emily'smommymakeover

You know those "before and after" photos you always see in plastic surgery ads and on the web? I always wondered how long a time there was between the before and the after. Turns out it's sometimes a few MONTHS between shots. But those people don't have a blog. Those people aren't documenting their journey. Right?

So today when I went to see Dr. Hynes for my check-up after three and a half weeks, I came prepared to take pictures. For the most part, the swelling has gone down, and the incisions are healing nicely.

He said that there will still be changes to my body over the next few weeks and that I'm not really "done" yet. Also, to be fair, I haven't exercised in over a month and I'm not allowed to for another two and a half more weeks. I'm really looking forward to getting on the treadmill. So this isn't my "official" after photo. I'll be proud to post those in the new year. But in the spirit of documenting the whole journey, not just the before and the after, here ya go – my three and a half week pic. Check out the photo gallery at the end of the blog for a couple of close ups too.

Comment by Marlene:
Emily,
Dr. Hynes does nice work ...

From time to time a see a woman with a breast augmentation, and she looks deformed instead of enhanced. Sometimes I assume that's more because other doctors get so use to seeing "fake" breasts that they forget how to make them look "real".

Personal question for you, Emily, did you have tear-drop implants or were they basically round? I remember you went with silicone ...

I know those "before" pictures are always mentally challenging for women to share (I think because women can be so self-judgmental), and I'm really glad that you have them (and I'm sure you do too).

Are you still wearing the compression thing for your abdominals? If not, what's the timeline?

Marlene.

Response by Emily:
Marlene,
My implants are round. We talked about different shapes and profiles, but for whatever reason, Dr. Hynes recommended the round ones for me.

As for the compression garment, I finally gave it up at about three and a half weeks. My tummy was very sore for a few days. It felt like I had done hundreds of sit-ups after that first day without it.

As for the before and after pictures, I really don't think they do the change justice. It might put things into perspective to know that I'm about 13 pounds lighter in these after photos than before the surgery. And each of my implants weigh just under a pound. Now give me a couple of months to exercise and I'll really show you some after photos! :)

-Em

Comment by Evelyn:
Emily you look fantastic. I've been following your blog for the last six weeks. My surgery is scheduled for late December. A couple of questions, did you ever have second thoughts before your surgery? Also is it realistic to plan to go back to work after ten days?

Response by Emily:
Evelyn – Congratulations!!!!! I am so excited for you. To answer you questions:

Second thoughts? I had brief thoughts of the surgery it's self being scary but I never thought about cancelling. I am one of those people that trusts medicine and excellent surgeons like Dr. Hynes so I didn't really think about turning around.

Going back to work? I went back in 10 days. I have a job where I work at a desk most of the time. Other women that I have interviewed that have desk jobs confirm the same thing. I guess if you have a more active job, i.e. retail, you may need more time. Do what feels right, don't over exert yourself.

Good luck!!!