I had my consultation with Dr.Sando and after I had it, I cancelled my other consultation with someone else. I knew he was the right doctor for me. I've scheduled my mommy makeover for August 20th 2020. I'm getting a breast lift with augmentation as well as a tummy tuck with MR and lipo to flanks. Im so excited and it's all I can think about. I'll try to post updates as they happen. Updated on 10 Aug 2020: Dr.Sando was running a bit behind but I didn’t mind. The patient coordinator went over logistics of everything, and took payment. She also took my before pictures which was a bit rough on my self esteem, but it’ll be nice to look back on them. Dr.Sando came in and went over pre-op instructions and went over post-op medications. We never discussed how many CCs I wanted. Instead we talked cup size and I showed him some wish pics and he took pictures of the pictures I had so he had them as a reference. It’s getting very real. 10 days left. I’m not nervous yet, just very excited. Updated on 25 Aug 2020: I made it to the other side. Surgery day came and went. Dr.Sando came in and marked me up and answered all my last minute questions. The anesthesiologist was also great. I was a bit nervous and he reassured me that I ‘would start a sentence before going under and finish it in recovery’ which is exactly what it was like. They gave me a little Valium before surgery which helped quite a bit too. So my surgery took quite a while. I’m now 5 days post op. All in all recovery hasn’t been too bad. Yesterday I went all day with no narcotics but then had a coughing spell that had me in tears so I did take some before bed. Dr.Sando and I never discussed implant ccs or what type of implants I wanted. We only discussed cup size and I showed him pictures of what I was wanting which, initially, made me nervous. But as I’m healing I really think he picked the perfect ones for me and my body. They’re still pretty high and a bit sting-y in the armpit area (which is where they went in at.) I’m back to wearing my compression band up high in my armpit to help keep them down. I’ve been taking half showers on a chair in my shower with my removable shower head. My post-op appointment is tomorrow where all my tapes and things will be removed. My tummy tuck was drainless which has been nice. I’m a bit swollen, nothing crazy. The lovenox injections I’ve been giving myself are not fun. I have to do them myself because my hubby is squeamish and they burn like the dickens. So as long as I can suck it up and do 2 more shots and I can keep this asthma flare up at bay I should be ok. Definitely glad I did it still. Even at the worst time I’ve tried to focus on the future and how everyday gets better and better. I’ll share the before and after pictures I get from the office in the future. Updated on 9 Sep 2020: I forgot to update. My 1 week post op was pretty quick. He said everything looked great. I’m now 3 weeks post op. I had some trouble with an incision on my breast which I got under control and now I’m having an issue with one in my armpit: slightly infected and a bit open. I’m gonna try to get it under control and if I can’t I’ll call my ps office. Other than that everything looks great. I plan on going back to work next week. Sometimes I get some random soreness places but no real pain anymore. Updated on 2 Dec 2020: Absolutely no regrets. I'm a bit asymmetrical still in my breasts but they were very asymmetrical before. They're way better now. They're perky and full and my tummy is so flat. The scar is nice and flat. Kinda dark but I think that's just temporary (and has nothing to do with my surgeon.) I would highly recommend Dr.Sando. I got Natrelle soft touch implants. 365cc and 385cc. Full profile.
Dr. Sando is an excellent doctor. I had breast augmentation done in 2012. Several years passed by and all continues to be great. When I had it done, I was 35 years old with 2 children. After all these years, my scar is so small that is not even noticeable.
I was on the edge if I needed a lift but Deb Sando assurme me that the dual plan technique would be wonderful. He was so right. I just had my procedure today and I am elated. They dual plane technique provided me an amazing lift and brought back the fullness that I had before kids. They are exactly what I hoped for. Below is a before and after. Updated on 1 Feb 2018: Dr Sando performed a dual plane breast augmentation on me last week. He was extremely patient, knowledgeable and soothing. I was sure I needed a lift but he reassured me that the dual plane would give me the lift I needed and he was correct. Couldn’t be happier!
