POSTED UNDER Breast Reduction Reviews
49 Years Old, Size 42G, Much Needed Breast Reduction with Lipo
UPDATED FROM Marylou17
16 days post
Post OP Appointment
I went to my Post OP Appointment on Wednesday! Dr. Barlow was very happy with my results and with the healing. Whew
I was so nervous about the redness on my right nipple but just like you ladies said, it is normal. YAY
He said that the skin on my nipples may peel but new skin will grow back and should be my normal color.
After that was out of the way I asked how much tissue he ended up taking out and he said all together was about 5 pounds!!!
As for the Lipo, he said he took out a total of 3 liters of FAT! Which equals to about 6 to 6 1/2 pounds! Wow, I just couldn't believe it. I'm so glad I did both at the same time, because I definitely don't see myself wanting to go under the knife again. LOL
This was also the first day I wore something besides PJ's and I felt that my breast still looked pretty full.
Made me kinda wish they were a little smaller but hey, they're 5 pounds smaller then they were before!
I'm still extremely happy with them but I believe I may be a D cup. Hmmmmm
How long should I wait to get measured? I have no knowledge what so ever on buying a bra from a regular store. LOL
I have been wearing SOMA bras for years so I don't know how long I should wait or where I should even go. I'm really courious to know my final size.
Just thought I'd mention, I go back to work on Monday- UGH!!!
I am a Customer Service Manager and although I have an office job, it is very fast paced and extremely busy everyday. I wish I had at least one more week off! But I know theres no chance, they have been calling me everyday this week to check on me and also make sure I am still coming back on Monday.
On another note, I really appericate everyone of you! Your encouraging words are life savers!
Happy Healing- lil next time :)
I was so nervous about the redness on my right nipple but just like you ladies said, it is normal. YAY
He said that the skin on my nipples may peel but new skin will grow back and should be my normal color.
After that was out of the way I asked how much tissue he ended up taking out and he said all together was about 5 pounds!!!
As for the Lipo, he said he took out a total of 3 liters of FAT! Which equals to about 6 to 6 1/2 pounds! Wow, I just couldn't believe it. I'm so glad I did both at the same time, because I definitely don't see myself wanting to go under the knife again. LOL
This was also the first day I wore something besides PJ's and I felt that my breast still looked pretty full.
Made me kinda wish they were a little smaller but hey, they're 5 pounds smaller then they were before!
I'm still extremely happy with them but I believe I may be a D cup. Hmmmmm
How long should I wait to get measured? I have no knowledge what so ever on buying a bra from a regular store. LOL
I have been wearing SOMA bras for years so I don't know how long I should wait or where I should even go. I'm really courious to know my final size.
Just thought I'd mention, I go back to work on Monday- UGH!!!
I am a Customer Service Manager and although I have an office job, it is very fast paced and extremely busy everyday. I wish I had at least one more week off! But I know theres no chance, they have been calling me everyday this week to check on me and also make sure I am still coming back on Monday.
On another note, I really appericate everyone of you! Your encouraging words are life savers!
Happy Healing- lil next time :)
Marylou17's provider
Replies (2)
B
February 28, 2018
Wow you look amazing - so happy for you!! Hopefully you’re continuing to settle into your new size!
UPDATED FROM Marylou17
12 days post
Two Weeks Down- Yay
Well today actually makes 13 days for my procedure. I'm feeling really good, able to do a lot more now but still taking it very easy.
Funny story- the same day I complained about my drains I received a call on my cell phone that said Dr. Barlow. Mind you it was 9:30pm. This is exactly how the conversation went.
Me-Hello
Dr- Hi Marylou, this is Dr. Barlow
Me- Hi Dr. Barlow.
crickets.....................
I looked down at my phone because I thought maybe we lost connection.
Me- Hello??
Dr- chuckles- well I really don't know how to tell you this but Eileen (his wife) just read your message about your drains and said to me if I do not take them drains out of you immediately I am not allowed on her bed!
Me- I laughed so loud
Dr- So if you would be willing to have someone drive you to the office right now I would be more than happy to take them out for you.
Me- OMG no, that's ok I can definitely wait until the morning. I heard his wife saying something in the background but I couldn't understand her.
Dr- Marylou I would be so happy if you could get over here tonight and let me do this for you.
Me- Okay, if you insist. LOL
My husband drove me up there which is 30 minutes from my house. I was so happy to get them out and the best part was I didn't feel a single thing! I was back home at 11pm.
