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Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
I do a LOT of fat transfer breast augmentation in my office fully awake, in fact I would also consider myself an expert in the field as I am a consultant for 2 different companies in the fat transfer space, and I had never heard of the "SVELT" procedure before this. A quick Google search, however, turned up a description on it attributed to Dr. Daryl Hoffman in the Palo Alto, CA area, who supposedly developed the technique with a dermatologist in Canada. While I commend them on their creativity in coming up with the cute term and the marketing efforts, in all honesty, the procedure is nothing more than a breast augmentation using only fat. In fact, the way he has described it, I can make an argument that while it may ultimately work just fine to achieve the goal, it puts an unnecessary strain on patients by planning up front to make them return for multiple visits to have fat placed into their breasts to achieve only 1 cup size increase, while in my experience, and I think that of most surgeons doing this procedure too, one, and at most two treatments usually suffices to produce that one, if not two or more cup sizes in increase. Fat transfer to the breast really should not be thought of as a "hard core" size augmentation procedure anyhow, as implants are always best if that is your main goal. A fat transfer only enhancement of the breasts is really a shaping, balancing, contouring, and "filling out" procedure that has its strength in accomplishing those goals without subjecting ladies to the need to have implants placed. We can even use fat transfer in conjunction with implants if we need to balance a contour or even out symmetry.
This "SVELT" procedure is the kind of approach to most procedures that use fat or lipocontouring usually taken by office based dermatologists, as they are most accustomed to performing office based procedures with local anesthesia and using smaller devices and smaller volumes than surgeons typically would. The term "SVELT" is supposed to stand for "(Serial) Small Volume Elective Lipo Transfer," and the key is "small volume." That's why you have to return for "several appointments" as Dr. Hoffman himself states on his website in the description of the procedure. Again, most of us can achieve the desired results with one, or maybe two sessions at most, and we also can do it awake, in an office procedure room, with no general anesthesia, and no operating room fees just like he describes. He accurately states that the results are usually not as significant as can be achieved with implants, and that sometimes volume can be lost, especially if you lose weight after the procedure, and this is why sometimes we might want to do a second session, but I rarely plan up front to do a second session, because more often than not, if the first is performed properly, it is not needed. I'm not saying there isn't a limit to how much fat that can be transferred into a breast at one time; there is. But generally, that is sufficient to achieve the results that most ladies choosing this option for their breast enhancement are happy with. And again, if they aren't after enough time has gone by for settling, we can always do a second session provided that we have enough fat in another part of the body to donate. In general, I can't criticize any of the information provided in his description of the procedure on his website, as I think it is all accurate and pretty standard. I just take exception to the notion that the technique is somehow a novel approach to breast enhancement without implants, that it is "his" ( or Dr. Lycka, the dermatologist's) concept, and that it must be done with small volumes in several appointments stretched over several months. Those things are more marketing, or just plain old not-best practices, in my opinion. I also agree with him about seeing only an experienced surgeon to perform this procedure, and I would add that they should also be a board certified plastic surgeon for your breast surgery too, as they are really the only surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, a member of the American Board of Medical Specialties, to do aesthetic surgery on the breast, and they are going to be the ones who will have the most expertise and experience in this field and be most reliably prepared to offer you all of your options. Good luck to you!
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
You've asked an excellent question about a number of measures that can be taken to lessen risks and improve the overall patient experience with surgery. For the longest time, and in some instances still to this day, surgeons have been "tunnel vision focused" on their surgical plan, and the overall management of patients was either overlooked or simply deferred to the anesthesiologists. With the advent of a new mindset in surgery known as "ERAS," or Enhanced Recovery After Surgery, this is all changing. In a nutshell, ERAS is a concept that originated first in Scandinavia with colorectal surgeons trying to decrease risks in surgical patients and expedite recovery and hosptial discharge, then made its way to the UK, and now has been increasingly used by surgeons in the US and Canada with great success in all different surgical specialties, including plastic surgery. The general concept of ERAS is one of detailed analysis of all processes before, during, and after surgery which affect surgical outcome, risk, patient comfort, and the like, in an effort to develop a list of "best practices," or those things which should be done routinely to optimize the overall experience for our patients. Things like urinary catheters and preoperative beverages fall into this category. For nearly the past 10 years, I have been fortunate to work with an anesthesiogist who has been at the leading edge of the ERAS movement internationally, and in fact she patented and manufactures the first specially formulated preoperative beverage in the world, which I'll mention momentarily. I have learned so much from her, and I can proudly say that I have had an ERAS practice now for nearly a decade, and it really works - the things you are talking about in your question ARE important and they DO affect outcomes.
As far as urinary catheters go, much of the decision around that specific measure will depend upon the type and duration of the surgery and the amount of intravenous fluid the anesthesiolgist anticipates giving during surgery. Usually from the standpoint of an ERAS practice, the anesthesiolgists will "run patients on the dry side," meaning they will give minimal amounts of fluid during surgery, and this will keep urine output on the lower side, which in turn will keep the bladder from distending, and this will help with things like postoperative pain and nausea. In shorter cases, we wouldn't use a catheter because we wouldn't really need it to protect the bladder and then the risk of possible urinary infection or urethral or bladder irritation are eliminated. In my practice if we anticipate a case to extend beyond about 4 hours, or involve abdominal wall surgery, like a tummy tuck, we will most certainly use a catheter. We put the catheter in once our patient is asleep in the OR and usually take it out before they wake up, especially for breast-only surgery. In the case of a body procedure, like tummy tuck or body lift, we might send our patients home with their catheter and remove it the next day.
With regard to your question about drinking water preoperatively, since studies show that the stomach is emptied of clear liquids after about 2 hours, we now believe it is safe to drink clear liquids, including water, up to 2 hours before the time of surgery. The main risk of drinking anything other than clear liquids, or eating anything solid, is that the stomach may not be empty when going to sleep under anesthesia, and the patient can vomit and aspirate stomach contents into their lungs. While water may be OK, it's not really the best beverage though. Many studies have also shown that a special type of carbohydrate additive in a clear beverage, in addition to some electrolytes and certain minerals and other components, is superior to water alone. This will provide not only hydration for the body and keep you from being thirsty, but the carbohydrate also provides energy for the brain and heart, and this decreases things like anxiety, pain, and glucose intolerance. The beverage like this that I mentioned before is ClearFast®, and I have been using that one for my patients for almost 10 years. It's amazing how much a simple little intervention like this improves so many aspects of risk and overall patient experience. There are many, many other measures that a true ERAS approach will also include for each kind of surgery, and if you are interested in finding out if your surgeon uses an ERAS approach, you should ask them about it and discuss what measures their approach includes.
Always choose a board certified plastic surgeon for your surgery, as this is one of the best ways to assure that your surgeon will have the best training and experience to provide the safest care and achieve the best overall outcome. In addition to being certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the only generally recognized organization which certifies true plastic surgeons and has the term “Plastic Surgery” in its title, your surgeon should also participate in the Maintenance of Certification (MOC) program administered by that board. This program requires that surgeons who participate continue to update their credentials and professional standing regularly, as opposed to practicing on a single lifetime certificate like those plastic surgeons who received their certificates prior to 1995 and voluntarily elect not to participate. To find further information about this program and any surgeons you might consider for your surgery, I suggest visiting these sites: abplsurg.org and abms.org. Good luck.
