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!
Fox News Segment
September 22nd, 2009
KMSP-TV, the Minneapolis Fox affiliate, aired the health and medical segment today by Dr. Archelle Georgiou, that we filmed in my office last week. Dr. Georgiou and my patient, Patty, did a great job. Their frank discussions go a long way to allay possible anxiety that patients may experience surrounding the surgical aspect of elective cosmetic procedures. In fact, I received a call from a patient who is scheduled for surgery in my office this morning, after seeing the segment. Even though she had already discussed surgery with me at my office and was comfortable with her decision to have surgery, she said that the television interview eliminated any lingering worries she had about the day of her surgery. My sincere thanks to Patty and Dr. Georgiou and thank them for all the kind words!
I have found that my patient contributions included on the blog are an excellent educational tool for those considering cosmetic surgery. I naturally explain the surgery from my perspective as a surgeon. Whereas personal patient reflections really give a valuable first-hand look at what a patient might expect from another perspective.
I extend a special “thank you” to all my patients that have contributed their own stories on our blog about having cosmetic surgery.
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