by Terrye Tebbetts
Question ~
I was wondering how close your consult and your sx date was? My scheduled date is a monday and sx date is that friday. Is that too close?
Answer~
This all depends on the information and education that you have had from your ps at this point. We do surgery all the time – especially for our out of town patients who want to travel for a 24 Hour Recovery – where we see them on Thursday, they have surgery on Friday and follow up on Saturday and then go home….see How to Travel for a 24 Hour Recovery http://thebestbreast2.wordpress.com/2009/04/26/traveling-for-24-hour-recoveryhow-does-it-work/
please note though – in order for us to feel good about doing this for patients, first – we know we can produce that level of recovery, we send them a 500 page book of information to read ahead of time, they have a virtual consult with photos and phone ahead of time and we get everything ready – preop tests, paperwork etc so that when they see Tebbetts for measurements and photos on the day of consult – all the important decisions are easy because they and we are prepared!
If you are goint to proceed with this turnaround – I would want to talk to other patients who have done it with your ps. Being rushed or pushed into something either by the ps office or your own family schedule just for the sake of schedules is rarely productive and safe. Be cautious and careful — I know you know this, but I am just going to play Mom here and remind you to be safe – this is your body you are committing to changing forever.
Question -
Does anyone know if Dr Hedden in Birmingham Al does the 24hr recovery techniques? If not who in the Birmingham or Huntsville Al area does? I havent had a consult yet but want to just go to the docs that are using these techniques. Thanks so much for your help.
Answer -
I am not familiar with the ps you mentioned but here’s the deal – you have to truly understand what makes a 24 Hour Recovery before you can tell if they really do it! There are two chapters on recovery in our book and on the website that will help you truly understand and be able to ask the questions you need to ask to figure out what is going on in the OR, which will then help you discern whether they are offering a true 24 Hour Recovery. Just go to www.thebestbreast.com to read those two chapters – there are also cards that you can take in with you with questions to ask.
A 24 Hour Recovery starts with determining size through clinical measurements – then, the surgeon must use precise, dry dissection techniques and be familiar with all the protocols from pre, recovery, anesthesia and post to truly be able to deliver it.
When you get a 24 Hour – the procedure is under 30 minutes, you leave with no bras, bandages, pain meds, drains or bruising – you sleep 2 hours, get up and eat a real meal, shower and get your arms above your head – set of 10 every 30 minutes – then you get out of the house and resume normal movement immediately.
I think the most important attribute of 24 Hour Recovery, that we have been able to prove and document in Dr. Tebbetts’ patients, is that when we can do a cleaner better surgery that affords our patients the luxury of getting back to normal immediately – - – the rate of scar tissue formation dropped DRAMATICALLY – we have a published 1.5% rate of Capsular Contracture. CC is the second biggest reason for reoperation in BA surgery – and once you get one you are 50% more likely to form it again.
So with 24 Hour Recovery – it is not just about the first 24 Hours, it is truly about a better experience and lower reop rate for your life time!
I hope this helps – please use the material in the book to ask the right questions and don’t be afraid to ask to speak to at least 3 patients to verify their experiences!!
Good Luck!
Terrye
Another 24 Hour Recovery Experience I wanted to share with you……..
Terrye, Dr. Tebbetts, Kathleen, Betty and the rest of the staff,
I don’t know where to start! I never, ever in my life thought I would be one to consider a breast augmentation, but after losing what little I already had after having my two babies, and meeting a few of your patients who shared their amazing stories with me, I decided to reconsider. Once I read your book and consulted with your staff, there was no doubt in my mind that if I was ever going to do it, I would only do it with you. Lifelong friends gasped when I told them, I was the one who would never in a million years be anything but au naturale, and “Why go all the way to Dallas?” they asked. Now they know why. My surgery experience and recovery were seamless, your system perfected. It is almost unbelievable how quickly I recovered. It is true, I was out to dinner that night! I was picking up my babies the next day, with no pain and no painkillers! Now everyone is asking me for your number. I cannot thank you enough for your professionalism and tact. You have set the bar very, very high for all other reconstructive surgeons. My *new* breasts look real, pretty, and not in any way over the top or tacky. They are perfect!
Thank you!
Dear Terrye,
Hello. I just wanted to check in with the office. Today is my six week point and I want to make sure I am good to move on without restrictions. I believe I can now….swim, tan, anything else? Can I wear an under-wire bra, or should I wait three months for that. Also, when would you like me to come back into the office for a follow up?
