Piedmont Plastic Surgery & Dermatology/Gastonia/959 Cox Rd

My Sugery went GREAT. The staff was super sweet and very professional. Dr. Timmons at Piedmont Plastic surgery did an AMAZING JOB! My breast are even, full, and look sooo much better! I’m a mother to 3 girls. Before the procedure I was a 32b measuring 12.5cm. I wanted to be a full C. I was a small-med C before kids. I got 345cc moderate Silicone. I wanted my breasts to look natural and full again but not so big that they draw attention. I wanted to be comfortable in a swim suit again and not have to wear a bra sometimes with certain tank tops or shirts! I told them I did NOT want to hit a D (super small D is fine) I don’t think I’ll hit a D. Overall, my sugery experience was satisfying. As for post op pain, I’ve been in HORRIBLE PAIN. I’m on day 5 and I have barley been able to breathe since day 1 post op. Swollen in my collar bone. My incisions BURN. My right one is so swollen I feel like my incision is about to rip open. It must be due to a small frame. I’m 97 pounds 5’1.



Updated on 16 Apr 2018:
I’m a little upset I don’t think my breast has dropped at all and Wednesday it will be 3 weeks post op.. been doing aggressive massages and strap at night.. nothing is working.

I am an active, athletic mother of 2 wonderful girls. I found that no amount of exercise (weights, cardio) could lift my heavy/sagging 38 DD breasts or tighten my tummy as tight as I would have liked. I decided to undergo a "mommy makeover" (breast lift with small reduction to 38 D, tummy tuck with muscle repair, and liposuction of the flanks). I am thrilled with the results as Dr Eric Emerson of Piedmont Plastic Surgery (Gastonia, NC) did a phenomenal job!

I talked to several surgeons but Dr. Swank made me feel the most comfortable. He was very open and told me what I could expect and what I needed without trying to sell me things I didn't need. He spent plenty of time talking with me and made sure I left with a clear understanding of the procedure and a folder with information and instructions on what to do before the surgery as well as a detailed break down of the cost. I go in for my final payment and post op visit on the 28th of this month and can't wait!

I have been doing so much research on breast augmentation. Thanks to RealSelf and all the lovely ladies on here for being honest and upfront.
I am 25 years old, weigh 135 lbs and am 5'5" tall. I have a pear shaped body and by thighs and butt are disproportionate to my upper body (I am very muscular). I have been wanting implants since I was about 18 years old.
I went for my first consultation yesterday with Dr. Hunstad in Huntersville, NC. I read his research on PubMed and his credentials appealed to me. He seemed very down to earth and very informative during my consultation.
We discussed having 375-400(right) or 400-425(left breast is smaller) silicon implants placed subfascially through my areola. He recommended under the breast crease, but I was worried about keloid scar formation and we decided the areolar would be best. I was very pleased that his infection rate is 0% and he explained all the procedures and prophylatic measures they take in the office to prevent infection.
I am looking around for another doctor for a consulation to get a second opinion and decide who I prefer. Any suggestions in the Charlotte/Huntersville NC area would be wonderful!

Updated on 10 Dec 2013:
I am considering having a consultation with Gregory Swank at Piedmont Plastic Surgery in Hickory. A girl friend's sister of mine had implants placed by him and she loves them. Hopefully by the end of January I'll have my consultation :). Any suggestions would be great~!

Updated on 19 Jan 2014:
I have a Consultation with Gregory Swank tomorrow at 2:15 PM at Piedmont Plastic Surgery in the Hickory, NC Office. I'm looking forward to what a different doctor has to say. Let's hope it goes well!

Updated on 29 Jan 2014:
I had my consultation with Gregory Swank and am positive that I will have my breast augmentation done in the Hickory, NC Piedmont Plastic Surgery Office. I'm just really unsure as to when. Since I'm in graduate school its a little difficult to plan around everything. I'm thinking about having it in March because the only other convenient time would be sometime in August. I'm not sure how soon in advance I should book my appointment... I would definitely like them sooner so I am really torn.
Dr. Swank suggested under the muscle and inframmamory. I really wasn't wanting them placed that way... I would prefer them to cut my areolar because I scar very easily and the smaller the scar the better. I was wondering if anyone had any opinions on the placement of the scar and which they preferred?

