Keith W. Rae MD

I had gastric bypass surgery in 2011. It resulted in weightloss of 150 pounds. My belly had bothered my for a really long time and after my last child in 2014 I decided it was time to say farewell to the excess skin. I had 3 kids and I was just not happy with my appearance at all. I feel so much better know that it's no longer hanging around Updated on 8 Nov 2015: Out of curiosity did other fellow panni patients not fit into their jeans for a while??? I made the mistake of trying to put a pair of my jeans on today and the swelling is so bad I couldn't fit them yet...I got very discouraged and was winding how long before I can start wearing jeans again Updated on 9 Nov 2015: Today I'm 2 weeks post op and I'm feeling great. I still get a little worn out fast and the swelling gets worse at night. I have to be honest and say I haven't been wearing my binder but I'm thinking it might be a good idea to start. Still in a little bit of pain but in very stubborn and just need to rest more I think. Updated on 22 Nov 2015: So I can't believe tomorrow will be 4 weeks post op already. I'm feeling better everyday and get pain here and there but it's manageable. I'm cleared to finally get back to the gym but I'm still going to wait another week or so as I still feel tightness when I stretch that hurts a little bit. The difference between week 2 and three are huge...I still get swelling but it's usual at night time as I'm pretty active during the day.

I had my procedure today at Sonobello of Woburn Ma. I have been wanting to get this done for a long time. With kids and injury which out me in a wheel chair for about a year weight has been a struggle. I did loose about 70 lbs before the procedure. I was a size 20-22 and with diet and exercise I got myself down to a 14-16. I don't mind my overall size but what I do mind and am very self conscious about are the bulges and my arms. The people at sonobello were very warm, friendly and made me feel comfortable. They were not pushy. I really loved that the initial women who did my consultation remembers me everytime I walk in. Today was a breeze. I was pretty nervous, I think I watched way to many you tube videos. Not a good idea as the procedure itself was very comfortable. A few little pinches here and there but nothing compared to bring at the dentist or getting a tattoo. I was pretty amazed. I'm a little sore but mostly at the incision site. I had my upper and lower abs done today. Honestly just feels like I did 100 sit-ups. I go in a few weeks to do the waist, hips and arms. I'm thinking of adding my lower back or bra roll. Honestly I was waiting to see how today went before proceeding with the rest. I'm still in shock as to how easy and comfortable the whole experience was. Dr. Rae was amazing and I loved that he chatted with, made me laugh and even brought in music to listen too. I will post my before pics and update you throughout this Journey. I definitely recommend Dr.Rae and Sonobello. Updated on 14 Nov 2014: Got to take a shower today. Why does a shower always makes everyone feel better. I was a bit surprised when I took the compression garment. Things didn't look much different... I'm assuming this is due to the swelling. Some areas did feel empty. I know it's only day 1 after surgery so I guess I'll wait and see. Pain wise, I am in pain but it feels muscular. A little worst than being sore from a workout. Honestly mostly hurts when I sit too long and then have to stand. Updated on 16 Nov 2014: So still feeling pretty good. I am sore but it's tolerable. I am just taking the Arnica Montana and Tylenol for pain. I don't like the narcotics as they makes Nauseous. I don't feel like much has changed although I did put on a pair of jeans today with the compression and the binding and had some room. So maybe I am a bit smaller even though it doesn't feel it yet. My one week post op appt is in a few days. I'm Assuming they will measure Me there. This is alsoy preopp for the rest ofy procedures which will take place on Saturday. I did take some pics. Sorry to gross anyone out. As you can see some bruising has set in. Updated on 22 Nov 2014: So I'm one week post op on the upper and lower abs. Today I go in for hips, waist, arms and back bra roll. I so far don't see much change but everyone says it takes awhile. I'll update again after surgery. The pics attached are from the one week check yesterday. Updated on 23 Nov 2014: Last week I had the upper and lower abs done. This week I had The waist/hips, back and bra roll aka flanks. Surgery again went well. The staff at sonobello are wonderful and really caring. I A boy more sore than the first Time around but again it's like being sore after a real hard work out. Procedure was Saturday and I will be going back to the office Monday. I hope the next Few months go quickly. I'm anxious to see results. Aside From the soreness so far, I don't seeanu changes. Updated on 26 Nov 2014: So second lipo procedure. Week one, upper and lower abs and then Week 2, back bra roll and hips/waist and arms. So not much discomfort except my arms are extremely sore. Almost like a burning sensation. Hopefully it calms down. My surgical follow up is next week. I'll keep you all posted. Updated on 27 Feb 2015: So its been 3 months. I have worked hard to continue to dirt and exercise. Since the procedure I am down 19 lbs. Sadly though I don't feel or see that much has changed. I am still wearing the garments faithfully. At the follow up they said I still had about 75% to go. Not sure if this was to make me feel better. I will attach the pics taken today. I do heal on the slower side die to type 2 diabetes.