I also just wanted to tell you how wonderful everything has gone! I am still amazed that I had implant surgery and that it was only six weeks ago! I have had no problems at all. My kids didn’t even know that I had undergone major surgery. I was able to pick up the two year old right away and simply side tracked the question with my 3 and half year old. It was so easy! Both my husband and I are very pleased with the results! Dr. Tebbetts is a genius and so very talented. My scar is minimal and my size is perfect! I never imagined, in my last 15 years of life as I dreamed about a chest, that it would be this easy and perfect! I feel very blessed to have found you, Dr. Tebbetts, and the rest of the staff! I guess I should be thankful for Google as well, since it lead the way:) You all really are making dreams come true in the most realistic and natural way possible! I want to tell everyone about it….but then don’t want to reveal my secret to perfect strangers!
That is my summary. All is great, tightness almost gone, no pangs of pain. They look great and are starting to feel like mine!
Answer -
Thank you so much for your wonderful note! I am so happy for you and can’t wait to hear how your trip goes too!!
Yes, you can do anything at this point – although tanning is never a good idea due to it’s skin cancer risks! But being outside with sunscreen or a spray tan might help you get through your trip???
You can wear an underwire if you want – but please still be mindful of the incision and just be sure it isn’t rubbing. And if you can come back for your 6 month visit for pictures – that would be awesome!
Thank you again for catching up with us – we look forward to seeing you soon!!
Terrye
by Terrye Tebbetts
When patients will travel “across the pond” for a better recovery, you know you are doing something special!
Hi,
I’m now 3 weeks & I’m sooo happy! My gorgeous new breasts (something I never thought I’d say), have settled down nicely and most of the time I forget that I’ve had anything done. I can’t wait to go shopping and buy some new lingerie. It’ll be so nice not looking at every bra to see if it has enough padding!
Coming to Dallas from England was the best decision I made. I had originally heard about Dr Tebbetts through a newspaper article a couple of years ago, but my children were too young to leave for an overseas trip. Recently I decided to look into breast augmentation again. I ordered the Best Breast book and contacted several plastic surgeons in London & Europe as well as Dr Tebbetts. Most surgeons ‘dodged’ my questions and I didn’t like the way they chose implant sizes, recovery experiences & the dismissive, unfriendly emails I received. When I contacted Dr Tebbetts, Terrye was amazing! She immediately got back to me (even on a sunday!) I read my book & read all the blogs on the website. When I had my phone consult with Terrye I felt completely at ease & new that there was no way I’d trust anyone else to do my surgery! I arrived in Dallas feeling completely prepared, it was great to finally meet everyone, the whole team are wonderful! I had my surgery on the friday & as everyone else says, had no pain, just tightness. I went shopping that afternoon after my 2 hour nap & out for a fabulous dinner that evening (thanks for the recommendations!) I kept disappearing to the rest rooms every 30 minutes to do my arm exercises! I knew exactly what to expect & nothing was a surprise. It was a wonderful experience & my husband and I had a great vacation too. A huge thank you to Dr Tebbetts, Terrye & the whole team!
by Terrye Tebbetts
Question -
Hi my name is Megan I am a stay at home mom with a 4 year and a 2 year old. In Sept 2011 I’m getting Breast augmentation. I have decided on saline gel, smooth, round, and arm pit incision. I am currently an a cup and going to a full c small d. I need advise I will have my surgery done on a Friday morning, and my husband is off until Monday morning to help me. Does anyone have advise on my recovery with the kids? How hard will it be not picking them up or making lunch on the week after the surgery?
Answer #1 -
Hi megan, I had my surgery on 1/20 and I also have 3 small kids (8, 6,3). My 8yo and 6yo are in school and my 3yo goes to daycare (my husband and I both work full time). I was off for a week after my surgery and I needed everyday! The problem wasn’t the pain or picking up the kids. It was that I got tired a lot easier than expected. The pain meds will automatically make you tired and a combination of swelling and heaviness made it worse. I think you may need some additional help for a few more days just so you can nap and rest when you need to.
My Answer ~
Megan -
There are better ways to do this operation and recover from it! You should read about 24 Hour Recovery on our web site at www.thebestbreast.com – - if your kids weigh less than 35 lbs….you can be picking them up the night of surgery and driving the next day.
And on the size note, please don’t make your decision about changing your body based on something that doesn’t exisit…..CUP SIZE. There is NO medical definition for it – don’t change your body based on it!!
You are welcome to email me at TTebbetts@plastic-surgery.com if I can help you!
Terrye
by Terrye Tebbetts
Question ~
hi. i read your book and am wondering what the best way to remove the two ugly scars i have under my breasts. I had breast augmentation done a year ago and have dark keloid scars. I like my new boobs but hate the scars. what is your suggestion? pls let me know.
…desperate in nyc
Answer ~
I am sorry to hear about how your incisions healed but really glad that you like your new additions otherwise!
