Dropping and fluffing

Part of me is holding out hope that the appearance of my right breast will be significantly improved if it experiences what is commonly referred to as 'dropping' and 'fluffing'.  

Not all women experience this and I believe it is more dramatic with sub-pectoral placement. 

'Dropping' and 'fluffing' can take weeks or even months to occur so I may not know whether my right breast will improve for some time yet.   I guess that is why Martina, the nurse I saw a week ago, said not to worry about any 'imperfections' I perceive in my breasts for at least three months.

The actual implants

Image of Naturelle round silicone gel implant

I now have Allergan Naturelle 340cc round gel implants in each breast. They are positioned under the mammary (subglandular).  This is considered less painful than submuscular placement (so yay). 

Illustration of Subglandular and Subpectoral implant positioning

Getting dressing adhesive off skin

The dressings they used to cover my wounds were very effective in that they kept my 'ouchies' clean and bacteria free.  They were, however, very well adhered to my skin and, after removal, much of the adhesive remained.

I spent over an hour yesterday trying to remove it but with limited success.

The lovely women on Breast Buddies forum suggested I use baby oil (or similar) on a cotton wool pad.

I seriously did not expect to be oiling up my titties this soon after surgery.......... ;)!

I didn't have any baby oil but did have some lovely smelling sanctuary body oil and it has worked very well.  I still have some adhesive on my breasts but it is much improved and my bra doesn't hurt to remove (previously it was well adhered to my boobies and I had peel it away from my poor tender skin)........

I will have another go at removing the remaining adhesive later.

Today I have been mostly resting; I've felt weary all day.......

......and tired, and achy.  My boobs have been sore; the areas where, I imagine, the wounds are have been burning and I've been experiencing stabbing pains inside both breasts (possibly the nerves beginning to reconnect). I'm thinking the discomfort is potentially good news as it probably indicates post-op numbness is wearing off.....??

I've been aching elsewhere too (back, hips, legs, neck) - almost certainly due to sleeping on my back night after night with little movement and being so immobile for much of the time. 

Possibly connected to the hike in soreness is the fact that I have felt drained all day (although BP dips are probably partly responsible - I must have drunk my own body weight in water and tea today!!)

I spent much of the day sitting on the sofa watching television and surfing t'internet - the time was not wasted however as I found a really good support forum .  It is a very friendly site and a fount of information regarding breast surgery and recovery. I wish I'd looked for such a forum sooner.

In the few hours I've been looking around there and familiarising myself with the site I have discovered so much; for example:

• to keep my new boobs in their best 'shape' it is a good idea for me to sleep in a sports bra even after I am fully healed;
• and the additional use of a kush will be even more beneficial;
• ice packs are excellent for reducing swelling, pain relief and combatting itching;
• to place the ice pack in a freezer bag to ensure my wounds remain dry;
• once I am able to shower a separate towel to pat my breasts dry is a good idea (to reduce risk of infection);
• and to use my hair-dryer on cold setting to ensure incision sites are completely dry;
• after showering, and drying, it is a good idea to open a window and lie topless on the bed for 30minutes to allow fresh air to get to skin (to promote healing).

Flowers that my best girlfriend gave me at the weekend are opening

 beautifully to reveal glorious blood-red blooms 

Compression bras and bust measurement

The large bras I ordered, to replace the medium ones I thought were too tight, arrived this morning. They are too large (doh!!) and, I now realise, the medium ones are fitting me perfectly.

I will return the large ones to Macom - where I bought them.  Incidentally, if you are considering buying post surgery garments/bras, I definitely recommend Macom, the quality is great and my experience of their customer service (delivery, returns, being kept informed when stock was due in etc...) has been excellent.

I'm getting used to wearing compression bras and feel less concerned about having to wear them for such a length of time.  Certain necklines just require a few of the top fastenings to be left undone.

I measured my bust yesterday and was surprised to see I have only lost an inch as a result of the op.  I now have a 40" bust.  This reduces to 37" when I am wearing a compression bra so I look much more flat chested than I actually am.

For this reason it might be difficult to conceal the fact that I have had surgery from some people........