: whoops, I forgot to add that I asked him about silicone sheeting. Which he did say they have in house and they'll give to me if the incision doesn't look good (which it does now) or if the pleating doesn't go down. He said he doesn't like to start using them for 6 months (I think he said 6 months) because he likes to see how it will heal on its own. I ordered the gelzone binder and was planning on using it now, and told him so. I made sure it will not interfere with the actual incision healing - but he said that he would tell me to wait. I'm going to see what other people have gotten as far as when they could use the silicone sheeting and decide if I want to start using it. (I think I will) I think it will feel good and help make the pleats resolve faster. Updated on 19 Apr 2012: PO Day 31 I finally worked up the nerve to get to the gym. I guess I am just extra cautious and afraid I'm going to permanently hurt something. After promising my surgeon I would take it easy, I went on the elliptical at about 3/4 my normal settings. Lower incline and lower resistance. Since I've been out for over a month - it definitely gave me a work out. But I'm not sure how I did on the whole *taking it easy* bit. I kept having to tell myself to slow down and not work hard. I was sweating by the end of my 30-minute session. Nothing ever hurt - I could feel the tightness in my stomach and I could feel a little ache in my hips/flanks - but nothing hurt. I guess I'll just have to see how swollen I get tonight and if I hurt in the AM or not. I'm really hoping I feel great tomorrow because the little work on the elliptical just left me wanting more! My gelzone binder came in the mail - I've already cut it up into strips. Aside from the shower, I will wear it continuously. I'm hoping it will help the scar healing and the pleats I have at the end of my incision. The ridge I've been complaining about on my left side has been noticibly shrinking this week. I have also been massaging my hips pretty aggresively at night this week, so that seems to be making a difference. Updated on 20 Apr 2012: Ok - so day after my first work out and I actually feel just fine! I even look a little smaller today - but I'm measuring the same. My incision is a little sore and it looks like it may have weeped a little overnight, onto the silicone sheet - but, so far, I think we have positive signs for returning to the gym. Last night I was definitely stiff for a few hours, so I got up and got active, cleaning my room & trying on my bikinis (again). After that I felt back to myself. I'm skipping the gym today - I have a little get together with a bunch of friends, and I don't want to be swollen for that. :-) Updated on 23 Apr 2012: 5 weeks post op Things are going pretty well. I haven't returned to the gym since Thursday - so just the one time. Sunday morning I woke up to the middle of my incision being kind of gunky; no signs of infection. The little bit of fluid coming out is clear-ish/white-ish. I think it is actually coming from a spot that spit a suture. I'm going to monitor it the rest of today, and if it continues will give the ps a call. For the time being, I'm not going to use the silicone sheeting until it clears up. I am also continuing to stent my belly button, if I don't it becomes very thin. Beyond that, the bellybutton is looking much better and more 'normal.' Eventually I'll get a pic of it. 5 week post op pics are up! Pics look a little different because I had the hubby use my phone (his flash is not flattering ;) Updated on 23 Apr 2012: I'm glad I'm taking these pics to document the progress. From the front my hips are definitely looking better and aren't as uneven as they have been in previous weeks. However, the side shots still show swelling in those damn love handles. BLECH!! Updated on 30 Apr 2012: I added new pics, but I don't think there's much of a change. In fact, I've been pretty swollen and bloated this week. Probably has a lot to do with two birthdays (and the cake) in the last week, having my MIL as a house guest also adds to bad eating - plus it's that time of month. I just feel big and yucky. I definitely noticed that my upper abs seem puffier and swollen. Let me tell you, that is not a cute look. In addition to not looking so hot, I think have two spots along my incision that are spitting sutures. One area seems to be getting worse and keeps weeping yellowish/milkyish fluid. I'm going to call this AM and see if they will take me in to see what is going on. The other area opened up just a little bit, but appears to be healing fine. I think the first spot has a stitch that won't come out and is just sitting there irritating the hell out of my skin. I want it taken care of asap so the scar isn't affected. Updated on 30 Apr 2012: So I saw my surgeon this AM and he confirmed that I am just experiencing a reaction to the sutures dissolving. I had one area that he took a silver nitrate stick to because every time I took off the bandaid, it was like some tissue would poke out. Nothing huge or gross, maybe the size of a pencil eraser... So now that area doesn't bulge out of the incision