I would like to go on record saying I love Dr. Barlow's wife Eileen! LOL
On another note, after my shower tonight I noticed some redness on my right nipple. It kinda looks like it's peeling, not sure if I should be worried. When I removed the dressings prior to my shower, only the ones on my nipples had discharge. It was brownish red, didn't smell or anything. All the others below my breast were dry. I'm sure the draining is normal but that redness has me a little worried. My husband said it just looks like it's peeling. Should it be peeling? Anyway, I decided to take a few pics so maybe if this has happened to one of you.
My stomach area is really swollen and sore still. I changed the compression because it was so tight it was cutting my skin a little. I have one that is a lot looser. I know that may not be what I should have but hey, I need to breathe. Lol
My stomach area looks a lot bigger now than before lipo. lol
Hope everyone is healing nicely and is happy with your results!
Happy New Year :)
Funny story- the same day I complained about my drains I received a call on my cell phone that said Dr. Barlow. Mind you it was 9:30pm. This is exactly how the conversation went.
Me-Hello
Dr- Hi Marylou, this is Dr. Barlow
Me- Hi Dr. Barlow.
crickets.....................
I looked down at my phone because I thought maybe we lost connection.
Me- Hello??
Dr- chuckles- well I really don't know how to tell you this but Eileen (his wife) just read your message about your drains and said to me if I do not take them drains out of you immediately I am not allowed on her bed!
Me- I laughed so loud
Dr- So if you would be willing to have someone drive you to the office right now I would be more than happy to take them out for you.
Me- OMG no, that's ok I can definitely wait until the morning. I heard his wife saying something in the background but I couldn't understand her.
Dr- Marylou I would be so happy if you could get over here tonight and let me do this for you.
Me- Okay, if you insist. LOL
My husband drove me up there which is 30 minutes from my house. I was so happy to get them out and the best part was I didn't feel a single thing! I was back home at 11pm.
I would like to go on record saying I love Dr. Barlow's wife Eileen! LOL
On another note, after my shower tonight I noticed some redness on my right nipple. It kinda looks like it's peeling, not sure if I should be worried. When I removed the dressings prior to my shower, only the ones on my nipples had discharge. It was brownish red, didn't smell or anything. All the others below my breast were dry. I'm sure the draining is normal but that redness has me a little worried. My husband said it just looks like it's peeling. Should it be peeling? Anyway, I decided to take a few pics so maybe if this has happened to one of you.
My stomach area is really swollen and sore still. I changed the compression because it was so tight it was cutting my skin a little. I have one that is a lot looser. I know that may not be what I should have but hey, I need to breathe. Lol
My stomach area looks a lot bigger now than before lipo. lol
Hope everyone is healing nicely and is happy with your results!
Happy New Year :)
Replies (4)
C
January 2, 2018
Oh that is such a funny story about the doctors wife, Marylou! Lol. I like the sound of that lady !:)
I'm so glad you got those drains out and that it wasn't uncomfortable. I found it such a relief to have them gone.
In terms of that redness, I can say that my doctor told me there can sometimes be some "blistering" under the nipple and the outer layer of skin can peel. But I wouldn't hesitate to keep in touch with your surgeons office just to let him know. And maybe others here will have similsr experience.
My hunch is that redness is ok and some peeling is ok. That's still good healthy tissue :) its darker areas you want to keep an eye on. :)
I'm so glad you got those drains out and that it wasn't uncomfortable. I found it such a relief to have them gone.
In terms of that redness, I can say that my doctor told me there can sometimes be some "blistering" under the nipple and the outer layer of skin can peel. But I wouldn't hesitate to keep in touch with your surgeons office just to let him know. And maybe others here will have similsr experience.
My hunch is that redness is ok and some peeling is ok. That's still good healthy tissue :) its darker areas you want to keep an eye on. :)
Z
January 2, 2018
That is a great story-talk about going above and beyond!
If you're still using the Neosporin maybe put a dab on that nipple area? I agree with others, if you can see redness/blood flow that is a GOOD thing. And at first when I looked at your pics I thought they looked really dark, but I see from your before pics that yours are just naturally darker-it was just a lot harder to see them when they were pointing at the floor lol! I went through a period of thinking mine looked like something was wrong because of the LACK of color but when I looked at my before pics I realized that IS what they looked like but they were so stretched out, and so far down, that apparently I didn't even really know what they looked like! It's crazy how that works! Anyway it sounds like you are on the right track! Yay for small boobies for the new year!
