Was quite skeptical of procedure. Was told about my surgeon from my primary, so made an appointment and saw her for an evaluation. She was thorough and very bright and quite direct!! She was honest and didn't hold anything back. I LIKED that fact and she was very conservative with her treatments. THAT was my deciding factor!Had my surgery last year in August, sailed through the procedure, great nursing care, great anesthetist who listened to my concerns and followed my requests to the letter, great stay @ the hospital, and follow up care was absolutely professional and very encouraging. My Dr. was and IS one of the smartest, and talented people I've had the pleasure of using!! My reduction was a total success and I'm thrilled with the results and felt an immediate relief from my symptoms!! Looking for a great DR. and wanting exceptional care?? Look NO further than Dr. Victoria Vastine and her group of professionals!! THEY ROCK!!
The bottom line was that I had suffered for years with upper back pain. After numerous visits to Physical Therapy and the Chiropractor, as well as dropping a significant amount of weight, I still was seeking relief. My PCP urged me to go to a consult and talk about this surgery as an option. I was very nervous about the entire concept but went to the consult anyway.
Ecstatic!!!! I am 6 months post op from a tummy tuck and a small amount of lipo. Dr Vastine and her staff are absolutely amazing, kind, and so welcoming. From the time you walk in there office until you leave you are treated like royalty. I actually stayed over night at Martha Jefferson and the care was exceptional. Dr V had made me feel like a new gal. Never in a million years would I have thought I would love the gym again My confidence and self esteem about myself are back. I am going back in the fall for a breast lift and can not wait to see my results! She is by far the BesT ever.
I just had my surgery done last Monday. I read a lot of reviews, advice and videos before hand and I have not run across this advice. I am so glad that I thought of it. RENT A HOSPITAL BED! A local company rents for $160 a month and then $35 for 2 fitted sheets. So for around $200, you can have an adjustable bed at home for a month. It has been an absolute lifesaver. Sleeping is so easy and is really helping with comfort and pain relief... and REST! As you can see in the photo, I made a great little set up. My hubby snores something horrible so I knew I needed to get away from our usual bedroom. Our other bedroom is under construction, so I set up the hospital bed in the living room. We had gotten a movie projector and screen for Christmas and that is set up over the large window. I can look outside at gorgeous birds and sunsets or the random neighbor walking their dog OR I can pull down the screen and watch some shows and doze off. A comfortable healing location is key. Good luck Updated on 24 Jan 2017: I am starting to get really happy about my results so I decided to post some pics and make myself available for any of you who have questions for someone who just got the surgery done. I have had a bit of a rough time because of a bad reaction to antibiotics, but am healing up very well now. I had an allergic reaction to the Keflex on day 4. (Vomiting, abdominal pain, shaking, chills, etc.) My nipples were really uneven in the day 2 picture and that had me a little worried, but as you will see in the day 8 photo, they are equalized. I spent the night in the hospital as is required by my PS. I had my drains removed the next morning (when I left the hospital) which was thrilling. My PS says that most of her patients have them in for about a week. SO now I am really getting excited about the results. I am feeling stronger now that the Keflex is out of my system and am really looking forward to having my stitches removed on Feb 2nd. Feel free to ask any questions. Oh yes, and a huge piece of advice is to RENT A HOSPITAL BED if you can. I have mine set up in my living room and it has been a godsend for sleeping and general comfort. I rented mine for $160/month and had to purchase 2 fitted sheets for $35. So it is totally worth it for $200 to have this added comfort. Plus, I have a movie screen and projector in my living room. It has made for fun movie night for me, my husband and our Fur babies. Good luck everyone and feel free to me ask any questions that might help you.
Hands down, THE BEST in town!! I had two seperate procedures performed by her (within 3 year span of each other; breast lift w augmentation and full tummy tuck) it was the best choice I ever made. Six years later and I'm still very pleased w my results.... I've really got it "going on", thanks to Dr.Vastine and her staff!!
I've been top heavy ever since I was 11 wearing a DD cup. By 19 I was in a DDD. Then by 25 an F and now an H. My surgery is 2 days away and I am so nervous and excited at the same time. I'm hoping to be a DD. I was comfortable at that size. Anyway I have to be at the hospital at 5:30am Monday morning. My husband will be with me. My experience so far with my Doctor has been pleasant. Her staff has been really kind and has answered all my questions. I'm so ready to get this done. Updated on 10 Nov 2015: Surgery went great. I'm feeling good but a little sore. I'm came home yesterday after the surgery feelin pretty good. I expected a lot of pain but got soreness instead. Don't regret a thing I'm glad I did this! Updated on 18 Nov 2015: I'm doing fine with pain. I just have some soreness a a lot of swelling but the doctor said thats normal. I got my drains out Monday and now I sleep much better at night. I also switch between the compression bra and the sports bra. I wear the compression bra every other day to kind of give me a break from the tightness of it. I will be posting a pic of my new boobies. I am very pleased with them, Dr. Vastine did a great job. If anyone has any questions please don't hesitate to ask.
