I had a double mastectomy with reconstruction. I felt that Dr. Popowich was kind, caring, respectful and very patient in answering questions or addressing my concerns. I have not seen other finished products but I felt that he did a good job. I was happy with the finished product. Cancer is a a difficult time both physically and emotionally. I felt that he was there to address both parts of the experience. I would recommend him to anyone.
I wouldn’t go to anyone in Portland besides Dr. Popowich. I’ve been to many doctors over the years and have realized that the one quality that cannot be taught in medical school is genuine empathy and compassion. Dr. Popowich was born with that quality, and it is what makes him superior. In addition, he is intelligent, meticulous, humble, and really takes a patient’s cares and concerns to heart. His aesthetic results are fantastic as well. I am grateful to him and his team that have helped me throughout.
Dr. Popowich was amazing, very professional. He calmed my nerves and I could not be happier with the results. He answered all of my million questions and never got annoyed with me. My boobs look amazing!
After losing 170 pounds, I had a lot of excess skin and very saggy breasts. I met with Dr. Popowich, and I was immediately impressed with his friendliness and bedside manner. Dr. Popowich has a lot of experience with post-bariatric weight loss patients. Dr. Popowich recommended a fleur de lis abdominoplasty because I had a significant amount excess skin at the top of my abdomen. I had already done a lot of research on this type of abdominoplasty, and it's the type I wanted. Other surgeons I consulted with would not perform the fleur de lis because of the vertical scar. I did not mind it. In fact, I preferred the scar over having a looser upper abdomen. Dr. Popowich also recommended a mastopexy with augmentation due to the significant amount of tissue loss from my breasts. On June 27, 2016, Dr. Popowich performed a Fleur de lis abdominoplasty and mastopexy with augmentation on me. The surgery went smoothly. The anesthesiologist Dr. Popowich works with was amazing!! Before the surgery, we discussed prior bouts of extreme nausea after surgery and that I take awhile to wake up. She gave me extra anti-nausea meds and the team at the surgical center was very patient with me. I took 4 hours to wake up enough to leave. Most patients take 1.5-2 hours. My after care was great. Shannon, the medical assistant was especially helpful. I had very few complications other than spitting sutures, and Dr. Popowich removed those very quickly. All of the office staff is very friendly and accommodating. I could not have asked for a better experience. I am 4.5 months out, and my breasts look fantastic!!! 10 out of 10! I have a flat stomach, and I feel so much better about my body.
Dr Popowich performed a BA for me 7 months ago and my experience was amazing. The self esteem I reclaimed is life changing. He called me personally the day after my surgery to check on me. I highly recommend Dr Popowich & Portland Plastic Surgery for any cosmetic procedure you may be considering.
Tired of looking ten years older than I am and continual neck and back pain. Met with Dr Popowich, made me feel very comfortable going forward with breast reduction and tummy tuck. 10 days out and I love my new look. Wish I did this 25 years ago!!! I recommend Dr Popowich highly. Can't wait to go shopping for new clothes.
I was an ex fitness modle who had been out of the game for a few years and put on some stubborn fat in my mid section and upper arms that would not come off due to years of metabolism manipulation and I needed a push to get back in the game. I got those areas "trimmed" up and although it took about 7 months to see full results , I ended up losing 15 lbs total in the end & have a much flatter stomach, it made getting back in shape a lot easier. Dr Popowich did an amazing job and was very good at making me feel comfortable and confident before and after surgery. Hes simply the best there is.
