Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

POSTED UNDER Breast Lift REVIEWS

Ultimate breast lift - no vertical scars, no implants - don't like end result

ORIGINAL POST

I was concerned about if this could work on me. I...

User Avatar
GoBigRedhead
$9,000

I was concerned about if this could work on me. I am 40+ with dark skin and Hypo-tropic scarring issues. Initially we thought I may have been a candidate for a mini ubl, but once I went to get fitted for a bra at 3 different places(Dillards, Sonma,& Intimacy) I found that I was measuring as 32-34 G cup or DDD. Yet I had been wearing 36 DD, I was the wrong bra size obviously. I contacted them via email to see if I could have the procedure done on Feb 1st and they did make arrangements to squeeze me in.
I then contacted my primary doctor and made an appointment for blood work, UA, EKG and request a copy of Mammogram to be sent to Dr. H asap. Got the results back and was clear to have the full UBL.
Contacted Staybridge hotel and book a room (1 bedroom King Suite w/kitchen) for 5 nights. Purchase 6 bras on clearance from Nordstroms Rack (delighted to find my size). Then went shopping to find button down shirts to accommodated the drains and the fact that lifting my hands/arms above my head would not be allowed within the first 4 weeks.
Feb1 Day 1:
Get up and go to Dr. H's office to confirm what we are doing and how the procedure will be handled. He was very nice and yes he may talk fast for people that are not from the east coast, but I understood everything he said. Once we got done speaking my hubby handled the bill and then we went across the parking lot to the surgical center. We checked in and got prepped for surgery at 11 AM and I think we got started by noon. The time is fuzzydue to the sedation.
Work up sore and probably complaining about pain because it was painful. They gave me something and then I only remember waking up in the bed at the hotel.
My husband was excellent at draining the fluids over the next 72 hours post-op. I looked in the mirror the next morning and found I was swollen, my hands, feet and belly. I pretty much rested the entire day and loaded up on muscle relaxers & pain pills. Could those 22 saltine crackers have anything to do with that??? on to the next topic.
32 hours post op he and the PA came by the hotel to check on me and to remove the chest cast, so I could put the under wire bra on. We tryed on a couple and Elisa felt that the Chantelle Bras (http://www.herroom.com/chantelle,bras,support,cha001,001,186,24.html) would be best for me to start out in. Now this was for my shape and size of course.
Day 3
I am looking in the mirror as I get out of the shower and question was the best decision, because my breast looks deformed and much smaller. I did not have implants only a lift. I know what I see now is the swelling and really I can already tell that I have some relief of back pain. To soon for me to judge what I feel at this time.
They spoke with me an said thing will fall into place just have to give it time.
Day 5
Well ladies let me suggest you make sure to use a stool softener while taking the meds, because after five days on meds, my lower intestines said no to releasing waste. I then got senkot and prayed that would help. Also prior to him releasing me to go home, I told him that I could hear squishy water sounds in my right upper breast area the night before, But of course I could not produce the sounds on command during my follow up visit. We visit with him and he tells us we can go home because that things were looking good so it was ok for us to head back to North Texas.
Day 6
I am stressing out about this fluid retention in my right breast area, only because I have drains in still but the fluid is not moving as fast as it was in the left breast. I sent a video to them asking what should I do to counter a possible seroma, hopefully I will get word back in the morning and keep you guys posted.
I may have to go back to Houston for a day trip to get this matter resolved.
Will keep everyone posted.

GoBigRedhead's provider

Gary M. Horndeski, MD

Gary M. Horndeski, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

4.6 | 319 Reviews
PROFILE
GoBigRedhead

GoBigRedhead rating for Dr. Horndeski:

Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
Time spent with me
Phone or email responsiveness
Staff professionalism & courtesy
Payment process
Wait times

Replies (25)

February 9, 2013
Thanks for the review, keep us posted. I had the mini UBL on 1/24/13 myself!
User Avatar
February 9, 2013

I'm so happy you're sharing with us! I hope the squishy sound goes away (I've definitely heard that before with other ladies, if that makes you feel better).

