Plastic Surgery Northwest provide their patients with realistic expectation through open communication and honest discussions. They are composed of a team of approachable and compassionate staff making every effort to ensure that objectives are heard and addressed.
I have sweated for my entire life and have tried everything under the sun that was supposed to help. I had given up hope until I learned about Miradry. My life has been forever changed for the better!
I had a breast augmentation done by Dr. Wheeler & it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. From the first consult to the post-surgery follow up visits, Dr. Wheeler & his team are amazing. I am so happy with how natural looking the augmentation results are! I would highly recommend Dr. Wheeler.
Dr. Wheeler is the BEST surgeon all around. He is the only one I trust! He is an extremely knowledgeable and skilled professional in the area! He has fantastic bedside manner and a great sense of humor. The staff is wonderful! It’s easy to schedule with them and you feel like a superstar when your there. The office is very clean and I love how you don’t have to go to a hospital to get work done. I LOVE the outcome of my breast augmentation. It was a difficult case and he took it on with extensive experience and skill behind him. I wouldn’t trust anyone else but him. The outcome was so much better than I expected and more! I highly recommend going to Dr Wheeler for all your plastic surgery needs!
I have had two sessions on my abdomen and still have one to go. I am liking the results so far but not sure the difference is going to be dramatic enough to justify the hefty price tag. Unfortunately, in my area, there's only one clinic offering the procedure so they have a market monopoly. I see from the averages that I paid quite a bit more than most. The tech took the photos and I don't yet have a copy. Will post when I do.
I saw Dr. Emily Williams at Northwest Plastic surgery for my procedure and she and her whole team were pure delights! I was a rare case in which I wasn't receiving a full breast reduction, rather, just my areola's. The surgery was a bit less for my procedure because I did not receive any major anesthesia, I chose to have local only. I was able to drive myself to and from and the pain during recovery was minimal. The bruising was quite grizzly for about two weeks but not painful. Everyone is different though.
I'm a 29 year old mom with 2 kiddos. I've always been petite in size and very small in the chest! I've never really had an issue with them until I had my first born (who made me a cow), and breastfed very briefly. My boobs were the biggest they had every been, they seriously grossed me out! Lol Now having lost all the baby weight, my boobs look like a numerous sight of unpleasant things in my mind, elfs shoes, empty socks, etc., (I'm probably being over dramatic here, but they really do look like elf shoes). Now that my husband and I have watched the baby-making boat sail away, it's moms turn to revamp! I had my consult on April 20th with Dr. wheeler at Plastic Surgery Northwest. He was very informative and listened to what I wanted and what my husband wanted (I made him go because we couldn't agree on size and shape). The staff there were absolutely amazing, they made me feel super comfortable throughout the whole process and Dr. Wheeler is a pretty cool cat if you ask me! My consult was about 2.5 hours, by the end of it I was ready to sign in blood. I scheduled my surgery for May 27th! I don't have a check-in time yet, but I will get that info at my pre-op appointment on May 4th. We chose 325cc Natrelle on each side on top of the muscle. I am bursting with joy and I cannot wait until THE day! Oh, and come to find out I thought I was a 34A, turns out I'm actually a 32A! I will post before/after pictures soon! Stay tuned......... Updated on 2 May 2016: I keep looking at my countdown and I swear every time I think it's going to magically say 1 day. It feels like time is going so slow! Lol I'm so excited for this and I'm SO grateful for being able to do this so young, Bring on my 30's! I can't help but be quite nervous though. I'm a "go-getter" and always doing something. I'd be lying if I didn't say I was nervous about my surgery too. Yes, I did give birth.... Twice. BUT, for those of you that know, an epidural is a magical thing, I seriously didn't feel a thing even though my first did a number to my....... Well, You catch my drift. Lol My surgery is on a Friday, so I'll hopefully have my husband to help for three days. But I'm curious, How were your first two days after surgery? What should I be expecting? I know everyone is different! Updated on 4 May 2016: I had my pre-op appointment this morning! It's starting to get more and more real and I'm getting more and more excited! T-Minus 23 days, seems so long! Lol Dr. Wheeler and I discussed what we decided at my consult appointment and he definitely put my mind at ease about some questions I had about my