POSTED UNDER Mommy Makeover REVIEWS
Great Result
ORIGINAL POST
I am a 39 yr old mom of two precious boys, ages 7...
743178May 20, 2011
WORTH IT
I am a 39 yr old mom of two precious boys, ages 7 and 10. I am 5'7 and weigh 136. I consider myself pretty active and I exercise regularly. I had a BA 16 years ago. At that time saline was all that was offered. Before surgery I was a small B. I had 300 cc saline under the muscle put in which made me a full C afterwards. Everything was great, but I never thought that mine had enough fullness at the top after they were done. I chalked that up to the way my anatomy is and the fact that my breasts are kind of far apart.
Later in life I got married and had my kids. After each pregnancy my breasts got a little saggier each time. They also increased in size, but not in a good way. Most of the damage was done from my first pregnancy. I gained 100 pounds with that one and it was completely my fault. I had a good ole time not thinking of the hell I was causing to my body! The next time I got pregnant I was a little smarter, but the damage was there already. Amazingly I did not get stretch marks, just a lot of flabby skin on my tummy.
Looking back I really wish I had waited until after having kids to do any plastic surgery.
I have not had drastic problems with my implants, but I have noticed over the years that they are saggy and they also have a little hardening with the capsule. Also one is now a little lower than the other, which bugs. I guess after 16 years I have gotten my moneys worth though!!
I went in to see a PS to discuss getting a revision done. I had become aware that silicone was available now and that it looks much better than the old saline ones like I have. A few friends of mine had recently done them and they looked fantastic. I decided it was time for me to go and see what could be done. I just could not imagine living with saggy breasts that had implants already!
My PS explained to me that my skin had actually fallen over my implant. Yuck!!
For this reason he suggested I have a lift and a revision. I thought about that for a few days and then I decided that since I was going to go under again, I might as well get my flabby tummy fixed at the same time.
I am scheduled to have a full TT, breast revision with silicone implants, and capsulation removal (around old implants) for June 6. I am very excited but also nervous at the same time. I would have liked to have done the surgery before my kids got out of school for the summer, but this PS was booked up until then. Hopefully I will still be able to recover and enjoy some of the summer, baseball games, pool and golf.
I am not too worried about the pain on the breasts, as I have been there before. The tummy pain is a little concerning though, I am scared about not being able to stand straight afterwards and the fact that I get extremely nauseaus after I have surgery. Hopefully my PS can get me some preventative meds for that!
Thank you to all of you who have posted your stories on here. It has been fun to read about your lives and your decisions to do this!
743178's provider
Replies (3)
May 24, 2011
You're gonna look fantastic :) If you have a low tolerance for pain ask your PS if he offers the pain pump to his patients. I used a pain pump and it truly made a difference in how I felt. I was up walking around the same day because the pain was so tolerable. As for the nausea, I really didn't have any but your PS will give you some anti-nausea meds just in case. You'll be just fine. Well Good Luck on your upcoming surgery!
May 24, 2011
Thank you so much for your suggestions! I did ask my PS about the pain pump and he is giving me one. He charged me a little more for it, but I know that it is going to be worth it. I did not have anything like that 16yrs ago when I did the BA, and it was very painful.
I saw your pics and you look fantastic! Congratulations!!! I want the HP implants like you have. I love the way they look on you!
I hope that I will have a good recovery like you have had.
One question.... Do I need to go and buy some stretchy type pants or shorts (it is SO hot here already!) to wear afterwards? I am wondering how long it will take me to get back into my regular clothes. I hate sweatpants or anything stretchy like that. Most all of my clothes are very fitted. Just wondering how long it took you to wear your normal stuff.
Thanks again!!
I saw your pics and you look fantastic! Congratulations!!! I want the HP implants like you have. I love the way they look on you!
I hope that I will have a good recovery like you have had.
One question.... Do I need to go and buy some stretchy type pants or shorts (it is SO hot here already!) to wear afterwards? I am wondering how long it will take me to get back into my regular clothes. I hate sweatpants or anything stretchy like that. Most all of my clothes are very fitted. Just wondering how long it took you to wear your normal stuff.
Thanks again!!
UPDATED FROM 743178
12 days pre
Today I went in for my Pre-Op appointment and now...
743178May 25, 2011
Today I went in for my Pre-Op appointment and now I am more confused than ever!
I chose the 375 cc High Profile. (That was the easy part).
