POSTED UNDER Breast Fat Transfer REVIEWS
Breast Fat Transfer for 32 year old. Lipo of thighs and knees.
ORIGINAL POST
32 Yrs • 3 Kids • Noogleberry • Breast Fat Transfer + Lipo of Thighs/knees
$8,500
So far I have only had one in person consultation as well as some email correspondence with the cosmetic surgeon I've chosen for my BFT and Lipo. Dr. William Shuell of Scottsdale AZ, has been very honest in his feedback and knowledge of the work he does and what I can expect. He tells you like it is, doesn't beat around the bush and definitely does not give you false expectations. If anything, I am hoping that this whole procedure and process will far surpass my current expectations! He has a sense of humor too, which is fun.
Dr. Shuell is double board certified as an OB/GYN and Cosmetic Surgeon, specializing in breast and body; specifically liposculpture and fat transfer, so I figure that he has a good understanding of a woman's body and how to help problem areas to become more appealing, along with how to properly restore proportion, etc.
My "awake" surgery is scheduled for September 17, 2018 - that's only two weeks away! Eek!! I go in and out of feeling totally anxious and super excited. I've been wanting this kind of work done since I hit puberty. My breasts never fully developed, leaving me with very little native breast tissue and what I do have is extremely dense. My nipples are totally not proportionate to my breast, so I am hoping this procedure will give me the right body proportion and some confidence. I have been married for 10 beautiful years and we have three daughters. I am anticipating that my daughter's will develop normally, as my childhood was wrought with stress and dysfunction.
I went back and forth with the thought of getting implants for years and years, and even began the process twice, with two different doctors. Each time, I just didn't have peace and really couldn't get passed having something foreign inside of my body. Finally my husband told me no - don't get implants. I began to let it go... Since then, even my sister in law has explanted for various heslth reasons and has successfully undergone a breast lift with fat transfer. I am so glad I didn't go through with implants! God allowed me to go a different direction and I am so thankful for that!
During the years that I have wanted a larger breast and a better contour, I've used a few different negative pressure breast cups. I use one by Noogleberry and another cheap one from Amazon that I like just fine. They work great at giving a temporary fullness because of the blood flow to the breast, and it has helped somewhat in reshaping my breasts, but I have never really grown from them. I think that has a lot to do with my lack of glandular tissue. I am REALLY hoping my BFT takes well for that very reason - I've read that you can lose more fat when there isn't much breast tissue for it to connect to through vessels. I have been pumping twice daily for this month before my procedure in hopes I can have a higher fat survival rate. Honesty, if I am able to keep at least 150-200 CCs, I think that will make a great difference in my shape. I keep having to remind myself that I don't need to become booby great and desire the biggest breast ever. Even just a change in shape will be awesome!! But let's be honest, I want bigger boobies! Trying to keep my expectations low.
I am athletic, work out often and eat very well, but my thighs and butt hold onto all of my weight and I just can't get rid of it! Sure, my legs get smaller as I work them harder, but they don't change shape. Never have!
When I realized that you could combine liposuction with a fat transfer, I began researching like crazy! It still gives me a little anxiety to think too much about it because there aren't decades of information available and long term affects, etc. Necrosis and infection make me feel weird... But I think that the risks are so low and few and far between that I am hoping my body will do just fine.
I really like the idea that I won't be going "under," and that I'll only be lightly sedated, but I also have a low pain tolerance. I don't really want to know what's happening, so I guess it's a love-hate relationship. We'll see how that all goes...
As for now, I am eager to put this all behind me and be on the mend. I don't like the countdown and am ready for it get done. My husband is completely supportive, I've told my oldest daughter and my mom comes out in a week to spend two weeks with us while I heal. They will be harvesting fat from NY inner and outer thighs and inner knees. My doctor is modest in how many CC's he will put I to the breast at one time, and I've already told him that I will not be doing a second round. I need to be realistic! This is not cheap as it is. I am paying $8.5k...
I'll try to add a few photos when I can, and update as I am able to. I've got my supplies all ready!
• Spanx compression leggings, one capri style and one full length.
• Sports bras in various sizes and compression (not supposed to have much).
• Senna laxative
• Melatonin + Magnesium (better sleep!)
• Comfy socks with grip on the bottom
• Loose sweat pants
• Antioxidant rich protein powder for post surgery smoothies
• Overnight sanitary pads for drainage
• Bedding pads + random sheet for mess
• All prescription medications (including antibiotics).
