After my last Dr. visit, I'm pretty much leaning towards him at this point. I know I wanted to get multiple opinions, but suddenly now I'm lazy. Also, the idea of getting naked for a man I've never met just to get a 5 minute chat about a BA from someone who is set in their ways and will tell me everything I've already read/seen/heard...well...not really worth it at this point.
So, I may or may have skipped my scheduled consult with the next Dr. I was going to see. Don't hate me. It's just been such a busy last few weeks and having to drive 45 minutes up there and back, knowing fulling that I wouldn't even consider using him to do my surgery...was just a waste of my time and his.
Basically, tomorrow I'm cancelling the consult I had down in the city for next week as well. It would cost me $150 and he specializes in reconstruction cosmetic surgery, and I want a BOOB doctor. One who does them everyday, all day. Basically, I'll see Dr. Sharon DiChiara (the Dr. my friend's friend works for) and then I'll make my decision. She might be able to get me a friends and family discount, plus I might like the idea of a lady doctor more. We'll see.
Lastly, if I book my actual surgery with Dr. Fiorillo before the end of the year, I'll get $500 of the procedure. As far as I was told, all of my deposits are refundable (unless it's the day of the surgery, they're all prepped and ready and I don't show). So it really can't hurt me to schedule with them for that big of a discount, even if Dr. DiChiara ends up being my #1 choice.
Once the doctor is decided on, all that's left is to pick a date and decide Saline vs. Silicone. Then I'm off! I can't wait, this really can't come soon enough.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Stats on Dr. Fiorillo
Here is the breakdown of what would happen if I go with Dr. Fiorillo:
I have a choice of saline or silicon, but he usually recommends silicone. They have a warranty for life that will replace them for free, and neither the Dr. nor Phyllis mentioned any additional "insurance" I could purchase. However, if there was complications after a year then Phyllis said the implant company usually helps pay the new surgery costs. Most issues happen within the first year, and Dr. Fiorillo would take care of it immediately and for no charge.
He performs over 200 BA'a a year and has been doing them since 1998. He does them in a state-of-the-art hospital certified facility that only does cosmetic surgery so it's exceptionally clean. Anything that a hospital is required to have, they have, so there's no need for outside assistance. They've never had to do so before, but if necessary there is an ambulance a block away and the nearest hospital is five minutes. There would be an anesthesiologist, the Dr. himself, his head nurse and a scrub tech in the room.
The surgery is done with general anesthesia. While in, they give an IV of antibiotics and then prescribe them afterwards along with heavy pain medication (Percocet). Phyllis said that the anesthesiologist actually doesn't want me to take my medication two weeks before the surgery (Reduce blood loss), and they usually ask patients to go a month. The incision can be however I chose, but his recommendation is under the breast in the natural crease. He said that the armpit has a higher chance of being seen, and also higher infection rate because of the sweat glands. He places them under the muscle. If there is a problem the same incision can be used again. They use dissolvable stitches and no surgical tape.
The procedure takes two hours total prep and surgery time, and afterwards I'm required to stay a few hours for monitoring. They'll make sure my pain meds are working and that I'm safe to leave. If I have someone bring me, they'll have access to the gym there complimentary while waiting. Also, by doing my surgery there I'll be given a week of personal training if I want it.
After care: He DOES believe in massage, but not overly so. The after-care and post op visits are included in his fee, and they see you right after the surgery, 2-3 days later and then in 3 months, 6 months, and once a year. Phyllis said that Arnica is great if you want to use it, but she says that there isn't much bruising to worry about. They give you a bra to wear right away, and after. Sports bras are recommended afterwards. Sleeping can be done laying down, but she says they recommend you use a few pillows to prop yourself up to relieve discomfort.
I can resume work in a week, and Phyllis said she was back to work in two days. She thought I might want to take a week if I could. I will be able to shower after two days. Driving is possible once you are off the pain Rx and feel you have complete control of arms and neck movement. Light exercise is ok after a week, but a month or more is necessary before I work out heavily.
A deposit of $500 is required for booking my surgery.
Exact fee breakdown:
Saline:
Dr. Fee: $4300
Implants: $600
Anesthesia: $950
Facility: $1250
TOTAL: $7000
*If I book by the end of the month, $6500
Silicone:
Dr. Fee: $4300
Implants: $1500
Anesthesia: $950
Facility: $1250
TOTAL: $8000
*If I book by the end of the month, $7500
I have a choice of saline or silicon, but he usually recommends silicone. They have a warranty for life that will replace them for free, and neither the Dr. nor Phyllis mentioned any additional "insurance" I could purchase. However, if there was complications after a year then Phyllis said the implant company usually helps pay the new surgery costs. Most issues happen within the first year, and Dr. Fiorillo would take care of it immediately and for no charge.
