MY 2 CENTS WORTH
September 28th, 2009
The results of a surgeon are often greatly influenced by the thoroughness of medical training and experience level of the particular physician. Breast enlargement outcomes are similarly determined by the expertise of the surgeon and the number of times he or she has performed the operation. Of course, some surgeons favor certain techniques, while others prefer other techniques, which are usually developed over time. At this point in my career, having been in private practice for over 20 years, I have performed over 4000 augmentation mammoplasties or breast enlargements. Based on this extensive experience, I was appointed to LEAD, the physician adviser group for the Mentor Corporation, one of the largest implant manufacturers. This group of physicians from all over the US convened this past weekend for a symposium in Denver, Colorado.
The purpose of the meeting was to exchange ideas, share new surgical technologies and to provide Mentor with feedback on new product research. I am always invigorated by scientific conferences with my colleagues and look forward to these meetings. It is my honor to have the opportunity to perhaps shape the future of cosmetic surgery advancements.
Gina’s Final Blog: Good News
September 25th, 2009
Good news!! I had my final check-up and I was NOT put on an extended time-out! You might recall reading that I didn’t exactly follow my after-instructions perfectly. I must admit that I was half expecting to be put on that longer recovery period after my antics with the dog and the zipline at the playground. But Dr. Bashioum said that I was healing nicely, in spite of my minor transgressions!
I’m around the 3-month mark now during my post-surgery recovery and I am so pleased with the results of the single-sided breast reduction. My breasts are now about as symmetrical as they can be (nothing on the body can ever be perfectly symmetrical) and I no longer have any pain when working out. Running is much more enjoyable and I don’t have to wear two sports bras to minimize the movement of the left breast anymore. I tried doing Jiu Jitsu, but the intense pressure is still too much for the breast that had surgery at this point. Dr. Bashioum has mentioned that I am clear for any activity that does not cause pain, so I’ll have to wait awhile longer to resume my martial arts training.
Before the surgery, I would loathe seeing my left breast. I felt that the asymmetry detracted from all of my hard work training and attempts to achieve the body I was happy with. I definitely feel more confident about my body now. I am wearing shirts and tank tops without baggy sweatshirts over them, which is what I used to do to hide the asymmetry of my breasts. I also enjoy looking at myself in the morning when I am getting dressed for the day. What a nice feeling.
I have been playfully teased by my friends and family with comments like, “What a huge difference the surgery made.†or “All these years I didn’t have the heart to tell you that your boobs didn’t match!†and so on. Most people denied that they noticed the size discrepancy until I pointed it out, but they are surprised to see what a real difference the reduction has made. However the cosmetic surgery has not only corrected the asymmetry of my breasts, but it has also changed the way I feel about myself now; how differently I carry myself and how I actually enjoy the way I look both in and out of my clothes. I have to say that I wasn’t quite expecting this remarkable self-esteem bonus.
This process has been an interesting experience. Thank you for following my story. Readers might be surprised that I have only one regret… that I didn’t have the surgery sooner!
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