I'm scheduled to get a breast augmentation on Thursday, Jan 19! I'm really excited, and a little nervous! I've been working out for quite a few years now, and I breast fed both of my kids (1yr old and 2yr old) and my girls are done! I've wanted a breast augmentation for quite a few years and the time is finally here! I originally wanted an augmentation without a lift, and now I'm not so sure. My Dr said I do not 'need' a lift, but I could get a lift with augmentation if I wanted. I want the final look to be more of a natural tear drop shape. I'm just concerned that they may look a little too low on my chest. Has anyone been kind of boarder line in need of a lift, and chose to get the augmentation only? From my research, it seems as though I can go either way. Thoughts? Updated on 19 Jan 2017: Well, it's surgery day!! My surgery is scheduled for 10am and check in is at 8! Everything that I read and tips from other women who've had BA said to get a good nights sleep the night before surgery, but my nerves won't let me! It's 3:30am and I've been tossing and turning since 2, with no sign of going to sleep anytime soon, so I figured I'd make a post! I'm really excited and just a little anxious! I can't believe the day is finally here!! I'm ready to start the recovery process and I'm a little nervous to see just how much pain I'll be in! My doc has my 'want pics' and all of my stats! I'll come back later today and talk about how I'm feeling day of surgery, as well as size, profile, over/under, etc! Of course I'll post pics as well! Here goes nothin! Updated on 19 Jan 2017: Surgery went great! I was laying on the table at 10:00am on the dot!! And the last thing I remember was looking at the time in the surgical room, then nothing until 3pm! The surgery lasted an hour, then I was sleeping at the hospital for quite some time! Apparently anesthesia REALLY knocks me out!! The staff was amazing, so kind and attentive! They answered every question my husband and I had! It was a great experience at the hospital! Dr. Sando really made me feel at ease! My favorite thing that he said was 'In surgery we can't promise much, but I can promise you that you'll be safe and that you'll have 110% of my full attention and care!' He's so sweet! And as it turns out, he actually performed the BA surgery for the daughter of the nurse that was caring for me! It was just all around awesome! After leaving the hospital, my husband drove us home and I went right back to sleep! It's now 7pm and I finally feel awake enough to binge watch some Netflix! I feel pretty good! I am in pain, as to be expected, but it's not as bad as I thought it would be...yet at least! I'll keep you posted on that! I haven't had any nausea at all, thank goodness! I've eaten a few crackers, drank a ginger ale, and that's about it so far. Since I handled that pretty well, I'm about to eat a little heavier. Time to grub!! I'm so excited because I'm starving! I can get around pretty well, I can lift my hands above my head... slowly. I'm pretty tinder when I try to adjust my position on the couch, which is where I'll be camping out for the next couple of days! The swelling isn't too bad, but I believe I'll probably swell a little more ever night. My Dr only has me wearing the elastic strap, and that's it for the first week. I won't be wearing a bra until after my 1week post op appointment on the 25th of Jan, next Wednesday. Updated on 19 Jan 2017: Updated on 19 Jan 2017: I'm 33yrs old, 5'6", 135lbs, silicone, under the muscle, 371cc in each breast Updated on 20 Jan 2017: It is day one post op and I am feeling pretty good! I have minimal/swelling and a bit of bruising. I feel the most pain when I move from different positions. I have been eating as normal. Still waiting for my firs bowel movement. (TMI... I Know!) I think I will feel better after that as well. I've posted a few more pics! I think the girls look pretty damn good, especially only being 1 day post op! I'm so excited!! Updated on 22 Jan 2017: I'm feeling pretty good today! I've only taken Tylenol and I just feel a little tender where the bruising is, along the sides of my chest. We actually went to lunch as a family and I felt just about normal! The swelling and bruising is getting better day by day, and now that the swelling has decreased, I can see where the implants are. Nice and high, like they should be post op! That's actually pretty comforting for me because i was worried that they were going to drop too low! But looks like they are right on track! They look a lot smaller when I have a shirt on, which I love as well. A nice natural look is what I was going for, and I think Dr. Sando gave me just that! I'll keep you posted!! Updated on 23 Jan 2017: I can't say enough about Dr. Sando and My Plastic Surgery Group in Carmel IN! The doctors and the staff are so amazing and so thoughtful! Today, post op day 4, I got a knock on my door, and it was a delivery man, delivering a gorgeous flower arrangement with a card sending well wishes! It's the little things and the little details that have made this experience that much better!! <3 I feel better already! Updated on 25 Jan 2017: I had my one week post-op appointment today! Technically I am 6 days post op and I am feeling great! He was very happy with my progress so far. He said I am healing nicely. I am cleared to workout anything except chest exercises and/or pull-ups. I still need to wear the strap at night for one more week, but I can wear a bra during the day. So far so good! Updated on 30 Jan 2017: Today was my first day back to work and it was a long day! I'm 11 days post-op and I thought I was more than ready! I've been feeling great doing day to day activities, even holding my kids, etc! But working was a different story! I'm a personal trainer and I took it easy, for sure! But moving around, being on my feet all day, keeping my energy up all day was exhausting! I know my Dr said it takes a little while to get back to your normal energy level, but I guess I didn't realize to what extent! Hopefully I'll be feeling more like myself soon! But I'm healing rather nicely! The swelling is just about gone, I believe. I've noticed a difference as they settle and drop a little more into place. I'm so curious as to what they will look like! I love the size! I'm excited for them to soften and I know it'll just get better with time! I'll post more pics later this week at 2wks post op! Updated on 2 Feb 2017: It's been two weeks and I feel amazing! I completed my first workout yesterday (lower body) and it felt great! I'm not sore at all, which I thought I would be! I think the girls are healing nicely. They definitely have changed. I kind of feel like they are in an awkward teen stage or adolescence! Lol! They are dropping and changing shape almost daily it seems. I notice small changes pretty often. My incisions can get quite sore. I'm still looking for a bra that is comfortable, not too tight, and doesn't rub on my incision! If anyone has suggestions, please let me know!! The best news for today.... I don't have to wear that damn strap anymore!! I'm so excited about that!! Haha! I have my next appointment in about three weeks! I can't wait to see the progress then!
