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

What a difference a week makes! It's been 2 weeks since my surgery and I feel great! I can move freely and have gotten compliments on how good I look. I'm very pleased with the symmetry of my areolas--- this was a HUGE concern for me going in. The bruising is completely gone except for my right hip.
My MD said that he removed 250ml of fat from each area--- pretty conservative in my opinion. I had hoped for a more noticeable difference in my back. I voiced this concern during my follow-up visit and he said that I have fibrous tissue present and that was a good indication that more swelling had to resolve. He showed me these areas-- which were firm and very tender to touch. The fact that I could still expect some reduction in swelling and inflammation made me feel somewhat better. The scars underneath each breast are healing nicely. I've been showering with Hibiclens and applying bacitracin ointment daily ever since day 2 and I know this has helped me heal nicely.
Last night I purchased some silicone strips and applied them to my breasts in an effort to further minimize any excessive discoloration to the scars; we'll see how it goes. The manufacturer says to expect results in 8-12 weeks.
My next and final follow-up is inn 2 months, by which time I hope to see a noticeable improvement in my back/flanks.

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?

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.