Saying Goodbye to Droopy Boobs and Bra Rolls! - Birmingham, AL

I've been in contact with Dr. Hedden's office since October of last year. Besides a few mix-ups with receiving the incorrect quote from the out-of-town coordinator, the pre-operative process was very organized and I was well-informed. So far, the doctor and staff have been friendly and helpful. I have no doubt the experience tomorrow morning will be just as satisfactory.

I had surgery yesterday and all went well. My arrival time was 10 am. I was taken back to pre-op (had v/s taken, reviewed allergies and H&P and IV was started by the anesthetist). Things were at a lull for about an hour or so-- I think they were running behind. The surgeon and staff were very pleasant and apologetic for the wait. I went into the OR at around 2-something. When I was wheeled out after surgery it was dark, which startled me--as it was about 6:30 pm.

I was impressed with my pain control that night. My breasts didn't hurt at all. My lipo areas (axillae, upper back, flanks and hips were very sore but numb to touch). I vomited twice during the night but after a dose of phenergan, I was okay.

The bra I ordered did not provide adequate compression to the axillae so I purchased some ACE bandage and used this to wrap the area-- works like a charm! The abdominal binder is not very comfortable and rides up underneath my breasts at times. There's a little pocket on my R hip that seems loose and "puckers", so I've been wearing Spanx underneath the binder to compress this area.

Tonight, I felt a little warm and my throat started hurting for some reason-- it almost felt akin to being "under the weather". I also noticed that if I sit for longer than 2-3 hours at a time, I get REALLY stiff-- so I walk up and down the stairs in my home about every 3 hours. I've been averaging 4 pain pills/day-- not bad. The bruising is more prominent today and the numbness has worn off= more pain.

I'm pleased with what I see so far. I expect the swelling to improve over time (lipo) and can't wait to see how the boobs will look after "settling". I wish I could see more of a difference in the bra roll area.

What a difference a week makes! Today is the second day I've not taken anything stronger than Tylenol for pain. I was beginning to get worried about that since many other patients had posted that they'd been off pain meds around Day 3 or less-- but then again, I'm 46 years old and a tad overweight... so there's my excuse!
Yesterday I felt well enough to drive to the grocery store. I was competent, but could tell that I was not quite up to my usual self. I took things very slow and was noticeably slower in my response times. After an hour of walking in the store, I broke out in a sweat and became weak. I returned home and removed my abdominal binder to shower and noticed bright red blood on the lower corner! I was not actively bleeding, but saw that the constant friction from walking had irritated one of the lipo sites pretty badly.
I really feel good today and have no trouble lifting my arms completely above my head (as I did before). The bruising is fading on my hips, back, and breasts although some numbness remains to the hips.
NEW SYMPTOMS: When I bend forward, I get a really fast, warm, shooting sensation in the right breast at the nipple (MD has been made aware). This has been for the last 3 days. When it first happened, I thought something was gushing out of me. My surgery packet says that "shooting" pains can be normal, so I'm just keeping an eye on it.
NEW CONCERNS: My abdominal binder (from the doctor) isn't very comfortable and is cumbersome (3 panels). It also leaves a small band of my back uncovered beneath my bra strap so I ordered another compression garment... will post pics later. In addition, I ordered another bra to compress the area of liposuction to both axillae a little better. I spent a lot of money and want to protect my investment :)
My follow-up appointment is next week and I'm interested to get the following info: How many ml of fat did he extract w/ lipo and to what degree should I expect my breasts to "settle" or drop into their permanent position?