Questions for post-op

Those little holes still hurt, pull sometimes. I just got my drains out 2 days ago, so hoping they close up quick!

I had my LBL on Aug 20, 2009. I wore the garment until 6 weeks and then at night until about 8 weeks..I slowly started using lighter types of garments under my clothes until I got used to how the body felt....it is a strange feeling to get use to!!! I wore a sports bra at about week 2 or 3 and until about week 6. I had to take all the wires out of bras that had them because I had a lollipop cut for my BL and it was very tender beneath the breast. I hardly had any swelling after 8-10 weeks and not too much from week 6 on.....I recently ( Jan 12, 2010) had some revision work done on my breasts and a small area of incision in the front ( about 5"). Dr. A did lipo on the lower back area above the LBL scar line and used that fat to augment my breast a little more. I was not ready for that!!!  I was really swollen for 2-3 weeks and that area is still very sensitvie though my swelling is very minor now. I wear a waist binder almost 24/7 because it just feels so much better. I take it off now for a few hours each evening to try to start getting use to the feel of my own skin again....I know we have talked via posts before. How do you like you BL?? I am very happy, especially after he did a little more work....they don't look like implants do, but they are very feminine and natural looking....Now I'm thnking about the upper eyes, but I'm not sure...Anyway, best of luck..can't wait to see some pics :))) Lynette

I have pictures, just trying to figure out how to upload, promise! I love the look of the bl so far, I do however see what you were saying about the upper part not being full. I think I will be ok as long as they do not go any smaller, I think now they still are a D. The sides of my breasts, where the stitches are are killing me, like a pain or maybe even a deep itchy feeling. I don't know what the heck that is. The other thing that is still bugging me is the holes were the drains were, they still sting here and there. Wish they would close up already. Thanks Lynette, Jenny

Guess I'm one of the unlucky ones.  I had a LBL with two drains (one on each hip).  One drain was removed on Day 5 and the doctor did a few stiches to close it up.  The other drain was removed on Day 9. 

I'm eight weeks out now and both drain holes have since opened up and are now large open wounds that require daily care.  The first drain that was removed and restiched came open at three weeks, was small at first and then a hole developed right next to it and the two connected making it one big wound.  The second drain hole seemed to be healing okay with a large scab, but the scab came off at week 7 and it is now an open wound.  UGH. 

Note this doesn't happen to many... as I sasid, I'm one of the unlucky ones.   

Michelle, that's horrible!!! You really have had a time of it...so sorry...are you feeling like things are beginning to look better??? I sure hope so...was this your last round of plastic surgery?? Thinking about you and hoping things get super good really soon!!!! Lynette

That is horrible, I am sorry. You wouldn't think those little holes would do that??

Sorry to hear this.  Have the wounds been cultured?  Sounds like you may have MRSA.

My drain holes closed relatively quick. No issues there.  I had a lot of work done on my backside so I had lots of swelling.  The swelling in my back went away relatiavely quick compared to my belly swelling.  I'd say by 6 weeks I noticed a big difference.  Now the belly is a WHOLE different story.  I'm 7 months out and STILL swell.  I always wear some type of compression garment to help with that.  Nothing like the ones I got right after the hospital though.  Sometimes I take it off at night but I have gotten so used to it, I don't even think about it.  My dr said to wear it at least 6 weeks but preferrably as long as I could stand it.  I wear it for 2 reasons.  One for swelling and two to help hide my back fat and the rolls that spill over my bra.  It's one of those shapewear that help cover back fat.  Hopefully when I do my arm lift, it will take care of that.

I had a BL and wore a sports bra I think after my first shower which was like on day 3 or 4.  I pretty much wore the same size bras after my lift.  I didn't want to buy new ones since I'm sure when I have my arm lift and side boobage removed, my size will change.

  Also I had no external stitches, just glue so I can't help with that one. 

I am sick of this bra they have me wearing, I would love to switch to a sports bra, I have to call and ask. The binder they sent me home with is ok, but would like something a bit thinner. My back above incision line is so swollen, the doc did say I have liquid, so I am hoping that goes away!