495cc submuscular augmentation with lift after 80lb Weight Loss, Breastfed 2.5 Years. 5'6" 150lb

About four years ago, I was 215lbs. I discovered CrossFit and began excersizing and eating well. I lost 80lbs (most of which I lost in around 6 months), gained muscle, and toned my body. However, my breasts had completely deflated as a result of this drastic weight loss within such a short frame of time combined with the swelling and shrinking which occurred with breastfeeding over the course of two years. My self confidence was very low when I tried on shirts, bras, or often when I looked at myself naked. There were stretch marks but no volume. I had wrinkles when I bent over or laid down and in certain bras, especially when I lifted my arms. About a year ago, I consulted with Dr. Deal. At the time, my confidence was so low that I determined I should not schedule the procedure. Just short of a year later, I was feeling much better about myself, my body, and mentally, I was in a good place. I felt that this was the time to go ahead, because I was certain I wasn't doing it to punish myself--I was ready to do it in order to reward myself for my hard work and discipline and change this thing that reminded me so much of the fact that I had let myself go. Dr. Deal and his staff were fantastically compassionate and understanding. They were patient with all of my questions, listened to my story, and discussed with me my options and suggested the best course of action. His approach to the procedure and aftercare seem, to me, to make so much sense and facilitate the best possible aesthetic outcome. At the moment, I am only a few hours post-op, so I will certainly post some updates doing my best to describe the recovery process and experience.

These photos are actually from the day of surgery--before and after.
Going in to surgery, I was less nervous than I had anticipated. My boyfriend was with me to hold my hand and make me laugh, and my nurse was very friendly, talked with me, and explained everything she was doing to help put my mind at ease. Dr. Deal came in to answer any last minute questions I had, reviewed the procedure that we had planned, and took me to another room to take my photos and mark my chest area to ensure things would be symmetrical. The anesthesiologist spoke with me, asked if I had any questions, and explained that my vitals would be closely monitored so I wouldn't need to worry. From there I was walked into the operating room. I was surprised by how bright and open it was--there was an enormous window overlooking the city which brought in a huge amount of cheerful, natural light. I think this helped distract me from the fact of what it was. I was laid down and carefully positioned before the anesthesiologist put something in my IV--"to take the edge off", but I can't remember what she called it. I do remember that this sent a chill through my arms and chest and made me cough involuntarily--a strange, cold feeling in my throat. The coughing stopped after a few seconds, and then she placed a mask over my face, saying something along the lines of "think of your happy place, the beach, or the mountains, or..." and the next thing I remember is waking up in the post-op room, wearing my surgical bra, all sewn up and padded. My nurse was there, asking how I felt. I don't remember much of our conversation, but she did put some pain relieving medication into my IV when I told her I was hurting. I don't remember this pain, specifically, much. She had me drink water through a straw, and I asked her how the surgery had gone and how long it had taken. She said that everything went very well, and the procedure had taken just around two hours. My surgeon came in to tell me that everything looked great and went well, and asked if I had any questions. I don't remember asking anything. The nurse gave my boyfriend some instructions and suggestions for post operative care, and she helped me to get dressed. She took me out to the car in a wheelchair, and they helped me into the car, carefully placing the lap band over me and the shoulder strap behind me. I don't remember the ride to our Airbnb being that painful. Once we got there, I drank plenty of water (needed bendy straws), ate fruit and a protein bar with no issue. My boyfriend helped with this of course. I could bring the food to my face if I used a fork, but reaching toward my mouth was painful. We sat and snacked and talked, and I felt relatively fine. There was significant pressure in my chest. I remember feeling some slight nausea later on that evening, so I took what they had prescribed me for nausea--ciprofloxacin. I ate a kale salad, no dressing. My appetite wasn't huge, but I did eat some chocolate and fruit, too. I suppose I grazed, and my stomach felt fine. No bowel movements yet. But I did urinate that night, twice, and haven't had any issues with that as I am doing my best to stay hydrated. It's important that you use only your legs when standing up and sitting down. Bending over is difficult. The pain worsened that night, and I woke up crying. I took two valium around 2AM, and waking up again around 7AM, I felt mostly fine, no real pain, just discomfort. I needed to sort of "scoot" in and out of bed, using my legs, and my boyfriend helped to stabilize me. I slept propped up with a bunch of pillows, including one of those which has the arms. I needed more support for my neck, so we added more pillows--one of those u-shaped neck pillows might have been helpful, but I forgot to get one beforehand.

Had my post-op appointment today. The doctor explained that everything looked the way it should--better, in fact, than expected, as they are relatively round at the bottom rather than boxy. I am pleased with how they look considering that I'm only one day post op! My surgeon explained that the shorter scar in the crease beneath the breast helps pull the skin into a more natural, round shape. I'm looking forward to seeing how they settle. My pain is pretty severe today. This morning it wasn't excruciating, but as the day has gone on, it's continued to get worse despite my taking all meds as prescribed. I have spaced the Percocet out as much as possible and taking two valium every four hours or so. This evening I experienced what felt like muscle spasms and noticed what look like a few spider veins on my breast. My doctor said that's normal and that they may or may not go away. So we will see how that goes. I haven't slept much during the day, a few minutes here and there. I don't feel as though I can come up with a cohesive description of today's experience. I felt pain in my sternum, though I suffered beforehand from costochondritis, which likely adds to the pain. I'm hoping tomorrow will be more comfortable. I feel stinging and burning pain, mostly, and especially near my incisions. The pressure on my chest definitely hurts.
As for medications, my doctor prescribed an anticoagulant when I explained that I had a relative who died of a blood clot. I'm sure this was just an extra safety measure. This prescription was most expensive, around $120. It's called Eliquis. The others I'm taking are generic Percocet, valium, ciprofloxacin, and ondanestron for nausea. I am taking colace, as recommended by my doctor, as well as a probiotic, bromelain, and arnica. Hopefully I'll have a better composed description for you tomorrow. And less pain!