I was a late bloomer, but when I finally did bloom, I bloomed hard. The last time I was measured, I was a 34/36 H, which is the size bra I am wearing in the pictures, but I believe I am bigger than that now due to changes in birth control. I very rarely wear underwire bras because they are so uncomfortable, and I tend to stick to industrial strength sports bras and granny bras which really are not cute. I have been experiencing low, middle, and high back pain, shoulder and neck pain, and frequent tension headaches for a couple of years and I am really hoping that getting rid of some of the weight will help relieve this. I am fairly tall (about 5'8") and have an athletic build (broad shoulders, small (relative to my shoulders) waist, with a bit of extra fat. My boobs are not proportionate to the rest of me and make me look larger than I am. I had my initial consult in March, and my information was sent off to my insurance. I heard a couple weeks later that I had been approved for coverage. I will have to pay ~$500 still for my deductible and stuff, but that is totally worth it. I scheduled my surgery for August 5th because I am a student and I have the majority of August off which provides me with the perfect opportunity to lay in bed and recover. I had my pre-op appt. last week and the NP went through pre-op and post-op procedures and informed me that I will stay over night at the hospital (a 23 hr stay, still counted as outpatient) so that my pain levels can be monitored and regulated and so the surgeon can meet with me before I am discharged. I am very glad I will bot have to do the 30 mile care ride directly after surgery. She also told me that ~850 grams would be taken from each breast. I am not positive what this amounts to, but I know I have dense breasts, so I hope it is enough. The NP told me to make sure the surgeon knows before surgery what size I am hoping for (fingers crossed for a D, a DD would be ok too!) so that if there is any wiggle room once she gets in there she can make things go my way. I am nervous about the anesthesia as I have never had surgery before, and I am a little nervous about the results. Although these boobs have been a literal pain in my neck, they're all I've known and I am crossing my fingers for good results. I don't care about scarring, but I am hopeful that when I have kids I will still be able to breast feed at least a little bit. I have weighed the pros and cons and I am ready and excited for this procedure to be done. I have attached some before pictures! Updated on 25 Jul 2015: I failed to proof read my post, so there a couple typos... sorry about that! The main thing I'd like to correct is when I said 850 grams, I actually meant 850 ccs, which is a much more standard unit of measurement for this surgery anyways. Still not sure how to conceptualize how much that is, but I will see in 10 short days! Updated on 27 Jul 2015: I have 8 more days in this body. So weird to say! I have been making lists and gathering supplies like crazy. I do not want to be caught unprepared. Some more preop pictures... I think it will be crazy to go back and compare! Updated on 30 Jul 2015: Nerves are setting in a little bit! I find myself looking in the mirror a lot trying to figure out what I will look like with smaller boobs. It's hard to visualize! Im very excited though :) Updated on 5 Aug 2015: On the way to the hospital for a 5:30 am arrival and a 7:15 start time. Not too nervous! Wish me luck :) Updated on 5 Aug 2015: I'm on the other side! Still pretty groggy, but I'll do a full write up later. My dr said everything went well! Updated on 5 Aug 2015: Okay! I arrived at the hospital at 5:30 this morning and checked in. A nurse called me back and took my vitals and got my height/weight and went to a preop room (such a beautiful hospital, prep room had its own bathroom and TV). I was given Tylenol and one other medicine and the anti nausea patch behind my ear. The anesthesiologist then came in and talked to me about the procedure. Then Dr. Vastine came in and drew on me and I told her I would like to be a D cup. I then decided I would like the anti anxiety medicine I had previously turned down just to ensure I wouldn't freak out in the operating room. I kissed my mom and boyfriend goodbye and they rolled me up to the operating room. I remember very little of this because of the anti anxiety medicine. I don't remember getting the anesthesia or anything and then I woke up in the recovery room. I dry heaved a fair bit but did not throw up. I had trouble speaking because I was still pretty asleep, but I asked to see my mom and they took me to my room at around 11:30. I drank sips of water and ginger ale and slept on and off for a while. I felt a little nauseous still but never threw up. At some point I ate jello and a couple sips of broth. I napped a bunch and I've been in very little pain. I do have a pain killer button that I can press every 10 minutes. I haven't spoken to the dr yet but she spoke to my mom after she was done and said everything went well. She took out about 700 from each boob. I haven't seen them yet because I'm in my compression bra and dressings, but I should get to see tomorrow morning before I'm discharged and dr vastine comes in to chat. They look so small! I feel like an a cup! It's crazy! I was assured that I am not an a cup though haha. I will likely have to keep the drains in for a week :( but it's so worth it. I'll upload pictures as soon as I can! Updated on 5 Aug 2015: Can't take the bra off yet but they seem so so small! :) Updated on 5 Aug 2015: Updated on 6 Aug 2015: So high up! Updated on 7 Aug 2015: Im home and was able to get a ton of sleep last night which was amazing. I am in a very tight, very uncomfortable compression bra that I have to be in for 2 weeks, so I am not loving that. I also have a bit of a rash all over my torso which may be from wither the bra or the percocet, so I have stopped taking the perc and have switched over to ibuprofen. Im having a bit of discomfort but its manageable. My incisions feel very tight and my boobs feel as hard as softballs. I still have the drains in and the countdown is on until I get them out. I have barely any output so its frustrating I had to bring them home in the first place. Im trusting the process and hoping that each day will get easier. Updated on 8 Aug 2015: Today was a better day! The last couple of days I was having a bit of an identity crisis. It has been so strange not having giant boobs. Even though I hated them, I had gotten used to having them around. The thought kept running through my head that I was going to look weird forever. I'm getting over this though! By continuing to look at the stories on here I know mine are normal. And I am ~fairly~ certain they are proportionate to the rest of my body. I'm not sure of size yet, maybe d? Maybe c? They do seem insanely tiny compared to what I had. I went out with my mom to get manis and pedis in all my I showered glory and it was wonderful to get out of the house. I am very grateful to have such wonderful support. My boobs are still very hard and high due to swelling. at times it feels like I'm going to bust open at my incisions. I will be relieved when they soften. My pain has been extremely