julia-a

[ near 1 year post-op ]
Hi ladies, it has been a long while since i last visited this forum. Okay, a quick update on my post-op recovery.

1. There is some asymmetrical between my left & right calves, where the right calf which Dr. park took out more, is now smaller and straighter, while the left calve is slightly bigger and more shapely.
2. The scar at the back of my knee is still there, but they are not noticeable unless you look closely at that area. However note that i did not apply any scar cream or any treatment, as i didnt mind the scar.
3. I can do running, sprinting, jumping, HIIT, strength training etc without any problem.
4. Sometimes my right calf feels tight, but there is no pain whatsoever. However do note that because of this tightness, it is a little stiff to bend my right leg.
5. I feel that my lower calves areas got a little bigger (?), maybe it's because my whole proportion changed or it's just in my mind.
6. I have absolutely no regrets in having this operation. I love my new legs and for the first time in my life, i actually think that my slightly shapely legs are quite sexy ? haha
7.The only pain that i feel occasionally, is during my walk to the office in the morning, where I have to climb stairs & slopes during my commute. It could be that my legs are stiff from the night and the morning "strenuous" walk, makes the calves muscle very tight and uncomfortable. However, the discomfort goes away as soon as i sit and rest, and i dont experience it anymore afterwards. I haven't experience any more cramps, nerve pain, or other form of side effects.
8. Sometimes i do think about whether to get a second surgery to correct the slight shapeliness of my left calf, but i really do not want to put my body under such trauma again. So, no plans for second surgery anytime soon.

I have attached my pre-op pic & my current 1 year post-op picture below.

 

I cant remember exactly how long, but after i got back to Singapore which is 1 month post op, i gradually stop stretching in the morning. But even up to now, which is about maybe 6month post op, my calves sometimes feel sore if i have been sitting for tooo long. But they dont hurt or anything, just minor sores. When i was working, i remember stretching every half an hour or every hour. If i don't stretch throughout the day my calves will feel like they were "harden" and stiff. But maybe after 2 months plus i stop stretching so frequently throughout the day. I also took yoga class then, which i was 'forced' to stretch anyways haha

 

Hey Girl, I told my relatives that i rolled down the stairs because i was drunk, to explain the bruises and the bandages. My relatives stopped probing after i told them that i was too drunk to remember what happened. Maybe you can try this excuse haha. People around just got used to the bandages and limping after a few days. Try not to stress over how people will think

 

Alright, but make sure at least someone close knows that you are coming for the trip. If you feel lonely, scared or in pain, just read through this forum or update us, we will be happy to chat with you. On the bright side, you can binge watch netflix drama and youtube, and be a couch potato without feeling guilty Korean convenient stores has many ready to eat meals like rice and soup( pumpkin soup is good for post op recovery but they dont taste good) etc, but you will need to have a microwave to heat them in your room. I remember that there is a traditional market near the train station where the clinic is, maybe you can explore the food options available there and stock up before the surgery.

 

Hi girl, i am so happy for you! Are you going alone or do you have someone to take care of you?
A good support is very very important especially for the first few days. i will recommend you to bring dry shampoo for the trip. I remembered that i couldn't shower properly the first fews days post op as i didnt want to mess up the bandages. But October in Seoul should be pretty cold already, so you might not have to shower as frequently. Try to bring pants/ skirts/ dress etc.. that are easy to wear, because your bandaged, swollen and bruised calves sometimes make it a little difficult to reach down and take off your clothes. I will also recommend bringing a thick and cushiony indoor slipper to walk around at home. Your feet will become VERY swollen and thick ( can't stress this enough ), and walking barefooted feels quite weird and not as comfortable. Most importantly make sure you have someone you can talk to/text/ call when you are sad, afraid or in pain. This is very important, especially when you are having a tougher day during the recovery stage.
When i was feeling sick in Korea, i sometimes called my boyfriend and asked him to sing me to sleep. This really helped distract the pain and i felt better.
when you reach seoul, buy a steady big umbrella and use it as a cane. There are many steep slopes in seoul (there is one just right outside of the clinic) and it was really impossible for me to climb any of those without the umbrella's help. The umbrella was my good friend for 3 weeks

 

For ladies who are planning to have this surgery done, I will suggest that it will be better to have a more realistic expectation before going in for the surgery. As it is very hard to achieve stick thin legs from an originally chucky calves, after the surgery and the recovery. However a normal and decent calves size is definitely attainable. Of course, this will differ between people and original calves size, or maybe a second surgery if you are up for it.

