POSTED UNDER Breast Fat Transfer Reviews
Fat Transfer for Asian by Dr.Bednar - Charlotte, NC
UPDATED FROM love2swimoceans
1 month post
Comparison Photo
$11,600
--> Attached is photo comparing Day 4 vs Week 2 Post-Op vs Week 5 Post-Op
love2swimoceans's provider
UPDATED FROM love2swimoceans
1 month post
-- 5 Week Post-Op Review --
Day 35 POST-OP (Fri 12/23)
--> Attaching Day 35 Post-Op photos
- ABDOMEN / FLANKS -
Abdomen has full sensation, but has been lumpy. Lumpiness has improved since massaging firmly w my hands w oil. I have also been using a 4-inch paint roller from Home Depot dipped in my oil mixture. (Pic attached) Now abdomen has only very mild swelling which I'm not worried about. I'm mainly concerned about when I will see results of a narrower waist from the lipo.
I just started to get lymphatic drainage massage & body contouring treatment/massages. It seems to be helpful. I will post the details of that experience in a separate review.
Flanks are still numb & seem swollen. My body contour looks uneven (from my lower waist to my hips, there is an indentation on both sides so it is not a smooth contour & has a look like love handles). This is concerning to me & will be monitoring it as my recovery weeks go by.
- ARMS -
At week 3, I couldn't handle the chafing anymore, so I have been wearing an Arm Sleeve made by SlimMe MeMoi ~23 hours/day. It doesn't provide much compression for me, but it's at least something.
At week 5, I started to try wearing the original white Design Veronique compression sleeve again (the one that I was wearing immediately post-surgery), and I'm not getting chafed as badly as before for now. So I am wearing it at night-time & my black SlimMe Arm Sleeve during the day. Still wearing arm sleeves ~20-23 hours/day.
Still have numbness, lumps/fibrosis, and tenderness to firm touch. Don't notice any difference in arms yet, but it seems mainly due to the lumpiness. No improvements despite massaging. Will be monitoring this.
- BOOBS -
I am still sleeping propped up/sitting on the couch or in my butterfly chair w a neck pillow. Although I think it might be fine to sleep on my back, I want to avoid any risk of turning onto my side in my sleep.
Nipple sensitivity is back to normal. Sides of boobs are still numb in some areas, but it seems like sensation is coming back slowly, so I'm not worried.
Beware : HUGS!!! People know I'm big on hugs...but when someone hugs me a little too tightly, it does not feel good at all!! Boobs are still sensitive to pressure & the sensation of pressure on them is not pleasant & also causes worry that boobage fat will be destroyed.
- THIGHS -
I have not had much complication w my thighs from the lipo & haven't been worried about them. Some soreness, but minimal bruising or lumps. They are noticeably more slender, but I am disappointed that the inner thigh area (right below the crotch) doesn't seem to have had lipo done, and I had specifically requested that area so that my thighs don't chafe from my long-distance runs. =/
At week 4/5, I was finally able to sit on a toilet seat & not feel sore.
- COMPRESSION GARMENT -
At week 4, I started wearing Fajas MariaE High Compression Garment Model #9182 w an abdominal board. I wear that compression garment in the evening & sleep-time because the crotchless area is not as big of an opening as the Design Veronique. Even though the Design Veronique has become looser on me, I still wear it during the day because I like the feeling of wearing some compression garment constantly now, plus it keeps me warm during the winter temperatures. (Honestly, I don't think I could wear this as often if I had this surgery in the summertime).
At week 5, I am still wearing either the Design Veronique or the Fajas compression garment for a total of ~23 hours/day.
- ACTIVITY LEVEL -
Still no real exercise. I am walking casually around town for errands.
- DIET -
Still juicing for my breakfast/lunch every day along w fresh fruits as snacks.
Main current weekly juicing recipes:
(1) Orange juice from Navel Oranges (Vitamin C aids in the production of collagen, which aids in wound healing)
(2) Romaine lettuce + Celery + Cucumber + Ginger
(3) Carrots + Beets + Garlic
Dinners : Steamed or stir-fried veggies. Rice OR Potatoes OR Corn tortillas. Fish or beef included 2-4x week.
