I consulted with several plastic surgeons in the Chicagoland area. After meeting with Dr. Hewell I knew I found the one. He’s extremely personable, takes his time with patients and most importantly a true artist at what he does. He far exceeded my expectations after losing 175lbs and transforming me into exactly what I envisioned when all other surgeons said it couldn’t be done. Let the photos speak for themselves. The man is truly gifted and changed my life. Updated on 12 Aug 2021: Please note I had several procedures done for the price I paid: breast augmentation with silicone implants- 550cc, breast lift, tummy tuck, lipo to back, flanks, knees, thighs, hips, abdomen and sides of breast then fat transfer to butt and smile lines on face. I am currently doing lymphatic drainage massages as the recommendation of Dr. Hewell and have lost a few more pounds from it and inches. I am now not swollen and way firmer looking that my photos. I could not be happier! Any questions please message me! Updated on 3 Nov 2021: 6 months in and loving my results! Scars have dramatically faded and are barely there and although there are days I am slightly swollen in the stomach area and I know takes up to a year to go down, still thrilled with my results on every procedure I had done.
I am 65 but have always been told I look younger, in fact, no one ever guesses my age. HOWEVER, my neck was sagging and I saw the beginning of jowls so I decided to go for a rejuvenation of my neck and face. IMO, my face and neck did not match how I felt inside. Dr. Hewell was recommended by a friend so I went for two consults and had my surgery yesterday, Dec. 5. I am so happy my friend recommended him because I can't say enough about him and staff. You can read the other reviews about them.So 2nd day and barely any pain, only some discomfort from bandages and points of incision, no big deal. I will post pics of my progress. Updated on 7 Dec 2019: ....there is no bruising. Swelling yes, but any bruising? None, except where the IV was in my hand. Forgot to mention that Dr. Hewell took fat from my neck and transferred to my cheekbone areas to plump them up. Watch for more update pics, head wrap off on Sunday, Dec. 8, so I can wash hair, back for #2 post op on Monday. Updated on 8 Dec 2019: Head wrap off and washed hair. 2nd post op appt tomorrow. Minimal bruises but swelling -- ear lobes swollen like pillows. Dr. gave me steroids for 6 days to minimize swelling. Also gave me antibiotics. Still have to keep head relatively level, no fast head turns or nodding. Feels tight but NOT like I'm choking like other reviews say. Feel good and can't wait for swelling to lessen! Updated on 9 Dec 2019: 2nd post op visit today. Dr was amazed at how well I am healing. Still a bit swollen but go ahead and try to find the bruising -- it's minimal and I attribute that to the skill and art of the surgeon. Friday (8 days after surgery) I go back to get SOME of the sutures removed. Will post more pics then. Hope these pics help and feel free to ask questions. Updated on 12 Dec 2019: How I look one week later. Don't judge the hair! Haven't been going out so haven't been washing it daily. Besides which, my skin is pulled back so my hair is literally sewn back off my face. Finally not too tight to smile today. I am amazed every day how minimal my bruising was but I attribute that to being in good shape, not smoking, and good immune system. Even dr was surprised at how "clean" my incisions healed. FYI, I never had the "choking" feeling around my neck like women write about. Maybe because my dr is double board certified in both plastic surgery AND neck and face surgery (ENT) so he knows his stuff. Can't wait to get some of these sutures out tomorrow! FYI, ladies, my dr's daughter works with him and she has done triple residencies, studied at Stanford. I believe her niche is breasts. So if you're looking for that.... Updated on 13 Dec 2019: Half my sutures out today, the rest out in a week. Dr and nurses amazed at how minimal my bruising was. Still must keep head and neck level, no whipping my head and neck from side to side or up and down. I'm sleeping in a recliner with an airline pillow turned around under my chin -- one more week! Ladies, AFTER CARE IS EVERYTHING! Nurses said some women ruin their lift in two weeks because they are moving head and neck too much and they start sagging again. Updated on 15 Dec 2019: 10 days since surgery and I finally joojed my hair - I seriously think the ansesthesia affected my hair as it's very flat instead of very curly -- cut and color scheduled 5 weeks from surgery. Thought I'd put on lipstick to see how I will look once I'm out and about. IMO not too shabby but not too smiley yet -- once I get all stitches out. :)
I’m only 11 days post op and I really feel great. I live with chronic pain due to illness, so this really was a breeze so far for me. Which leads me to my illnesses. I have grand mal seizures (not really controlled, so I can have them at any time) due to severe Lyme disease that has caused me to live with unbelievable pain, unpredictable days as to whether or not I can even get out of bed. We even had to hire a nanny to care for my two daughters with special needs. I am no longer a stay at home mom, and I cannot even drive. I see every doctor under the sun on a regular basis (27) and none of these drs can compare to Dr. Hewell and his bedside manner and care for me. He makes me feel like I’m his only patient. I also have CVID, common variable immune disease. I will have to have subcutaneous IV treatments every week the rest of my life, I have no immune system. Because of my complicated health, I thought I would never be a candidate for plastic surgery. I spoke to my regular docs, all of them, even a cardiologist because I had a heart attack at the same time in Oct 2017, and my neuro since I have seizures, they said with proper precautions I would be ok. Dr Hewell and his anesthesiologist also personally contacted my docs to double check and make sure they were careful with me and made sure they followed any special requirements. I am a relatively small person, always have been. 5’7” 135-145 lbs, size 4, 48 yrs old. But since being sick and bedridden most of the time for 2 years since found out I have active, late stage Lyme and CVID. I lost a ton of muscle mass. My stomach turned to mush as well as my arms. Because there is no cure for Lyme or CVID, my body will never be my own again, and plastic surgery will be my only option to “look good”. I cannot lift weights anymore and I must be VERY CAREFUL with all exercise in general. You all know what they say, the body starts to lost muscle mass at the age of 35 unless you work out regularly to maintain it. I’ve always been a hard-core exerciser, 5-7 days a week, min of 2 hours a day, so as you can imagine, this was heartbreaking for me that my lifestyle would change dramatically due to illness. My husband and I discussed PS thoroughly since this would be invasive and I need to understand what I’m signing up for. But since exercise is no longer an option, and there is no cure for what I have, ps is the only option for me. Dr. Hewell came HIGHLY recommended. He does not advertise, doesn’t need to. 65,000 surgeries and not one