I have been struggling with my weight my whole life, but have always been athletic. My stomach was pouchy and I couldn't get rid of it. I decided in a pretty short time that I wanted the procedure. I had the consult on Saturday and the surgery on Thursday! I had lipo procedure of upper and lower abs, and both sides. The operation was fine, I watched the fat being removed, and Dr Rae was so supportive and a great help. The nurses felt like long lost friends. It hurt near my ribs, a few times but nothing drastic. Pinches and burning a few times. After the procedure the nurse put me in the CG- wow! She wheeled me to the car- I was happy about that. Day 1 I was out - slept so much I don't remember anything after getting home. I got up a few times to go to the bathroom and felt really sick, and my ears were ringing. I remember my husband trying to offer me food but I couldn't stay awake enough to eat. I had the procedure at 8 am, and don't remember that day or night except fir a few times of my husband snoring, which us kinda funny, that woke me up. Day 2- that day was bad bad bad. My husband went to work, and I got up , bad news. I was lightheaded and couldn't function. I laid on the couch and called the doctors office. I spoke to the nurse who said that I wasn't drinking enough water. And the lynocaine anesthetic was too much, causing so much drowsiness and dizziness. I decided to call hubby and ask him to cone home at lunch. He did so and I took took the suit off for washing and tried to take a shower. The pads were full but the drainage seemed to be mostly done. About 1 minute in the shower and the ringing started and sounds were getting very far away, I called for my husband but he didn't hear me. I just climbed back in bed soaking wet- and then discovered - oh joy oh joy- I started my period!?"' Really? Getting the suit back on was a major hardship. We did it wrong 2. At this point I am crying. After getting everything back in place I fell back asleep, I had taken a pain pill at 9:30. When I woke I decided that was the last I was taking any of those pills. Oh- I had a few protein shakes - best thing in the world. Easy to get down and helps. Got up at 2:30 and was in a very unhappy mood. I have 2 teenage boys who live like slobs. Dishes, clothes everywhere- again- REALLY!?! I unfortunately doled out lectures to all :)) ( kinda funny now) which resulted in both kids taking their video games to another part of the house. I ate a normal lunch of a salad and turkey burger, and a normal dinner later - and had a big poo! Yeah !! Went to bed around 10. Results wise when I took off the CG on day 2 before shower- if was a big "wow" in a very good way. Very little bruising, no lumps, extra skin that I know I have to deal with. I will load pics. Today is day 3, I'm feeling a bit more human. Getting myself up and around, washing the garment, taking my vitamins and everything, takes a lot of time and effort. I don't know how I'm going to go back to work, and I'm supposed to travel out of country thus upcoming week. I think the biggest learning - recovery isn't just a snap- don't let the doc office tell you it is. I do feel skinnier, my waist is smaller and I can't wait to heal- it takes a lot of focus, consistency- it means putting yourself first and pushing yourself. When I read reviews about a 6 month recovery- that is something to pay attention to- ensure you are up to it. I'll post pictures soon. Updated on 21 Sep 2014: Today is Day 4. Things are better every day, but it takes a long time to get ready and around in the morning. Today is my last day off of work. My incisions are starting to heal, and itch. I put Neosporin. I'm happy I did this, but it's not a quick fix and requires total focus to taking care of yourself. It feels good, to take care of myself and put myself first. Yesterday I walked a mile- slowest walk ive ever taken, it took every ounce of energy I had. I feel very weak. :(( I can see the bruising start, and my stretch marks are red and purple. Most of my skin is still numb and it hurts to bend down or twist. Today I'm going to walk again, a little faster, and eat more green veges. I've decided I'm going to work from home tomorrow, and not travel, I want to focus on wellness, stay in my routine. Updated on 21 Sep 2014: I feel like I'm swelling more?. I feel like every time I look I'm not sure if it's better, or worse. Does anyone have an opinion? My incisions are itching, I guess that is a good sign. Walked 2 miles, ate only protein shake for dinner, salad for lunch, egg beaters for breakfast. I'm very determined. Updated on 22 Sep 2014: I went back to work today, went home 1/2 day, felt weak and lightheaded. My stomach looks the worst yet- what happened to my day 2 flat stomach? Swelling and bruising, and the phase 1 CG- I am very sick of it. Phase 2 CG much more comfortable. Updated on 28 Sep 2014: Updated on 28 Sep 2014: Updated on 8 Oct 2014: Tomorrow is my 3 week mark. I still wear my CG, and I still have pain, when I drive my stomach feels the bumps, it's crazy.

