BR and BL, 38 No Kids - Atlanta, GA

This was easily, the most nerve racking decision of my life. Up to the day before my procedure, I was asking myself: "are you really going to do this to your body". I almost contacted the doctor's office and cancelled the procedure. I believe we all go through this struggle, as it is a huge life decision.

On the one hand, I knew I really needed the procedure. My breasts have always been big and droopy, with limitations on what I could wear. I have never had perky breasts, and I could only see my nipples if I was looking in the mirror (and they were always pointing downwards). You can still see the dark rashes underneath my breast today (which were at times itchy and smelly), as well as the bra strap marks on my shoulders. I'd had enough.

On the other hand, there were the risks. Infections, necrosis, horrible outcomes (sorry AngelEyes 281) and of course, the scars. We are literally willingly subjecting ourselves to "mutilation". If it wasn't for the brave ladies of Real Self, and the confidence I had in Dr Song, I probably would not have gone through with this procedure. It is because of you ladies and Dr Song, that I decided to pay it forward, and to post this review. (Sorry it took me so long, was waiting until I was on vacation).

I did my procedure on July 13, 2016. Five weeks hence, I have absolutely no regrets. I love my boobs. A huge joker's smile comes across my face whenever I look at them in the mirror. I am ashamed to admit, that I stare at them in the bathroom mirror. I would leave the bathroom, then go back in to stare at them again.

I will periodically post pics of how things are progressing

If you have any questions, please let me know.

I removed the steri strips on July 30, exactly 17 days after the procedure. Dr Song had instructed me to change the strips again (2nd change), about 5 days after the procedure. He had removed them 2 days post surgery, in my first post op consultation

I couldn't remove the strips though. I was a absolutely terrified. I wanted to wait until I was absolutely positive that the incisions had closed up, and I didn't have to deal with the "mess" on my own. I know.....I am a real chicken chit.

The moment I first saw them (scars), I felt light headed. I really wasn't prepared. They looked horrible.

The only upside, is that it was the first time I was seeing my boobs without the strips. They were full, nice, high and round. Just what I asked for. i reapplied new strips, as I hadn't received instructions to start scar treatment. I started scar treatment, this past Saturday August 13 (a month after surgery), when I was positive all my incisions had closed. I still wear gauze every day, (and plan to do so up to the3 month point), to prevent any irritation caused by my bra rubbing against the incision sites.

I forgot to mention, that I was extremely swollen in these pics. Salt will do this ladies. I had about 2 cups of salted nuts, before I took these pics. Stay away from the salt. I just couldn't resist. I am addicted to peanuts.:)

I took these photos so that I could examine the incision areas closely. I knew I still had openings, so I wanted to know which areas to focus on.

Cleaning - once I removed the strips for the first time, I cleaned the area (upper torso) with hibliclens, using a clean, damp wash cloth. I have used only white wash cloths to clean my torso since surgery, so I can be certain that the wash cloth is clean. I then used a dryer (set on cool) to dry the area properly.

After I dried my breast, I applied neosporin to the few openings (to prevent infection) and arnica gel over my breast excluding the incision areas (for the swelling). I then dried my breast again with the dryer, then reapplied steri strips and gauze. I do this twice per day. TRY TO AVOID USING A TOWEL on your breast. This is just another avenue to instroduce infection. Use a dryer.

I took my first full shower (head to toe, running water), a month after the procedure. Before that I showered only from my navel down, underarms, back and back of neck. No running water on my chest area (to avoid infection). I used only a damp cloth with hibliclens to clean from my neck to my navel. It worked for me. I had no infection, pussing, oozing or bleeding. My incisions have been dry since surgery. Even when Adriana (nurse assistant) removed my gauze for the first time post op, I was surprised that there was just one small spot of blood on the gauze and that was it.

I knew showering would expose me to infection based on something Dr Song said to me. I had received a written guide from the hospital where I did the procedure telling me to check the incision area daily for infection. Dr Song called me the pm of my surgery to check on me (loved that). I asked him what I should do to care for the incisions between then and my 1st post op (2 days later). He said to just leave it be. Don't touch it, don't shower, just leave it be. I asked him about checking for infection (like the hospital guidance notes warned). He said, "no, that will only be applicable, ONCE YOU START SHOWERING". I knew then, that showering was dangerous, increased risk of infection. So no more full showers for me :). Well until I was confident all my incisions had closed :)