POSTED UNDER Mommy Makeover Reviews
Early 40s, 2 kids, Breast implant 280cc and Lipo of ab, flank. and inner thighs.
UPDATED FROM Mommyhighfive
1 month post
PS 1 month visit. Electro lymphatic drainage. 1st workout
MommyhighfiveNovember 24, 2016
Hello: Just an update before Thanksgiving. I met with my PS for a 1 month post op visit yesterday. He seemed happy with my progression thus far, however, I am concerned. My breasts continue to heal nicely with the scarring below the breast dark yet flattening. I was curious as to why he chose to use the same size breast implant for both breasts given they were different sizes. He informed me that when he operated on me, the implants looked symmetrical. (when standing in front of him, they did look great. ) However, I do notice when I lift my arms that they do look different in size (see pic).
Overall the swelling in my breasts seems to be slowly dissipating & the implants feel like they are settling as I'm getting used to them. My breasts do swell in size every night (as with the rest of my treated areas).
Which leads to my liposuction. The healing process seems to be causing additional lumps and swelling (flank & abs) from day 18 till today (see pic). Last week I was mortified on how swollen I had become. It was like my liposuction was regressing. I informed my PS of my concerns and disappointment. He and his nurses continue to relay to me that I need to be patient and that it is all part of the process. That true results are not apparent until 6 months. I truly hope they are right because at this point, I'm extremely unhappy and wish for my soft paunchy stomach & square flanks back. My inner thighs are still somewhat lumpy but not as concerning.
I also went for my first electro lymphatic drainage treatment the same day. I really enjoyed the treatment and the therapist. Almost immediately, I noticed the severe swelling in my flank slowly get smaller. I signed up for an additional 2 treatments in hopes that this along with further lowering my salt intake and increasing exercise will help with the lumpiness & swelling.
Given the all clear for exercise, so went back to spinning for the first time in over a month today. It felt so good to move my legs and sweat. SO good. I plan on spinning more often before going back to my normal routine of lifting weights and cardio (as well as yoga). I don't want to take any chances and rather ease into anything that will compromise my implants.
Overall the swelling in my breasts seems to be slowly dissipating & the implants feel like they are settling as I'm getting used to them. My breasts do swell in size every night (as with the rest of my treated areas).
Which leads to my liposuction. The healing process seems to be causing additional lumps and swelling (flank & abs) from day 18 till today (see pic). Last week I was mortified on how swollen I had become. It was like my liposuction was regressing. I informed my PS of my concerns and disappointment. He and his nurses continue to relay to me that I need to be patient and that it is all part of the process. That true results are not apparent until 6 months. I truly hope they are right because at this point, I'm extremely unhappy and wish for my soft paunchy stomach & square flanks back. My inner thighs are still somewhat lumpy but not as concerning.
I also went for my first electro lymphatic drainage treatment the same day. I really enjoyed the treatment and the therapist. Almost immediately, I noticed the severe swelling in my flank slowly get smaller. I signed up for an additional 2 treatments in hopes that this along with further lowering my salt intake and increasing exercise will help with the lumpiness & swelling.
Given the all clear for exercise, so went back to spinning for the first time in over a month today. It felt so good to move my legs and sweat. SO good. I plan on spinning more often before going back to my normal routine of lifting weights and cardio (as well as yoga). I don't want to take any chances and rather ease into anything that will compromise my implants.
UPDATED FROM Mommyhighfive
22 days post
Extreme exhaustion
MommyhighfiveNovember 11, 2016
Hello:
Its been 3 weeks since surgery. This past week I've increased my activity level..cleaning house, running errands, walking outdoors..just trying to resume my normal life (minus the workouts)... which has caused me to become extremely exhausted in the afternoon. Unfortunately, I am also unable to sleep, so I wake up exhausted and have to resort to copious amounts of coffee to get through the day before I completely crash. It's a vicious cycle, I know. I also have seen my sugar cravings spike (likely due to being tired). Tonight I will try to go to bed early. I suspect the time change has been part of the reason for this week's downward spiral.
Also, I'm still taking pain medication (I am not doing to well with the pain) as the dull ache in my breasts still exist..plus muscle ache. The sharp stabbing pains in my abdomen are almost non existent, yet the areas where I received liposuction is still sensitive to the touch.
I will post update pics later next week as I feel the improvements I've been seeing are so subtle that only I notice at the moment.