Dr. Shuell is double board certified as an OB/GYN and Cosmetic Surgeon, specializing in breast and body; specifically liposculpture and fat transfer, so I figure that he has a good understanding of a woman's body and how to help problem areas to become more appealing, along with how to properly restore proportion, etc.
My "awake" surgery is scheduled for September 17, 2018 - that's only two weeks away! Eek!! I go in and out of feeling totally anxious and super excited. I've been wanting this kind of work done since I hit puberty. My breasts never fully developed, leaving me with very little native breast tissue and what I do have is extremely dense. My nipples are totally not proportionate to my breast, so I am hoping this procedure will give me the right body proportion and some confidence. I have been married for 10 beautiful years and we have three daughters. I am anticipating that my daughter's will develop normally, as my childhood was wrought with stress and dysfunction.
I went back and forth with the thought of getting implants for years and years, and even began the process twice, with two different doctors. Each time, I just didn't have peace and really couldn't get passed having something foreign inside of my body. Finally my husband told me no - don't get implants. I began to let it go... Since then, even my sister in law has explanted for various heslth reasons and has successfully undergone a breast lift with fat transfer. I am so glad I didn't go through with implants! God allowed me to go a different direction and I am so thankful for that!
During the years that I have wanted a larger breast and a better contour, I've used a few different negative pressure breast cups. I use one by Noogleberry and another cheap one from Amazon that I like just fine. They work great at giving a temporary fullness because of the blood flow to the breast, and it has helped somewhat in reshaping my breasts, but I have never really grown from them. I think that has a lot to do with my lack of glandular tissue. I am REALLY hoping my BFT takes well for that very reason - I've read that you can lose more fat when there isn't much breast tissue for it to connect to through vessels. I have been pumping twice daily for this month before my procedure in hopes I can have a higher fat survival rate. Honesty, if I am able to keep at least 150-200 CCs, I think that will make a great difference in my shape. I keep having to remind myself that I don't need to become booby great and desire the biggest breast ever. Even just a change in shape will be awesome!! But let's be honest, I want bigger boobies! Trying to keep my expectations low.
I am athletic, work out often and eat very well, but my thighs and butt hold onto all of my weight and I just can't get rid of it! Sure, my legs get smaller as I work them harder, but they don't change shape. Never have!
When I realized that you could combine liposuction with a fat transfer, I began researching like crazy! It still gives me a little anxiety to think too much about it because there aren't decades of information available and long term affects, etc. Necrosis and infection make me feel weird... But I think that the risks are so low and few and far between that I am hoping my body will do just fine.
I really like the idea that I won't be going "under," and that I'll only be lightly sedated, but I also have a low pain tolerance. I don't really want to know what's happening, so I guess it's a love-hate relationship. We'll see how that all goes...
As for now, I am eager to put this all behind me and be on the mend. I don't like the countdown and am ready for it get done. My husband is completely supportive, I've told my oldest daughter and my mom comes out in a week to spend two weeks with us while I heal. They will be harvesting fat from NY inner and outer thighs and inner knees. My doctor is modest in how many CC's he will put I to the breast at one time, and I've already told him that I will not be doing a second round. I need to be realistic! This is not cheap as it is. I am paying $8.5k...
I'll try to add a few photos when I can, and update as I am able to. I've got my supplies all ready!
• Spanx compression leggings, one capri style and one full length.
• Sports bras in various sizes and compression (not supposed to have much).
• Senna laxative
• Melatonin + Magnesium (better sleep!)
• Comfy socks with grip on the bottom
• Loose sweat pants
• Antioxidant rich protein powder for post surgery smoothies
• Overnight sanitary pads for drainage
• Bedding pads + random sheet for mess
• All prescription medications (including antibiotics).
BAhappy's provider
UPDATED FROM BAhappy
6 days post
One week after surgery!
Wow. I've been through the wringer. You can never anticipate how a procedure is going to go, since it's completely individual. And if there's anything I have learned from my experience this far, it's this - think long and hard about all of the risks beforehand! I wanted this so bad, since puberty, even... And sure, I weighed the risks (somewhat), but I don't think that I was being entirely honest with myself. I was clouded by my deep desire to have this procedure done, so I tried to stick to the positives only, which isn't all bad... But now as I recover, I see all of the "stuff" that I didn't take the time to think through beforehand to contrast whether or not it's been entirely worth it. Not yet, anyway. It's still an unsure thing, but I can say with conviction: I will never have this procedure again. So whatever happens with my breasts and my thighs, that's it. I'm taking it and moving forward.