june 12th, 2009, i did a liposuction procedure because february of 2008, i had a myomectomy performed to removed fibroids, and the way my abdomen was cut (c-section type scar) seemed to have disproportioned my stomach from the way it naturally was. the result was a muffin top, and i was not happy- my stomach ballooned above the scar, and i do not have loose skin. i tried working it off, but i have natural muscle tone, therefore my muffin top only blew up with muscle. liposuction was my last resort. i wanted to flatten this area. the day after my lipo surgery, i took my garmet off to shower and saw almost no change, not to mention that right above the scar where i wanted my stomach flattened the most still buldges out but now its very hard and sore. does this mean not enough was taken out? Updated on Jun 27, 2009: ok so its clear i was jumping the gun on my results. i love the way my stomach is recovering. the main thing that bothered me the most is the overlap that my obgyn surgeon caused with the muffin top (and my stomach is solid with muscle) but needless to say, i hated the muffin top all together. its really smoothing out nicely, and im still swolen. and that dip is gone, thank goodness!!! the only reason i list uncomfortable in my pain experience is because of the girdle. some get used to it, but i hate it. absolutely hate it. i cant wait till its over. but i no i have to wear it to get the best results form my lipo procedure, so i guess i must tolerate it. it will be worth it in the longrun. i will continue to post progress pictures for all. until next time... Updated September 4, 2009 this is a follow-up question to my liposuction procedure that i had on june 12th, 2009. i dont regret my surgery one bit, but im wondering if the fact that i stopped wearing my girdle early will make a difference in my final result. it was stolen july 17th and i just never bought another one. i understand that the girdle will assist in healing faster, but would it have actually helped me look better in the end? some say yes, others say no. im just searching for the truth. till this day, i still have the clay effect where my pants or panties will crease my stomach in a short period of time, or when i sit down for a period of time. you can see this in my photos below- there is a crease in my stomach from sitting down in my panites for a few hours. i also have knotting in my abdominal muscles, and it will balloon up depending on the activities that i do. i had this surgery to correct a botched surgery i had to remove uterine tumors that caused me to have a "muffin top" (that is why i have a c-section scar). so i would like to know if the girdle ever makes the shape better in the end, or if it just helps one heal faster... Updated on Dec 25, 2009: i would like to give the realself community an update- i found out the reason why my liposuction procedure didnt produced the results i desired, and it is not the fault of my cosmetic surgeon. it was recently discovered that i have 5 additional uterine fibroids that need to be removed. they are the reason for my abdomen not becomming flat after my lipo procedure. this really devistated me. im wondering if my stomach will finally go flat after the removal of these fibroids. i will keep all of u updated. thankyou for your support.... does the compression garmet given to assist in the healing of liposuction have any impact on the final result? i hear some say that the longer the garmet is worn, the better the final result, but im also hearing that it only assists in healing faster, and nothing more. which is true? -- Updated on Dec 3, 2009: hello. i am 6 months post op of my abdominal liposuction. my final result is good, except that i now have double lumpage in my abdomen, kind of like two sausage rolls, and i can feel them with my hand as well as anybody who touches my stomach. there is even a prominent crease between them. i had a follow up consultation, and my doctor pretty much said there was nothing more that could be done. he says there is too little fat in my abdominal cavity now, which may be true because it is very tight and u can barely pinch any skin. but when he saw my crease, he actually thought it was a scar, and i had to lean forward to show him that it wasnt. what gives? i dont know what to do :(