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
I definitely understand your fear about anesthesia, and believe it or not, you are just like almost every patient I talk to about surgery - you are more afraid of the risks of the anesthesia than you are of the actual surgery! When you stop and think about it, this is only natural, because "going to sleep" with a general anesthetic represents one of the scariest things most of us can think of. It represents a total loss of control over one's fate, and putting that control in the hands of people you HAVE to trust if you are going to have surgery: the anesthesiologists and the surgical team. I would be at least a little afraid of that myself, especially if I didn't know much or anything about medicine, surgery, or anesthesia. I think everything you are hearing about this from medical professionals is accurate and well-meaning, but I can also see how that still might not be very reassuring. Everyone says "oh, don't worry about that, you won't die," or "you have a greater risk of getting struck by lightening than dying from a breast augmentation," or "as long as you are healthy the anesthesia is very safe." All of those things are pretty much true, but I can see how they can either minimize your concerns or at the very least not provide a sufficient answer for you and be unsatisfying. So, at the risk of saying too much here in a long-winded response, I'm going to give you a very thorough response to your question, and I hope that it helps allay your fears.
You have really asked 2 things here in your post: 1) you've essentially asked about some idea of the level of risk of general anesthesia for breast augmentation, and then 2) you've asked what you and your doctor can do to lower those risks in your case. So let's look at the first part first.
From the standpoint of risk with general anesthesia, something many people may not realize is that there is actually a very well defined, well-tested, tried and true process on the part of both anesthesiologists and surgeons to assess and manage this risk. While we may not go through and discuss each assessment and analysis we make at the time with the patient, much like driving a car - we don't say "OK, I'm turning the key here, now I'm putting it in gear, now I'm stepping on the gas, etc., etc," we just do it, we just drive the car - so it is with our assessment of risk, especially in people who don't have a lot of factors to consider, like younger, generally healthy people, we do it as we're interviewing and examining you and reviewing your health history. Specifically, the anesthesiologists have a reproducible, quantifiable method for assessing risk for general anesthesia that has been used for over 50 years, and each and every patient that undergoes a general anesthetic is classified according to this schema. It is called the "ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) Classification, and it uses very specific criteria to classify each individual patient undergoing an anesthetic from Class 1 to Class 6. In a nutshell this classification uses things like general health status (smoking, alcohol use, any diseases or medications, weight/obesity, illnesses, like diabetes, high blood pressure and severity of those, and other factors like that) together with nature of the surgery (elective, emergency, organ procurement for donation, etc) to make a determination of ASA class for the purposes of evaluating (and managing) risk. Doctors also take into account a person's age, the specific nature of the surgery, duration of surgery, and factors like that to round out the mathematical and subjective assessment of risk. In general most studies that have looked at this in terms of mortality (death rate or risk), the numbers have been very roughly around 0.03% (3 out of 10,000) chance of death for someone in ASA Class 1. This is a somewhat rough number, as there is a lot of variability, and like I said, things like age and type and duration of surgery factor in as well, but at least this gives you some idea other than just "don't worry, the chance is low, you won't die." I would venture to say that for most young healthy nonsmoking patients without any medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, etc. undergoing only elective breast augmentation, which is typically a brief 1 - 1/2 hour procedure that loses very little blood and requires generally light anesthesia, they would wind up easily in ASA Class 1 and have extremely low risk for death with anesthesia. It would be even lower from a purely surgical standpoint. Beyond this, you will have to review your own individual medical history and risk profile with your anesthesiologist and surgeon in order to get a more specific idea of your personal risk.
With regard to things that you and/or your surgeon can do to lower your risk, I think the above discussion gives a clue to at least some of those. Clearly, healthy people who are not obese, who don't smoke or drink excessively or use drugs, who have good control over any diseases or medical conditions they might have, and who have straightforward surgical plans for breast augmentation will have the lowest risk. Thus, things like stopping smoking if you smoke, avoiding excessive alcohol or drug use, maintaing a healthy weight and body fat percentage/BMI, following any doctors' orders to control medical conditions, and exercising to keep fit are all things you can do to lower your anesthetic risk, and in particular your (likely extremely low) risk of an anesthetic death. Your surgeon may also include some other things in the mix to lower risks as well, like preoperative hydration with a specially formuated pre-op beverage (like ClearFast®, which I use for my patients) which lowers things like preop anxiety (thus the possible need for deeper anesthesia or greater doses of anesthesia), risk of intra- or postoperative nausea and vomiting, and hypo- or hyperglycemia, use of preoperative premedication with acetominophen (e.g., Tylenol) which can also decrease overall anesthetic requirement, and thus risk, or certain blood pressure medications or other drugs administered by the anesthesiolists at the start of the procedure which can also lessen risks. Additionally, there are also some things the surgeon can do to lower other risks too, like risk of infection, but those aren't really involved with risk of anesthetic death per se, so we won't go into those here other than to just make you aware that risk avoidance is a very real thing that we surgeons think about (or shoud), and there are LOTS of things that we can do to lower overall risks for our patients and get reliably good results safely.
I know this is a long-winded response, but I hope it was interesting to you and helped make you feel better than just saying "oh, don't worry about it, the risk is very small." Lastly, make sure you also go to a board certified plastic surgeon for your surgery (and board certified ANESTHESIOLOGIST as well), as this has actually been shown to give you a better statistical chance of a safer operation with a better outcome, not because we are all geniuses or the only ones who can do this surgery, but because we are a select group of surgeons who have demonstrated a commitment to things like safety and best practices, and with anyone else you don't get that reassurance, so you just don't know. Best of luck to you!
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
It is most likely that you had a little too much fat removed from that specific area during your procedure. This is usually a technical issue and under the control of the surgeon. It's not as simple as just saying "only 20 cc was removed," as although 20 cc sounds like a small amount, if it was all removed too superficially, that is, just beneath your skin, even a small volume deficit will look conspicuous. Furthermore, it appears as though the surgeon maintained the cannula, or the metal tube used to suction out the fat, in predominantly the same direction, moving back and forth without "fanning" or changing angles, thereby making it likely that more fat was removed from the same "linear tunnel" than intended. This happens most frequently when the surgeon fails to recognize that the cannula is twisting on the ligaments just beneath the skin, and he doesn't withdraw it sufficiently to free it up from those ligaments before advancing it again. This means that essentially each time the cannula is advanced back and forth it cannot find a new "tunnel," thus it keeps removing more and more fat from the same exact path, and if it's too superficial as well, this kind of deformity results. The darkness could be from either shadowing due to the contour difference or your skin pigmentation. If it's the latter, that sometimes gets better with time; perhaps a few months or so. If it's the former, or a combination of the two (most likely), then it will always be there until the contour is corrected. I don't think PRP will be enough to do the trick, but it's certainly easy enough and it's reasonable to try that first. It might be a better idea to combine PRP - or better yet PRFM (plately rich fibrin matrix) - with some fat and just graft that area to restore the volume beneath the skin. The good news is that this can likely be corrected fairly simply. I would wait another 3 months or so, though, just to let things fully heal and stabilize before I did anything. Best of luck!
