Time for a Gift to Myself... Breast Lift (Without Implants) Dr. Hess in Fairfax, VA

Hi everyone. I haven't had surgery yet, but am scheduled to have a breast lift (without implants) on Tuesday October 7 with Dr. Christopher Hess in Fairfax, VA. I've done a great deal of research on breast lift procedures over the last few months... and met with Dr. Michelle Shermak in Baltimore for a consultation (also a highlighted surgeon on Real Self) and then met with Dr. Hess a few weeks later. After meeting with him, I decided to schedule my surgery with him for a few reasons. Although I liked Dr. Shermak, Dr. Hess spent more time with me and I didn't feel as if I was being rushed. Also, unlike Dr. Shermak, he took several measurements and explained what each measurement was relative to a "more youthful" breast. His assistant was in the room the entire time... making note of his measurements... which also put me a bit more at ease. I just found his bedside manner more welcoming. I asked many questions during my consultation and never felt as if I was asking stupid questions. When it came time to decide between the two surgeons, I went with Dr. Hess because I thought he presented himself in a more professional manner, had a better bedside manners, was more welcoming, and made me feel comfortable while with him. This was of course, after I had already considered his education, background, training, and board certification. Really, all we can go on after we check those things is our gut I think. And, taking a look at lots of pictures of our surgeon's work. I don't know.
After I asked all of my questions, Dr. Hess left the room and his assistant Katie came in and discussed cost with me. Dr. Hess does not do surgery in his office. He only does surgery at the hospital, so the quote for cost included the surgeon's fee, anesthesiologist's fee, supplies, and then hospital fee... which in total was $6100. The cost was what I was expecting... so thought it was reasonable. I knew then that I would be scheduling my surgery with him.

After my consultation I received a dictated summary via email from Dr. Hess that outlined all the measurements, level of ptosis, and recommended type of breast lift... all of which we had discussed in his office. Once I got home and confirmed a few things, I called Katie back and scheduled the surgery. So?... here I am. As each day passes, I have to admit I get a little more nervous.

My pre-op appointment is scheduled for Friday Sep. 26 when I will get my scripts for meds and directions for aftercare. I've spoken to Katie somewhat so have an idea of Dr. Hess' aftercare protocol. I've already started buying stuff based on many of the posts I've read on here. At some point I'll post a list of pre-surgery items... maybe the list could help out others. I'm so glad for this website. I feel less alone!!! Still scared though.

Well? I have my pre-op appointment in about two weeks. Surgery will be about one week from then. It's starting really set it now. After reading a few posts about bras to wear after surgery, I went ahead and purchased three. This way, I can bring one with me to my pre-op appointment for the surgeon to see... and if it's not the correct style/type I can return to the store. The only thing his assistant told me about bras after the surgery is that I need to wear "sports bras" for a few weeks.. and then after that bras without underwire for a few months. I'm assuming I will get more specific information at the pre-op appt.... but I didn't want to wait until the very last minute to start looking for bras... so bought the three.
I read through posts on here on this...and decided to buy sports bras that zipped (or clasped) in the front... and that were a little bigger than my current size to account for swelling after surgery. It didn't seem from what Dr. Hess' assistant explained that I would need to purchase a terribly expensive medical-type bra, just a sports bra that offered support. I went to Walmart and purchased three Danskin sportsbras that zip in the front. Very comfy... supportive etc. We'll see what Dr. Hess thinks. I can return if I'm way off the mark.
Aside from buying the bras, my wedge pillow came in the mail yesterday. I ordered one a week ago.. since I'll have to be sleeping in an upright position for a little while. I'm not much of a "back" sleeper so I'm sure I'll be miserable having to sleep on my back after the surgery... but not much I can do about that I guess. I couldn't find a good wedge pillow in store anywhere so I ordered on amazon.
Am getting excited, but still very nervous. One of these days it'll be me who is posting before and after pictures!!!! :)

Time is flying by and the surgery is in 5 days. Still nervous but excited! My pre op appointment was a few days ago and that went well. I sat with Dr. Hess and he went over all my scripts, any/all of my questions, discussed morning of the surgery, and then took all my pre op pictures.

I got several scripts... pain meds, antibiotics, discs for behind my ear to help with coming out of anesthesia, anti nausea meds, 800mg ibuprofen, and for Diflucan since yeast infections are synonymous with antibiotics for me. I also got my appointment for post op appointment... which is for three days after surgery.
All is moving along!!! Yay!!