Time to Build the Nipples: Planning PHASE 2

                         WARNING:  THERE ARE GRAPHIC/NUDE POST-OP PHOTOS IN THIS POST.

Plastic Surgery Post-op Visit at 10.5 weeks

Today was my post-op visit and Phase 2 consult with my fantastic Plastic Surgeon, Dr. O.  I am sooooo ready and excited for Phase 2 surgery!  This surgery is the "make things pretty" one and I'll get my nipples!!  Double yay!

Overall, I've had a very "easy" recovery and I'm happy with the results and the way that my body has healed.  There are a few things though that need to be tweaked in this second surgery.

You play with SnapChat filters while
you wait too, don't you?

I've mentioned before the "dog ears" at the ends of my abdominal scar that will be removed. To me they are my "mini muffin tops"!  (I showed them to y'all in the video I posted last week.)  Not only do they look funny, but this past week they have become a little annoying. My waistbands sit right on them now and it rubs throughout the day....especially annoying in my scrubs on my 12 hour shifts.  Be glad to see them go!

The other issue is that my breasts seem to be a bit "droopy" now that the swelling has subsided and the tissue has settled.  They both have flattened on top and the right is a bit flatter on top than the left...not super noticeable but noticeable enough.  Dr. O said they both require a little "filler" on top and a bit of a lift.  However, since I am wanting them to also be a bit bigger overall, he will do more fat grafting and that will basically provide the lift I need in addition to the larger cup size.

Can you see that one side is a bit fuller on top? The other
is flatter and they both need a little lift and fullness.
Plus, I will get to be bigger overall!

Dr. O will be doing liposuction on my abdomen but said he will have to use fat from another area in order to get enough to increase my bust size. I asked about putting my hated double chin in there, but alas, it was a no-go!  Oh well, it was worth a try!  :)  Happily, he will be getting it from my thighs!! I've certainly got plenty to spare there!

This is also the procedure where he will build my new nipples!  Really excited about this. Right now, my breasts look a little.....undecorated.  It's super cool how they build them, so if you are interested, here's the video from PRMA:


The visit went well and I am happy with the plan.  Honestly, I was a bit nervous about making my feelings known.  Kinda hate to "complain" to a physician about the amazing work he already did.  The thing is though that this is the body I will live with the rest of my life....prayerfully a long life thanks to now being cancer free!  Please don't hesitate to be honest with your providers about your feelings and your desired outcomes.  I'm so glad I did today, because I know the final outcome will be in line with what I want and will make me feel more like "me".

On another note, just wanted to give a shout-out to the awesome staff at PRMA and the PRMA Pink Ladies Breast Cancer Support Group!  I went to my first event last night and it was fun.  We met at an Origins store for mini facials and just to visit.  Nothing like going to meet new people and having all of your makeup removed when you get there!! Ha!  I met a couple of very nice ladies and my skin looked fantastic!  I'm looking forward to participating in more events in the future.

Now to wait for insurance authorization and then we get a surgical date!
Enjoy your weekend!

MY TIMELINE:

12/22/16  Routine Screening Mammogram

01/18/17  Repeat Imaging and US of left breast; LUMP found.

01/20/17  Core Needle Biopsy

01/24/17  Biopsy results positive...Stage 0 DCIS, left breast

01/25/17  Meeting with Breast Center Navigator and Genetic Testing

01/30/17  Consultation with Surgical Oncologist, Dr. K

02/08/17  Consultation with Plastic Surgeon

02/21/17  Pre-op Visit with Dr. O's nurse

02/27/17 Pre-op Labs and Testing

03/05/17 Lymph Node Injection

03/06/17 SURGERY DAY!

03/10/17 Home!

03/16/17 10 day Post-op Visit with Plastic Surgery nurse
03/20/17  2 week Post-op Appointment with Surgical Oncologist, Dr. K

04/07/17  1 month Post-Op w/Plastic Surgeon, Dr. O
04/16/17 Returning to work!
05/19/17  Appointment with Dr. O to schedule Phase 2 Surgery!