If you're still using the Neosporin maybe put a dab on that nipple area? I agree with others, if you can see redness/blood flow that is a GOOD thing. And at first when I looked at your pics I thought they looked really dark, but I see from your before pics that yours are just naturally darker-it was just a lot harder to see them when they were pointing at the floor lol! I went through a period of thinking mine looked like something was wrong because of the LACK of color but when I looked at my before pics I realized that IS what they looked like but they were so stretched out, and so far down, that apparently I didn't even really know what they looked like! It's crazy how that works! Anyway it sounds like you are on the right track! Yay for small boobies for the new year!
C
January 2, 2018
The only other thing that came to mind about the redness --- if there's a bit of blood that's ok too as far as a I know, but you would just watch for signs of infection, such as spreading of the redness, hot to the touch and change in discharge.
I agree with the others (again) around colour in the nipple area. Pink is good! I have had issues with one nipple healing and it was because it went VERY dark over the entire areola.
You're keeping a good eye on things and it sounds like you're doing well. So happy for you !!
I agree with the others (again) around colour in the nipple area. Pink is good! I have had issues with one nipple healing and it was because it went VERY dark over the entire areola.
You're keeping a good eye on things and it sounds like you're doing well. So happy for you !!
IA
January 5, 2018
Congrats on your progress and that was a funny story! I had nipple issues with one breast. It had some blood around the incisions which led to ripping off the nipple skin when bandages were changed. Nipple color turned bright pink but has since regained most of the natural coloring (rather quickly). The skin on the other nipple started peeling, but led to nothing significant, just a regeneration of newer skin. No additional complications and your experience sound similar, so I agree with the other comments that this is normal.
UPDATED FROM Marylou17
7 days post
Week 1 Post Op
Well here I am! Seven days Post Op! I can't believe how fast the time flew by. I've been doing really well, just relaxing. I'm bored out of my mind but I know I need to stay patient and let nature take its course. I have taken a few showers since my procedure and on Monday night all of the tape around my incisions completely came off so I seen the real mc coy for the first time. Lol
I'm scared to lift them to get a good look at the bottom side but I don't feel any pain so I guess it must be good. My next appointment is this Friday, I can't wait because these drains are driving me INSANE!!!
I absolutely hate the drains. they collected less than 30cc from day one and for the last two days they have stayed empty! They're just a nucense and I want them out of me. I'm sure once they are removed I will feel even better. They hurt when I move and rub against some of the bras I wear. UGH
I have read in some posts that it will hurt when they come out so I'm a little worried about that but at this point it would be worth the pain. LOL
I'm a little confused now they there is nothing on my breast if I should put Neosporin or something on them? Do I just leave them dry? They aren't leaking or anything cause my bras are clean when I remove them but I don't want them to get infection. The office is closed until Friday and I have sent texts and emails to the doctor but haven't received any replies :(
Oh well, hopefully everything will be ok.
We shall see.
I'm scared to lift them to get a good look at the bottom side but I don't feel any pain so I guess it must be good. My next appointment is this Friday, I can't wait because these drains are driving me INSANE!!!
I absolutely hate the drains. they collected less than 30cc from day one and for the last two days they have stayed empty! They're just a nucense and I want them out of me. I'm sure once they are removed I will feel even better. They hurt when I move and rub against some of the bras I wear. UGH
I have read in some posts that it will hurt when they come out so I'm a little worried about that but at this point it would be worth the pain. LOL
I'm a little confused now they there is nothing on my breast if I should put Neosporin or something on them? Do I just leave them dry? They aren't leaking or anything cause my bras are clean when I remove them but I don't want them to get infection. The office is closed until Friday and I have sent texts and emails to the doctor but haven't received any replies :(
Oh well, hopefully everything will be ok.
We shall see.
Replies (4)
Z
December 27, 2017
I only had drains in over the first weekend (surgery Friday afternoon, drains removed Monday a.m.) ...I was nervous about it and so I took a Percoset with a light breakfast about 1 1/2 hours before my appointment so that it would be at maximal effect. Frankly I didn't feel a thing! But it can also depend on how they're placed, and the skill of the person taking them out ;-/ So no guarantees unfortunately.
