Lewis H. Berger, M.D.

I have been researching breast augs for a while but wanted to be positive my baby days were over first. I am so happy to have found an amazing surgeon after so much research. Wanted highly cohesive silicone as due to less breast risked and that is just what I got! Whole consult,preop, surgery was over the course of a month. My surgeon was one of only two who was chosen way back to preform breast ops with cohesive so he has tons of experience. He was not pushy at all an so informative. He even works with USF as a teaching dr, and helps with inspection other surgical facilities for sterility and safety. It made me feel confident enough to leave his office call my hubby for the ok and book the same day! No other consults. Today was my surgery he had ordered sizes 385cc down to the 200's I wanted to fill in emptiness from pregnancy, be larger but not sports illustrated yuck ball boobs. I was confident he would choose the right sizing in surgery and offers a replace ment free of charge minus a couple fees if u don't totally love them. I am so excited he tried to do over but had to do partial unders. All his staff were comforting and kind. Updated on 5 Apr 2014: So I didn't mention my frame before ...5'6 and 118 lbs. So glad the surgeon went with 350cc I think they are going to give me the nice full and natural look I wanted. I took a shower, dried my hair, and went for a long walk this morning. Hoping to loosen things up all over! Sorry for the funny shape around nips the tape the doctor used is holding and pulling them funny :) Updated on 5 Apr 2014: So I had a total fear of ball boobies, this lady actually likes her shape :) and the second I thought was nicely full but maybe just a bit big for me! Updated on 7 Apr 2014: Was feeling better during the daytime. Finally used the bathroom, lost 3 lbs in there :) Boy was that due because even right after I awoke from anesthesia I was hungry!! Was taking some random things to help move stuff along and will post some suggestions later. I got the courage and movement back to try some stuff on which was fun :) having boobs that hold up a bra vs a bra to cover nipples is great! Feel like they are dropping and getting softer already. Sadly by the evening I had a bunch of pain and pressure at my incision site. Got nauseated as I convinced myself the implant was trying to escape. Going to call the surgeon in the morning. Think maybe the light support bra he gave me just is allowing too much weight at the crease area? We'll see.... Updated on 9 Apr 2014: So I was freaking myself out with all the double bubble, bottoming out stuff, got to stay calm and give this time. Had put call into drs office and they said that it was all normal, no bleeding, no oozing, swelling- don't worry ;) phew at least till my check up Wed. Stitches coming out! Updated on 9 Apr 2014: Boy was that a strange feeling. Gotta say I have been a bit of a baby with all this. I was like "ha I have had natural childbirth what could top that?" ..well this is grossing me out a bit. I feel tired, useless as I am generally pretty nonstop, and annoyed by the feeling of incisions and little tape blisters. LAME. But surgeon says they look great, little irritation on right breast incision keep eye on it. See them in 6 weeks....really? Wow. I am released out in wild already? Hmmm and craziest idea yet no bras for a year. Well ok for short period for school functions...had to get him to give me that. Don't wanna be one of "those" moms;) he says this gives his patients the advantage of having the softest breasts. Sounds cuddly to me! Updated on 10 Apr 2014: Ran an errand with the hubby this morning. Went to the park with my kids and out to dinner. Little weird not wearing a bra and feeling staring eyes but oh well. I was comfy and it feels freeing! I am having a bit of a reaction to the tape especially notable where it is no longer covering certain areas-redness,light blistering-ouch! Tried on some more cute things today, hoping the VS bra will fit me still down the road I bought a few 34D thinking that is where I would be but boy I was spilling over this one! Liking the white tank from old navy too! Only took muscle relaxer and antibiotics till this evening when the aches set in then I said what the heck and grabbed a vicoden. Probably don't really need it but it will help me sleep :) Updated on 10 Apr 2014: Updated on 10 Apr 2014: Updated on 10 Apr 2014: Updated on 10 Apr 2014: Updated on 16 Apr 2014: Hadn't had the chance to sit and do this but these are some of the things that are helping me through this journey.... Miralax because good grief after all those meds you will need it and I even used a senna (natural laxative) 3 tabs for first dose too. I was swollen and annoyed but the combo of the two of these rocked. Just keep using the Miralax while on pain meds and back up with 1 tab if needed. I used the smooth move tea but wasn't sure it worked for me. Earth Momma Angel Baby Stretch oil. This stuff is amazing I used it for two weeks prior to the augmentation and after. I have stretch marks from my 1st two pregnancies but using this on my third seem to ward them off. So with hopeful thinking this has been through my side to prevent new boobie marks :) It has a light smell that is very nice and absorbs in, never messed up and clothing. Plus it is natural for all us earthy people. Best price I can find: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000JVA80C/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B000JVA80C&linkCode=as2&tag=absthat-20" I am a frequent Amazon shopper. How nice to be able to get all this cool stuff delivered free, at