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
Dr. G performed this new (for me) procedure called BodyTite which tightens loose or lax skin unbelievably well. It can be used alone or in combination with liposuction. Either way, its fantastic and the only treatment I've ever found that offers significant and lasting results. Unlike machines which apply RF or ultrasound at the surface only, this goes beneath the skin to create a more even and more drastic tightening effect. I had laxity left over from old lipo and just plain old age which is now significantly tighter and more toned looking. My only regret is that it doesnt come in a body scanner that does the whole body at once! I will certainly go back for more! Dr. G also perfoemed breast surgery for me with fantastic results. You will see I have posted other reviews. Thank you Dr. G and staff for more great work!
It was great experience there are a lot of people on here that are just never happy it's not there face or there nose it's an inside job. Nose job can't make them happy. Dr g made my nose perfect is was big and hanging down now look at it.
Remove and Replace of the old implants! I had my first breast aug almost to the day 11 years prior. I was not having any problems with my breast or the implants. I have many friends with breast implants from more recent years and I love how they look and feel. When I got my 1st breast aug, silicone was off the market leading me to get saline filled breast implants. Although these are still used and no problems with them, I really liked how the new and improved silicone gel implants feel. In addition to wanting a more natural feel of my breast, I would also say I out grew my implants and I just dint think they fit my body any more and the more I thought about getting new implants I thought my breast were becoming not attractive. I went up slightly in size although this was not my main reason for upgrading. I had ugly dynamic distortion which is when I flex my chest or when using my arms during many fitness exercises caused my implants to tighten behind the muscle, jump to the side, change shape and look Disgusting. Obviously this was not noticed by other people because I don't flex topless. Anyways this is something I would also adjust so I also asked how this could be minimized, and I want my breast to be a little closer together. Dr G (DR Grzeskiweicz) took his time to tell me about the anatomy of my chest so I had a better understanding of why my breast did this when flexing and how he could soften or loosen the muscle so it wont be as bad and also allow my breast to look more natural. He gave me options on how he can achieve my ideal breast shape and size. I felt beyond confident in trusting Dr G to achieve the new look I was wanting. My first time around I was young and I have not had elective surgery yet. I had tremors after sx which was not fun at all. expressed this as one of my concerns about sx. I recall feeling very tight as expected 1st time and this time I didn't feel tight and def no tremors. This was so easy, and I am so happy I finally upgraded. Dr G caring for me me along with his team in the office and in the surgery center makes me wish I did this years ago. I did not go up in a significant size difference I was told that this will be a much easier sx and on a fast track of recovery because i was not having my capsules removed. My Dr explained to me the process and that he will go through the same incision as before so I wont have an additional scar. I went into sx so confident after speaking with my sx team and Dr again. I woke up with no n/v or tremors. I was in no pain although i did baby my new and improved as if it was my first time. I felt so great the next day after sleeping of the anesthesia. On post op day one I even thought they were beautiful. At 1 wk my incisions were healing very nicely i could already tell I wont be seeing the scar just as before. I had a great experience with everything from the office to the sx room. I have met many plastic surgeons over the years and bed side manner to me means a lot. Having my Dr listen to my questions and concerns , and meeting my desirable outcome of new and improved breast implants was exceptional.
Updated on 24 Jun 2015: Until I hit about 42 years, I was never really bothered by my small breasts. I admired larger breasts but accepted that was not my fate, plus I have always been athletic and they were convenient. And they didn't look too bad. But around 42, everything started deflating. Even my boyfriend, who loves me just the way I am, asked jokingly "where did they go?". And that's without having had any children. I am tired of wearing triple padded poly blend sports bras to try to balance out my figure. I found some expensive AAA bras online that fit but don't give me any volume. I can't help but feel less feminine without breasts, and I think it would be fun to experience having them. I am taking advantage of options available these days to improve my appearance. I am reluctant to insert foreign objects into my body, but am going to take this risk with the knowledge that implants these days are better than they have ever been and many women have them and don't experience any problems. For that reason I also think I will go with textured gummy bear implants. I am optimistic. I am also a little concerned about the judgements I may experience from others, but the older I get the less I worry about what others think of me. Updated on 24 Jun 2015: I had six consults. I am going with Dr. G because even though he is the furthest from where I live, I was impressed by his knowledge, experience and willingness to spend as much time with me as I needed to make sure all of my questions were answered...and I had a lot of them. My breasts are not symmetrical, my folds may need adjusting, it will be challenging to get my nipples in the center of my breasts, I don't want to look obviously fake, I don't want a large space between my breasts...my issues/questions went on and on and he addressed all of them. I got the sense that this doctor really cares, has the expertise and will do everything he can and spend as much time as he needs to give me the best possible result - I think he always gives 110% percent. I hope I am not wrong but that is the sense that I get. I also loved Eva, who works with Dr. G. She's wonderful - intelligent, kind, easy to communicate with and good spirited. They make a good team. I know a lot of doctors don't share their opinion of what they think will look best on you, as what looks best is subjective and they don't want to impose their vision on you. But I want breasts that fit my body and I value opinions from professionals who have seen a lot of augmentations and know what might fit my frame the best. Dr. G and Eva are helping me figure that out, and so far we're thinking 450cc. I had my first consult with them over a month ago. I am going again tomorrow for my pre op. I am excited and now actually getting a little nervous. Updated on 26 Jun 2015: My pre op was yesterday. I am paid in full, have a hotel booked for the night of the procedure, and am now really nervous. It all just got real. I am going bigger than I had originally thought I would go, but I think a tall anatomical implant in the 500 range will look best on my frame. Ultimately I am not attached to a cup size or cc's - I want something that will be a good fit for my body, and I am tall, very slight up top and have wide hips. I think my only hesitancy of going a bit larger is what others will think when they first see me, but I don't want to be worried about that. If I just go by what I like, I think the larger 500cc's will give me a great figure. Dr. G said he'd try on the sizers before putting in the implants to make sure they're not too big for my tissues/build. I don't want implants that my body can't handle or that don't look like a good fit, so I am relying on his good judgement - so much so that I am driving 2+ hours each way for these appointments. Unfortunately I didn't take any photos with the sizers - I had run really late for my appointment - again - and felt really horrible about that and didn't want to take up any more time than I already had. (I had worked in the morning and then got notification that my tire pressure was low and I didn't want to take any chances with such a long trip, and then there was traffic...blah blah blah, it's not good to be late.) I hope going to someone so far from where I live is not a bad decision. And I hope the drive home the day after the procedure isn't torturous. I wish I could see examples of women with tall anatomical implants, so if anyone out there has them, please share. Updated on 27 Jun 2015: 46_hibiscus has excellent results with tall anatomical gummy implants. I wouldn't mind looking like her. They're beautiful and I like her nipple placement. Updated on 1 Jul 2015: new2023 got great results with Mentor 450 HP smooth round silicone. I love them. She's 5'6" 125lbs; I am 5'9" 