I am a mother of 3 children (ages 11, 7, and 5). I am 37 years old and wanted to have my old body back. I am 5'3 and 132lbs and as much as I work out I could not get my stomach to look the way it did 15years ago. I have gone through a lot of mommy guilt regarding this procedure but my husband reassured me that I deserved this and he has been completely on board. My procedure lasted 4 hrs and I was in shock how much back pain I was having. My incisional pain has been minimal but the back pain has been excruciating. However Dr. Sando was amazing and prescribed a muscle relaxer for me and I feel so much better. I am only 1 day post-op but I am starting to feel so much better as long as I stay on top of my pain medicines. I love not having drains and not having a binder. I do have a lot of bruising but it is all good. I have some nerve pain in my thighs but that is getting better with each day. I can't wait to see the final outcome. I have my followup next week. I will post some pictures tomorrow. I really wish I took some before photos. Updated on 1 Aug 2013: Updated on 3 Aug 2013: Lots of bruising from my inner thigh liposuction. I think the lovenox shots are making it way worse!! Updated on 9 Aug 2013: Lots of swelling but the tegaderm was finally removed and he injected my scar with steriods to help prevent keloids from forming. I am prone to keloids. Updated on 10 Aug 2013: Swelling is getting better! I still have a lot more swelling on the right side. I have started the using silicon strips and gel. So weird to have a belly button. Gettin easier to stand upright and the tightness feeling above my belly button has gotten much better. My pain had mostly been 3 inches above my belly button where most of the muscle repair had been completed. However 2 days ago I got my hair colored and did not even think about the fact they had to lay me back to wash my hair. Lets just say there was a lot of foul language coming out of my mouth when she tilted my chair flat... I had to apologize! Lol Updated on 10 Aug 2013: Updated on 13 Aug 2013: I can finally sleep on my back and sides!!! I have no pain when, sneezing, coughing, or laughing. Maybe just tightness! Still have the right femoral lateral nerve pain in my right thighs due to entrap nerve. It makes it impossible to rub my incision on the right side because it sends shooting pain down my rt thigh. This has gotten better but he may open my incision in the office to release the nerve that was sutured. I am the only second patient that has had this happen to them in his practice. Otherwise feeling great besides the itchy swollen inner thighs due to my lipo. Updated on 14 Aug 2013: Swelling is so up and down. Constant tingling around my midsection. Sleeping is getting somewhat easier. I am still tired and will need a nap but I am running around doing errands but I just get tired more easily. I normally never nap. I started using silicon strips at 1 week post op because I keloid easily. There is still more swelling on the right side but I feel good about these pics. Last week I was depressed by all the swelling. However by back is black and blue still from the flank lipo. Updated on 18 Aug 2013: I feel almost completely upright! My back is "smoked" by the end of the night. The swelling is worse in the evenings. The nerve pain in the rt thigh is better but my rt thigh is still numb. I really do not want him to reopen the scar to release the nerve that has been sutured down... I will talk to him on Wednesday and I want to hold out for a few more months. I still am off the pain meds. I am not allowed to take motrin products due to cysts on my kidneys. I will take a valium at night to help with my back spasms. I have bulging discs in my back and recurrent sciatica and I do not want a flare up. I am still swollen and I hope the swelling on my right flank will go down more. I am still bruised on my back from the lipo. I have been using silicon strips for almost 2 weeks now along with a silicon gel that I put in my belly button for the scar. I scar feels nice and soft. I massage it daily. I am prone to keloids but I think the injection of prednisone in my scar at 1 week PO has really helped my scar to heal nice and evenly. My PS will determine if I need another treatment of prednisone injections along my scar on Wed. I will up date everyone then:) Updated on 25 Aug 2013: Everything is going great. I am still having nerve pain in the right thigh. However we are going to wait 3 weeks to see if my PS wants to release the nerve by opening up my incision. Otherwise I am standing almost completely straight, I can do light arm and leg weights, I can lift as much as I can tolerate, and I was cleared for "relations";) I had another kenalog treatment for my incision. I am sleeping on my sides and only on 1 pillow. I still have lots of swelling intermittently. I have pics of my scars before my second kenalog treatment and pics of me today. My left side is much more swollen than my right today. Oh and I finally am seeing the return of my butt;) LOL!! Updated on 25 Aug 2013: This is the brand I use for silicone strips. This is the tape I use to secure my strips. I cut the silicone strips packet in half the tape each end of the strip. I wear it all day and when I shower I wait 5 to 10 mins to make sure I am dry before applying the strips and tape. I also do not apply any lotion to my body after the shower until I have secured my silicone strips with the tape. Updated on 3 Sep 2013: Things have been going well. I still have some really bad days where I have a lot of swelling. I worked out today and I over did it. My lower abs felt like I was having contractions... Odd to feel that way and not be pregnant. I can't wait to get more feeling in my lower abdominal muscles. I do get a little more feeling with each passing week. My scar looks amazing and there is no ropey feeling. It is nice and flat and I hope it stays that way.