Next my PS told me that I will most likely have a small vertical scar from where my old Belly Button was. This is due to the fact that I don't have a lot of skin to pull down from. He said that he wants me to make a decision and my choices are either to have the small vertical, OR do what is called an umbilical float procedure. Have any of you heard of this? Apparently it is where they keep your old belly button so there is no possibility of a small vertical from the old one. This causes your current belly button to be lower than where it currently is. My PS said I could choose this because I have a long torso. The disadvantage is that he will not be able to tighten the area above the belly button as much and I do have a little laxity in this area.
I have no earthly idea what would be best. I even asked him what he would do if it were his wife, and he said that he would let her choose. So I am totally unsure of what to do! He told me to let him know the morning of the surgery what I wanted.
The idea of no vertical and also no scar around my current belly button sounds great, but I am worried that lowering my belly button would look unnatural and strange.
Have any of you ladies been asked to make this decision? Thanks for your input!
I chose the 375 cc High Profile. (That was the easy part).
Next my PS told me that I will most likely have a small vertical scar from where my old Belly Button was. This is due to the fact that I don't have a lot of skin to pull down from. He said that he wants me to make a decision and my choices are either to have the small vertical, OR do what is called an umbilical float procedure. Have any of you heard of this? Apparently it is where they keep your old belly button so there is no possibility of a small vertical from the old one. This causes your current belly button to be lower than where it currently is. My PS said I could choose this because I have a long torso. The disadvantage is that he will not be able to tighten the area above the belly button as much and I do have a little laxity in this area.
I have no earthly idea what would be best. I even asked him what he would do if it were his wife, and he said that he would let her choose. So I am totally unsure of what to do! He told me to let him know the morning of the surgery what I wanted.
The idea of no vertical and also no scar around my current belly button sounds great, but I am worried that lowering my belly button would look unnatural and strange.
Have any of you ladies been asked to make this decision? Thanks for your input!
Replies (14)
May 25, 2011
Yes you will love the HP's. They have a very nice projection! That's great that your PS is giving you the pain pump , you won't regret it. I'm just 2 weeks post op so I haven't really started wearing my regular clothes yet. I'm just trying stuff on at home. Yesterday I tried on a pair of jeans that I couldn't fit before and I noticed how they fit so nicely around my stomach area, so I was very excited about that. I'm still alittle swollen so I'm not too comfortable in jeans quite yet.
I would suggest getting some spanx and at least 1 or 2 loose fitting jogging suits to wear when you go for your post-op appointments so u can hide your drains. Also jeggings with a stretchy waist are good after you get your drains removed. They fit snug and it's not too tight around your stomach.
I would suggest getting some spanx and at least 1 or 2 loose fitting jogging suits to wear when you go for your post-op appointments so u can hide your drains. Also jeggings with a stretchy waist are good after you get your drains removed. They fit snug and it's not too tight around your stomach.
May 25, 2011
Thanks for the suggestions!
I am not planning on leaving the house while those drains are in if I can help it. I know I am going to be grossed out by that. It is hard for me to even look at photos of them. I am so glad you are happy with your results and that you thought it was worth it. I am scared shitless to be honest with you. There is part of me that does not want to do it, but then another (the vain part) that says it will be worth it.
Take care and thanks again for writing!
I am not planning on leaving the house while those drains are in if I can help it. I know I am going to be grossed out by that. It is hard for me to even look at photos of them. I am so glad you are happy with your results and that you thought it was worth it. I am scared shitless to be honest with you. There is part of me that does not want to do it, but then another (the vain part) that says it will be worth it.
Take care and thanks again for writing!
May 29, 2011
My PS never gave me the option between the vertical scar and lowered belly button. I wonder what he did to me..Im hoping it comes out nice coz I dont have much skin to pull either. I was really naseous after> I dont do good with anesthesi, I always get dizzy right after. I just stayed in bed with my head back the rest of the day till the anesthesia was out of my system. Hope you have a great recovery!
May 29, 2011
Have you looked at it yet? From what I understand the small vertical is preferable to having a higher scar (which is what they would have to do for me not to have the small vertical). The problem is that I have too much skin for a mini TT and too little skin for a full. I am somewhere in between.
I would think that if you had the small vertical or were going to have it your PS would have told you about it. Lowering the BB is not common. My PS told me that he has only done it 5 times in his 14 years. Only very few people "qualify" for it in his opinion. I have a really long torso, so I think this is why he told me that I could do it. Being #6 scared the [RS bleep] outta me though, and also all the docs on here advised against it. I was really worried it would look weird even with my long torso, so I am opting for the Full TT with the scar. Hope that is not a mistake!
take care and let me know what you think about yours once you have a look. I am betting you are going to look fabulous!!!