surgery. Prescriptions are already filled and ready to be picked up, and holy crap, there's a lot. Lol Here are my current stats and info on my surgery! Height: 5'5" Weight: 110 Current bra size: 34a but measuring 32a I'm going with sub glandular with medium projection, round Natrelle silicone 350cc - we are going for a somewhat "natural" look. Updated on 10 May 2016: Eeek! I'm SO excited! I got a phone call yesterday and there was a cancellation for the 20th of May for surgery! My original date was the 27th, if I was excited before, I'm ecstatic now knowing my date is that much closer! Woohoo! Only 10 days to go! Updated on 13 May 2016: Hey everyone! My surgery is 7 days from today! I was able to get some pre-op pics today of what my current breasts look like, sorry no [RS bleep]! Lol I will try and get some of those the next couple days. What are some essentials (besides my prescriptions from my doctor) you ladies would recommend having on hand? Updated on 13 May 2016: Current size 32A Updated on 15 May 2016: 5 more days until the day of glory! I'm actually looking forward to being a bump on a log for a couple days after surgery. Today has been my "get [RS bleep] done" day (laundry, cleaning, etc.), it isn't going very smoothly I might add but I have tomorrow too before I get back to work for three days..... Then surgery! I think I'm pretty good on essentials for recovery, but then again I'm probably forgetting something! Lol I purchased a couple sports bras today and that was a little difficult trying to figure out what size I'll need post surgery, I'm so used to buying smalls and xs, so we'll see! I can't wait for the day I throw out all of my old bras! Haha! Good luck to all my fellow BA buddies! Can't wait to follow up and see how you all are doing! Updated on 18 May 2016: Today marks 2 days until surgery. The wait is seriously KILLING me! I even had a dream about my surgery last night. I don't remember much of it but I do remember them giving me my "iv cocktail" and feeling quite loopy! My emotions are running wild now and work has been such a drag! It's safe to say the anticipation of surgery is absolutely consuming me at this point! I'm thinking about fitting in a massage somewhere before surgery, maybe that will help me relax a little bit. I've never had a surgery like this before so I'm quite nervous of the recovery, and not knowing what to expect. My husband thinks I'll be just fine , and I'll be up and around after a day or two. He's probably right because I can't stay in bed for long! Haha! We will see! Updated on 18 May 2016: I'm getting mentally prepared, I think, so I laid out all of my "recovery" items! Can't forget the junk reads and junk food! ???? I'm hoping the sports bras work out ok (they're mediums)! Thank you Target, Walmart and Ross! And thank you to all you wonderful ladies with your amazing advice! I'm so grateful for this site! It has helped me tremendously! Updated on 19 May 2016: Here are some more before pictures and stats! ONE MORE SLEEP! I will post any changes after the BA has been done! 5'5" 110lbs Current bra size 34A (dr. Measured me at 32A) Going with Natrelle silicone round moderate profile breast implant Approximately 350cc's Updated on 20 May 2016: In about an hour I will be headed into surgery! I'm feeling calm and collected and excitement is beyond measure! I got a good nights sleep, woke up wide awake at 4:30am lol. I tossed and turned until 6:30. Got the kids off to school and daycare and now hubby and I are waiting to head out. I'm giving him the evil eye because he gets to enjoy a cup of delicious coffee and I don't! Lol I'm a religious coffee drinker in the morning! It'll be SO worth skipping it today though! Haha! I'll give an update when I'm snug in bed and it's all over! Updated on 20 May 2016: The girls are here! Woke up quite groggy after surgery. The nurse gave me a couple pain pills and I got dressed and went home. My husband stopped and got me something to eat but by the time I got in my bed and layed down, food didn't seem appetizing at all and started to feel nauseous. My husband and I were both anxious to see what they looked like so he helped me take off my wrap and took a peeksie! They look beautiful and I'm in love with them already! They look quite big! Doctor said he went with 360cc on both sides. I can't wait to try on some clothes with the new girls when I'm feeling better. I feel pretty good overall, but my breasts are sore and tight, I'm tired and groggy and somewhat nauseous, probably because I haven't ate since yesterday. I'll try some crackers later, I think some food in my tummy will make me feel much better. I really want to ice the girls but the doctor/nurse said not to. I can't remember why. The nurses and staff were so wonderful today, I'm so glad I chose the place I did. I couldn't be happier! Updated on 21 May 2016: Good morning everyone! Yesterday went quite well. I felt a little icky, sore and weak yesterday for most of the day which is expected. My pain wasn't too