28 Y.o., 175lbs, No Kids, Looking to Go from Saggy DDs to Perky Ds

It's hard to believe it's been a month since my surgery. I'm 99.9% pain free lately.
I still have that slight stabbing pain in my armpit lymph nodes but it's only for a second when I try and put on a regular sports bra and the tightness of it cuts in to my armpit before I can pull it all the way down.
My mondor cords feel much better. On the right here's still a tiny bit of a pulling feeling when I reach but it's no longer sore.
I've tried sleeping on my stomach a few times but it feels like I have a pillow under my chest and becomes uncomfortable so I switch to my side.
My under incisions look great. They're a little red/pinkish but it's to be expected. They're straight and I think they'll heal thin so I'm happy. The thickness on the right side incision has started breaking up some. I've been kind of lazy with the biocorneum which I really need to be more diligent about.
There are days when I don't notice any changes but then there are also days where I do. Like today while doing a once over of my incisions I noticed my nipples are starting to round out and they're starting to flatten also, even the parts where the skin seemed to be overlapping and I didn't think it'd be able to heal correctly. So I'm taking back and eating my words about that. I know every one says to "give things time" and "they change so much over time" but this is the first thing that's really proven that to me. Something I don't think time will fix is that after taking the photos for this post I realized I'm having some asymmetry (.....there you go again pictures-messing with my head, trying to get me upset). My right looks to be sitting lower and maybe even looks a little bigger than the left. I think part of the reason for that is because of the excess skin that's on the center side of the left breast.
I went for my follow up appointment on Monday to have my embrace sheets replaced. I tried getting in a picture of my vertical incisions but I couldn't because my PS was a little pressed for time(it was my fault, I had to push back my appt time). I was able to look at them in the mirror though, and they look fabulous! Super thin lines with no discoloration. I voiced all my concerns about my current results that I've talked about on here to my PS and the following were his responses:
1. Implant placement/size leading to lack of cleavage fullness- He said he could not get the implants any more towards the center and that he didn't think a larger/higher profile implant would have provided the cleavage I wanted either because of where the muscle ends. But, after constantly looking at and feeling the area, I think if I would've gone with a higher profile implant and it would have given more definition to the area. He thinks there is still swelling in the top of the breasts and that when that comes down that I'll be happier with how the top looks. As for the center, he suggested that there was just a lack of natural volume in that area to begin with, which is what I thought the whole point of the surgery was-to fix lost volume :-/. But he said that he thinks we could achieve fullness in the center with fat transfer. I didn't think to ask until after I had left if that procedure would be an additional cost.
2. Center side of right breast lower than the outside- The embrace sheet is holding the skin tightly and may be distorting the shape. After they're taken off and after gravity has had some time to work it may round out. I don't think the embrace has anything to do with the shape because I like the bottom shape of the left side buuut I will be patient and see what gravity does.
3. Nipples smaller than I (and my husband) wanted- We could remove the skin around the nipple and it would stretch them out. I guess it would essentially be the same thing as a benelli lift that sometimes has an undesired outcome of stretched nipples. My concern with this is what if they stretch too far? An advantage I had thought about would be, maybe with a benelli lift, he could remove even more skin to tighten my breasts without having to recut my T incisions. I'm doubtful this will be enough though to give me as tight of a look as I wanted.
4. Nipples still low- Once my implant is done dropping and the swelling is completely gone they may look higher. This response I'm not too sure about because at my last appointment he said he didn't think my implants would drop anymore.
5. My breasts not being as lifted as I wanted- He asked towards the end of my appointment if I was in a funk about my breasts as it's normal for that to happen (I guess the boobie blues some women talk about on here). I think he could sense I'm not completely happy. He said that my results are good given what I had before. While I agree, and if I had been wanting a more natural outcome I'd be happy, I told him they're not the result that I had hoped for. He said not to worry too much about it for now and that when we're at my three month appointment we'll evaluate to see what/if any changes need to be done.
So.... I'm playing the waiting game until my three month appointment. I'm trying to be as patient as can while also reminding myself that I need to be thankful things have gone as well as they have. Some days it's tough thinking about the whole surgery ordeal and having to accept it not ending up like I'd hoped. But, I'm trying to remain positive and I'm hopeful that in a few months I'll be able to have an in office procedure that will get me closer to where I want to be. I think that when it comes down to it I'll need another complete anchor incision but I may be jumping the gun. It stinks thinking about going under the knife again but oh well, I'll just have to suck it up.
I'll probably update again at two months, maybe earlier if I feel like there are any noticeable changes. Until then, be well ladies!

