Barbara L. Persons, MD, FACS

Absolutely thrilled with my experience with Dr Person and her amazing staff . From the moment I walked in for my consultation, I felt warm and welcoming atmosphere. Dr. Took the time to listen to my concerns and expectations regarding my BA and TT procedures. The surgical process was smooth, and the results are beyond what I had hoped for , my belly button looks amazing !! My confidence has skyrocketed and I feel like a new and better version of me. The entire staff was professional , attentive, and made sure I was comfortable every step.
Recovery was managed with a great care and I appreciate the follow up visits to ensure everything was healing perfectly. I can't recommend DR. Person enough!!! Thank you Doctor for helping me achieve my goals and making this journey so positive.

Mama of 4 kiddos.

I originally had a tummy tuck 2 years prior to finishing up phase 2 with Dr. Persons. She addressed all my body concerns and itemized the work so I could understand each procedure in detail. After deciding between implants vs fat grafting I went with fat grafting along with my mastopexy, liposuction of flanks, arms and the axillary crease (side boob). I’m about 3 weeks out from my surgery and feel grateful. I can see the results instantly and I can though I’m still swollen the instant transformation was incredible. I’m sore but week one was the hardest and now feeling much better. I can’t thank Dr. Persons enough for her excellent work. She is a master at her craft and demands excellence from her staff. The nurses were fabulous and even made house calls to check on me as I live nearby. Choosing Dr. Persons was the best decision ad my overall experience from start to finish was top notch. She was so kind and truly cared about my wellbeing. My husband even fainted at pick up time and they sent him home after attending to him so he could regroup and kept me for hours later so I could get an IV to recover (I was dizzy) and stayed late so I could rest. I woke the next morning and there were flowers on my porch. I can’t thank them enough!

Exceptional experience all the way through from consultation to post-procedure for breast reduction. The lead nurse at her office gave me her cell phone so I could text when I had any questions. The procedure was much easier than I thought it would be and post-recovery has been a breeze. Dr Persons was highly recommended to me (my friend who had used several plastic surgeons said Dr Persons was 'without a doubt the best in the Bay Area') and I highly recommend her as well!

I'm 57 yrs. and post menopausal (& never had kids) am looking forward to making changes to my physical self-image. I'd like do what I can to rock old age gracefully!
Unfortunately I've had those imbalanced stubborn fat areas since childhood when I was very sensitive and I began emotional eating. More fat cells developed in these areas (muffin top, lower/ upper stomach) and regardless of fastidious dieting and exercise I have not been able to change my shape, not the bothersome imbalance of fat anyways. It's frustrated me because clothes have mostly not fit me very well and I feel that I've missed out on the joy looking and feeling beautiful in ones clothes can bring....And, it's never too late!
As well, recently in the bright lights of dressing rooms and without the abundance of youthful collagen, I'm sad to see how the years have deflated the way I feel about the way my body appears in the mirror.
With this said I've done what I can to practice self-acceptance, have worked with my aging body and have not been one to consider plastic surgery. Yet, at this point in my life I have decided I'd like to give my body the extra help I can afford to.... something beyond my usual fastidious health practices.
All in all, as much as I'm a bit nervous I do feel excited and positive about making this journey of change, doing what I can to make it go as smoothly as possible and coming out feeling better than ever.

Updated on 2 Oct 2019:
My pre-op appointment was yesterday. I had lots of questions for Dr. Persons. She is a true professional, gladly answering every one of my questions. Her office is literally just a short train ride and walk a way. I appreciate the way her 25 plus years experience puts me at ease. I know I'm in great, artistically skilled hands and I feel assured that she hears and sees the changes I'd like. I'm remembering to take loving self-care.....focusing my attention and energy on good communication throughout.....& the miracle of creating this new physical image for myself- a lighter, curvier, more feminine body. I feel relieved to finally be going for this!! I started a notebook with lots of suggestions others have made on this site and in the next couple weeks I'll gather my tools to make the post-op healing journey flow more easily. I'm realistic w/myself about the post-op experience. Today the nurse took my measurements for a compression garment as well as some pictures. I took pre-op pictures, too, and posted them below.

Updated on 2 Oct 2019:
I'm asking for an hour glass shape.
liposuction of fat from flanks, upper/ lower stomach, back/ bra roll area and knees with a fat transfer to breasts and hands. I have no problem parting with this fat!
I am currently a small 34C, w/little cleavage. I'd like the fat transfer to fill out the upper pole of my breasts as well as to soften my veiny hands.

Updated on 10 Oct 2019:
I know not using my hands for some time after surgery may be a challenge.