bad, felt tight, sore and my girls are rock hard. I didn't have much of a appetite. I was able to eat something around 8:30-9 and that made me feel much better. I slept pretty good, Tylenol PM is a must ladies! I woke up at 5:30 to take my pain pill and Tylenol. I have me post op this morning at 8! I can't say enough how much I am already in love with my new set of boobs! I can't wait to play dress up and try on all my dresses and clothes to see how they look! I have permanent marker all over my chest but I managed to scrub it off last night. My husband can't stop ogling over the girls, it's quite funny! I hope you are all doing great! Have a wonderful weekend! Updated on 21 May 2016: I'm so glad I took before pictures! Before and after breast augmentation. Before: 34A (measured 32A) After: 360cc Natrelle smooth round moderate profile subglandular Updated on 21 May 2016: Take it easy! Doctors orders! He informed me he ended up going under the muscle since I don't have a whole lot of fat on my chest to conceal the implants, which I'm perfectly fine with!! No strenuous activities until my 6 week mark, then it's game on! I don't want to risk hurting the girls in anyway before then! Updated on 21 May 2016: Oh man, I am in a lot of pain right now. I can barely move. My boobs are SO tight and sore! I've been trying to keep my pain down with my meds but they wear off quickly. I just took another dose, so hopefully it kicks in soon. They are rock solid and hot! I'm guessing I'm extra sore because my doctor ended up going under the muscle and I might be doing too much when I'm feeling good. It's painful mostly around the outer edges of the implants. Constant dull pain. I hope tomorrow is better! I really wanted to sneak in a nap today and I wasn't able to. Dang it! On the up side, I did get my coffee this morning. Haven't had much of an appetite either though. Updated on 22 May 2016: Still feeling high and tight and sore. Slept in this morning with my hubby. We went out and about and ran a couple errands. I took a pain med before we left which was probably a bad idea getting into the car. Half way through our trip I started to feel extremely nauseous. I couldn't wait to get home and crawl back in my bed. I haven't had much of an appetite the last couple days. I did manage to stop at a nutrition store and grabbed some arnica topical gel and tablets! Made it home and I took a zofran for nausea and crawled back in bed for a little bit. I started to feel better and got up and ate a little bit. Now relaxing in bed watching Netflix! I have been living in my VS sleep shirt. It is SO comfy and buttons all the way down, I think it's a must have for after surgery! Also, Ive been noticing a couple twinges, tingling and bubbling on my breast, which I've read is normal but it freaks me out a little bit! Lol Hope everyone has a great Sunday! Updated on 23 May 2016: Happy Monday everyone! Today has been nice and relaxing for the most part. I took my son to school, came home and decided it was a good time to shower and get out of my clothes I've been in since Friday! Man the shower felt so good and made me feel human again! I managed to do the dishes and run a couple small errands. Came home and my daughter and I layed in bed and watched a couple movies. I ended up falling asleep for a little over an hour! I was over due for a nap since I wasn't able to over the weekend. I've also been noticing since yesterday my pain meds are starting to make me nauseous. I'll be calling my doctors office in the morning and see if there's an alternative as well as possibly a muscle relaxer. I didn't get those prescribed to me, I'm guessing because we weren't planning on going under the muscle. Oh, and morning boob is NO JOKE! It is awful! But with all that being said, I am still in love with my new set of girls. Being restricted from some movements drives me crazy. I want to try on my whole closet again and see how my clothes look now with my new boobies! Lol I can still feel some tingly, bubbly, sometimes sharp sensations (zingers) on my left breast. I know this is normal but it still freaks me out! I can't wait for my breasts to soften up and not be so hard all the time. When is it ok to start massaging after surgery? Updated on 31 May 2016: Hey all! Today I am 11 days post op! Things started getting REALLY busy since my last update! I'm feeling great, I went back to work a week after my surgery. I'm a hairstylist and I was really worried I wasn't going to be efficient, but the girls did good! I have a post op appointment tomorrow and I'm really hoping I get my steri-strips off! They are looking quite nasty. Lol I went to Victoria's Secret to return a sports bra I got pre-boobs and asked to get measured just for giggles. Right now I am measuring at a 32dd! Amazing! I know I am still a little swollen but I'm happy with that! I also got a super soft and comfortable bra to wear while I'm healing. I'm not sure what it is called because I'm wearing it currently, but I will soon! It's