Despite being almost 50 years old at the time of my first BA, I merely thought my small, droopy breasts were the result of weight loss as a teenager, and genetics on my father's side. I always thought about an augmentation, but didn't have the confidence I believe I needed.
I began the consultation process to discover
I had constricted tuberous breasts, which while it sounds harsh, by definition is a deformity. I share my journey and the lessons I have learned (and my experience) in the hopes of helping, educating and changing the viewpoint of discussions about this with the women and girls in our lives.
Updated on 22 Aug 2019:
This was my third attempt to achieve the above (not with Dr Craft , he was #4) . Previous surgery resulted in large gap between breasts and lateral sliding of implants. PS would not alter pocket and recommended wider implant with slightly higher profile (moderate Mentor to Allergan). To improve lack of upper pole and “ribby/skinny” appearance of upper chest fat transfer was used. Poor result all the way around - implants were too large for my frame and stretched my already thin skin, fat transfer resulted in some successes but with keloid scars at extraction points ( inner /outer thighs) and friction burns with infection and hyper-pigmentations at cannula injection sites. These pictures are 3- months post—op following antibiotics, direct steroid injections and prednisone. Outline of implant apparent immediately- constant tender tissue on underside of breast. Bottoming out to develop later.
Updated on 22 Aug 2019:
Despite being told (1) don’t know what the cause of those lesions are (2) there really is no way to improve the upper pole on you- I knew it couldn’t be so. Followed up on friend recommendations and had consult with Dr Christopher Craft ( there are 2 in Miami- they are brothers). Relayed my story while he listened patiently. Without even batting an eye he said “oh- those are friction burns”. The previous PS, a dermatologist and an internist couldn’t diagnose this (with the PS, he might not have wanted to admit the error...)I almost started to cry hearing this validation and the sense of relief. “It’s going to take a while, but they will go away”.
He then literally approached me like a puzzle he was trying to solve. Confirmed the bottoming out, discussed options of tightening the pockets, exchanging for smaller implants and adding Strattice to support the obviously thin tissue supporting my implants.
He spoke of how he would have approached my surgery from the beginning- how tuberous breast augmentations are one of the most complicated. How they often go over the muscle to stretch the skin and years later come back and go under and replace. Never heard such options before! So wish I had found him sooner...
He confirmed how with my first surgery, the Bellini lift was the cause for mis-shapen oval areolas ( something the PS told me was just fine and that I was beautiful just how I was).
We spoke of potential need for a lift because of the little amount of natural breast tissue I had and how tightening the pockets would cause the nipples and areolas to turn outward and lateral. Complete disclosure- no surprises. I felt he had my best interests at heart. His staff is lovey. I called early the next week and booked my surgery date.
Updated on 22 Aug 2019:
I traveled from NJ to Miami and spent the week in a hotel close to the office for the weekend and then with a friend. Dr Craft insisted there be a 1-week follow up visit before returning home.
We decided on smooth round Sientra 107 implants 435/455 high moderate profile which is a more cohesive than my previous and will help achieve an upper pole fullness. The stats of the implants were 14.5cm/4.8 projection/520 cc. The new ones would be 13.3/12.3 cm/3,6/4,8 projection/435/455 ccs (yes precious PS did not address asymmetry).
Strattice would be used with both breasts. We discussed doing a lift at the same tine and agreed to see how much of the skin laxity was addressed. The surgery was close to 5 hours. Dr Craft spent a great deal of time drawing on me ( many colors!) explains why things would do what they should or would to both me and my fiancé. They permitted him to stay in the office in an extremely comfortable room with a plush couch, WiFi and consistent attention to he his comfort as well. As said before, the office staff is lovely, accommodating and truly demonstrates a team effort.
Updated on 22 Aug 2019:
Had a tough time sleeping. Strattice is secured to actual ribs in a number of places- so there is discomfort at those points. The area where is it located is also sore and tender as it needs to stretch and be absorbed. These will not drop as much because of more cohesive gel and Strattice. Am second guessing size thinking I should have gone larger- we’ll see
Updated on 23 Aug 2019:
As discussed, the combination of Strattice and closing the pocket could result in low, lateral areola and nipple areas. It might improve over time with the settling of the implants and the absorption of the Strattice. Whether it will be to my satisfaction is another story...
Updated on 23 Aug 2019:
As thought I most likely will need a lift in order to correct the low/lateral nipple-areola area. However, this can not even be considered for at least a year. At 6 months tho Gs will most likely be “where they will be”. Truth is, they look pretty darn good. My cleavage is good, albeit different to what I was used to (more “hanging” before) and I am experiencing some boob greed wishing I had gone a little bigger ( #3 set was 520cc Allergan mod profile soft touch~ #4 are Sientra 107 435/455 high moderate). The high cohesive gel has definitely improved the upper pole fullness- no doubt. The lower is still lacking, but the Strattice is doing its job. Hopefully it will soften and the lower portion will kick out. They do look good in a bra and clothes. Now just to get them a little better when the clothes come off... but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.
Again, Dr Craft and his entire team have been wonderful and I recommend them highly.
Please feel free to ask questions - as i truly believe this forum is here to help.
See you in a few months!
Updated on 23 Aug 2019:
I have no doubt much angst and money could have been saved if I had known more about my body, the procedure and the devices that I was considering to put in my body. Do your research ladies!!! If the PS doesn’t like your comments or questions, move on and find another. Don’t let them blow sunshine up “you know where” and tell you all is done and you are beautiful “ when you know in your heart of hearts it’s not. But to that point, do your research and know what you are taking about, what you need and what you want! Xox
Updated on 23 Aug 2019:
Sorry- the app was not cooperating.
A few more pics to show the evolution from start to finish. Again- don’t give up ! You will find someone who will not only listen, but hear you! Good luck!. See you back here in a few months when things are even more settled.xox
Updated on 5 Jan 2020:
Thought I would check in as it has been quite a whiles since an update!
I am six months post revision (#3). Each week my appearance continues to change, with my implants continuing to settle and my fat transfer scars continuing to heal and fade (scars not created by De Craft). I still am experiencing some discomfort while the Strattice absorbs and stretches into place- a longer process than I anticipated (have been advised it may be as long as a year).
My breasts don’t point downward or to the side as much as they did, and I hope the trend continues. Still not quite where I would like. The bottom /underneath area is also still contributing to “kick-out” as I like to call it... and I am hopeful they will continue to round out on the bottom. As we discussed, a lift of some kind (hopefully peri) might be in my future in the later part of 2020 if so. Patience , unfortunately is not one of my stronger virtues...:-) I will be scheduling a consult to see what can be done to lessen the discoloration of my scars. Very upsetting as I have purchased a strapless wedding gown that may not cover them- haven’t had the courage to try it on...stay tuned ~ be back in months or so