so I had exactly 26 days till my abdominoplasty I should be extremely excited but it doesn't feel real at least not yet because I've been waiting to get this for so long I know when the time comes I'm going to be extremely excited I'm getting my abdominoplasty done by dr. Popowich at the Portland plastic surgery group he is an amazing surgen has amazing bedside manner I couldn't ask for a better doctor. Updated on 28 Feb 2015: It finally hit me im getting my tummy tuck ive waited so long and its happening and im afraid im gonna chicken out my stomach hurts just thinking about the surgery Updated on 18 Mar 2015: Yesterday morning I had ny abdomanalplasty done. When I woke up I wasnt in pain at all just groggy. They had to give ne more pain meds when they moved mw to a recliner. I was at a day surgery facility so I came home the same day. When I got home I was in and . Out of sleep. Once the meds they gave me wore off I started to hurt alot! Burning aching walking like an hunch back. Its getting more and more painful as time goes bywould. I had a full tummy tuck and muscle repair and lipo done. Im very swollen havent see my tummy yet but I can already see the skin aperan is gone! The doc took of five pounds of skin. I was in surgery for 3 hours and a few mins. Cant wait to see my tummy on the 19th!!! Updated on 19 Mar 2015: The doc said everything looked great I'm still very swollen he said NY drains aren't ready to come out yet. He gave me a stronger pain killer and one for my nerves guess that's what all the horrible stinging and burning was from. Updated on 20 Mar 2015: so I saw my doctor yesterday for my post op appointment and three days. Now he said I was able to take a shower even though the dreams are still in my boyfriend went and bought me a shower chair and it didn't work out too well I was very stiff unable to watch the rest of my body so at least I got my hair washed I'm very emotional emotional wreck it's really frustrating the swelling is increasing which is normal but man is my stomach tight it feels like my stomach is going to pop open Updated on 20 Mar 2015: Pain has gone down a little bit my emotions are crazy right now Updated on 21 Mar 2015: trying to get comfortable I finally got my pain under control now it's just deal with the swelling and discomfort I cost a little bit and oh my goodness I hope that never ever happens again that was a horrible I was worried I reipped a stitch Updated on 22 Mar 2015: Doing a Lil better today still so swollen Updated on 6 Apr 2015: So today I'm 21days post op. I'm still very swollen my sides are so swollen I'm starting to feel very disappointed. I'm glad the skins gone but my sides are so wide. The swelling keeps getting worse. I still have my left drain in so I haven't gone back to work yet. Updated on 11 Apr 2015: Thank u everyone in so impatient I try to stay positive just hard one day I'm looking smaller the next looks like five pounds added to each of my love handles lol. I'm feeling better think I may have a stitch popping out tho. I have a hard small white plastic thing sticking out of my incision I'm calling my ps on Monday. A little worried Updated on 13 Apr 2015: Im starting to feel amazing. I dont have as many aches and pains anymore im walking completely upright. I do have restless legs at night now more than ever its very irratateing. BuT I have no reason to complain ny stomach is looking so gooD! Im not where id like to be yet but omg to look in the mirror and see a new tummy is insane it doesn't feel real I still catch myself trying to tuck skinning my pants and I keep looking down to make surrvi dont have any rolls sticking out its amazing and im so relieved my life has changed! Ive never EVER been proud to show my stomach in my entire life. I am now proud and not ashamed I never realised how insecure I was this has changed my life. Updated on 5 May 2015: I'm still having a hard time with swelling my love handels are huge it's depressing. I played so much money and went thru so much pain to look and feel great and I can't a shirt without a binder. I look lumpy and so wide in my lovehandels. I think I may have gained a few pounds from lack of work and eating habits. I'm feeling really hopeless right now. Ill post some pictures in a bit Updated on 5 May 2015: Updated on 24 May 2015: So I've gained weight since my surgery. I quit smoking So that's probably part of it it's really frustrating I'm exercising and I'm still not losing any weight I don't know what's going on if it's wanting a lot of my results seem to be getting worse and worse and I'm so tired of complaining I tried to find people who have the same results I do so I can maybe talk to them it's I can't find anyone selling kind of stuck I don't know if I need