I have always been fit but flabby in the belly and after three pregnancies with 9+ pound babies and three c sections my flab is now floppy. I call it "the Drip." I am 39, 5'6" 185 and exercise 3-4 times a week. My calorie intake could be tapered but for the most part, I have landed at this weight for several years after each pregnancy. I very curious to know how the TT , muscle repair and lipo will compare to c section recovery which really wasn't bad. The worst part for me was the anesthesia recovery with nausea and itching. I've have three kiddos, 7, 5, 2 and my husband is a teacher so we have decided the best time to have the TT done is during the summer when he can help with the kids full time. My parents are amazing and would help too but I'm too hesitant to tell them about elective surgery. They couldn't ever possibly comprehend why anyone would do something like this to their body. I need their physical support but emotionally I don't think they would be helpful and may possibly ask me in the midst of recovery why I would ever have done this to myself. I'm nervous about the surgery and being under for 5.5 hours. That's a LONG time. It all seems too far away at this point but just trying to get my ducks in a row as to what is realistic with pain, helping with the kids, etc. Updated on 21 Feb 2013: My PS is doing a drainless tummy tuck and as I understand it, this takes extra time due to the stitching that is different than a traditional TT with drains. They said the TT is 3.5 hours and the lipo about 1.5-2 hours. I suppose once you're under, 3 hrs vs 5 doesn't make a huge difference. Updated on 21 Feb 2013: I had several consultations set up with plastic surgeons in Indianapolis but after meeting my PS and finding out he is the only one in the State to do the drainless tummy tuck, I scheduled the surgery with him without seeing any other plastic surgeons. I felt GREAT about that but am having thoughts about whether or not I should consult with others. I am having my surgery done an hour away and I have three young kids at home and little time to travel back to the metro area for any other consults and I felt so great about his office, the procedure, the time he took with me, etc that it seemed like the best decision. I would welcome your thoughts on whether or not I should have any other consults. Updated on 22 Mar 2013: Preparing for my past c sections mentally was easier than trying to prepare and anticipate for elective surgery. You get so much support and sympathy after birth but I think that there is little support after cosmetic surgery, or so I anticipate. I am keeping my surgery private from most and having it done during the summer when I don't see as many friends. I have read that depressions after surgery is common and I have a tendency toward that any way ( my PS is aware of this.) I'm curious if those out there have experienced the recovery alone and how that went? Ebb and flow? Updated on 5 May 2013: Less than a month until surgery. Feeling very anxious about the recovery, results, did I do enough to prepare my body, should I lose more weight, is it all going to be worth it, etc. Since I'm having it done at the beginning of summer it will be interesting trying to participate in outdoor summer activities with the family post surgery. I will also be itching to get back to working out once I have the surgery. Updated on 10 May 2013: How is it possible that the surgery is only three weeks away? Crazy! I go for my pre-op appointment on Monday and I am hoping to get a lot of questions answered at that meeting. I have everything notated on my phone to ask but would love to hear additional questions to ask from those that have already gone through this. Updated on 15 May 2013: Had my preop appointment on Monday and they were so detailed that all my questions were answered. 26 page document for me to take home. One that struck me as very different from most stories on here is that they don't recommend you wear compression garments. I'm having a drainless procedure and this must be the difference. My dr is also having me I inject blood thinners into my thigh for 7 days after the TT to prevent clots. Did anyone else do this? One other thing is that he will make the incision anywhere I want it. Yikes. That's a big decision. Should I go as low as possible? My c section scar is about 4 inches above the girl parts and he said he recommends 3 inches. I could use some advise in this area. I like to wear things low rise so I'm thinking the lower the better Also as luck may have it, I was shopping at Aldi today and thy randomly had raised toilet seats with handles clearances to $15. Woo hoo!!! Updated on 17 May 2013: I have added some great things to my supplies list that I haven't seen on here that were used after my c-sections and I thought they would be perfect for after my TT. -Memory Foam bed wedge -Raised toilet seat -Face wipes -Baby wipes -Chux Pads for bed -Tefla pads (these are non stick pads that are 8"X3" and absorb fluids. They were AMAZING after the c-section. SO soft and absorbent. I had never heard of them prior to the last c-section. I ordered them on Amazon) -Pereneal instant cold packs (they hospital sent home about 30 of these after each birth and they were amazing for general use but I really liked them because they also have an absorbent component to the outside of them as opposed to a regular ice pack. I ordered them on Amazon.) -Moist heat heating pad -Acetaminophen -Camelback water container. I bought this for after my c-section and I loved the long hose with straw component so that when I was lying down I could still drink without spilling. -Maidenform compression tank tops. These are a Stage 2 type garment because I will be having a drainless tummy tuck and don't need a Stage 1. -Dry Shampoo (I get pretty oily hair so I can use this daily. I purchased the Dove brand and really love it.) -Stool Softener -Fiber pills -Milk of Magnesia -High fiber crackers and cereal -Frozen fruit -Pill container for am/pm and dry erase marker to notate times on mirror -pack of cheap mens white tank tops to wear during recovery -pack of gigantic cotton granny panties for post surgery. -sanitary pads I will add other things before I go but this is what I already have stocked. What am I missing???? Updated on 23 May 2013: Updated on 9 Jun 2013: Ladies if you're still on the fence as I was prior to the surgery, it's time to jump over to the flat side. I'm 5 days post op and terribly swollen but I am SO happy with my flat tummy and cute little belly button. There is no comparing the post op pain to my c sections...the TT isn't even in the same league as it was so painful the first few days. I don't want to hide that fact but you have to consider the fact that you can make it through hour by hour in those dirt few days. Days 4 and 5 have been very manageable with the pain the most intense when you change positions. I getting great sleep at night and my destination of choice is the corner of our sectional since its really easy to feel all tucked in by cushions and pillows. I also bought a bed wedge from Amazon and that has been a life saver. I paid around $50 and it's by far the best investment in recovery because it helps with changing positions. My TT was drainless and in that regard has made PO healing easier to not have to hassle with the drains. Believe it or not but the incision is the least painful. Ranking in order if most painful to least: 1. Muscle repair hurts like a mother father. You can't cough without feeling like your internal organs will come out through your nostrils. 2. The Lipo insertion points are OUCH. That was unexpected. They are tender and on my back so I have to ice them a lot. 3. Least painful is the incision. It has tugging and pulling but that pain is totally manageable. All in all I would definitely do this again if you can handle a few days of extreme pain and have lots of help. My swelling is at it's worst and I am in live with the results. Can't wait to put on real clothes but don't underestimate the awesomeness of the maxi dress. I live in mine. No undies necessary! Updated on 15 Jun 2013: Feeling pretty back to normal except for energy levels in the afternoons. I have run into many acquaintances in the last week that make a comment and know something is different but can't figure it out. I love having this secret. Everyone knows that I'm really active and committed to a healthy lifestyle so when someone has blatantly asked if I've lost weight I jut say that I've been making gradual changes. It has been the highlight of PO to see womens reactions that have no idea I had surgery. I even went to the public pool with my kiddos yesterday and was actually getting stares from people. Yay!!!! This was 10 days PO with massive swelling. So so happy. My hubby says that he doesn't know how to say it for fear of hurting my feelings that I may think he didn't think I looked good before but his eyes jut stare and me with such a new lust. I love it!!!! I'm 20 again in my abs!!! Updated on 15 Jun 2013: Updated on 2 Jul 2013:
This was a far more intensive procedure than I had expected. I got to the doctors office. The nurse put numbing cream under my eyes. I waited a while for the doctor to come in. He then told me that he was going to be putting Novocain in my mouth and using a technique similar to what the dentists do to get the Novocain up to my eye area to help numb the area. Luckily that wasn't that bad and worked very well. Then he injected a mix of lidocain and adrenaline into my under eye area that is supposed to help with bruising and recovery. It took a good 45 minutes just to get me ready to have the Juvederm injected. The injections themselves didn't hurt much. We did .4 of a syringe in each side. He changed needles for each eye and then one more on my left side as he said the skin was a little bit thicker on that side. I did start bruising almost immediately. I'm on my second day now and the bruising and swelling is pretty bad but luckily I'm off work this week. I will keep you updated on the results as the swelling goes down.Updated on 18 Dec 2011:I think I will ask for more next time. I don't think that 1 syringe was enough for the effect that I was hoping for. While it looks better than it did prior, there is still room for improvement.