Hi there, I am a mother of 2 boys ready to take my body back. All my life I had larger breasts. Carrying extra weight - back pain, shoulder indents...I know all of you can relate. I had a breast reduction before I got married in 2007. After having 2 boys, my breasts are back to a 36DDD. I'm tired of it. I want some girls where I don't have to buy a larger size to fit in. I'm hoping to go down to a full, perky C. I've shared pictures with my surgeon and an scheduled for surgery on June 1st. In addition to having a reduction I am doing Lipo on my upper and lower stomach and flanks. Im freaking out. LOL. It's a lot, but I want it done. Im hoping for good results. Good luck to all the ladies that are brave enough to take this on. PS not sure of the cost as of now it's being covered by my insurance. The Lipo is costing $5500 Updated on 9 May 2016: I think it's important (for me at least) to track my changes in clothes too. So added a few pics. Updated on 9 May 2016: Not sure how I missed my own lovely ladies. Updated on 16 May 2016: I'm ready for surgery. I'm nervous and feeling guilty. I'm wrapping the reduction in with liposuction and I'm reading everywhere there are more risks to that. I asked my dr and he tried to ease my fears. But I'm still nervous. I mean I don't need either of these surgeries. I'm choosing this for me and feeling guilty. Especially if something happens. I need someone to talk me down!!! Updated on 22 May 2016: Nervous, but super excited. I can't wait for q better me!! Updated on 25 May 2016: I'm wondering what you ladies are wearing after surgery. I was thinking about grabbing a few maxi dresses. Hmm. Maybe I should wait. I don't know... Updated on 26 May 2016: So I have something to go back to and love even more who I have become.... Updated on 2 Jun 2016: I updated yesterday on my other posting (Liposuction). Things are well. The surgery was easy. My boobs are small! I can't wait to see them. When I have pictures I will post - maybe tonight. I am a little soar, but not too bad. I'll keep you posted. Updated on 2 Jun 2016: My poor small boobs are hurting. Loads of pulling and aches. Sigh. I was hoping these would be easy compared to the liposuction. Updated on 4 Jun 2016: Things are going pretty well. Going to stop taking the drugs tomorrow. Loads of bruising on left breast. Hard to tell what they will end up looking like, at first I was slightly shocked how small they were, but now I'm so pleased. I wanted them "average". Right underneath is hurting. I'm wearing a sports bra. My dr was ok with that. I just hope I have enough support. My husband is worried about the end result. Me too!!!! But I have faith. Clothes already fit me better. Today I'm just resting. My family has been wonderful. As always - ask any questions. Updated on 21 Jun 2016: Feeling pretty good. Still healing.

Hello everyone, I wanted to share my story, as so many of you have here and it's been incredibly helpful to me. I am 44 and have had 2 babies by c-section. My stomach went from relatively nice, to yucky! I am 5' 4" and while never skinny, I have had curves, but maintained a nice figure. I weigh 162 now and would like to lose about 15 lbs. more. At my highest, with my second child - who came 10 months to the day after my first, I weighed 202. I am pretty happy with myself except my belly and breasts. This will actually be my second breast reduction. My first I had in 2007 and wasn't that happy with. At the time it was fine, but I really wanted them smaller. My PS was pretty conservative. Today I met with a new PS who came highly recommended. He was fabulous. Made me feel very comfortable. I also was very concerned as I knew he might tell me I needed a Tummy Tuck which I didn't want. Due to scarring, but mostly, I don't have a lifestyle where I am able to be out for a significant amount of time. I need to be back caring for my babies and back at work in a week. The breast reduction (I hope) is being taken care of by insurance. I hope to have approval in 2 weeks for that and then I will be able to schedule my surgery. Pushing for a June first week for it. I will keep everyone posted. This site is amazing. I went in the Dr's office and he was impressed on the level of knowledge I had. Kudos to this site for giving that to me! Updated on 6 May 2016: Got my reduction approved and am now officially scheduled for June 1st for surgery. Have a pre-op appointment on 5/16. I'll update after that! Updated on 8 May 2016: I think it's important to show what I look like before and after in clothes. Here's are a few. Tomorrow I need to move this to the right treatment. No idea why this says lipo sculpture. Haha Updated on 9 May 2016: I keep thinking - what am I going to look like? I'm trying to keep my expectations in line. I see all these amazing results, but then also some who don't!!! Anyone else having these thoughts?? Updated on 9 May 2016: Here are a few more clothes pictures. Plus some expectations I hope are realistic. Perfection isn't required.... Updated on 12 May 2016: I read a few reviews, which the brave girls who posted