problem! Like I said, his bedside manner is amazing, doesn’t try to sell you on anything, and his treatment is exceptional. Like I said, i have seen probably 70 drs since being diagnosed, so I know a good dr when I see one! I’m an expert of sorts! He’s also funny to boot! His daughter is also a plastic surgeon, graduated from Stanford and works at his practice. She is lovely woman and obviously the apple doesn’t fall from the tree. I see Dr. Hewell 2 times per week. His nurses and staff are fun, super informative (almost overwhelming! But I’d rather have the deets than not and find out the hard way). I am a stubborn woman and can tend to push myself too much and I never realize it. I vacuumed my house on my 5th day, my stomach hurt and I thought I might have done something. I told the nurses the next day and whoa, did I get reprimanded! In a good way though. His main nurse kept telling me that this was an investment, and why would I risk it. True. I am getting to know Dr Hewell and his staff personally too. We share stories and they always ask about my girls. It’s like a family. Dr Hewell has his own surgery center on site, so that is nice and convenient. It’s only him and his daughter which is also nice. So I always see them both at every visit and not another doc that sometimes happens when it’s a large staff. I had the TT and brachioplasty. This won’t be the end of my journey. If I die from my illnesses, I’m going to be damn sure I look good! Hahahahaha! I have to laugh about it as this is my life, I’ve accepted it. So like I said, I do live with chronic pain, so this has been a cake-walk since day one. I’d say the first day I just felt like I had exercised hard the day before, like a build up of lactic acid in a way. I’m sure for a typical patient, if YOU DO WHAT YOU ARE TOLD AND DON’T VACUUM YOUR HOUSE THE FIRST WEEK
Dr. Hewell is a wonderful surgeon and extremely personable. I had a wonderful experience and results from my surgery. I had my breast implants replaced after too many years and absolutely couldn't be happier. The staff was all very nice and helpful. I can't heap enough praise on this group of people. They made me feel special and comfortable at all times. Thanks so much. I would recommend this group for anyone.
Dr. HEWELL is an excellent surgeon!! I could not be happier with my rhinoplasty. The procedure went well and because Dr. HEWELL is so careful and gentle I had very little to no bruising. Recovery only took 2 weeks. I would recommend Dr. HEWELL to anyone who would like a rhinoplasty or any other surgury. He is also so kind and makes patients feel comfortable. He spends time with each patient and makes them feel like they are his only patient.
Hi ladies. I too have been actively searching on Real Self for a while now trying to learn everything I can about this procedure. I’m scheduled for a full BL (anchor incision) and BA on 11/3, less than a week! I’m 40 years old, 5’4” and about 123 pounds. Married to a wonderful and supportive hubby and have breastfed 2 great kids (3 and 9). Pre-babies, I had very nice, round 32 D breasts with not a lot of projection but lots of side boob. I still have a decent amount of breast tissue, but it’s just droopy and had has lost all firmness. I look pretty okay in a good bra, but I really don’t like how they look naked and wish I could wear the cute dresses and tops that I see all the time. Basically, if I can’t wear a bra with straps with the outfit then I can’t wear it. I’ve worked hard to lose my baby weight and I’m ready for my breasts to match the rest of my body. As far as size is concerned, I’m wanting to look natural and I don’t want anything that will make me look heavy or get in the way when I’m working out. I really hope to look about the same in most of my clothes, but with more fullness and less sag and sitting higher, of course. At my initial consultation, my PS mentioned a small implant for some upper pole fullness with the lift, but we did not discuss cc’s. When I went back for another consultation, he mentioned in the area of 225 cc’s. I had done rice sizers of 180, 240 and 300. I felt 180 was too small and 300 was too big and liked 240, so I was happy we were in the same ballpark. I’m trusting his expertise to choose the right size implant during surgery within the range of 200 to 250 cc’s, Mentor silicone, round, moderate plus profile. I also have some asymmetry as my right is bigger than my left. My PS is going to remove some tissue from that breast to even them out. I’m not thrilled to be posting pics of my naked, saggy breasts (I feel like I’m breaking some cardinal rule by putting these on the internet), but I know how much before and after stories and pics have helped me and I want to give back if I can. Okay, that’s all for now. Thanks for listening! Updated on 1 Nov 2015: It's been really nice having Halloween and then my anniversary (today) right before my surgery. Really good distractions and time is flying by! My house is clean(ish) and I have frozen a bunch of meals, gotten my supplies together and done the grocery shopping. It's really strange to be excited about someone chopping up your breasts! I have had total boob brain since I began looking into this procedure. For example, I was recently in the library and overheard a mom telling her child "nickels, nickels" and I kept thinking she was saying "nipples, nipples". I'm also constantly assessing everyone's boobs around me (in an appreciative kinda way) and when I saw a guy with no shirt on the other day I immediately began to wonder what cup size he is....ay yi yi. Anybody else with boob brain? I'm ready to get this show on.the road and stop obsessing....or at least start obsessing about recovery. Updated on 3 Nov 2015: It's 4:30 in the morning and I just can't sleep. I have to be at my doctor's office at 8 for surgery at 8:45. Luckily, his office is about 10 mins from my house and he has his own surgery center. I'm just ready to get this over with and start the healing process. I'm so hungry. I think whenever you know you can't eat then that's all you can think about! I also find myself hoping that I don't say anything crazy while under the influence of the happy medicine! Then I started thinking, "well, I hope I don't say THAT and definitely not THAT!" Like I'm just going to spill all my deepest, darkest secrets! Oh geez...if I could just stop thinking, lol! Anyway, it will be time to take my shower soon with hibicleanse soap. I can wash my hair but not use conditioner and I can shave, but no make up, jewelry, lotion or deodorant. I'm thankful I'm focused on those things (I'll stink with no deodorant, I'll feel naked without earrings, my skin will be so dry without lotion, I'm hungry), instead of focused on what's about to happen to me. Alright ladies, thanks for listening to all my random thoughts! See you on the other side! Updated on 4 Nov 2015: I had the full best lift and augmentation yesterday. It took about 3 hours and then I was in recovery for about an hour. They had me remove all my.clothing except socks. They put in a catheter after I was out b/c of the length of surgery and how much fluid they would be giving me. They also had me take a Valium a little before surgery which helped. I walked to the OR and got