User Avatar
February 11, 2013
Thank you for sharing with me it always feels better to know that you are not alone with healing issues.
February 25, 2013
Wow iam 5 days post breast lifting ...first day i noticed bleeding then hardening of the compression the doctor had put for me...iam same like you very cautious and expexting everything , i always use glycerin suppository as laxative , it works like magic , yesterday i went to gym and walked on trademil very slow just to move , have been in bed for 4 days and it killed me ...i watched my weight alot so i dont gain any ....gaining and loosing again my affect breasts shape ...iam scared from hardness i can feel from compression and iam wearing w bra that barely holds my breats so that it doesnot pull on sutures ...iam worried sometimes i feel random pain i cant wxplain and goes away...my breasts are always itchy .i did also lipo so my abdomen so swollen i took aldactone for it and it worked to decrease fluid retained ... I have visit to PS after tomorrow and iam really worried about hardness...if compression healed with my cuts iam doomed :((( breast lifting alone costed me 3500$ and he is american board certified crazy difference ha
February 25, 2013
Plus i have been sleeping on my back for 5 days it SUCKS how do u manage
User Avatar
February 26, 2013
I am sleeping in my recliner and right now I am 25 days PO. My breast are still tight and stiff in some places too. I think that when they move everything around we will all experience some level of tightness due to the swelling and fluids. I would encourage you to sit down and relax from any form of exercise for the next 4 to six weeks. You body need every ounce of energy to heal and when you work out you are hinder that process. I know how you feel about gaining weight, but you dont want to have complications either. I think the hardness is common. My PS required me to where an underwire bra and it never touch the incision. My procedure is very different compared to traditional Breast Lift procedures. I hope everything works out for you with no problems. You are only 5 days post op, my PS said the swelling may take up to 90 days to settle. Just depends on the person.
February 26, 2013
Thank you dear thats so sweet of you sharing urexperince with us , wish u best perkier breasts ever , let us know how does it affect your husband if he is more pleased :p with all thr compressions and garmet iam wearinh and swellinh i look better :p its such a relief even with the pain to sleep without breasts hanging around or knowin that sports will be easier and being without bra wont seem old or wont hurt your back :p i wanna celebrate wohooo if only i can jump also if people said lipo is cosmetic rhis surgery is life changing and no sports and diet can solve ! Cheers to the new shape !
User Avatar
March 11, 2015

Please....search his name in ******.com and **********.com to see sites he has no control over. Just for the sake of real-time comparison and to make an informed decision. If you scroll down long enough in RealSelf you'll hit some unhappy reviews.

User Avatar
March 11, 2015

Just fyi that he has no control over RealSelf either.

User Avatar
April 12, 2015
May 3, 2015
Sammy 832, can u orivate message me and give me those sites where i can find more info on dr H. I am so confused. Not sure what to believe. Thanks so much!
October 30, 2015
Did you get the names?
March 13, 2015
This is all so scary! I'm from Chicago and I was supposed to have a consult with Dr. H today but backed out because of all of this craziness! I don't know what to believe and what not to believe.
User Avatar
March 15, 2015
Chicago have the consult with him - talk to him about what some women are saying! There are legitimate women like This lady, then there are the ones that I feel would NEVER be happy! There is NO such thing as perfection - this is MAJOR surgery where he is taking tissue and restructuring it. The reason why I presume you looked at him, and why we did - is no veritcal scar. THAT to me is worth coming back for a fix - if needed! Take a look at some women that had the old way. Some of those POOR POOR women are masacred! I think Red would agree she doesn't feel masacred, but is definitely hesitant to go and have surgery where she is in his office and awake! Listen to legit women whom had issues & listen to the women that walk around topless!!! LOL When you talk to him - which is free through Realself and you will SKYPE - ask about what some of the women are saying. He will explain! Also I REALLY looked into the hoopla about the hospital, it has ALL been fixed now, it was more about him clashing with other doctors, not about patients! Just listen and look into his eyes!
User Avatar
March 20, 2015
Wonder why he clashes with other doctors? And there was much more to the issue than you're revealing. Bambi again.
October 30, 2015
October 30, 2015
how are you now? I remember being in contact & all your problems. Hope you are well!
User Avatar
January 20, 2016
Hello I have been gone for a while and made up in my mind that I was going to give myself time to heal and then revisit the whole surgical revision. I will do it this Fall when I have time. How are you doing? It has been while since we chatted. Thank you for thinking of me. :)
UPDATED FROM GoBigRedhead
9 days post

