Next Thursday, 11/21, I go in for a breast lift and tummy tuck, and I'm not as nervous about the surgery as I am about the time off work. I am a self-employed hair stylist and just had to take two weeks off for a hysterectomy. For this next surgery, I am unable to take as much time off, plus it's the beginning of the holiday rush. As of now my surgery is scheduled on a Thursday, I will have four days off, one day of two haircuts, a long and busy day and then 6 days off for the Thanksgiving holiday. Reading reviews on here, the first 4 or 5 days are pretty rough. Can anyone out there give me some insight, tips, recommendations? Or maybe scold me and tell me I'm an idiot?
Updated on 15 Nov 2019:
I gave birth to 3 babies and breasted all 3 for a year, give or take a month. My breasts have always been a bit large for my frame and during pregnancy and breastfeeding they became gigantic and uncomfortable. They have since deflated but are still too large and saggy. I have diastasis, stretched skin and stretch marks, which no matter how hard I work out will never improve to my liking. I had a hysterectomy almost 3 weeks ago, so the bruise and two little incisions are from the laparoscopic surgery, which was my very first surgery btw. Due to having large fibroids and endometriosis I haven't been able to exercise like I should and put on weight and muscle tone has diminished. I'm so excited to get back in shape and having smaller, perkier breasts will be amazing! Honestly, I have always hated the attention my large breasts get, and the stares and comments bug me. I am always trying to hide them and find myself slouching, which is hard on the neck and shoulders. I look forward to being able to stand up straight, chin up, tits out! I have been VERY strict about following doctor's pre-op instructions. I am hoping for an easy and quick recovery.
Updated on 20 Nov 2019:
I haven’t slept well the last few days because I think I’m nervous about surgery tomorrow! I did all of my hospital pre-admitting yesterday, worked a really long day and have a really long, busy day today. I’m not expecting to get much sleep tonight and have to check in to the surgery center at 5am tomorrow morning. Surgery is scheduled for 7am. I have been waiting for this for over 10 years and never thought I would actually get it done! My youngest child is now almost 12, and I feel it’s a good time to do something for me, even though I have feelings of guilt about it. Wish me luck!!! I will pay updates when I can:-)
Updated on 23 Nov 2019:
I had my surgery on Thursday 11/21, and all went well. I meant to write an update sooner, but it’s taken me quite a while to come out of anesthesia. I felt quite queasy until late last night. I started off taking pain meds every 4 hours to be ahead of the pain and have now stretched it to every 6 hours. Pain is not horrible, but I am starting to itch at the incision sites under my breasts. Benadryl has helped. I’m also taking the recovery vitamins from VitaMedica.
I went in yesterday morning to have my dressings changed and they said my incisions look great so far. I was able to take my first shower this morning and hung my drains in a lanyard as suggested by several ladies on here.
Yesterday I slept almost the whole day, but today I feel really alert and will try and go for a short walk.
I’m happy with what I see and will post photos soon. I was so tired after my shower I just wanted to get dressed and get back to bed. I’m looking ahead to another few days when I’m feeling a little stronger and less swollen. I’m drinking a lot of water and peeing A LOT!! I’m sure swelling will go down over time.
Updated on 25 Nov 2019:
These are the first post-op photos I’ve posted! I have been pretty out of it the last few days, resting and napping. I’ve been cutting way back on pain meds because they make me feel loopy and nauseated even after I’ve eaten something. I took one last night at bedtime and I may take one tonight, we’ll see.
I’m really excited to feel even better in a couple of weeks! I go to the PS for a follow up a week from today. Thanksgiving kinda threw the schedule off, but I’m happy to have those days off to recover. Hopefully I can get drains taken out!
The front-closure bra rubs on the incisions under my breasts, so I place a padded bandage in between which helps a lot. I have a lot of tightness in my tummy , but I can stand pretty straight. My back gets sore toward the end of the day, and I find I get grouchier, because I get super tired and sore.
I take my VitaMedica Recovery vitamins every day and my antibiotic 3 times/day. I’m also taking arnica and seem to have pretty minimal bruising so far. I’ve also gotten out for a short walk every day since I’ve been home and will try and walk today. It’s cold and windy, though, and I’m a wuss in the cold. Maybe I should go to the mall and do laps!