I wore a size 4 before surgery and still wear a size 4. I only needed my abs tightened and some lose skin removed. Pro's were no-drain to mess with. Con's the results of the surgery. My lower abs protrude and I have a long ugly indented scar from my old belly button. I would not recommend Dr Sando.. Updated on 23 Sep 2013: Had a full tummy tuck. Less then happy with the results. The doctor said my lower abs muscles were not tightened enough and that's why they are bulging. My old belly button scar is a one inch indented scar that sits about an inch below my new belly button so it looks odd. I was quoted $4800 to re-tighten my abs and fix the dented scar. They gave me a tentative surgery date to re-do everything but the assistant said she had to call me back to confirm and never did. I'm not sure what I will do now, I'm so bummed and perhaps need another doctor.
Hi! First, I have to say that this site has been extremely helpful to me which is why I find it necessary to share my experience in hopes that I can pay it forward. I’m 37 years old and have had to babies, both breastfed. My youngest just turned 4! (Where does time go?!). Anyway, I have several friends with implants and have been contemplating this procedure for several years. My husband of 11 years is very supportive either way and the sweetest man ever. Although, I won’t lie, I’ve seen a little more excitement in him since we’ve scheduled than he would probably admit. Lol!! I always had small breast (always an A), but they were cute and perky. Although I’m proud I was fortunate enough to be able to provide for my two beautiful babies, it also sucked the life out of them! Lol. I think I’m most excited to think about simply filling up a bra again!! Right now, often times, my shirt even gets tucked between my breast and my bra (and a 4 year old grabbing at me while holding her doesn’t help!). I came to schedule with Dr. Sando at Sando Aker Aesthetics/ My Plastic Surgery Group in Carmel Indiana because my sister in law used them several years ago for her implants. She had nothing but amazing things to say about them (although she saw the other partner, Dr. Aker). I looked them up online, requested a quote, and received a personalized response very quickly. I was able to schedule my first consult right away, and at no charge. First consult day: My first impression was that their building is in a professional business park. The office is very clean and modern, and I was welcomed by a very sweet and professional woman with a European accent. This is during the COVID19 pandemic so their waiting room had been shifted slightly to allow for 6’ of distance. All other standards of safety had been accounted for as the visit continued. In the consult room, my husband was allowed the entire time. Dr. Sando’s assistant was very helpful reviewing and confirming my history and information prior to Dr. Sando’s entrance. He provided me with very helpful info and was very transparent; even discussing BII, Capsular Contracture, and implant related cancer concerns. He gave me many helpful links for researching additional information, as well as websites of friendly surgeons of whom he would recommend for viewing Before and After images. My initial plan was to visit 2-3 surgeons to get a collection of recommendations to form my own preference. However, after the first visit, I was convinced he was the one and chose to forgo consultation with any other surgeon. I got my free quote that day and left the office without scheduling. My husband and I talked it over for a couple more days, then I decided to call and schedule it!! I paid my deposit and chose a date, August 13th!! Even THAT commitment was nerve-racking, and the deposit was still 100% refundable at that point! Lol A week or so later, I decided to ask the doctor for cc recommendations based on my desired outcome. I’m not sure why I didn’t think of that or why he didn’t either. Seems so basic, but there’s a lot of pressure that comes with the excitement! Anyway, he recommended I stay within 240 to 295cc. He understood and even brought up before me, the fact that it can be easy for a person of my frame to look bulky or chubby if going too big. He’s confident this cc range is safe and his email response was quick! On to my 2 week out Pre-Op appointment: Similar to the consultation, we discussed mostly the same things, while going a little more in depth regarding the prep and recovery process. Medications, at home after care, child care, diet, etc. And LOT of signing papers. Yikes, lots of papers! Lol I’ve decided on smooth, round Natrelle silicone implants. They will be a medium profile, sub-pectoral (under the muscle), and a transaxillary endoscopic (through the armpit) procedure. Now to calm my nerves for the next 2 weeks! Updated on 14 Aug 2020: Well, the day finally came! I was very nervous, but it was fairly quick and easy! From check-in to discharge was about 6 hours. Surgery took right at 2 hours, with 2 hours in recovery, and 2 hours of checkin and prep. Pain is not what I expected. It’s