Updated on 10 Oct 2019:
My surgery is a week away. I am feeling into emotions and psychically clearing away any pre-op fears.....And, gathering all the creature comforts for a supportive recovery period. So, I spent some time shopping and imagining what would make my body feel most physically comfortable. In the corner of my room I have.... a full body sized heating pad, a booty pillow, foam and ab and back boards, supplements: Bromelain, Arnica pills, Vita Medica Clinical Support, Serrapeptase, a few extra pillows, a mattress protector, some dark sheets I picked up from the thrift store, a dark towel for any messes on my drive home, a loose fitting hoodie and skirt, a dry brush, anti-itch cream, a "twinkle belle", CBC and Arica gel, Bio-Corneum scar gel and today I'll create a playlist for my own listening during surgery.
Not sleeping all that well. Practicing breathing deeply and positive visualizations.

Updated on 10 Oct 2019:
I spoke with a massage therapist specializing in lymphatic drainage who is not only going to help me with circulating my fluids well, but who was able to suggest to me that I close my eyes and imagine this entire process going just the way I'd like it to. I appreciate her connecting me with my most reassuring, positive dreams. I plan on practicing this everyday leading up :)

Updated on 13 Oct 2019:
I'm practicing envisioning myself with a smaller waist and flatter stomach.
Super excited- surgery day is three days away! I asked the nurse about the issue of loose skin once the fat is taken out of my lipo areas. Afterall, I'm 57 yrs. and my skin doesn't have the collagen it once had. She said they see plenty of older women who have no problem with this. She said the skin has a remarkable ability to shrink wrap itself to the smaller size of the body w/ this procedure. I've also heard wearing a tight compression garment for many weeks after the surgery will help even the skin out. I definitely prefer loose fitting clothes, but am willing to adjust my lifestyle to achieve the result I'd like.

Updated on 19 Oct 2019:
As hard as it is I'm staying wrapped up in my tight garment, compression socks and hand bandages. Slept a lot past two days, until last night when I began to worry about positioning myself as I slept (difficult because I had some fat put into my breasts and hands, but also some into the top part of my butt, making side sleeping the best option). My nightmare was that I'd end up permanently squashing down the hip I was sleeping on, or that I'd end up stopping my blood from circulating, but that's me. I tend towards worry. Eventually I surrendered and fell asleep for a couple hours at a time. The previous two days sleep was much easier.
Today I'm up moving around my apt, sitting up at my desk to write this. While in bed those two days, besides sleeping, I did small yoga/ somatic/ gentle movements to keep my blood circulating and muscles relaxed.... husband gave me some light massage to my arms and declote w/ coconut and rosemary oil. Got up to go to the bathroom many times because I'm drinking plenty of fluids.
Finished surgery Wednesday evening, relieved. Can't say enough about Dr. Persons and her staff.....and my husband, such a nice, good man. Does it ever help to have supportive, capable folks around thru something like this, something you never really know about until you go thru it. I cry when I think about the kindness.
Right now body-wise I'm going to say I'm pretty sore and light headed, ate some since Wednesday, but probably not enough because I just don't have the appetite I usually do. Even my favorite chocolate just doesn't taste the same. I did enjoy some coconut yogurt, kefir, oatmeal with almonds and blueberries, green juice, coconut juice, collagen drink, low glycemic protein bar- a good variety.
I have a concoction of 2 tbsp. psyllium powder, 1 cup filtered water and 1/4 c. tart cherry juice. This usually does helps me w/ bowel movement, but so far not. One of my most helpful tools has been a soft furry full body heating pad which I held gently around my stomach and breasts. Oh, yah... and lozenges! ...make sure to have some lozenges and lip balm around. The anesthesia makes the throat and lips super dry. Luckily we had these around because that was really uncomfortable.
Happy to say that my new boobies are coming along.

Updated on 21 Oct 2019:
I've been pondering aging, the part about aging gracefully, w/ spirit, w/some beauty intact. .....such as the kind of shining older beauty Maye Musk has created for herself. No doubt it's relative, anyone can begin to feel various stages of "getting older" and it is not dependent upon actual years lived. For me it was post menopause when I came home to my new kind of aging. I began to really "feel it", but as well, eventually found myself in need of emotional reconciliation. I needed to acknowledge some loss and turn away from the part of myself who could always rely on a very robust dose of femininity. There was just a semblance of her. The loss was such that I knew my current protocol for health needed a deep reconsideration, something extra if I wanted to slow the momentum, to maintain some balance. One choice many make at this point- to choose to ignore and allow time to do its thing. Another, which I've strived to practice most my life- to keep my best health practices and end up looking some years younger than my age. Then for me there was to go thru a surgical procedure and make some changes such as those I chose, changes I couldn't achieve thru my usual second option of meditation, diet and exercise. It's curious to me the point when I moved from the second to the third option. But, my robust femininity was inching its way over towards the side of masculinity. To acknowledge I had a growing a little pot belly, reminding me of its presence every time I looked down, facial/ body hair for the first time in my life, breasts which were further deflating and flattening, the inability to sleep all the way thru the night, not to mention urinary troubles and my bite was narrowing so that I was now biting the sides of my cheeks (there's more, but I'll stop there!) .....although I am good at keeping my spirit lifted above obstacles in life it also felt so frustrating, sad, disappointing. I stayed with these accumulating health issues and negative emotions for some years, was able to improve some, but as I am here post surgery, eventually I considered a big next step and now I find myself slowly moving forward.