awesome! Healing is going well, I am able to do most activities I need to but limit my heavy lifting of course. My breast don't feel sore anymore, but I am uncomfortable on my outer armpits especially on the right side. My ribs are also sore right below my incisions, which I'm guessing is from the surgery. I stopped taking pain meds around 4 days post op! I am also numb from the nipple down. It's a very weird feeling! I am hoping I will get my feels back at some point. Make sure you take your stool softener a ladies! I didn't as much as I should have and paid dearly for it. I had really bad stomach cramping about 6 days post op and everytime I tried to go I couldn't. To get things moving, I took a laxative and didn't stop for about 24 hours. It was awful! I couldn't wait to try on all my clothes in my closet to see how they fit and how the girls look, etc. plus I need an excuse to get new clothes, right? Haha! I can't believe how much confidence I have now with the new set of boobs! I feel like a woman! I'd say this surgery was worth every single penny! I never knew what it was like to drop half of your dinner down your shirt and wonder if you should get it or not and if that was rude or socially acceptable! Lol I hope you all are doing well and enjoyed your Memorial Day weekends! Updated on 2 Jun 2016: I had my 2nd post op appointment with Dr. wheeler yesterday (Wednesday). He took my steri-strips off my incisions! Yay! He said I was settling quickly and nicely and cleared my to wear an underwire bra already! So on Victoria's Secret I went and scored a bra,.... Or two. Lol I mean three. Hey, they were on sale! And a cutsie bikini! I can't wait to try them on! One thing I didn't realize I would have to do is somewhat change my sense of style as far as clothing goes. I've had this thin tomboy shape for my whole life and now these amazing boobs gave me curves! I was able to wear pretty much anything before and probably wouldn't get looked at nearly as much as I would now wearing the same outfit. It's so crazy to me! I'll post some more pics when I get the new bras, can't wait! Updated on 2 Jun 2016: Took this picture lounging on my bed doing a little work! I'm loving the cleavage! Updated on 19 Jul 2016: I can't believe it's been 2 months tomorrow since my surgery! Let me tell you..... Getting my breast augmentation was the best decision I have ever made! I love them, they are AMAZING! I am still measuring 32DD even though the swelling has went down completely. My breasts have softened up a lot and have dropped and fluffed! You can't see my incisions at all. Although, my nipples are still a little numb, more so the right then left but is slowly coming back. Woohoo! I'm enjoying wearing my clothes in a whole new way, cleavage is a wonderful thing and I am still learning whether it is socially acceptable to stick your hands down your shirt to grab lost crumbs, but I'll get there! Lol
Here's my story, in hopes it will help someone else out there: I have lived in fear of breast cancer my entire life, as my mom was diagnosed when I was 1 years old. She was just 27, with 4 daughters under the age of 6. I grew up hearing how her MD told her to 'get her things in order' (aka prepare to die). I've been getting mammograms since my early 20s. (I am now 56.) I was BRCA 1 & 2 negative, but given the fact that I had 2 aunts and a mom with a history of breast cancer, very fibrocystic breasts, and a heavy requirement for estrogen therapy to function as a normal person...I pursued a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy. (If Angelina could do it, why not me- I wondered.) I asked God to open and close doors for me, regarding if this was the correct path for me to pursue. I jumped through hoops with United Health Care after seeing an oncologist (Dr. Moline-whom came highly recommended). Then UHC approved my procedure. I hit a bump in the road, when Dr. Moline told me she would work with no other plastic surgeons in Spokane, except for the MDs at Plastic Surgery Northwest. Unfortunately, this group was not on my 'preferred' list of physicians. (Initially, this frustrated me, but now, in retrospect, I am forever grateful for her wisdom, and do understand why she took such a immovable stand.) Nevertheless, I was determined to follow through with one of these physicians, even if I had to pay a good amount out of pocket. I chose Dr. Alfonso Oliva. Little did I know at the time of choosing, that Dr. Oliva would be performing a specialized version of breast reconstruction with latissimus dorsi flap in a very unique way....a way no one else performs. (He has perfected a technique wherein he is able to grasp the latissimus muscle without having to cut a line across his patient's back. -Check his website to see what I mean.) Because no one else in my area could offer this version of the surgery, UHC (with the great help of Dr. Oliva's pre-authorization specialist- Hattie), approved Dr. Oliva as a 'gap exception'...yes, that's the term you must use...and