But just an update:
- Breast implants- Breast continue to hear nicely, I've added silicone gel sheets to my existing regime (mederma & massage) at the incision. They continue to be slightly higher than I want the end result to be. I failed to ask my PS why he chose the same size implants for both breasts as prior to surgery, one breast was slightly larger than the other. But it is very hard to now tell the difference in size between the two.
-Lipo on Abs and Flank- The swelling in the flank area is slowly coming down. The abs however are somewhat lumpy. Swelling and lumps change from morning to night in regards to location. Yesterday, my nurse aspirated additional fluid on my lower abdomen. She is do to aspirate the sermon again next monday and assess if there is no need to further aspirate (very little fluid remaining). The hood above my belly button has also started to shrink in size, which is a very good thing!
Inner Thighs- Swelling is slowly going down, I notice a size difference and a gradual "gap" developing. Like my stomach, there are still some lumps.
Overall, I continue to massage, drink lots of water, wear my compression garmet and foam. Next Sunday I plan to write out a nutrition plan for the week in order lose a few additional pounds. I've been watching what I eat overall, however, unless I write out a nutrition plan, I tend to steer away from time to time (hence the sugar consumption)
Its been 3 weeks since surgery. This past week I've increased my activity level..cleaning house, running errands, walking outdoors..just trying to resume my normal life (minus the workouts)... which has caused me to become extremely exhausted in the afternoon. Unfortunately, I am also unable to sleep, so I wake up exhausted and have to resort to copious amounts of coffee to get through the day before I completely crash. It's a vicious cycle, I know. I also have seen my sugar cravings spike (likely due to being tired). Tonight I will try to go to bed early. I suspect the time change has been part of the reason for this week's downward spiral.
Also, I'm still taking pain medication (I am not doing to well with the pain) as the dull ache in my breasts still exist..plus muscle ache. The sharp stabbing pains in my abdomen are almost non existent, yet the areas where I received liposuction is still sensitive to the touch.
I will post update pics later next week as I feel the improvements I've been seeing are so subtle that only I notice at the moment.
But just an update:
- Breast implants- Breast continue to hear nicely, I've added silicone gel sheets to my existing regime (mederma & massage) at the incision. They continue to be slightly higher than I want the end result to be. I failed to ask my PS why he chose the same size implants for both breasts as prior to surgery, one breast was slightly larger than the other. But it is very hard to now tell the difference in size between the two.
-Lipo on Abs and Flank- The swelling in the flank area is slowly coming down. The abs however are somewhat lumpy. Swelling and lumps change from morning to night in regards to location. Yesterday, my nurse aspirated additional fluid on my lower abdomen. She is do to aspirate the sermon again next monday and assess if there is no need to further aspirate (very little fluid remaining). The hood above my belly button has also started to shrink in size, which is a very good thing!
Inner Thighs- Swelling is slowly going down, I notice a size difference and a gradual "gap" developing. Like my stomach, there are still some lumps.
Overall, I continue to massage, drink lots of water, wear my compression garmet and foam. Next Sunday I plan to write out a nutrition plan for the week in order lose a few additional pounds. I've been watching what I eat overall, however, unless I write out a nutrition plan, I tend to steer away from time to time (hence the sugar consumption)
Replies (1)
November 12, 2016
Poor thing. Not getting a good night sleep is hard on your body and slows the recovery process, may even give you sugar cravings when you are low on engergy :(. I heard having implants is also a longer recovery process.
I had my third MLD (massage) today. This therapist knows what she is doing. She's kept me on my back the whole time knowing of my breast procedure. She also said that most lymph drainage is done with patients laying on their back anyways, so it was perfect for my needs. It seems from what you've listed you are doing a great job taking care of yourself already. I'd seriously try lymph drainage. It's not the same as regular sports or Swedish massage at all and can be started within days of surgery, rather than waiting for several weeks for the others. It helped me a lot.
I am also working on dropping a few extra pounds. Have you heard of an app like Lose It! or MyFitnessPal to track your nutritional intake? I've used them both off and on and they help keep track of what I put in my mouth and help with weight goals. Hope you get some rest!