I would think that if you had the small vertical or were going to have it your PS would have told you about it. Lowering the BB is not common. My PS told me that he has only done it 5 times in his 14 years. Only very few people "qualify" for it in his opinion. I have a really long torso, so I think this is why he told me that I could do it. Being #6 scared the [RS bleep] outta me though, and also all the docs on here advised against it. I was really worried it would look weird even with my long torso, so I am opting for the Full TT with the scar. Hope that is not a mistake!
take care and let me know what you think about yours once you have a look. I am betting you are going to look fabulous!!!
May 29, 2011
Thank you, I dont have a vertical scar and where my belly button is placed does seem low. But I will ask him at my next post op appt.
May 29, 2011
I am thinking if you had the float procedure done, you would know it. Like I said, it is not common. It is hard to imagine your PS doing it and you not being aware of it.
Do you have a new belly button? If so, you did not get the float procedure. Floating your old BB means that it does not change shape or have scars around it. They just use the existing one and move it down. If you have a new one, you did not get the floating umbilicus procedure done.
If your new BB looks low, I am thinking it is probably because of all the swelling. I am sure it is hard to tell right now with the swelling and healing you are doing.
Gosh I know this is going to be hard sitting around just waiting for your body to get better! I am not looking forward to that part!!!
hope you get some rest and heal nicely.take care.
Do you have a new belly button? If so, you did not get the float procedure. Floating your old BB means that it does not change shape or have scars around it. They just use the existing one and move it down. If you have a new one, you did not get the floating umbilicus procedure done.
If your new BB looks low, I am thinking it is probably because of all the swelling. I am sure it is hard to tell right now with the swelling and healing you are doing.
Gosh I know this is going to be hard sitting around just waiting for your body to get better! I am not looking forward to that part!!!
hope you get some rest and heal nicely.take care.
May 29, 2011
I havent seen my pelly button yet it is taped up. I will get to see it on wednesday. hopefully I can get a pic of it then
June 2, 2011
dont do the floating bb. i wasnt given an option, my ps just did the floating for the same reason that your states. it is very uncommon and had in known it i would of said no. there is not tightness above the bb and i have a lot of loose skin up there that i cant stand. now if i want to do a full tt there will be an issue with the bb. i would of rather have a vertical scar and be totally tight than what i have. i now have to do it all over again.
June 2, 2011
Thank you for your reply. I think you are right. I posted the question to the doctors on here and almost every one of them said the same thing you did- Don't do the float.
I understand you wanting a revision, and I would do it too if I were you. It is too much to go through and not be happy with the results. That is the way I feel about my 16 yr old breast implants. For the first 5 years they were great. Then I had kids and they were ruined! That is why I am getting them redone with a lift and at the same time I decided to do the TT. I want it all over with at once and hopefully that will be the end of it.
I wish you the best of luck. I am sorry that your PS did not explain the float thing to you BEFORE the surgery. That sucks, but I am glad he is willing to work with you on the cost of the re-do. I would do it if I were you. Thanks again for your opinion.
I understand you wanting a revision, and I would do it too if I were you. It is too much to go through and not be happy with the results. That is the way I feel about my 16 yr old breast implants. For the first 5 years they were great. Then I had kids and they were ruined! That is why I am getting them redone with a lift and at the same time I decided to do the TT. I want it all over with at once and hopefully that will be the end of it.
I wish you the best of luck. I am sorry that your PS did not explain the float thing to you BEFORE the surgery. That sucks, but I am glad he is willing to work with you on the cost of the re-do. I would do it if I were you. Thanks again for your opinion.
UPDATED FROM 743178
2 days post
Hi Everyone, I am now on day 2 post-op. I went...
743178June 8, 2011
Hi Everyone,
I am now on day 2 post-op. I went to the PS office this morning and he removed 2 of my 5 drains. (The 2 that were in the breasts came out). The other will come out one week at a time, so by 3 weeks all will be gone. The drains are not painful, they just are so gross. I also dont have a ton of baggy shirts or pants to hide them, so I guess I need to go shopping for something. I am not planning on leaving the house for a week though.
My PS also removed my pain pump this morning and so far it has been good. I am still taking the pain pills every 4 hours.