 

Hi girl, I will say that day 12 is maybe a little rush, I think you will be quite uncomfortable at work too. At week2, your walking might still be slow and limping, if you don't mind your colleagues noticing maybe it will be alright. At 3 months post-op, I still couldn't jump as high as pre-op, it was more like a hop. But now at 5 months post op, everything is normal. For walking Stamina, if I had tied my bandages very very tightly, it will be uncomfortable walking for too long and even worse walking up the stairs. It think it has to do with poor blood circulation and the calves being too confined by the bandages, and less to do with my actual leg strength.

 

-

 

( Around 5 months post op )

Hi all, it has been about 5 months since the op ( my surgery was May 15 2018 ). Things have been alright. My right calf ( which dr park took out more as it was originally bulkier ) looks pretty straight even though it has been 5 month now. But my left calf is quite shapely and not as straight, probably because dr didn’t take out as many from there. I have stopped bandaging my right legs ( the straighter one) a month ago and it still looks alright. Currently I am still bandaging my left calf.

Pain wise, I realised that the pain or stiffness I felt sometimes was not due to my calves but because of how tightly I tied the bandages, which made walking painful. I went for a holiday in Hong Kong maybe 2.5months post op and there were tons of walking to do. The tight bandage made it really painful to walk so i went bandage free during my holiday there and was able to do a whole day of shopping with no problem. Since coming back I have never had any nerve pain or other pain. My legs felt fine and normal too, no losing of feelings or numbness etc.

Exercise wise: I have started going back to my post op exercising regime and every thing is as per normal too. Previously I have tried jogging maybe 3 months post op, and my calf felt weaker so I didn’t continue and switched to other form of exercise.

Regret/satisfied: I will say go for it. Even though my leg calf is more shapely than my right, they still look way better than before my surgery. I am no longer conscious about the size of my calves anymore and have grew used to wearing my bandage out in public in shorts.

I feel completely normal and my leg strength have returned to pre op level too. I have also started driving maybe 1.5 month again too.

The photo below was taken yesterday.

P.s the slippers I am wearing are from adidas. The base is soooo cushiony that it made walking so comfortable and easy. I just came back from a trip to Bangkok and had no problem shopping for 3 consecutive days. Highly highly recommend for post op !

- julia

 

@Bambu once you have decided on getting the surgery, just push on with your decision. Before my surgery, my parents were very skeptical with the whole procedure. But now, i think they are secretly glad and happy with how things turned out. My Mum was amazed with how Dr park was able to take out a whole mass of muscle with just a 2-3 cm incision. What i am trying to say is that dont turn back from your decision. When in doubt, just re-read this forum and know that all who had underwent this surgery came out fine. The first 2 weeks is really tough, no way to sugar coat it. The healing process is also very very long and sometimes annoying. But as compared to how self-conscious and uncomfortable i was with my pre-op legs, i will much rather go through with the whole procedure again. If you have any questions regarding what to pack for the surgery, i will be happy to give you some advice

 

Today is exactly 2 months post op. I still tire easily from walking up the stairs or walking for too long. My feet also turn numb and uncomfortable every time i put on my bandages. The numbness goes away after maybe 30mins. However, i didnt experience any nerve pain or other form of pain. I also noticed that i cant jump as high as a normal person, my jump is kind of like a hop as compared to pre-op. My running looks/ feels like a fast walk as compared to before surgery too. I think its because my muscle are much much weaker than before surgery. When my relatives and close friends saw my "new" legs, they told me that they are really much slimmer - Even my near 80 year old grandmother said so ! I really want to try out sports like boxing and muay thai (Thai boxing), but with my current fitness/weakness level... i think it will have to wait. The swelling in my ankles and feet region, is going down very very slowly. Some days, my feet are extra swollen and i cant fit into my working shoes and had to wear slippers to work ( my boss understands my condition ).

if you girls have any more questions or want to see any pictures, just let me know. I am happy to help

 

@Bambu you are too kind. I cant resist scratching the skin every time i take off the bandages. I know its bad
Every time i walk pass any reflective surface /mirror, i cant help but look at my legs. They really did help make me feel more confident. Before the surgery, i only wear slippers out ( it is socially acceptable and common to wear slippers in Singapore, because its so hot here all year round). I never dared wear shoes like sneakers or espadrilles because they kind of "cut off" my legs. My legs are already very short to begin with, the stubbiness just makes it look even shorter. But now, i am considering trying out new shoes and clothing options. It great

