50 Percent Reduction Surgery and Healing Support

I am not normally a worrier or nervous person, but last year was a stressful medical year for myself and many in my family. Then, to top it off, I was diagnosed with breast cancer 1/28/23 and told I needed an immediate lumpectomy on my left breast. Another scheduled surgery to reverse the emergency colostomy performed on me last year would have to wait. I was crestfallen and began on my new path. While looking for a plastic surgeon for my breast reconstruction I was so fortunate to have Dr. Qureshi recommended to me by the Hoag Breast Cancer Care Team. Having anyone cut you open is concerning, and I had never dreamed I would need a plastic surgeon. Dr Qureshi clearly explained my options and on 3/10 restructured my left breast and did a reduction on the right one to make them match. I am so happy with my results, and all who have seen plenty of breast surgeries agree it was a beautiful job. Going into the surgery process I was very anxious. The pre-surgery appointments were very professional and put me much more at ease. I was told I would end up with about a 50 percent reduction in the left breast size and I was asked about implants. I have never wanted to be larger than my B/C cups, and DD's which I was advised would be needed based on my rib cage bone structure were not an adjustment I wanted to deal with! I decided on reduction of the right to match the reduction on the left so the breasts would look more symmetrical. I have never been self-conscious of my appearance, I must admit I told Dr Qureshi that I did not care how my breasts looked, but now that I see the results of the fabulous job he did I am so happy! I am allergic to adhesives and latex and had no redness from bandages, drains or the free post-surgical bra. I am extremely lucky my cancer was caught so early, removed in the biopsy, and that the pathology showed no other cancer or involvement of the lymph nodes. So in my case there was no need for radiation treatments, which can also impact implants and healing. Nurse Amanda was helpful answering all questions and with getting prescriptions ordered to have on hand. I did not need any of the pain medication or muscle relaxers as the discomfort was not excessive and I would rather feel what hurts. I may have a high tolerance to pain, but it never really hurt, and was only sore for a few days. The drains were the most uncomfortable part of the process since I am a side sleeper, but was I able to sleep comfortably taking only Tylenol. One of the home health care folks who came afterwards was excited in saying that my beast surgery was one of the very best of the many hundreds she had seen. She commented on how great the incisions looked and how well I could expect them to heal. For anyone considering plastic surgery recommend you use Dr. Qureshi at South Coast Plastic Surgery! He was very sensitive to my initial nervousness and anxiety was very calming and really made sure I was comfortable and understood everything in advance. A month later I am starting Physical therapy for self confidence in massaging the scar tissue and doing range of motion exercises. Dr. Qureshi insists on follow-ups and I am happy with all the help getting back to my normal life. Thank you, Dr. Ali, Amanda, Jenna, and the entire team for making this part of my life a more pleasant and grateful experience than I ever imagined it would be!