Mommy Makeover Abroad (FDL TT, BL, BA, Lipo in Czech Republic)

My care instructions tell me to remove the tape and begin pressure massage at 14 days. Because my tape has been REALLY stuck on, I waited until today. My tummy tuck incisions look beautiful with great healing and a perfect belly button! SO pleased!

To my shock, one of my nipple incisions is wide open. It is dry and doesn’t appear to be infected. I called my surgeon and the office is closed for holiday. There is an emergency line, but I don’t feel this is an emergency. This kind of complication seems common with the combined procedures of a breast lift AND implants. Time and healing are the solution. But I would like to know if there is wound care protocol my surgeon would like me to follow. I sent a text message to the receptionist to see what I should do.

I am very concerned that I will heal with a misshapen areola and large scar. Gosh I hope not…

I’ve really been struggling with how swollen my breasts are, and they really don’t seem to be getting better. In particular, under my arms and in my cleavage area are suuuuuuuuper painful and enlarged. Today I had the realization that my abdominal binder might actually be a big part of the problem. Since I have a very large vertical incision, there is swelling into my chest as well. And my torso is short, so the compression overlaps my bra band and even presses into my breasts. Not really sure what to do about it, but it could be the culprit.

I put on a non-surgical bra while I wash my two compression bras from Lipoelastic. Holy heck it feels so good I could cry! I probably should be in a bigger size compression bra despite my measurements. You can see in the pictures that I have indents all over from the bra and the binder. I ordered some additional bras but it will be some time before they get here.

Last night was my first full night of sleep. I only had to get up and rearrange one time. I’ve moved into my own bed and out of the recliner, although I still rest in it throughout the day.

I can see little if my waist showing. I wish I could see some breast shape but the swelling is just too bad. I have over a week until I see my PS again, so I’m waiting to see if it starts to resolve. Also, going to try wearing my faja more and the abdominal binder less. I think it’s a big part of the swell hell.

I went out and got my nails done today. It wasn’t the most comfortable thing ever because of the chest pain. I don’t think I’m having the most normal augmentation experience. Most ladies have no more pain or just occasional soreness at this point. I long for those days to come!

Still absolutely worth it.

I am still absolutely loving my results! Which is what is helping me get through the fact that my chest muscles are REALLY putting up a fight, haha! While I read about swelling peaking days 3-5, my swelling didn’t peak until day 7, and I remain very very swollen across my breasts and into my underarms. I have to tuck my arms back and behind my boobs if I want to put them down. My chest muscles are extremely painful and tender, which is a bummer to be experiencing so late, but it’s ok. I know it will resolve eventually!

Everything is healing beautifully. I have no pain from the tummy tuck and I can walk upright once I stretch a bit after standing. I have minimal bruising, just a tiny bit at the end of each incision over my hip bones. Same with the breasts - I only have the incisions around the nipples and there is minimal bruising there. I am so excited because I think my breasts will heal with no evidence of scars! I was set to have anchor scars, so I really cannot say enough about how much I love my boobs so far!!

Last night I moved out of my recliner and into my bed. I needed a change. It went well, but I still wake up every couple of hours and have to rearrange because of the chest pain. But my back is feeling improvements! So yay!!

My compression garments are a tad bit too small, which I think adds to the pain. By the end of the day, I cannot wear my girdle without gauze underneath that blocks the Velcro from my skin, because I can’t pull it tighter. And my bra leaves dents in my skin. My swelling has been a little more than most experience I think, but it’s truly so so worth it!

I still don’t have much energy for things like hair and makeup. I really thought I would be different, but it is what it is. ?????? Maybe today I can manage to put myself together a bit more, haha!

I’m loving the shape my body is starting to show. I’m definitely daydreaming about underwear shopping…soon!