experienced multiple issues over the span of 4 weeks. They had amazing results and both admitted it was all worth it in the long run. But I have to admit, I am hopefuly I am one of the lucky girls who is better after a week. My kids and my work won't be happy with me if that doesn't happen! Updated on 12 May 2016: It's good to have these. LOL. Chest - 42 Upper belly - 35.5 Lower - 42.5 Lower are wth my hips. I don't really know what I'm doing here, but knowing befores will help ???? Updated on 16 May 2016: Had my pre- op today. Asked a hundred questions. I love my dr. His responses are so real. I started getting nervous about having Lipo and a breast reduction at the same time since I'll be under general anesthesia. He didn't seem concerned. I'm still nervous. I'm choosing to do this for me, but I have two small boys who will be devastated if something happened to me. Feeling guilty I guess. Anyone else feeling this way??? Updated on 22 May 2016: I'm slowly getting ready. Taking my Arnica daily. Stocking up on high protein foods. Planning my time off and people to come take care of me. I can't wait!!! I'll retake measurements the night before. ???????? Updated on 22 May 2016: Looking forward to staying goodbye!!! Updated on 24 May 2016: Paid the hospital today. Totally paid in full. This is getting really. I'm getting excited!!! Updated on 25 May 2016: I was thinking about grabbing a few for after. What is everyone wearing after surgery. Maybe I should wait. I don't know. Updated on 26 May 2016: Here's the dress I want to wear on 6/18. My surgery is on the first. Hopefully I look good with new boobs, thinner hips and belly!!!! Updated on 29 May 2016: And I can't help but think a lot about the end results. I'm so hopeful!!!!! Updated on 31 May 2016: Upper stomach 36.5 Middle - 45.5 Boobs - 41.5 Updated on 1 Jun 2016: Snatched is such a weird term. This will be quick cause I'm super tired. I'm home. Feel ok. Liposuction feels like a c- section. That weird pulling. Breasts feel good. I'll be back later. Updated on 2 Jun 2016: Morning. I was pretty out of it yesterday. I kept falling asleep while emailing.So just a few things:1. Surgery was easy. I was totally under and slept through the whole thing. 2. Upon waking up I had pain in my upper stomach that even with moraphine it wouldn't get under control. They ended up giving me something else which worked like a charm. Because of this I stayed a bit longer in recovery. 3: pain isn't too bad. Soar and my beasts are pulling underneath - stitches I'm guessing. I have not been naked yet. 4. I'm not that brave. I'm taking percocets every 6 hours for now. I made the mistake of not doing that after my first C-section.Hard things so far: Walking UP stairs. Getting in/out of the bedI have a lot of help. Even my young boys are being great - well, mostly. LOLI have some pictures, but you can't see anything.Totally confused on the garmets and showers. I'll check in today with my dr. If anyone has questions let me know!!!! Updated on 3 Jun 2016: So day 3. Wasn't that bad. Mostly I rested, but I did get up and walked a bunch and that is helping. I showered, that wasn't so fun. It was so hard to get the garmet off and back on. My mom washed it for me since I have one of the ones you pee through. (eww, gross). I am picking up a second garmet on Monday. It's too hard to have just one and if I need to wear this sucker for 3-6 weeks, I need another. I already got rid of the bra. It was making me itchy. Dr. said it was ok to put on a sports bra with nice support. In terms of looks - I am trying not to judge. I can see the differences already, but I still have a pooch. I am hopeful that this will reduce and flatten. I mean, I knew I would have some extra skin. I just hope it's less - fingers crossed. It is only day 3. I have some heavy work commitments next week, so I am trying to make it in the office for that stuff. we shall see. I don't want to push myself too much. I need to recover. I did have the feeling of my skin falling off like everyone else. It didn't hurt, was just super weird. Actually, my boobs (I had a reduction) hurt way more than the lipo at this point. Check in again soon. Updated on 4 Jun 2016: So I'm slightly nervous to take off my garmet. It's hard to get off/on. I took breast pictures though. You can totally see the slimming of my upper waist/stomach. I promise to try to get some others in the next day or so. Updated on 4 Jun 2016: Ok I was hesitant to post these because you can't see significant changes. However, I'm still swollen, it's day 4 and I've tried on several dresses and clothes that haven't fit me and they got great. Im very sculptured. I'm neevous about my lower stomach. I have