Scar revision is always a catch 22 – to revise it, you have to open up the communication with the implant pocket (which increases risk of infection and possible implant removal) and the incision now has to be LONGER than the first one if done surgically. And again, remember, how you heal is genetically influenced (and people in the middle of the skin color range don’t heal as well (ie Asian, Hispanic, light African American) – you want to be really fair or really dark to get the best out of your genetics on that one and you obviously can’t change that!
Often people try to inject true keloid scars with steroid to thin them down – but that is fraught with problems here too as you don’t want to thin the skin and risk implant extrusion!
Honestly, if they are under your breasts……I would just stop messing with them and stressing over them and enjoy your breasts – because there is no good – predictable – safe option for revision.
I am sorry there is not an easy way to change what bothers you. But when in that situation, you always have to really see if something can be predictably done to fix it and if so what risks does it carry – - then weigh the risks and benefits to see if it makes sense – here, I don’t think it does.
by Terrye Tebbetts
I love the way this patient from last Friday (1/14/11) journals her personal 24 Hour Recovery experience……we only have a few days of recovery so far, but I hope she will keep adding to her diary for us all to see.
“God is so faithful and he carried me through. For 2 weeks prior to this awesome day I have had tons of interrupted sleep and a couple of bad dreams.
So this is when it all began. I have researched for years. I have read stories and looked at more boobs than almost any man it seems. I began getting serious on our last cruise as I was tired of mimicking my top bikini to show something was there when truly there was just not enough.
A lot of things I have researched says to get several opinions. I am a cut to the chase girl and lead a predominant local life. My intentions were to only enhance what I have not turn every head when I walk in the room (that happens as it is as I am very tall ) So I would talk and ask lots of girls their experience and I just could not bring myself to the pain, time off work. bandages pumps and misery that I have so often read about.
I researched and I knew if there is a WILL THERE IS A WAY and I was going to find it. My research began and I found THE Dr. John Tebbett’s.
I called Dr. Tebbett’s office and talked to Kathleen. I feel I have made a dear friend in her she is just precious. She states she will be sending me some paperwork. I got my paperwork all right but I also got a 500 page book titled The Best Breast 2. I was unable to put the book down truthfully. I was so educated and I knew what to expect from the word go. I remember a time I was not going to go through with the breast augmentation due to all the tradeoffs and complications but as I continued reading and the scientific method behind Dr. Tebbett’s and the innovative way he does things along with his statistics and rates my mind changed once again.
I went to my pre-op appt and Dr. Tebbett’s wife Terrye was my consultant. First thing she asked me was HAVE YOU READ THE BOOK THE BEST BREAST 2? I think this woman is AMAZING! She knows her stuff. She measured me and told me the type implant my body would handle and what to expect. I was only there for my first consult but they went ahead and did my blood work, urinalysis, and nasal swab to test me for staph infection. Of course everything went perfect but I had to be called back for additional blood work because my hemoglobin 10.2 and hematacrats 32. 4 were out of range. I came back and re-tested and my numbers had stayed the very same. No worries I just started eating red meat, raisins, cashews, drinking lots of water a ensure daily and I popped those numbers back up.
Next was my meeting with Dr. Tebbett’s he measured me and took before photos. We went over everything and I left the decision of my size ccs ect strictly up to him and the hi-five measuring system and the proven scientific methods. I AM SO VERY HAPPY……………… THIS MAN IS A TRUE ARTIST AND LOVES HIS WIFE AND DAUGHTER AND HIS CAREER. He is extremely passionate about his work. He is a perfectionist. I can not brag on him enough. I’m so glad I did not go in his office with a size or demand of ccs because the 24 hour recovery is REAL . I was under anesthesia a total of 18 minutes. I lost 1 cc per breast of blood and I was up and exercising and had my hands above my head before leaving the surgery center. Please enjoy my story:
January 13, 2011 8:30 pm my anesthetist called me and went over last minute safety questions. He was very calming and gentle. I just truly loved him from the minute I heard his voice as he made me feel so at ease and comfortable.
January 14, 2011
I slept all night long like a baby! I felt great. With God I know all things are possible. We arrived at Dr. Tebbett’s office and I signed some papers and I immediately went to the surgery center. I wore a warm up suit socks and 100% cotton panties. I went into a pre- op room where I changed into a gown and a lovely blue hair net ;o) My nurse came in and introduced herself took my temp and vitals. My anesthetist walked in and gave me my IV. I was so scared at this point because I fear needles so bad. I never even felt the IV my anesthetist was simply amazing. He told me everything he was going to do to me before he did it and that simplified the process in my mind for me.
