45 Years Old, 6', 155lb, 415g HP, Mom of 1, Making More of Me. Vancouver, BC

After years of playing with the idea, events in my life seemed to line up for me to go for it! It had been 7 years since I had my first child, going from a full, perky A cup, to an E cup (nursing - wo hoo!) and then deflating to barely an A cup. My identity wasn't so tied to my bra size that I didn't enjoy my life. On the contrary, every thing was going so well these past 5 years, that it gave me courage to really go for the life, the me, that I wanted. I could finally afford it, my new fiancé would support my decision, and I could manage to take the time off I needed to have it done. It was getting over my inner-critic - the indulgence (spending so much on my self), the vanity (superficial, really), and the example I was setting for my young daughter. Fear played a role too. What if something goes wrong? I had my surgery last week, so obviously, the brighter side won out over the critic, and I am so glad that it did. More to come in my next post. I ready this website voraciously for 3 months, and now I want to share what I learned, to help the next woman (you?) to decide what is right for her, or not.

I agreed a range with my PS between 370 and 435, and asked her to make the final decision on the implant in the operating room. I have 415g, high profile, under the muscle, incision at the breast line.
I would have been concerned that over 400g was too much, but seeing the result, I now understand how it looks different when under the muscle, and on a taller frame.

I have done a lot of reading on the website, and there is so much great information here! Yet it took me HOURS to figure things out. So I thought I'd try to save you ladies all some time and share some highlights that I wish someone had shared with me. All my opinion, so take it with a grain of salt, but I hope it helps you.
1. To do, or not to do it
Many of us wrestle with this for a long time before doing it. I think the angle should be 'why not', and not start from 'why'. There is a reason you want to do this, so it deserves to be considered. Then I'd book a consultation with a surgeon before saying yes or no. Get the facts. Knowledge of what this might be for you, just you, is so much better than other's opinions, your fears or doubts. You can also then figure out the financials, the timing etc, if you decide to go forward.
2. Size
You'll read everywhere to look at before & after photos. I found this overwhelming. I'd suggest taking an honest "before photo", as we generally don't see ourselves as we truly are. Then take a look at some desired pics, both in clothes and not. I'd then get a consultation, and spend lots of time with sizers in that consultation room. Take your time! Even if you don't go forward with it, explore what you may or may not want. A great suggestion is to bring a 'desired result' sweater or top, so that you know what it might look like when sizers are in. Get your PS's input on what implant might give you the result you want.
I agree with what you're reading - let the PS pick the implant size/profile, you determine what you want to look like/feel like. For rule of thumb - I've heard 200g = 1 cup size, on average. I have read that 'high profile' will not give you a natural looking result, yet for a women with a narrow, thin, chest (32A pre-op), I think it was the right one for me, and it was my PS's recommendation. You need to really trust your PS, so if you don't, keep on shopping around!
3. Others opinions - partner, kids, mothers, sisters
I decided to keep my decision personal. I'm that type of person. Yet you do need to share with those who love you, so they can help and support you. My partner was reluctant at first, but supportive. I brought him to a 2nd consultation with my PS, which helped both me, and him. It ultimately helped get a better result too (I went a little bit larger, as a result). I haven't found any comments on sharing this with your kids. I have a school age daughter, and was concerned about what example I was setting for her. Beauty comes from the inside. You should love your body as it is. All that good stuff. I started there, and added that women do stuff to make themselves FEEL even more beautiful. We dye our hair, wear heels, wear makeup, a special outfit. I shared that I wanted to change the size of my breasts to make me FEEL more beautiful. I had considered it for a long time, before making a carefully considered decision. I shared the news the morning of my surgery, so she didn't worry about the surgery. (I was home & it was all done before she knew it!). She asked some great questions, didn't really understand why I'd want to do it, and doesn't think she'd do it herself (good - at age 7!) but was, and is, a wonderful helper to me, and thinks they look 'just fine'.
4. Pre-Surgery Preparation
Get ready, as you will be tired, emotional, and have potentially little strength in arms and hands post-op. Pull out your button or zip-up shirts (save pull-overs for later!), yoga pants, and have as much stuff at counter height as possible. I couldn't reach above my shoulder for 3 days. Day 1, I couldn't even open the medicine bottle, so you might need help too (get someone to open if for you & keep in safe place). Do what you can in advance, and have someone (even a kid!) ready to help you, so you can focus on resting and recovering when it comes time.

5. Stuff to get in advance
I bought a few sports and full-support bras in advance (different sizes, as you never know) and kept receipts, so I didn't have to shop early on. Buy lots of fluids, as you'll drink a lot. Get straws/sippy mugs ready, so you can drink lying down. Get extra pillows, as I found it more comfortable to sleep in a reclining position. I also took 2 pillows in the car, so I could prop myself up comfortably from the drive home post-surgery. Charge up the iPad, as you'll need it, as I was very slow moving for 3 days (for most, it seems, it takes even more time) I thought I'd indulge in comedies and funny books, yet laughing hurt, so keep this in mind? And buy laxatives, as most pain-medication is constipating. Try to get ahead of it, rather than correcting it. Who needs to deal with that, when you have pain too?