a revision or what but my love handles are huge and not going down at all and it's really kind self-esteem I don't know if I should do like a detox tea or why I'm concerned you're really really depressed Updated on 25 May 2015: So I'm really starting to realise that my body is gonna look different everyday. I took a pic today and my sides have gone down a bit but now my stomach is swollen lol I'm hoping soon this issue will be over but from what I've heard I have a long road of swelling ahead so bare with me and my constant venting lol Updated on 27 May 2015: So I talked to my ps yesterday and he said since I have a great deal of swelling I need to take it easy. So I'm hoping it goes down cuz if it doesn't soon I'm gonna have to go back on light duty at work. Really not wanting to go back on light duty I'm a care giver for the elderly and the only light duty they have is faxing they have is faxing doctors two days a week four hours a day. Hopefully everything goes well wish me luck Updated on 28 Jul 2015: As most of you know that I've had some issues with my large love Handel's since my tummy tuck march 17th. I went to talk to my surgeon and he said he could fix it for me just have to pay for facility costs. I'm super excited I'll be able to get them fixed but now I'll have to save the money so until then I'm gonna try to get my body in shape ???? Updated on 23 Feb 2016: It's been a while since I've posted on here. I've recently lost 16 pounds and went to see my surgeon last week. My revision is scheduled for march1st I'm super excited ill only be under for an hour and a half. He will be fixing my dog ears they r very large and he will also be lifting my pubic area again it started to say again after the swelling went down. Updated on 3 Mar 2016: Im two days postop. I'm still pretty sore and I am bit swollen that I was yesterday but the pain is nowhere close to what I had my first surgery I am so far am extremely please with the results and it's only been two days Updated on 3 Mar 2016: Im so pleased witj my results so far
In 2008 I had a moment of accute low self-esteem. I was a 38DD and had implants put in over the muscle 700CC. As my son would say I looked abnormally huge and my husband would say I had monster boobies.. Not what I was looking for at all, as a matter of fact not really sure what I was looking for? :( Well, yes I do fuller breast on top to match everything on the bottom. I have spent the majority of my life having people ask me if I had fake boobs then after getting them I took greater offense to the question. Still not sure why. In 2010 I noticed my left breast feeling firm and asked my husband if he thought it felt different? He couldn't tell, so I just put it aside and thought it was because my breast were starting to regain feeling. I have always had lumpy breast that would swell and ache with my cycles and that went away after the surgery. Well, over the past two years both breast have become painfull and very firm. My left breast has been rated a #4 capsular contracture and my right #3. At this time I am scared of what Dr. Popowich will find when he gets in there, my breasts feel very hard and lumpy with areas that the implant can be bounced under the skin. When I have a bra on the left implant is about an inch from my colar bone. Did I mention it is very painfull? I am excited to be out of pain, I also have fibromyalgia and I truley beleive it has made the contracture worse although Dr. doesn't agree with me. I am not having a lift any time soon I will just package them in really pretty push-up bras, that I haven't been able to wear since 2008 because the girls have been to big. How in the world does Dolly or Pamala find cute/sexy bras? So, the biggest thing I have learned through this is that we really need to love ourselves and not compare with other women. I breast fed my son for one year, no bottles and he didn't even have food until he was six months old. He has never had an ear infection, strep throat, or anything worse than the common cold. I gave to him and really in the end I looked great never had a complaint from anyone (man). I think that our sosciety has really done women an injustus in thinking that one look or way is attractive. I will take some pictures tomorrow and then after the explant, at regular intervals throughout my recovery and hopefully all will be great. Updated on 21 Sep 2012: Well, another day closer and a bit more anxiety of the final result. My husband and I were at dinner last night and he asked how I felt about the surgery,I told him anxious but ok. He hasn't really shared any thoughts with me about how he feels mostly I think he feels like he might say something wrong or hurt my feelings. At this point I guess I am pretty numb