on the bed. The nurse and anesthesiologist asked if I was ok b/c I was so quiet. I told him I just kept telling my self not to run out of the room! I never saw my dr before surgery which I was surprised about. I just wanted to go over size range one last time. I remember the IV going in and that's about it. Woke up in recovery with a little discomfort but not bad, tight and engorged feeling. I.had some juice and a cracker then.my nurse, Sheri, put some aqauphor on my lips which felt great! I HATE dry lips and even made sure my hubby would have some handy right after surgery! Lol Nurse took catheter out then I peed. I was pretty dizzy so took me a few mins just to walk to a bathroom that was about 5 feet away. So here's what I'm concerned about (so far!) I asked nurse what size I got and she said 300's. Omg! The 300 rice sizers seemed too big and my doctor and I discussed a range of 200 to 250. She said there was a big pocket to fill?? On the way home I told my hubby about this and he said my doctor came out and told him 325 in one and 350 in the other (I did have some assemetry and we discussed he remove tissue for that). I'm just confused and don't want to be too big! I have post op this morning so I need to clarify all this. I keep telling myself this is all just a cruel joke and they'll tell me it's really 225...I don't know. I'm trying to stay positive and remind myself my . doctor knows what he's doing. I'm so glad I can.tell all you ladies about this b/c I don't want to let on to my hubby that I'm really concerned about this, though he knew this is not what I wsnted. Just have to wait and see I guess. Sorry this is so long with so many typos, my vision is blurry. Updated on 4 Nov 2015: Went for post op and doctor confirmed 325 rt, 350 left mod plus ....so, about 100 cc's more than I expected. Doctor said once he laid me back my breasts were much wider than expected thus the bigger size. He told me they're swollen now and the size will.go down about 15%. I sure hope so! I think.they look good, but just bigger than I wanted and hope they dont make me look heavy. Just trying to trust his expertise. As far as pain, I'm pretty comfortable in recliner. Hurts when I sit up and worse when standing. I still have the pain pump so I think that helps. I'll go back to doctor Friday morning to remove pain pump and change steri strips. Oh and I could feel when my doctor felt my nipples so that's good. Boy is my vision blurry. I'm sure this update is full.of nonsense! Updated on 5 Nov 2015: When will I be able to move my arms more??? I feel like such an invalid! Just trying to scratch a little itch on my nose is really hard! And feeding myself anything without a utensil is hard. And my eyes are so blurry and burn a little. Anybody else experiencing this? I'm wondering if it's from the anesthesia from the pain pump. Other than that, just uncomfortable while sitting/ propped in the recliner. Now I know what everybody means about the pain when standing up. That's pretty bad! Would like to poop b/c my tummy is starting to hurt, but on the other hand, not sure I could wipe myself. I know my hubby loves me and he's taking good care of me, but come on!! Taking miralax and will probably take milk of magnesia if no relief by this afternoon. I'm still concerned about size but I did catch a glimpse of myself when I washed my hands a few mins ago and they don't look huge in my hoodie. Plus, I have a lot if gauze stuffed in my surgical bra right now. What I like about the after pic I have is they already seem to have a nice shape and nice cleavage. I'm excited to go back to doctor tomorrow and see them again and I'll probably be able to shower after that. Thank you to all the RS ladies for your support and encouragement. I definitely needed it when trying to come to terms on the size! Updated on 7 Nov 2015: I had my 2nd post op appointment yesterday. PS said everything looks good. Still a little swollen. Didn't see any bruising yet. He removed the pain pump which felt weird, but didn't hurt. Did not remove the tape from incisions (is that the same thing as steri strips?) I go back on Monday to switch those out. He said I could take a shower yesterday and pat tape dry, but I really didn't feel like it. Now I'm wishing that I did because I smell like a homeless person...a homeless person with really nice boobs! I'm still sleeping in recliner with a small pillow behind my back and using a travel neck pillow which is pretty comfortable but of course my back and shoulders are sore. I'm planning not to take pain meds today, other than tylenol, but I don't expect that to help much. Occasional shooting pain in one of my boobs and feel itchy. I wish I had taught my hubby or my 9 yr old son how to do a ponytail before my surgery b/c I look crazy right now. You know the girl from napoleon dynamite with the wonky side pony? Well, that's me! I'll try to get some pics after my shower. Updated on 7 Nov 2015: My hubby helped me get a shower and it was really nice. So good to be clean. When I looked in the mirror before my shower, just at my torso, I was pretty upset and feeling too big. After I showered, I looked in a full length mirror and feel much better about size. Still on the big side but hopefully not too big. I'm feeling pretty good today. Able to get around the house well and play with my kids a little. Just get tired easily. Updated on 12 Nov 2015: I'm just over a week post op (surgery last Tuesday, it's Thursday morning). I go back to the doctor on Friday to have my sutures removed so I'm anxious about how that will feel and look like. I also went in on Monday and they removed the tape and cleaned the incisions and that didn't feel too bad and I was surprised that they cleaned fairly aggressively. I'm feeling pretty good. No real pain in my breasts, more discomfort or tightness and sometimes a hard, knot like feeling here or there. My shoulders hurt and some pain under my arms, especially in my right side and more with activity. Still not a lot of energy so I rest a lot but don't really nap. My hubby was off work until Wednesday so that helped tremendously. I don't think I could have taken care of myself or my kids (9 and 3 1/2) before 6 to 7 days post op. They're old enough to be pretty independent and I purposefully waited to do this until my youngest was out of her crib/highchair and could climb into her car seat by herself so I never have to lift her (though I miss doing it) Driving: I drove my daughter to dance Tuesday, just 10 mins away, back roads. It was challenging and uncomfortable. I drove like an old lady/truck driver (wide right turns). It took a lot of concentration so I would say limit your distractions (I had to make sure she had everything she needed and was happily playing on my phone before we left because I would not have been able to hand anything to her). I also needed to use my manual remote for my garage door because I couldn't reach high enough to use the one on the roof console. Seat belt felt weird because until then I had kind of held it away from me. Not painful though. Misc Tips: My hubby bought 2 half gallons of milk instead of a gallon and moved them lower in fridge and that's the heaviest thing I have to lift right now. He puts dishes and anything from