135lbs and will get either 495 or 555 Mentor tall anatomicals (textured), moderate plus projection. I hope the tall anatomicals make up for my lack of body mass/tissue up top, balance out my figure and prevent the implants from looking totally fake. During surgery Dr. G will try the larger sizer to see if it suits my body - we don't want something that's not appropriate for my build. If they look overwhelming for my tissues/frame then he'll go with 495. I do not want to appear top heavy nor do I want the look of two baseballs floating on my chest. I am comfortable with these two options - although because I am so tall I am leaning towards the larger size, but again, only if my body can handle them. I don't want to have boob greed and can't afford another surgery anytime soon - plus who wants more surgeries? At this point I feel confident that my doctor will make the best decision during surgery. Only two weeks to boobs! Updated on 2 Jul 2015: Did anyone else practically stop sleeping before their procedure? I wake up every night about 3a or 4a with boobs on my mind. Any suggestions? Updated on 3 Jul 2015: So my doctor has ordered 495 and 550 mentor tall, anatomical, moderate profile implants. I know those are good options, but a little voice in my head is wondering if there should be one more option on hand for surgery, a size up? Is it a hassle for the doctor to have to order one more option to have on hand? If any of you experienced ladies has an opinion on this, please share it with me. With clothes on, I don't want stripper/fake boob look (although many of those are wonderful, just not for me), but I don't want....boring. 5'9.5" about 135lbs 33" at nipples 31" just under breast fold 27" - 30" waist, depending on what I've eaten (NO WAIST!) 33" hips (not sure where the hips should be measured - this is 2" below my belly button BWD one is 13 and one is just under 13 Fortunately my shoulders are pretty good - somewhat broad. I am shaped pretty much like a tree trunk. By the end of the day, and sometimes even in the morning - my belly sticks out farther than my boobs. Lovely. When I had youth on my side, this didn't bother me so much. I am now looking forward to a more feminine shape. If you have any thoughts, please share! Like everyone, I really want to get this right the first time. Updated on 10 Jul 2015: I won't miss this ritual...triple padding to achieve an A cup, maybe small B? And it's hot - temperature wise, not in appearance. Updated on 10 Jul 2015: I am almost there. It will be 495 or 550cc Mentor Tall Anatomical Moderate Profile. I am hoping 550cc works okay, but I trust my doctor to make the best decision. I don't want problems or to look weird or out of proportion. I also don't want boob greed. I definitely have boob-on-the-brain and feel like I am just waiting for surgery. Everything else is a nuisance. I need to get out of that mode. Sleep eludes me. I hope I don't get sick from lack of it. This is a big change. I might buy some benadryl today and try that. I have been cooking a freezing some super healthy soups to have post surgery. I think I have everything I need. Here's what I have been prescribed: Oxycodone-Acetaminophen (Percocet) Diazepam (Valium) Cephalexin (Antibiotic) Montelukast Sod (Singulair) Prednisone Phenadoz suppository (anti-nausea) I hope my stomach can handle all of those. Okay, time to stop obsessing. Updated on 14 Jul 2015: I hope my girls don't end up too big or too small, and that their placement is just right - my doctor is lowering my folds a bit, as neither of us want my implants to sit too high. I hope he's able to get my nipple placement high enough - I prefer to err on the side of nipples sitting higher on the breast rather than pointing down, but right now there's not a lot of skin between my nipple and breast fold. I really hope they don't look completely fake on me because my upper body is so lean. I am a little anxious this evening. I think it's time to get excited instead. I have full confidence in my doctor. My anesthesiologist called me today. She has a lot of experience and a great track record. I feel confident in her as well. My surgery is at noon tomorrow so I can get up early (4 or 5a) and have a cup of coffee with soymilk creamer (one of my favorite things in the world) and vacuum and mop the floors. And I can drink water. My anesthesiologist even said I could have a light breakfast before 6:30a, but I think I'll skip that. If I can have coffee and water I am happy. Plus they gave me a special pre-surgery drink that I need to finish before 10a. I am tired. Time to shower and wipe down with special anti-bacterial wipes they gave me. I'll be posting updates as soon as I am able. Thanks everyone for your helpful reviews and comments. Updated on 17 Jul 2015: Surgery went smoothly. The pain (and bloat!) is real but nothing that drugs and time can't handle. Thank goodness the lovely and capable anesthesiologist Dr. Marsh took good care of me and I felt great coming out of surgery. The entire surgical staff was friendly, attentive and top notch. Due to circumstances beyond anyone's control, my surgery was delayed one day and my boo couldn't stay to take care of me. However, I did have the sweet, attentive and kind heart-ed Brenna, from Dr. G's office, taking great care of me the whole time and driving me to and from my appointments. She was a great friend to hang out with. Eva was critical in helping me select the perfect size, and I can't thank her enough for that. And most importantly of all, I was the lucky beneficiary of Dr. G's mastery. So far I LOVE my results, and it's only one day post op, so I am guessing they're only going to look better. I couldn't have asked for a better outcome. They're not too high or two low, not too big or too small, the nipple placement is great. They're phenomenal. I feel like they are exactly want I wanted. I am so happy with the results. I knew there was a reason I drove 2.5 hours each way for surgery with Dr. G. He is an expert and an artist. I will keep updating with images of my progress. Thanks for the love ladies. P.S. My boyfriend can't keep his hands off of me. Updated on 17 Jul 2015: I feel like they don't look fake. :) Updated on 18 Jul 2015: My boobs are now large enough to make a ledge to hold my coffee cup while I lie in bed. Updated on 18 Jul 2015: When naked, this position was to be avoided at all costs. Check out that breast tissue! It never would have been photographed had I not been about to have BA. Alas, I am no longer 'sensitive' about this angle. Updated on 19 Jul 2015: I am so thankful I went with my heart and my gut and chose this doctor, despite the long commute. On my very first consult, he took the time to connect with me and thoroughly answer all of my questions. Before surgery, he made sure he was clear on what my goals were. Despite a number of obstacles - little to no breast tissue, asymmetry, somewhat widely spaced nipples, not a lot of skin beneath my nipples and breast folds, and differing amounts of skin on each side - he was able to achieve beautiful results because of his experience, expertise, attention to detail, competence, dedication and passion for what he does. He is a perfectionist and a master in his field, just what I want in my surgeon. I knew Dr. G was the one for me on our first meeting. Still, I did my due diligence and had five or six consults with other top rated doctors in Beverly Hills and Orange County. Despite my hesitancies of going with a doctor so far away, I chose Dr. G. I just knew he would do the best job. I am now post op day 3. Today my boyfriend and I took a shower so he could wash my hair - not an easy task as it's long and fine and knots easily. (He did a great job.) I tried not to use my arms too much but hope I didn't overdue it, as I was in a fair amount of pain afterwards. I definitely skipped the blow out. Now I am just resting...writing my second review of this morning as my first long one which I took an hour to write disappeared. Argh! I know that has happened to other women. Here are some photos. I have never, ever taken so many photos of myself in my life. Despite exercise and eating right, I have never been able to balance my upper and lower body. (Okay, I guess I could have lifted more with my upper body, but I am just not that into working out.) I am so happy with the results I have, and it's only day three. Thank you Dr. G!!!! I still haven't had a BM and am up about seven pounds, but that does not bother me as I know those issues will resolve. Updated on 19 Jul 2015: I went bra and bandless for maybe 45 minutes while I hand washed my bra and band and then hung them in front of a fan to dry. My breasts did not like that. I put an ace bandage around them for the interim but that was not enough. Frugal as I am, I may have to invest in a second back up bra. Updated on 20 Jul 2015: Updated on 20 Jul 2015: Updated on 20 Jul 2015: Here they are again, not quite four days post surgery. (my surgery was postponed a day which