lost 8 lbs so I'll keep healing and when I can I'll start working out. I'll keep up with the pictures for everyone. I'm feeling pretty good today. Updated on 5 Jun 2016: With clothes on. There is a pretty significant difference even though I can't really see them naked yet. Feeling good today. Off pain killers. Just taking Tylenol. Gonna shower and spend time with my boys. Updated on 9 Jun 2016: Morning, Things are going well. Went back to the office 2 days ago. At the end of the day I am tired, hard and swollen. Each day gets better. People are anxious for pictures, so here they are. I'm pleased with the results. My skin also looks good. Nothing saggy yet . I still am happy with my decision to do Lipo vs. tummy tuck. Any questions ask. Updated on 11 Jun 2016: Not much has changed. Every day gets easier with the pain. I've decided long dresses are my new thing. Not only do I look ridiculously awesome in them, I don't actually think I could put pants on. I'll post pictures again and measurements at the 3 week point. I'm super bruised still and get the swelling and hardness after a long day no matter what I do. My brother asked me if all the pain was worth it ( and there is pain, let's not pretend otherwise) and my definitive answer is yes. I could never have gotten my flanks/hips to look this way. Ever. If anyone has questions let me know. Happy to answer. Updated on 14 Jun 2016: Hi everyone, Things have been going relatively well. Here is a list of stuff going on: 1. Swelling stinks. I have tons of it. Sometimes worse than others. All centered in my belly. 2. My boobs are still very sore. Yesterday I got my stitches out and I am hurting. There is one particular place where it looks like it's really hurt where the stitches were. It's killing me. 3. My stomach feels as if it is slightly detached from the rest of my body. 4. I am GLAD I did the lipo and breast reduction together, but I think my recovery would be easier (obviously) if I only had done one. 5. I get very tired almost everyday around 3pm. I totally need a nap right now. 6. I would do this again in a heartbeat. It was HARD. It was painful. The recovery is slow. But no matter how much I diet, I don't believe my flanks/hips would ever look this way. I'll post pictures at my 3 week mark. Updated on 16 Jun 2016: Updated on 20 Jun 2016: Updated on 21 Jun 2016: Looking good. Healing more everyday. I'm very happy with my results. I still am swollen in my lower stomach (still hard) so I think I'll get a little bit more there. Even if I don't I'm very happy. Btw, this is actually 1 day less then 3 weeks. Good luck ladies!!!! Updated on 22 Jun 2016: I'm at week 3 and officially I can do my garmet 12 hours off/ 12 hours on. I'm sooooo nervous. I feel like the garmet holds me together. And I'm working today in the office. Crap. Wish me luck. Updated on 9 Jul 2016: Hi ladies - Things are good. Seeing PS for follow up Monday. Looking to work on scars on breasts now. I love my boobs!!!! Still slightly swollen and hard in lower abdomen I'm happy with my results. No pain anymore, except after long days. I have pains in my breasts still underneath at times. I'll update again st 2 months. Updated on 20 Sep 2016: Hey ladies - Hope this note finds you well. I'm totally healed from the lipo. I still have some scars on my boobs. I haven't been diligent with putting cream on - I'll get back on it to help. I do need to do a revision. On my boobs - just a little lipo on the side where my extra boobs are. LOL. I can post pics of those if anyone wants to see them. Still pleased with the lipo. It's funny because I still have body issues. Bit when I see pictures of before and today I'm amazed. Any questions let me know. Be well.

I'm so excited for my lipo on April 28! I'm 54 and have gain 50 pounds over the past 5 years. I swear it all went to my belly, I have been thinking of this for a long time. Here are my Before photos on April 15 I'm having both upper and lower abs and waist , excited to see results! I will post as soon as I can... I am so ready and so excited to see the results! Updated on 2 May 2017: Had the procedure Friday April 28 these pic's were taken Tuesday May 2, I feel good just a little sore, going back to work today. Clothes feel great. So far I'm very happy and I know the rest is up to me! Updated on 8 May 2017: Love how my jeans fit, work close that are fitted are still a little tight, hard lower belly a little itchy but not bad at all.. I'm wearing a new light compression garment 12 hours a day. Updated on 31 May 2017: Just a quick update, getting better still sore and a little lumpy... but I can finally shop again! No more hiding under hoodies and big shirts....Life is good !