anymore, but it's black. He said everything looks fine though, no infection. I would love to be done with this part of healing!! I also asked if I am still swollen - he's like "Yes. I told you three months..." haha. I'm like, yeah I know, but I just need that reassurance. :p Updated on 21 May 2012: 9 weeks Time has really flown by - I'm healing well. A few weeks ago my spitting stitches finally healed, so it's been really nice to have that small hassle over with. I've been ramping it up at the gym, finally. So it's nice to really be getting back into the groove. I'm going on a diet starting today :-) I've been eating like crap for the past couple weeks! I added 9 week pics. Hopefully after a few weeks of getting back on my eating plan I will appear a little less chubby :-) Updated on 10 Aug 2012: In about a week I'll be 5 months PO (Monday will be 21 weeks). The first three months were a little rough - mostly due to the complications from sutures not dissolving properly. I was even back at the surgeon's office a month ago to have a couple removed. My scar is healing well - I'm not crazy about how dark it is or how wide one section got. I also do not like the scar around my bellybutton - everything was looking good until about 3/4 months PO and BAM - hypertrophic scarring! Doc says he wants to wait a year to see how everything settles out. My left side has a small dog ear which has been getting smaller with each month - so who knows, maybe by 1 year post op it will be completely gone. I have not had any pain - not even when working out. It's just a matter of building up my abdominal strength. I've been doing ab work since 3 months and started pilates last week. For the first 4 months, swelling in my upper abdomen would get pretty bad after eating - especially when the salt content is high. But I feel like in the last month, that side effect has been slowly going away. So hopefully in a few more months I will be able to go out and enjoy a nice big dinner and not worry about the strange pooch in my upper abs. So weird to bulge there - not a cute look. I've attached a 5 month post op pic - I don't have a six pack, but maybe a two pack? LOL Updated on 10 Aug 2012: Oops - also wanted to add that I still have some chub on my hips and lower back. If I cannot get rid of it in the next 7 months with diet and exercise - I think I'm strongly leaning towards a little more lipo. I'm hoping the PS will revise my left side a little, as a revision - as I don't think he quite got enough the first time. Updated on 9 Dec 2012: So, here I am at 9 months post op from my TT and lipo of flanks. I can't even tell you how well things have been going for me. I've healed pretty well, I've been able to get back to working out full force, I LOVE my abs - I finally am able to see definition from all my hard work. However, I had some un-eveness in my flank area and extra fullness on one side that I wanted evened up. About a month ago I went in to talk to my PS and we scheduled a lipo revision for a Friday. It was of no real cost to me, just $100 for the surgical room. The procedure was done under local. While nothing hurt terribly bad, there were moment of discomfort, and just overall it's a very weird sensation. I had some pretty bad scarring or fibrous tissues on my left side that he had to seriously battle with in order to make enough tunnels for the cannula to reach through. The doc took 200 cc off each side. I was actually surprised how quick the whole procedure took and when he said he was done with the first side I said "that's it!!" But, he wants to be conservative and told me that it's easier to take fat out than to put it back, so I suppose he's right. He also said we could go back again if I'm still not happy with areas. Hopefully we got it all this time. I'm not looking to be a super model, just want those darn puffy hips gone! Today is Sunday, tomorrow morning I'll be 72 hours post op. He gave me some serious prescriptions for pain (valium and lortab) - but I only took those the day of the surgery. They make me feel gross - and to be honest, I'm totally comfortable enough to go without. I've been drug free since the day of surgery! We even went out to a holiday party last night and I had a great time. My husband was pretty surprised that I was up for the party and that I'm doing so well ... I told him, after you go through the hell of a TT, not to mention 3 c-sections - this is a freaking cake walk!! I feel so good I'm planning on going to spin class tomorrow at the gym. This time around I took those Arnica Montana tablets the week before surgery and now afterwards and have had very little bruising at all. I started to see a few dark areas on my sides the night of the surgery, so I started applying the arnica gel and to my utter surprise, they have practically faded away. Not sure if it's just luck, or if the arnica really works - but I am happy I don't have black and blue marks up and down my body! I've heard lipo bruises can come days after the surgery, I hope I get lucky and that doesn't happen. I will post some before and after revision pics in a few weeks with another update.