 

Hi @Bambu , i just got home from work, and took off my bandages. Hence the ankles are very swollen. I can do fast walks now, but only for a few minutes before getting completely worn out and start walking very slowly. i think this is because i have been totally slacking with my stretching. Still going for 4-6 yoga classes a week. I can definitely feel my legs getting stronger. My ankles are still very swollen... cant see them at all haha

 

Hi guys, i have been going for some yoga classes since i got back ( currently first month post op ) and i got to say that the classes have been very beneficial. The pace of the class is just right, plus there are tons of legs and calves stretches. The instructors are also very helpful and accommodating after i informed them of my leg condition. It is nice to finally be able to exercise after 1 month of doing nothing much apart from walking. Although yoga classes doesnt burn as much calories as an intensive gym session or running, i dont have to worry about the possibility of my calves size bouncing back to pre op! So give yoga a try girls

 

Hi Ellen. I dont really think i have much loose skins. The skin at the back of my calves dont feel firm but they are not exactly saggy. I dont think you have to worry so much. The previous pic i have posted of my day 30 legs, i was actually wearing my compression stockings which is why the skin seems smooth. I have attached 2 pictures of my legs, when i am sitting and the skin is not pulled like when i am standing. You can see a small depression at the upper calf region ( where my finger is pointing ).

Regarding the change of doc, you need to go with your instinct and be confident with whoever you chose to go with at the end. Dr park removed so much of the bulky muscles at the inner and outer part, which was my greatest insecurity pre op. My legs look straight now, and they arent bulging from the sides. However, do keep in mind that the calves will gradually look more shapely after a few months have pass. So they wont stay as straight and shapeless as they do now. If you are concern with your calves looking too shapeless after the surgery, then i dont think you have to worry.

 

Day 28 - Leaving Seoul and taking train in Seoul.

Taking public train:

Today marks the end of my surgical trip to Seoul. It’s a biter-sweet moment to leave the Airbnb apartment, which I called home for the past month. I was able to get to Incheon airport via the train ( had to change train line once), while lugging around my super over sized and heavy luggage and a bag pack, without much hassle. Fortunately I was able to find seats on the train, which was my biggest concern as standing for too long is just a no no( (train ride took roughly 2hours in total, as I chose not to take the express train). For girls who are coming to Seoul for the surgery and are planning to take the public train here, there are seats designated for pregnant, elderly and injured passengers. Because the local people are really big on respect for their elders so the designated seats are usually taken up by the elderly and the young people do not usually hog this seats. So, if you are taking the train and wearing long pants/skirts to hide your bandages, the elderly will loudly ask you or gesture you to give up your seats in the designated area, unless you lift your legs and point out your bandages to them and they will leave you alone. Hence, if the weather permits, wear shorts to “show” your bandages. The normal non-designated seats are usually occupied and the people rarely give up their seats even if they see that you are in bandages.

Taking the train saved me $90 USD of cab fare to the airport. Prior to coming to Korea, my Airbnb host helped me pre-booked an airport express cab from Incheon to my Airbnb (around the area of the clinic ), and they charge a flat fee of 90,000 won ($90 USD). The total car ride was about 1 Hour 45 Mins, because the traffic in Seoul is actually pretty bad. Taking the train ( if you take the express train, which skips some stops ) is actually faster. The train fare from Incheon to the stop at my Airbnb is only around 3000 won ( $3 USD ). Thats a huge difference in price ! You can purchase a train card at the airport, however the train staff actually advise against tourist getting it because they charge a non-refundable 2500 won for the card. However, if you are like me and planning to stay for a long time, then getting the train card is very convenient. If you choose not to get a card, the ticket sales machine at the stations are very easy to use, if you know the name of the station that you are going. The machine also allows you to switch to Chinese, English or Japanese, which is very useful.

Plane ride back:

While checking in at the airline counter, the staff kindly gave me a priority pass so I can get through the security check at the departure hall without having to queue, as she saw my bandages. She also asked if I need wheelchair service, although I did not request or arrange for one beforehand. In day 28 now, I am able to walk for long distance without much problem, albeit slowly. Walking up steep slopes is also alright now. The swelling in my feet has subsided greatly in week 4 too. They are now around 80% of my pre op feet size and thickness. My current main concern in regards to swelling, is actually my ankles. As Dr park said that it isn’t necessary to wrap the ankle, hence I have been leaving that part unwrapped and only wrapping the upper 2/3 region of my calf region. This is probably why my feet is not as swollen as before, as the swelling can now go to the unwrapped ankles too. This is good I feel, as I can now wrap my calves as tightly as I can, without my feet feeling like they are going to explode from all the swelling. My ankles are now swollen to the point that they are visibly much thicker than my calve when I take off my bandages. Swollen ankles didn’t give me any pain, they are just ugly to look at.