Updated on 21 Oct 2019:
Day 4 was a big turning point. The pain, nausea, light-headedness significantly lessened. I'm taking just the Tylenol every 6 hrs. and appetite has returned. I waited until completion of Day 4 to take off my garment, hand bandages, compression socks and to shower. I discovered probably less than the usual bruising, but what I hadn't realized until now was how different my body would feel than the body I had known. I'm swollen, ugh, and since the destroyed nerves take time to grow the skin sensation is super odd. With the garment off for the first time I felt like I was in a type of naked body suit...really different. Now I have a healing mission and this is to get my lymph fluids flowing, water releasing, skin tightened and to develop new nerves. It will take time. I expected this stage, but of course as I'm experiencing it for the first time I am awed, but not scared. I went in knowing this is a part of the process and I do feel confident in my body's rejuvenating ability. My breasts, hands, upper butt are the bright side. I know it's usual to loose some fat, but I've been talking with those cells, "Hey there fat cells, hello. We just moved you around a bit, to a new area, and there is blood supply for you to take up a new home in an even happier place. You are welcome to stay here. We'll get you everything you need. And, I'd be happy to have you"........ We'll see how many of those little buddies stay ; )
Tip #1- Comforting furry full body sized heating pad
Tip #2- Lozenges/ post anesthesia
Tip #3- Lots of different size pillows for comfortable positioning where the bruises can make laying or sitting painful.
Tip #4- These first several days the garment is a type of bondage that's not easy to get used to. For relief I've been taking deep belly breaths as well as unzipping/taking out my breasts and massaging them lightly with CBD cream a few times a day. Getting up and walking around every hour or two helps.

Updated on 23 Oct 2019:
I've had some lipomas (benign fatty cysts) in my lower back for years. I'm so relieved because I was able to have these taken out during my surgery. Dr. Persons shared a video w/ me on the table and her removing them one by one, placing them onto a dish. She was able to extract five of them! They were white liquid-ish balls of fat, harmless. But, better off without those little buddies!
I must say it was just the most interesting thing to see myself on the table during the surgery, having them removed. I say this because the time between receiving the anesthesia and waking up post surgery goes down as such a timeless, void-like-kind-of space. It felt as if I'd disappeared. So, it was an aha moment to see myself in pictures alive and well while I was out partaking in some deep dreaming.
One week in some of the swelling is now beginning to go down and I am able to catch a glimpse of my new shape. I'm so pleased with my surgeon's work, and I love her thoughtfulness in taking the time to share some operative pictures w/ me.

Updated on 23 Oct 2019:
I'm feeling some fear feelings about the texture of my skin. Beginning tomorrow I will be receiving lymph drainage massages, as well will be using a hand held massager on my belly which is where the texture and loose skin troubles are, but if this doesn't get better by month two I'll look into Velashape skin tightening. Some of the reviews are positive using this treatment for post liposuction lumpiness. I can't even post a skin revealing picture yet because although I love my new body shape, my breasts, my hands........ I find my stomach's loose skin and lumpy texture is upsetting me.

Updated on 28 Oct 2019:
Such a relief! I'm seeing more of the swelling going down in a way which makes me feel better about my lipo results. I had felt a bit impatient with my progress in this regard, but things are looking better now. My belly is still tender and swollen, but is definitely on course with the flattening process. Bruising is nearly gone.
I did make a mistake this past week which was to eat an egg omelette. In my past I had experienced an intolerance to eggs and had given them up with the exception of small amounts of egg (like in some desserts) which I'd seemed to be able to tolerate. But, a four egg omelette only seven days after surgery (already a stressful event)- Oh no! I had an immune response and developed a rash right over an incision point.....Nothing like a little Benadryl and hydrocortisone cream for an itchy rash. Lesson learned.
Sleep also became a little easier these past few days. CBD tincture has really helped to unwind the nighttime restlessness I'm experiencing due to needing to keep awkward sleeping positions so as to avoid smashing the newly injected fat in my hands, butt and boobs.....as well as my struggles with sleeping in tight compression garment and padding.

