Question:
How much pain is involved with a panniculectomy and a breast reduction/lift??

I am getting a Pannicluectomy and a Breast Reduction/Lift done on December 2nd. and I would like to0 hear from anybody who has had the same thing done at the same time,I already know I will be coming home with drains and binders both top and bottom, but how long does all this usually take to heal?? and are you happy with the results from both?    — bikerchic (posted on October 8, 2002)

October 8, 2002
I can't answer your question, but wanted to say good luck to you on your surgery. You have really done great with your weight loss. I hope to have plastic surgery done soon also, so maybe you can share your experiences after you have yours!
   — Lisa N M.

October 8, 2002
I had the panni/boob lift in May 2002. The pain was completely managable. What was suprising was the tightness I felt across my abdomen. I was afraid to stand up stright for a little bit, but realized that laying flat was standing up straight. I had some hardness and tenderness in my right breast which resolved over time. I had a little seroma (fluid filled sac) in my abdomen which had to be drained, but over all I recovered within 2 months. However, my thighplasty (medial and lateral) has given me fits with repeated seroma development and most recently cellulitis in my right lower calf (where I had a previous history of cellulitis). If I have learned anything it is that removing massive amounts of excess skin is a risky proposition because fat doesn't form scar tissue. It doens't knit together nicely or easily. However, I would do it all again to achieve the gains I have made in mobility and comfort as I no longer look like and feel like a walking water bed. I can't wait to get my arms done. Good luck to you!
   — merri B.

October 8, 2002
I had a great experience with my panniculectomy/brachioplasty (sorry, I can't help you with any breast lift information). It was by far the most "comfortable" surgery that I have ever had....probably because my surgeon didn't have to do any work on the underlying muscles...he only removed a large amount of excess skin and fat. I woke up feeling very flat and tight, but with suprisingly little pain. I hadan anchor incision with four drains, two at the top of each thigh. Two of the drains were removed in the first two weeks, the third at three weeks and the last at seven weeks. My surgeon doesn't prescribe binders post-op. I went back to work in a week with no problems. I wish you the same wonderful experience!
   — Diana T.