Updated on 30 Nov 2019:
Every day I’m feeling a bit better and stronger. My back muscles are killing me though! I can almost stand straight, but my tummy incision burns and feels tight still. Breasts seem to be healing really well, although the bra band makes them itch. I keep padded gauze pads between the band and my skin which helps. I go in Monday for my post-op appointment, and I’m hoping to have at least the left drain removed. I’m barely getting any fluid out of it, and the right drain I get about 20 ml in a 24 hour period. My belly button is looking much better and healing nicely! I was a little afraid it was going to heal funny. I’m trying to rest as much as possible over this nice, long holiday weekend, because I go back to work on Wednesday. I’m a hairstylist and this happens to be the busiest time of the year for us, with Christmas parties and family get togethers coming up. I haven’t taken the prescription pain meds since about 3 days post-op and take Tylenol as needed. I have about 5 days left of the antibiotics. I’m also taking really good recovery multi-vitamins from VitaMedica and also arnica tabs. I normally bruise really bad, but don’t seem to have much bruising, thank goodness. I’ll post an update on Monday after my PS appointment:-)
Updated on 2 Dec 2019:
I went in today for my 2nd post-op appointment to have steri-tape changed and to get one drain removed. I was hoping that both drains would be removed today, but my right drain is still collecting fluid and will increase now that the left drain is gone. What an off feeling that was to have the drain taken out! Incisions and navel look great and I’ll go back next Monday to follow up and hopefully have the right drain removed. Those things are a bit of a nuisance.
Updated on 8 Dec 2019:
Every day I am feeling stronger and having less and less pain and discomfort. Sneezing still hurts though! I started back to work last Tuesday, which is 2 days shy of 2 weeks after surgery. I really wish I would’ve given myself more time off!! I am a hairstylist, and this happens to be a crazy time at work as well as in life. I get home and I’m exhausted. I would normally take a hot bath with Epsom salts, but haven’t been released to do so yet. Tomorrow I go to see the PS to hopefully have 2nd drain removed and to be released for baths. I’m really in need of exercise but I have been so busy at work I haven’t been able to go for my walks. I’m really looking forward to the holidays being over so life can get back to normal. Every year I say I am not going to overdo it at work and spend more time with my family, and every year I wind up working too much and resenting the season. Ugh. Anyway, I hope everyone’s recoveries are going well, and if you’re about to have surgery, good luck and speedy recovery!!
Updated on 10 Dec 2019:
Yesterday I got that pesky 2nd drain taken out, and what a difference!! I was always catching it on clothing or when I’d go pee, and the entry site was red and irritated. Plus, having to strip and milk the tubes and having to empty every day was becoming a nuisance. I also had all steri-strips removed. Incision sites look good and I see the PS on 1/9 to talk about scar therapy and to hopefully be released for higher cardio exercise, weights and hot baths. I need my hot baths and Epsom salts, especially as the temps get cold. After work, this time of year, baths save my back and m sanity. I’m running out of time this morning and will try and post photos in the next day or two:-)
Updated on 11 Dec 2019:
Tomorrow will be exactly 3 weeks since my breast lift/reduction and tummy tuck. I am feeling better every day! I started taking Arnica and VitaMedica Recovery vitamins 1 week before surgery and continue to take them religiously until they’re gone. I honestly believe that vitamins and nutrition make a HUGE difference in recovering from surgery. I DO NOT SMOKE!!! I eat nutrient rich, clean food when possible, trying to eat as many Super Foods as possible and lots of protein. I was on antibiotics for 2 whole weeks and made sure to eat whole fat, Greek yogurt with berries and either walnuts or pecans every day. I would sweeten with monk fruit sweetener. I stopped taking the OxyContin 3 or 4 days after surgery, because they make me loopy. Pain was actually not bad, and Tylenol and ice packs helped. I make sure to walk every day, even if it’s just around the block. I am going to continue wearing my waist binder, because I feel more support when standing at work and while sleeping. I still get tired at the end of the day and rest when I get home. Luckily there is plenty to watch on Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime. I have to mention that I did have guilt and some regret right after surgery, which I think is normal due to the cost and recovery of elective surgery. Mostly, I am so happy I finally did this for myself!! My surgeon is wonderful and did an amazing job! I am loving my new boobs and tummy and know that every day will be better as I continue to heal. I’m really ready to get out and ski and snowshoe and can’t wait to get the ok!!
Updated on 11 Dec 2019:
Updated on 11 Dec 2019:
Here are the photos!!
Updated on 20 Dec 2019:
Every day gets a little better. My abdomen still feels right and I wear my binder for about 20 hours/day. I feel better wearing it, especially at work where I’m on my feet for hours at a time. The incisions underneath my breasts look angry and they itch like crazy! Hopefully part of the healing process.
I like being able to post on here for my own benefit, too! It’s nice being able to document the progress of my healing and to also see everyone else’s healing.
Updated on 2 Jan 2020:
Today is exactly 6 weeks since my tummy tuck, breast lift/reduction and flank lipo, and I feel pretty awesome other than a nagging head cold. Every day I feel better, stronger and in less pain. I gained about 5 lbs over the Christmas and New Year holiday and am determined to get back to eating clean and exercising daily. I go in next week to meet with the doctor and will post more photos then.