a great price without having to drive. Driving in Florida is nuts! Plus it was like getting a big care package in the mail. Or Christmas for us moms who usually do all for the kids and not so much for us! The best of bed rest pillows because not all are created equal... http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002NGN9O8/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B002NGN9O8&linkCode=as2&tag=absthat-20" I also picked up some Arnica gel from Amazon for bruising. I use it all the time on my kids who although play ruff and get injured rarely end up with a bruise! Takes away the swelling and pain too. If you are like me with happy nipple all the time you can venture to Victorias Secret for breast petals or get them off Amazon too at a fraction of the cost. You can also find some cute comfy bralettes too. Updated on 16 Apr 2014: I am still sore but no meds! Other than antibiotics. Have to see the Dr. as my right breast incision has some drainage. Yuck! But otherwise softening up and starting to get used to the weight of these suckers. Updated on 16 Apr 2014: Updated on 24 Apr 2014: Still having issues with right side healing. Seem to have knocked the scab off while detailing my car earlier this week too. Still using antibiotic ointment and dr had me not using any coverage so it gets air. They seem to be happily finding their place otherwise. Like no bras business. Although my cute bra drawer temps me so.... Updated on 26 Apr 2014: Husband made a comment today about enjoying more topless times:) feel more confident and having fun dressing up! Going on cruise do been trying on lots of stuff. Updated on 24 May 2014: Dropping and they are feeling softer day by day. Incisions are both finally doing well ;) here's a catch up from the past few weeks! Still hanging in a size 34D. No more dr visits till September he says they are doing perfect. I can feel the implant mostly on the bottom left side . My right side hides it well. Updated on 4 Jun 2014: Feels like they have always been there. I have list that new boobie feeling. They are still softening dr has me on antibiotic to prevent capsular contracture. He believes it helps a lot. Still smile when I see them in the mirror. Love the way they look so natural! Updated on 4 Jul 2014: Feel like they have shrunk or maybe I am just used to them? Much softer and getting good movement now. Updated on 1 Sep 2014: Still love them but wouldn't mind if I had a bit bigger.....scar area feels tender sometimes but otherwise no complaints! Updated on 24 Sep 2014: So I had a follow up and learned that even though both are filling the emptiness I was having one is falling a way from the chest wall more. But I still love them and I was not symmetric before the augmentation so it doesn't bug me....much ;)

I had my first 2 children at age 25 and 28 and my most recent at 40. I bounced back fine after the first 2, but my 3rd was delivered via emergency c-section. I've lost all of the weight and exercise nearly every day. I even worked with a personal trainer. I'm happy with everything EXCEPT my stubborn tummy. I finally accepted that I can't fix my tummy on my own and am scheduled for a full tummy tuck and hernia repair for next Tuesday. The reviews on this site have been so helpful that I felt compelled to contribute. I'm nervous. Everyone seems to have had such different experiences! I hope it ends up being worth it! Updated on 15 Jan 2015: I went for my pre-op appointment yesterday. Frankly, after reading some of the reviews, the anxiety had really set in. But my doctor was great and very confident that I'm going to love my results. Like some of you, I haven't told anyone other than my husband and children that I'm doing this. Except for my belly, I'm in really good shape, so I worry that others won't understand. I'm also worried that I'm going to regret it, which seems to be a common feeling during the first couple of weeks. But I really want to be able to sit in the sand on the beach and help my 5-year-old make a sand castle without feeling like I have to sit up really, really straight to diminish the view of my pregnancy-ravaged belly. Mommy isn't as much fun when she's too busy feeling self-conscious. :( Keeping my fingers crossed that 6 months from now, I'm looking back on this and wondering why I didn't do it sooner! Updated on 21 Jan 2015: First, my experience was amazing. There was no sitting around and waiting and I don't remember anything between the epidural and them waking me up to have me pee. My sweet husband and son moved our recliner down to the family room for me and I slept surprisingly well. One thing though: one of my drain tubes came loose during the night. I've got a call in to my doctor to see what to do about that. In the meantime, I've got it taped up around a cotton ball. It hurts but the pain is manageable. I've been able up slowly get in and out of the recliner on my own and I've been walking for about 5 minutes any time I get up. Walking really help with the stiffness. No report on how things look yet. Can't see past the bandages but they're nice and low. Updated on 22 Jan 2015: Sore but hanging in there! Making myself walk for 5 minutes every time I have to pee, which is about hourly. Swelling hasn't been too bad but I haven't eaten or had much to drink. Just fiber one cereal, a banana, some yogurt and an adkins bar. Looking forward to getting rid of the drains and taking a shower. It's slow-going but I'm pleased to be pretty mobile without assistance. Can't wait until Monday when doc says I lose the drains and stitches! Updated on 24 Jan 2015: Best day so far. My 5-year-old, who is