more discomfort than pain. I do noticed air bubbles down the side of my breast, below the armpits. I also have them below my breasts and starting to work down my rib cage. These feel uncomfortable, but as long as I stay regular on my meds, it’s all tolerable. I’ve been careful not to over-do it even though I feel ok, but I have been up and walking a few times and even made myself a bowl of cereal. Swelling gradually got worse as the night went on and they are VERY hard and my skin is tight! Incisions in my armpit are still bleeding slightly. All seems normal. Dr. Sando called me, personally at 9:30 tonight to check on me. So far, no regrets! Updated on 14 Aug 2020: More of the same. My swelling as increased a bit more and pain is slightly more, but I would still most accurately describe it as discomfort. Bruising is setting on on the top of one breast and down the side my right breast. Still staying regular on my meds, but able to get myself up and out of bed. My back hurts a bit today and the air bubbles have wrapped around to my back. I got up and gave myself a shower. I had a few jolts of pain in my armpit from reaching wrong a few times, but I kept going. The incisions are bleeding a bit, but nothing that’s even getting on my clothes. My breasts look smaller today, but I know that’s from the muscles contracting and causing distortion, which is normal. They also look like torpedos today!! Lol Updated on 31 Aug 2020: Apologies my updates are consistent. I’m now 2 1/2 weeks post op and loving my new breasts. They’re still pretty firm, but are starting to soften up. I’m still having muscle spasms, but nothing painful. My incisions are looking good, but the stitches haven’t completely dissolved so I still have that awkward bunched up skin. Still slightly tender, but again, easily forgotten during my the day to day routine. However, I am ready to be able to shave the area under there that I can’t currently get to with the razor!! Lol I ended up with 265CCs each. Final bra size is 32C. I feel this implant size was perfect for me. I don’t feel too big or stalky, with or without clothes. I’m very happy with the results.
I have always loved the look of full, large breasts. I haven't been uncomfortable with my current breast size but have always contemplated going larger because, well, why not? I lost some weight, became much more fit and I lost the fullness I had previously. I have the funds and enough time off to take so I thought now was better than never. Updated on 1 Jan 2017: I had my surgery Friday and I'm feeling pretty good. I had to stop the pain meds because they were making me vomit. My surgery experience was very good. I was able to take a shower yesterday. I have had no appetite, though. Today my breasts feel tight. Ice packs have been life savers! Updated on 3 Jan 2017: This is the first morning I woke up feeling normal physically. My breasts are still tight and swollen but it's not painful. Yesterday was the first time I felt up to leaving the house and I tired out pretty quickly. I think today I'm going to try to make it to the gym to use the treadmill. I can lift my arms above my head and have 0 pain. I stopped the pain meds within 24 hours because I really didn't like the way I felt on them. I have been icing and taking ibuprofen. My appetite hasn't been great. I'm also very bloated and constipated. Post-op I vomited twice. I attribute the first to the anesthetic and second to pain meds. By day 2 I already felt well enough to do most things on my own. Overall the pain was far less than I anticipated. Updated on 16 Jan 2017: I'm a little over 2 weeks post op and things are much better than I anticipated pre-op. I was so afraid I was going to be uncomfortable for weeks and be held up in bed. The first week was uncomfortable but certainly not unbearable. I stopped having the constant tightness around 5 days post op. Bras were fairly uncomfortable until a few days ago. My right boob has slightly more pain than my left, here and there. I'm also still waking up with morning boob but it's getting better day by day. I was able to return to the gym 11 days post op. I'm going much lighter with my weight and not going at it nearly as hard. I also notice I do tire more quickly. I have also felt the need to nap most days. My incisions are armpit and my right has healed much better than my left, so far. They're still a little hard to shave. I also still don't have full range of motion through the chest and pits. I'm usually very flexible and I notice some tightness still. The best part is my boobs have started to drop and they look fabulous! I'm starting to get cleavage and they look more natural day by day. I couldn't be happier with the results that are coming together. The other day my boyfriend said the looked phenomenal. Updated on 17 Jan 2017: I am 5'7" 130 lbs. Before I was a 32B. I have a wide breast bone and had 0 cleavage. I did 400cc high profile silicone under the muscle and am sitting at at 34D currently (2.5 weeks post op). I know this isn't totally helpful but I don't