As each day goes by - I am healing. Slowly, but getting there. My procedure was on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018 at 8:00 am. I arrived to the office and signed all of the waivers, basically admitting that I will not hold the practice accountable if anything should arise... Even death! It was totally uncomfortable signing those forms, but *gulp...I'm already here, so let's just get it over with.
They took me back and I got changed into some funky little undies and a gown. They gave me my sedative medications (Xanax, Vicodin and Anti nausea meds) and then they took me back for photos. After photos, I saw my doctor and he briefly explained some of what happens and then drew all over me. The nurse wiped my entire body down with iodine and then I layed on the bed for the procedure.
Unfortunately, I felt a great deal of what was happening to me, because my meds didn't kick in until seriously like an hour before it was all done, at least from what I remember! The lidocaine, not too bad... Weird, and uncomfortable and even painful at times... But then the "pop" when they broke my skin to begin the tumesent stage. NEVER AGAIN IN MY LIFE!! So gross. Super painful, disgusting and unnatural feeling. They gave me stress balls for each hand and I squeezed the heck out of those....They also put little vibrating massagers on either side of my neck, which helped me to focus on something else (that was genius!). I can't believe some people can deal with this stage!? Maybe I'm just super, super, SUPER sensitive... But it was the worst. Obviously it was a bit better once the tumesent numbing stuff started to work and I didn't feel much pain during the actual lipo stage, aside from the occasional jab and sharp pain and a whole bunch of pressure and rocking. They were very understanding and addressed the painful areas with more lido when I needed it. But the feeling of the cannula digging into my legs, forcing liquid stuff everywhere was....... Insane!
My doctor took great care of me, in fact he has been incredibly accommodating. I've texted him almost every day with something new, and he takes the time to reassure me and answer my questions in a timely manner. He has been great, truly. He told me before surgery that he was going to treat me like he would his own daughter, and I feel like he did. He apologized if I felt pain, and was generally sensitive to my needs.
They did lipo to my inner knees (worst ever), inner thighs (slightly better, but terrible too), and then outer thighs (best part, barely felt anything). They took out 700 ml of fat altogether and were able to add 300 ml of pure fat to each breast. It has made a huge, beautiful difference!!
After surgery my husband picked me up and we drove two hours back to home, where I immediately layed down in bed and started to figure out how to heal from everything. I was groggy and out of it. My poor kids were like, "are you okay!?" I never took any of my prescription pain meds, because I'm not a big fan of nasty narcotics and wanted to keep it as natural as possible. I've been taking ibuprofen, arnica, Bruizex, a multi vitamin, drinking antioxidant smoothies daily, and using my favorite Plexus products for digestion (which by the way, I didn't poop for at least 3 days...) All that, along with some other miscellaneous natural remedies.
The compression garment they put me in was terribly tight, fitted with pads of all kinds for drainage, netted stocking things to hold them in place under the garment and ace bandages around each knee. I wore that for two full days and it was rough. I had to unzip my waist somewhat Because it was hard to breathe and after a couple days of feeling like I was in gurdle jail, I startes to feel weird circulation sensations in my legs...So I asked my doctor if I could take the whole garment off early and move to Spanx with knee bandages. He said that was fine.
Day 3 and 4 were the worst, so far. Sleeping has been a huge chore... I usually love to go to sleep, but it has been wrought with anxiety and discomfort. First, trying to keep my feet elevated and my head and upper back up, in sort of a V shape and getting that right... And then feeling like I couldn't breath well... sleep was hard. On day 3 I took magnesium and melatonin to try and sleep better, but I won't be doing that again. I woke up from a bad dream where I had lost my daughter and was bawling in my dream. Then I heard this deep wooshing sound, and woke up to my heart beating super slowly and really hard... Like I hadn't been breathing, or my blood pressure had dropped. It was scary, and hard to go back to sleep that night.
Day 4 I woke up to a slightly puffy foot because I decided that night I would not elevate my feet, and try for just a pillow under the knees. Bad idea. By 10 in the morning I felt totally off and was a bit light headed, was having shortness of breath and some circulation issues in my right leg... I got really cold at one point and started losing blood flow to my hands and feet. I texted my surgeon and he told me that someone my age (32) and as athletic as I am should certainly not be experiencing any kind of shortness of breath after lipo - it's just not normal. So he suggested not waiting too long before heading to my primary or an urgent care or ER. My sister in Law was an ER nurse (and now works at an urgent care), so I asked her opinion and she told me to just go to the ER since the urgent Care wouldn't have the ability to scan for blood clots. Oh goodness....BLOOD CLOTS!?