tolerable. I'm still just taking ibuprofen every 4 hours but it seems to be enough. The drain sites are probably the most uncomfortable spots. Only three more full days with them in! I am excited to be active! If I'm already feeling this good just three days after surgery, I know things are going to be wonderful. I'll take some more pictures tomorrow during my daily dressing change. Updated on 9 Aug 2015: Updated on 13 Aug 2015: I had my one week post op appt tomorrow and FINALLY got my drains out. The doctor said I was healing beautifully. I have minimal bruising and the swelling is starting to become less uncomfortable. Now the countdown is on until I get to take this bra-prison off... 5 days! I feel very happy with my results. I bought a bra in a size 36dd yesterday and there is a slight bit of extra room, but the d cup was very full due the swelling I have in my upper boob. I think I will be a full d when the swelling goes down, and I believe that is the perfect size for me. My pain is extremely minimal. I have not taken any meds for the pain since yesterday morning and the only discomfort I am feeling is itchiness, and I know that's a good thing. Overall, I am so happy with my results and each day is getting better and better! Updated on 22 Aug 2015: And feeling great! I can't wait to be more active. 10 more days! I know exercise is going to be so much more enjoyable with smaller boobs. I am really loving the size and shape. I was nitpicking the other day (The dr took out more tissue from the right breast and now my left one looks slightly larger) but my boyfriend assured me they looked "perfect". That affirmation feel good :) My areolas are puffier than before and when wearing a bra, I can see the whole outline. Has any one experienced this? In really hoping they flatten out. When did you guys start scar treatment? My dr hasn't mentioned yet and I don't want to miss the boat! I am LOVING trying on clothes; everything fits so well! Updated on 14 Nov 2015: Its been a while, but I wanted to post a quick update and some pictures of how everything has healed up! I am still so happy with my results. I no longer think about my boobs all day long which is a real relief. I feel like they fit my body so much better now. I can run and jump without a care in the world. I haven't bought a real underwire bra yet, but I believe I'm a 34 DD ish, which is WAY better than an H! I'm still hoping my scars will fade a it more over time, but it's definitely not a major concern. My left one is a little bigger now, which has taken some getting used to, but I have been told its really not that noticeable. Overall, this has been a wonderful and life changing journey, and I highly recommend the surgery to anyone on the fence! Updated on 24 Mar 2016: And still loving it! It's hard to believe this hasn't always been my body. My before pictures don't align with how I ever felt I was supposed to look and I am so much happier now. I would still like for the scars to lighten up a bit more, but I am willing to be patient, and I am not overly concerned about it. Updated on 13 Jan 2018: I am still very pleased with my results! I definitely don’t know how I dealt with those huge knockers for so long- it is so nice to be able to throw on one sports bra and go! My size now is a 36 DD or a 34 E, so I still do have large boobs, but they feel more properly proportioned. My scars have faded and I really don’t notice them anymore. If I could do it again, I wouldn’t have specified that I still wanted to be a D, and instead have just gone with what the doctor thought was best (likely a C), but at the time I had no idea how smaller boobs would look on me. Hindsight is 20/20! My advice for anyone on the fence- do it! Do you research, find a good doctor, and don’t be afraid to to listen to them and go small. Good luck!
I had surgery to fix an umbilical hernia, a 2nd abdominal hernia, diastasis repair and a tummy tuck, wooo.... ( sounds like a lot). I went to a general surgeon first for a consult about my umbilical hernia after my ob/gyn told me that's what it was after my 6 wk check following my C-section. At that appt. he told me about the muscle separation and referred me to a plastic surgeon! I had no clue what I was getting into, and then I saw my PS and was told I would need a tummy tuck essentially, I have always been a thinner person so I felt REALLY guilty about it at first. After finding out I had 2 hernias I knew I HAD to get them fixed and if I didn't fix the muscles they could come back and I would have to do it all over again so that was it I had my mind set on getting whatever I needed to do done. The first week was horrible, I had a migraine headache for 4 days from all the anesthesia and pain meds. I stayed in bed and slept in the dark, no TV or lights or anything. After 4 days I started just taking Tylenol. I felt so much better after that, and started to eat lightly. The pain wasn't so bad except walking, but after 2 C-sections it wasn't anything I couldn't handle. Week 2 - I got the drains out which were SO uncomfortable for me because I am short waisted and the binder was long and irritated where the drain tubes came out and where the stiches on my hips hit, right at my hip bones which stick out anyway. They also took out the stitches in my belly button that was created for me by my surgeon, which was so crazy to look at. Since my son was born 7 yrs ago I have had an "outtie" not knowing that it was a hernia which got worse with my second pregnancy in 2012. I felt ALOT better without the drains and then 24 hrs later I got to shower!!! YAY! It felt weird not having my binder on though. As the week went on my back was getting more sore from hunching over my neck was getting stiff from sleeping in the same position for so long. Week 3 - I was so ready to get out of my binder, it kept bunching up and I was so itchy and uncomfortable. At my appt that week I got my stitches out and everything was healing very nice they said, I got to meet with my PS at this appt so I talked about the surgery since I didn't remember talking to her after I came out of it in the hospital. She wasn't sure pre-op if she would have to use a mesh or not, and she confirmed that she didn't have to which made me very happy, but my separation was the size of a softball!! I also was cleared to quit wearing the binder and start wearing my spanx. It felt much more comfortable. Week 4 - This week I have felt more tightness since I can start to slowly stand upright more, and also I am experiencing some swelling and soreness in my abdomen. The numbness I felt in my belly is starting to go away so I think this is why I can feel more soreness and tightness from not wearing the binder. Today I had a freak out and called the nurse at my PS office about increased tightness and soreness in the upper abdomen which she said was normal since my body is not what I'm used to and it was going to get more tight and sore before it started to relax as time went on. She reminded me that I may be overdoing it and that I needed to be more aware of what I was doing. Its starting to really get to me that I cannot pick up my 1 yr old daughter or clean the way I like or do laundry when its piling up, but I just have to remind myself