higher shelves out on the counter for me in the morning before he leaves and makes sure to open any jars I'll need. I'm just doing the bare minimum like feeding myself and kids, getting them to school, but no cleaning or laundry or grocery shopping. Hubby does all that after he gets home from work. He's really a saint and I feel very guilty but we're doing everything possible to ensure good long term results and no complications. Showering: Still tough and I honestly only take one every other day because it's tiring. My neck and shoulders are so sore after because I have to hang my head forward to reach it and to wash my face. I sit on a stool and manage to shave my legs but underarms are trickier. I'm a bit of a beast right now and hats are my best friend if I have to be in public. Size: Still feeling like I'll be bigger than I wanted. I think they'll be beautiful and PS did a great job (minimal bruising or real pain or swelling), but I do wish we had maybe discussed going moderate profile with less cc's. Maybe that would have filled my pocket up without the added volume? I don't know, still trying to reserve judgement and just letting myself heal... That's it for now. Sorry it's so long. Thanks for listening, this is great therapy! Updated on 12 Nov 2015: Updated on 19 Nov 2015: I feel like some swelling has gone down and some dropping has taken place so I'm starting to like the results a bit more. I hope things keep going in this direction! I saw my PS yesterday and took a peak at my scars for the first time (I always have tape over them other than when my doctor's office changes them) and the scars look fantastic! Very excited about this! The nurse has removed sutures 3 times so far and she said by the time I go back next week they should all be ready to come out. I think the plan is to keep the incisions covered in this tape for about 6 weeks. PS said everything is healing well and just keep taking it easy so as not to damage the lift. Still not raising arms straight up or straight out and not lifting more than a few pounds. So, still pretty much in button ups and in surgical bra. Also not to sleep flat yet or in fetal position, but I don't have to be so propped up. So, sticking with the recliner, but I do miss my bed and snuggling with my hubby! I also miss the gym and I'm getting soft and jiggly (my body, not my boobs, lol)! It probably wouldn't be too bad if my eating habits didn't tank whenever I take a break from the gym. Oh well, this too shall pass! Im not in any real pain. Some soreness here and there, a few zingers and some hypersensitivity on my right nipple. Oh yeah, I also have some numbness down my right arm and underarm. It got better after I loosened my bra a bit and doctor said it's from swelling and will go away. Showers have gotten a little easier and I've gotten a little smarter. All in all, the worst part is the guilt over not being able to help a lot around the house; although my hubby has been great and is happy to do it. (I am able to do a little more every few days so at least there's progress.) The best part is not being saggy, yay!! That's all I can think of for now! Updated on 22 Nov 2015: I don't have a lot to update. I am liking them more and more so I'm either getting used to them or more dropping and fluffing is taking place (or both). Woo hoo! My right breast is bothering me. I keep looking in the mirror and expecting it to be swollen but I really don't notice anything. It just feels really tight and I feel swollen under my arm and still going numb down my arm, worse with activity or with just holding my arm at an angle. It doesn't feel harder to the touch than my left but I feel tight and throbbing, like something is constantly squeezing it. Not real painful, but always there and it feels deep, not on or near the surface. I'm hoping it's just that the muscle is more tight than my left or something like that. I see my PS on Tuesday so he will hopefully put mind at ease. Other than that, my left feels really good. I'm able to do a little more each day. Updated on 23 Nov 2015: I have my 3 week post op appt tomorrow. The nurse told me to remove the tape today and rub a body oil (not lotion as she said most contain Alcohol so i used Palmer's body oil) on my breasts today and then not put the tape back on. I avoided putting it on the incisions. The rest of the stitches are supposed to be removed tomorrow and then they'll put the tape back on. I hated taking the tape off. I'm apparently a big wuss. I think the scars look great so far. The stitches are poking me without the tape on. I hate it and just want the tape back on. That's all for now. Think I'm going to put the tape back on because I'm not going to get any sleep tonight if I don't :-) Updated on 2 Dec 2015: Hi ladies! I'm 4 weeks post and feeling really good. Liking my new additions more each day. I have a couple Christmas parties to go to and just couldn't stand the idea of wearing my post op bra (my PS still wants me primarily in it) so I went shopping. Measuring a 32 DD at a department store. I bought a pretty, wire free Chantelle bra (marked $70, but rang up $48!) and this lacy red bralette is a Wacoal for $30. It's not very practical being lace, but I talked myself into it. I figure I might wear it in the bedroom for a little bit because I'm certainly not wearing my post op bra for sexy time but I think I'd feel more comfortable with something on for awhile. I don't think my husband will complain! I just can't tell you how good it felt to love the way I looked without a bunch of padding and push up! It was an amazing moment! As far as healing, I'm doing great. My arms are tired by the end of the day. My range of motion is about 80%, but I know that comes with the territory of a full lift and it's so worth it! The underarm swelling and numbness down my arm are almost completely gone. I have some hypersensitivity in my nipples, mostly right, which has been present since day 1 post op, but I can deal with it. I think that about covers it. Hope everyone in boob land (as my hubby refers to this site) is doing well! Updated on 8 Dec 2015: Hi lovely ladies. Today is my 5 week anniversary and I am falling more in love with my boobs each week. They definitely feel like they're part over me now. I'm finally to the point that I love the size and no longer worry they're too big. I'm so glad my PS chose the larger size. He knocked it outta the park! I wore one of my XS tops to a party Saturday night and it still fit great so that went a long way in my new found happiness with the size. I was also so happy that I didn't feel like the way I looked was a charade - it was all me, if that makes any sense. As far as limitations go, I'm still not 100% with range of motion. I can reach my left arm straight up, but can't handle too much weight in that position (I can reach up to a high shelf and knock something light off of it, but have to ask for help at the grocery store to get a half gallon of milk off the top shelf). I can't quite reach straight up with my right arm yet. It just doesn't go...yet. I also get stuck in shirts occasionally that are a little fitted and my 9 yr old thinks it's hilarious that he has to help me! I just can't forcefully pull down on my arms to get out of