Fat Transfer to Breasts - 2nd Attempt

So last year, I had a fat transfer done by a doctor local to my area. Although I had read up on the many positive reviews for Dr. Bednar, I thought the local doctor could provide similar results and then I wouldn't have to travel all the way to North Carolina. Well, that was not the case as most of the fat that was transferred was reabsorbed. I was so disappointed and regretful of the wasted money, time and pain/recovery of surgery - all down the drain. I felt like I was so close to getting the boobs that I've always wanted. So I flew down to North Carolina for a consult with Dr. B and soon after scheduled the surgery date. This is going to be my second and last shot. I have found that Dr. Bednar and his team are everything all the other reviewers have claimed - knowledgeable, thorough, professional, kind, confident, etc. They work together like a well-oiled machine. I'm using CareCredit (no interest if I pay it off within 12 months) to finance this surgery.

I flew in for my pre-op appointment last Thursday afternoon. Sylvia was kind enough to arrange a car service to pick me up from the airport - very thoughtful! My cousin joined me later that evening otherwise I'd have to pay for an overnight nurse. We stayed at the Hampton Inn that Sylvia recommended. It was a more upscale hotel than what I would normally go for but it was a great place to recuperate. For me, the best part was that Whole Foods was walking distance from the hotel which I depended on for daily sustenance. Another great thing about the hotel is that they have a free shuttle that will take you places within 5 miles of the hotel, including Dr.B's office. Friday morning I showed up at 7am where I was prepped for surgery. Basically, you can read up on all the details in all the multiple reviews for Dr. B. I must say, Kendall (nurse) did an excellent stick to get the IV needle into my arm. Succeeded on the first attempt, barely hurt, no bruise afterwards - I'm a tiny person with a tiny arm so.........amazing! So I made it back to the hotel with my dear cousin. I don't remember too much - everything was kinda fuzzy.

Compared to my previous procedure, recovery has been easier this time around, largely due to the fact that my abdomen area was not lipoed so there was less pain as it was easier to get up and in and out of bed. Which I did a lot of - hydrating & peeing - constantly for the for the first few days. Dr. B. took fat from my flanks and thighs and transferred 530 cc's to each breast, which is still blowing my mind, since I was worried I didn't have enough fat. What can I say, the man is good at what he does. They don't call him the fat-finder for nothing! Similar to last year, I became nauseated once in the afternoon but only threw up bile since I hadn't eaten anything since the day before (midnight). My appetite took a little while to come back but it came back quicker than the previous time. Similar to last year, I didn't take any prescription pain killers, just Tylenol to get by.

Today I flew home, avoided looking at the sun as I was in the air during the solar eclipse, took a shower and I'm now relaxing back at my house, thinking optimistic thoughts, and hoping & praying for good fat retention.

Height: 5'
Weight: 108 lb.
Bra size: 32AA (and that's padded!)

Swelling is subsiding and as a result, my boobs are shrinking! That was to be expected but I'm still sad. The left one is noticeably bigger than the right. Recovery has been going well, easier than expected. Pain is minimal and I'm not terribly concerned about the bruising. My main concern is not retaining the fat so I'm hanging around the house a lot and taking it easy even though I'm feeling up to doing a lot more. Boring, yes, but I've got to do everything in my power to keep as much fat as possible! Eating lots of protein. My second biggest concern is the scarring. My incision sites are not pretty.

There hasn't been much change since last week's update. Boobs have more or less held steady in size and have gotten softer. Bruising has improved but still visible. Parts of upper thighs & flanks are still numb. Swelling has further decreased. It's gotten to the point where the compression garment isn't all that uncomfortable. If anything, the sutures on my backside annoy me more than anything as they catch on the garment. I've been checking incision sites to see when I may be able to attempt to remove the sutures. For anyone in the know, how can I tell when it's time? What should I be looking for? They've already started to dry up & scab over a bit.

I've been avoiding exercise or doing anything to exert myself but I return to work next week. The weather has gotten cooler here so that's perfect timing. Happy Labor Day everyone (in the U.S.)!