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10 Things I wish I'd known before Breast Augmentation

By Walnut Creek on 16 Jan 2011

Recently I had breast implant surgery (see my story). Here are 10 Things I wish I'd known before having it done. Hopefully they will help some of the women on RealSelf considering the same procedure!

1. Be prepared to have the doctor throw you a curveball. I did my homework, knew exactly what I wanted. I saw the doctor and he said "no, you cant go from 34A to 34B because your skin is too elastic and you need to go full C". I didn’t think I needed a lift either and he pointed out that one breast was way lower than the other so I ended up trusting him and am really glad I did. Just go in there with an open mind and be prepared to revise your original plan.

2. Get ready at home beforehand. a. Buy another bra (or 2)b. Wash all your laundry (have new sheets waiting for you!) c. Leave your house cleaned. If you are going to be home alone, have food and all medications handy so you don’t strain yourself. e. Buy larger clothes for work beforehand

3. Drugs are your friends. I went to a doctor that advertises no vicodin required, just ibuprofen. But ask for something strong just in case. I did and on day two I took vicodin. Xanax really helped as well. I took that the day I came home because I was freaking out. My breasts looked so huge and felt so hard and I really thought I made a huge mistake. I was shaking! I was so nervous for about a week after surgery. Ask for Xanax!

4. It doesn’t hurt to touch your breasts… So touch them. They feel weird, but start slowly and it helps with the pain. Massage them to help the pain go away with fewer meds.

5. Bowling Balls on your chest! That’s what it feels like at first. And a week later, it feels like your milk is coming in. If you've ever had babies, you know what I mean. Try to work out your back before surgery. I worked out for two months straight pre-op and I feel great at two weeks post op.

6. Go walking. I walked the day after surgery and everyday since. Very slow at first and never more than 30 minutes. I think the movement helps get the swelling go down. I always feel better afterwards.

7. You don’t have to share if you don’t want to. I haven’t told anyone about the surgery. So its great that it’s winter so I can camouflage my breasts. I also got eyelash extensions and did my hair differently. I feel so great right now, and its because I am finally pampering myself. But I didn’t feel the need to tell a soul.

8. Try to avoid driving for as long as possible. I still get sore if I drive for too long and I’m 14 days post op!

9. Be Still – Take it easy. I know its hard, but find movies you need to catch up on, books you've been hoping to read, and take it easy for the first two weeks. I was told not to overexert myself for at least six weeks after breast implant surgery.

10. Call your doctor with every question you have. You paid them, so make sure you get all your questions answered.

Comments (59)

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Amanda 19 Jan 2011

This is so helpful.  Thank you for sharing it!

Trikkegirl (RealFriend) 23 Jan 2011
Good job! Very practical.

There is one thing I wish I had known before my surgery in 1998.... I posted a lengthy comment about it on an implant review... it bears repeating...

Cleavage. I had never had any, but I had always longed for it. What I didn't know then was that I was the last person who should be telling my doctor how to give me some. But that's exactly what I did, and it was a mistake.

I was very specific. I wanted cleavage and I did not want to have to wear a bra all the time. I didn't realize that cleavage is CREATED by the very act of wearing a bra or other close-fitting clothing around your chest. Breasts naturally have space between them, and nipples point out at an angle to allow for breastfeeding a child being held in your arms. What did I know? The only bosoms I had seen were in movies...

So my doctor did what I asked him to do, and the result is that my nipples are no longer at a natural 45 degree angle to my sternum, and they look misplaced and odd because of it. And because they are not in their natural position, I can only wear unmolded, non-pushup bra styles, and I cannot wear most close-fitting, sculpted- bodice garments - my new boobs will just pop right out of them.

