Breast Augmentation: Stories

I am 42 years old, size 34A, really 34AA, athletic build - 5'4", 113 lbs. My surgery is scheduled for September 21st, and its getting hard to concentrate on anything else! I've chosen 234cc gel, under the muscle. I've been considering this for over two years, but still feeling nervous, mostly about the recovery.

I'm scheduled to travel with my family on post-op day 6 or 7 - a 7hr car trip....any advice on how I'll be feeling by then? I can always opt out and stay home, but trying to plan ahead.

Thanks, reading everyone's reviews here has been so helpful!

Tomorrow's the big day, can't wait! I'm scheduled for 7am, so other than the logistics of getting my kids off to school, I'm happy with the early time. I'm going very modest, with 234cc and will have a pain pump, so I'm not too worried about the pain. I plan to take my last "before" pictures tonight, and I'll post some later.

Surgery was this morning and I'm so relieved to have it behind me! I was nauseous when getting out of the car when I returned home, and again after climbing the stairs to my bedroom, but I just kept still for a while, breathed deeply, and it passed, thankfully! I took my meds and went to sleep for 2 hours. Woke up feeling much better, less drunk and less pain, although my earlier pain was tolerable.

I've eaten a light lunch, watched tv, and sat on back deck for a while with hubby. It's a beautiful day here and I feel good!

I am able to slowly raise my arms over my head and lightly shrug my shoulders, and use bathroom independently. What more could I want?

By the way, I do have the pain pump, am taking a muscle relaxant and oxycodone. I am wearing a surgical bra as well as a strap. I go in tomorrow morning for my first checkup, and was told I could the. Take a shower. Yeah!

Thanks for your well wishes!

Day 1

Well, I'm more than 24 hours post-op and feel great! Had my post-op visit this am and he said everything looks great, I had minimal bleeding during the surgey and he felt that I have minimal swelling. I'd say that I'm tender, but if I'm careful to to do anything strenuous, I'm in no pain at all. For example, I couldn't open refrigerator door, but could pour my own coffee, and slowly put my hair back in a low ponytail.

No nausea since initially coming home yesterday, but occasional shivers, which tense me up and don't feel that good. Deep breaths help.

He has me in a surgical bra and strap, but I only have to wear strap 1/2 the time.

I slept great on and off yesterday and was able to sleep most of the night, elevated on a bed wedge covered with pillows, using a neck pillow to support head. It was fine, really, and no morning boob, at least not yet!

I'm so relieved the surgery is over, as I was pretty anxious and can now relex a bit. Gonna post some more before pics and my one post pic now.

How do I post more pictures? All I see is a link to add a YouTube video....

Day 2

I've added more before photos, as well as my first post-op pictures. I think I'm bigger than I look in the black bra, so I took one cleavage picture, hubby approved! Feeling great!

Evening update- a bit more sore, but manageable. I've heard that pain and swelling may go up on days two and three, so not surprised.

The incision sites hurt less than the pain pump sites. I'm surprised at how tender those are, but suspect they'll heal quickly.

I'm taking an assorted post-op vitamin packet from Make Me Heal in addition to Arnica Montana. Supposed to help with swelling and bruising, although I don't have much bruising.

More tomorrow!

It's now 48-hours post-op and things are going well. Pressure is reducing a bit and still no real pain, just tenderness. I'm going to a six-hour cycle of pain meds instead of four today so we'll see how that goes. My only complaint is that I am quite itchy when trying to sleep. I don't have a rash, nor do I have any itchiness in throat, whichbwouldnsignalman allergic reaction. But I'm itchy n legs and arms, even my scalp. Much better when I'm awake than trying to sleep. Not sure what that's about.

More later!

Slept very well last night, the itchiness is gone, thank goodness! I've not gone fully off my oxycodone and muscle relaxant, and am just taking Advil every 4-6 hours. Still have a bit of medicine in the pain pump, but that will likely run out tonight or tomorrow morning. No further swelling or bruising has occurred. I've been up today getting some work done at the computer, and have been able to concentrate. However, I still feel out of it and weak - I thought that was from the meds, but I've been off them for about 24 hours and still feel fatigued and shaky. I was able to fix myself breakfast and pack my kids' lunches, but will continue to take it easy today and plan to nap later.