I had my third MLD (massage) today. This therapist knows what she is doing. She's kept me on my back the whole time knowing of my breast procedure. She also said that most lymph drainage is done with patients laying on their back anyways, so it was perfect for my needs. It seems from what you've listed you are doing a great job taking care of yourself already. I'd seriously try lymph drainage. It's not the same as regular sports or Swedish massage at all and can be started within days of surgery, rather than waiting for several weeks for the others. It helped me a lot.
I am also working on dropping a few extra pounds. Have you heard of an app like Lose It! or MyFitnessPal to track your nutritional intake? I've used them both off and on and they help keep track of what I put in my mouth and help with weight goals. Hope you get some rest!
November 12, 2016
Thanks. I was just playing the little violin for myself yesterday. Today, I made sure to take a little nap and catch up on my sleep. Plus trying to stay away from the halloween candy. I am seriously now considering the lymphatic massage you rave about. I do see a number of places here where I live that offer it. How many days a week do you go?
I would love to lose 5 pounds of body fat...just lean up. I do use Fitness Pal.. love it.. but haven't used it this past month. I need to get back to it!! How are you holding up?
I would love to lose 5 pounds of body fat...just lean up. I do use Fitness Pal.. love it.. but haven't used it this past month. I need to get back to it!! How are you holding up?
November 13, 2016
I believe you can get MLD as often as you wish. I can only find time for 1 time/week for my massage. It also helps me get away from my crazy household and take time for myself:) Also I am using insurance, so once a week is what they pay for it. My therapist is pretty booked anyways, so it's hard to find time on her calendar. She gave me quick education on how to do it myself and taught me basic strokes and even showed me pictures in her massage books of lymph channels and where they are located. It's safe to do every day. I've been attempting to replicate it at home but I am not so sure I remember all she taught me correctly, and besides, it feels much better when a she does it.
Celebrated my sister's birthday today and my daughter's will be tomorrow (with pizza and ice cream cake), so taking a step back with my diet a bit. Will get back on track on Monday (that's what I promise myself at least). Otherwise I feel fine. The garment is a bit annoying in that it's hard to hide under some clothes, but otherwise getting better every day. Naps are good for adults, too!
Celebrated my sister's birthday today and my daughter's will be tomorrow (with pizza and ice cream cake), so taking a step back with my diet a bit. Will get back on track on Monday (that's what I promise myself at least). Otherwise I feel fine. The garment is a bit annoying in that it's hard to hide under some clothes, but otherwise getting better every day. Naps are good for adults, too!
November 14, 2016
I will be calling a few places tomorrow re: a massage! I read somewhere that lymphatic drainage can also help with poor sleep..so its a win/win. I hope you enjoyed your sister and daughters birthdays. I have to admit. I had a few cheat type meals here and there this weekend.. plus wine. Tomorrow is a new day..and a start to the week. I will be going back on Myfitnesspal tomorrow as well. I have given up on hiding all bits of that compression garmet.. If I wear a tank top or a scoop shirt..you can see bits of the shoulder straps. I just hope folks think I'm wearing granny bras and don't know the real truth.. ha!
I am contemplating if I should go and buy a smaller compression garmet as I am at the last hook with my existing one even with foam.. ...My doc only recommends 4 weeks with the garmet.. which ends later this week. What do you think? I don't want to jeopardize my recovery and hopes that some of the lumpiness goes away through compression. I may scour Amazon to see if I can find a comparable one that is not as expensive to have.
I am contemplating if I should go and buy a smaller compression garmet as I am at the last hook with my existing one even with foam.. ...My doc only recommends 4 weeks with the garmet.. which ends later this week. What do you think? I don't want to jeopardize my recovery and hopes that some of the lumpiness goes away through compression. I may scour Amazon to see if I can find a comparable one that is not as expensive to have.
November 14, 2016
FYI..the spanx/compression garmet combo causes terrible
indents/lines (stitching..etc)..do not recommend.
indents/lines (stitching..etc)..do not recommend.
November 14, 2016
The longer you use compression the better they say. I found several doctors answered compression garment questions on this website but answers seem to vary. You can check out the Q&A section. Amazon does sell quite a few compression products. I'd probably look for high-waist tights or leggings. I live in Oregon, so the weather is right for thick leggings and wool skirts :) Florida is different. I ordered a pair of high waist full compression tights (to wear with dresses and skirts this fall and winter) almost a month ago and it's still in route. I wonder if it's coming from China. The good thing I am not in dire need of them right now. I also saw a cute pair of yoga compression pants. So you can compress yourself while wearing normal looking clothes and while exercising. I am almost at 3 weeks now and will likely put up with my garment for 3 more weeks until my family vacation to Hawaii. My MLD therapist told me I should wear it on the airplane along with compression socks due to swelling in the air. However, there's no way I am going to put up with it while hanging out in Hawaii (maybe only at night time under pajamas but only if I find myself swelling by evening). Since I had my lower/thighs and knee area done, my compression garment goes down to my calves - capri style. I can only hide it in jeans/pants, but not shorts or skirts.