The plane ride back to sunny and beautiful Singapore took about 6 hours. I exchanged for an aisle seat with a nice Korean lady, and it was much better. I was able to raise my legs and stretch them straight in the aisle. My seat was also at the back of the plane, which actually worked out great for me, because I was able to walk to the back and stretch as often as I want. The air stewardess did not bother me at all and let me stretch in peace.I was worried if I kept my feet down for the entire flight, they will swell badly when I reach home, or even swell so much till they hurt like in day 2 when I slept with my feet on the floor. I also brought my massage cream in my backpack, so I can massage my feet and ankle as often as I wish throughout the flight.

Driving:

Some girls are concern whether their driving ability will be impaired after the surgery, and I feel that its really up to the swelling in the feet. Because the feet is still swollen now, although I can flex them, they are still not as nimble and sensitive as pre op. Hence I am worried whether If I can switch between the brake and accelerator easily and quickly, and because my feet is not as sensitive as before, I am also worried If I will over step on the accelerator etc.. Hence I think it is advisable to wait till the swelling in your feet is roughly gone, before attempting to drive.

-Julia

 

Hi Ellen, i am sure dr Jong will be able to fix the outer parts of your legs. There are some stretch marks behind my calves ! There are more on the right than the left. Im not crazy about them but not too bothered too. One of my friend actually told me that she didnt even noticed my calves until i told her about the surgery. So ladies, we are really our harshest critics. Lets all stop driving ourselves crazy with minor problems! Haha

 

Thanks for the tips! Lol to the deodorant trick !

 

Day 30

Hi all. This is my 1 month post op mark! Yay! I am currently back in beautiful Singapore, so glad to be home. I have forgotten to post my day 28 update on my flight back home, will do so probably later.

Went to the office today. I chose to wear the compression stocking instead of my bandages so to avoid having to answer any questions. The stocking is pretty difficult to get on at first, but it is comfortable to wear. The bandage is definitely tighter than the stocking. In the office, i tried to walk as normaly as possible and was careful in hiding my slight limp. No one seem to suspect anything which was great.

I am unsure whether is it because singapore is just too damn hot and humid or what, but it is really uncomfortable to sleep with the bandages at night. I kept waking up because of pain from how the bandage wrapped around my calves. And i kept having to unwrap my bandages to give the irritated skin a breather and alleviate the pain. In the end, i got so annoyed that i slept without my bandages this 2 nights since i got back. I will try sleeping with my compression stocking tonight, hopefully there will be no problem.

Pain wise, i didnt experience any intense pain throughout the day. There will be times when my calves feel like they are having a minor minor cramp. However the feeling goes away quickly.

* In the picture collages, the last pic on day 30 is me wearing the compression stocking.

- Julia

 

Hi ellen ! My direct side views are actually pretty "normal" looking pre op. My back and front views are more prominant.

 

Day 26

i want to summarise the various discomfort and ways of dealing with them, which i have tried and worked for me . I will separate the discomforts i faced according to weeks.