Feb 10th 2013 (10 days post op) I am not sure if...

User Avatar
GoBigRedhead
Feb 10th 2013 (10 days post op)
I am not sure if it me or what but I feel like I am having hot flashes at night. What in the world is that about? Yes I am over forty, so maybe that is what is the deal. We went to the Mall yesterday to look for some button down blouses for me to were and I got exhausted pretty fast so I grabbed four items rang them up and went home. I think I should still take is easy, I was not able to try the clothing on without my husbands help, so we waited until we got home. I purchase a few Kensie Hoodie dresses and they worked best for me with the zipper.
I am still taking the Antibiotics and I will be so happy to be of those. My GI tract is getting back to normal and I am not as bloated. Ladies please please adhere to the other comments about constipation, even if you have never had issues before, better to softener prior to surgery. Think twice about that steak or heavy meal the day before also. Drink water and stay hydrated the week prior to and proceeding surgery. You will be glad you did and sad if you don't. I did not heed the advice and it took me the regular girl 6 days to get "back on track". I think the muscle relaxers and pain pills put our intestinal track in some type of stoic state and it seems to shut down. Just eat healthy meals that are easy to digest and things should be fine.
There is still limited movement in my ability to move my arms in the upward position. I took for granted how high a glass in the cupboard really is, so I have been having the family to leave dishes out on the cabinet so I do not cause extra strain on my healing tissues.
Showers are a blast, but thank God for hubby's that don't mind washing your back and shoulders...somehow I think they may like this task. It take me a long time to shower because I am not able to move those arms as fast, plus I really am taking extra caution in rinsing off all the soap. My left nipple is healing different than the right one, seem to be more swollen. I have sensation in the nipples, but the breast still feel a tab bit numb and very hard still. I enjoy the shower and take my time because this is more time out of that bra. Wearing a bra 24/7 is so annoying, maybe its because it is under-wire, or perhaps I just hate wearing the thing all the time. Whatever the case may be I am going to follow the rule and pray that the final outcome in over the next few months will yield the result I so desire. I think the last time I posted I was complaining about fluid in upper pole area of my right breast and I still have it. I went to purchase the Arnica Pills & Cream to help with inflammation, I have used these in the past and they do work. While shopping I found this lotion called Indian Hemp & Haitian Vetiver with Neem Oil for Anti-Inflammatory, Moisturizing and Healing. I have been using it as soon after I get out of the shower and I can tell a difference in the nipple dryness and perhaps it will help with the inflammation also. Every day for 10 minutes I have been using this solid brass balloon ( that my daughter made in sculptor class) to lay on the spot where I hear the water sound. It seems like it helps and that the fluid may be decreasing in that area. Of course the doctor would suggest this would happen regardless of my tactics, but the mind is the best healer of our bodies.
My back is feeling GREAT! Like I am so serious, this is wonderful and unless you have back pain, you cannot imagine what a joy it is to not have any. My tummy is still swollen or something so I am ready to hit that gym hard, I have been eating and snacking on horrible things and not working out so I have gained at least 5 lbs, that okay because I know I can work that off in a week or two.
Sleepy in the recliner and it is not really good sleep, but some is better than none.

