WARNING: Graphic and/or NUDE photos of breast reconstruction are posted on this blog!
Today marks ONE YEAR since my Phase 2 Revision & Nipple Reconstruction surgery!
A year ago, I was in the OR with lots of family and friends all over the country praying for me. I had asked friends and family to post pics of themselves wearing their #TeamJules shirts that day. It was so uplifting to wake up later that day and read through the posts and see those pics.
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| One Year Ago today outside the OR with Dr. Ochoa! |
I mean really...how fun and sweet is this???
Phase 2 was the surgery I was excited about...the "make it pretty" one. And, I was not disappointed. Dr. Ochoa did an amazing job!! I was thrilled to have nipples again...made them look like breasts even without the color yet...and to have the breasts shaped perfectly.
I am so thankful for the blessings that God bestowed in my diagnosis, recovery, the amazing physicians He provided, and my supportive family and friends!
As I was scrolling through FB memory posts this morning, I figured it was time to post an update for all of you. I know many women are concerned about what things look like down the road. Although we are grateful to be cancer-free, this surgery alters one's body forever...some good things in that and some not so good.
As far as recovery, I have no limitations due to surgery at this point in life. In regard to scars, I'll show you.....
I should note that I am TERRIBLE about using scar cream or massaging them. I hardly ever remember to do it. So, that being said, if one was good about it, they might look better. Although, I cannot complain. I am quite happy with how much they've faded.
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| Abdomen and bellybutton...one year post-revision |
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| One year post-revision: You can see the revision scar on the side...this is where he removed the dog ears |
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| One year post-revision: The scars are completely flat |
It's pretty obvious that I've gained weight this past year but that is all me and being lazy about my food choices. From the pics though, I think you can tell that if I ever lose weight, I should have quite a nice shape and flat tummy!
My new nipples have flattened a bit (as expected), but they still have nice projection:
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| Reconstructed Left Nipple ONE YEAR LATER |
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| Reconstructed Right Nipple ONE YEAR LATER |
The color has also faded since micropigmentation (November, 2017) and looks much more natural. You can see in the above pics that the scars underneath the breasts are hardly noticeable.
The shape of my breasts is really natural and they "hang" like the real deal! I still have some sensitivity to things like where the bra rides underneath, but I'm just thankful because that means I have sensation! At the end of a long day, I have some areas that feel a little numb-ish...slightly tingly...but it goes away by morning.
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| One Year Post-Revision Surgery |
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| One Year Post-Revision Surgery |
Not that I go out without a bra on, but I'm quite impressed with how perky and shapely they look under a tshirt (my old ones didn't look like this anymore!):
As always, message me anytime with questions. I'm always happy to help a Pink Sister on her journey.