As far as anything on your incisions, they shouldn't get infected as long as you are keeping them clean and changing your bra as needed. If they didn't tell you to put anything on them then I wouldn't worry about it. If you need to for comfort you can put a clean nonstick dressing over them so they don't rub on your bra, but if they're not hurting or bleeding/oozing then you should be OK. Depending on your doctor's protocol they might retape you at your follow up, or they might not. My doc had me keep tape on my incisions for 3 months but that seems to be the exception rather than the rule!
As far as anything on your incisions, they shouldn't get infected as long as you are keeping them clean and changing your bra as needed. If they didn't tell you to put anything on them then I wouldn't worry about it. If you need to for comfort you can put a clean nonstick dressing over them so they don't rub on your bra, but if they're not hurting or bleeding/oozing then you should be OK. Depending on your doctor's protocol they might retape you at your follow up, or they might not. My doc had me keep tape on my incisions for 3 months but that seems to be the exception rather than the rule!
Z
C
December 27, 2017
Wow what ana amazing difference! You look great and I'm so glad everything went well:) glad you are taking it easy too.
I had the drains for 6 days. I agree, they are such a nuisance and you will be so relieved once they are out! My Dr took them out once I had less than 30oz drainage in a 24
Hour period but I'm sure it differs for each dr. It doesn't sound like you have a lot of drainage though, so that sounds like you're doing great!
I was extremely nervous getting the drains taken out--- like I was SHAKING ! :) but it really wasn't bad for me at all. Not painful at all, I'm just squeamish about a lot of stuff so I get myself really worked up. I took pain meds (Percocet) about 1/2 hour or 1 hour ahead of time which helped too. For me I was experiencing anxiety symptoms thought, not much pain at all. I would guess they'll take them out Friday and maybe you could take some pain meds ahead of time?
After my bandages were off, I didn't apply anything to the skin for the first few weeks. I just kept following my drs advice. I seem to recall that my skin started to peel a bit around week 3 or 4 and that's when i started using some lotion. But I didn't use anything before that. But again it seems each dr recommends different approaches so you might want to check :) or others may have some good advice as well. I think it's a good sign that things are dry and there's no discharge. If you were using moisturizer right now (before your appt) the moisture can attract bacteria I think. But I can't imagine that neosporin or polysporin would do any harm until Friday?
I had the drains for 6 days. I agree, they are such a nuisance and you will be so relieved once they are out! My Dr took them out once I had less than 30oz drainage in a 24
Hour period but I'm sure it differs for each dr. It doesn't sound like you have a lot of drainage though, so that sounds like you're doing great!
I was extremely nervous getting the drains taken out--- like I was SHAKING ! :) but it really wasn't bad for me at all. Not painful at all, I'm just squeamish about a lot of stuff so I get myself really worked up. I took pain meds (Percocet) about 1/2 hour or 1 hour ahead of time which helped too. For me I was experiencing anxiety symptoms thought, not much pain at all. I would guess they'll take them out Friday and maybe you could take some pain meds ahead of time?
After my bandages were off, I didn't apply anything to the skin for the first few weeks. I just kept following my drs advice. I seem to recall that my skin started to peel a bit around week 3 or 4 and that's when i started using some lotion. But I didn't use anything before that. But again it seems each dr recommends different approaches so you might want to check :) or others may have some good advice as well. I think it's a good sign that things are dry and there's no discharge. If you were using moisturizer right now (before your appt) the moisture can attract bacteria I think. But I can't imagine that neosporin or polysporin would do any harm until Friday?
M
January 2, 2018
I know exactly what you mean about driving yourself insane. I have the same issue, I will dwell on something until I give myself anxiety. UGHHH
F
December 29, 2017
Just had my 1 week post op check and Dr said lotion is fine. I didn't have drains but the tape is an itch fest. Ice packs help tremendously. Keep showering and get some Gold Bond body cream to rub in. Congrats! You are halfway thru this!
Your healing looks good-good luck going back to work!
Do you have an idea what size you are?
I definitely still have a lot of swelling. Some days they feel as hard as bowling balls and others not so much.
The few people that have seen me always at first say, OMG you can definitely tell they are smaller, then by the end of our visit they say that they are still big but look more natural and fitting to my frame. Lol
I guess that's a good thing.
Well, tomorrow is the "Big" back to work day. I just feel weird that everyone is looking forward to seeing the "new" me and will be looking directly at my breast. Its going to be so embarrassing. LOL