Updated on 29 Jan 2014:


Updated on 29 Jan 2014:


Updated on 29 Jan 2014:


Updated on 6 Feb 2014:


Updated on 6 Feb 2014:


Updated on 7 Feb 2014:
So I decided after much deliberation to schedule my surgery for June... since I will not have my rotations during that month and will only have online classes!! Paid my $500 to secure my date... SUPER excited!!

Updated on 9 Feb 2014:


Updated on 4 May 2014:
I am about one month away from my surgery date and am very excited! I was wondering I should do to prepare my body for the surgery? I've tried to get things ready (baby wipes, cleaning supplies, etc) so that when I finally do have my surgery I can take it easy. Does anyone have any suggestions that helped them?

Updated on 4 May 2014:


Updated on 4 May 2014:


Updated on 10 Jun 2014:
Excited about tomorrow! I will be sure to post some pictures after surgery.

Updated on 11 Jun 2014:
Everything went well! Got done faster than expected, which was great. I had 405 HP Silicone implants placed over the muscle. I experienced shivering for about 10 minutes after the anesthesia wore off. I'm going to try to get a list of all the medications they had me on IV. I do have some pain and lots is tightness, but nothing unbearable. Just took my pain medication so that'll help too. So glad I have someone to take care of me. It's so difficult to move my upper body! I'm going to try to walk around the house today to get blood flow moving. Overall, the experience wasn't bad at all. I have my pre op tomorrow at 9AM.

Updated on 12 Jun 2014:
Ouch! I woke up this morning and was in pain, but took another Percocet and that helped. Had my first post-op and everything looks great. I was oked to shower and will do that today. They already feel like a part of my body. They are still very sore and the band around the top to bring them down is probably one of the most uncomfortable parts. I am currently taking Percocet every 4 hours as needed for pain, Cyclobenzaprine for the muscle spasm/pain and Cephalexin for the antibiotic. No issues with the medication except that it make me flush a little. Not sure which drug is the culprit. I did not experience any post operative nausea and/or vomiting, but I was given Zofran just in case.

Updated on 12 Jun 2014:


Updated on 14 Jun 2014:
Still sore but I'm able to move my arms up and haven't been taking the pain medication. I am still taking maximum strength Tylenol and muscle relaxers for the pain. Everything feels tight and I have had a little bruising. Hoping everything heals quickly!

Updated on 20 Jun 2014:
So I am already loving the new editions! I am still sore and am still taking Tylenol. I went back to work on the 18th and it was a very difficult first day. But since I have felt better in terms of soreness. I walk around a lot on the job so it took a day for my body to get use to the movement with the extra weight. I have EXTREME sensitivity in my nipples and to have a bra on or anything touching them is painful. I know that that's normal but it is very uncomfortable. I have my check up this coming Tuesday and an very excited to begin massages and get the girls feeling less tight. The incisions itch a little but it's similar to others stitches I've had. They are still swollen and I had to buy bras for work and got siZed as a 34DD at VS. This will not be my size in the end but it was good to hear for once! The swelling has gone down considerably already and I can already wear a 36C sports bra (a little big around but the girls rest comfortably in the cups).I hated to buy bras but had to buy something that was appropriate under my work clothing. So far so good and I am so happy with my decision to get them!

Updated on 4 Jul 2014:


Updated on 4 Apr 2018:
Still loving my breasts! Still get some sensitivity in the nipple area, massaging post surgery and every now and then have made a great difference. They were slightly asymmetrical at the beginning but fell into perfect place after 7-8 months ( I had a great surgeon). Redness around area isn't a scarring just chatting from a sports bra.

Updated on 4 Apr 2018:
The lightly pink area on the breast is the scarring. I used scar relief for 6-8 months post surgery.