He performs over 200 BA'a a year and has been doing them since 1998. He does them in a state-of-the-art hospital certified facility that only does cosmetic surgery so it's exceptionally clean. Anything that a hospital is required to have, they have, so there's no need for outside assistance. They've never had to do so before, but if necessary there is an ambulance a block away and the nearest hospital is five minutes. There would be an anesthesiologist, the Dr. himself, his head nurse and a scrub tech in the room.
The surgery is done with general anesthesia. While in, they give an IV of antibiotics and then prescribe them afterwards along with heavy pain medication (Percocet). Phyllis said that the anesthesiologist actually doesn't want me to take my medication two weeks before the surgery (Reduce blood loss), and they usually ask patients to go a month. The incision can be however I chose, but his recommendation is under the breast in the natural crease. He said that the armpit has a higher chance of being seen, and also higher infection rate because of the sweat glands. He places them under the muscle. If there is a problem the same incision can be used again. They use dissolvable stitches and no surgical tape.
The procedure takes two hours total prep and surgery time, and afterwards I'm required to stay a few hours for monitoring. They'll make sure my pain meds are working and that I'm safe to leave. If I have someone bring me, they'll have access to the gym there complimentary while waiting. Also, by doing my surgery there I'll be given a week of personal training if I want it.
After care: He DOES believe in massage, but not overly so. The after-care and post op visits are included in his fee, and they see you right after the surgery, 2-3 days later and then in 3 months, 6 months, and once a year. Phyllis said that Arnica is great if you want to use it, but she says that there isn't much bruising to worry about. They give you a bra to wear right away, and after. Sports bras are recommended afterwards. Sleeping can be done laying down, but she says they recommend you use a few pillows to prop yourself up to relieve discomfort.
I can resume work in a week, and Phyllis said she was back to work in two days. She thought I might want to take a week if I could. I will be able to shower after two days. Driving is possible once you are off the pain Rx and feel you have complete control of arms and neck movement. Light exercise is ok after a week, but a month or more is necessary before I work out heavily.
A deposit of $500 is required for booking my surgery.
Exact fee breakdown:
Saline:
Dr. Fee: $4300
Implants: $600
Anesthesia: $950
Facility: $1250
TOTAL: $7000
*If I book by the end of the month, $6500
Silicone:
Dr. Fee: $4300
Implants: $1500
Anesthesia: $950
Facility: $1250
TOTAL: $8000
*If I book by the end of the month, $7500
Friday, December 16, 2011
What a difference!
I had my second consultation today. Let me tell you, it was like night and day! I'd like to say I got some major clarity, but alas, I'm still unsure as ever.
Every doctor, person, website, etc. tells a different story. It's so hard to decide what's right for you when you have so many varying opinions. Maybe someone can glean some insight from this blog one day that I can't seem to find at this moment.
I walked into Dr. Fiorillo's office and the first thing I thought was, wow, this place is nice. It felt like I was walking into a spa. The female at the desk was all dressed stylish, and you could tell she had definitely been a patient of the doctor at some point. She was super sweet and wasn't upset at all that I was late. (It's kinda a downfall of mine..) After I filled out some paperwork I was lead into a patient room and told to only undress my shirt and put on the "robe". Once again, I laughed to myself because I knew it was coming off just as fast. She left me some reading material about the Dr. and told me to hang out.
Guess what? This doctor actually appeared to want to work with me! He was super nice (and actually quite attractive as well, not gonna lie). He sat down, introduced himself and went right into asking and answering questions. What I appreciated was that he told me his preferences for surgery, instead of just telling me how it's going to be done. He only had me stand there naked for a few minutes so he could check out my structure and assess anything out of the ordinary. There was no standing naked for 20 minutes as we talked, thank God.
After I had asked as many questions as I could, he told me that if I chose to book he would have me come back two weeks before surgery for a "size appointment". He would take pictures, and measure me so that he could help me find the best size possible for my size and body shape. It was nice to know he took pains to make sure I chose the right size, rather than leaving me in a room with a nurse, a sports bra, and my best guess. (Um, last I checked I have no experience in this...pretty sure my guess is no better than an stranger picking out a size with his eyes closed!)