that it will all be worth it in the end. My husband has been awesome in stepping it up and doing pretty much EVERYTHING for my daughter and I just wish I could help. I go back to the Dr. next week so hopefully things will still be looking good. Hubby says my scar looks Way better and its really come along way just in the last week even. Updated on 1 Feb 2014: These are the first pictures I have taken myself Updated on 9 Feb 2014: This week I had a follow up with the nurse practitioner, She said everything looks good, I have a hard knot at the top of my abdomen that at first thought was a suture from underneath. She said now it could be that or a blood clot that just has to resorb itself. I felt much better this week soreness and tightness wise. I also started using aquaphor and vitamin E on my scar and skin around my belly button. I no longer have to sleep with my spanx! yay! and I don't need them if Im just laying around watching tv etc. I can lift over 5 lbs. but still not allowed to pick my daughter up from a standing position ( she weighs 21lbs) hopefully at my next follow up in 4 wks Dr. Vastine will let me start picking her up. I have been doing a little more and am more confident. The swelling is worse in the evenings and I get worn out by the time I get home from work. I am very happy things are coming along nicely. Updated on 17 Feb 2014: I Started back at work which isn't too bad at all, except that I get really tired by the time I get home. I also noticed that I have more swelling (esp in the upper abs) by the evening. Some days are more sore than others. Today, I got a sore spot in the upper right area. Just rubbing my hand over the area is sore and I can almost pinpoint the sport that hurts. I don't know what to think. I am using my Vitamin E on my scar and Belly button. I also seem to still have some stretch marks under the belly button that I guess aren't going to get better but we will see. Updated on 17 Feb 2014:
Hi everyone! I am 5 days post-op, and am just getting around to writing my review. I will add pics and more information in the next few days, but I wanted to at lest get started! Pre-op I was 5'5" and 160 lbs, with a body that definately showed the effects of having four children! My children are 9, 11, 13, and 16, and I adore them! But I had weight gains of 40-67 lbs with each pregnancy, pre-eclampsia, poly-hydramnios, and 9.5 lbs babies. My body was stretched out badly each time, and was left in the end with a deflated flabby belly that sat on my thighs when I sat down, and deflated barely B breasts. I was embarrassed and very self-conscious about my body in clothes, in swim suits, etc. I wore padded push-up bras every day - the ones that are supposed to add two cup sizes - and had lots of trouble with them riding up or shifting, so they always looked funny or had a big gap at the top of each cup. I wore shapewear under my clothes every day to try to control my belly, even though it made me hot and sweaty and uncomfortable all the time. I always longed to fix my body, but never had the finances to accomplish it, and was resigned to being depressed and uncomfortable. I was even self-conscious when trying to exercise - I love to bike, but was always trying to hide my belly rolls in my bike shorts and jerseys, and had a hard time with my self-esteem when biking with my friends. Add to this a painful divorce after 16 years of marriage, and I was very nervous about even trying to date again, given the state my body was in, and trying to hide that from any new person I was trying to look nice for. It was very difficult. However, after the divorce settlement, I finally had the means to do this for myself! I could not be more thrilled! I am finally doing something for myself after all these years of devoting myself to doing things for others (my children, my other family members, my patients as an RN, etc.). While I feel just a little guilty about spending the money on this, I truly feel like I have earned it! I could not be more pleased! It is a dream come true! Updated on 8 Jul 2013: July 2nd I reported to the hospital at 5:30 am to sign in and get ready. I was really nervous, but had all the supplies at hone that I was going to need, had my bf to help me, and was super-excited to get it done! They registered me, placed my IV, got my fluids and antibiotics started infusing, and asked me a bunch of health questions foe their computer. My PS came in to take my "before" pics and mark my body with a marker for where she was going to make her incisions and do lipo and such, and answer any last-minute questions. My anesthesiologist came in to discuss his role in my surgery and ask questions about my health history also. I knew from getting my tonsils out and getting my tubes tied that general anesthesia makes me nauseous afterwards, so we discussed meds that he could give me before, during, and after that would prevent me from getting sick. And they worked! I never felt sick through the entire experience. They wheeled me back and had me transfer myself to the operating table. We were chatting when he put something in my IV, and the next thing I knew, I woke up in recovery! I woke up sore but not too bad, and with a scratchy throat from the breathing tube during surgery. But after a little time dozing on and off and sucking on some ice chips, I was ready to be wheeled to my room. I had to stay overnight one night, but I was really greatful. This meant I could have an IV morphine pain pump all night, and a urinary catheter so I wouldn't have to keep getting up to pee all night from the IV fluids. I had some pain, but it was very well-controlled all evening and night until I went home the next morning. My bf and I even watched TV and players several games of UNO! Lol! I was placed in compression garments from bra to thighs, so I hadn't seen the results yet.... Here are my before pics I took at home. Updated on 8 Jul 2013: My breasts were a saggy B, and I am hoping for a full D (will have to see after they have time to drop and fluff). I got 400cc Mentor gel mod plus profile unders, and I am very happy with them! They are a little high so far, but that's what I should expect this early. I also knew that with my height and weight (5'5" and 160), my tummy couldn't be made as flat as some because I still have some intra abdominal fat, but she was able to take off rolls of subcutaneous fat and lots of skin, which was a big improvement! I am thrilled! I have to wear my compression garment from waist to thighs except for changing my bandages once a day, and my abdominal binder, and my surgical bra with a band on top. I have two drains that I will hopefully get out Thursday. I had a full TT with lipo on my abdomen and flanks and thighs, so the compression is very important. I also got the aforementioned BA, but no lift was needed. Updated on 9 Jul 2013: I have been spending my days since discharge from the hospital in my comfy recliner. I have been sleeping in my recliner each night, and napping in it during the day. I have been moving around as I should, though, getting up every hour while awake to prevent blood clots. I get up to use the bathroom or stroll around the apartment or get a snack. I have been unable to eat proper meals, because