I have four kids, and a belly to show it. I was 217 after the birth of my last child, and not happy. I worked out almost every day to get down to 165. I assumed that once I achieved my goal weight I would look normal again. That did not happen. I noticed my stomach turning into a sliding pancake. I can't do enough sit ups to make it go away. I still work out 6 days a week but, I think I need a little help to achieve that flat stomach I am looking for. I spoke to my mother who revealed that she had a tummy tuck in the past, and recommended that I get one too. I researched online and found Dr. Hunstad on real self. I checked out his reviews, and found him on Facebook. I have an appointment today to get everything started. I am excited and scared at the same time.


Updated on 8 Mar 2013:
I have decided to go with Dr. Gregory Mantooth at Piedmont Plastic Surgery and Dermatology. I had a great consultation with him yesterday. He explained the entire procedure to me. It was like I was watching it on youtube again. He answered all of my questions. I must add, I have never felt so comfortable with a Doctor before. I loved it. His staff is so polite and attentive. I am looking forward to the procedure.



Updated on 15 Mar 2013:
My surgery has been rescheduled for the 29th. This date works out better for me because the kids will be home for spring break. I am excited and nervous at the same time. I am trying not to give it much thought. When I had my c-sections in the past I had to block the thought of getting cut until the moment it was happening, or I would worry to much. The thought of him starting with my belly button haha, I am glad I will be asleep. My tummy is sensitive.

Updated on 30 Mar 2013:
I had my tummy tuck yesterday, and I am so glad I found Dr. Mantooth. He and staff were so kind to me. I love my results. I am a little sore, but I also feel great. I would recommend him to everyone. I will try to post before and after pictures.

Updated on 30 Mar 2013:
I am posting before pictures today. I will try to post after pictures tomorrow because I have on a girdle binder, and my husbands is at work. I am going to need his help replace it.

Updated on 31 Mar 2013:
Here are the after pictures. I am still very swollen.

Updated on 6 Apr 2013:
I made it through week one, but I am so afraid of just sitting on the couch, and doing nothing. I am doing light house cleaning, but I am on my knees half way through vacuuming because of back pain. My stomach is really tight and making it hard to tell when I am full. Before the tummy tuck my stomach gave signs when I was full. I feel nothing from my stomach now. I am using my fitness pal to count my calories, but they give me way more then I am comfortable with eating without working out. Before the tuck I would also workout the extra calories, but I can't. I am still eating the calories I am use to, and I am becoming afraid. I am allowed 2200 calories a day on my fitness pal. I usually workout after 1200 calories. I am so tempted to walk on the treadmill tomorrow. I want to cry because I don't want to ruin my investment.

Updated on 26 May 2013:
Here are my updated pictures. I don't look as small as I had hoped, but maybe time will fix that.

Updated on 2 Jun 2013:
This was an inbox request. I am assuming my front incision is darker and bigger because I had two c-sections in the past.

Well I have always wanted 2 have a ba done. I have always been very small chested even after having 2 kids. 1st let me tell u about myself I'm 41 yrs old and married with 2 grown kids. I'm 5'3 125 pounds and very small up top as far as bra size goes I wear a 34 a which I could get by without even wearing one at all. So far I have had 3 consults with different drs n my area and and I liked them all but I have chosen 2 go with dr. Emerson at piedmont plastic surgery n Gastonia nc. And the reason 4 my decision was because I felt that at my consult he really listened and understood the size and look I want 2 achieve. I'm going 4 a very natural look not 2 fake but I want 2 know that I have had it done also. At my consult we discussed saline and silicone and I have decided with silicone per my dr because I have very little breast tissue 2 work with. As far as size or should I say cc that's a whole different story I'm so confused about all this I know the size I want which is a c cup but when I tried on the cc implants they all looked so huge on me. I guess since I have never had any boobs everything is gonna look huge. I just don't want 2 b disappointed after surgery and say I wish I would have went bigger or vise versa say I wished I would have went smaller. Anyway I have my pre op app feb 18th and I guess then I can really decide on the right size 4 my body frame. My surgery date is feb 27th and I'm already freaking out. My husband tells me that I'm stressing over nothing but I just can't help it. I have done a lot of research in ba and have had a few friends that have had it done but it's still very scary 2 me. I know once it's over with I will love them and b glad that I went through with it but until then I will just keep freaking out.