on the subject and just want them out. I feel like I made a very bad choice and have no one to blame but me. I suppose that's how life goes and I am really grasping the concept of being healthy from the inside and thankful for what God gives us on the outside. I mean, really to not compare oneself to anyone else. We are all different for a reason and special in every regard. Thank you all for being there in the process of finding myself again.I hope my journey helps you in yours. Have a wonderful weekend :) Updated on 21 Sep 2012: Hello, Does anyone have recomendations for creams or magic jells ;) to apply to breasts after explant? something to help rebuild the breast tissue and firmness ect? Thank you Updated on 21 Sep 2012: So this morning my husband and I were talking again about my surgery and he said he is looking forward to having my real boobs back. I am shocked considering his coments befor surgery like if you are getting them "big is better". Anyway, I was caught up in memories of the past and he did play, caress and seem to admire them more back then. So, mabey it's like when you finally get what you want, it's not what you wanted after all! He seemed to be excited to go out and by me sexy bras ect.. and honestly I look forward to being able to ware them again. I know I have become very self consciouse and insecure of my looks since having the implants, so having them out will be good although I am sure a big adjustment in how THEY will look post op and for a time afterwards. Time to walk the dog :) Updated on 24 Sep 2012: Hello, well my pain has been increasing over the past couple of days :( not sure if it is beacause I stopped taking cymbalta for fibromyalgia pain or the capsular contracture is getting worse? Either way I can't wear a bra at all and that isn't good either big saggy boobs yeah ;( Updated on 26 Sep 2012: Hello, Well I had my preop yesterday Dr.Popowich was very encouroging about the surgery and the outcome. I told him I was worried about the scar and that I might be able to see it standing up, he felt Ihad enough breast tissue that it woun't be visible. I also asked him about how he would position my breast after surgery in the compression bandages. I thought the breast tissue would attach to my chest wall and I wanted to make sure they were positioned evenly. He said the compression bandages are mainly to help with fluid buildup and that he would also put in drains. So the countdown begins..... Updated on 3 Oct 2012: Feel your emotions "The key is to not resist or rebel against emotions or to try to get around them by devising all sorts of tricks; but to accept them directly, as they are." -- Takahisa Kora Emotions are energy in motion. They bring us information if we are willing to experience them. Unfortunately, many of us are afraid of the energy of emotions and so we automatically resist them. And when we refuse to experience our emotions, we block them up. They become trapped and that entrapment drains our energy and brings continuing discomfort. Don't let emotions push you into action or reaction. Just STOP and PAY ATTENTION. Allow them to be and to speak to you. Once they are acknowledged, their energy is released. "Instead of resisting any emotion, the best way to dispel it is to enter it fully, embrace it and see through your resistance." -- Deepak Chopra "We have to become more conscious of our feeling-world. By learning to identify the ‘emotional baggage’ and manage our feeling-world reactions, we can view life based on current information instead of being held captive by our past." -- Doc Childre "Our feelings are our most genuine paths to knowledge." -- Audre Lorde *** Awareness is the key to all change. Updated on 6 Oct 2012: well, I am starting my third day of recovery. My biggerst complait is itchiness I feel like there are buggs rawling around inside the bandages. I still have a little bit of pain/burning when standing lots of pulling from my armpits. and my breasts feel lie they are just hanging there. Monday will not come soon enough thats when hopefully the drains will come out and I will be wearing a sports bra. Oh yeah there is some burning sensation where the drains are. Other than that I am doing fine. Updated on 8 Oct 2012: Hello Ladies, I just got back from Dr.Popowichs drains came out really easy didn't really hurt just felt wierd :) My breast look about the same shape as before implants however they are flatter and slighty wider from armpit to middle of chest. I think once I can wear a bra I will be fine and I really don't think I will have a lift. I am so over surgerys! I found out what all the itchyness was about apparently I am allergic to the drainage tubes, I have blisters were the tubes indented into my sides. So, if you