I've wanted larger breasts since I was a teen. Ultimately chose to get a fat transfer because I wanted a modest size improvement, specifically wanted skinnier arms, and I wanted to correct some asymmetry. Also did not want to deal with risks associated with implants. I spoke to 4 surgeons and ultimately chose Dr. Kovanda. I was very comfortable when I first met him and I liked his patient profile and results online.
My overall office experience was average. I was however an international patient and surgery did occur during Covid-19 (when deemed safe of course), so I do think that that came into play. Upon my first visit I found that Dr Kovanda was very thorough and professional. My pre op was virtual and very short, sort of felt like it was unnecessary but I do think my experience would have been different if it were in office, as I took my own measurements and pictures.
Surgery day went well, all the staff at the hospital and Dr. Kovanda's team were absolutely fantastic.
Healing was so so. Dr kovanda came to see me as I got out of surgery but I was still a little loopy from the anesthetic. I left the hospital with pain medication and antibiotics. Overall the pain feels like the day after a super intense cross fit boot camp workout type of deal. Very manageable. No infection. I do think it would have been nice if the office/Dr. Kovanda called/checked in a few days after surgery- it would have made the experience feel more personable and much less transactional. Just a small detail that I think could really add to a patient's experience- overall not a make or break by any means but it would have been nice, especially as an international patient.
Bruising is the worst a few days in- looks very rough but just felt like a post-workout day. Overall so so due to results. Going into the procedure I knew the risks and I knew that there was no guarantee for fat survival. With this surgery as well there is only so much that one can improve size wise, and as a smaller framed patient I knew that I my results were limited.
Post op stitch removal appointment was extremely quick and was about 5 mins long.
With the series of very quick appointments + no call, my experience did feel a little
transactional but overall I didn't really have any concerns or issues day of so I sort understand the quickness.
Initially there was a large improvement. I think there was a total transfer of 400ccs (1300 removed from arms, stomach, back/flank, thighs) I was a worried with the colour of my breasts the first few days after surgery, but as there were no other symptoms of infection or necrosis (no pain, no fever) I just shrugged it off as bruising. As my swelling went down my breasts started to take their shape.
Now at day 12 my bruising is nearly gone on my chest, still some some bruising on lipo sites. A little bit of pain only in my arms and thighs if there's pressure/out of my garment. Overall my breasts are more symmetrical and I have no lumps or bumps, but there is only about a 1/2 cup difference size wise and I am unfortunately the same bra cup size.
My arms are noticeably skinnier. Flanks as well. Not a noticeable difference in thighs (which I'm very ok with).
In terms of Dr. Kovanda a work I am very happy that there are no deformities and that my breast are more even/symmetrical. Very happy that my arms are skinnier. Again I knew the risks/limitations but I definitely wish they turned out a little bigger (was hoping/expecting a full cup).
I will update again in a few weeks, when my results are more so set in stone.
Updated on 2 Mar 2021:
Updated on 2 Mar 2021:
Every day they seem to get smaller... am noticing some added fullness but barely...
Updated on 2 Mar 2021:
Updated on 2 Mar 2021:
Updated on 14 Mar 2021:
Day 25: I am happy! With more healing and upon further inspection I am noticing a significant amount of fat is now part of the base of my breasts, where prior to surgery I had very little to begin with. While I had hoped for a little larger (projection wise) overall, I’m realizing that my breasts are very much so fuller. They are also significantly more even.
I have noticed this especially when taking photos. Prior to surgery, I often used my hand and squeezed with my arm to make my breasts appear larger (not in the before photos-view attached), now I am pleased with how my breasts appear with little squeezing and angle work!
I am very pleased with Dr. Kovanda’s work. No lumps or bumps, no dimples at harvesting sites. My results appear completely natural, and the scars on my breasts aren’t noticeable at all. He did a fantastic job. I am hoping to do this surgery again to gain a little more volume.
As far as the rest of my healing goes, I still have a bit of bruising on my inner thighs and the scars on my arms and hips are still raised and a little pink, but seem to be healing well! Initially I had some numbness in my arms after lipo, although now somewhat unpleasant at times (random stinging/burning sensations) I am happy to say that my feeling is returning!
For those considering a fat transfer:
I am very ok with going for the surgery a second time- for me implants was not an option I wanted to take. While of course it would be awesome to move up a few cup sizes in a single surgery, that’s just not the case with fat transfers. Although costly I am pleased with my results!
Updated on 21 Mar 2021:
For those of you wondering! Here are what my scars look like at day 32. I have one on each shoulder, two on my hips, one on each nipple (virtually invisible), and one on my butt.
They are slightly pink and either flat or barely raised. The scar tissue is a little tough, but I will begin to massage them to soften them up. The scars are only a few mm in length. Any other lines on my body are from undergarments.