Supplements : Chlorella/Spirulina 3g. Aloe Vera. Fish oil. Scar creme.
Note: I've noticed I've become very sensitive to salt & sugar -- causes immediate bloating.
-----------------
Sorry for not updating sooner, but I will keep updating tho I may be late in doing so. Also, feel free to send PMs or comment; I do try to get back to everyone as soon as possible.
--> Attaching Day 35 Post-Op photos
- ABDOMEN / FLANKS -
Abdomen has full sensation, but has been lumpy. Lumpiness has improved since massaging firmly w my hands w oil. I have also been using a 4-inch paint roller from Home Depot dipped in my oil mixture. (Pic attached) Now abdomen has only very mild swelling which I'm not worried about. I'm mainly concerned about when I will see results of a narrower waist from the lipo.
I just started to get lymphatic drainage massage & body contouring treatment/massages. It seems to be helpful. I will post the details of that experience in a separate review.
Flanks are still numb & seem swollen. My body contour looks uneven (from my lower waist to my hips, there is an indentation on both sides so it is not a smooth contour & has a look like love handles). This is concerning to me & will be monitoring it as my recovery weeks go by.
- ARMS -
At week 3, I couldn't handle the chafing anymore, so I have been wearing an Arm Sleeve made by SlimMe MeMoi ~23 hours/day. It doesn't provide much compression for me, but it's at least something.
At week 5, I started to try wearing the original white Design Veronique compression sleeve again (the one that I was wearing immediately post-surgery), and I'm not getting chafed as badly as before for now. So I am wearing it at night-time & my black SlimMe Arm Sleeve during the day. Still wearing arm sleeves ~20-23 hours/day.
Still have numbness, lumps/fibrosis, and tenderness to firm touch. Don't notice any difference in arms yet, but it seems mainly due to the lumpiness. No improvements despite massaging. Will be monitoring this.
- BOOBS -
I am still sleeping propped up/sitting on the couch or in my butterfly chair w a neck pillow. Although I think it might be fine to sleep on my back, I want to avoid any risk of turning onto my side in my sleep.
Nipple sensitivity is back to normal. Sides of boobs are still numb in some areas, but it seems like sensation is coming back slowly, so I'm not worried.
Beware : HUGS!!! People know I'm big on hugs...but when someone hugs me a little too tightly, it does not feel good at all!! Boobs are still sensitive to pressure & the sensation of pressure on them is not pleasant & also causes worry that boobage fat will be destroyed.
- THIGHS -
I have not had much complication w my thighs from the lipo & haven't been worried about them. Some soreness, but minimal bruising or lumps. They are noticeably more slender, but I am disappointed that the inner thigh area (right below the crotch) doesn't seem to have had lipo done, and I had specifically requested that area so that my thighs don't chafe from my long-distance runs. =/
At week 4/5, I was finally able to sit on a toilet seat & not feel sore.
- COMPRESSION GARMENT -
At week 4, I started wearing Fajas MariaE High Compression Garment Model #9182 w an abdominal board. I wear that compression garment in the evening & sleep-time because the crotchless area is not as big of an opening as the Design Veronique. Even though the Design Veronique has become looser on me, I still wear it during the day because I like the feeling of wearing some compression garment constantly now, plus it keeps me warm during the winter temperatures. (Honestly, I don't think I could wear this as often if I had this surgery in the summertime).
At week 5, I am still wearing either the Design Veronique or the Fajas compression garment for a total of ~23 hours/day.
- ACTIVITY LEVEL -
Still no real exercise. I am walking casually around town for errands.
- DIET -
Still juicing for my breakfast/lunch every day along w fresh fruits as snacks.
Main current weekly juicing recipes:
(1) Orange juice from Navel Oranges (Vitamin C aids in the production of collagen, which aids in wound healing)
(2) Romaine lettuce + Celery + Cucumber + Ginger
(3) Carrots + Beets + Garlic
Dinners : Steamed or stir-fried veggies. Rice OR Potatoes OR Corn tortillas. Fish or beef included 2-4x week.
Supplements : Chlorella/Spirulina 3g. Aloe Vera. Fish oil. Scar creme.