Ladies, for your own sakes, know when to draw the line between knowing what you want and demanding unnatural results. If you have never really had breasts, then you can't assume you are the one to tell your doctor how to do his job. And never forget, be careful what you ask for, because you just might get it... and then regret it.
Charleston123 2 Mar 2011
Ty
I intend to print this off and remember to do some of this stuff. Again, thanks.
Stockholm 15 Mar 2011
Thanks for the post it's really helpful. And thanks Trikkegirl about your comment on cleavage, I never thought about that before.
Charleston123 16 Mar 2011
Well, I'm older, as far as the average age of breast surgery, and my skin is less elastic. My appointment is in another month.
mom_me 20 Mar 2011
These were all very helpful thank you. My biggest concern right now is #7 as to sharing. I don't think I will be able to hide it at all afterward. I was usually about 36B but when I was pregnant I was a C cup. That wonderful full look of being a woman was thrilling, I loved it and so did my husband. Of course nursing three babies who also loved them left me with nothing but the empty containers basically. I don't know why it's bothering me as to who or when to share my plans with. My instinct is to wait until I have the mommy makeover (hide out while healing) but I'm afraid that my closest friends and sister will try to talk me out of it or be upset or hurt that I didn't tell them ahead of time. I'm also wondering how people judge you afterward and I probably shouldn't worry what they think but I do. I'm not going Pam Anderson by any means just getting back what I once had (refills) but somehow feeling guilty for wanting it. What you all understand that are or were in my position is what it's like to see your breasts when you lean forward to get something, or raise your arms above your head while topless to see our tummies sagging and because my first baby was 9lbs. 10 oz. and I had a vertical c-section followed by two more in the same spot my sagging skin is cut in half and one side hangs lower than the other. They of course don't see this so they don't know how I feel about it. I just don't want to hurt them by leaving them out of such an important thing in my life. I haven't found any other discussion on the forum about this...have I missed it?
TexasRes 15 Nov 2011
I feel the same way! I have never had large breasts. I am naturally a 32B and thats pushing it. I have breast feed two babies and loved the size of my breast while brestfeeding (and so did my husband.)Now I have finished feeding my last baby and im left with tube socks for breasts :( very depressing. I am seriously considering BA. My sister had it done and loves her result. Even though in my opinion she didnt need it. Her breasts were always bigger than mine and she has not had any children. She raves about her breasts. I am also worried about #7 as to Sharing. I dont want anyone to know about my decision. I hope everything goes well for you and please repost on your results. :)
Walnut Creek 20 Mar 2011
Hi

Well for me I told everybody I was having the tummytuck and it was a big mistake now my parents and all my friends think they can ask me to show them my belly but I put a stop to that. I still haven't told a soul about my ba because I don't want to them to look at me in any way. I ward thru the grapevine that the guys at work think I got my boobs done but nobody said anything to me. With my close friends they said something and I tell them I'm on new birth control pills and I got a sweet side effect and I change the subject. Whether they believe me or not? Who knows. I don't really care to know their opinion on what I do with my body. They still make comments and stuff and I just ignore them. My sister who I'm pretty close to I didnt tell and she hasn't said anything