Will post day 3 pics a little later! All in all, doing well!

I meant to say that I've now gone off my meds except for Advil...

Went for a 1/2 mile walk this afternoon, which felt great! I removed the pain pump this evening, which felt a little weird, but it didn't hurt, and now I feel more free! And...we took more pics! It was fun trying on some of my old clothes!

I think today is still considered day 3, if day one is the day AFTER surgery. I feel like its day 4, since I was home from my surgery by 10am on Friday, so this is the end of my 4th day. Whatever!

So today was the best day yet, really feeling more like myself. I was able to sit and do work for several hours, unloaded the dishwasher (2 dishes at a time), and drove for the first time. Today was my first day without the pain pump, so I feel more muscle tightness, but no pain. I only took Advil once for some achiness in my back - that upright sleeping is starting to take its toll. . Driving felt different, as it uses those pec muscles more than you think! Was also able to blow dry my hair without pain, and I have long hair and a heavy dryer!

I am now looking forward to my trip on Thursday, now that I know what I look like and what clothes I can still wear (keeping the oh so beautiful post-op bra in mind!). Thanks for all the supportive comments!!

So, I got out a bit more today, got my hair cut and colored and did a little shopping. Definitely feeling tired from it, but still no pain. I haven't taken Advil since yesterday evening. I'm looking forward to my energy returning, that is for sure! I added one picture I took this morning, couldn't resist!! Tomorrow is my post-op visit to have stitches removed, then we are off on our trip north for a busy reunion weekend - hope I can keep up!

Its been a while since I've updated, I've been busy! Last Thursday, at 6 days post-op, I had my stitches removed and given the ok to sleep however I want and wear whatever bra I want (except underwire). I was told to massage the girls four times a day.

We travelled on Thursday up to my hubbies' reunion - he drove, of course - car ride was a bit uncomfortable for my back, but boobs were fine!
I was able to start sleeping on my sides on Friday (7 days post-op), which is just plain awesome. It has been helping my energy level, which has slowly been coming back. The best way I can describe how I've been feeling is slightly dizzy, like lightheaded and, and shaky, like I'm hypoglycemic. Drinking gatorade and protein smoothies has helped a bit, but still trying not to overdo things is the best medicine.

Funny stories from the reunion - the first person I see from the past comes up and gives me what has to be the world's strongest hug. I nearly passed out from pain - I thought she popped a boob! The pain subsided, but I was very careful for all the remaining hugs! THe next night, I walk into the dinner and the first person I see is wearing the same dress as me! What are the odds? But, I have to say, I looked way better in it than she did! LOL

As for the girls, they seem to be softening up quite a bit, although no "dropping or fluffing" yet. My skin is no longer shiny, and I can move them up and down just a bit. The massaging doesn't hurt a bit - he has me making small circles deep into the tissue, all along the top half of my breast, like on the numbers of a clock. The incisions itch once in a while, and may ache late in the day, but otherwise, I don't feel them. Still have tape over the incisions and forgot to ask how long to leave the tape on, or if I should put oil on or massage the incisions.

I can wear just about all my old clothes again. I could start putting clothing over my head (rather than only button up or zipper front clothes) starting at day 5, I'd say. I can even put a regular sports bra on, without the open front, but my post-op bra is still the most comfortable.

Light exercising comes next week, but no running or upper body for another two weeks. I'm a runner, so I'm looking forward to that and will have to find a good supportive sports bra before then.

One more picture added from last night - I don't really see a difference yet, do you?

I can't think of anything else at this time. Stay tuned...

I'm freaking out a bit - I had a routine dental appointment scheduled this past Monday, which was 10 days post-op. I hadn't heard about many ps's prescribing antibiotics for dental work, until AFTER I went!! Now I'm completely freaking out that I'm going to get CC - there is some theory that dental work lets bacteria into your blood stream and the bacteria finds foreign bodies (replacement heart valves, knees, hips, stints, and breast implants) and creates a film which causes CC. I'm upset that this wasn't discussed in my pre-op with my ps, or I certainly would have waited! Anyone hear anything about this?