want to post my bare breasts on the internet! Updated on 2 Feb 2017: I'm 5 weeks post and things are still going smoothly. My left boob has dropped significantly and feels like a normal boob. My right is taking longer and I attribute that to being right handed and having more muscle tension on it. When I sleep on my side my right boob has discomfort still. It's getting better day by day, though. I don't really have morning boob anymore, either. I feel like the whole process, day by day I could feel improvements. I'm really shocked at how quickly my boobs feel like normal boobs. I totally anticipated that they would feel fake but they don't at all. I'm also very happy with how much cleavage I have since they've started dropping. They were pointed a little out the first few weeks. I have a wide breast bone so I thought they would be super far apart and they are not! I still wear the band my doc gave me post op from time to time to help that right boob along. I have my next follow up in about a week and a half. I can also lay on my stomach again but it's not 100% comfortable. My incisions are looking amazing! My right armpit you can barely tell a thing. My left is getting much better too. I think in about 6 months you will never be able to tell I had been cut into. I'm so happy I did through the armpit. Overall, I have been super pleased with my recovery. I anticipated being unable to have normal quality of life for at least a month and it hasn't been like that at all. I was pretty much myself within 2 weeks. There were some things I did prior to and during that I think helped a lot: -I am an avid lifter. I was very much in shape prior to surgery and I think that set the tone for my whole recovery. -I stopped working out chest 2 weeks prior to surgery and stopped lifting 5 days before. I gave myself a week and a half after before I went back and have stuck with lower weights since surgery. -I have a healthy diet. I think this also helped me have a good recovery because I maintained a healthy diet during my week off post op. I keep plenty of protein in my diet (1 gram per lb of weight). I drank BCAAs and protein shakes during my recovery period to help those muscles. -I followed my doctors orders to a T. -I kept them iced and went off the pain meds. The pain meds made me feel worse and weren't worth it. -I used palmers stretch mark lotion 4 weeks before surgery and continue to and my boobies have no stretchies from surgery. -while I could have went bigger, I stuck with a size that would work with my body and I feel this helped me recover much quicker. -during my week off I literally did nothing. And when I felt tired, I took a nap. This whole process has been about listening to my body. When my boobs have felt like they need more support, I throw on the sports bra. I wear the band at night when I feel more discomfort on the right boob. At the gym, as soon as I feel like it's too much I go down in weight and never over exert myself. I was also really afraid everyone at work would notice and ask. No one has. I wore pretty padded bras before, so I'm sure it looks no different to them. Plus it's sweater weather! I think in the spring it will be a lot more noticeable. Updated on 16 May 2023: I developed rippling and what I suspect was symmastia. I also had significant pain on the side with rippling. When I went back to Dr. Sando about it, I was told it was because I didn’t have enough tissue and he suggested a fat transfer. I did not go with this option. He retired at some point. I consulted with 2 surgeons who both told me explanting was my best option. When I explanted, the surgeon told me the implants were far too big for me. I agree. I am now 9 weeks post and am very happy I explanted. The area is healing and I’m no longer in pain. If I had a do over, I would not get implants.
General anesthesia has been preferred if the breast implant is inserted beneath the pectoralis major muscle. Either anesthetic approach generally is fine if the implant is placed atop the muscle beneath the gland.
Good bra support helps to counteract the downward deleterious effects of gravity. Ordinarily a sports bra is fine.
Yes, there is a risk of nipple or breast numbness from breast augmentation surgery, although the vast majority of patients do not experience this complication. The larger the implant, the greater the risk of a long-term bruise-or-stretch-related numbness.
If a cough or a cold is felt to be from an infection, (e.g. rather than allergic symptoms), then it is important to distinguish between a viral or bacterial type. If there is reason to believe it is bacterial, or there is uncertainty about its being one or the other, then it is prudent to postpone surgery. One wants to avoid any contamination and infection of an implant by a blood-borne spread of bacteria.
One should avoid straining, head lowering, salty foods the first week after surgery. One may return to more aggressive exercise two weeks after surgery, but should not be surprised in seeing transient swelling after such vigorous activities.