week 1:
1. post anaesthesia headache --> This was during the first 3 days after surgery. Its down to luck i guess, some people get them, while others dont. Keep yourself hydrated and have some caffeine. Lie down instead of sitting, and the headache will go down when u lie down to rest. It will be gone spontaneously within the first week.
2. Fever --> Developed fever the day after surgery. Went away after a day. Let the doctor know and he will give you meds for it.
3. Nausea
4. Swollen feet -->My feet start swelling the night after the surgery. Try elevating or keep them on the chair/ bed when you sit or lie down. Swollen feet can get real painful if you keep putting your feet on the ground for a long time, during the first few days after the surgery. Dr park told me that you can massage the feet to help improve circulation. My aunt actually bought ginger, slice them and boiled them. She then let me soak my swollen feet in the boiled ginger water, which is very comfortable. This is a traditional Chinese technique she said.
5. Swelling in my thighs too--> make my legs look fatter than pre op.
5. Bruises start developing. They look scary and makes the region a little sore and tender to touch. Generally harmless, however some bruises are painful. So prepare heat or ice pack.
6. Deep soreness in the calves when stand/ walk
7. Pure pain during stretching during the first and second week of post op. Now in Day 26, i dont really feel anything when i stretch. You can up your stretching game slowly by stepping further away from the wall and do the belly to wall stretch.
8. You get easily tired and out of breath, even for just a short short walk. Like you just ran a full marathon.
9. Walking up any slope = dont even think about it. After the third week, i am able to walk up slopes much easier and faster.
10. Having to sleep only on my back and not being able to shift and change your position when you sleep. I actually got back aches and pain from sleeping only on my back. This is tricky even for me, as i mainly sleep on my back even before the surgery! I think it not being able to toss and turn that is tricky.
11. Apart from back aches from sleeping on my back, my back is a little sore from the spinal anaesthesia. Lasted for a few days.
12. Poor appetite during the first week post op. Mainly due to headaches, nausea and needing to take so much medications every day for the first week post op ( we are given 5 pills to take after EVERY meal, so its 15 pills a day plus the vitamins and bromelain.. )
13. Mild depression. stems from being kept at home, loneliness, home sickness, worrying that i will never recover again etc.. Mood is also heavily affected by the weather.

Week 2:
1. Muscle cramps --> mainly in the morning. Painful during
2. Nerve Pain --> i had some nerve pain during the first week, but the frequency of occurence is much much higher during the second week for me. Often, its a burning sensation, sometimes it is a burning sensation + a stabbing high intensity pain. Usually at my right leg , ankle and frequently in my heel region. Now is week4, i didnt experience nerve pain. But lets hope it remains this way! Fingers crossed. Nerve pain is the most painful for me throughout this whole process. Try applying ice packs or take the strong pain killer Dr gave.
3. Pinching feeling in my heels when i walk/ stand too long. Not as pain as nerve pain or cramps. Bearable but irritating. I see it as a signal for me to sit and rest.
4. Itchiness under the bandages and swollen feet. Prepare thick and good calamine lotion before the surgery, I had hives before, which is way worse and calamine lotion really helped. Get the viscous and thick kind, the more watery ones is not as good i feel. The itchiness mostly died down at week4.

Week 3 - Now :
From week 3 onwards i didnt really experience any new form of discomfort or pain. Mainly the continuation of the previous conditions.

day 26 updates:
went for my fourth and final check up at Dr park clinic today afternoon. I was SO HAPPY when Dr told me that there are no more fluid left in my left calves! this means that i no longer have to worry about doing aspiration when i return to Singapore !!! SO happy its crazy. Dr Park also gave me the stocking before i left. He say that the stockings can be worn if i am wearing skirts, but bandage is still the way to go He also wanted me to update him my conditions and measurements every month. Before i left i asked him several questions, which i think some of you girls will be interested in too.
Q1: After i return home, if there are days when i do too much walking, will fluid still build up and do i have to aspire myself?
This question is very important, because a girl wrote here in the forum that she had her surgery down in taiwan, and there were a lot of fluid build up in her legs after she returned home and did long hours of walking one day. Her doctor instructed her do aspiration ASAP, and i was worried that i will face the same problem as her. Dr Park assured me that i will not have to do any more aspiration, and even if i walked too long, there will just be swelling but there is no need to do aspiration.
Q2: i plan to start yoga class when i return home, as my new form of exercise, How long do i have to wait before i can do yoga?
Dr park said that yoga is very good for the post op healing, and that i can start when i get home.
Q3: There is a small small lump at the inner side of my right calf, which i can feel it when i massage my legs. Is it normal ?
Dr Park said that it is normal and the small lump muscle will eventually smooth out over time.

*I just realised that i have never shared a side view pic before.

- Julia

 

@Bambu you are too kind . We all help each other in this forum, just like how i read and use amici and princess updates and pictures for inspiration before i had my surgery. You mentioned that you are planning for your surgery with dr park soon right? I hope you all the best. You are in good hands with dr park. Him and his team have been good and kind to me.
Mandarin Chinese is actually my mother tongue and i speak it fluently, my dad also have reliable and close friends in taipei. Hence, he originally wanted me to go to taiwan to have this surgery instead of Korea, as he was also very concern with the political tension between north and south Korea. Taipei would have been the logical choice, as i speak 0 korean and had only been to korea once when i was younger. i was even planning to try communicate in japanese, if english fails , as japan and korea is near and some korean do learn japanese ! But dr park's english is great! So no communication barrier at all. I was actually unaware of the difference between dr park and dr jong techniques at the time of planning for the surgery. I picked dr park because of his experience with the surgery and because Korea is the capital of beauty and plastic surgery here in Asia. Many Singaporeans opt to head to seoul to have plastic surgeries done, despite malaysia and thailand being just a stone's throw away and much much cheaper.