them without it feeling like something I shouldn't be doing. I really have no pain in my breasts at all other than hypersensitivity in my right nipple still, but I think that's improving. The only pain I have is in my shoulders, neck, collar bone and worse on my right side. But, again, improving. I'm still sleeping in my recliner because I'm more comfortable a bit propped up than lying flat, but this is getting better too. I'm afraid that if I sleep in my bed I'll roll onto my side and that position sounds terrible to me and I haven't been cleared to go onto my side yet. I ordered the Nightlift bra a few days ago in anticipation of being cleared to try sleeping on my side soon. I'm going to take it to my next appt, if it gets here in time, to see what my PS thinks about it. I miss sleeping in my bed and with my hubby so much! All in all, I'm so glad I did this. I love the outcome and I know it will just get better and I'll still gain strength and flexibility. I just hope my boobs don't drop much more, I like them right where they are! Hope everyone is well in boobland tonight! Take care lovely ladies! Updated on 29 Dec 2015: Hi ladies. I've made it to 8 weeks post op. Things are going fairly well. Here's my update: Scars/Spitting Stitches I took my tape off Sunday and felt something hard along the crease incision of my left breast. I think it's a suture working itself out. I have an appt to see the nurse tomorrow morning. I put a band aid on it and some neosporin. It's white and feels like plastic but isn't sticking out far at all so I'm not sure what they'll do. I've been having some pain in that area since yesterday. I also have a white area at the upside down T that looks like a scab, but white. Other than the creases, my scars look amazing! My PS did a fantastic job. For scar treatment, I'm still to wear tape over the incision sites for 6 days then take them off for a day or two then reapply. I also use Palmer's cocoa butter body oil around the tape (it was getting too sticky when applying directly over the tape) twice a day and massage it into incision sites directly when tape is off. Nightlift The Nightlift bra arrived in time to take it to my most recent appt with my PS. I put it on for him. He has no problem with me wearing it, but wanted me to make sure non of the straps were digging into my breasts. I wore it for a few nights, but it felt like it kept riding up on my breasts. This may be a size issue, but I really don't want to go through the hassle of returning it and waiting for a new size. I think I'll just return it and get a refund. I'll update you ladies once I've gotten the refund. As long as that goes smoothly, I'll be glad I at least tried it. I will say when I had it on, it felt very cozy and supported from all angles, but then it started to ride up during the night. Sleeping I was cleared to sleep any way that's comfortable about 2 weeks ago. I've been back in.my bed since Christmas eve (my son was worried Santa wouldn't come if I slept in the recliner and that was just the kick in the butt I needed). The first night was a bit rough. Not very comfortable on my side and my back started to hurt after a few hours. The second night (and since) has been much better. When I'm on my side I hold a lumbar roll pillow against my chest which helps. This is comfortable until 3 or 4 in the morning and then I flip to my back. I've been experiencing morning boob since being out of the recliner, but it only lasts a few minutes. Activity/Gym I was cleared to get back to the gym at my last visit but have been busy with the holidays and kids being out of school. I'll go back next Monday and start out slow with the eliptical and bike. PS did caution to start slow, very low weights when I do start them and still no reaching back and pulling. My range of motion is still not full. I notice this when reaching up but I am able to do more and more so I'm happy as long as there is progress. I'm really looking forward to easing my way back into working out...and not eating like a mad woman! I think that covers everything. I hope everyone has a Happy New Year! Updated on 29 Dec 2015: More pics Updated on 30 Dec 2015: I saw the nurse today and she said the red area that was bothering me where I saw and felt a white plastic like piece poking out was oozing a bit but no stitch there so she said it probably already fell out (it did get to the point where I could no longer see/feel it but still hurt). The area at the center of the inverted T where I had a white scab was a spitting stitch (suture really) so she scraped it and trimmed it. She put aquaphor on the areas and covered with no stick gauze and told me to change dressing tonight, reapply aquaphor and them put new tapes on tomorrow. I took a pic just a few mins ago. It kind of stings but wasn't bad at all (which is making me think I have more numbness than I thought). I had put neosporin and a bandaid on it but she said no more neosporin because it has some properties they don't like. I didn't ask for more details. The hole stings and I get a shooting pain here and there so hopefully it will get better soon. Happy healing and happy new year ladies! Updated on 14 Oct 2016: Hi ladies. I'm sorry it's been so long since I've updated. Life got busy and my boobs just became a normal part of life and I was really enjoying them with the exception of sometimes still wishing they were smaller (usually when wearing a bathing suit or something showing a lot of cleavage). Working out got pretty much back to normal (eventually) with the exception of push ups. Those never really felt like a good thing to be doing. I could do them but it felt really weird so I didn't do many at all. Scars were healing great. Around May, about 6 months post op, I began to feel a tightening in my right breast and it just progressed, pretty quickly actually. It became much harder than my left. I saw my PS and he advised aggressive massaging for a month to see if that would help. It didn't so he told me he would do a capsulotomy at no charge and would like me to wait until about 1 year post op. I was happy to wait since the surgery wouldn't interfere with summer that way. My breast felt tight, harder, painful here and there and was really uncomfortable to lay on. I had the surgery on October 11th so I'm about 3 days post op now. I don't have much swelling and most of the pain is gone. My breast looks better already though not quite normal. I expect that to improve with time. The surgery was under local anesthetic. Hurt a little but nothing I couldn't handle. My PS made an incision in my crease, removed the implant, released the capsule and replaced the implant. I am just hoping and praying there are no more complications. I knew this was a risk going into all this and so far I'm still glad I did it, but I do hope this is it! Thankfully my surgeon didn't charge anything for the revision but I do feel guilty that my hubby and kids have to deal with my boobs again; although they've been great - I just wish it was something that could only affect me. Anyway, that's what's going on with me. I'll add some pics from before my surgery. I've gotten to the point where I don't like to take pics of my boobs (imagine that!) so I just asked my PS to send them to me.