My husband had to stop work early and take me to the ER where they ran all kinds of tests. Initially they took my blood and then following my chest x-ray, they said they were going to need to do a CT scan with an iodine injection because of elevated DIMER numbers, which could indicate clotting. Oh no... By this time I'm a nervous wreck... Shaking and shivering and totally upset, praying to the Lord for His grace and mercy over my life. Praying for peace. Praying through all of the things I am thankful for... Praying that the Lord would allow me to come home to my children!!
Following the CT scan, they did an arterial and veinous ultrasound on both legs. Altogether they concluded that I did NOT have any clots in my legs or lungs, no fluid or pneumonia in my lungs either...and the shortness of breath, probably anxiety. Obviously it wasn't a great experience, having to go to the ER, but it sure put my mind at rest, and helped me to trust that God is good, regardless of our circumstances. It showed me how little my faith is at times... I trust in Christ, and what He has done for my life. He lived a perfect life, void of sin because He is God. He died for my sin, in the place that I deserve because it is in my nature to disobey His commands... By His death and resurrection, He reconciled me to Himself. I believe that Jesus is God and yet, during this scary time, I'm not displaying faith or having joy. It showed me a weak area of mine, and I am thankful for that. Everything happens for a reason! I struggled through even getting this procedure, because my desire is to please God and to not focus on earthly things, like my body. I decided that at the end of the day, there were ways that we could bring God glory through this. And He provided every means necessary to have it done, so now it's just about being thankful. I am thankful I'm through it. I'm thankful for my life, that I get to be Mom to my girls....there is so much to be thankful for. So when I struggle with anxiety, these are the thoughts I have to Rene my thinking with, and dwelling on who Christ is. His goodness and kindness to me to open my heart to Him. It's all about Him.
So.....
Day 5 I had my best sleep since the procedure, and woke up feeling pretty good, pain in the lipo sites having gone from around an 8 to about 6. I can now get out of bed myself, go to the bathroom myself, and get dressed myself. Even shower myself, though I need my husband to help out bandages on the holes I can't see. I've needed quite a bit of help from my husband. My mom is also here helping with our 3 daughters, doing EVERYTHING. It's safe to say that we had no idea how extensive this surgery actually was, since I was told it's "minimally invasive," and that there was "really no down time." The ER doctor told me that it's actually not minimally invasive, because they are taking tissues out of your body, and your body doesn't like that. It goes into shock. Maybe not for everyone, but for me. Yes. My body has not enjoyed any part of this.
This surgery has been way harder on my body and our lives than we had anticipated. My mom is in her 60's, and the poor lady has had to be Mom to my little girls, cooking every meal, doing all of the dishes, cleaning up and even helping them do their home school work!!
Yesterday (Saturday - day 6), I got a better look at my bruising, which seemed very extensive and unnerving. I sent a photo to my doctor, and he reassured me that it's normal to have "Technicolor wonderland" bruising on the inner thighs and knees. He mentioned that the excessive tightness of my surgical garments in the first 72 hours could have made my bruising worse. I also have a few holes that are not healing up preferably. One looked infected, but doc says it's just irritated. I'm still showering with Hibicleanse and using bacitracin ointment and band-aids on my wounds... Using a clean towel and wash cloth every time and applying the antibacterial ointment with a clean q-tip each time. I've literally been going through boxes of Band-Aids...I have 16 holes altogether (not including the 3 entry points on each breast, but those healed up quickly).
They added the fat into my breasts in three areas, and those puncture areas closed up fast since they were needles, not cannulas. I've got a ton of lumpiness, especially in the "inner medial" and outer portions of each breast because of how thin the skin is there. Doc also said that's normal for those areas, but they should resolve. Iam really hoping I don't end up having lumps....but again, I've been told that they should subside over time with warm soaks and massage...
I LOVE, love, love my new breast shape. It's lovely, truly. I am so thankful for the work my doctor has done. My shape is completely different than before. The reason I wanted this procedure done was because I never fully developed. I have very little breast tissue and my breasts we're very narrow and slightly saggy. I'm only 32.
I'm not sure that everything has been worth it yet, especially figuring that I might still lose volume in my breasts, which would be okay as long as I maintain the current, pretty shape. But honestly, my new girls aren't huge, so losing volume would be sad... I'm hoping that the stubborn knee + inner thigh fat that they transferred, will keep well and find blood vessels to hook up to. I used my Noogleberry for 30 days before my procedure to make the most healthy environment for my breasts that I could. I guess we'll see.