with these tight compression garments on I can't eat but a small amount at a time. So I have been eating small amounts of nutritious food and supplementing with protein shakes and vitamins to keep up my nutrition for wound healing. I take a multivitamin, extra C and D, arnica montana to help with bruising, and bromelain to help with swelling. I am also on Percocet for pain, Benadryl for itching, Cipro for an antibiotic, and Zofran in case I get nauseated. Good grief! Lol! I remove my compression garments once a day to sponge bath, then I clean my incisions with peroxide and let them air dry. Then I apply bacitracin, cover them with abd pads, and put all my compression stuff back on: the girdle, abdominal binder, and surgical bra with the built-in strap. Once I look like a hunched-over Mummy again, I'm done. Then I put one of my bf's button-down shirts on and a pair of shorts on, pin my drains to the hem of the shorts, and I'm good to go! I have left the house twice, though, for brief outings when I was getting stir-crazy. Went to Panera post-op day 4 for 45 minutes, and to Michael's post-op day 5 for a crochet hook. Those times I hid my drains well. Still walked like I was 90 years old, but it went just fine otherwise! Lol! Updated on 10 Jul 2013: I have my first post-op appointment at the PS office tomorrow morning, post-op day 10. I am really really really hoping both drains and all stitches can come out!! My drains feel sore right where they go in, after 10 days. They aren't putting out but 15-30 cc every 24 hours, so I am hoping they meet criteria to be removed. I am scared it will hurt, but I really want them out! I have my compression garments and bra in the dryer with no heat on after getting all washed and fresh for the occasion. Now I'm lounging around in a sports bra and PJ pants in the recliner, watching TV. It feels very nice to be free and not all wrapped up like a Mummy for once! Lol! I feel pretty good today - almost like I turned a corner with having less soreness today. Even went to Chick-fil-a with the bf for a little outing. It has been a lovely day! Will post pics, although I'm not sure I look any different from two days ago! Lol! Updated on 11 Jul 2013: What a great day! At my appointment this morning, I got both of my drains out! Yippee!! I feel like a new woman! It feels so freeing to get those pesky things out. After 10 days of emptying them, pinning them to my clothes, hiding them when I go out, etc. I don't have to do that anymore. I can also take a real honest-to-goodness normal shower tomorrow after the little oozing holes are closed up. :-) I also got the dressings off of the crease incisions under each breast. They didn't have any stitches to be removed or anything, so now they are healed shut and I have been instructed to massage them with Bio-Oil to moisturize and soften the scars. I can also stop wearing my surgical bra, and wear regular sports bras with a band on top. Those will be cuter and more comfortable. (I only had one on yesterday because my surgical bra was in the wash.) I also got the couple of stitches out of two tiny lipo incisions in the top crease of each thigh. Next week I will get the stitches out of my big incision and bellybutton, and will get to graduate to regular Spanx instead of my industrial-strength compression garment with abdominal binder over top. Can't wait! Had to pick up a few things at CVS after my appointment, and a few more sports bras at Wal-Mart, and I even got treated to Chick-fil-a by my bf. Such a wonderful day! Came home and immediately started snoring in the recliner, though. Too much excitement for one day! Lol! Updated on 11 Jul 2013: Does a big fat kitty cat sitting on my tummy count as even better compression? Lol! Updated on 12 Jul 2013: Post-op day 10, and feeling good! Got to take a normal nice long warm shower this morning for the first time since the morning of my surgery before going to the hospital. Luxurious!! (My PS didn't want me to do anything but sponge baths until the day after my drains came out.) I feel like I am getting some of my energy back. It's hard not to do some housework that I'm not supposed to do, or exercise very much. I just feel good, and bored! I will go for a relaxed little stroll outside in a minute, though. I'm allowed to do that much. Lol! I am SO glad not to have to fool with those drains anymore. Yay! The little holes are already healed over for the most part. My bellybutton is a little gross, though, but my PS says it's normal. Apparently our bbs don't have a particularly good blood supply, and healing takes longer than everything else. Mine is oozing yellowish fluid (not thick like pus, no odor - important clarification) and is kinda red (not exceptionally sore though). I am to gently wash it daily, use a little bacitracin once a day, and keep it dressed with dry gauze that I change a few times a day. Hoping to get those stitches out when I get my others out next Wednesday, if I can get it to heal a little more. My tummy is a little more swollen over the incision today I think, but not bad. I was 8 lbs heavier when I came home from the hospital the day after surgery than when I went in the morning before - the IV fluids, anesthesia, meds, lipo and surgical trauma to my body made me retain fluid. This is normal, and I expected it, but I felt uncomfortable and puffy. Well, now 10 days later, I am 1/2 a lb less than when I went in. Yay! I am feeling so much better! Been drinking lots of water and avoiding salt, and taking my Bromelain. My compression garments are easier to zip up and Velcro now, too! I celebrated my wonderful progress with a Venti mocha at Starbucks with my sweet bf. It was lovely! I have been avoiding caffeine and sugar for the most part, but really enjoyed the treat. :-) Updated on 13 Jul 2013: OK, so I have this compression garment on that goes from just under my boobs to right above my knees, because I had my thigh lipo along with my TT and flank lipo. Then I have a Velcro abdominal binder over that. And a bra and a strap on top of it. So I'm all wrapped up like a Mummy. Anyway, my big garment has a hole in it for me to use the bathroom through without having to take all that stuff off. Which usually works out just fine. Usually. You see, my labia have been the only parts not compressed, and have been pushed through that hole for a week and a half. So they are pretty swollen - the fluid I retain has to go somewhere, right? So I just sat down to pee, and they apparently were swollen and in the way of the stream or something. Because the stream of pee shot forward instead of down, and right through the little horizontal space between the toilet seat and the toilet itself! I didn't notice at first, which resulted in my peeing all over the floor, my right ankle, and my shorts! What the heck?! Sure surprised me!! I had to laugh, though! Boy, this whole process has been quite the adventure.... :-) Updated on 13 Jul 2013: I have all of my compression stuff and bras hanging up to dry. So I've just been hanging around in regular clothes for a couple of hours. The good news is that my breasts feel softer each day, and my implants have dropped a little more. That makes me happy! The bad news is that in just a couple of hours, my belly