Otherwise, I must say, I'm feeling pretty good. Still tired, but sleeping really well (on sides!) and having no pain. Looking forward to energy coming back and doing some light exercise next week.

3 weeks post-op (23 days)

New pictures added. They have softened up a lot and seem to be looking more natural. I've been lucky to have had such a good recovery. I've had no morning boob, no "zingers", etc. I went for a 3 mile walk today and lightly jogged for about 1/4 mile. It felt great to be running again, and hopefully I'll get the ok at my next appointment this Friday. I haven't been back to see my ps since my 1 week post-op, but other than the scare with the dentist, I haven't had any concerns. The only strange feelings are when I do things like scrub the countertops, or clap, as my pecs do contract over my implants in a strange way. But that is getting less noticeable.

I'm very much enjoying my new additions. All my clothes look so much better! In fact, my husband compliments me each morning on my "new clothes." I've waited quite a long time for these "new clothes" and loving every minute!

Four weeks post-op!

There is thankfully not much to report at this point. Things have been going very well. I saw my ps for a follow-up this morning and got the all-clear to essentially do or wear anything I want. The answer to the dental/antibiotics questions is, who knows? There is no scientific data to support using antibiotics during dental procedures. He does not routinely prescribe them, but will if it makes me more comfortable. Too many antibiotics in use these days, so I'll pass. I don't have to continue the massages either, although I don't mind doing them for a little longer, just to be sure!

I'll take more pictures tonight. I don't see any change, but they are very soft now. I'll report back once I've started running again - maybe this afternoon if I'm motivated enough!

Well, I guess my body remembers how to run! I had on a good sports bra, and felt no bouncing at all. Of course, I'm still smaller than many of you are or will be ;) I ran a conservative 3.6 miles, but thats enough to know I can do the Turkey Trot next month! Happy healing everyone!

I finally got up the nerve to add unclothed pre-op pictures. As my mom said, they were pretty pathetic. Thanks Mom!

Sooo.....went to Victoria's Secret today.....I'm now a 32D. I was stunned, as I went with a very moderate implant (234cc). Not to say that I'm upset, not in the least, but surprised! I left without buying anything, as I want to weight at least until the 6 week mark before investing in bras. However, I'm not sure ill drop or fluff much more, they look and feel good already. I'm going to wait another week before taking anymore pictures, so I can really see a difference. I did add one photo from my shopping experience today, though. Had to share!!

Things have been going very well still, although I did get a yeast infection last week, probably from the antibiotics, although that was 4 weeks prior. Be sure to eat your yogurt every day for a full month after the antibiotics. Otherwise, things are good I ran 3 times this week and have been doing sit-ups, dips, push-ups, etc. again. Slowly increasing the reps, and just added light hand weights. Starting to feel stronger again.

That's it for now. Wish me luck for the upcoming hurricane. Aiming north of us, but suppose to be bad either way...

10 weeks post-op

Honestly, there is not much to report. I love my new breasts! I finally have stopped touching them first thing in the morning, just to see if they are still there ;). I still wear the silicone strips on the scars. I'm not thrilled with the placement of my left incision, it is much higher than the crease, while the right one is just slightly above the crease. I don't really have a "crease" at all on either breast, since they are not overly large. The scars are nice and flat, but still red. My PS says the silicone only helps with them staying flat; only time with take care of the redness.

I haven't gotten up the nerve to go back to VS to try on bras, especially with the malls being crazy for the holidays. Last time I went, about 4 weeks ago, I measured as a 32D, but didn't buy any bras at that time. I know my hubby is dying for me to go back and get sized again (I don't think they've changed at all), so he can buy me some sexy stocking stuffers, LOL!

I did, however, buy the zip-up sexy sports bra from VS, and I returned it, as it chaffed my skin under my breasts by the very bottom of the zipper. I had two scabs there for a week after a short run in that bra. Awful! A regular sports bra is just fine, though, don't feel any movement when running at all.

Overall, I am very happy. I probably could have gone a little bigger, but I'm completely satisfied. I go for my 3 month post-op visit in 2 weeks, and they'll take my official "after" picture. Hopefully I'll get copies and post the official before and afters here.