are experiencing that you might have someone put soft cloth under the tubes. I have taken several pictures and will be posting them asap. I have lost some feeling on my left breast at the fullest point so I hope that will come back soon. Updated on 10 Oct 2012: Hello again, Well another day of healing done :) yesterday I was doing some feeling around just lightly pressing and moving my breasts a little and WOW there is a spot near my right nipple that is red hot pain must have been a nerve yikes so no more of that for a day or so. I talked to Dr.Popowich about wearing a bra and his thoughts on it. He said regular bras are ok but NO underwires because he doesn't want them rubbing on the insicion. As far as I can tell the insicion is not where the bra sits so I really don't think it would matter. Do any of you ladies have any thoughts? Seems to me if my breasts are nitting back together I would want them in the shape of my bra and not spread out across my chest? Also I still don't feel like the sports bra is supporting me at all, only smashing me down. I still don't have any feeling in the fullness of my left breast and the right only has about 50% feeling. On another note one of my really good friends had a major breast reduction several years ago and had very bad scar tissue develop. She used this method with great results and so I wanted to pass it alon to you all in case it was needed. 1.Castor oil 2.expensive piece of wool or flannel or felt 3.Saturate wool with oil cover with saran wrap, put under heating pad for 30-40 mins a day. 4.Don't use until stitches are out and skin is compleatly closed. apparently this works great for massaging out scar tissue! I hope and pray all is well with everyone :) I have tryed to post more pics but for some reason they are not going to my email? somewhere is cyberspace floats my boobs lol Updated on 16 Oct 2012: Hello, Well recovery seems to be going slow.... I am still having a lot of pain like after you workout and sore muscles I guess that makes sence because the capsules were over my chest muscles. Just the weight of my breasts after taking off my sports bra is very painfull as well as walking my dog in a sports bra. I have tried smaller bras but same results I guess I will have to ace bandage myself, however I will wait until Monday to talk with my doctor and see what he says. Another thing that really hurts is if I am w/o sports bra because I have to be able to breath :) and I roll over and my boobs are allowed to free fall omg that hurts. So I am wondering does this sound normal to you ladies who have explanted? I am still very happy I had the surgery and I just found out from my husband he likes it better too, says I look better proportioned lol funny cuz he said if your going to get them go big.. Thanks love :) three years later here I am oh well whats done is done, just would like to heal faster. Updated on 19 Oct 2012: Hello, Well I am doing much better and look forward to my second followup with my Doc on the 23rd. I am still getting used to the flattness on top of my breasts and really feel great to fit into clothes better :) and when I can start my massage sessions again I look forward to laying on my stomach without feeling like I am laying on two bolders. Awe simple pleasures have a great weekend ladies and hang in there "it's getting better all the time!" as sung by the Beattles :) Updated on 23 Oct 2012: Hello, So I had my three weeks follow up today and everything is healing great. I have a hairline scar and internal stitches so that was nice, I can start massaging the scar in another three weeks and wear an underwire bra after the first of the year yahooooo so excited about that. Dr. Pop said light massage on the breasts is fine but not necassary, I am feeling better everyday, tenderness is normal I just can't wait for a sexy new bra. Still very happy I did the explant :) Updated on 7 Nov 2012: Hello, well it has been a great ride with all of you ladies thank you for your support . I am doing well I can now wear an underwire bra with comfort and I am very happy with the results. Updated on 3 Jan 2013: Hello all, Sorry I haven't written in a while, it has been one day short of three months since my explant. There is still a small amount of pain mostly tenderness and some sharp I think nerve pains. I have gotten a little bit smaller too and I still don't walk around in front of my husband :( I am still getting used to the look and trying to feel sexy. Money is tight so I haven't been able to buy any new bras and am wearing sports bras that are NOT sexy. I am still very thankful for the outcome that I have. My camera broke so no new pictures till I get a new one. Life is good and God is great, happy new year and blessings to all.