Hubby is happy, happy, happy with them. Each day they soften up a little more. Still very tender, especially in the lumpy areas. I'm eating well, eating a high carb diet which I was instructed to do...but have gone back to my high veggie intake, as well. I normally eat a nice big, hearty salad for lunch every day... so I'm back to that, just adding things like boiled or roasted potatoes to them, along with lots of proteins and eating high carb snacks. They told me to maintain or even gain a little weight. In my humble opinion, feeding your body well after a surgery is going to help your body heal the best. Plus it helps with my digestion, so even if it takes a little extra time to make my meals, I don't mind and would rather eat well.
Day 6-7 (today is day 7) I've gone to the bathroom normally, thank the Lord!! I am up about 6 lbs right now, I'm guessing from swelling and some of that digestive trouble... But as my body gets back to normal and I heal, I'm sure I'll go back down to around 126, which is where I started. Maybe, maybes not.
Another thing: my inner knees are disgustingly numb right now. Bruised and numb. They feel super stuff and tight...and I am REALLY hoping I gain nerve sensation quickly, because I can't imagine living like this for very long. Doc says it could take weeks to months to regain, but "always resolves." I am taking my Plexus Nerve for the discomfort, hoping that helps!
Not sure what else right now... But I wanted to make sure that anyone reading this has a full view of what can happen!! I'm still resting a ton, walking when I can, eating small and regular meals. I'm drinking loads of water and taking great supplements, which should help everything.
Hope this helps.
As each day goes by - I am healing. Slowly, but getting there. My procedure was on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018 at 8:00 am. I arrived to the office and signed all of the waivers, basically admitting that I will not hold the practice accountable if anything should arise... Even death! It was totally uncomfortable signing those forms, but *gulp...I'm already here, so let's just get it over with.
They took me back and I got changed into some funky little undies and a gown. They gave me my sedative medications (Xanax, Vicodin and Anti nausea meds) and then they took me back for photos. After photos, I saw my doctor and he briefly explained some of what happens and then drew all over me. The nurse wiped my entire body down with iodine and then I layed on the bed for the procedure.
Unfortunately, I felt a great deal of what was happening to me, because my meds didn't kick in until seriously like an hour before it was all done, at least from what I remember! The lidocaine, not too bad... Weird, and uncomfortable and even painful at times... But then the "pop" when they broke my skin to begin the tumesent stage. NEVER AGAIN IN MY LIFE!! So gross. Super painful, disgusting and unnatural feeling. They gave me stress balls for each hand and I squeezed the heck out of those....They also put little vibrating massagers on either side of my neck, which helped me to focus on something else (that was genius!). I can't believe some people can deal with this stage!? Maybe I'm just super, super, SUPER sensitive... But it was the worst. Obviously it was a bit better once the tumesent numbing stuff started to work and I didn't feel much pain during the actual lipo stage, aside from the occasional jab and sharp pain and a whole bunch of pressure and rocking. They were very understanding and addressed the painful areas with more lido when I needed it. But the feeling of the cannula digging into my legs, forcing liquid stuff everywhere was....... Insane!
My doctor took great care of me, in fact he has been incredibly accommodating. I've texted him almost every day with something new, and he takes the time to reassure me and answer my questions in a timely manner. He has been great, truly. He told me before surgery that he was going to treat me like he would his own daughter, and I feel like he did. He apologized if I felt pain, and was generally sensitive to my needs.
They did lipo to my inner knees (worst ever), inner thighs (slightly better, but terrible too), and then outer thighs (best part, barely felt anything). They took out 700 ml of fat altogether and were able to add 300 ml of pure fat to each breast. It has made a huge, beautiful difference!!
After surgery my husband picked me up and we drove two hours back to home, where I immediately layed down in bed and started to figure out how to heal from everything. I was groggy and out of it. My poor kids were like, "are you okay!?" I never took any of my prescription pain meds, because I'm not a big fan of nasty narcotics and wanted to keep it as natural as possible. I've been taking ibuprofen, arnica, Bruizex, a multi vitamin, drinking antioxidant smoothies daily, and using my favorite Plexus products for digestion (which by the way, I didn't poop for at least 3 days...) All that, along with some other miscellaneous natural remedies.
The compression garment they put me in was terribly tight, fitted with pads of all kinds for drainage, netted stocking things to hold them in place under the garment and ace bandages around each knee. I wore that for two full days and it was rough. I had to unzip my waist somewhat Because it was hard to breathe and after a couple days of feeling like I was in gurdle jail, I startes to feel weird circulation sensations in my legs...So I asked my doctor if I could take the whole garment off early and move to Spanx with knee bandages. He said that was fine.
