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!
And… That’s a Wrap!
September 18th, 2009
Today’s filming went exceptionally well. The medical correspondent, Dr. Archelle Georgiou, was easy to work with and her thoughtful questions led to informative answers, which viewers will appreciate. I have found that making the patient feel comfortable is paramount in maintaining a relaxed and calm atmosphere. There are also special precautions that need to take place to assure the integrity of the surgical space, so after specific safety instructions to the filming crew, we were ready to go. The cameraman was a quick to size up the surgery suite and decided on angles that he wanted to film during surgery. In reality, his work as a videographer will be the cornerstone of the segment. If you miss a shot, there is little chance of going back to capture that moment.
KMSP TV, our local Fox Network affiliate will air the piece we filmed today along with a live patient interview on Tuesday morning, September 22 during the 9:00 AM News broadcast. It will also be available on their website, www.myfoxtwincities.com/.
From my prospective as a surgeon, one of the most stressful elements of participating in a media production like this one, is the actual filming of the surgical procedure. Even though I have done this surgery hundreds of times and have had film crews in the operating room before, there can always be the unexpected. This aspect of medicine is what is both unpredictable and yet challenging. The bepharoplasty or eyelid surgery went well and I would expect my patient to have a great result. However, as with most cosmetic surgery procedures, her optimum results will take a full six months to realize. So tune in and you can be the judge!
Follow Us!