It took me 4 months to find a plastic surgeon I can trust my body and face with. After numerous consultations I decided to do a 2nd consultation with Dr. Hewell. He was very patient & took time to explain everything after I asked a lot of questions. He assured me & made sure I understood everything thoroughly. He spent over an hour on my 1st & 2nd consultation. From the 1st moment I met him I felt comfortable as if we knew each other & we were like family. He also performed surgery on my friend & she was very happy with her breast augmentation. I needed to trust my surgeon 200% because I have 2 big surgeries to do. The employees also had a big impact on my decision. They are all professional, nice & caring. Which is extremely important for a soon to be nervous patient soon to be going under the knife. My 1st surgery was to lift & minimize my saggy nor symmetrical breasts from a 375cc to a 125cc, a tummy tuck & lipo. My requirements were that I wanted my breast to look shapely, and to sit high, & a tight flat stomach & to get rid of the loose skin folds in my back. Dr. Hewell was the 1st doctor who was confident that he can help me achieve the look I wanted. And most importantly he came through on what he said he could do. I can now honestly express how thrilled I am with my surgeries. I am a 53yr old woman & I was never overweight but I had accumulated some fat in certain areas. I was never happy with my body until now at 53yrs old. My breasts look EXCELLENT & they balance my body. Every plastic surgeon should have an artistic ability & understand a woman’s wants. And here is where I could let everyone know that Dr. Hewell is a respected artist & I say that from the bottom of my heart. I was reading some other reviews & someone mentioned they were not happy with their scars after surgery-well that’s complete nonsense!!!!! Everyone who decides on having surgery knows that it is a face there will be scars-and each person heals differently. After my 1st surgery everyone was great & so caring when I came in for my follow up visits. My results were visible immediately. My husband was delighted with my flat stomach. 2 months later I decided to do my face-I decided to do upper & lower eyelids, a upper lift, & neck tightening. When I was on the operating table I was 100% confident that everything would go well & I did not have any regrets. I had a wonderful anesthetist who took good care of me. I did not get sick which most people do after general anesthesia. My scars faded quickly & I cannot see them. All of my friends tell me I look healthier, better & well rested. But it is not obvious-no one can see what I did unless I point it out. Maybe I wrote too much-but before my surgeries I was also looking at reviews looking for insight. I hope my review with be helpful while finding a good doctor. And I know this may be difficult to believe-but with Dr. Hewell you will get the results you are looking for. I also wanted to add that my good friend went to the wrong doctor & had her breasts, nose & chin done-& she was very unhappy. Dr. Hewell revised her bad breast augmentation & she is finally thrilled. She is currently scheduled to do her chin & nose & will also be doing her tummy tuck & lipo with Dr. Hewell of course. Thank you Dr. Hewell for my MAGNIFICANT results with both of my surgeries, for the great care & just being a wonderful person!!! As well as the staff who are caring, professional & took care of me the way they did. Updated on 1 Sep 2015:
My original/primary surgery was performed by a different doctor in October 2014. The other doctor performed an open rhinoplasty and chin reduction , leaving me with undesirable results and scarring . My nose was collapsed almost immediately after surgery , and the tip is even more bulbous from before , along with a new big scar . My profile still isn't perfect , and there are some other technical issues with my nose that are beyond my comprehension . My chin was not reduced enough , asymmetrical still , and left me with a "scar knot " maybe from a hematoma . Dr Todd Hewell performed my breast augmentation revision (primary augmentation was also performed by the same previous doctor and I was left with complications and unsatisfactory results as well ). Not only did Dr Hewell give me an amazing price , but he gave me great results !! He is such a great guy , I totally and completely trust him with my face . When I left his office the other day for my facial revision consultation , I was so emotional that I almost wanted to cry because I couldn't believe how reasonable my revision was . AND that I only have to do it under local anesthesia !!! He has seriously been a life saver throughout my nightmare of bad plastic surgery and shady plastic surgeons . He's amazing !! I would recommend him to anyone , especially anyone in need of a revision .Updated on 23 Oct 2015: My revision surgery with Dr Hewell was yesterday , and so far so good!! The surgery was only about 2 hours , and my recovery is going smooth . No nausea at all , and pain is minimal . Recovery is 1000x better than the original surgery with a different dr . I saw Dr Hewell this morning to remove some bandages , but I don't see the full results til Wednesday . Wish me luck. !! XoxoUpdated on 10 Jan 2016: So to recap- my nose and chin revision surgery with Dr Hewell was in October. I was almost immediately pleased with my results. One thing I did not mention was that I added a few additional procedures (lol .. but i really wanted to do fat transfers to my face and some dermabrasion on my one cheek to accelerate my acne scar treatment results..) Ok, so I'll break each part down!! Nose Revision- Dr. Hewell did a cartilage graft to fix the side of my nose that collapsed from a previous nose job. He also further reduced the profile hump that was not fixed by the previous surgeon. He refined my tip as well. The results were great!! Nose is straighter, and profile is more attractive as well!! Chin Revision- My chin was complicated, but I am pleased with the final results!! Ah ok I'll start explaining everything he did to it. FIrst off, the main revision was to reduce my chin size even further and to correct symmetry. That was done well! Symmetry has improved greatly, and my chin is smaller. He ALSO reduced my cleft by making a fat graft out of some of my stomach fat. I have an overactive mentalis muscle, so he also altered that muscle to give me a smoother look. Another thing he has to do, was remove some of the excess chin skin. This was all done