Currently 20 days post op. I haven't really been updating as much or spending a much time on here as I thought I would and to be honest the reason is because when I go to take pictures for an update I just feel so disappointed with the way my breasts look. Half the time I don't even want to take the pictures because I know I won't like what I see. I feel like I make progress mentally and think they look okay but then I look at pictures and it all gets undone. I had my whole update typed up with a positive vibe but now after taking pictures I'm just.......idk how to describe it, just down. I say this in an effort to be real and honest so people can really see what it's like. I'll go ahead and post what I had originally typed up though...

Feeeling pretty great these days(physically).

I stopped taking Tylenol completely around day 11. I dealt with some itchy, dry, irritated skin around the two week mark. It was mostly right in the areas where my original dressing was taped to my skin. I just rubbed some aquaphor on my breasts to moisturize them and it seemed to do the trick. Also started using the biocorneum on my nipple and under incisions around the same time.

There's not really any pain anymore. Very mild (pec)muscle soreness here and there but nothing that requires any type of pain remedy. Only one of the lymph nodes in each arm still has some lingering soreness that I only feel when they're touched. The right one is worse and feels like a sharp cutting sensation. I hope this goes away soon.

I think the swelling is subsiding. I'm feeling somewhat better about them here lately. I'm hoping there's still swelling at the top by the armpit though because they kind of have a rectangle shape on top. I tried on a few bathing suit tops from before surgery and I love how I don't have to pull and push and position them just right or tie them super tight for it to look good. The left is taking on a better shape and getting rounder. The right, however, is still misshapen, the left side of it looks fuller. I'm pretty sure this is because in an effort to keep my incision smaller, my PS may not have taken enough skin from underneath on that side. I don't think this is something that will even out with time.

I've pretty much come to terms with the fact that I'll eventually have to go back for a revision. I think my PS just wasn't as aggressive with the lift as was needed. Hopefully a with lollipop incision at the time of revision he'll pull things in more and raiser my nipple some. I really just want a tighter more lifted look. Since my swelling has gone down my lack of cleavage has become more evident. I feel like the center of my chest still looks flat. I've wondered if a bigger implant would've given me more upper pole projection or more cleavage but I can't afford to get new implants or to have to do anesthesia again so whatever we have so well have to be strictly skin.

I've worn my pre-surgery 38DD bras a few times and they still fit. I'm filling them out better at the top now though, there's no gap or over hang. I had originally wanted to be smaller after surgery but I'm pretty happy with the size right now. I think anything less would've been too small for me. I've had a few people ask me in the last week if I've lost weight. I'm not sure if it's because my boobs look smaller, therefore making me look smaller, or if it's because I actually am smaller(I've been trying really hard over the past month to eat healthy), either way I'll take the compliment!

Sensation in my left nipple is completely absent. It's weird to run my hand over my breast and not get that tingle from the nipple. The right actually feels a lit bit more sensitive than it was pre-surgery. I'm hoping that it will come back in the left but I'm doubtful because I haven't been having any zinger pains in it or anything. I have, however, been having them in the outside of my right breast where I noticed is also numb. I'm guessing that's where some tissue was removed.

The top of my under incision on the right breast is still hard, thick, and rope like. Not sure what the reason is especially since the other side isn't like that. All the rest of my incisions are healing really well. I'm a tiny bit concerned about the way my nipples were stitched. It's not just one clean line fitting together like a puzzle. In some parts the breast skin is on top of the nipple skin and in other parts the nipple skin is on top of the breasts skin. I just don't see how this can heal flat and normal but what do I know? It's still early and will hopeful work itself out. Nipples are still smaller than I'd like, the left one especially as it's stayed shriveled since surgery. I really hope over time they'll spread out and get bigger, not as big as before surgery, obviously, but at least a little bigger.