treated him as an in-network preferred provider for my procedure. I had a lengthy surgery on February 23, 2015. (I can't recall if it was 8 hours or 10 hours- but it was long.) Both physicians worked side by side, one taking out the breast tissue, and the other, beginning the long reconstruction process. Expanders were inserted with 300 cc's initially in surgery. I am thankful that I had both general anesthesia, along with a 'block' so that I had no major pain initially coming out of surgery. I stayed in the hospital for about 5 days. Unlike some people, my expanders caused me a lot of pain. I required pain meds around the clock (literally) for nearly 7 weeks. (I even asked on this site if this was 'normal,' and thankfully the replies encouraged me to be patient.) I didn't wear a bra for the first 7 weeks, but in retrospect, I probably should have-to control any shifting. Dr. Oliva filled my expanders 100cc's at a time. This was no problem per se. I had them filled 550cc's in total. The plan was to wait for approximately 9 months before the expander-to-implant exchange occurred. As much as I initially hated my expanders, they kind of grew on me, and I almost hated to see them go. This brings me to 10/28/15.....I had my expanders removed and my implants inserted (teardrop shaped, 595 cc's), along with a bilateral capsullorhaphy procedure (an internal bra....as the girls needed a lift and an inward push). This was a pretty easy surgery for me- just 2 hours. I can't lift things over 5-10 pounds for my first two weeks. Compared to surgery #1, this is nothing. -Oh, I should add, UHC initially denied Dr. Oliva's 'gap exception' for this second surgery...but after Hattie's help, a 3 page letter on my part, and getting my husband's employer involved, UHC once again gave Dr. Oliva a 'gap exception' and treated his as a preferred provider. Be prepared to be your own advocate with your insurance company. An initial 'Denial' doesn't necessarily mean that's the last word on the subject.
When I was first diagnosed with stage 3c breast cancer, the focus of my doctors was to save my life. Having a 10.8 x 8.2 x 7.5 cm tumor in my right breast meant that reconstruction was not even a consideration due to the extent of my disease. Much to everyone’s surprise, after enduring intensive chemotherapy, a bilateral mastectomy with an axillary lymph node dissection, a robotic hysterectomy, six weeks of radiation, and one year of Herceptin targeted therapy infusions, I ended up having a pathologic complete response. My family and I were just glad that I was alive; however my body’s unexpected reaction to treatments meant that reconstruction suddenly became a possibility. My oncology surgeon referred my husband and me to Dr. Oliva and our family’s journey to healing the ravages of cancer began. In anticipation of the appointment with Dr. Oliva, we had predetermined that I was not going to have reconstruction… period. We would hear what he had to say, but “I was just glad to be alive” and no amount of convincing was going to change my mind. As an RN, I knew that the treatments I needed to survive cancer were not negotiable, but that reconstruction was a choice; I did not want to go through a major surgery like a TRAM with a long recovery time and possible complications, when I wasn’t even sure if I would survive the next five years. My husband, also, was fully supportive as he did not want to see me suffer any more pain. The appointment date came and, to our astonishment, Dr. Oliva did not have to convince us at all; he just spoke to us in a clear and concise manner, gave us the facts, and showed us the results of his lifetime dedication to helping women just like me. A DIEP Tram flap surgery was presented as my best option for reconstruction, a micro surgery that we did not know existed prior to our visit. He walked us through every aspect and possible scenario connected to such a surgery, with all of the pros and cons included. At the end of our appointment, Dr. Oliva told us to take the time we needed in order to decide if surgery was the right choice for me, and to call him with ANY further questions we might have. The compassion and commitment that exuded from Dr. Oliva put our minds at such rest that we were full on board to go ahead with the reconstructive process – a decision that truly changed our lives for the better. Prior to reconstruction, I knew that by having surgery I could receive the obvious benefit of looking somewhat normal again. My husband would not have to be painfully reminded of my illness each time I walked around without my hot and heavy prosthetic breasts. I wouldn’t have to look in the mirror at a concave chest of scars every time I showered. If things went well, I could give hope to other women fighting the relentless disease that is cancer. I could show my twenty-one year old beautiful daughter (who is also BRCA2 positive) that life can go on after losing such cherished parts of a woman’s body. What I didn’t know was just how amazing they