is why the RealSelf count might be off) I took a moment post shower today for another photo op. I am still putting arnica gel on the girls and around the area. Here are my pre surgery and current post surgery stats: 5'9.5" Pre: about 135lbs, 4 days post: about 140lbs Pre: 33" at nipples, 4 days post; 37" around nipples pre" 31" just under breast fold, post - about the same pre: 27" - 30" waist, depending on what I've eaten, post 29"-30", and that's first thing in the morning, so I am definitely still bloated with not much of a waist to speak of So the boobs are bigger, and so is everything else. Good news, I did have a BM this morning. Not a full, satisfying symphony, but a minor movement, which is better than nothing. I don't like that Miralax I've been taking, but believe it helps soften things up, so I think now I will let nature take over and perhaps just add extra probiotics and calcium magnesium. Or maybe I should take it one more day, just to be safe. I already drink a ton of water and eat high fiber foods and zero processed food - yes I am an annoying food [RS bleep] right now. Energy level is up and down. So far I have spent almost all of my time resting, although I regularly get up and walk around my place. I can get a bit nauseous as well, but so far nothing too overwhelming. Okay I hope this all is helping someone. I know pre surgery I couldn't get enough information like this. If anyone wants to private message me I am happy to help in any way that I can. Oh, and I don't believe I mentioned today how much I love my surgeon. I think he did and an outstanding job and I couldn't have asked for a better result. So far, this is exactly what I wanted. He's the bomb. Updated on 23 Jul 2015: So here are some photos of the girls taken yesterday morning, post op day 6. I think they're looking pretty symmetrical, which is wonderful, given that I was not symmetrical to begin with. I keep my band on almost all the time - sometimes I have to take it off when working so it's not obvious what I've been up to this last week. ;) I have been wearing baggy tshirts and I think keeping everyone either not noticing or guessing if I had something done, but no one has said anything. I wish I could rest more. I was busy all day yesterday. I miss the days of lounging and spending hours looking at other women's stories on RealSelf. I am looking foward to my post op today with my superstar doctor and his wonderful team. I will update tonight. Oh yeah, I am once again 'regular'. Maybe even more regular than usual, which is appreciated. I am still very bloated - I barely recognize my abdomen. I am guessing that might be the prednisone I am still taking. And I actual miss doing cardio. I'd love to have a good sweat. Oh, and forget about my flabby ass. Thanks as always ladies for sharing your experiences and wealth of knowledge. Updated on 23 Jul 2015: Updated on 23 Jul 2015: I am finding it challenging to limit my upper body use in regular daily activities - from lifting my heavy purse (I switched to a smaller one), to carrying heavy bags, closing the hatchback, reaching for parking garage passes, wiping counters, scrubbing dishes, etc. I hope I am not overdoing it and damaging capsules that are forming. Today I had to quickly exit the freeway to add air to my tires and I am afraid I wasn't careful enough pulling that airline to all of my tires - I was trying to hurry so that I didn't have to put more money in for more air time. How stupid was that? I should have been super careful and spent the extra $.75 more time would have cost. What a dummy. I vow to be more careful from now on. Tonight I noticed an indentation in my left breast, on the inner lower edge. It's only day seven, so I hope it works itself out. Regardless, having boobs is a whole lot more fun than not having boobs. Updated on 24 Jul 2015: I am going to a party this weekend so today I started working on what I would wear - normally a frustrating, depressing task that usually leaves me just not wanting to go at all. However, today, trying on potential outfits for this weekend's event was a totally different experience - it was so much fun! And so many different options looked good - including the taboo bathing suit (albeit a conservative one piece). Wow that felt great - and very unusual. It's a beach party so...not my first choice of day venues at this point in my life, as I don't need any more moles and freckles and my boobs haven't quite settled in, but I shall cover up as best as I can while dressing festively. The only draw back to trying on clothes is the stress it seems to put on my tissues. That's why I've pretty much stayed away from it until now...and should probably still lay off of it a bit longer. I feel the strain afterwards. I also tried cardio for the first time today - I only worked my legs and had a great hour long session that left me drenched in sweat. I love to sweat like that - it feels like an internal shower to me. My breasts felt a bit engorged as I worked out, but they went down afterwards and I felt like the workout relieved a lot of tension in my upper body, even though I wasn't using my upper body at all. I've always seen working out as an outlet for tension though, so that makes sense to me. It felt so good to work out (only now my hip hurts - bah!). On top of all of that, after work I found some sports bras that were on sale that I got an additional discount on. They were fun to try on and they fit well. I feel like I have a whole new body and more confidence. In her reviews, MB LVN is very good at putting words to some feelings we share about this. Today was a great day. I felt happier than I've felt in a long time. Thank you Dr. Grzeskiewicz and his wonderful co workers. Updated on 25 Jul 2015: Good morning girls. So instead of packing I had a photo shoot. I love my girlies! In the morning I just have to take my bra off and look at them. Okay, off to RealLife. Updated on 26 Jul 2015: So, I am getting pretty boring here...I still love my boobs. My leftie has a little bit of rippling and maybe indentation on the inner lower quadrant. And, of course, my breasts aren't symmetrical. But I feel all of this is more noticeable in photos, maybe because I have on rose colored glasses whenever I look at them directly. I also take into consideration what I started with, and I know they're still settling in. Tonight my boyfriend was working in the kitchen and turned around to find me standing there in my boxers putting cream on my breasts. He got a good laugh out of that - it is not something he's seen before. They are still pretty firm but I love the way they feel, and it was fabulous to be able to put cream on a substantial breast. I am not one to gloat over my appearance, but I like the way they look; they turned out prettier than I thought they would. I am getting such a kick out of all of this. My energy level is good, if not great. Today I was feeling a lot of tightness in my chest - maybe muscle spasms? They certainly have been stressed a bit. And I still get pain at the incision points - my brilliant doctor had to work extra hard to create new lower folds and secure them to my minimal tissues and/or periosteum. (I have a very slight upper body, as you can see in my before pictures) Dr. G assures me that my folds are never going to drop - they are secured for life. My small incisions (particularly given my fairly large 555cc implants) are placed precisely in my new folds, which makes them pretty much undetectable now, and once my lower pole fills in they should be completely hidden. I can't see them unless I use a mirror or photos. Again, a totally new experience for me. Pre BA I had nothing and could see my entire breast just by looking down. I embrace this wonderful change. I owe my great experience to my fabulous doctor. He is talented and caring, to say the least. I still need to write a review of him. I am waiting until I have enough time as I want to articulate clearly and completely his wonderful attributes. I want to give him all of the credit he is due. Tonight my boyfriend said my year of research really paid off. To all my pre BA girls, take your time, do your research, get clear on what you want, and then go to Dr. Joseph L. Grzeskiewicz in San Diego. He's the best! Updated on 28 Jul 2015: Yep, still love them. Here they were yesterday. I still have pain at the incisions and around the sides of my breasts, and sometimes it feels like the front of my chest is seizing up - then my mind can go crazy with everything that could be wrong. They are starting to feel more like me. Here they were yesterday. Updated on 29 Jul 2015: I took my car to the dealer today for an oil change and recalls. Hello, five star service! It is so funny. Men now look at me and smile. That never happened before. Updated on 30 Jul 2015: I finally have a couple of hours to myself, so what happens? Nudie shots. They're coming along. I have some rippling in the inner corner of my leftie that I am thinking might not go away. We'll see. I