Note: I've noticed I've become very sensitive to salt & sugar -- causes immediate bloating.
-----------------
Sorry for not updating sooner, but I will keep updating tho I may be late in doing so. Also, feel free to send PMs or comment; I do try to get back to everyone as soon as possible.
Replies (4)
D
January 1, 2017
That's a good point about hugs! I don't want people knowing about my surgery, so I'm going to have to prepare a good reason to not hug people... Your breast shape looks fantastic! I'm sorry to hear that you didn't lose as much fat in the inner thighs even though you requested it. Did you bring this up to Dr. Bednar?
N
January 2, 2017
I still give people hugs lol. I don't get what's bad about them?? As long as it's not prolonged hard pressure on them it's fine
D
January 5, 2017
I was talking about strong bear hugs. Sounds like they'd hurt! And maybe kill fat cells?
P
June 11, 2017
Any updates?? It's been 6 months for you now, right? How are the lipo sites healing and did you retain a lot of your breast fat? I'm considering getting the same sites lipo like you and putting the fat in my breasts as well. Hope to see new photos or a written update! Hope everything is well!
M
H
January 30, 2019
Is this your normal diet or do you feel eating this way is helpful to your recovery?
UPDATED FROM love2swimoceans
21 days post
-- 2 Week Post-Op Review --
DAY 14 POST-OP (Fri 12/02)
- ABDOMEN/FLANKS -
Very LUMPY "lovely lady lumps" on lower part of abdomen right below belly button & sides & flanks. Been massaging firmly.
- ARMS -
Still numb & lumpy. Shape looks uneven currently, but likely due to lumps & several weeks/months left to see final result.
Underarms are so chafed that I only wear the arm garment when I go out, and I wrap my arms w ACE bandage wrap at home & during sleep. When I unravel, my arms look deformed from the wrap. I wake up w swollen hands.
- BOOBS -
Feeling better w the seat belt, especially w wearing a new bra w soft cups (similar to the one from Dr. Bednar's office. I'll post a pic or link of it in a separate post), but the pressure from it is still uncomfortable so I hold it off my chest while driving. The soft cups in the bra help w the nipple hypersensitivity.
Boobs have some natural bounce to them now, but I and my friends can tell size has gone down along w the swelling.
Although friends say they look much bigger than before surgery, I still don't feel that they are really much bigger, but maybe it's because I expected a much bigger change (like an achy back from the extra weight or not being able to see my toes when I look down), but nothing feels different at all. It makes me think, "Really?? What's the big deal w big boobs?"
- SORENESS/BRUISING -
Still have to sit gingerly on any hard seat like the toilet seat & using pillow on chair.
- COMPRESSION GARMENTS -
I wear the full body girdle + high-waist brief underneath it & arm compression sleeves (or wraps) for 23 of the 24 hours of my day. I really haven't felt any swelling for several days though, but I want optimal results from the lipo & want the lumps gone!!
- ACTIVITY LEVEL -
Still taking it super easy, but looking to do some light Tai Chi or walking on urban trails. I have been staying in these past 2 weeks, taking it easy and trying to stay as low-stress as possible. I've been juicing and cooking for myself everyday instead of going out for quick meals like I normally would be.
My period skipped this past month. I highly recommend making sure to schedule your procedure after your period. You don't want to be messing w pads & tampons while you're already aching & sore from the procedure!!
- SLEEP -
Been sleeping sitting up since the surgery. The end of a couch is perfect except that I kept waking up w my right hand swollen like Mickey Mouse because I'd keep my L arm elevated on the back portion of the couch. I've angled myself to be nudged in the corner of the couch so I can elevate both arms on the couch.
- DIET -
Breakfast: Piña.
Juiced: PM/PM: Romaine, Kale, Cucumber, Turmeric, Grapefruit (yuck)
Snacks: Popcorn + Taro root chips (the salt made me bloat up noticeably & uncomfortably all night and caused some major GI issues. Update: my period started the next day, so not sure if this was a food/salt-related bloating or a period-related bloating.)
Supplements: Spir/Chlr/AloeVera. Scar Creme. Fish oil.