has really swelled. I haven't had much swelling, but it feels big and tight tonight. I hope I can get the compression stuff back on! Lol! I hope you aren't tired of pics...I have nothing else to do.... Lol! Updated on 13 Jul 2013: Updated on 14 Jul 2013: It is a good morning! For the first time in 12 days, my legs are shaved and lotioned, my make-up is on, my hair is styled more like normal, and I am wearing a dress! I feel SO good! I have managed to get the four kids up and ready, and we have come to church. It feels great to do something that helps me feel back to normal! Shaving my legs was very interesting, since I can't bend much or twist or anything. And I am used to laying down in a bathtub to do it. But I managed to do an OK job! The kids are in Sunday School and I am sitting in the van in the shade, with a gentle breeze, listening to the birds chirp. My bf will hopefully be pleased when I walk in for the service looking like a girl again! Lol! (He has been wonderful, and hasn't minded my appearance during my recovery AT ALL, though - don't get me wrong.) Just feeling really good today. A bit swollen, but I don't look any worse in my dress than I did before, that's for sure! What a nice morning. :-) Updated on 16 Jul 2013: Had a very busy day yesterday (the 16th - it's after midnight now, so barely the 17th). I was post-op day 14, and feeling pretty good! I went out to get spanx that I can wear after my doctor's appointment in the morning (yay! I get to upgrade from the medical compression garment!). Just getting out and driving myself was exciting - only just now completely stopped taking the Percocet and was able to drive. Got what I needed at Kohl's, but they were also having a swimsuit sale. I ended up with two bikinis and a one-piece! Lol! For the first time in my life, I was crying tears of joy instead of misery while I was bathing suit shopping! Seriously! I never had much in the way of boobs before, ever! And then for 16 years I had a terrible huge doughy belly to boot. Well, not today! I am not finished healing yet: boobs still have to drop and fluff, tummy swelling has to go down, bellybutton has to heal. But when I put on those bathing suits, I looked like Marilyn Monroe! Wow! The bikini bottoms covered my scar, and my boobs looked fabulous! I was so excited and felt so good! I didn't think to take pics in the dressing room, it will put some up later today. I also ended up with two new dresses. I have always wanted to wear cute sundresses that you don't have to wear a bra with (like tube top or spaghetti strap ones), but always looked like a boy with a pot belly when I tried them on. Well, today my curves were in all the right places! I almost squealed in the dressing room! I got a sundress with thin straps, and a tube top maxi. I felt so beautiful! Pics of those coming, too. I know I am supposed to be wearing a sports bra with strap 24/7 except for showering, but I might cheat for 2 hours on Sunday for church. :-) I also got two tank tops and a pair of shorts at Old Navy while I was out, some supplies at Walgreen's, and filled up the van with gas. That much activity wore me out! That was enough. I took my clothes and multiple compression garments on and off several times over the course of trying on outfits, and that coupled with carrying bags of stuff around made my chest sore. I probably carried over 5 lbs...don't tell my surgeon! But it did make my chest muscles and breasts very sore afterwards. Probably too much arm activity. I felt better after lying down for a while, though. I also went for a walk this evening on a nice little paved path around a pond near my neighborhood. Leisurely walking is the only exercise I am allowed so far. It was very nice though! I got to wear new sneakers that I bought two days before surgery and hadn't worn yet, which was fun. Saw two swans, a fountain in the middle of the pond, a flock of Canadian geese (one of them hissed at me - lol). Found and played with a huge moth, which was interesting (my first degree is in biology). It was very nice to get out an stretch my legs, even though it was 89 degrees out and so humid the heat index was 98! A cool shower after felt so good, though, and I washed all my compression stuff for my doctor's appointment in the morning. In the morning, I hope to get all of my stitches out of my big incision. They are mostly hidden - just a knot above the surface every few inches. Will try to get good photos on here before and after. My BB is still oozing and weird, so I may not get those out... I dunno. I hope I can, just to have it done with and move on, but it's no big deal. My stitches have been in for two weeks now, and I hope it doesn't hurt to get them out. I hope my skin hasn't grown too attached.... Wish me luck! The only other thing I need well wishes for is my sweet bf. Tonight he told me that he can't tolerate looking at my incisions, even the healed up breast ones. Those are pretty much looking as good as they are gonna get for a good while - months! I was hoping he was finding my new breasts attractive, even though we can't do much of anything yet, but really he's just freaking out and has asked me to keep my new breasts covered so he doesn't have to look at the incisions! And we haven't even tried to address the big one or the bb! I had been giving him peeks of the new boobies, thinking he might like them, but apparently not yet. Has anyone else had this problem? Trying not to get my feelings hurt.... He is such a sweetheart otherwise, though! I still have issues from a bad marriage and divorce, and had hoped to be able to feel attractive after my surgery.... Such a day of ups and downs! Lol! Will try to keep my chin up. Gonna get some good sleep and will post again after my PS appointment in the morning. Hope everyone is healing well! :-) Updated on 16 Jul 2013: Forgot to mention...the swans I saw reminded me of us - plastic surgery patients! Corny, I know. But we are emerging beautiful and graceful after our recoveries! How wonderful! :-) Updated on 17 Jul 2013: Had a PS appointment this morning, and she said everything looks great! Even my oozy BB - not infected, just slower to heal. Will include a pic of the drainage for you - not to be nasty, but so you won't worry if yours does that. Got all of my stitches out in my big incision and in my bb - was thrilled about that!! Did anyone else have mostly hidden stitches with a knot and really long tails every couple of inches? Will post pics. Now I am free to gently massage my big incision with BioOil and use silicone scar sheets. Yay! I have been using both on my breast incisions for a couple of days, and both are really soothing and feel really good. Have to wait on that for the bb until it gets with the program.... I am now able to ditch my surgical compression garment, binder, and boobie strap!! Yay! She said I could go to Spanx or to long athletic compression shorts, which she hasn't said before. That was right up my alley! My new UnderArmor compression gear is in the washer now for me to put on later. That will be SO much more comfortable and easier to deal with! I have also been okayed to take tub baths, which thrills me to death! As long as I thoroughly dry the belligerent bb after. I love to soak