I had my first consultation with Dr. Riolo on 05/25/2022. Her staff is so friendly and welcoming! I felt extremely comfortable around them. Dr. Riolo took her time to explain every detail going into breast augmentation. I already knew I wanted to schedule with her and move forward with my surgery. I have always wanted my boobs done and I finally am going through with it. I'm extremely excited!
At my consult I was able to try on different sized implants. I ended up getting 425 cc on my right boob, 455 on my left boob, silicone high profile. My left boob is smaller than my right. I'm originally a 36b bra size, I'm hoping for a low D, full C cup bra.
Updated on 12 Jun 2022:
I had my surgery June 9, 2022 with Dr. Riolo. I was really nervous going in since this was my first surgery ever. I had mixed emotions of being nervous and excited. Dr. Riolo and staff were very comforting and made me feel at ease. They constantly came in and checked on me during the prepping process. It all happened so quickly, they wheeled me into the OR and had me take deep breathes in an oxygen mask & I was out within a few seconds. It literally felt like I took a quick nap & the surgery was done.
Dr. Riolo made the insicions underneath my breasts. I went with 450 cc silicone high profile Mentor on my left breast, 425cc silicone high profile Mentor on my right breast. My left breast is smaller than my right.
When I woke up I felt very very groggy, I felt like there was an elephant sitting on my chest. But that was expected. My boyfriend was there to listen to the post care instructions and I was able to leave to go home. Make sure you already have your prescribed prescriptions prior your surgery. Those meds will be necessary to take asap.
I was very nauseous from the anesthesia, I threw up a few times from the nausea. I didn't regret having the surgery, I just knew the healing process would be difficult to handle.
Today is my 3rd day of recovery. My chest is still very swollen and feels tight. Especially underneath my armpit area. I was prescribed Valium, Norco, antibiotics, stool softener, and anti-nausea meds. These have been so helpful with the pain. I also purchased a probiotic due to the constipation. I haven't been able to use the restroom normally due to the medications. I've been sticking to a simple diet, water and fruits. I've been eating a lot of bananas, apples, and nectarines to help. I'm taking the stool softener, but I'm still having some trouble using the restroom. I'm not able to lift certain things like a water bottle, pulling the fridge door, don't exert yourself to try and do it yourself. Have someone help you. I also help from my boyfriend to get up from bed. Basically I have no arm strength, so make sure you have someone with you during the healing process, my boyfriend has been a great caretaker.
Updated on 13 Jun 2022:
I woke up this morning not feeling as tight in my chest, but underneath my armpits are still really sore. I'm going to try to stop taking my valium and Norco today. I'll be sticking to Tylenol extra strength for the soreness underneath my armpits, we'll see how it goes! But I don't want to be on narcotics for too long. My incisions are not bothering me at all.
Last night my boyfriend got me prunes and activia yogurt. I had like 10 prunes last night and that really helped with the constipation. After 4 days I finally was able to use the restroom last night (sorry if that's TMI). I still need help lifting items, don't try and lift anything without help. I am able to lift small things like my laptop, a cup of water...etc. I still need help showering though, my boyfriend has been great with helping me take showers.
I'm excited to see my results, but I know it will take a few months for the girls to drop and fluff. My one week follow up is in 2 days. So I'll update on that.
Updated on 15 Jun 2022:
Today I had my 1 week follow up with Dr. Riolo. I had my bandages removed, everything looks good. Turns out I have 450ccs in both breasts. She said that 425cc was too small for my right breast. So she went with 450ccs on both. And I am glad she did! My boobs are looking great! I can't wait for them to drop. Right now they are both still sitting up really high. Dr. Riolo gave me a band to wear over the top of my breasts to help them drop. I will be wearing the band for 8-10 hours a day for the next 3 weeks. It is really uncomfortable, but whatever will get the job done! My incisions aren't hurting, but my right breast is a little more sensitive in the incision area.
I've stopped taking narcotics and only taking extra strength Tylenol for any discomfort. IF needed I will take a Valium to help me fall asleep comfortably. And thank goodness the constipation is gone as well.
Updated on 22 Jun 2022:
Tomorrow will be two weeks post op and I'm feeling much better. I started to use the scar cream my doctor provided me. What's bothersome is the sudden "sting/zipping" sensation in my nipple area. It only lasts for a few seconds, but feels uncomfortable when it happens. Also my breasts are very sensitive, it hurts when I accidentally rub/touch them a certain way. My doctor gave me the "OK" to use a different type of sports bra. She recommended a the Knockout Front-Close Sports Bra by Victoria Secret. I went to go get sized and I was measured at a 36 DDD, but was advised it would change within a few weeks. I tried on a 36DDD and it would not fit, the sports bra was too small & didn't zip up. So I'm still using the same bra given to me after my surgery.
I have noticed my implants have dropped a bit, they are looking more natural-ish. I'm still restricted to no lifting/using my peck muscles for another 2 weeks. Which is hard because sometimes I forget & then I feel a pull/tug when I reach for something. Can't wait for the full 3 weeks of restrictions to be done with.
Updated on 8 Jul 2022:
Now that I'm at 4 weeks post op I stopped using the band that my surgeon advised me to wear. I think the band really helped with the implants dropping. I can definitely see my left implant dropping faster than my right. My left does look more "fluffed" as well. My right implant is still sitting a little higher, but I just have to be patient and let it drop naturally. I'm still using the scar cream that was provided to me, I'll be using that for the next 12 weeks.
I'm able to use my arms way more now! I'm no longer restricted to using my arms. But I do notice I still have a hard time pushing/pulling stuff. So I'm just going to listen to my body & don't exert myself.
I'm noticing a lot of sensitivity in my nipples. Also, in the mornings when I wake up my underboob area feels tingly/numb like when your foot falls asleep. What helps if I rub them & get the blood flowing, then that tingly feeling stops. Not sure what that's about, but I'll have to ask my surgeon at my 1 month follow up appointment.
I bought a sports bra that opens from the front & I've been switching from that and the surgical bra that was provided to me. I'm not going to be using a different bra until my surgeon approves me to do so. Overall, I'm loving the progress. I know I still have a few more months to see the end result!
Updated on 25 Jul 2022:
I had my one month follow up with Dr. Riolo last week (07/18/2022) and she said I'm healing great! I got approved to wear any type of bra I would like (she said I can even go braless). She advised that I continue to use the scar cream she provided me. My implants are dropping very nicely & she said that I should continue to see a change as time goes by, she said they will fluff more. I no longer have extremely hypertensive nipples! The nurse told me to touch them more to help desensitize them, which helps!