41, 5 Pregnancies, 3 Kids Later and Not Fully Functional

Over the course of 7 years I was pregnant 5 times. I had 3 live births and nursed all 3 children for a year each, totaling 3 years of wear and tear on my breasts and nipples. In addition, I had several lumpectomies most of which came from one breast. As a result, my breasts were flat, misshapen and 2 very different sizes. I always bought a bra that fit my one, big breast and I stuffed the other side to help it fill out the cup where I was missing boob. Also, my nipples would roll up. . . literally roll up against my chest and completely disappear when inside the bra. They always felt tender and appeared purple like they were constantly bruised. I saw my ob/gyn about this issue and it was recommended that I see a plastic surgeon to assist with my nipple health and correct the difference in size. I also had diastasis recti with a hernia. Being a thin frame, my intestines would bulge through the opening. This bulging through was painful in itself, but I also had constant back pain. I wore a nike structured training (weigh-lifting) belt daily so that I could accomplish normal tasks with minimal pain. It was a way of life for me for 7+ years and I learned how to perfectly conceal it never leaving home without my belt. Plus, I was seeing a chiropractor once to twice a week for all those years as well. I was referred to a women's health physical therapist for the diastasis recti with hernia. I did physical therapy twice a month for 9 months. We did various exercises and repeated dry needling of the area. It improved greatly, but not enough to remedy the intestines popping through and the back pain still persisted. It was at the end of this process that I decided to explore surgical options with a plastic surgeon. I quickly learned about the mommy makeover and how it would help with both of my functional issues. I already knew that I did not want to undergo 2 surgeries and experience 2 recovery periods. I failed to mention that I have lupus and needed additional tests and medical clearances to have the procedure. My pcp and rheumatologist felt one surgery with one recovery was best. According to them, I was ready for a successful procedure.

Dr. Alderman was my 3rd consultation. I walked into the Swan Center and was impressed with how welcoming and warm the environment and staff were. I enjoyed getting to know my doctor before she even walked in the door to meet me. The nurse went over her bio with me as well as details of what to expect during my consultation. All of the information was readily available and presented on a large touchscreen mounted on the wall. It was very user-friendly not only for the nurse, but for me as I browsed while waiting to meet Dr. Alderman. I was able to learn about the facility as well as its offerings. I also perused before and after pictures of actual patients who had the same procedure I was looking to get. It allowed me a realistic view of the aesthetic results. Upon meeting Dr. Alderman, we discussed my goals and she presented options for achieving those. I wanted to go the most conservative route possible with the greatest benefit. Dr. Alderman was the only surgeon I interviewed that recommended strategically placed implants to lift my breasts and fill out the missing tissue in an effort to remedy not only the different sized breasts, but also correct my nipple issue. In addition, she recommended a full tummy tuck because the open area (of my diastasis recti with a hernia) extended up and down beyond the length of my bellybutton. She felt that stabilizing that entire area would help to alleviate 90% of my constant back pain. I knew after talking to her that she was the best doctor for me. She made sure that I arrived at a place of full understanding of the procedures, the surgical plan, the recovery and required after-care before she left my presence. She was incredibly thorough and her visuals via the touchscreen were incredible. It was a total teaching experience. And, I felt completely at peace and ready to have my functionality restored. Plus, as a woman she not only related to me, but she fully understood my desired results.

My body was completely ready for the procedures (7 hours of tests and all those medical clearances were totally worth it!!). It really was not a bad surgery. It was uncomfortable, but the worst part was the mental anguish I suffered from being bedridden for 3 weeks. Luckily, the post-surgical visits with Dr. Alderman and her incredibly loving and caring spirit helped that along. Her staff was just as loving. They were super amazing at changing my bandages and caring for me. They were always quick and willing to assist me with any concerns whether I was in the office or calling from home. They ALWAYS took care of me. I did not have any issues and healed in record time as a result of my excellent care with her and her wonderful staff.

In regards to my functionality, I no longer have back pain. I still see a chiropractor because my body is so strong, so healthy and so incredibly operational that I now do Crossfit and chiro is a wonderful accompaniment to that level of workout. I had tried it before, but my back would not hold out. Now it sustains those hardcore workouts and any other daily activities I am called to. And. . . for the first time since my lumpectomies and pregnancies (13 years to be exact), I fit into a bra and I have absolutely no nipple discomfort or bruising whatsoever!!! While aesthetics was not my main concern, I will tell you that my breasts and stomach are absolutely beautiful. I feel so confident and feminine. There are no words to describe this adequately so those will have to do. Furthermore, Dr. Alderman prides herself in minimal scarring. I can vouch for this!! My scars are so faint that I am the only one that notices them. I have shown my family and friends. They are truly impressed. By the way, at the time I am writing this, I am not even a year out from my surgery. THAT is a true testament to her precision, talent and skill.