Sleeping is a little hard. I am finding that I wake up all the time trying to get comfortable. Other than that though, this has not been that bad at all! Nothing like I expected!
The breast lift and new implants are giving me no pain. This is probably because I already had implants there to start with and I did not have a lot of feeling underneath my breasts after my first surgery 16 yrs ago.
The tummy pain is not terrible either. I had a hysterectomy this past February (vaginally) and this so far has been much easier.
My PS put in 400 cc High Profile. I wanted the high profile because I wanted more fullness at the top and I never had this with my old saline (round) ones.
I can already tell I like the feel of the silicone ones better and the shape is just what I wanted.
I did not have any lipo at all as my PS said I didn't need any. He did cut out some of the belly fat during the procedure though from what he told me.
When the nurse took my bandages off this morning, I was really pleased. I will try and post some pics soon.
For all of you ladies out there who have upcoming surgeries, I just want to say that it is not that bad and not that painful! The pain pump I had really helped me, so ask for that if you can. It made a huge difference. I also asked for an anti nausea patch which was applied one hour before my surgery and it was a God-send. I did not throw up at all and this is the first surgery I have ever had that I can say that about!
I do have a small vertical scar where my old BB was. I did not have enough loose skin to pull it down all the way, and I knew about this going in. It is pretty small though and looks like it will heal nicely. My main incision line is super low- in my hair line- so I am thankful for that.
I also don't really have a lot of swelling so far. My PS says the drains really help with that, so hopefully he is right.
I am so glad to have this behind me and so far it has been a good experience. I wish all of you with upcoming surgeries the very best. And remember... It is really not that bad at all!
I am now on day 2 post-op. I went to the PS office this morning and he removed 2 of my 5 drains. (The 2 that were in the breasts came out). The other will come out one week at a time, so by 3 weeks all will be gone. The drains are not painful, they just are so gross. I also dont have a ton of baggy shirts or pants to hide them, so I guess I need to go shopping for something. I am not planning on leaving the house for a week though.
My PS also removed my pain pump this morning and so far it has been good. I am still taking the pain pills every 4 hours.
Sleeping is a little hard. I am finding that I wake up all the time trying to get comfortable. Other than that though, this has not been that bad at all! Nothing like I expected!
The breast lift and new implants are giving me no pain. This is probably because I already had implants there to start with and I did not have a lot of feeling underneath my breasts after my first surgery 16 yrs ago.
The tummy pain is not terrible either. I had a hysterectomy this past February (vaginally) and this so far has been much easier.
My PS put in 400 cc High Profile. I wanted the high profile because I wanted more fullness at the top and I never had this with my old saline (round) ones.
I can already tell I like the feel of the silicone ones better and the shape is just what I wanted.
I did not have any lipo at all as my PS said I didn't need any. He did cut out some of the belly fat during the procedure though from what he told me.
When the nurse took my bandages off this morning, I was really pleased. I will try and post some pics soon.
For all of you ladies out there who have upcoming surgeries, I just want to say that it is not that bad and not that painful! The pain pump I had really helped me, so ask for that if you can. It made a huge difference. I also asked for an anti nausea patch which was applied one hour before my surgery and it was a God-send. I did not throw up at all and this is the first surgery I have ever had that I can say that about!
I do have a small vertical scar where my old BB was. I did not have enough loose skin to pull it down all the way, and I knew about this going in. It is pretty small though and looks like it will heal nicely. My main incision line is super low- in my hair line- so I am thankful for that.
I also don't really have a lot of swelling so far. My PS says the drains really help with that, so hopefully he is right.
I am so glad to have this behind me and so far it has been a good experience. I wish all of you with upcoming surgeries the very best. And remember... It is really not that bad at all!
Replies (6)
June 8, 2011
Can't wait to see your after pics, you are going to look great. I am recovering along with you. Thank GOD for hubbys! They are the greatest. I didn't realize that I really wouldn't have any pain with a BA and really none with my TT but more back pain from not being able to stand up straight. I am happy you are doing great!
June 8, 2011
Glad you are doing well also!
Have you taken a look at your results? Are you happy with the way everything turned out? I am excited to see mine, I have not really gotten a great look at them- only saw everything for a few minutes at the PS office when they changed the dressings, but so far I liked the way everything looked.
I am not hunched over at all which is weird because everyone on here pretty much says that they are. I was standing straight from day one. I hope that does not mean he didn't stretch it far enough!
I cannot wait to shower!! My PS said I could do that tomorrow. I had to wait 24 hours after pain pump came out and that was just this morning.