in a warm bath! Gonna do that this evening. I am still not supposed to do any exercise other than walking, lift over 5 lbs, do housework, reach for things over my head or bend at the waist for another two weeks. But things are looking up! Lots of progress! A sports bra and compression shorts I can handle! :-) Will post bikini pics later...have to run to the store for something to fix for dinner when the bf gets here after a meeting. Later! Updated on 17 Jul 2013: I know I am chubby still, and I know that most of you are younger and/or thinner. But TRUST ME, this is a new personal best! Lol! I have NEVER been able to fill out a bikini top, for one thing. Lol! Here are a few pics. Dresses might have to wait til tomorrow getting sore from an active day. Oh, and in some pics one boob looks bigger than the other. I don't think they look like that in person. Bikini top must've been crooked! Lol! Updated on 17 Jul 2013: Going to bed tonight in my Under Armor compression capris instead of my surgical compression garment. MUCH more comfortable! By this point after an active day, though, my tummy is swollen. Might put the binder on over top. It would still be better! Updated on 22 Jul 2013: The past several days have been decent. I have gone for evening strolls, grocery shopped (which wore me out and made my back ache), taken the kids to the lake where I just read a book sitting in a lawn chair (but bravely in one of my new bikinis), and did a little housework (but nothing I wasn't supposed to do, like reaching and bending and lifting over 5lbs - mostly wiping things down, doing a few dishes, dusting, tidying). It's been nice feeling a little more like my old self again. I am still not walking completely upright, even though I am allowed to, which makes my lower back ache when I am on my feet for a while. 1) my muscle repair is still too tight and will need to stretch gradually, and 2) my incision has a tiny spot in the middle over the pubic area that started to widen just a little after I got my stitches out, so I don't want to put any unnecessary tension on that spot. So I will be patient. I stuck a couple of butterfly bandages on that spot, too, to be more support. The two skin edges started to pull apart a little to where I could see the white layer of fascia underneath - just a small spot like 3/4 of a cm long and a mm wide. But I think it's good now...just has to finish healing. Have been enjoying taking tub baths - I love soaking in a warm bath to relax my aching back and muscles. Something weird - my thighs and lower tummy are still numb from lipo and surgery, but that is normal. The weird part is that shaving my thighs feels like I am shaving someone else's legs! And my tummy itches like crazy sometimes, but I can't feel myself scratch it, so I can't fix the itch! Feels very strange.... Discovered that my Under Armor doesn't give me near the support for both my back and swelling belly as it feels like I need, so I think I will back up and get some Spanx today. Have been wearing my binder much of the time, even though I don't have to. That makes things feel better. Annoyed by the swelling, but I know that's how things are supposed to be for now and for the next many weeks. Will get worse before it gets better...but I will hang in there. It's not all that bad, but it's very uncomfortable at times. Also experiencing shooting pains in my breasts as nerves regenerate, along with hypersensitivity of my nipples and my breast skin in general - feels like sunburn on them. The best thing I have found for that is the gel ice packs made for nursing mothers that you can get at the drug store. Those are awesome! They are shapes just right and fit into your bra. I am using silicone sheets on my scars (you can only use them once your incison has healed over). They feel good - almost soothing, and they are supposes to make my scars flatter and smoother after several weeks. I wear those about 12-18 hrs a day, and also massage with BioOil, which feels and smells good. I am finally at the point in my healing where I feel like I am doing spa treatments! Lol! The most exciting thing that has happened is that I measured myself for a bra size after looking up on the Victoria Secret website. I am going to wait to buy anything new for a little while longer, as the girls are still dropping and changing and such. But I measure at a 36 DD right now, which thrills me to death! From a deflated B. They will likely get a little smaller once all the swelling goes away and they drop and fluff, and I was going for a full D if possible. So I might be just right! Whatever actual cup size I end up to be is fine by me, though, because I am really loving my new breasts! :-) Updated on 23 Jul 2013: I took this pic like 5 days ago but somehow forgot to put it on here. Look at the difference in this one and my pre-op pic bending over! Wow! I know I am swollen here and still chubby, but look at all the Michelin man rolls that are GONE!! Yay!! :-) Updated on 23 Jul 2013: OMG OMG OMG! I was not getting enough compression from my Under Armor. So I bought a Spanx Ultra Compression High -Waist Mid-Thigh Focused Firmer. I am supposed to be a size medium. But I just spent 10 minutes getting the thing on, have broken out into a sweat, have exhausted my arm muscles, and am now trapped in the dang thing! I will never ever be able to get it off! I can never go to the bathroom again! My ribs are always much wider than compression garments, and I can no longer breathe. I am going to be flat but dead. Lol! Updated on 27 Jul 2013: I just typed a lengthy update for you guys, but the site erased it when I went to add my pics! Grrr! So I will add my pics, go calm down, and retype it for you soon. Lol! Updated on 27 Jul 2013: Wow! These shorts were very snug before surgery. Hadn't tried them back on 'til now. Yippee!! :-) Updated on 31 Jul 2013: I was four weeks yesterday, and had an appointment with the Nurse Practitioner at the PS office this morning. It went well! I am now cleared to very gradually start cardio workouts again, although strength training and any ab exercises need to wait. I had a tiny dissolvable stitch end protruding through the incision under my right breast, and another on my abdominal incision. That's very normal - if they don't dissolve for whatever reason, the body brings it to the surface trying to get rid of it. The tummy one she just pulled on a little with tweezers and trimmed at the skin. The breast one, though, she just grabbed with tweezers and gently pulled out - all four inches of it! Guess I didn't need that anymore, lol! My scar looks fine, there was no bleeding, etc. And actually, now there will likely be less redness and bumpiness, now that it isn't in there irritating things anymore.... I can now do light housework, too, which is a relief. I am allowed to vacuum and do laundry again, which will be a relief to my sweet bf, who has been doing the work for two houses for a month! I had a couple of places on my tummy incision where the skin kept wanting to come apart slightly, and I stuck butterflies there to hold it together as it heals better. Those tiny spots are looking lots better, and the NP said that's all they would've done if I had come in for a visit about it. There was no bleeding or anything, you could just see the whitish fibrous fascia that is under all the layers of skin, over the fat. But now it is scabbing over and looking decent. My breasts are dropping and fluffing and softening, and will still continue to do so for a while. I am really pleased with them! I am having "zingers" occasionally, which are shooting pains at random. They are from the nerves growing back and reconnecting. It takes my breath away, but it is normal. Just difficult to pretend nothing's happening if I am in church or the grocery store! Lol! One of the nicest things I have found are the cold packs for nursing mothers that can go in your bra...found them at Walgreen's. Those feel lovely and soothing. Overall I am doing well, and looking forward to hitting the gym tomorrow morning for the first time in over a month! Will take it easy, though. :-)