Dinner: Rice & Sesame oil & Eggs & Avocado. (I was very gassy all day -- maybe the grapefruit? I think I'll avoid that from here on out)
- ABDOMEN/FLANKS -
Very LUMPY "lovely lady lumps" on lower part of abdomen right below belly button & sides & flanks. Been massaging firmly.
- ARMS -
Still numb & lumpy. Shape looks uneven currently, but likely due to lumps & several weeks/months left to see final result.
Underarms are so chafed that I only wear the arm garment when I go out, and I wrap my arms w ACE bandage wrap at home & during sleep. When I unravel, my arms look deformed from the wrap. I wake up w swollen hands.
- BOOBS -
Feeling better w the seat belt, especially w wearing a new bra w soft cups (similar to the one from Dr. Bednar's office. I'll post a pic or link of it in a separate post), but the pressure from it is still uncomfortable so I hold it off my chest while driving. The soft cups in the bra help w the nipple hypersensitivity.
Boobs have some natural bounce to them now, but I and my friends can tell size has gone down along w the swelling.
Although friends say they look much bigger than before surgery, I still don't feel that they are really much bigger, but maybe it's because I expected a much bigger change (like an achy back from the extra weight or not being able to see my toes when I look down), but nothing feels different at all. It makes me think, "Really?? What's the big deal w big boobs?"
- SORENESS/BRUISING -
Still have to sit gingerly on any hard seat like the toilet seat & using pillow on chair.
- COMPRESSION GARMENTS -
I wear the full body girdle + high-waist brief underneath it & arm compression sleeves (or wraps) for 23 of the 24 hours of my day. I really haven't felt any swelling for several days though, but I want optimal results from the lipo & want the lumps gone!!
- ACTIVITY LEVEL -
Still taking it super easy, but looking to do some light Tai Chi or walking on urban trails. I have been staying in these past 2 weeks, taking it easy and trying to stay as low-stress as possible. I've been juicing and cooking for myself everyday instead of going out for quick meals like I normally would be.
My period skipped this past month. I highly recommend making sure to schedule your procedure after your period. You don't want to be messing w pads & tampons while you're already aching & sore from the procedure!!
- SLEEP -
Been sleeping sitting up since the surgery. The end of a couch is perfect except that I kept waking up w my right hand swollen like Mickey Mouse because I'd keep my L arm elevated on the back portion of the couch. I've angled myself to be nudged in the corner of the couch so I can elevate both arms on the couch.
- DIET -
Breakfast: Piña.
Juiced: PM/PM: Romaine, Kale, Cucumber, Turmeric, Grapefruit (yuck)
Snacks: Popcorn + Taro root chips (the salt made me bloat up noticeably & uncomfortably all night and caused some major GI issues. Update: my period started the next day, so not sure if this was a food/salt-related bloating or a period-related bloating.)
Supplements: Spir/Chlr/AloeVera. Scar Creme. Fish oil.
Dinner: Rice & Sesame oil & Eggs & Avocado. (I was very gassy all day -- maybe the grapefruit? I think I'll avoid that from here on out)
Replies (5)
B
December 9, 2016
I think you look much fuller in the breasts! Maybe once your bloating subsides you'll feel that upper fullness. Love your detailed updates. What are you eating for lunch though? ;)
L
December 9, 2016
Hah! Pretty much just juicing for breakfast & lunch & fresh fruit. I tend to just like having a large, hot dinner meal.
And thank you! Yeah I look forward to when the lumps & bloating go away so that my mind is less occupied on that so that I can enjoy my new body. =)
And thank you! Yeah I look forward to when the lumps & bloating go away so that my mind is less occupied on that so that I can enjoy my new body. =)
B
December 10, 2016
Wow, that's amazing...I eat a lot of protein at lunch and dinner but probably not enough fruit and veggies like you. I'll have to give juicing a try! ;) Thanks for the inspiration!
J
December 10, 2016
I love how descriptive you've been! ❤️ I'm loving your results and I'm super happy for you. Wishing for your speedy recovery and retention of the fat ❤️❤️. Thank you for sharing your journey with us!
L
K
December 12, 2016
I agree, thank you for the decriptive posts! It's definitely helped me put together this surgery and what i'll be doing for recovery also! Thank you again! I think you look great already and your scars are healing really nicely too - esp on your arms (which I want to get done!) :) wishing you a continued speedy recovery!
