Question:
PLEASE HELP MY PLASTIC SURGERY IS

Hi,I am having a Anchor TT and Breast Lift and Reduction. My surgery is 07/18/02. The Doc says he doesnt give Binders, should I buy one myself or tell him I definitley want one? Also if there is anyone out there with some aftercare info, and some pain ratio info, and what meds helped.    — lynbaby B. (posted on July 13, 2002)

July 13, 2002
For my TT and breast reduction, I was fine with a basic panty girdle and sports bra. The pain is weird because I had a tight feeling in my abdomen for the first time I could remember and it was strange to stand up the first time. But just keep moving legs, arms, as tolerated and ten walk, walk, walk. For pain, I used morphine the first day and hated it, switched to Toradol for a day, then moved to Vicodin 7.5 for three days, starting with 2 tabs, then moving to one every six hours. By the end of the week, I was using Vicodin 5/500 1 tablet every 8 hours, then to Motrin by week two. For the thigh plasty, I got a catalog from my plastic surgeon and order two ankle to waist compressive garments. I love and hate them. Compression is important to keep down the seromas. Fat necrosis (hard lumps of dead fatty tissue are not uncommon. I had one in my right breast that has slowly dissolved and been absorbed by my body. Good Luck to you!
   — merri B.

July 13, 2002
LynBaby,If you can, get your surgeon to get you a binder. He's not out a red cent. Your Insurance pays for it & you never know you just might need it,it's your money that's paid for it not his. A binder makes you feel more comfortable getting up & down, less strain, less pain.
   — Janet C.

July 14, 2002
I had abdominoplasty just over a month ago now and still am wearing my "binder". Well its not a real binder. Its more like a really large ace type bandage. Probably 6 feet long and a foot wide. You use those double toothed type fasteners just like with an ace bandage to close it. Its totally adjustable for anyone, any size. You can use two for more support (ie. for riding in a car) or only one so its less hot. I started with this type because I had twice the number of drains as usual and have just stuck with this so far. I was self pay. These were very inexpensive and washable. In fact I have 6 of them so change them whenever I want (so nice in this horrible heat!) Just thought I'd mention it as another option if you end up buying binders out of pocket.
   — Shelly S.