I was a natural 34B, which I loved. Unfortunately, when I breastfed my daughter (1999-2000) my breasts grew to a 34D, then quickly deflated when the milk dried up.
I decided to get breast augmentation in 2005 and chose Saline, 340cc, under muscle and placed through the arm pit. I’ve been very happy with the results but after 15years there were some repairs that needed to be addressed: left breast drifts to the side and is a bit off centered; both breasts hang low; rippling of implants can be seen.
I chose Dr. John Ayala to replace my Saline with Silicone “gummy bears” and to do a breast lift, fixing muscle detachment on left breast.
Updated on 7 Feb 2019:
Surgery went well yesterday and I was in great, meticulous hands with Dr. Ayala. He spent a good amount of time measuring every angle and marking me up for surgery.
We removed my saline implants (340cc), replaced them with Natrelle Silicone Implants (415cc) and we did mastoplexy (breast lift). The surgery took 5 hours.
I have to sleep sitting up for a week and my first night was a bit rough. I don’t own a recliner so I set myself up in the corner of my sectional with a ton of pillows for my back, under the knees and to rest my arms. I took 2 Norco pills and my antibiotics together last night after dinner and woke up at 2am to vomit...so don’t mix the pain meds with antibiotics because each one can cause nausea.
I had my first Post Op follow up this morning, less than 24 hours after surgery. They removed my gauzes and took this pic. I was taught how to clean and bandage my breasts and need to do this every morning. Ugh. Not looking forward to having to take off this bra, clean and bandage, then putting the bra back on...it hurts too much to move my arms at the moment.
I haven’t taken any pain meds since last night. I’m trying not to take the Norco if possible. It’s painful but after vomiting last night I started meditating and using a guided meditation online to get me through this pain and mentally healthy. It’s helped :)
Updated on 9 Feb 2019:
I was instructed to change my bandages and clean the incisions very lightly with alcohol on gauze. Today was the first day I had to do this at home. I needed a friend to help me with the bandages and especially to put on and fasten the bra again.
The implants are very high and tight. I have soreness from my clavicle to my upper abs. My throat is still sore from the tube they inserted during surgery and my voice hasn’t come back fully yet.
I was trying to avoid taking the Norco (pain meds) this afternoon but I ended up taking it this evening because the soreness was too much to handle. My upper back is a bit sore too, most likely due to my posture while I’m sleeping upright on my sofa.
Also, I didn’t have a bowel movement for 2.5 days so I took Colace this AM and was able to finally go.
Updated on 9 Feb 2019:
I’ve been on a holistic path of healing to overcome the symptoms of Celiac disease, chronic back pain and osteopenia for several years. I’m in a great state of health today because of diet/lifestyle changes and certain supplements I take consistently. I’ve added a few more supplements to my regimen for rapid recovery after surgery.
These are in addition (not to replace your meds!) to what your doctor has prescribed for you. Please consult your PS and share any supplements that are part of your normal routine. There are certain herbs and supplements that can thin your blood or interfere with your medication so it’s important that your doc approves!
Magnesium Malate:
Decreases pain
Increases energy
Reduces oxidative stress
Immune system regulator
Anti-inflammatory
Helps insomnia
Magnesium Glycinate:
assist with producing the hormone serotonin
in your brain, which can affect feelings of anxiety and happiness.
Help provide relief against constipation
Helps address back pain
Anxiety relief
Arnica:
Known as a natural pain reliever.
Holistic remedy for relieving body aches caused by trauma, surgery or inflammation.
Reducing swelling
Promotes healing of wounds and bruises
Ability to protect the body against various bacterial infections.
Anti-inflammatory
Bromelain:
Promotes a healthy immune system during periods of cellular stress.
Reduces inflammation and swelling
Speeds up wound healing
Helps in promoting healthy blood flow by reducing platelet aggregation in the arteries and lowering the chances of clots forming
Zinc:
Increases immunity
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant agent, helping fight oxidative stress
Reduce inflammation in the liver, reduces free radical damage, helps with nutrient absorption and allows for proper waste elimination.
Helps with Muscle Growth and Repair
Liposomal Vitamin C:
A powerful antioxidant.
Acts as an essential nutrient. Together, these two roles fuel many functions:
Supports collagen synthesis, (bones, blood vessels, tendons, ligaments and skin)
Supports heart and vascular health
Rapid wound healing
Supports healthy blood pressure levels
Supports immune system function
Acts as an essential cofactor in enzymatic reactions
Helps protect against damaging free radicals
Supports your healthy metabolism
Turmeric:
Anti inflammatory
Antioxidant
Pain relief
This is a wonderful root that has been studied and utilized for healing hundreds of ailments.
B6 Complex:
Vital for proper cellular metabolism and healing. This will ensure that the body has the extra energy it needs in order to repair the damaged tissue.
Increases energy
Cofactor for magnesium bioavailability (which is why I take this with Mag Malate at lunch)
I hope this helps anyone looking to enhance their healing process.
Updated on 21 Feb 2019:
A lot has changed in the last week. I can actually breathe normally again (it was so heavy and tight it felt like I could only take small sips of oxygen). The boobs are starting to drop! Doctor gave instructions to start massage but only on the top parts of my breasts. I’m really happy with the overall look and can’t wait to see what the final result will be.
I’m allowed to start walking on the treadmill for 30 min a day and do leg weights at the gym. Absolutely no lifting or pulling with my upper body and I’m still not able to raise my arms above my head.
Started to get rashes on my skin in the entire bra area...I have to wear gauzes and a lot of tape around the incisions for another week or so. The surgical bra is still necessary 24/7 and it’s irritating my skin too. I’m using Benadryl cream to relieve the itch. I also put on a tank top over the bandaged breasts and then the bra on top of that so I can get some relief from the itching.
I’m still instructed to sleep upright. I was doing this in the living room for the first week and half but he a horrible time sleeping. I’ve now transferred to my bed and propped up a ton of pillows and can sleep much better now.
No more pain other than the occasional twinge I feel in my suture area. I was experiencing very bad upper back pain in the later part of the first week and that coupled with the heavy chest/no oxygen and pain in the breasts had me feeling down. I caught the “Boobie blues” for 2 days but did all I can to tell myself these emotions were normal. I meditated, I sat in the sun and watched a ton of comedies and snapped myself back :)
I’m still taking all of my supplements and eating extremely healthy. No processed foods! No sugar! Fruits, veggies and lean protein is my typical diet anyway. I have Celiac disease so I don’t eat gluten. I’ve also cut out dairy, egg and corn due to sensitivity. Food is medicine and I’m putting that theory to the test in my recovery :)