A few days ago I noticed a red area at a spot where the the breast skin is on top of the nipple skin. When I looked at it closer there was a little bit of "yellown-ess". I cleaned it out with some alcohol on a q-tip and put some Neosporin on it. I got a little woozy while inspecting/cleaning it but that's just because I'm a wuss when it comes to dealing with/looking at open wounds. The redness has since gone away and it seems to be healing normally now.

At around the two week point I started having a pulling pain in the bottom(torso part) part of my right under incision when I would bend over or reach up high. I initially thought maybe things had been sewn to tight or something but it would be sore when I would wear my pre-surgery underwire bras where the underwire would touch. It felt like it's bruised but it's not. A few days later I started having the same soreness on the left, not really the pulling feeling just the soreness. Well it turns out I have mondor cords, one under each breast. They're palpable and visible when I raise my arms. For those who don't know, they're inflamed blood vessels that result from a clot from being cut during surgery. All the websites I've read say that they're more of a nuisance than anything and will eventually resolve themselves with time.

For the most part I don't really notice my implants. If I didn't know any better and the doctor told me he decided against implants during surgery, I'd believe him. Obviously they are in there as there's fullness where there wasn't before but they've never been hard and try as I might, I can't feel any differentiation between breast tissue and implant. It is a little different though, trying to cross my arms and getting resistance from my side boob. Shaving my armpits is also different as now my hair grows a little on my side boob and I have to maneuver around the muscle at the front of the armpit that used to be covered by the fat that was removed through lipo.

I go back for my next follow up on the 8th. I'm supposed to wear the embrace sheets until then and have a new set put on but I don't know if they'll last or be effective that long. I was reading on their website that they last 10 days but I'm supposed to have mine on for twice that. It turns out the air bubble I referenced in my last update was nothing to worry. It, along with the condensation that I'd see after the gym are normal since your skin is "breathing" through the strip. I think they're working though, the incision looks thin and light from what I can tell.

I've been to the gym three more times since my last update. I've been sticking to walking on the treadmill at around 3mph but I increase the incline because I feel like I should be doing more. I wonder sometimes if I'm doing to much, like walking too fast at the gym or lifting things at work here and there, but my recovery has been so easy and I feel so great that I hope it's okay. I make sure I don't walk fast enough that my breasts bounce or lift anything too heavy.

I guess that's all for now. I'll probably update again after my next follow up and try to sneak a peak/picture of my vertical incision in between the taking off and putting on of the embrace sheets.

Hope you all are well!

DAY 5
Overall good day, nothing really to report. Went to lunch then just relaxed for the day. Was able to hold an active 10 month old for like 30 minutes with only minimal discomfort.
Tried sleeping on my side but it got uncomfortable after only a few minutes.

DAY 6
Finally all cleared out in the digestive department lol.
Went for my follow up appointment and had my steri strips removed. I was in and out in like 20 minutes. PS said everything was healing great. Idk why I didn't think I was having any swelling but he said there was definitely some. I guess he would know since he saw them in the OR. He's more excited about my breasts than I am. I kind of let him know I wish they were a little more lifted he said we'll wait and see how things settle and reevaluate then and we could possibly do a procedure in office. He doesn't think my implants will drop very much which I am happy about.
Seeing them without the steri strips was definitely different. My nipples look a little smaller than I thought they would. Hopefully they'll spread out some one they're healed, they've been "shriveled" and hard since surgery. They're still kind of pointy (one more than the other) and I hope they flatten out. I originally thought they might have been cut in some kind of flower pattern like with scallop edges but after looking a little closer I think it's just how they're stitched. Theres still a little piece of the nipple that's overlapping the breast skin and I don't know how that can possibly heel right.
My scar underneath is a little longer than the Dr said it'd be but I'm ok with it because I figured he'd need to elongate it to take more skin. The top part of the scar feels very hard and kind of rope like, as if the skin was folded before it was sewn shut. My T incision looks like it's closing well. There is a little bit of a scab but it's to be expected. PS put Embrace scar therapy sheet on my vertical incision. I thought he was going to put one on the horizontal scar also but I guess not. He said it's purpose is to ease tension of gravity pulling the breast down and spreading the scar and that there's not really any tension on the horizontal incision since it's in the fold. So now I'm going to re-scour real self to see what the best over the counter product is for scar therapy.
My lymph nodes in my armpit were a little inflamed and sore, he said it's normal. Turns out the the stitch(es), one in each armpit, are dissolvable and should be breaking up soon. He did trim them though. I bought a tube of biocorneum from the office, gonna have to do some research on here about when to start using it.
Rest of the day was good. The dark bruising under my breasts started to lighten up a little. But everywhere else I have a LOT of yellow bruising. It's strange to look at, especially in certain light lol. I was able to sleep on my sides with less discomfort but still not for very long.
Talked to my hubby about what he thinks about my breasts. I hadn't really been able to gauge his reaction or what he thought about them. I think the tape and all the bruising and everything kind of made it hard for him to really tell what they look like. Even though it's my body, he paid for the surgery so I didn't want him to be disappointed. He feels the same as I do, that they could be lifted a little more but that they look way better than before. We agree they're about 80% better than they were.