My dad could tell but didn't say anything. I haven't seen my mom so well see what she says probably some thing about how god loves me and I should have accepted myself and I need to find god or something. But I'm super happy and I don't need other people's opinions
mom_me 20 Mar 2011
I can see how people might want to check it out but when we weren't sporting the "before" they won't really understand the after right? I only have one sister and she was always small busted like our mom so I don't know really what she would think. My sister in law whom I love like a sister had breast cancer and had to have one removed and was reconstructed via the tummy tuck and the minute we were together she took me to see hers without asking. We are that close which is why I worry that she would be hurt. My kids are 24 (m) 19 (f) and 17 (m) and we are very comfortable discussing alot of things. I only wear a bikini around them and my husband so they would definatly know my breasts were bigger and I always referred to my tanned saggy belly as my "ET" like the alien for obvious reasons. They would laugh and say "awww" so I know they have compassion. When it comes to men well what would they do? If they had the options they would do the same. Don't ya just love that grapevine lol. Thank you for the reply, it gives me more to think about.
Charleston123 21 Mar 2011
I had the tummy tuck also and for the same reasons. I had four c-sections and they were all large babies, two were over 8 lb and two were over nine lb.
I told everybody and my recovery got botched with allergies that cropped up that I'd never had before. I'd drop straigh over within five minutes of taking some of the drugs and finally ended up with two more surgeries within the month and one a year later to fix scar tissue. I was very apprehensive about doing the scar tissue surgery as it would be my fourth surgery and I'd felt like dirt from each one but it was the best thing that I ever did. It got rid of my nagging stomach cramps and my stomach just looks perfectly flat now and has a thin pink line like someone drew it on with a fine lined pen. It wasn't the surgeon's fault, it was just fate that it took me so long to recover, but now I can do things that I only dreamed of before. It is so obvious that everybody asks to see, except men of course! And, I show it! I'm very proud. I'm married and so out of the "loop" that I don't know when a guy is hitting on me until the other day I man was talking at quite a length to me and then he finally blurted out that i was totally "scorching hot". Talk about flabbergasted! But, it did tons for my ego! The tummy tuck was a good move even though it took me forever and a day to recoup. :)
Kate in Sydney 24 Mar 2011
Thanks Walnut Creek, im 21days out from BA and will also be taking your point onboard, good tips xxx
MissL 29 Mar 2011
Thank you for this great post! I'm planning to do a breast augmentation in June (yes - summer time), and this was very helpful.
ldubbs77 5 Aug 2011
This is so very helpful! I am hopefully (fingers crossed) getting my BA in one week! I was worried about the whole moving around too much after surgery thing, but am glad you said that walking really helps. I will keep that in mind. Thanks and I hope you are loving them!
Truth Seeker 11 Aug 2011
One of the things that you won't be told is how UNSAFE these things are. My wife had hers done five years ago and is now unable to work. Her problems started right away and only intensified. None of the doctors we've seen have been able to bring relief to her. She was Orin finally diagnosed with Hyper-thyriodism, then Graves disease, then Fibermyalgia, then rheumatoid arthritis. She now suffering from extreme joint pain, swelling of the hands feet and Abdomin, and has uncontrollable irritable bowl. We started doing allot of research on the subject and the effects of silicone poisoning and found that all these things are effects of silicone poisoning. Everything makes sense now. Of course no plastic surgeon would ever say that this is caused by breast implants. They say that there is no proof that this is related to implants. But ask yourself this question, "why would they conceal such vital information about your health and the risk associated with this procedure? I can think of million$$$

Oh and by the way, my wife never had any health issues before the implants. Not one! Now she can't roll over in bed at night without being in pain. Before you have breast implants search the Internet for the stories of women who have had them. The horror stories are becoming more and more prevalent as we have reached that 5 year mark when they were reintroduced to the market as safe.
TexasRes 15 Nov 2011
just courious....how long after the breast implants did your wife begin to get sick? Were her implants leaking? And how soon did she have them taken out?
Thankyou.
milly33 8 May 2012
Nor I, I was perfectly healthy, now I have Lupus, which I contacted 5 yrs after having implants, Then one ruptured had that removed and another put in, now 5 years later am ill again with burning, pain in the left breast, headaches, joint pains, just feeling really ill, so all you people that think there safe, there not.
You are wrong 8 May 2012
You are not alone. I have been experiencing burning pain down my spine, numbness in both arms, headaches, joint pain. After 5 yrs my sister now had hypothyroid. Implants are dangerous but they bring billions of dollars to doctors and pharma - research is crap and lots of people are sick!!!! Get those uckers out ASAP. you also have to remove the capsule or you will not get better. I haven't been able to get out of my house for 1 1/2 yrs due to these things. The worst part, no one knows how to help you. WARNING: Get implants and you don't know how your body will react.
You are wrong 8 May 2012
Breast implants have made me completely disabled after 5 years. I'm so sick I can't get out of bed most days. I had no problems before I got them. I have all the sxs Milly33 has and it has been hell.
Daisi 20 May 2012
Truth seeker, my Dr. Gave information about the dangers after I paid for the implants. If i had know about the dangers i would not have done it, now have arthritis and numbing of my hands, I had to wait 17 years to afford an explant, I feel better now.
Angiemcc (Community Manager) 27 Aug 2011

We've actually had quite a robust conversation about the safety of breast implants here on RealSelf. Here a RealSelf user challenges doctors on the safety of implants. And here we have a forum thread about Breast Implants and Illness. I'm so sorry your wife is experiencing these difficulties. I agree that everyone should do thorough investigation and homework before deciding to get breast implants (or undergo any cosmetic procedure).

