Why did I want a breast lift at 59? After nursing my babies 28 years ago, I would stuff my enlarged breasts into bras, only to be very disappointed at the end of the day when it came off. The media I watched in Colorado Plastic Surgery Center’s office showing pictures of other women that successfully had a breast lift were extremely helpful. Visually seeing their results helped make the decision to have the lift. Surprisingly when I spoke to some friends, I was aghast to find out many of the different types of enhancement surgery they had secretly had. A few close friends confessed to having a breast lift. Their first major comment was removing the excess weight on their shoulders and backs. They believe their upper arms look narrower, loved, loved, loved having more torsos exposed making them feel taller, and finally how much better they looked in and out of clothes.
Surprisingly, the day before my surgery the anesthesiologist called me to make sure I understood what he would be using to anesthesiologist called me to make sure I understood what he would be using to anesthetize me during the surgery. He covered the result I could expect, which is less side effects and a faster recovery. A real plus was receiving post surgery medications prior to surgery with a staff review with me one last time before surgery. This personalized attention sets a new standard of care.
I looked forward to the day of my surgery. I took tow weeks off of work. My daughter dropped me off at the center; every procedure was executed to the T. I was a comfort to me that the circulatory thingies were applied to my legs. I like that I saw the operating room and staff, prior to my surgery. After surgery my daughter took me home. I had to learn to sleep on my back with lots of pillow so I wouldn’t thrash around as usual. I definitely was on slow and slept a great deal initially.
I was very good at taking direction and following the detailed instructions given to me (keeping the stitches clean and redressing them) for optimum care and healing. On the first day, I tapered off the pain medication. My first reaction was the excitement to actually look at my newly lifted breasts. I did find lifting and pulling doors open intensified the swelling so naturally, I followed the lifting rules by asking for help from my friends and neighbors.
In week three I was afraid to take the steri-strip off my stitches (it’s hard to look down or do it by looking in a mirror). I called your office and Deb helped me with their removal. It only took a few days for the newly exposed skin to desensitize. I liked the Neosporin cream verses the gelled anit-bacterium cream/ I continued its application on the scars for the next three weeks. I wore nursing bras at nigh in week three and loved the cocoa butter suggestion!
I t was hard to imaging how my breasts were really going to look until the fifth week. So many changes and sometimes the breasts were healing, swelling unequally, so I allowed a little worry, which ended up being a complete waste of time. Can you say NO more quatro boobs? (you have to have them to know what I mean,) AMEN!! In fact, I would now use the word perky, like before kids to describe my results.
My stages of comfort were normal according to the sheet of instruction. I loved the very special ice packs a friend lent me. They were made from a cloth like material. I wrapped a thin baby diaper around them and used them many times daily. They were especially effective under my arm pits which gave me extra comfort. Between the ice packs and the Aleve, I was pretty darn comfortable.
Okay so back to my results, it feels so good with the weight off my shoulders. I am able to wear bras with lacy skinny straps; you the sexy kind, instead of the temporary hoists called bras. What a relief.
I just began working out on the tail end of my sixth week, light weights, riding a stationary bike, etc., so happy to work out again. So although I was inconvenienced initially it did not persist. Yes, I have small pangs here and there still. But mostly I don’t notice my breast at all, except when I am admiring them in the bathroom or while dressing. This gift I gave myself ranks number one in my life. On my 60th birthday, I’m going to look smashing.
Finally, I must acknowledge the administrative, surgical and nursing staff. Thank you everyone! I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge Pam for her lymph node massages and healing scar tissue massage. They decreased breast swelling, lowered pain, and helped soften my scar tissue. I would say to anyone sitting on the fence, not able to decide whether to have a breast lift or not, you cannot imagine the extreme difference you will relish in six weeks. If I had known what the results would be; I would have had the breast lift years ago. “Better late, than never,” I say.
Thanks so much Dr. Nick!
-DB
