Treatment Provider

Bao L. Phan, MD
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
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4 days

Alrighty. Pain has been minimal, I've been taking ibuprofen before bed but I don't feel like I need it during the day. I get twinges here and there and my abs get sore, but my actual breasts don't hurt at all. If I've been doing too much (which is what I do) my back starts to tense but relaxes when I sit down. Yesterday I got super nervous because my incisions felt really itchy and were a little red. I already had an appointment set up with Dr Phan for the evening so he took a look, took off the tape, applied a neosporin-like substance and said the itching might be a reaction to the glue and the redness is probably just part of the bruising. He was very reassuring. I showered today and used hibicleanse and the itchiness is pretty much gone. I also think the bra may have been irritating my skin so I took a little break from that...

My heart was pretty ready to go into full "I have an infection freak out mode" - not knowing your body or what your body is going to do or IS doing is pretty terrifying. The internet can be a dangerous place when you're freaked out.
But anyways, I feel better today.

I flew back home this morning, managed to keep my dogs from clawing the tatas, and am trying to restrain myself from overdoing it. I fall more and more in love with the tatas every day.
Pictures!

Boob installation: complete

So... we did it! Went in for surgery at 8am yesterday, Doctor Phan was very professional and I felt very taken care of. I had twilight sedation which was super smooth - no breathing tube, anesthesiologist was with me the whole time. I remember saying "this stuff works quick" and then I was out. When I woke up I told the staff "I had a dream I got a boob job..." Dreams come true, ladies.
I was in pain as soon as I got in my car to leave. I started with half a tab of Norco per Doc's recommendation but after an hour I had to take more. I took a pain pill every 4 hours until midnight and then I didn't need another until 7:30 this morning when I only took half. The first day every movement hurt. I thought it was all about the pecs but it hurt all through my rib cage. Lots of pressure. I'm glad today is a lot easier. Already easier to sit up and do basic movements.
Saw my amazing Doctor this morning. He said I have below average swelling, I do not have to wear the cursed strap that everyone hates, and my recovery will probably be quick. I'm so happy.

Some of the tricks that may (or may not) be helping my heal time: probiotics - your gut has a lot to do with your immune system and your bodies ability to heal itself. Bromelian - I took 500 mg for a week before surgery and am continuing now (must take on an empty stomach). Arnica - took before surgery and am continuing. And a homeopathic topical cream called topricin - it's used for swelling and bruising as well, I applied a couple of times all over my breasts before surgery and am now just using it on my ribs/below my surgical bra. I have used topricin for sports injuries in the past with great success, and I feel it might also be helping significantly with the swelling now. The last couple days before surgery I also made sure I was well hydrated and immediately post-op I've been pounding water.

My ribs/abs being so tight makes walking more like waddling, but overall I feel pretty good. I probably won't take the narcotics any more and just move to ibuprofen. I'm cleared to shower already and I just feel so happy I would be jumping on the bed if it didn't put me in excruciating pain.

on the verge

I fly to Oahu tomorrow and have the surgery performed the next morning. Nerves really got to me today.
How much is my life going to change?
I'll just wake up and suddenly have boobs... how bizarre

Provider Review

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
1401 S. Beretania St., Honolulu, Hawaii
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Overall rating

When I was searching for a plastic surgeon I wasn't looking for someone to hold my hand through a potentially scary experience, but for a doctor that I could trust to deliver expert results. I was not disappointed. Dr. Phan's professional manner and care are exemplary, he gracefully accommodated my schedule and made himself entirely available, but what really defines him is the beauty of his work and his eye for aesthetic adjustments. He marries the science and art of his craft perfectly. I couldn't be happier to have trusted him to perform the work that came out so beautifully.