Day 3 and 4 were the worst, so far. Sleeping has been a huge chore... I usually love to go to sleep, but it has been wrought with anxiety and discomfort. First, trying to keep my feet elevated and my head and upper back up, in sort of a V shape and getting that right... And then feeling like I couldn't breath well... sleep was hard. On day 3 I took magnesium and melatonin to try and sleep better, but I won't be doing that again. I woke up from a bad dream where I had lost my daughter and was bawling in my dream. Then I heard this deep wooshing sound, and woke up to my heart beating super slowly and really hard... Like I hadn't been breathing, or my blood pressure had dropped. It was scary, and hard to go back to sleep that night.
Day 4 I woke up to a slightly puffy foot because I decided that night I would not elevate my feet, and try for just a pillow under the knees. Bad idea. By 10 in the morning I felt totally off and was a bit light headed, was having shortness of breath and some circulation issues in my right leg... I got really cold at one point and started losing blood flow to my hands and feet. I texted my surgeon and he told me that someone my age (32) and as athletic as I am should certainly not be experiencing any kind of shortness of breath after lipo - it's just not normal. So he suggested not waiting too long before heading to my primary or an urgent care or ER. My sister in Law was an ER nurse (and now works at an urgent care), so I asked her opinion and she told me to just go to the ER since the urgent Care wouldn't have the ability to scan for blood clots. Oh goodness....BLOOD CLOTS!?
My husband had to stop work early and take me to the ER where they ran all kinds of tests. Initially they took my blood and then following my chest x-ray, they said they were going to need to do a CT scan with an iodine injection because of elevated DIMER numbers, which could indicate clotting. Oh no... By this time I'm a nervous wreck... Shaking and shivering and totally upset, praying to the Lord for His grace and mercy over my life. Praying for peace. Praying through all of the things I am thankful for... Praying that the Lord would allow me to come home to my children!!
Following the CT scan, they did an arterial and veinous ultrasound on both legs. Altogether they concluded that I did NOT have any clots in my legs or lungs, no fluid or pneumonia in my lungs either...and the shortness of breath, probably anxiety. Obviously it wasn't a great experience, having to go to the ER, but it sure put my mind at rest, and helped me to trust that God is good, regardless of our circumstances. It showed me how little my faith is at times... I trust in Christ, and what He has done for my life. He lived a perfect life, void of sin because He is God. He died for my sin, in the place that I deserve because it is in my nature to disobey His commands... By His death and resurrection, He reconciled me to Himself. I believe that Jesus is God and yet, during this scary time, I'm not displaying faith or having joy. It showed me a weak area of mine, and I am thankful for that. Everything happens for a reason! I struggled through even getting this procedure, because my desire is to please God and to not focus on earthly things, like my body. I decided that at the end of the day, there were ways that we could bring God glory through this. And He provided every means necessary to have it done, so now it's just about being thankful. I am thankful I'm through it. I'm thankful for my life, that I get to be Mom to my girls....there is so much to be thankful for. So when I struggle with anxiety, these are the thoughts I have to Rene my thinking with, and dwelling on who Christ is. His goodness and kindness to me to open my heart to Him. It's all about Him.
So.....
Day 5 I had my best sleep since the procedure, and woke up feeling pretty good, pain in the lipo sites having gone from around an 8 to about 6. I can now get out of bed myself, go to the bathroom myself, and get dressed myself. Even shower myself, though I need my husband to help out bandages on the holes I can't see. I've needed quite a bit of help from my husband. My mom is also here helping with our 3 daughters, doing EVERYTHING. It's safe to say that we had no idea how extensive this surgery actually was, since I was told it's "minimally invasive," and that there was "really no down time." The ER doctor told me that it's actually not minimally invasive, because they are taking tissues out of your body, and your body doesn't like that. It goes into shock. Maybe not for everyone, but for me. Yes. My body has not enjoyed any part of this.
This surgery has been way harder on my body and our lives than we had anticipated. My mom is in her 60's, and the poor lady has had to be Mom to my little girls, cooking every meal, doing all of the dishes, cleaning up and even helping them do their home school work!!