Always hated how small and saggy my breast got after the kids and weight loss. I wanted breast augmentation for years. I am not sure how I feel about it yet.I am waiting to see how the breast settles to decide if I should have had a lift. Not super happy with the results as if yet. I had 390 cc saline implants placed under the muscle.
I'm at the hospital right now, soon to go into surgery. I saw my doctor yesterday for the first time. He is a cutie, and so sweet. I really liked him alot. His name is Dr. RISHAVY from Duluth MN. I'm so thankful to be getting this done. Let's see if I say that after. I have been living with this messed up stomach since my first child when I was 18. (Battery going dead) Updated on 8 Sep 2017: The recovery room was a nightmare, it was the nurse. I wish I had got her name. She 6old Mei was going he after I had already made Lans with doctor and nurses be I was put to sleep to stay. She said there was no room for me. I started crying, then after cried at everything lus the PAIN. To top it off Dr. Rishavay was gone. I saw him before just for him to draw on me standing up with my drawers off mind you then he was rushed out the door. With all that said they did. Find me a room. I'm in pain, right now it's late. Cut hip to hip, right above or on public hair right below belly button. Do not know how much it was. I haven't seen the doctor to ask. I'm aggregated with the way he has treated me, it just isn't right. I've had surgery before, the doctor talked to me directly after. Will share more tomorrow. Good bye Updated on 8 Sep 2017: While the nurses were changing my dressings I took some pictures. Saw my doctor today, first time since surgery. He gave me Lortab 10s to take until see him n the 15th. So happy to see my dog, I missed her. Abby my mini dachshund. My pain is a steady tolerant burn. At times in two separate spots on the sides I have ex stream sharp knife digging pain. I'm super tired. Wish I could lay down. Husband is going to pick up a medical lift chair. Recliner being given to me free, from a Craigslist ad I placed asking for one in the free section. So happy about that. I have two drains still in. Now a lot of fluid today. I'm thrilled with the panniculectomy I got. As long as I'm sitting still the pain isn't bad at all. I have to get used to someone helping me do stuff. Thankful for my husband even if he is a grouch sometimes. Will write more later. Bye Updated on 8 Sep 2017: Updated on 12 Sep 2017: I'm swollen and in a lot of pain. I accidentally pulled my drains. The right one the first day, the left one just a few minutes ago. My husband bought me some stuff like bandages and take couple pairs of elastic Capri but he hates doing things for me.b so I have been totally taking care of myself. It's been so hard. I just settled down and need a blanket. It hurts to get up. Dropping things on the floor is a proble?, I have one of those pick up sticks, mercy please when I drop that. I was given 31 pills the bottle says 1-2 every 6 hours. It's the 5th night since I got them I have three left. I see the doctor tomorrow thank Jesus. Will write more later. Updated on 14 Sep 2017: I saw my doctor yesterday I've been in so much pain. I had a feeling I was infected. He said no you look great.thats the last peescription your getting. So I went from a presection that said 1-2 Lortab10 mgevery 6 hours to 1 -5mg every six hours.31 pills each time.he wanted to take out both drains I said I'm getting a lot of fluid I'm worried about where it will go.his nurse pulled out the left one, the stitches and ulled it out. It pinched really bad all the way over to the other side. After that I could hardly get back in my truck. Right I drove myself my x husband who I live with has not been much of a caregiver. Although he did laundry. Takes care of the dogs. So changing dressing is hard. When I got home I was getting ready for bed and noticed the ball at the end of the suction tube had filled with air. Each time I tried to squeeze it it would air back b up. Also pus and blood had been coming out, so I called the nurse on call at hospital she said come in. So I drove myself, sure enough infected so the gave m we iv and said I stay until I see the doctor rishavey. He doesn't seem like he wants to see me. I got here around 1230, soiled my ants on the painful drive over here. I also ripped the last drain out trying to get in bed. Updated on 16 Sep 2017: Still in this hospital. My blood white cell count was at 12.5 yesterday. It was 22.2 when I got here n the late night of 13th. Where my tube came out of by me accidentally, trying to move from the emergency room hosital bed to this one, has been getting "packed" with guaz. I'm getting antibodies used threw my IV that has had to be replaced because the other was in a really bad spot and I kept bending my arm while asleep. I hope I heal soon so I can get off these pain med I don't want to keep taking them. I'm worried about getting these dang staples out. We'll I write more soon. I Will take a picture of where b the pack the place