Mommy Makeover (No Implants)

I was searching for a very long time-like close to 10 years. Whenever I was ready, an unexpected event would happen and I would have to postpone. I often thought I would never get it done and would become discouraged, but I knew deep down it just wasn't the right time. When I attempted to try again 2 years ago, I couldn't because of health related issues.  I knew I had to be 100% healthy before I could even consider plastic surgery. After numerous tests, doctor visits, and lifestyle changes-I was finally cleared the month of December 2022 to move forward. Throughout that year, I was actively searching for a plastic surgeon. I had a few in person and/or virtual consults with a few doctors and the majority of them mentioned I needed implants because of how stretched out and saggy my breasts were. I did not want them but I knew my breasts were not going to be an easy case to just perform a lift with the results I was looking for. It was not an easy search. I spent a few hours a day hoping to find what I was looking for. Sadly, there weren't a lot of pictures online of lifts on small breasts. I did manage to find a couple on RS which was extremely helpful but I needed a doctor who could perform a beautiful tummy tuck as well. It wasn't until August 2022 that I found Dra Guzman's RS profile and I was amazed at her work. The pictures of her breast lift without implants were beautiful and super perky. I couldn't believe it. Her incisions were thin and perfect. I found her Facebook group and joined. I followed her on IG and stalked. I spoke to a few of her patients and they were all extremely happy. I was 95% sure I found my doctor, however I was extremely nervous about going outside of the country. This was my 1st time getting any type of surgery and then to be so far away from home added another level of stress. If I was going to get this done, I had to be 100% committed to ensuring my health was A1. To make my final decision, I scheduled a virtual consult with her. I expressed my concerns about my breasts and she reassured me that she could perform the lift without any implants. She was extremely personable, funny, and down to earth. I was confident in her skills and knew I wanted her to be my doctor.  I scheduled my surgery for August.

It was eventful.

We went to Plastimedic to meet with Dra Guzman. Her new office is very beautiful and there were a few post op patients waiting to be seen. Her assistant Karla is very helpful. The organization is top notch! I went to another floor to visit the cardiologist, had my sonogram and doppler exam done in her office, and did the blood work in her office. I didn't have to go anywhere for the testing. I did have to go to another facility to have a CAT scan done on my lungs because I had COVID in 2022.

I met Dra for my in person consult and she confirmed what I already thought about her. She is warm, caring, and has a great sense of humor. She is really passionate about her work and I could tell she loves harmony and beauty.

The next day I met with the anesthesiologist to go over my medical history. She asked me a series of questions to ensure nothing was missed. I appreciated the fact that she was thorough and explained the process.There were some concerns about my platelet counts but everything else checked out. I was afraid my hemoglobin levels would drop after the flight there but it remained at 13. I was very happy about that. All of the remaining test results came back in good standing. I received the final clearance from the doctors. I was advised to come back the next day early in the morning to have the surgery. I was ready to go!

I arrived at 6am and Dra spent 30-45 minutes marking me up. I was standing and then I had to lay down. She really took her time and I liked that. After she marked me up, Karla took us downstairs to the surgical area. We waited in a recovery room for about 30 min. The nurse started my IV and told me to change into my gown. After, I was given the white pill. It took about 15-20 minutes before I dozed off and I was out! I didn’t remember anything. I woke up in the recovery room with faja, compression socks, and my bonnet on. Lol. I don’t know how the nurses do it but they are very talented. I was in and out of sleep all day. My nurse and husband was with me. In the evening, my hubby went back to the Airbnb and my nurse stayed overnight. I was hot throughout the night so she turned down the air and I was out again until Thursday morning. I was given breakfast, the catheter was taken out, they drew blood, and I was given the pain pump by the anesthesiologist and got ready for discharge. My hemo came back at 11.6. I didn't have to have a blood transfusion, there were no infections or burns. I was very very grateful to be alive.

I arrived to the Airbnb had some food cooked by the chef and rested. Everyone was attentive to me and I felt taken care of.

My first massage with the masseuse, Keila, was so brutal. It took every bit of me not to scream. Dra performed lipo only to my flanks and I was grateful for that. I couldn't imagine doing the whole abdomen or back. It is too damn painful! It's a weird burning and pulling sensation. The next day my sides felt better but I was dreading the massage. This time, I was more prepared and developed a good system with the nurse. She would wash the faja 1 hour before Keila would arrive and I would eat and take the pain pill. It wasn't until my 8th massage that I was finally able to tolerate them. It was still painful AF but the intensity did subside over time. I did experience some post op blues and there were times that I was full of regret and guilt for going through with this. I read scriptures, watched comedies on Netflix, listened to music, and had great conversations with my caretakers. That really helped uplift my spirits. When they say trust the process, you really have to trust the process and remember to remain positive!