Preparation, recovery, and advice

For those considering Barbie/Ken butt surgery, this blog post shares my personal experience from preparation to recovery and offers some advice for anyone about to undergo this transformative procedure.

Pre-surgery preparation

Deciding to undergo my Barbie/Ken butt surgery was an easy choice for me we decided around 18 months prior to my surgery that this would be my chosen route. There was a huge delay and out of the blue I received a call telling me the operation was finally going to take place and I had a date in 6 weeks time. It didn’t give me much time to get prepared but this was something that was finally happening and hopefully going to resolve many continual complications, Living with Crohn’s and numerous operations this would hopefully give me a period of respite. Although this was not the case more to come on that later. It required thorough research and consultations with my surgeon and the team. Here are the steps I took to prepare:

Research: I spent considerable time understanding the procedure, including risks, benefits, and expected outcomes. Reliable sources and forums with real patient reviews were invaluable.

Consultations: I met with my surgeon to discuss the proceedure and understand the risks of the surgery from nerve damage, sexual function and other issues that may occur within the pelvis area.

Health check-up: Ensuring I was in good health was a priority. I underwent a full medical examination to confirm I was a suitable for surgery. This included blood tests, a physical exam, and discussing my medical history

Mental preparation: Mental readiness is as important as physical readiness. I set myself  realistic expectations and prepared myself for the recovery process, which I knew would be demanding. I guess knowing the length of recovery from previous surgeries it helped me to visualise the time I would need. 

Logistics: I arranged for time off work, someone to assist me during the initial recovery period, and prepared my home for post-surgery comfort. Having everything in place beforehand made a significant difference in my recovery experience.

The day of surgery

On the day of surgery, I felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. The medical team was reassuring, which helped ease my nerves and seeing the regular team of nurses who mentioned they had the VIP suite ready for me helped calm the nerves. The procedure itself took a 9 hours in total after some complications and I was under general anesthesia throughout. When I woke up in the recovery room, I was groggy but relieved it was over.

Recovery experience

Recovery was the most challenging part of the journey, but it was manageable with the right mindset and support. Here’s how it went for me:

Immediate post-surgery: The first 48 hours were tough. I experienced discomfort and swelling, which is normal. Pain medication and following the post-operative care instructions from my surgeon were essential.

First week: I spent most of my time resting and avoiding strenuous activities. Sitting was limited to short periods using a special cushion to minimise pressure on the buttocks. Then it all went wrong my nurse had Covid and weirdly I had a sore throat, cough and spiking temperature I was checked for Covid all clear but sent for an urgent CT scan this showed a huge infection in my pelvis and the start of sepsis. I was taken down to surgery that afternoon to fit a drain in my Ken doll bum that had just been sewn up now has a drain coming from it. 

Follow-up appointments: Regular check-ups with my surgeon were crucial to monitor my healing progress and address any concerns, this again after feeling slightly better I suffered another slight smaller infection in the pelvis I could not thank the team enough they were on hand anytime I needed them and did all they could to pull me right. These visits reassured me that I was on the right track.

Gradual improvement: Swelling started to subside after the first week, and I could see the initial results of the surgery. It took about ten weeks before I felt more comfortable moving around and resuming light activities after the many complications.

Long-term recovery: Full recovery took a few months. Patience was key as my body adjusted and the final results became apparent. Following my surgeon’s guidelines for physical activity and scar care played a vital role in achieving the best outcome.

Advice for future patients

If you’re considering Barbie/Ken butt surgery, here are some tips based on my experience:

Choose the right surgeon: Take your time to find someone you trust and who discusses every eventuality, I knew exactly what I was going into, but I also had the knowledge that this team had looked after me on 6 of my 9 operations so I felt in good hands.

Prepare mentally and physically: Understand the commitment involved in the surgery and recovery. Ensure you’re in good health and mentally prepared for the journey ahead.

Follow instructions: Adhere strictly to your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions. This will aid in a smoother recovery and help achieve the best possible results.

Arrange support: Have a support system in place. Whether it’s a friend or family member, having someone to help with daily tasks during the initial recovery period is invaluable.

Be patient: Recovery is a gradual process. Stay patient and positive as your body heals and adjusts. Remember, the final results take time to become fully visible.

Undergoing Barbie/Ken butt surgery was a life-changing experience for me. With proper preparation and a positive outlook, the journey can be incredibly rewarding. If you’re considering this procedure, I hope my experience provides you with insight and encouragement as you embark on your own transformation.

Kevin