Replies (9)

User Avatar
February 11, 2013
You're breasts look gorgeous! Good luck in your healing!
User Avatar
February 11, 2013
Thank you and I am really trying hard to see the vision. My mom saw the pics and she said OMG you needed that, she had no idea they where hanging that low. I keep telling myself would you rather look like this or like that. THIS is the winner if I must choose.
User Avatar
February 11, 2013
The swelling and fluid seems to be going down. I know I will have to purchase some more transition bras, because I can tell the G cup is going to be too big in these 34. Dr. Horndeski measured me at a 32 and so did the lady at Intimacy Perfect Bra Fit. I am waiting until more swelling goes down before I buy too much. With that being said I need the firm support so that my breast will continue to shape properly too.
February 11, 2013
Hi gobigredhead. I hope you are feeling better and healing quickly. I am considering having this particular procedure done. Would you mind sharing the names of the other 2 surgeons you found?. The only reason I'm asking is to see if there is one closer to where I am (Toronto, Canada). Thank you so much for the thorough posting, take care......you look great!
User Avatar
February 12, 2013
Hi PB, I want to first state that the other two doctors procedures are different in terms of the way they use the word "scarless". The Sedvre Internal Suture Technique is new here in the USA and you would want to look at all the information about it. This is the link http://drturowski.reachlocal.com/?scid=2529200&kw=1215:3851&pub_cr_id=15695108944 for Dr. TUROWSKI in Chicago and during my consult I did not qualify because my breast where to big and I had to much hanging skin. There is a video on the actual procedure post by the doctor who invented this. The other doctors where both here in Plano and Dr. Charles Wallace did something similar to Dr. Horndeski, but the end results did not yield the same results from what I see. The other doctor is also in Plano Dr. Paul Pin whom I really like, but his technique would leave that vertical scar http://www.paulpinmd.com/breast-lift-gallery/. Yes I understand your hesitation with traveling and having this procedure so far away. You should speak with your primary care physician prior to making this decision and see if you would have her/his support should you have any complications. Depending upon how long you are staying there are medical companion services that you can use that works with the doctors staff to help you with post op care that can range anywhere from $15 to $ 30 USD per hour with 4 hours minimum. This is great if you must travel alone because they care for you while you heal. I was there for a total of 6 nights, so if you look at that flight ranging from $600- $900 and the room @ Staybridge Suites for $99 per night plus your procedure cost will vary depending on what you select. I have to stress that we do not know how our bodies will behave so it is important that you feel comfortable with the doctor you choose. How they treat you before surgery is a great sign for how they will behave after. I am still upset about the fact that he would not prescribe me Valium for the drain removal, but hey I should have asked prior to scheduling the surgery. Have your list of deal breakers for each doctor and the wish list of your expectations. Make sure you ask the doctor if your expectations are realistic. The staff for DR. Horndeski won us over with the prompt attention to any and all concerns.
February 12, 2013
Thank you so much for all the info and the quick response. I will start looking into them right away.
User Avatar
February 12, 2013
Very welcome and keep me posted please.
February 12, 2013
Hi I hope you are happily healing!! The pleating will flatten out in time & the shape will keep improving! Your results look great!
User Avatar
February 12, 2013
I am looking forward to the healing happy aspect. Thinking positive and trying to take things slower.
UPDATED FROM GoBigRedhead
13 days post

Feb 14th I am 14 days Post- Op and the fluid I...

User Avatar
GoBigRedhead
Feb 14th
I am 14 days Post- Op and the fluid I had in the upper right area of my breast is all but gone. Elisa contacted me today to check on me and request that I send them photos of my progress. I will send them in the morning and post those to the site also.

Replies (2)

February 15, 2013
I want to have a breast lift also...and I want mine to turn out just like yours! They look amazing!!
User Avatar
February 16, 2013
Hold your horses over there, how about I want your results to look better than these "pillows of mystery design". Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder and you my darling are a sweetheart. I cant see the forest for the trees right now. My focus is on those whom have reach that 90 day mark. They give me hope that my healing will yield phenomenal results so I can except the positive comments from all of my beautiful spirited body regeneration sisters :)! Again thank you for the kind words... it helps me to think positive and heal with less worry. I claim the best shape is in my near future of updated photos.