am only 14 days out. Can fat be transferred in there to smooth that out? As always, lighting is everything. Updated on 1 Aug 2015: It's so nice to have boobs. Especially when you don't have much of a waist, which I don't. Dr. Grzeskiewicz hooked me up. I feel I couldn't have asked for a better result. SO...you could say I am still having a lot of fun with these. Updated on 8 Aug 2015: I love my new boobs, although once in awhile I look at them when I am naked and think they look totally fake because I have so little body fat in my decolletage. It really depends on the lighting. But even then I am still glad I have them. Leftie is settling in a little more slowly, and because of the way my ribcage is built is directs out a bit. I don't mind too much. They're perfect in clothes. I still need to sleep at an angle, otherwise I wake up from pain. There is still a lot of pulling/strain on the lower outer side of my right boob. I don't quite have full range of motion yet. I love my boobs! They're fun. Clothes are much more fun now. Updated on 22 Aug 2015: Hi my loves! I have been so busy working two jobs that I no longer have much time to peruse RealSelf. Even now I have other things I need to be doing, but I wanted to post an update as, again, I found these stories incredibly helpful when I was deciding what to have done. My boobs are no longer much of a focus for me, they're more of an enjoyable background. It is now so easy to figure out what to wear, as it seems like everything looks so much better than it did when I had very small breasts. And men look at me and smile, which never happened before. It's a lot of fun. I have no regrets. I am glad I chose 555cc anatomicals, as I think they proportionally suit my body. I am glad I chose Dr. G, as I think he couldn't have done a better job. Up until this week, it has felt too stressful or like too much of a strain to stretch/twist/extend to my full range of motion, but I am happy to say that I now feel I have almost full range of motion. It seemed like overnight I was suddenly almost back to normal. I still don't want to push it, but I feel like my arms can now carry some weight. I may try lifting weights soon. My lats still don't appreciate any strain. I still feel pain when I sleep on my back. Doing so must allow gravity to pull on my breasts in a way that is stressful. And I still don't sleep on my side. I think this transition is taking longer for me as my boobs are relatively large given what I started with - which was nothing. And, as Dr. G says, I have delicate tissues. I hope I am not over straining them with these 555ccs. Sometimes in the nude I think my boobs look awesome, and sometimes I think they look totally fake. It really depends on the lighting. I like to be slim, so that doesn't help. But really, I am pretty much always clothed and when nude, I am not trying to pretend I was born with these, so some ripping doesn't bother me too much. I feel more attractive with my new girls and that has made me feel more confident. I am so happy I went for it. I hope these photos are helping someone out there. And to all the RealSelf regular posters: you are ANGELS. Thank you for sharing your wealth of knowledge, love and support. You are helping so many women out there. Props to you! Updated on 22 Aug 2015: I am still in my pj's, cleaning my bathroom cabinets and drawers. I looked in the mirror and thought my girls could pass as real. Maybe I am projecting. Updated on 29 Aug 2015: My doc killed it. It's been just over six weeks. They're awesome. And today I lifted weights for the first time since surgery. Yay! I am very happy. I think Dr. G did a superb job. They're perfect. Updated on 22 Nov 2015: Updated on 22 Nov 2015:
I went to Dr. G because I was referred by someone I trusted. I had a great consultation figured this was the way I wanted to go during my appointments and planning they'd forget my appointment and I would call and reschedule then they started to have some sort of trouble with the law due to his assistant being stalked . This is when I should of changed my mind but they were all so nice and helpful. I got my boobs, he went 50cc smaller in one and 75cc smaller in the other (than what I asked for) my boobs were uneven and my areola were botched. When I confronted him he told me I was wrong about the uneven and he used a stencil for my areola so not to tell him they're uneven. Before my 6 week appointment they up and moved to Virginia and didn't even tell me. I finally got a revision from another doctor..... notice all his good reviews are over 2 years old.
It's been six months and I really haven't seen much change. They are still saggy flat pancakes. I have a crease below the left nipple and a wide flat indentation above the right nipple. I am getting more used to them and still prefer my natural breasts to any implants. At this point I don't know if I'm going to have any more procedures. I may consider some fat transfer to fill in the dents. My life is pretty busy now so I don't want to deal with any procedures for awhile. We'll see how things look in another six months. All in all I still am happy I explanted. I do have options to improve the looks of my breasts if I choose and I love feeling so light and free.
After a few consultations based primarily on real self reviews, I ended up going with Dr. G. I liked his results, his general approach, and was looking for someone who was comfortable and experienced with shaped implants. I never really felt pressured by him to go with a certain type of implant or size (unlike some doctors I visited), but he has informed me of the benefits and risks and made suggestions based on his opinion. I also have always enjoyed the experience with his office and especially his nurse, Eva! Updated on 26 Feb 2017: Just like so many of you, I have spent countless hours on Real Self combing through photos, reading questions and answers, and scouring the site for reviews from ladies with similar stats looking for similar results. On the eve of my own surgery, I am here to share. I would like to pay it forward and finally contribute to this site in the hopes of helping others, but also selfishly, I have long since exhausted the interests of my friends who almost universally seem only to be concerned that I "dont go too big". I have wanted a more proportionate look since my natural boobs stopped growing (well before I expected them to) at about age 13. After a few consultations and putting my deposit down nearly a year ago (aka an eternity), I am very ready to be on the other side - to ditch the padded bra I have been wearing at the office for a year, to be able to buy swimsuits, tops, and bras again, and to satisfy this nearly lifelong preoccupation with what life could be like with bigger boobs. What can I say - I have always been the curious, must-try-it-all type. Nervousness and general anxiety are pretty low at the present. I think I'm really just ready. I'm 5'5", usually somewhere between 130-135 lbs, and expecting 350 or 400 cc sientra shaped implants. Will let you know on the flip side what I end up with. :) Updated on 27 Feb 2017: Hi! Greetings from the other side. Feeling moderate pain at the moment. Just woke up and feeling infinitely more "with it" than I expected. She said I'd be more sore tomorrow. Got 370 round base sientra shaped. Mom is so on top of my medicines and I'm so thankful. Pics to come. Updated on 28 Feb 2017: Feeling pretty stiff this morning. In addition to the pressure all over my chest, my neck and back are a bit sore from compensating and not being able to lie down completely. I'm glad I got a neck support pillow before, because that is helping immensely. I still haven't been able to take a peek. I'm all wrapped up in my surgical bra and white band. They'll change my surgical bra to a smaller size at my appointment this morning, so I'll get to see them then. For now, I am just soooo relieved that I don't look down and see massive mountains. Right now it looks like when I wear crazy padded bras. It would be great if it was hardly noticeable by people and I could just play it up with padded bras! Updated on 28 Feb 2017: I was super stiff this morning but after my day 1 post op appointment I took my meds and feel heaps better. Moving around a bit seems to get the blood flowing which helps. Even went to get my nails done with my mom after my appointment. I got to take a peek at my boobs and they're going to look super natural I can tell. I'll probably have some boob greed and want to play them up in padded bras but I really did not want to look too big so im thrilled so far. I almost wish I hadn't told some of my friends who wouldn't have been able to tell! Updated on 1 Mar 2017: Day 2 wake up is a lot better than day 1. I'm moving away from the more serious drugs and on to Tylenol. Generally just feeling sore, but I can get up and have a better range of motion. I even opened a Tylenol bottle by myself this morning. Haven't had too many problems with the dreaded bloat. I