Yesterday (Saturday - day 6), I got a better look at my bruising, which seemed very extensive and unnerving. I sent a photo to my doctor, and he reassured me that it's normal to have "Technicolor wonderland" bruising on the inner thighs and knees. He mentioned that the excessive tightness of my surgical garments in the first 72 hours could have made my bruising worse. I also have a few holes that are not healing up preferably. One looked infected, but doc says it's just irritated. I'm still showering with Hibicleanse and using bacitracin ointment and band-aids on my wounds... Using a clean towel and wash cloth every time and applying the antibacterial ointment with a clean q-tip each time. I've literally been going through boxes of Band-Aids...I have 16 holes altogether (not including the 3 entry points on each breast, but those healed up quickly).
They added the fat into my breasts in three areas, and those puncture areas closed up fast since they were needles, not cannulas. I've got a ton of lumpiness, especially in the "inner medial" and outer portions of each breast because of how thin the skin is there. Doc also said that's normal for those areas, but they should resolve. Iam really hoping I don't end up having lumps....but again, I've been told that they should subside over time with warm soaks and massage...
I LOVE, love, love my new breast shape. It's lovely, truly. I am so thankful for the work my doctor has done. My shape is completely different than before. The reason I wanted this procedure done was because I never fully developed. I have very little breast tissue and my breasts we're very narrow and slightly saggy. I'm only 32.
I'm not sure that everything has been worth it yet, especially figuring that I might still lose volume in my breasts, which would be okay as long as I maintain the current, pretty shape. But honestly, my new girls aren't huge, so losing volume would be sad... I'm hoping that the stubborn knee + inner thigh fat that they transferred, will keep well and find blood vessels to hook up to. I used my Noogleberry for 30 days before my procedure to make the most healthy environment for my breasts that I could. I guess we'll see.
Hubby is happy, happy, happy with them. Each day they soften up a little more. Still very tender, especially in the lumpy areas. I'm eating well, eating a high carb diet which I was instructed to do...but have gone back to my high veggie intake, as well. I normally eat a nice big, hearty salad for lunch every day... so I'm back to that, just adding things like boiled or roasted potatoes to them, along with lots of proteins and eating high carb snacks. They told me to maintain or even gain a little weight. In my humble opinion, feeding your body well after a surgery is going to help your body heal the best. Plus it helps with my digestion, so even if it takes a little extra time to make my meals, I don't mind and would rather eat well.
Day 6-7 (today is day 7) I've gone to the bathroom normally, thank the Lord!! I am up about 6 lbs right now, I'm guessing from swelling and some of that digestive trouble... But as my body gets back to normal and I heal, I'm sure I'll go back down to around 126, which is where I started. Maybe, maybes not.
Another thing: my inner knees are disgustingly numb right now. Bruised and numb. They feel super stuff and tight...and I am REALLY hoping I gain nerve sensation quickly, because I can't imagine living like this for very long. Doc says it could take weeks to months to regain, but "always resolves." I am taking my Plexus Nerve for the discomfort, hoping that helps!
Not sure what else right now... But I wanted to make sure that anyone reading this has a full view of what can happen!! I'm still resting a ton, walking when I can, eating small and regular meals. I'm drinking loads of water and taking great supplements, which should help everything.
Hope this helps.
Replies (8)
September 24, 2018
Wow, sounds like you went through a lot! I've had lipo, and had twilight sleep. I've had that for other surgeries too. But I had absolutely no awareness or feeling. They should have stopped and addressed your pain. Upped the pain killers! I can't imagine being conscious while they did that!
I don't really remember any numbness after. Some bruising, but I was back to work in 3 days. The scars where the rod went in took years to go away. I had my thighs, flanks, stomach done. Maybe get another opinion just to be sure.
You look great! I hope you're feeling better soon.
I don't really remember any numbness after. Some bruising, but I was back to work in 3 days. The scars where the rod went in took years to go away. I had my thighs, flanks, stomach done. Maybe get another opinion just to be sure.
You look great! I hope you're feeling better soon.
September 25, 2018
I feel your pain! I did breast fat transfer too but it was the liposuction areas that hurt the most. The breasts never really hurt, maybe a twinge here and there. The compression garment is like torture. I've tried to buy so many different ones with no success in minimizing the discomfort of wearing it! Ugh. Know you are not alone in this journey. I'm only two weeks post....
September 26, 2018
Yeah, breasts haven't hurt much, just tender. Lipo sites are still super sore! Especially the areas that bruised a bunch! I've been really happy in my spanx though and I wear my knee wraps to help with swelling and discomfort. They are still totally numb...!
September 27, 2018
Found Spanx that fit well...ahhh. We are about the same amount of time post-op. My lower back and back hip areas are also numb. It will just take time. Most of my deep bruising is resolving. Each day shows more healing. Hang in there. Thank you for sharing.
