Here We Go!!! - West Des Moines, IA

I saw the PS on Thursday. Everything is healing well and I have been cleared for full activity again. I will have to have a slight revision of the scars on my hips since I have what I call a "reverse dog ear." The scar over my hips where the drains were is forming a crease and indent into my hip. The PS said that he can easily fix and smooth that without any additional expense or anesthesia at my 4 month post-op visit. My left pec is still swollen and the breast hasn't settled as much as the right breast. The PS assures me that it might take as many as 4-6 months for my breasts to fully settle and the pec to stretch and relax. The nurse at my check-up just went through the same waiting game. Her surgery was in July and she said it took until December for everything to settle (reduced fullness in the upper pole and the lower pole to fill out). I really hope it doesn't take 5 months!

Everything is continuing to heal and settle. Per the PS instructions, I have started to apply scar zone to my incisions. Still need to get on that treadmill but it will happen. I am just completing my first week back to work. I have some minor soreness (mostly in my breasts) and I get tired easily but nothing I can't handle. My pecs are still pretty swollen but the Dr assures me that it could take several more weeks for my muscles to relax and for the implant to fully settle into the pocket.

As I was walking into work this morning, I was thinking of how grateful I am and how empowered I feel after having this surgery. I am grateful for the financial resources that allowed me to make this choice. I am grateful for the skillful and caring surgeon, for my mom's loving post-surgical care, for the support of my friends and family, and for no complications. It is empowering and freeing to no longer be so self conscious and unsatisfied with my figure. I could see the potential but I could never have realized it with only exercise and diet. I hope I never take the gift of this transformation for granted. Even with the continued swelling, I marvel at the miracle of a "flat" stomach and "perky" breasts.