DAY 7
Lymph nodes were VERY sore! They hurt to touch and even made arm movement a little painful. The lymph system in the armpit is really complex so I'm hoping nothing was damaged by the lipo.
The incision from it looks really red, I don't remember that from the last time I had lipo. Other than the lymph node pain breasts were all good. Hardly any soreness.
I returned back to my part time job in the afternoon bartending at a golf course. It went well. It doesn't get really busy so it's not like constant moving. I did ended up being there pretty late though, til about 1am and after waking up at 5am that day to help my dad I was exhausted.

DAY 8
Slept until about 10am after being worn out from the night before. Even when I woke up though I still felt tired and laid in bed for another two hours. After finally getting up, I tried cleaning the kitchen. Got most of the way done until I started to feel the slightest bit light headed and just overall kind of lethargic and had to stop.
Went to the gym later for the first time since surgery. Walked on the treadmill for an hour at 2.5mph. Tried to push through the headache I got from cleaning earlier and at the same time take it easy so my breasts wouldn't bounce. Felt good to get some exercise in as I was going to the gym 3-5 times per week pre-surgery. Hopefully I didn't push it too hard. A lot of PSs on here say to wait two weeks until doing cardio.

DAY 10
Pretty much back to normal. Sore at the end of the days, probably because I haven't really kept up with Tylenol regularly. I've been taking it in the morning, when I go to bed and at a random time during the day.
Lymph nodes are feeling much better today. Still a tiny bit sore but nothing like they were.
There's an air bubble (I think) under my embrace sheet. I'm a little worried about it and if it's gonna be like a breeding ground for bacteria. Plan on asking PS about it later.
I feel like my breasts really haven't made any notable changes. I do notice that some swelling has gone down and they're looking a tad bit smaller. It's not really noticeable in pictures. I'm hoping there's still a lot of swelling at the top by armpit. If that would minimize and the top would look rounder I'd feel a little better.
Overall, I'm feeling a little emotional this morning. I try not too focus on these feelings but every time I look at the pictures of my breasts or really look at them in the mirror I have feelings of disappointment. I knew it was a lot to hope for perfect results from one operation but I was really hopeful it would happen for me. I knowww my boobs have a long way to go before I get to my final results but I'm also a realist and I know there's also no way they'll move up and that's what I really wanted, a higher and tighter look. I don't see that in the future for them. It's so disheartening to think that I just went through this whole ordeal and spent all this money and didn't get what I wanted. I showed my PS the same wish pictures I have on here and more. I wish that if what I had wanted wasn't a realistic result for me that he would've just told me that from the start instead of letting me get my hopes up. Making it even more difficult to cope is the fact that funds for a revision aren't available. So, if once things are all done healing and settling and what I need to get the results I want requires more than an in office procedure then I won't be able to do it and I'll be stuck with back in the same place I was, unhappy with my boobs. Also, even if he is able to fix them in office, I'll have to go through the whole wound healing and scar treatment process again. I mean I wouldn't mind doing it to get what I want but why couldn't things just work out this first time. Ugghh it just stinks. I guess this was my trade off for having such an easy recovery. I would've rather been miserable for a week and have the boobs I want.
I'm also noticing some asymmetry between the two. Just another thing that's adding to my disappointment. The right one where some extra tissue was taken out is still misshapen and appears lower. Idk if it's because my left implant is a little higher, I cant tell. They feel like they're in the same place but look different. I'm HOPEFUL this will all even out with time.

I guess that's enough blabbering for today. Thanks for being my outlet for all this, catch you ladies soon.