would turn out, and how wonderful I would FEEL psychologically once I recovered. It is difficult as a woman to put into words the barren, demoralizing feeling of having your breasts removed. Although I was, and still am eternally grateful for my life, being left with less of a chest than a standard ten year old boy at thirty-nine was hard on my morale. Dr. Oliva changed that for me, for the rest of my life. Not only do my reconstructed breasts naturally lie beautifully, physically feel like real breasts to the touch, and just over all look amazing with my new flat tummy, having the physical weight attached to my chest again has helped my psyche to recover from the loss of such an event. By having my breasts reconstructed, I feel a new “normal” that is a positive influence on my family, me, and those in my presence. I would strongly recommend for any woman who is unsure about reconstructive surgery, to make an appointment with Dr. Oliva and explore the options available for rebuilding a “new you”. My Family and I will be forever grateful to Dr. Oliva and the staff at Plastic Surgery Northwest for the outstanding work and compassionate care that we received during our healing journey from cancer.
I am a 38 year old mother of two who never had breast issues until after nursing my children. Before children I was a proportionate 36C. While nursing my children I was in a nursing bra size of 40E. After my nursing years I was down to an asymmetrical 34B-C. My l right breast was significantly smaller than my right, and my right was a very deflated sagging breast. I came to Dr. Williams to find out more about the procedure and the cost. She was so wonderfully informative, that there were very few remaining questions for me to ask. She understood that my lifestyle, being a personal trainer, but for most a mother, meant that I wanted only what was appropriate for my body size, shape etc. She is a kind and warm woman who cares about the interests of her patients. I immediately felt comfortable and at ease with she and her staff. Because of the asymmetry and the condition of my left breast she did recommend a lift on my left side. This did cause the initial cost to increase. I followed her recommendation in July of 2014, and I could not be happier with my results. Surgery comes with a set of fears, but elective surgery has an even more intense set of fears that follow. The surgery center at Plastic Surgery Northwest is a top notch facility. There nursing staff was incredible, and my fears were immediately put at ease upon my arrival. My experience from A to Z exceeded all of my expectations for the process. My augmentation brought back a confidence that I had been missing for awhile. It brought back a desire for more intimacy with my husband, which as my husband says "If she feels more attractive, than I am the happy beneficiary of that experience!" I highly recommend Dr. Williams for cosmetic surgery. She is a truly gifted surgeon with an amazing bedside manner! I just cannot say enough good things about the staff and my experience.
I had been thinking of getting this tummy tuck for some time, over the years due to some medical issues I had put on weight particularly in the stomach area. I had gone to see another surgeon in Spokane but wasn't really excited about the place. I went to see Dr. Wiliams after reading about her and watching her video online, she just seemed so sweet. Sure enough, I made my consult appt and knew immediately that she was the one to do these surgeries for me. She walked me through the procedure, answered all of my questions and took her time explaining everything. At no time did I feel rushed, or pressured to add things or get more done. Had my tummy tuck in May and couldn't be happier! It was never about getting to be a supermodel/stick insect for me, just about getting some confidence back. Dr. Williams is simply a perfectionist, the first time I took my suit off I was just in complete shock at how different I looked! Took me about four days on pain pills and staying in bed most of the time but was able to get off pain meds on about the fifth day after surgery. The before and after difference was just amazing! I was so excited about the results of my first surgery that I couldn't wait to get the second one on the books for November. Just had my surgery a couple of days ago and once again have just been so happy with her work. Comparing the two surgeries I would say the Abdominoplasty is more painful and takes longer than the Breast Lift so I'm glad I did the harder one first. This one seems like a breeze as far as recovery goes, its been three days since the surgery I'm ready to get off the pain meds and back to driving kids (just no lifting!) Definitely pay the extra and stay over night if you can, I did for both of my surgeries and it made a world of difference! I am so grateful to the very talented Dr. Williams and to the entire incredible staff at Plastic Surgery NW for making the whole process a positive and easy experience.