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*Treatment results may vary
1 week post surgery: breast implant removal (explanation)
Removed steri-strips in shower per PS instruction. Yesterday was 1week post surgery. I'm still sore. My pecs (between breasts) are very tender. I'm itchy!!! Hopefully stitches will dissolve completely. I am pleasantly surprised with the amount of breast tissue I have and I'm happy with the "Lollipop Lift" so far. My nipples are kind of lateral on my chest but hopefully will end up more centered when the swelling goes down. My left breast is a bit bigger than my right (always was) - but I don't think it's too noticeable. I'm still adjusting to my new look. i love that the "heaviness" is gone. I am looking toward to buying bras in the near future.
Post surgery - Breast Explant (Removal) with Lift
Surgery lasted 3.5hours under anesthesia in a surgi-center. Dr. Ortega measured and marked my breasts. She removed my implants, which I found out with 330cc's. I got a lift ("lollipop" mastopexy) as well (with internal stitches to support my breast tissue and give me more fullness at the top of my breasts).
I wasn't expecting the emotions that I had looking at my flatter chest. Brought back a lot of vivid memories of being a late bloomer, "flat-as-a-board", etc., as well as a bit of body dysmorphia. I recalled my first breast aug with way-too-big breasts that someone else wanted (my PS and ex husband). Anyway, just wanted to mention that I had this overwhelming emotional reaction that I wasn't prepared for.
I took a Xanax and a pain pill, also my antibiotics and a Benadryl (I was really itchy) and I was able to sleep on my back through the whole night (thank you Temperpedic).
I am sore and have a deep ache today but just taking Ibuprofen and then maybe a pain pill before I go to sleep tonight. I took a short walk which felt great. Also took a shower and made sure that the steri-strips were completely dry before I put a soft bra on (PS said this was ok as long as I put pads on to protect the scar that's under my breast crease).
Here are my pics. I am happy to share them. Seeing other women's pics was really crucial in my decision to follow through with this procedure. I can't stress this enough... thank you to all of the women who shared their personal experience! We need to support each other, not just here on RealSelf, but in the real world!! xoxo
So, as you can see, I am much smaller and it's a bit surreal. I am not having regret but I definitely am melancholy today. I do believe that this was the best decision for me. It feels really good to be natural again.
I will post more pics as I heal. Please feel free to PM me if you have any questions or need support.
I wasn't expecting the emotions that I had looking at my flatter chest. Brought back a lot of vivid memories of being a late bloomer, "flat-as-a-board", etc., as well as a bit of body dysmorphia. I recalled my first breast aug with way-too-big breasts that someone else wanted (my PS and ex husband). Anyway, just wanted to mention that I had this overwhelming emotional reaction that I wasn't prepared for.
I took a Xanax and a pain pill, also my antibiotics and a Benadryl (I was really itchy) and I was able to sleep on my back through the whole night (thank you Temperpedic).
I am sore and have a deep ache today but just taking Ibuprofen and then maybe a pain pill before I go to sleep tonight. I took a short walk which felt great. Also took a shower and made sure that the steri-strips were completely dry before I put a soft bra on (PS said this was ok as long as I put pads on to protect the scar that's under my breast crease).
Here are my pics. I am happy to share them. Seeing other women's pics was really crucial in my decision to follow through with this procedure. I can't stress this enough... thank you to all of the women who shared their personal experience! We need to support each other, not just here on RealSelf, but in the real world!! xoxo
So, as you can see, I am much smaller and it's a bit surreal. I am not having regret but I definitely am melancholy today. I do believe that this was the best decision for me. It feels really good to be natural again.
I will post more pics as I heal. Please feel free to PM me if you have any questions or need support.
Breast Explant and Lift - All Systems Go! T-minus 5 days!
Just got my medical clearance from my primary care physician yesterday! So in 5 days I will be on my way to Melbourne, FL to see Dr. Ortega! By Tuesday afternoon I will be implant-free! I could cry with happiness! I am happy that I made the decision to get a breast lift at the same time. I can still go bra-free and hopefully my breasts will resemble what they looked like before I ever got a breast aug.! Yes, I am very anxious about the anesthesia but Dr. Ortega uses the same guy all the time so that gives me some security. I will update on the day of surgery if I am up to it and definitely post-procedure. Thanks for listening! :)
Provider Review
Dr. Ortega is very thorough during her consultation. She spends a lot of time with you. Took measurements, communicated the procedures clearly and answered all my questions. *Update post surgery - I think Dr. Ortega is a superstar!!! She said she did everything she could do to give me the very best result and make my breasts look "pretty." Having a female surgeon was critical to me and worth the trip outside my hometown.