Once he was gone, I got dressed and Phyllis his assistant took me to a comfortable sitting room. She made me tea and told me all about her experience. (She had a BA from Dr. Fiorillo as well) She was super sweet, but not overly so, even though she was selling of course. She spent over an hour with me, talking and answering all my questions. I didn't feel rushed and was very comfortable.
Both the Dr. and Phyllis told me that silicone are a better idea. Before today I was under the impression that they are dangerous, because you'll never know if or when they pop. I am worried about them leaking into other organs. However, according to them the old silicone implants were, in fact, dangerous. However, they way they make them now means that if they were to get a hole, the substance would stay in place. He has never (so he says) had a silicone breast leak, pop, or get a hole. The only time he saw one was when he was operating on a girl who wanted to go bigger and one of the implants that she had from another doctor had a hole. She had no idea until he was operating on her. The biggest drawback to silicone is that they are more expensive. However, they don't have to be replaced every ten years like saline. Also, they lay more like real breasts and have a softer, more real feel.
Ugh! I don't know what to do now, I was all set on saline and now I am leaning towards silicone.
Regardless, I felt really comfortable the whole time. I was really impressed that a famous doctor like him and his staff would take that much time to really consult with me. Maybe they had nothing else to do, who knows. But my gut (and I always go with my gut) tells me that this is the winner over the two so far. Not to say I might not like any other doctor, but he's got a lot of points to beat at this point.
One step closer...
Every doctor, person, website, etc. tells a different story. It's so hard to decide what's right for you when you have so many varying opinions. Maybe someone can glean some insight from this blog one day that I can't seem to find at this moment.
I walked into Dr. Fiorillo's office and the first thing I thought was, wow, this place is nice. It felt like I was walking into a spa. The female at the desk was all dressed stylish, and you could tell she had definitely been a patient of the doctor at some point. She was super sweet and wasn't upset at all that I was late. (It's kinda a downfall of mine..) After I filled out some paperwork I was lead into a patient room and told to only undress my shirt and put on the "robe". Once again, I laughed to myself because I knew it was coming off just as fast. She left me some reading material about the Dr. and told me to hang out.
Guess what? This doctor actually appeared to want to work with me! He was super nice (and actually quite attractive as well, not gonna lie). He sat down, introduced himself and went right into asking and answering questions. What I appreciated was that he told me his preferences for surgery, instead of just telling me how it's going to be done. He only had me stand there naked for a few minutes so he could check out my structure and assess anything out of the ordinary. There was no standing naked for 20 minutes as we talked, thank God.
After I had asked as many questions as I could, he told me that if I chose to book he would have me come back two weeks before surgery for a "size appointment". He would take pictures, and measure me so that he could help me find the best size possible for my size and body shape. It was nice to know he took pains to make sure I chose the right size, rather than leaving me in a room with a nurse, a sports bra, and my best guess. (Um, last I checked I have no experience in this...pretty sure my guess is no better than an stranger picking out a size with his eyes closed!)
Once he was gone, I got dressed and Phyllis his assistant took me to a comfortable sitting room. She made me tea and told me all about her experience. (She had a BA from Dr. Fiorillo as well) She was super sweet, but not overly so, even though she was selling of course. She spent over an hour with me, talking and answering all my questions. I didn't feel rushed and was very comfortable.
Both the Dr. and Phyllis told me that silicone are a better idea. Before today I was under the impression that they are dangerous, because you'll never know if or when they pop. I am worried about them leaking into other organs. However, according to them the old silicone implants were, in fact, dangerous. However, they way they make them now means that if they were to get a hole, the substance would stay in place. He has never (so he says) had a silicone breast leak, pop, or get a hole. The only time he saw one was when he was operating on a girl who wanted to go bigger and one of the implants that she had from another doctor had a hole. She had no idea until he was operating on her. The biggest drawback to silicone is that they are more expensive. However, they don't have to be replaced every ten years like saline. Also, they lay more like real breasts and have a softer, more real feel.
Ugh! I don't know what to do now, I was all set on saline and now I am leaning towards silicone.
Regardless, I felt really comfortable the whole time. I was really impressed that a famous doctor like him and his staff would take that much time to really consult with me. Maybe they had nothing else to do, who knows. But my gut (and I always go with my gut) tells me that this is the winner over the two so far. Not to say I might not like any other doctor, but he's got a lot of points to beat at this point.
One step closer...
Monday, December 12, 2011
Next!
I've made another consultation appointment for next week, with a Dr. Thomas Hagerty. He's in an office about 30 minutes from me, so it's close enough. Plus his consultation is gratis, so that makes it easy. I want to get as many opinions as possible. Especially since I still have time before I make up my mind.