K
L
December 14, 2016
Thank you! I'm glad that I've been helpful & happy to help w anything else! I'm glad there's a platform like RealSelf that has popped up in the recent years!
N
December 10, 2016
You are looking great, and the change in size of your breast is major - based on your before pictures - they look beautiful, round and large. My procedure is next week, on the 15th. I am nervous, but reading your detailed and lively updates has been very helpful to me. How do you see your arms changing? Have you notice a difference yet? Also, I was reading about not to consume blood thinners 3 weeks after any surgery, isn't aloe vera a blood thinner? Just sharing what I read ; )
I have another question, were you pretty aware and awake at the time you left Dr. Bednar office the day of surgery? Or where you very groggy and disoriented?
I have another question, were you pretty aware and awake at the time you left Dr. Bednar office the day of surgery? Or where you very groggy and disoriented?
L
December 14, 2016
Ohh thank you! I've been wearing loose clothes & no one at all has been able to tell that I've gotten any surgery! =D (Yay for the subtle, natural effect) But I haven't tried on any sexy clothes or my old lingerie, and I'm looking forward to seeing the difference (several weeks from now)!
Arms -- I'm almost at Week 4 now & they don't look any different yet, and there is an unattractive bulge from lumpiness on one side. They are still numb yet tender at the same time. I can tell it's just the lymphatic swelling though (some of my lymph nodes are swollen including my inflamed tonsils that one of my dentist noticed). Considering I've been massaging myself for ~2 wks now w no improvement, I think I'm going to have to visit a lymphatic drainage massage therapist before these lumps turn into permanent scar tissue. I'm looking forward to seeing the change in my arms once the lymph fluid drains though!!
Arms -- I'm almost at Week 4 now & they don't look any different yet, and there is an unattractive bulge from lumpiness on one side. They are still numb yet tender at the same time. I can tell it's just the lymphatic swelling though (some of my lymph nodes are swollen including my inflamed tonsils that one of my dentist noticed). Considering I've been massaging myself for ~2 wks now w no improvement, I think I'm going to have to visit a lymphatic drainage massage therapist before these lumps turn into permanent scar tissue. I'm looking forward to seeing the change in my arms once the lymph fluid drains though!!
L
December 14, 2016
In re aloe vera: I have not been able to come across any articles referring to it as a blood thinner. Where is your source that claims it is a blood thinner? The only slightly relevant articles have mentioned hypotensive properties from the chemical constituents of aloe vera (exhibited in mice) & stimulant laxative effects on the intestinal lining due to the anthraquinones glycosides.
The most common herbal blood-thinning/blood-moving agents are garlic, gingko, ginger, and ginseng. Oh and also, I took into consideration that I was getting a good dose of Vitamin K (assists w coagulation of blood) and B12 (assists w preventing iron-deficient anemia) from the chlorella/spirulina powder I was taking daily, which it also was used to balance out the blood-thinning agents like garlic & ginger & fennel that I was juicing immediately after surgery.
The most common herbal blood-thinning/blood-moving agents are garlic, gingko, ginger, and ginseng. Oh and also, I took into consideration that I was getting a good dose of Vitamin K (assists w coagulation of blood) and B12 (assists w preventing iron-deficient anemia) from the chlorella/spirulina powder I was taking daily, which it also was used to balance out the blood-thinning agents like garlic & ginger & fennel that I was juicing immediately after surgery.
L
December 14, 2016
Day of surgery grogginess -- Yes, I wasn't fully conscious until the latter part of the evening after surgery. I didn't wake at all after the surgery at all so my friend had to carry/wheelchair me to the car from the office, then carry me into the condo. I was vomiting and was so nauseous that I was absolutely miserable. But RealSelf user nanana93 had gotten her procedure the day before mine, and she woke up right after surgery and was chatty & totally fine. It seems like most people wake up fine & aren't too groggy after surgery. My experience likely occurred because of my intolerance to opioid/painkiller medicines...I was hoping that the Promethazine would have offset the unpleasant side effects, but it made no difference. =(
Btw, I believe I wrote about it all in one of my posts above about my Day of Surgery & the days that followed.
