I realize that it has been awhile since we last spoke. Since March, actually. Have I been so busy I couldn't blog? Was I kidnapped? Was I on some glorious extended tropical vacation? Nope. I was dealing with a very old laptop that wasn't compatible with the new blogger format. Now that I have a newer (to me, anyway) and better laptop, we can start hanging out again. My last blog post was written 9 weeks after my breast reduction surgery. So let's pick up where we left off.
I have been VERY happy with the results of the surgery. Sleeping without a bra at night is pretty awesome. Running in ONE sports bra is like a dream come true. Practicing yoga wearing only a yoga top is pretty exciting. The only downside to the surgery is the scarring. (Before I go on I should tell you that I have VERY sensitive skin and I am ever so lucky to end up with keloid* scarring after any kind of trauma.) The scars, aesthetically, don't bother me. I am pretty comfortable with my body and seeing as I don't make a habit of leaving the house topless, the scarring was the least of my worries. Physically, it was a different story. I would wake in the morning and the scarring on the sides and where the drainage tubes were would be achy, feeling almost like a sore, strained muscle. Stretching out helped but waking up pain free would be preferable. I saw the good doctor for my 6 month check up and he asked about the scars. He told me about a laser trial he was conducting. By using lasers on the scars the appearance, thickness, and texture can be drastically improved. I signed on, armed with the knowledge that the lasers may or may not improve the scarring and being fine either way.
The surgery, from start to finish, took under an hour. It was performed in the doctor's office connected to MGH. The area that was going to be worked on was prepared by using a numbing gel. That part actually took the longest amount of time because the gel had to be applied about 20 minutes before the procedure was to begin. Aside from feeling cold, it didn't really feel like anything. The sensation you get from Novocain, or even some really strong pain meds, has a distinct feeling. With the gel I felt nothing. I was brought into another room and sat on a reclined chair. Two other doctors were in the room with my doctor. One held a fan while my doctor used the laser. The point of the fan is to lessen the pain and feeling of heat. In regards to pain, it almost like being tattooed but much more quickly. For me, the worst part was the smell. Burning flesh is not my favorite scent but both breasts were done in less than 5 minutes. It was tender and the seat belt rubbing against my chest was close to unbearable. I'm glad my husband came with me because I am not sure I could have driven and held the seat belt away at the same time.
When I got home, I avoided hugging the children and took 4 ibuprofen. It was sore, but not unbearable. I was told to keep it moist (ugh, I HATE that word) so I applied bacitracine. The next day I was a chaperon for the third grade trip to Plimoth Rock. I was very uncomfortable the end of the day and my skin was all blown out from the bacitracine. I started using Egyptian Magic after that and my skin started to improve immediately.
The skin where the laser worked its magic had a comic book look to it. It had a ton of tiny little red dots and when I didn't keep up with the ointment it dried out. Today was my 6 week check up. The scarring has minimized and there isn't any more morning pain. The scars haven't disappeared completely and I am fine with that. The laser surgery certainly helped with the pain, the raised areas, the texture and color, and overall appearance.
And as of this morning, I am done with appointments. I am very pleased with my new breasts and the overall experience. My next blog will happen sooner, and have a lot less booby talk. xo
*for more information on keloid scars, check out this website http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001852/