got a local anesthesia in my breast area as well as general and that seems to be helping a LOT. I haven't eaten a ton but haven't been nauseous either yet thank goodness. All in all pretty smooth sailing so far I must admit. Did some fun browsing for swimsuits and such on Victoria's Secret take his morning. Can't wait to explore more bra styles! Anyone had luck with Sensa? Trying to upload pictures again this time. Hope it finally works... Updated on 3 Mar 2017: Every day gets much better. Yesterday I could kind of close car doors. Today I can sit up and lean back much better. I have heaps more energy today too, but I'm still trying to take it really easy. I went out to dinner with my boyfriend last night and that was lovely, but I was definitely a little groggy/tired still. I have been totally off of the Percoset for 2 days now and with a bit of Milk of Magnesium starting 2 days post op I haven't suffered much of the dreaded bloat. Overall just wishing this week off from work would last longer! For fun - I played a little dress up this morning with some things I bought pre-op. I know things will fit differently once some dropping and fluffing happens but we'll see! Updated on 5 Mar 2017: Impatience is kicking in... 1) I want to get this white band of torture off (2 more days!) 2) It would be great to have a better sense of my final size so that I can shop online while I have time. The bra section of Target was so tempting the other day... 3) I suppose going back to work will be good in a way because it will give me something else to think about. 4) I want to play dress up with all my old clothes :) I can wait I know. The discomfort is pretty reasonable at this point with minimal pain meds. Just gotta keep my patience hat on throughout the whole process! Updated on 7 Mar 2017: So, I have just finished day 2 of going back to the office. I have a desk job so it is not too taxing. I was absolutely exhausted at the end of the day yesterday though. I got home and my mom had just moved some pillows and things around so they were not where I was expecting them to be and after the full day I just started crying! I was so tired I didn't have the energy to move things back. I think my boyfriend thought I was nutso. But I had to try to not take my Valium during the day so that I could be alert, but I think by 3 p.m. or so I just exhausted from the constant throbbing. I have a drive to work too so the combo of driving, moving my laptop, opening all the doors at the office, etc. proved to be quite a bit for me in one day. Especially considering I had been napping a good part of the day every day before that. Still trying to take it as light as possible on my meds but definitely had that feeling today as if my breasts are engorged with breast milk just waiting to leak out. Definitely some enhanced nipple sensitivity as well. I had my 1 week follow up today and I got my white bandage of torture off! I am now in a Genie Bra that I got from the doctor's office - much better than the surgical bra. It is a size large, which surprised me as I still feel relatively small compared to others, and it does not have any pads to hide nipples which I thought would be a problem because my nipples are usually very pointy. Right now they are mostly just swollen and full so you can see them under the bra. I did order a few other colors and styles from the Genie Bra company because I knew I would be wearing the bras night and day for a month. Styles online period I will report back when I get them in. My doctor says I still need to keep it very low and slow for a while until I have another checkup in two weeks. He will check the swelling then and hopefully I can resume normal activity soon after. So I still have a long way to go before I can have fun trying bras on to figure out which fit me, but that's okay right now. (And I've been doing a little bit for fun even though I know my size will change.) I'm thrilled that you can see no difference in my work clothes compared to the very padded bra i wore before. Honestly, with a lose shirt my friends would not even be able to tell. I would much rather be able to play them have to hide them. I have a family wedding to go to at the end of this month and I'm very happy that no one should be able to notice. Updated on 18 Mar 2017: So, I am almost to the three week post op mark. Long overdue for me to do an update. I thought I would be updating on here every other day, so I guess it's a good thing that I have not felt like I needed to. Things at work got a little bit easier and the day-to-day stuff is much much better now. Driving is generally okay and so are little household things but I still take it easy on work days because it's just a lot. I am also still walking the dog with my waist leash so that if he pulls I do not have to use my arms. My doctor said to avoid getting my heart rate up and especially around week 2 when I was feeling better I definitely overdid it a bit going out with friends and doing too many things and was really sore on the Monday I went back to work. Since then then I have been really trying to watch my exertion. But overall I feel great now and I feel the muscle twinges from the nerves re-connecting. My nipples are still very sensitive and icing is still helping during work but not as much as toward the end of week 1 and beginning of week 2 back at the office. I am still in my Genie Bra and I'm looking forward to getting to wear something with a lower profile that is easier to disguise under clothing. I would be very excited at this point just to have any old wireless bra. I bought one at Target that is a 36D and that is very comfortable (I think it's a Warners). Right now I've just been wearing it to try on clothes and such but looking forward to wearing it for real soon. On a side note, almost all of my clothes still fit! They just look better;) will post some pictures separately Updated on 19 Mar 2017: Photos didn't seem to upload... time seems to be creeping along though. Can't wait to buy bras and get some more softeness in the twins! Also having such a hard time not doing too much. Hoping traveling to a family wedding next weekend isn't as tough as I think it might be... Updated on 9 Apr 2017: Feeling infinitely better. And the girls are getting so much softer and more natural feeling each and every day. No more crazy impatience - just amazed at the amazing healing power of the body and how amazing plastic surgery is. I never feel as if people are staring at me thinking my boobs are fake (I really don't think they look fake in clothes) and they've been easy to hide in work clothes too. Really good experience overall. Updated on 14 Apr 2017: Ladies, eventually I'll share some more tips and things that really helped me. At the moment I am so thankful for full coverage bras and sports bras! I had absolutely no use for them before and now they are my favorite for everyday at work and working around the house. Updated on 17 Apr 2017: Some pics from a few days ago. The girls are definitely softening up, both in profile and softness. I can feel them when I bend over (especially the left one) which weirds me out, but otherwise they are definitely feeling like mine! And the size is great. Updated on 5 May 2017: Hi ladies! Things really are looking even better every day. I have almost zero soreness - just the occasional timea where I feel a little bit weaker than I used to be or having my arms above my head is a stretch. I even did a workout class the other day that involve some push-ups. Push-ups definitely feel weird but otherwise I don't feel like I have much implant displacement when I move my muscles at all. I have seen some videos and pictures where the implants look quite strange when a woman flexes her muscles, but I dont have that, they just to feel a little bit different to me. Also when I bend over, it is still a bit u comfortable if I am not wearing a bra. I can't quite tell if there really is some movement and the implants when I bend over, or if I am just not used to having boobs that really moved when I bend over. Definitely have sensation in my nipples, but over sensitivity is gone. I have a little numbness on the underside of my breasts still . They are looking super duper natural. Really no one can tell and even at the office I can wear tight shirts and no one notices. There is a little part of me that wishes I had bigger boobs. But then it would not be as easy to disguise or down which is really important my profession and also allows me to not have to explain to every single person in my family. I almost feel like I over shared prepping people & advance, when my limitations didn't really last as long as I thought or word as noticeable and my boobs are not nearly as noticeable as I thought. Any padding however and they look plenty large. I am a double d Victoria's Secret, so it is nice that I can at least wear a fairly standard bra size. I'm pretty sure the woman in Victoria's Secret was surprised, however when I ask if they had sizes larger than a 34C in a particular bra. All for now! Updated on 10 May 2017: Just a few updated pics. I really didn't know if they were going to relax more but they have. I do kinda wish they were a little bigger (or I was skinnier haha). Nothing's changed lol
