Today I want to share my week 2 recovery experiences with you, so you know what to expect during the second-week post-op. I will admit that my breast explant surgery with the fat transfer was a little more painful than I thought it would be.
I also struggled a little more with my recovery than when I got implants and a tummy tuck. If I had to guess, I would say my age and health before surgery has a lot to do with that. At the same time, though, I feel like I am healing quicker than most because I work out regularly. Having a strong body makes a huge difference when it comes to recovery.
Breast Explant Surgery with Fat Transfer Week 2 Recovery Experience:
I spent less time in bed during week 2. My experience during week two felt very rhythmic. Monday, I went hard, and by Tuesday, I was super tired and didn't want to do much of anything. Every day was like that.
The lack of sleep in week two was the worst part. I felt depressed at times during week one, and that carried over into week two. I'm guessing it was a mix of surgery feels and not doing everything I wanted to do. I don't handle limitations well, but I'm learning.
Week 2 Post-Op Highlights:
Day 8: I woke up with a terrible migraine and was in such a bad mood. I took migraine meds and tried to sleep. I didn't sleep much the night before, and it was taking its toll on my mental health.
Day 9: Went shopping with my husband for a good portion of the day. I only had to sit down a few times to rest. My back, shoulder, and legs were a little sore. I was in a much better mood after getting some sleep last night.
Day 10: Stopped wearing my loose-fitting compression bra and got to go bra-less!
Day 12: I worked out for the first time on the elliptical. I worked out for about an hour and felt great while doing it. Working out with a compression garment on sucks, but it's manageable. I had to wash it when I got home because it was so sweaty. I would recommend getting some sweat pants or larger leggings for the gym. But I only ended up working out one day after I was cleared to go to the gym. My body needed some time to rest.
My biggest win today was getting into jeans. I usually wear a size 2, but I have a pair in size 6 that I can wear over my garment!
Day 14: Hit the two-week mark and hoping things only get better from here. I slept better last night and I can feel myself turning a corner mentally!
Today I managed to get all of my daughter's birthday shopping done and driving didn't cause any discomfort. I still use my post-op pillow though! By the end of the day, I was worn out.
Explant Surgery with Fat Transfer Week 2 Photos :
As you can see from my 2-week photos everything is healing well. The bruising is almost completely gone and the scars from the lipo have healed.
My legs should continue to look better as time passes, and my abs look a little soupy (heard someone else describe it this way, and it fits). When I first take the garment off, the definition I see in my abs is awesome, but after 30 minutes, I can see fluid accumulate and fatty lumps, which I'm sure will go away.
Seeing that happen encourages me to keep wearing the compression garment. I know it helps my body recover. I'm not sure what to expeect in terms of the final outcome of my thighs. I gained 15 pounds before surgery so I don't expect to be super cut. That will take some work on my part.
Week 2 Breast Implant Illness Healing
These are symptoms that have completely gone away after 2 weeks!
- Chronic Sinusitis - My sinuses are clear and I can breathe through my nose again!
- Dry skin - My skin is producing oil again and it is amazing.
- Anxiety - I can ride in the car with my husband without having a heart attack.
- ADHD Diagnosis (Started meds)- I am weaning off the meds because I can tell they are too strong.
- Lack of motivation - No longer an issue (Also a part of cognitive function and ADHD).
- Edema (face, hands, legs) - Besides swelling from surgery I am no longer swelling after eating sugar or just because. My face looks normal in the morning and is no longer puffy.
- Purple, blue, and white hands and feet - Completely gone and just not happening anymore.
- Severe temperature intolerance - I have eaten ice, ice cream, and so many cold foods since surgery and no longer need a hot bath to feel warm.
- Slurred speech - Hasn't happened since I had surgery.
- Shortness of breath- When I woke up from surgery I could breathe again. I had no idea why women would say they felt like they had an elephant on their chests because I didn't feel that way. Only after surgery did I realize how hard I was working to take shallow breaths. It's like my lungs finally open all the way.
After two weeks, I am thrilled with my results. I am still very hopeful that as time goes on, I will have more healing stories to share with you!
I hope you found my Breast Explant Surgery with Fat Transfer Week 2 Recovery information helpful. Please reach out if you'd like to learn more.
Share from the heart!