-Julia

 

Oh btw, i keep forgetting to mention that Dr park removed 422grams from both my legs. In case any of you guys are curious!

- Julia

 

Day 25

Hi sexy legs ! thanks for coming back onto this forum. I was just re-reading your post op updates from the previous pages! your legs look so beautiful and natural in the pic

Ellen! thanks for the compliment ! I am sorry you had to give up your hard earned savings! but i am sure you will be able to attain your saving goals in 2019 !

speaking about costs, the surgery costed me 7,200,000 won ( after the 10% cash discount ), plane ticket was around $600 singapore dollars ( USD$450 ), my airbnb apartment which is a 2 room apartment about 10-15mins drive away ( taxi fare is less than 5000 won to the clinic ) from the clinic is around USD90/ night. I feel that the cost of living in korea is relatively lower than expected. Eating out in a normal korean eatery place cost less than 10,000 won if you are not too fussy about the food. Grocery and fruits are cheap here too, which is great if you/ your companion are planning to cook. Taxi are also pretty inexpensive.

Apartment wise, actually i dont really think it is necessary to stay that close to the clinic. Because after the surgery, you only have to go for post op check ups the day after the surgery, 4th days post op, and then subsequently once every week for the aspiration, if i remember correctly. The post ops check ups are really quick, only about 20mins, and you are free to go. Perhaps for girls who are considering this surgery, you can widen your selection of apartments/hotels, and not be restricted to having to select from those that are super near

I have planned a 28days stay here in seoul for this surgery, because i wanted to have Dr park and his nurse do my aspirations ( once every week ). Staying for nearly 4 weeks has been great, i was able to meet Dr Park every week, and consult him directly about any questions i have.

For anyone who is concern with the incision scar, i have attached pictures of the back of my legs. You can also see that the dark bruises at the back of legs have faded a lot ! previously i have asked Dr park how long does it takes for the bruises and swelling be gone. He told that on average, bruises takes 1 months ( which is very accurate, at least for my case ) and swelling takes 7 months to be gone. I take bromelain every night for the bruising/swelling, but didn't managed to find arnica pills in singapore, oh wells.

- Julia

 

Day 22

Went for my third aspiration today afternoon. Dr park only drew from my left leg. To my dismay, i thought that this would be my last aspiration, but it appears that there are still some fluids left in the right calf. I am returning back to singapore next monday afternoon. So i have to come back to the clinic on saturday, and hopefully it will be my last aspiration then ! I dread the idea of having to find a doctor or nurse to help me with my aspiration when i head back home.

Dr park also measured my circumference for the first time post op today. He measured my original circumference to be 38 (L) and 39 (R) cm pre op, and now, they are 33 (L) and 32 (R) cm. A whopping 5 and 7 cm decrease! During the pre-op consultation, i never dare ask dr. Park how much of a decrease in cm i can expect, because i am afraid to let my hopes up high. After the aspiration, he instructed me to tie my bandage real tight from now on, so to see further decrease. It is really painful to have the bandage really tight! My feet will turn into a scary shade of dark reddish brown and it feels like the circulation to my feet are completedly cut off. It is also painful !

Btw girls, if you are interested to have this surgery, please prepare some bandages for the wrapping and the bandage tape before the surgery. The clinic will not provide the bandages, which you have to take off every time you shower. There are plenty of pharmacy place ( in seoul, you cannot get them from drugstores like olive young, only from pharmacy shops ) around where you can purchase them. The price of the bandages varies a lot, some place it is 3000 won, some place 2500 won etc. The cheapest i found is a small pharmacy shop in hongdae, 1000 won per small size bandage. Stock up on the bandages when u find cheap ones. I change into a new set of bandages on both legs every other day, so they run out really quick.

Pain wise, standing still for more than a minute or more, is worse than walking. Sometimes, my right heel will suddenly turn numb and there is a slight stinging pain. Walking and stretching will help "distract" that feeling and it goes away after a while.

The picture of my unwrapped legs are taken 2 days ago before the aspiration today.

- Julia