I am 20 years old, 5'3", 160lbs. I started developing larger breasts in middle school. By 8th grade I was a 36D, and by senior year I was 36DD. Two years later, I currently wear a 36DDD. I am interested in the surgery because I, like many, have struggled a lot growing up with large breasts. My breasts cause my back and shoulders to hurt, some days the pain in my back is so intolerable that no position I'm in helps. I played sports in high school with a lot of difficulty. Sports bras were not supportive enough, so I would wear 2-3 and running would still hurt. Not only do they get in the way of physical activity, but they also bring a lot of attention, which brings me to the next big reason I want the procedure, my lack of self esteem. I am extremely self conscious about my breasts. I am a pretty modest person and found it hard to almost impossible to find clothes that didn't accentuate or show off my breasts. Swim suits is probably the hardest clothing article for me to find. Anyways, point is, I am very uncomfortable with all the extra weight and I've been debating whether or not to get the surgery for a couple years now. I finally got the courage to do it! I had my consultation about three weeks ago, on April 30th 2015. My plastic surgeon, Dr. Keith Rae, went over procedure with me. He explained to me that nipple sensitivity isn't guaranteed after the surgery, I wouldn't be able to breast feed. Both worried me, but the latter more than the other. He gave me a packet of information which contained everything about the procedure, including what the incision would look like and a list of possible complications. I appreciate that he went over everything, even the bad things. He answered all my questions and was very easy to talk to. After going over everything, I changed into a gown and he took a look at my breasts. He said I am a great candidate for the procedure! He took a couple pictures and sent it to my health insurance to see if they'd cover it. Two weeks later I got a call that the surgery will be covered by my insurance, and I asked for the soonest date available, which turned out to be June 5th. I did not expect it to be so soon! I am really nervous! I've never had surgery before. My biggest fear isn't the recovery or even the pain, it's the anesthesia. I've never been put under before and I've been delaying my wisdom teeth extraction because of that. I'm so terribly scared that I'll wake up too early or that I won't wake up at all. I have less than two weeks to mentally prepare myself for this. Updated on 24 May 2015: I thought I'd might as well post my awful before pictures. I am very self conscious about my saggy breasts and I usually don't feel comfortable showing pictures of them, but I've gained so much insight and comfort thanks to everyone who shared their stories on this website, I just had to give back! At this point, my breasts are too heavy for me. I can't stand straight, I always hunch which causes terrible shoulder and lower back pains on a daily basis. My breasts sag so much that my nipples almost point down and my areolas are very big. With the surgery I am hoping to be a full and perky C cup. I would like my nipples to be higher on my breasts and for my areolas to be proportional. Should I let my PS know what I wish the outcome to be? Or would that make it sound like I'm telling him how to do his job? I don't want to offend or disrespect, but I also don't want to be upset with the outcome. Updated on 24 May 2015: First of all, I just want to thank everyone who's posted reviews! I can't even begin to explain how helpful they've all been! xoxo So, I have a fear of anesthesia. Can you guys tell me what it's like to be put under? I really don't know what to expect. Also, I've started shopping! I'm so so excited to try on my clothes after the procedure and to wear cute bras and bikini tops! Is there anything I should buy for the recovery? Thank you again! Updated on 30 May 2015: Last Tuesday (May 26th) was my pre-op appointment. I went over some of the questions I had, like I asked if I could pick my postoperative cup size which I could, so I told my PS I wanted a full C. I also asked if I would have drainage tubes and he said that I wouldn't. I'm glad I won't have to deal with tubes but how come some surgeons use them and others don't? Some other things I forgot to ask him were how long would I have to wait until I could bathe? And will I have to be on bed rest and for how long? My surgery is this coming Friday... The days are all going by so fast! I can't believe I have less than a week until I have small breasts! Updated on 4 Jun 2015: Oh my gosh you guys, I can't sleep at all! I am so nervous about my surgery. I can't believe that in a couple hours I'll be in the OR and in a couple more I won't have my big breasts weighing me down anymore! Ahhh part of me is so nervous and unsure about this surgery, but