usually up with the sun, woke me up at 8:30 this morning. What a luxury! And my mobility continues to improve. Yay! AND, I had a BM without the help of medication. Woohoo! I highly recommend Fiber One cereal and lots of water. I also use My Fitness Pal to log my food and keep track of the sodium. It seems to be working. I haven't had much swelling. Husband just took the 5-year-old out for the day so enjoying a quiet house. :) Updated on 26 Jan 2015: Started morning not feeling well but fortunately able to shake it off after a light breakfast. Didn't sleep well last night. Went back to work today, too. Thank goodness I work out of my house! Otherwise, wouldn't have been able to do it. And woohoo! I got my drains and stitches removed today, except for bb. Those come out Wednesday. I would suggest taking a painkiller before you go for that, though. Stitches burn coming out. It's weird, though. It's an intense burn for about 5-10 seconds, then it goes away. Drains don't really hurt coming out either but I nearly came off the chair with the first one. It's just weird feeling a foreign object being pulled from your body. Second drain wasn't bad once I knew what to expect. Both burned same as the stitches after.... Intense, for 5-10 seconds. After those seconds, though, I was fine. Moved slowly coming out of the office but I think it was more mental than real pain. Still, I took a pain killer as soon as I got home. Swelling pretty bad but I'm sure it's because I ate leftover pizza for lunch and the sodium is getting me. Going to try to cook dinner tonight. Wish me luck! Updated on 30 Jan 2015: 10 days in.... Sleeping in my bed (until husband starts snoring, then guest bed...). Laying on my back, propped up my pillows with a pillow under my knees but comfortable and able to sleep. Moving better every day but still hunched and wondering if I'm going to have permanently bad posture to go with my new tummy. :-/. On a positive note, though, I took some pics this morning and while I still have a lot of swelling, I can't believe how much better I look already! As frustrating as this recovery process is, Im feeling optimistic this morning. Have a great weekend, All! Updated on 3 Feb 2015: Today is my 2 week anniversary. Not much to report. I feel better and have more flexibility every day. I'm still hunched when I first get up but have definitely improved and my back is no longer killing me. Tummy is really tight but I'm otherwise feeling no pain. I have a gala to go to Saturday night. Will be my first time in heels in weeks. Hopefully, these daily improvements will continue. Now to find a dress to wear over my cg.... Updated on 9 Feb 2015: 3 weeks PO tomorrow. My PS directed me to change my steristrips on Mondays, so I figured I'd update today vs waiting until tomorrow. I continue to feel better every day. Abs are still tight but the hunch is much less pronounced. I'm also finally able to sleep on my side, which is so much more comfortable! Swelling is still there but is diminishing. PS warned me it will be a full year before I can expect swelling to go away entirely. But overall, I'm very happy with my progress and results. Starting to have hope that I'll be able to confidentially wear a bikini by spring break! Updated on 17 Feb 2015: This site has been so wonderful for providing perspective and setting expectations. My PS has been great and realistic but reading about my fellow TTers' journeys has helped more than I can say. It has been one month since my surgery. The first 10 days were pretty brutal but I feel better every day. I still have some swelling (PS said to expect it, and the numbness, for a year) but I still look better than I did pre-op. My abs are still tight but I am walking completely upright. I'm ready to do some bathing suit and jeans shopping! Updated on 17 Feb 2015: Updated on 17 Mar 2015: It has been 2 months since my TT with MR. I feel great. For anyone in the horrible first month, it does get better. You will walk upright again and, dare I say.. Feel normal. I started exercising at 6 weeks and am back up to the same weights I was using pre-surgery. I still swell a bit at night but it continues to go down and I have very little swelling in the morning. Updated on 15 Apr 2015: My 3-month anniversary was yesterday. I'm happy to say that, except for numbness and some swelling late in the day, I feel completely normal. I'm back to my full exercise routine and worked my abs for the first time on Monday. Doctor said to expect numbness and swelling up to a year, which has been so far true. But I have definitely have seen/experienced improvement. Updated on 13 Aug 2015: It has been almost 7 months and I'm thrilled with my results. The challenges of the first few weeks are a dim memory and I have been thoroughly enjoying my new body. I still am numb in my lower abdomen but my doctor warned me that it would be that way for at least a year and full feeling might not ever come back. I don't care.... It's my only side effect. I never swell anymore but sometime still get bloated if I eat too much. I absolutely do not regret doing this for myself. :) Updated on 22 Jan 2016: It has been one year and one day since my tummy tuck and I am beyond thrilled with my results. It was worth every penny. I spent so many hours on this site leading up to my surgery and in the weeks after that I wanted to pay it forward. For those of you considering it: it's worth it. For those of you in the first horrible weeks: it gets better. Just walk as much as possible and mind the sodium. You won't walk with s painful, hunched back forever and the nighttime swelling WILL go away. Good luck!!