Thanks for posting here on RealSelf!

Chattanooga4620 30 Aug 2011
Hi, I really enjoyed reading your post. You gave some helpful tips. I just turned 41 and after several years of debating this, I have decided to have a ba. I'm 5'5 (on a good day) and 110 lbs. I wear a 34b, but most of it is just padding. I had a consult with pa last month and have since been paying towards my surgery. Last Friday, my husband told me to go ahead and schedule it as soon as possible. So...I'm having it done at the end of Oct. I am so nervous. I've had a surgery before, but never elective (gall bladder removed, and a lump removed from right breast over 20 yrs ago - benign). So, one can see the reason for my nervousness. I just worry about the pain and such during healing and how soon I will be able to get back to normal physical activity. Outside of my husband and 19 yr old daughter(who was blessed with 36Cs!), I have only shared with one other individual that I'm having the procedure. I don't want my nosie co-workers to know, but they will figure it out afterwards, since I'm so small framed. So, any other advice on what to expect would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.
ldubbs77 31 Aug 2011
I had my BA almost 3 weeks ago. I was also worried about the pain and healing process, and when I would get back to normal activities. I have had 2 surgeries before this for medical reasons, and never really did well with the pain afterwards, so I was really nervous this go around. However, it actually went A LOT better than I thought it would. When I woke up from surgery, I wasn't in really any pain, more soreness and groggy from the anesthesia. From then on, I never really had any "pain" besides when I would try to move my arms up and down, or get up from a reclined position (sleeping in a recliner chair really helps for the 1st week or so!). I had my implants placed under the muscle, so anytime I used my pec muscles, it was really sore. I only took strong pain meds for 2 days after surgery, and then just relied on tylenol 500 mg from there. I was back to driving in a week, and "normal" activities probably around 1.5 weeks. I work out now, and have no problems. It's still a little difficult to sleep, but that's mostly because I'm used to sleeping on my stomach, and now I'm forced to sleep on my back for a while. All in all, I would say to you, go ahead and do it! It was the best thing I have ever done and I wish I would have done it a long time ago. I am more confident and can fill out clothes so much better! Being a 36 AA just wasn't cutting it; now I am a 36 C and loving every minute of it! Good luck and if you have any more questions, please feel free to ask!
Chattanooga4620 20 Nov 2011
Thanks so much for your input. I'm now 3 wks post surgery and am feeling better everyday. I read your comment of sleeping in a recliner, but used several pillows to prop myself up in bed. I'm a side sleeper but have been sleeping on my back since the surgery. I too wish I had done this years ago, but now feel more confident and better proportioned.
I'm still having some pain in my nipples and throughout my breasts in different spots, but realize that its just nerves reattaching as I had mine implanted submuscular. I'm just curious as to how long until I actually start to feel normal again. I don't have all my strength back, and only recently got the go ahead from my doctor to resume my workouts (only no chest exercies). I told my husband I can tell I've lost muscle in my arms as they look skinnier and I feel weaker. I know it takes time, but am so happy I had this done. :)
Makenzie (Community Manager) 17 Jan 2012

I'm a stomach and side sleeper too, and really worried about this whole back thing. How did you keep yourself in place? Did you use pillows or anything?

treas 23 May 2012
Months before BA i started wearing the Maidenform Poof bra. It takes you up 2 cup sizes. This way everyone at work was used to my size and my clothes were the same post op.
My surgeon placed a pain pump in my breast which lasted 4 days. It was a great help.
I had an extended tummy tuck at the same time.

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