I am so glad this is behind me, aren't you!
Have you taken a look at your results? Are you happy with the way everything turned out? I am excited to see mine, I have not really gotten a great look at them- only saw everything for a few minutes at the PS office when they changed the dressings, but so far I liked the way everything looked.
I am not hunched over at all which is weird because everyone on here pretty much says that they are. I was standing straight from day one. I hope that does not mean he didn't stretch it far enough!
I cannot wait to shower!! My PS said I could do that tomorrow. I had to wait 24 hours after pain pump came out and that was just this morning.
I am so glad this is behind me, aren't you!
June 8, 2011
I have seen myself many times. I took some after pics today but didn't post them yet. I did post some pics from day 2 post op though. I like everything so far. I am nervous about my tummy though. I know I just have to let it heal and give it time. It is so swollen though, today it almost looks like I have a "baby bump" down below. I think I did to much today and that is the result.
I wouldn't worry about not being hunched over, I am actually jealous that you can stand up straight!!
I got to shower 2 days post op, it didn't go as planned because I couldn't stand up straight so my back was hurting so bad and wanted to give out. So now I have been just sitting in the bathtub and using the handheld showerhead, which is much better. I have to agree,I am so glad this is behind me. I just have to have the patience to let myself heal!!
Thats amazing that your first implants made it 16 years!! I have heard that most need to be replaced after 10 years. I had saline implants placed (not based on cost)but because I wanted a more firmer feel. I also was already large chested to start so I thought it wouldn't really matter since I have so much breast tissue. I as just wanting more fullness since they were so deflated after kids. I ended up with 270cc in my left breast and 240cc in the right. My PS said those were some of the smallest implants she has placed.
I wouldn't worry about not being hunched over, I am actually jealous that you can stand up straight!!
I got to shower 2 days post op, it didn't go as planned because I couldn't stand up straight so my back was hurting so bad and wanted to give out. So now I have been just sitting in the bathtub and using the handheld showerhead, which is much better. I have to agree,I am so glad this is behind me. I just have to have the patience to let myself heal!!
Thats amazing that your first implants made it 16 years!! I have heard that most need to be replaced after 10 years. I had saline implants placed (not based on cost)but because I wanted a more firmer feel. I also was already large chested to start so I thought it wouldn't really matter since I have so much breast tissue. I as just wanting more fullness since they were so deflated after kids. I ended up with 270cc in my left breast and 240cc in the right. My PS said those were some of the smallest implants she has placed.
June 8, 2011
I am sure the swelling is making it look a little distorted. Check and see what it looks like tomorrow.
I have not taken this binder off all that much so I really don't have a great idea what I look like at this point!
I would have never done this again (the BA part anyway) had I not had them done before kids. I really was not having problems with them even after 16 years, it was mainly that they needed a lift. I gained 100 pounds while pregnant, I am sad to say, and it pretty much ruined them. So I knew I needed to get them lifted and also thought I would try the silicone ones this time because I had slight rippling with the saline. (Saline was all that was offered 16 yrs ago).
Mine are under the muscle. New ones and old ones.
The TT was something I wanted as well and I thought it would be great to have them both done at the same time.
So glad it is over, but these drains SUCK! There is no way I am leaving the house with these. How on earth could they be concealed with clothes???!
I have not taken this binder off all that much so I really don't have a great idea what I look like at this point!
I would have never done this again (the BA part anyway) had I not had them done before kids. I really was not having problems with them even after 16 years, it was mainly that they needed a lift. I gained 100 pounds while pregnant, I am sad to say, and it pretty much ruined them. So I knew I needed to get them lifted and also thought I would try the silicone ones this time because I had slight rippling with the saline. (Saline was all that was offered 16 yrs ago).
Mine are under the muscle. New ones and old ones.
The TT was something I wanted as well and I thought it would be great to have them both done at the same time.
So glad it is over, but these drains SUCK! There is no way I am leaving the house with these. How on earth could they be concealed with clothes???!
June 8, 2011
I am doing pretty well. I had the nausea and even threw up once. Talk about painfull. So glad your recovery is going so well. I think my pain meds and nausea meds are kicking in so I believe I will take another nap.
June 10, 2011
ouchies you threw up...god girl I feel for you. I couldnt imagine. How many days are you post op?
No stretch marks! Yay. You're one of the lucky ones. Looking forward to seeing how your body changes as you heal from this. Thanks so much for sharing!