My friend gave me the name of her doctor in CO, and he suggested another doctor down in the City. He looks good, but also pricey. I'm sure that you get what you pay for, but I'm not going to be able to pay anything more than my last quote. I'm considering seeing him for a consult as well, but his costs $150. I'm already shelling out for my consult next month, I'm not sure I want to do it twice.
I may have to though. As much as it hurts, it's only money. And this is important enough to get right the first time, even if it costs!
My friend gave me the name of her doctor in CO, and he suggested another doctor down in the City. He looks good, but also pricey. I'm sure that you get what you pay for, but I'm not going to be able to pay anything more than my last quote. I'm considering seeing him for a consult as well, but his costs $150. I'm already shelling out for my consult next month, I'm not sure I want to do it twice.
I may have to though. As much as it hurts, it's only money. And this is important enough to get right the first time, even if it costs!
Friday, December 9, 2011
Weight Watchers
So, as part of my quest to lose weight before I continue to blow up like a tick and not be ready for my operation, I joined Weight Watchers.
Yes, you heard me. I'm 26, and I am not 100 pounds overweight. Don't give into the stereotype that to be in WW you have to be old and fat. I am neither.
What I am, instead, is a younger female who should be fit and maintaining her weight at this age and yet I'm not. I have no idea what portion control is and everything I've tried as far as diet has failed. So it's time for professional help. (With my weight, people, with my weight!)
As part of the "help" that I need, I made sure that I hooked up with a good friend who was interested in doing it as well. It's all about accountability. Trust me, I'm going to need it.
I have NEVER had to be so paranoid about my ingested food in my entire life. Even more than a few months ago, when I did a rigid cleanse that allowed me to eat barely anything more than rice. It is the strangest thing to look up a food, give it some "points" and then make sure you don't go over. I keep track on my android phone and then in a week we go weigh in again. The scariest thing ever is when you're down to your last point and you're still hungry.
I better lose some weight for this shit. Or someone might catch me running my car into a certain WW building while in a food-deprived coma. I had no idea the building was there, your Honor, I was simply out of it and woke up next to a bunch of broken scales and cracked before-and-after photos. I swear, there was nothing I could do!!!
Yes, you heard me. I'm 26, and I am not 100 pounds overweight. Don't give into the stereotype that to be in WW you have to be old and fat. I am neither.
What I am, instead, is a younger female who should be fit and maintaining her weight at this age and yet I'm not. I have no idea what portion control is and everything I've tried as far as diet has failed. So it's time for professional help. (With my weight, people, with my weight!)
As part of the "help" that I need, I made sure that I hooked up with a good friend who was interested in doing it as well. It's all about accountability. Trust me, I'm going to need it.
I have NEVER had to be so paranoid about my ingested food in my entire life. Even more than a few months ago, when I did a rigid cleanse that allowed me to eat barely anything more than rice. It is the strangest thing to look up a food, give it some "points" and then make sure you don't go over. I keep track on my android phone and then in a week we go weigh in again. The scariest thing ever is when you're down to your last point and you're still hungry.
I better lose some weight for this shit. Or someone might catch me running my car into a certain WW building while in a food-deprived coma. I had no idea the building was there, your Honor, I was simply out of it and woke up next to a bunch of broken scales and cracked before-and-after photos. I swear, there was nothing I could do!!!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Little blessings
Costa Rica is ON!
I received an email today from the yoga studio. Because of expensive air fare during Feb, they have decided to move the trip to APRIL!!! I almost crapped my pants when I saw that, it was almost as if the world was telling me that this trip was meant to be!
It's all working out perfectly as far as timing, the price is super good and now I don't have to rearrange my "life schedule". It will be a good excuse to go without a date as well because it's meant to be more of a friend and mingle retreat than a romantic getaway. It's nice to know the pressure is off to find a date for my trip since I no longer have a boyfriend to take and I'm not serious with the other guy I'm seeing.
I was planning on having to save around $3000 for my yearly trip ON TOP of my cost for the operation, so this is another huge relief. I'll be looking at more like $1500 now. (AND won't have to worry about fronting anything for a date haha). Basically, unless the trip fills up before I can pay or hell freezes over, I'm going!
On a side note, I've been talking to my sister's friend who lives in NJ about her experience with her BA. It's nice to finally have someone who is into discussing it with me. Seems like everyone else I know really isn't interested in helping at this point. She's giving me details about things most people wouldn't and at the same time giving me advice as best as possible.