i am 700 and had a face and neck lift. My ears were so sore and now I understand. I have stiches behind my ears and in the hairline and at the back of my head. First time last night that I slept in the bed and not the Lazy Boy. I hope the pain is not he same after tomorrow and playing with my ears. I like one side of my face and my neck. The right side has weird horizontal wrinkles that I hope the doc will fix or look at ...I find them freaky but I must be patient. Updated on 14 Feb 2017: Went to the doc today and had stitches out..wow one made my leg jump off the table but I am glad they are gone. The reason the ears were so sore was the knot of the stitches. The creepy horizontal lines are a result of lots of 'old lady' skin on one side and the angle of removing the skin. We are awaiting 2 weeks to have another look and then in March he will do a little adjustment in the office. The proble was an 'angle' thing or vertex line. The results are great and getting better. I would tell every woman to do it and forget about buying a new car or cruises....just go for it and you can look at your mirror . I am not vain and pretty plain looking. But my weight is normal and I play sports so why not have a face to please myself. Updated on 15 Feb 2017: today my face feels really weird since the stitches came out. It is as if the tension has been released and I stepped out today to a meeting. Sure enough, the bruise and creepy lines were right out'there' and some people asked what happened. Ugh. But it was very sobering as i have a lot of swelling to go down I guess re-positioning. It has only been 2 weeks , I need to remember that. Updated on 15 Feb 2017: today and tonight, things are not as good as yesterday..why am i so tired..it feels like my eyes are so heavy. and my ears are throbbing again and my jaws feel like rubber. Have to take another half pill and hope for a good couple of days. Going to a meeting today was an awakening as i must be more swollen that i think or maybe not softened up. But there..it's done. Talk soon. Updated on 17 Feb 2017: went to bed at 7.00 last night..hanging out all day at some stores and driving around. This is what people must say is dying on your feet. I have never been this tired in my life except when i was pregnant 30 years ago. Then woke up at 11.00, read and went on line till 2.00. This is what i mean about being disrupted and different. Ears are less sore can you believe it. I massage then regularly and understand from reading that 3 months is a key number. I am expecting too much too soon. More tomorrow. Updated on 20 Feb 2017: So this is the start of the third week..it seems a lot longer and when I look in the mirror, I am pleased but how I feel inside does not match the outside. that is the bands down along my face are so weird feeling. I found a good description...as if the last of the Novocaine from the dentist is coming out. Now that is odd but true. I do feel it is just sticking out there. Would I do this again..It depends on the end result. My neck is good, my right side is fine and swelling must be going down because I can touch the sutures behind them. The ears have stopped throbbing and the line on the left side have softened but the cheek still appears too stretched..as I said, like the 'joker' look. Oh well will have to wait. Sleeping in bed now and trying not to roll over...oh but I love sleeping on my side. On my back I feel awkward and not myself so I wake up still. I am off the oxy now but could not get along without it when my ears were sticking out like chunks of putty. Hoping for the best still Updated on 23 Feb 2017: This is the end of my 3rd week. I read every single story I think on this site and it teaches me patience. Found a great read today from a 71 yr lady. She talks about her face changing and 6 months for the numbness to go away. God ..who knew it would take that long. I go on Tuesday for a check up and will ask about face cream. Any suggestions. Right now I am using the steam from my shower, Ponds face cream to cleanse and coconut oil. Expensive things cannot work I don't think...it must be a gimmick as there are lots of women out there and lots of 'unfirm' skin. Only youth and genes work I believe. My jaw still feels like Novocaine but just near the end of it. And swollen I am sure because I am still staring at myself and wondering if I am. I will ask the doc for pics on Tuesday and will I be brave enough to post. Glad to hear comments for sure. Updated on 28 Feb 2017: went to my appointment today..the bruise is slowly going, he mentioned Anorica (spelling??) but It can just take it's time..I have never been much for makeup and foundatiion. i was more worried about that crepey drape of skin on my left side..they are smoothing out as the skin tries to drape itself after being moved around..it is very thin not like the muscle underneath. I have an appt on March 14 and he will see if he has to do a little tack our tick to that spot on my cheek. Whew. that's what I want to hear. I will keep you posted on that cheek. My ear is finally not throbbing and I can stand the edge of the pillow or such- like on it. I do have a pic of the before side of my face and I will try to post. It's been a month. Updated on 17 Mar 2017: Had my appt on Tuesday, that would be 6 weeks. The lines on one side are slowly softening. I declined more work and will wait to see what April 4th brings which is 9 weeks post op. I am happy with what I see and one ear still bothers me...as in the cartilage or the point behind the ear opening. sometimes it acts like someone tried to put an earring in there. Met with the estetican at the office...She offered to do micro-needling on those lines on upper and lower lip area. Read up on it and I would be red..fine but it might take 4 treatments and I am a snowbird. Tell me ...would one treatment get me some softness or should I wait till I return. Gave me some samples of the hyaluronic acid to try...but as I stated..this is 70 year skin and I don't fit the average status...any comments on that hyaluronic stuff. Also festoons appeared..not bags..just little fat crescents...was told they have a life of their own and appeared because of the swelling...but cold compresses would not help..Did it anyways and it helped..Body..know thyself..sort of thing. And I will keep compressing them till they find a place to settle down I think. Thanks to those 3 ladies who keep in touch with me...grace___ txman_____ and irsh___. I may have frightened some when I mentioned 'sex'..I should have said intimacy..because my ears hurt so much that I could not even think of cuddling..the pillow edges were like prongs...Everyone has a weird healing spot I think and my ears must have gotten tugged a lot and stitched behind. Please keep in touch...answer some of my questions and those who hesitate doing this..don't!!!! I went out to a luncheon yesterday..and I am not a girl'ladies luncheon thing..I walk and play sports but I was told I looked so pretty. WHAT and my partner said I looked nice when I went out..WHAT..so it is worth it rather than hiding from a camera or putting on a ton of makeup that you think hides those sagging jowls. Like I said..don't take that cruise if you have that much money to spend ...don't take the second cruise and give yourself a pleasant treat. Later. Updated on 8 Apr 2017: Had my last appointment and now back to my 'snowbird' roots. However, I did opt for some microneedling to see if the lines around my mouth could just be 'softened' somewhat to go with the rest of my work. This is the third day and I have rough grainy skin around my mouth. This is freaky. Does anyone have any opinions. I am using coconut oil to keep the area moist. I can describe it as tingly, tight and rough. I would appreciate your input. The cleanser I am using is simply olive oil and honey and tepid water. Now I will follow this with the product they recommended with SkinSense. Hope this resolvess itself. Really looking for older women to reply as my skin is 70 and not an 'acne' or rejuvenate situation...just a stab in the dark to see if those mouth lines can be slightly diminished.
Hello! Like many women, I was unhappy with my body after giving birth to my two beautiful children. After years of diet and exercise it was clear that I would need surgery to repair my lose saggy belly. On January 19, 2017 I had a full tummy tuck, breast revision (exchange 2001 saline 220cc with 420cc moderate profile silicone) and liposuction of the flanks. Although the first few days after surgery were rough, I am here to encourage people that they are capable of handling the discomfort associated with these procedures. The results are 100% worth it!
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