And you are right, I found an older pair of spanx type thigh slimmers at home and wore them once earlier this week under black tights (instead of my normal garment). Big mistake. By evening I had indents both in my lipo-ed knee area (where they end) and at my waist. Not going to do that anytime soon.
And you are right, I found an older pair of spanx type thigh slimmers at home and wore them once earlier this week under black tights (instead of my normal garment). Big mistake. By evening I had indents both in my lipo-ed knee area (where they end) and at my waist. Not going to do that anytime soon.
November 14, 2016
Sorry about the spanx suggestion! My nurse saw the lines and was quick to tell me to stop! My apologies!!
Luckily florida weather has cooled a bit so I can wear more long sleeved shirts and pants.I may look for compression leggings as well like you said, so I can wear workout tops etc ..good idea. So exciting about your big family holiday in Hawaii!! What a great time to show off the new body! I still have my compression socks from when I was preggo and flying a ton (I lived overseas for a bit and also travelled a ton for work).. Yes, def use them as they help a ton!!
I'm going on a mini trip this weekend so will be doing the same thing (only wearing the foam and compression when I go to bed)...You have to enjoy yourself right!?!
Luckily florida weather has cooled a bit so I can wear more long sleeved shirts and pants.I may look for compression leggings as well like you said, so I can wear workout tops etc ..good idea. So exciting about your big family holiday in Hawaii!! What a great time to show off the new body! I still have my compression socks from when I was preggo and flying a ton (I lived overseas for a bit and also travelled a ton for work).. Yes, def use them as they help a ton!!
I'm going on a mini trip this weekend so will be doing the same thing (only wearing the foam and compression when I go to bed)...You have to enjoy yourself right!?!
November 17, 2016
No worries! It was all on me. Those thigh slimmers were less comfortable than my garment if you can believe and the indents were gone after some massage. I am curious if your swelling changes with flying.
November 17, 2016
We are actually just driving to our destination... The kids are very excited. Just happy to hear you are getting positive results from the massage!!...I'm really nervous about the indents/bumps... I placed a call to a massage therapist proficient in MLD but have not heard back. I will contact someone else today. My nurse advises I try to stay away from manually massaging the areas myself. I am due to see the PS next tuesday, so will talk more indepthly with him.
My breast look great..just the liposuctioned areas are not so smooth..the nurse keeps telling me it is swelling and to not worry, but to also not aggressively massage it myself.......will take pics next week when we get back.
My breast look great..just the liposuctioned areas are not so smooth..the nurse keeps telling me it is swelling and to not worry, but to also not aggressively massage it myself.......will take pics next week when we get back.
November 17, 2016
BTW.. you must be so excited for Hawaii.... I have travelled extensively all over the globe, but Hawaii is one place I have surprisingly never gone... it is definitely on our list.
November 17, 2016
Hope someone calls you back soon. I've seen 2 different MLD specialists and they were both great. The second one was giving me some much information and how to do it myself at home I was starting to wonder if she wants to put herself out of business :) Hopefully you will find someone who is knowledgeable to give you some advice on what to do with the unevenness. From the other reviewers though I am gathering that at this stage it's not unusual though, although something to monitor for sure.
November 17, 2016
I am certainly excited about Hawaii. We are doing a 7 day cruise visiting several islands/towns. It's going to be 4 of us plus my mother and sister coming along. Only my husband knows about my procedure. My mother and sister just heard me saying I am trying to get in shape for the beach, so they are assuming I am dieting and exercising (and wearing a "push-up" bra? to make my chest look a tad bigger :). What they don't know won't hurt them, right? I am going to have to put tiny scar band-aids over some of the incisions to cover them from the sun and my mother's observant eyes.
UPDATED FROM Mommyhighfive
18 days post
Side view in sports bra and running capris
MommyhighfiveNovember 7, 2016
Looks so much better!!
Replies (1)