the other part of me is ecstatic and happy. The latter being the bigger part! I'm still super nervous about being put down, but after interviewing a lot of people about their experiences I've summed all their reviews down to anesthesia being a very nice, quick sleep. Hopefully it's true! I'm just going to think about all the cute things I'll be able to wear afterwards! I'll update this as soon as I can with pictures and everything! Wish me luck! xoxoxo Updated on 6 Jun 2015: Hey guys! I had my surgery today yay! This is just a quick post to let y'all know it all went great! I only have one picture so far of my surgical bra, but as soon as I get to see my breasts I'll snap some pictures and show you guys! And also with those I'll review my whole surgical experience. Xoxoxo! Updated on 7 Jun 2015: Hello hello! I want to take the time now to write about my surgery experience. I've only seen my breasts once when my mom was changing the gauze. I took a picture but it is not a good quality picture at all, so for that I apologize. I promise as soon as I'm able to, I will take some good ones! So going back to Friday, I couldn't sleep all night, I was so nervous! I started getting ready to go around 5:30 and we left the house at 6 to be there by 6:30. I checked in, got asked a few questions about medications that I take and when the last time I ate/drank was, peed in a cup, and changed into a gown, robe, and socks. Everyone was so sweet, and they could see I was a nervous wreck so they all tried to make me laugh and keep me smiling. My PS came in and drew up the lines on my breasts, and after him the anesthesiologist came in to go over everything with me again. After grilling the anesthesiologist, he assured me that all my worries regarding anesthesia were so common. Most people are more scared of being put down than the surgery itself, it wasn't just me! A nurse then comes in and tells me she's giving me something to relax, and after that I felt kind of drunk, in a really good way! All I remember after that was being taken to the OR and I slid over to the operating bed/table, and next thing I know I'm waking up! For all those that are also scared of being put down, please believe me when I say that it is so nice! It's also quick! I woke up feeling so good. My mouth was extremely dry but I wasn't nauseous or anything, I was a bit emotional though! I was released that same day, and the ride home was a little rough with all the bumps, but after I got put in bed I was so comfy. I had appetite and ate 3 meals, one every time I took my pain medicine. And it's been that easy every day since. My recovery so far has been so painless and comfortable, I'm kind of worried that since it's been so easy so far that it'll get tougher throughout the week, but hopefully that's not the issue. I didn't have any drains put in, and my incisions stopped bleeding already, I'm not sure if that's normal? The incision cite also feels very itchy at times, it's almost unbearable. I can't really reach for anything or bend over so I've been having someone help me whenever I need to use the toilet or brush my teeth. I still haven't showered because I'm very scared of getting my breasts wet. My PS said I could shower the day after the procedure but I haven't been brave enough! All in all, the surgery is so worth it. That's it for now, I will update this again if I think of anything I might have left out. Hopefully this helps some people! xoxoxoxooxoxoxo! Updated on 10 Jun 2015: Alright I finally got around to taking some better pictures! I also have a couple questions that I'm hoping someone can answer. Should I just keep the steri-strips until my post op appointment? It's not until next week, I feel like that's so long to keep that tape on? Also, is it normal for some of my breast to be numb? When I touch my breast around where my areola is I can't feel anything. Thanks again! xoxoxo Updated on 11 Jun 2015: I am six days post op now and my incision has become UNBEARABLY itchy. I can't stand it!!! It's not even a short temporary itch that I can ignore, it's the itchiest I've ever felt and it lasts for 10 minutes, if not more sometimes. Is there anything I can do to make it better?! Updated on 16 Jun 2015: Today I have my post operative appointment, I think that my PS is going to take off my steri-strips and stitches, but I'm not really sure. I'm really disappointed because I decided to wear a sports bra two days ago and it felt more comfortable than my surgical bra so I wore one. This morning I woke up and took off my sports bra and saw that the steri-strips around my nipple fell off and there was some drainage coming out from the incision underneath. I'm so sad that I have an infection, I was trying to be so careful :( I rinsed it a couple times with hydrogen peroxide and then showered and aired it out for a bit. Hopefully it isn't as bad as I'm thinking it is.