UPDATED FROM BAhappy
12 days post
Starting to feel like myself...
For me, recovery has been slow. They said you could get back to work after two days, and that there is no down time. Hah!
I am on day 12 of my recovery, and *just beginning to feel somewhat normal again. I did errands the other day (without my knee braces for support) and after two hours, I felt like things we're not going well... My legs started hurting, my circulation felt weird, I got a little light headed. If you're like me, take snacks and water everywhere with you to avoid that...and wear your support!!
Otherwise, I am beginning to be able to do stuff around the house, like make meals for my family and clean up, do laundry...etc. I still take many breaks throughout the day to elevate my feet.
My breasts are looking wonderful. They have gotten much, much softer save for some lumps that I am still Workin on. I try to massage in the shower, or at least once through the day. Last night I did a tiny Noogleberry session, literally like 2 minutes just to see if I could get some blood flow to the area... obviously I want to make sure keep these boobies! I am hoping the increase in blood will also helps with lumpiness.
Yesterday was the first day that I felt less swollen. I actually and up taking my kids to Target (this time with my knee braces on in public, because who really cares), and getting some Fab new clothes (gift card)... I am already fitting pants differently... There isn't as much saddlebag when I try clothes on, so I tried on some pretty tapered slacks, and wow... A whole new experience!
My inner knees are starting to itch all crazy, which j have been advised is a good sign...and that I can take an antihistamine for the itching, if I take benedryl j need to stay home since it is the drowsy kind. Every night I have been taking an Epsom salt foot bath, and I really think that must have been what finally kicked my body into recovery mode. I am pumping myself with good sodium and magnesium with the Epsom salt, and my bruising is starting to fade (slightly...we've got a long road ahead with that). But everything is healing. My irritated groin opening has finally begun to dry up and overall, I am doing well.
I am drinking tons of water and eating more calories than I normally would, which is actually pretty hard! I'm not a big eater anymore... But doc said it would be in my boobies benefit to be given the best environment for living cells, if I am not detracting calories. We want my body seeing a slight increase so that my body registers and keeps the fat.
Some days I think about this, now almost 2 weeks recovery and I see the change in my breast shape, and my thighs... And I think maybe it was worth it. I'll probably never do this again, but for now - I am so, so thankful for my outcome and I am Hopi g for the best!
I am on day 12 of my recovery, and *just beginning to feel somewhat normal again. I did errands the other day (without my knee braces for support) and after two hours, I felt like things we're not going well... My legs started hurting, my circulation felt weird, I got a little light headed. If you're like me, take snacks and water everywhere with you to avoid that...and wear your support!!
Otherwise, I am beginning to be able to do stuff around the house, like make meals for my family and clean up, do laundry...etc. I still take many breaks throughout the day to elevate my feet.
My breasts are looking wonderful. They have gotten much, much softer save for some lumps that I am still Workin on. I try to massage in the shower, or at least once through the day. Last night I did a tiny Noogleberry session, literally like 2 minutes just to see if I could get some blood flow to the area... obviously I want to make sure keep these boobies! I am hoping the increase in blood will also helps with lumpiness.
Yesterday was the first day that I felt less swollen. I actually and up taking my kids to Target (this time with my knee braces on in public, because who really cares), and getting some Fab new clothes (gift card)... I am already fitting pants differently... There isn't as much saddlebag when I try clothes on, so I tried on some pretty tapered slacks, and wow... A whole new experience!
My inner knees are starting to itch all crazy, which j have been advised is a good sign...and that I can take an antihistamine for the itching, if I take benedryl j need to stay home since it is the drowsy kind. Every night I have been taking an Epsom salt foot bath, and I really think that must have been what finally kicked my body into recovery mode. I am pumping myself with good sodium and magnesium with the Epsom salt, and my bruising is starting to fade (slightly...we've got a long road ahead with that). But everything is healing. My irritated groin opening has finally begun to dry up and overall, I am doing well.
I am drinking tons of water and eating more calories than I normally would, which is actually pretty hard! I'm not a big eater anymore... But doc said it would be in my boobies benefit to be given the best environment for living cells, if I am not detracting calories. We want my body seeing a slight increase so that my body registers and keeps the fat.
Some days I think about this, now almost 2 weeks recovery and I see the change in my breast shape, and my thighs... And I think maybe it was worth it. I'll probably never do this again, but for now - I am so, so thankful for my outcome and I am Hopi g for the best!
Replies (0)