Breast Lift with Implants, Removal of Axillary / Accessory Breast Tissue (Arm Boobs), Flank Lipo - Chicago, IL

I have been stalking Realself.com for the past few months before my procedure and couldn't find anything on removing the axillary breast tissue so I figured I'd share since it was part of my experience.

On February 12, 2014, I had a breast lift with 250CC implants, axillary breast tissue removed on both sides that included lipo and skin excision and also added flank lipo (I mean...why not, I was going under right)?

I developed at 12 years old with saggy breasts, I never had a shot. I was also born with the little puff between my arm and boob which I commonly refer to is kishky or arm boob - my 6 year old daughter is sporting the same puff which is so adorable young and becomes an eye sore later. My starting size before surgery was 5'4, 140 lbs and a 34dd. My breasts were extremely saggy and stretched out from genetics, breast feeding, losing and gaining weight and everything in between. In a bra, they overflowed the middle and if held up (by the skin) they were similar to a raisin - wrinkly. My stretch marks from when I was young and a full DD, sunk-in and my breasts looked as if a cat jumped on my them and slid all the way down with claws out. Arm boob stuck out he sides of my bra and boobs came out the middle.

I have worked out 5-7 days per week over the last 5 years and although my body is fit, my boobs and arm boobs were always a distraction. I couldn't take a boxing class without having to remove my gloves to adjust after every burpee set (even with 3 bras). I never wore tank tops (I mean EVER) because of the arm boobs and I've always dreamed of wearing a strapless dress. Approaching 40, I figured....now or never.

I had no idea where to find a good doctor. I searched realself aimlessly and called several practices. I wanted a doctor that was a specialist in breast reconstruction, not just a boob doctor made famous by fabulous marketing. Many wouldn't excise ancillary breast tissue, only lipo it. Many wanted $250 just to be seen - ridiculous. I narrowed my consults to two doctors but after I met Dr. Kim, I knew I was in good hands.

Dr. Kim had excellent reviews and was referred to me by a friend. He practices out of the best hospital in Chicago and has a reputation for being the busiest doctor in his practice. All good things.

I moved things quickly, afraid I would go back on my decision. I work so hard to be natural, I somewhat thought I was betraying myself by going in but I did it. I met with Dr. Kim in January and booked for his soonest available, February 12.

After meeting with the doctor, I also added on lipo of my flanks. I originally inquired about a tummy tuck, which he told me I didn't need, but he helped me narrow down my point of discontent and the flanks were added. We discussed only doing lipo on the arm boobs but he and I both agreed, I would have excess skin that I wouldn't be happy with. He drew the scar on me at our appointment so I could decide if I was okay with it. I was.

I am now 6 days out of surgery. I hated the anesthesia and only took narcotics for 12-hours (hated those too). I would rather be in pain than be nauseated so I have been living on tylenol.

Breasts look great, arm boobs look scary and flanks are rocking. I am a little lopsided right now do to swelling by Dr. Kim assured me that once the swelling subsides, they will be pretty darn close to the same. My arm boobs are stitched close and the incision is creepy looking. I was told that they added extra stitches to close the scar so it wouldn't spread and when they come out, it won't look as bad. The arm boobs are gone.

I added pics before, 1-day after and 1-week after. I will continue to share progress on all.

Yesterday was my first day back at work, one week after surgery. Surprisingly, it wasn't too bad. I actually am the same size, just perkier - which is a relief since I didn't want anyone to notice.

My back is killing me from sleeping on it. I've been using ice packs to help relieve the feeling of tightness. Dr. Kim said I could start sleeping on my left side if needed because the right side is still swollen. Honestly, sleeping on my side is just as uncomfortable and I am still waking up every couple of hours.

Although I love my new breasts, my mind hasn't excepted them yet - does that sound weird? I feel as if I am wearing someone else's breasts. My right side is still a bit larger and higher than the left but seems to get a bit better daily. I am doing my best to practice patience in waiting for the end result.

Tylenol and Advil are still on my list but I am taking them a lot less frequently. I go to get my stitches removed from the axillary tissue removal on Tuesday. He squeezed extra skin over the incision because the area is a point of use, he didn't want the scar to spread. I hope it makes the incision area look better but I am worried it will give me even more skin to contend with once the pinched area is released...

Update to follow after my next appointment.

Two days ago I noticed hard tissue on the left axillary breast tissue area when showering. It felt rope like and very dense. There was a little of the same on the right side but not nearly as firm. I emailed my PS and of course he responded right away. He noted it was probably scar tissue and to lightly massage. After scouring the internet on scar tissue massage, I massaged both areas for 15 minutes each the first day and three session of 5 minutes the second. Needless to say, the left area is now so swollen and painful and the tissue seems firmer. I tried icing to alleviate the soreness.

Concerned, I emailed my PS at 12am last night and he actually responded within 10 minutes. He said it could be fluid accumulation and to come see him. I have an appointment on Tuesday already. After doing further research on the web, I have scared myself into tears and panic. It sounds like my condition is axillary web syndrome which tends to grow and could travel down my arm. I'm hoping this is not the case. The other possibility is a seroma but it doesn't seem like fluid....Either way, both could be precursors to Lymphedema.

I'm so mad at myself that I might have caused myself long term issues. All of the above are common in breast cancer patients or those having biopsies of the axillary tissue (about 15%). I'm hoping I'm over reacting but I was up all night researching and have been very depressed. I hope this is a simple fix and I didn't cause myself long term complications.