conservatively, and looking at before and after pictures its hard to tell I had more work done! Dermabrasion I had dermabrasion performed on the scar my previous surgeon left from my poorly performed nose job. I also had dermabrasion on my cheek to better my acne scars. Both treatments seemed to have minor improvement. Fat Transfer from Stomach to Cheeks These results ended up being good as well, but I had a few minor issues with this.. I had fat transfer to my cheeks not only to add cheekbones, but to correct some asymmetry in my face. I felt like my right side wasn't as full, so I had more transfer done on that side. Well, one of the fat injections right by my upper molar blew up possibly from a tooth infection and had to be drained.. ew.. Just my luck lol… But even after all that, my results are still good LOL! I have nicer cheekbones and my face is more symmetrical. So wow, that was all in one time going under the knife!! Not gonna lie, although recovery was easy, having so many procedures at once is not for the weak lol… But to me, it was still worth it!! I'm taking a little break from plastic surgery because I had to do all those unexpected revisions… but i'm sure ill be back ;) lolUpdated on 7 Oct 2016: So I had my rhinoplasty revision about a year ago to fix what another doctor totally messed up. My original doctor I found on groupon in the Hoffman estates , Illinois area . Beware because he has tons of fake good reviews on this site as well as yelp . My nose was crooked and worst looking after surgery and he left me with an awful scar on my columna :( I've had scar reduction procedures since , but it's so deep it still shows . I decided to see dr hewell bc he has been doing this forever (beware of young doctors , they haven't had much time to build a reputation and that's the dr that ruined my nose in the first place ). Anywho , he straightened my nose out and it hasn't collapsed again yet , but I do occasionally get more congested on one side . I just want to warn anyone considering rhinoplasty to think long and very hard . Once someone screws up your nose , it can be very difficult to fix . And there are so many scandalous doctors out there with fake reviews who are just dying to take your money in exchange for bad work .Updated on 15 Feb 2020: Unfortunately , I can say that my rhinoplasty revision did not hold up . My nose slowly collapsed again over the years . I highly suggest not to ever get a rhinoplasty , and would not bother with revisions because in my case each one seems to get worse . Also , my infection complications from fat transfer to my face not only resulted in over $2000 of medical bills (plus what insurance covered ! ), but left me with an assymetrical smile . Dr Hewell is very nice , so I feel bad leaving a negative review ... but the results just didn’t add up for me . I also had breast schelerotherapy with him a few months ago and had ANOTHER complication ! Skin necrosis which left me with a scar . So 2/3 of my surgeries with him resulted in complications . I will not be going back to him again .
I had my original breast augmentation performed 8-4-14 and had 2 different complications in my breast. My left one had capsular contraction grade 4, and my right one had bottomed out. I do not trust my original surgeon to do the revision, so after doing some research I found Dr Todd Hewell whom I feel confident in performing the procedure. The revision is going to cost $6500 plus anesthesia fees which I'm estimating to be between $1000-$1500. I estimated my revision will cost about $7750 total. I paid $7000 which my first surgery with my former surgeon . So let's hope after almost $15,000 we can get this right!! Btw I am still upset that I wasted the $7000 with my former surgeon… I cannot stress enough how important it is to do your research and find a surgeon you really trust. A good question to ask yourself is "If I have surgery complications, would I trust this surgeon to operate on me again?? "One perk of my revision is that I believe I am switching out to the perfect size implants for my shape. I originally had 475cc moderate plus silicone smooth, and i will be switching out to 550cc high profile silicone smooth. I am so excited about my surgery that I am already starting to forget about how upset I am with my former surgeon's practice lol (for more reasons why , check my other reviews). Anyways I am hoping for the best !!The update has been edited at the request of the reviewer 08/01/15 Updated on 3 Apr 2015: My Breast Revision surgery is in 5 days . I'm excited , but nervous .. Can't wait to switch out from moderate plus to high profile !! Updated on 3 Apr 2015: I'm almost 4 days pre op , and the anxiety is starting to set in !! As excited and optimistic I am about surgery and results , the whole going under and pain thing is always a trip . I have young children I need to take care of after , so that is the hardest part . I want to only focus on the good , but it's still frustrating to me that I have to go through all this again. I am still upset with my original surgeon . As much as I trust my revision surgeon , there may be repeat complications regardless now that I am more prone . I defintely feel much more at ease with this surgeon tho . And I will be posting after pictures this time !!! (Because I am sure they will look great and sexy at first :) plus I want to bring a little "positive energy " to the realself community .. Because even though I expressed my negative experiences I had with my previous surgeon , plastic surgery can still be a really great thing !! I'm not giving up yet . I've had some positive experiences in the past too .. so here's to a hopefully successful surgery !! Updated on 6 Apr 2015: Today was my pre op appointment !! I'll have my new boobies In less than 48 hours :) im still going with the 550 cc smooth silicone high profile under the Muscle. I can't wait !! I'm so so excited :))))) Updated on 8 Apr 2015: Today was the big day !! Everything went well and smooth, and tomorrow morning the Dr will take the bandage off. I took a peek and they look amazing!! But I am still so so scared of repeat complications :( I'm going to talk to Dr. Hewell tomorrow if I can do anything else to prevent them. I got to see the Operating area, including rooms and the actual operating room… It was nice!! I like how they give you a private room with its own bathroom. I got to hang out in a comfy chair and read magazines and do crossword puzzles until I had to go back to the operating room. I wasn't