I am having a full tummy tuck to get rid of the lovely 'foopa' that I developed after two very large pregnancies. I run everyday, attend group classes three times a week and am still unable to tone my mid section. My surgery date is approaching fast and I am super excited one minute and then super nervous the next moment. Any advice from my seasoned tummy tuckers? Updated on 13 Sep 2012: After my second child was born I lost 76lbs on my own through diet and exercise. No matter how hard I ran or did strength training my belly and the flap would never seem to get smaller. Even on my best day with my tight arms and toned legs when I put my jeans on and there is a huge bulge below my belt line it just chipped away at my self esteem. I am confident that with this procedure coupled with the years of hard work and weight loss I will finally feel more complete as a woman. My expectations are reasonable - no overhang and flatter appearance. With surgery approaching fast I am getting my game face on and getting ready to get it over with! I am not so much looking forward to a bikini as I am looking forward wearing jeans without a shirt hanging over my belly in shame! Updated on 26 Sep 2012: It's been a while since I have updated! I am feeling great. The procedure went extremely well and the pain was not as bad as I thought it would be. My surgeon removed a little over 6 pounds of skin/fat from my abdomen. My procedure was on the 17th I was up and walking the day after and haven't taken a pain med since the 20th. I would recommend for anyone who is considering this procedure the pain pump. I had it with a C-Section and believe it's the main reason I am doing so well. My only problem now is that I am completely 100% CRAZY from doing nothing and not being in control of my home. My parents and Aunt came to help, my hubby is currently in Afghanistan, and they have been a great help. I am just so used to doing it alone! I feel wonderful and can already see the results! Had the second of my two drainage tubes removed today. THANK GOD. It doesn't hurt just feels weird. I also had a pain pump removed as well. I highly recommend the pain pump for anyone considering this procedure. They pump lidocaine around the incision site and helps by numbing the area and it lessens your need for narcotics. The pain pumps and hardware aren't bad and they don't hurt but it's just having something attached to you - YUCK. I am ready to ease back into normal life and am so looking forward to having my stitches out next week!!! I will keep you posted on that experience. Updated on 27 Sep 2012: So today I feel physically pretty good but am getting so bored with TV, books, itunes ughhhhh. Anyway, I know it's temporary and I will resume my hectic crazy life pretty soon but wow I thought that I would enjoy my downtime but I really am hating it! I was able to shower for the first time today since my FTT. It felt AWESOME! It did give me energy and purpose for the day - nothing like scrubbing the grime off to give you a fresh outlook on life right? I have really felt exhausted after doing routine tasks though. I took a shower, dressed my tummy and myself and dried my hair. After that I felt like I needed to lay down. Is this a normal feeling - anyone else experience this? Well it honestly hasn't been nearly as bad as I thought that it would be and if give the chance to go back in time with what I know now I would willingly do it again. Updated on 1 Oct 2012: I get my stitches out tomorrow! My suture is healing up quite well but I have noticed a little swelling lately. I guess the more I move them more I will swell. My parents went shopping with me to get in bulk all of the heavy stuff (dog food, bottled water etc). They have been so helpful and I wouldn't have been able to have this life changing procedure without them. With that said, I am ready to have my house back. I am ready to tip toe back into the normal daily routine. I never thought that I would miss driving my kids to swim practice, grocery shopping - or OMG doing laundry!?! But I miss all of those things and I am looking forward to doing all of those things again - at a slower pace of course. I had my first good sneeze today! OUCH. I can't believe how sore my muscles are still. I bet that lasts for a while. My PS told me that they were separated by at at least two inches. Don't know if that's severe or not. I have also noticed a change in my hair from the anesthesia. Anyone else have this happening? I typically have dry hair because it's naturally curly but now with a little Moroccan Oil it looks super weighted and greasy. All in all I with all the moans and groans I would do it again 10 times over - that's how happy I am with my results already.
This is often a combination of fatty tissue, breast tissue, and to some extend skin laxity. You would need to be examined to have a btter idea as to whether surgical excision or liposuction would work best. You should definitiely seek evaluation if you have noticed any discreet lump within this tissue as the area may have breast tissue and does have lymphatic tissue.
Hypovolemic shock is extremely rare, yet an extremely serious complication. The amount of fat removed with liposuction as well as the amount of bleeding associated with the process are determinants of the risk of hypovolemic shock. You should make sure your surgery is being done by a well trained surgeon ( Diplomat of the American Board of Plastic Surgery ) and is being done in a safe environment (certified operating room) with appropriate monitoring. These are all important points to discuss with your surgeon prior to scheduling surgery. For the most part, liposuction is a very safe procedure when done carefully.
You look like you have a really good result. Recurrence of some skin looseness is expected after tummy tuck because you have to be able to stand up straight. Your skin relaxes a bit as you heal.The residual fullness could be addressed with liposuction. Depending on how elastic your skin is, you may want a little scar revision after liposuction to correct the minor asymmetry you have on the right as that area is fuller and may result in more skin laxity on the right.
The majority is intra-abdominal fat although you may still have some swelling. You will likely have good and bad days for intermittent swelling for about 3-6 months, but the majority of swelling is gone.