She is going to try and get me the info of a girl who got a BA and hated it. I haven't been able to find anyone like that yet and would love to see that side of the coin. This is a big enough decision to get all the facts, good or nasty. I'm thankful for it all <3
I received an email today from the yoga studio. Because of expensive air fare during Feb, they have decided to move the trip to APRIL!!! I almost crapped my pants when I saw that, it was almost as if the world was telling me that this trip was meant to be!
It's all working out perfectly as far as timing, the price is super good and now I don't have to rearrange my "life schedule". It will be a good excuse to go without a date as well because it's meant to be more of a friend and mingle retreat than a romantic getaway. It's nice to know the pressure is off to find a date for my trip since I no longer have a boyfriend to take and I'm not serious with the other guy I'm seeing.
I was planning on having to save around $3000 for my yearly trip ON TOP of my cost for the operation, so this is another huge relief. I'll be looking at more like $1500 now. (AND won't have to worry about fronting anything for a date haha). Basically, unless the trip fills up before I can pay or hell freezes over, I'm going!
On a side note, I've been talking to my sister's friend who lives in NJ about her experience with her BA. It's nice to finally have someone who is into discussing it with me. Seems like everyone else I know really isn't interested in helping at this point. She's giving me details about things most people wouldn't and at the same time giving me advice as best as possible.
She is going to try and get me the info of a girl who got a BA and hated it. I haven't been able to find anyone like that yet and would love to see that side of the coin. This is a big enough decision to get all the facts, good or nasty. I'm thankful for it all <3
Monday, December 5, 2011
Staying Healthy
Recently I've been trying to get back into shape. I've gained about 15 pounds over the last 6 months, which is a lot on my frame, and I need to get it OFF! I've been checking into dance classes, yoga, kickboxing and even bootcamps. I need motivation and doing it on my own isn't going to be enough, I know myself too well. I'm even going to a Weight Watchers meeting this week with a friend to see how that works and hopefully at least my eating will get on track.
I realized that since I changed companies at work that I'm not moving as much as I used to but eating the same. Hence, the weight gain. (I think, I'm actually still a little perplexed as to the real reason). When I get my BA I want it to be with a matching fit body, especially so I don't move my fixation from my boobs to my belly after it's done. (Lipo AND a BA? I'm not sure my bank account can approve that transaction!).
Once my procedure is done I'll have to take it easy for awhile, and it could be a few months before I'm back to jogging and other strenuous exercises. So I need to take control now, as that break will be too much if I don't. Keeping myself healthy is a priority.
As I was getting a class schedule from outside a yoga studio I noticed that they are planning on taking a "yoga retreat" to Costa Rica in February. Costa Rica is on my bucket list and one of the places I was actually considering for my yearly vacation next year. Only thing is, I was moving my ETA to more like May this time because of my operation. I want to make sure it's over and I can give "them" time to settle before I'm donning a two piece. The trip sounds amazing, though, and it's really inexpensive. They will be gone for over a week and it's only $900.
I'm not sure that it's even open still but now I'm milling my options over in my head. If I go, I'll have to postpone my surgery or have it super early. (Yoga requires movements that I won't be capable of right away and they have two classes a day when they're there.) I'm not financially able to do it early, so I'd have to do it later. Is a lifelong goal worth putting off for another lifelong goal?
I realized that since I changed companies at work that I'm not moving as much as I used to but eating the same. Hence, the weight gain. (I think, I'm actually still a little perplexed as to the real reason). When I get my BA I want it to be with a matching fit body, especially so I don't move my fixation from my boobs to my belly after it's done. (Lipo AND a BA? I'm not sure my bank account can approve that transaction!).
Once my procedure is done I'll have to take it easy for awhile, and it could be a few months before I'm back to jogging and other strenuous exercises. So I need to take control now, as that break will be too much if I don't. Keeping myself healthy is a priority.
As I was getting a class schedule from outside a yoga studio I noticed that they are planning on taking a "yoga retreat" to Costa Rica in February. Costa Rica is on my bucket list and one of the places I was actually considering for my yearly vacation next year. Only thing is, I was moving my ETA to more like May this time because of my operation. I want to make sure it's over and I can give "them" time to settle before I'm donning a two piece. The trip sounds amazing, though, and it's really inexpensive. They will be gone for over a week and it's only $900.
I'm not sure that it's even open still but now I'm milling my options over in my head. If I go, I'll have to postpone my surgery or have it super early. (Yoga requires movements that I won't be capable of right away and they have two classes a day when they're there.) I'm not financially able to do it early, so I'd have to do it later. Is a lifelong goal worth putting off for another lifelong goal?
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