Have been thinking about this for years, finally went to a few Drs for consultations. Approved by insurance for reduction and lift. Surgery set for December 17th. I'm so scared of the recovery, pain, looks, etc. wondering if it really worth it?? Have neck and back pain all the time and so tired of my boobs being so large hard to feel/look good and they are so saggy and uneven. I'm a 36DD now depending on bra. So much great advice on here not sure which bra to get after, how to sleep on my back, etc... Updated on 28 Aug 2017: Updated on 19 Sep 2017: Wow 24 hours and I'm doing this so scared and excited. I am so thankful for all the women who have shared their experiences and journeys thought this so helps me be prepared and ready!!! Updated on 21 Sep 2017: Updated on 23 Sep 2017: Feeling great day 3 post op Updated on 29 Sep 2017: Post op day 9 feeling good still low energy but walking and overall feel great. Still shocked when I look in the mirror the girls are so small compared to why they were but I am happy I did this. Hopefully they will relax and I can get used to them. Now I need to work on some weight loss as my stomach is huge now!!!! Updated on 1 Oct 2017: Feeling amazing heeling nicely. Took these laying down in bed. Updated on 4 Oct 2017: This had been better than I imagined feeling great just get so exhausted so quickly with barley doing anything!! Updated on 5 Oct 2017: So glad I did this! Updated on 5 Oct 2017: Scares looking good I'm not sure about the cleavage in the middle?? Seems in even maybe it will adjust out?? Updated on 5 Oct 2017: Updated on 5 Oct 2017: Updated on 9 Oct 2017: Still so exhausted so easy but doing ok. Today the burning sensation is starting in my nipples and they re super sensitive. Healing nicely tho. Tank top without bra omg never in 30years!! Wow. Updated on 9 Oct 2017: Updated on 18 Oct 2017: Wow it's been a month now. My energy is slowly combing back and I feel more normal now. Still sore not hurting but uncomfortable. I can't wait to get out of this compression bra! Dr says I don't have to wear at night anymore ya!! Getting used to the size! Right is still larger and cleavage seems uneven but I'm still happy and hope all will even out! Had to get a few stitches removed that were poking out. All in all doing great!!! Updated on 18 Oct 2017: Updated on 20 Oct 2017: Updated on 3 Nov 2017: Top 6 weeks lower 4 weeks. Starting to drop and shape up. A lot of sharp pains nerves I guess but feeling good overall still exhausted tho. Updated on 3 Nov 2017: Loving how they read coming along...
Thanks for the question, emzy. Most of my breast augmentation patients are primarily concerned with natural-looking results, and I've had a lot of chances to explore various options. In general, I've found that submuscular placement typically creates the most natural-looking results. This is because it better enables the patient's own breast tissue to retain its natural shape. However, this isn't a hard-and-fast rule. Like most guidelines in the world of plastic surgery, the recommendation for implant placement is highly subjective and can be influenced by the patient's own anatomy, her preferences, and the type of implants she chooses. Hope this helped clear things up!
Each doctor has his or her own opinions about which implant is the better one, but it really varies from person to person. As a petite woman, you can certainly get good results from round implants, provided their size and projection are also proportionate to your body. While shaped implants do offer the characteristic teardrop curve of a natural breast, many women still prefer the voluptuous results created by round implants. It can't hurt to consult with several surgeons to get a range of opinions on your specific case. It might also be good to consult with a doctor who uses a 3-D imaging program such as VECTRA to show you how you might look with different choices. Best of luck!
Thanks for your question and your photos. I tend to agree with your doctor that the dual-plane technique is ideal to give you beautiful results without the need for a lift. Although your breasts do sag a bit, yours is certainly not a severe case. At this point, I would feel comfortable recommending an augmentation without lift. Best of luck with your surgery.
Thanks for your question. Keep in mind that none of us can make a sound recommendation for you without an in-person consultation or a photograph. However, based on your description, it's unlikely that you'd see good results from an augmentation alone. While implants would certainly add volume to your breasts, the extra weight may actually exacerbate your sagging, leading to unfavorable results. Only breast lift can address this extra skin. It's possible that you may also require a reduction depending on the composition of your breasts. Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon near you to learn more about your case. Best of luck!
Without photos or an in-person consultation, I can't comment on your specific case. However, in general, yes, it's possible for a patient to undergo both a breast reduction and breast augmentation. Although this is an uncommon approach, it can help reshape the breasts and resize them to the patient's specifications. Depending on your goals, you may undergo a single surgery during which a surgeon performs both procedures, or 2 surgeries spaced several months apart. It's very important to see a board-certified plastic surgeon, especially one who specializes in breast enhancement, to perform this surgery. Good luck to you!