?? LOVED HIM ?? I became very relaxed and waited about 15 minutes for Dr. Tebbetts to come in and “mark me”. Marking was very simple took all of 1 minute he just put about 10 dots all over my chest and was done. He wore bright orange black and yellow just like in one of his videos he made. Very colorful and by looking and talking to him you totally “TRUST” this man. He said I will see you in a few minutes. Within 3 minutes my anesthetist and nurse came to get me and I walked to the Operating Room. Country Music was on and everyone was prepared to work. I was the 1st patient of the day and everyone was so calming gentle understanding and I just can not brag enough. They put cuffs on my legs I had a EKG monitor. I had a machine on my finger and then the mask went over my face. I said WOAAA when that mask went on my face I did not think I could breathe so my anesthetist moved it a little and asked me “DO YOU WANT TO COUNT” I said it really doesn’t matter and the next thing I know I am TOTALLY DRESSED and my hubby is taking pictures and videos of me ? I love him.. I told him too because I want to remember this day forever… When I woke up I felt tight. That is all I felt. We had a hour drive home so I walked to the wheel chair got on the elevator and got in our vehicle all by myself ? I slept the whole way home. When we arrived where we live I told my husband I was starving. He stopped and I got Chicken fried Steak Mashed Potatoes Broccoli cheese Rice and Banana Pudding. I ate and got on JBI awhile talked and texted all my friends and family. I started doing my exercises every 30 minutes like clock work and I had my first shower around 6 pm or so. I went to bed about 10 p.m. last night and I slept all night long. I woke up at 4 took ibuprofen as scheduled and did my exercises and went back to sleep.
Jan 15, 2011
Woke up ate did my exercises drove to Dallas for my appt to check my incisions and I am proud to report that I am healing well. My nurse had to re-apply my steri strip because when she originally put it on she did not cover my scar because she said she can not see it ?? So I have fresh steri strips that will fall off in 2 weeks. I went to the gun show with my husband today I walked 8 hours and we had a grand time. I still do my exercises every 30 minutes as this is my remedy to healing faster. I just feel awesome. We are home now and I am ready to take a nap.
I also want to report that there were 4 women at their follow-up appt with me this morning and out of all of us there was only one that reported being tight. She was dressed and had makeup on and was feeling normal but just said she was very tender. SHE LOOKED GREAT TO ME They flew in from Santa Fe. People fly in from all over to have their breast augmentation with Dr. Tebbett’s.”
Filed under: Back to the Basics, Breast Augmentation, Recovery Experiences, Size Issues
by Terrye Tebbetts
Thursday is our patient day with Tebbetts and today was a big one! We had a lot of out-of-town patients who had traveled to Dallas to have surgery this week. You can plan and screen and do the best you can do wanting to help someone, but in the end…it is all about the relationship the surgeon has with his or her patient.
We are in Dallas. This lady came from San Antonio – not far – but still….and when it all came down to it….there are other things going on in her life right now that emotionally inhibit her ability to go through this process like a normal patient. I hate to see this happen and it doesn’t happen very often. But when it is all said and done, what is most important is that your surgeon is on the exact same level as you are and that the two of you “get it!”.
Tebbetts measured this patient and was moving on with a normal consult today, but something wasn’t right. After a lot of time, he left the consult room and recommended that she wait. When I went in to talk with her, she said, “You have a very perceptive husband.” I said, “Really?” She said, “He just simply looked me in the eye and said, “What’s going on here?”" After many tears and simple truths, this patient has other life issues to deal with and resolve before having surgery. Dr. Tebbetts – at that point in time, became more than just her surgeon.
I have worked with him and been married to him for 21 years now and he never ceases to keep amazing me. He did what was right today – for her and for us. Good judgement, basic human kindness never goes out of style and is always in everyone’s best interest.
Having someone who you can trust and believe no matter what is priceless in any situation. ‘nough said. I am grateful.
by Terrye Tebbetts
Christmas comes early and every day for this patient who is one month post op……I love that Tebbetts got to play Santa on this one!!
“Just a quick one month update. I feel and look great! I am completely back to all activities (except following any and all restrictions you have listed, such as no water immersion). I still use the Safeguard soap which I absolutely love, reminded that is what I was given to shower with in the hospital when I had my first child. (great memories all around with the Safeguard) I am hardly sore any more, just a little tender at the end of the day. My incisions have healed great and are not very visible. My breasts are dropping, look incredibly “natural” (though not many 50 year olds retain the loveliness of such a shape). My husband acts as if every day is Christmas for him! I look better in clothes, but similar, due to the extensively padded bras I had always worn. My life never skipped a beat, I have maintained my active life, demanding schedule, and noone has ever even guessed that I had any type of procedure, let alone surgery for breast augmentation.”