Tomorrow!!! You must be in NC now...Wishing you the best!!!
Btw, I believe I wrote about it all in one of my posts above about my Day of Surgery & the days that followed.
Tomorrow!!! You must be in NC now...Wishing you the best!!!
N
December 12, 2016
Wow are your breast scars gone?? Ugh mine are dark still lol. I tried clipping the sutures but I'm scared to do it myself haha. There's still one in the one in the middle of my back and one on my right butt cheek :(
L
December 14, 2016
Wow! I'm surprised the sutures are still in you compared to my experience w them. They slid right out for me. Maybe a friend could just clip them for you? How many friends can say they've clipped sutures out of their friends?! =D
My breast scars are definitely visible & dark, and they don't look like they'll fade much more, but they are hidden by bras & bikinis anyway. I think the worst ones for me are the pair in the pubic region & the pair in the butt crease (neither are hidden by a bikini bottom). The middle lower back & my upper arm scars look like they won't be noticeable at all soon. How are your scars healing? What are you gonna use after you use up the Scar Esthetique Creme from Dr. Bednar's office?
My breast scars are definitely visible & dark, and they don't look like they'll fade much more, but they are hidden by bras & bikinis anyway. I think the worst ones for me are the pair in the pubic region & the pair in the butt crease (neither are hidden by a bikini bottom). The middle lower back & my upper arm scars look like they won't be noticeable at all soon. How are your scars healing? What are you gonna use after you use up the Scar Esthetique Creme from Dr. Bednar's office?
N
December 14, 2016
Haha I know. Well I pulled the middle back one out but I feel like there's still one in my right butt crease. Luckily my pubic ones are hidden but ugh yeah the butt crease ones are pretty visible. My breast scars are nice and soft already. But the pubic area and butt crease ones are dark :( I'll probably use mederma lol hbu? Are you still swollen and stiff? I am ugh
L
December 14, 2016
Whoa, you're still swollen? I didn't notice in your pics! (I'm not a good gauge of it anyways tho -___-;;)
I haven't felt swollen or stiff in quite a while! And altho I haven't felt swollen, I definitely feel/see the lumpiness (in abs, flanks, arms). I'm planning to do the lymphatic drainage massage that you recommended!
Boobs are still sensitive tho & I'm totally avoiding pressure on it, but recently Ive met up w some friends & they know I'm a big-time hugger...and it wasn't pleasant at all when they squeezed me even slightly. I'll have to tell them I got boob-punched recently or something...=D
I haven't felt swollen or stiff in quite a while! And altho I haven't felt swollen, I definitely feel/see the lumpiness (in abs, flanks, arms). I'm planning to do the lymphatic drainage massage that you recommended!
Boobs are still sensitive tho & I'm totally avoiding pressure on it, but recently Ive met up w some friends & they know I'm a big-time hugger...and it wasn't pleasant at all when they squeezed me even slightly. I'll have to tell them I got boob-punched recently or something...=D
D
December 23, 2016
How is the itchiness now? Did you ever figure out the reason? Thanks for being SO detailed! I'm loving all of this. It's been a big help in planning my surgery. Has the sensation/sensitivity in your breasts decreased at all?
L
December 23, 2016
The itchiness got better in Week 2, and I have a feeling it was partly due to the antibiotic I was taking (likely a filler in the generic perhaps). Also nerve re-attachment causes itchiness and I am certain that was also partly the reason for it as well. I recently took about 5 days of Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus) mushroom supplement & the exact same itchiness I experienced right after surgery came right back, and upon researching into the mushroom, it is shown to simulate Nerve Growth Factor (meaning it helps memory, but also increases nerve growth in areas such as the skin, causing itchiness along w it).
Sensation/sensitivity in my breasts -- nipples are no longer itchy, and same sensitivity as pre-surgery now. Sides of breast are still a bit numb, but I feel confident that sensation will come back in time in this area.
Sensation/sensitivity in my breasts -- nipples are no longer itchy, and same sensitivity as pre-surgery now. Sides of breast are still a bit numb, but I feel confident that sensation will come back in time in this area.
Replies (5)