where the tube was. Updated on 21 Sep 2017: Staples came out two days ago. That has made a huge difference. I saw the surgeon for a second and his aid helped me. She took the staples out. To be honest I felt way more comfortable having her do it, especially after the surgeon took the staple out at the hospital where my tube jeered out. I'm still draining from that hole. A lot I'm constantly replacing wet bandages with new. I can tell you the wound care products are not cheap. Immswollen, they said I would be for the lone tme. The aid said drink a lot of water, she wait at least I 8 16oz bottles a day to flush out the toxins. I'm pretty sure the aids, nurses and Surgeon read these blogs, because of what the aid said while taking out my staples. A comment thst seemed to be related to one of my old blogs. Oh well. The incision is still red, and hurts even with taking ibuprofen, neproxen, Tylenol. Updated on 26 Sep 2017: I'm amazed at how well I've been the past 3 days. One drain hole still leaking. But the rest is healing fine. One thing, I certainly can not eat much at one time. Because if I eat too much it really fills me up and pulls on my incision. So be careful eating. Just eat smaller portions. Drinking 8 water bottles a day is difficult. Staying up on taking pain med in a timely fashion is very important. I don't sleep in recliner anymore YEAH! But still sleeping on my back with pillows behind me (to raise upper chest and head), and then pillows under my knees. I am threw the hardest part. Going back to the hospital and dealing with nurses was very difficult, seemed as bad as the cut itself. Anyone wanting to talk to me personally is welcomed to email me wndybartlett@Gmail.com . I would be happy to talk to someone else doing this!!! Happy day everyone! Updated on 30 Sep 2017: Was kinda freaking me out until I read on here that it commonly happens. It is quite uncomfortable. I really don't not want to go back to that office. The Surgeon treats me like I have HIV. I do not for the record, or any other such deseases.Why I say that is because he literally wasn't in the room with me last time for longer than 1 minute. He was like "Looks good I will have my assistant remove those staples, you have stitches inside. Zoom Mr. Speak Gonzalez was out the door. I have seen him maybe 5 times each time same thing. He didn't even come see me directly after the surgery to tell me how things went. I have had four different oper as ting room experiences and every time the surgeon came to see me. Oh well. I do have to go see him one more time in about 3 weeks for a follow-up. But darn it I do not want to. My drain hole that the tube got ripped out looks like a belly button on my hip. Better than the apron of hanging flabby skin for sure, I hope it closes, the other side is healing nicely. If anyone wants to talk to me please send me an email or even here. Thanks WndyLLLy@gmail.com
Hey! Im a 27 year old fitness chick. Im 5'2, 140 lbs. I am a 34B possibly A. I have been wanting to have this done for a long time and made a quick decision to do it. One of my good friends works and the surgery center and recommended the best Dr. I went in for my consult yesterday and tried on the bra and different sizes and I still don't know what is best for me so I wanted some opinions! HELP! lol I am thinking 350cc. I want a D. I don't want to look huge but i don't want to spend the money on it and not be satisfied because I should have gone a little bigger. So any opinions for any of you ladies that has had this done would be greatly appreciated! :) Updated on 16 May 2016: Sorry for the slow update! First week was a rough one but i am now three weeks po. During surgery my Dr. accidentally cut into the lining of my lung so he had to place a lube in to get the air out and then patch it up with cadaver skin! So my left side was extremely sore and I have had trouble breathing for a couple weeks. I still cant sleep in the bed. I have to sleep half way laying up on the couch! I decided to go with 370cc and I am so glad I did. I initially wanted to get 350cc but after looking at pics, talking to a couple friends who were around my size, and listening to the drs on this site I decided on 370cc and I love them!
After almost 10 years with my 425cc implants (saline) & a 30lb weight gain in the last 6 years.......I'm wanting to have these removed! They are so big & to me.....Gross. However, I'm scared....wondering if I'm going to go through big boob withdrawal..are they going to sag more than they did before I had them....I have no idea what size I am....I'm busting (no pun intended) out of my 36DD bra. My husband "Your cutting the redwoods down" is very supportive.....but did ask if I would have them replaced smaller....it's a possibility....but my PS is wanting to take them out & let me heal before putting a smaller size in or doing a lift......Does that sound right to most of you? I am also back & forth...if I loose weight they will get smaller....but not much....any words of wisdom or support would be greatly appreciated.