nervous at all !! And surprsingly, I was only in about 20 % of the pain I was with my 1st breast augmentation. I read reviews saying that Dr Hewell has good technique and people come out of his surgeries with very little pain. But I've also heard that subsequent breast augmentations aren't as painful as the first because the muscle is already stretched out. Regardless, it's a breath of fresh air not to be puking and in pain lol. I will try to take a pic tomorrow after I get the bandages off and talk to the Dr. I think I have some bruising though, but we will see. Another thing is that it is going to be a challenge for me to upload pics on this site without getting the error screen lol.. But I'll try!! Updated on 14 Apr 2015: I am only day 6 post op , and I'm already forgetting that I just had surgery !! Dr Hewell is really great . He has been doing lots of check ups , which is keeping my mind at ease !! So far so good !! It's too early to say I won't have any complications ... But I can defintejy say I LOVE my new boobies !!! And so does my hubby !! I feel super sexy :))) thanks Dr Hewell !! Updated on 2 May 2015: My left breast that had the revision for capsular contracture finally dropped into place today !!! # weeks and 3 days after revision surgery. My right side is still in place, and has not bottomed out!! :) I'm feeling very grateful and happy !!! Ok just to post a recap-I had a primary augmentation with a different doctor that went bad and left with with contracture in my left breast, and my right breast was bottomed out . This left my breasts very asymmetrical. I realized this at about 7 months post surgery, and had a revision and implant exchange with a different doctor- (Dr. Hewell). I switched out both my implants because I was not happy with the size or shape from my first augmentation.My revision surgery was performed 9 months post op from my primary augmentation. It was MUCH less painful and went smooth. Immediately after revision surgery, my right bottomed out breast was noticeably repaired. The left side was very swollen and still riding pretty high, but the doctor told me this was normal.2 weeks post op i started doing the massages 5 times a day. By 3 weeks everything seemed to be settling into place. Then here is where things got interesting. I went in for a checkup exactly on my 3 week post op. Everything was going okay. Then the next morning I woke up, and I noticed my left breast that had been revised for contracture was starting to ride high again and have an oblong shape like it did previous from the surgery. I panicked and emailed Dr. Hewell's office. They told me I could come in again the next day.So I arrive at the doctors office the following day, and Dr. Hewell said I was not developing a contaacture yet, but to start massaging 10 times a day instead of 5 and to double the sets and to get more aggressive.So i followed his instructions!! And the next day (aka today as I'm writing this - 3 weeks and 3 days post op from my revision), I start my massages early in the morning at 7am. I was taking this so seriously, as I was pretty sure I was starting to develop a new contracture. By the afternoon at around 1pm, I was on my 5th massage for the day. This time I was getting aggressive with it.Warning: what I did next I would not recommend without being told to do so by your doctor first. Ok, so my doctor warned me that I could be really aggressive with the implants, but not to aggravate the imframmary fold where the sutures are. Well, my left was still riding really high , so being on my 5th massage of the day and not seeing improvement on my left side I decided to get risky. I put pressure downward, and I'm pretty sure I broke through some of the scar tissue, or my muscle just finally relaxed (probably the latter, thats what Dr. Hewell said would happen) but either way… for the first time EVER, even since my primary augmentation, my left breast implant FINALLY dropped!!!! Woo too! I am so so so grateful!!!!!!I know this doesn't necessarily mean I'm out of the clear for complications, but this is a REALLY REALLY good sign!! I'm really really happy right now :) Thanks Dr. Hewell!! My next appointment is in 6 days (so I'll be 4 weeks 2 days post op), and hopefully we can get some pictures!! If not, we will for sure be taking them by 6 weeks post op and i PROMISE to upload!! Dr. Hewell takes lots of 3D pictures before and after, so I should hopefully get some decent shots. As of now, if my boobs stay like this, I'd be more than happy!! Updated on 21 Jul 2015: Just wanted to keep everyone updated on my progress . My left breast dropped even further down last week , so now my nipples are finally level !! ( even more so than prior to any augmentation !!) so I'm definitely happy :) My right breast hasn't bottomed out yet either . Dr Hewell is awesome !! If anyone is super interested in pictures , please inbox me . My hubby doesn't really want me posting pix of my boobs on the Internet , but I definitely at least owe a good bra shot to the Realself community !! Updated on 21 Jul 2015: 3.5 months post Updated on 10 Jan 2016: 8 months post revision, my breasts seem to be doing well!! I have not bottomed out on the right, and my left breast has settled nicely. It was definitely a few month process waiting for that left breast to settle. My symmetry and everything is good too!! My only complaint is that the left breast I had prior capsular contracture in , still continues to hurt from time to time. It's not incredibly painful to where I need Tylenol, but it's frequent and is the worst right before and during my period. It seems to be getting a little better with time. I just saw my doctor Friday and he reassured me that everything is going well and on track. I guess my body has been through some trauma, and still needs to heal in the long run. Love the way my breasts look and my size! I just hope everything stays good.. xoxo Updated on 19 Jun 2016: It's been a while since I checked in , but gratefully saying that my breasts have settled in nicely and are both still soft !! Updated on 7 Oct 2016: I didn't think my boobs could look this great after my first botch job with a different doctor . Thanks Dr Hewell !!
I've always wanted boobs aND finally decided to get them! I had two surgical consultations and decided to go with the second surgeon. What really influenced me was his vast experience and showing me with a 3d image how my breasts would look with different cc's. So I finally had the procedure done results to follow!