Updated on 17 Nov 2019:
I've been focusing my time and energy on doing what I can to maintain the fatty plumpness in the areas where fat was transferred.....to my hands, upper butt and breasts. As well, beginning week 3 I began "really" watching what I eat. I'm counting calories using an on-line weight loss calculator, and I am consuming the calories so as to lose a bit more weight than the surgery could provide me with.
For about ten days now I've been weighing and measuring myself every day.... a bit obsessive, but I'm truly concerned so as not to re-establish my old eating patterns which had me there in the first place, but to instead eat a lighter diet and maintain the weight loss.
As well, for now I've been trying to keep my testosterone down by exercising only lightly- just walking and being careful to do only light movements/ exercise/ housework. I hear higher testosterone can interfere with estrogen/ progesterone ie. the creation of fatty breasts. I plan on getting completely back into my full work-out regime by the 2 mo. post surgery date when I hear the fat grafts have had enough time to take hold. I asked about eating more fat, if this might help me to keep the fat, but my surgeon wasn't big on this.
Surgery is a lot to go thru emotionally, physically, mentally and I definitely am concerned with keeping the results my surgeon has helped me to attain!! Although my shape is vastly improved I'd still like to lose another four pounds (from stomach and thighs) which would put me at my low weight, and at the same time it's a balance because I'm bent on maintaining the fat transferred to hands, breasts and upper butt.
My weight and measurements have remained the same since I began measuring at week 3. I didn't take my measurements for a few weeks after the surgery because I knew the swelling had made me bigger. In fact, I didn't even look too closely at my body because I was repelled by the distortion of swelling and lumpiness! I kept that compression garment on 24-7 and although I am now wearing a Marena Stage 2 garment, as well as the Veronique Stage 1 on occasion. 4 weeks post I am still wearing a garment 24-7 and plan on wearing them (and sometimes the foam and boards) for another 4 weeks. These definitely help with the process of molding my new shape.
So far I've achieved a 1.5-2" increase or decrease in my measurements which I'm very happy with. Sometimes I have to pinch myself, because it feels so unreal to have this new, feminine and more shapely figure. I love it and my husband has been full of complements for me.
I think it was beginning about week 3 when I felt my body settling in. Although, I do know that the full result can take anywhere between 3 mo- 1 yr.
I'll post pictures soon.
Measurements
Before:
Breast- 35"
Under breast- 31"
Waist- 30"
High hip (measured 2' Below the waist)- 35"
Hip- 35.5"

After:
Breast- 37"
Under breast- 31"
Waist- 28"
High hip- 33.5"
Hip 37"
Height- 5'5"
Weight- 128 lbs.

Updated on 17 Nov 2019:
I'm happy with my breast results so far. I have a 2 inch increase which I've been able to maintain from week 3- 32 days. Beginning a week ago I began very gently massaging my breasts with breast cream for ten minutes twice a day. I hear this helps!

Updated on 1 Dec 2019:
These photos were taken 4 wks post op, but I haven't had a chance to post until today. I'm actually nearly 7 wks post op today.
My hands didn't hold the fat very well, just a bit of fat took hold, but one perk is that both my hands' skin is much less dry then prior to surgery. I use my hands a lot and if it were possible I would have left the compression bandages on for 6 weeks if I had known it might have helped with fat retention. My feeling is that there would have been benefits if I hadn't moved them so much so early. The bandages might have constricted my movement for the better. I can't say for sure whether or not, but it would have been worth a try. I loved the way my hands looked with the fat at week 3-4 post-op date. They had appeared 20 yrs. younger for a while there! I'm considering having some light lipo and a fat transfer to hands again for the chance that the fat will stay this time. The other part that isn't visible in my pics is that I have loose skin on my stomach. I'm fairly certain I'll need a series of Vela Shape laser treatments for this. Other than this I'm maintaining a loss or gain of 1.5-2 inches in my breasts, waist, high hip (2 inches below waist) and hip. I'm pleased. It's really fun to try on clothes and have them fit well for the first time in my life. I began collecting fat disproportionately at a very young age and so this is just the most wonderful thing- to come out of menopause with a shape that's more proportionate.....a body shape that I like.

Updated on 12 Dec 2019:
It's interesting the way lighting in a picture can make such a difference to one's appearance. In some pics my breasts look much fuller then in others. With the diff. in lighting I'm also more aware of the asymmetry of my breasts, which has been there, even many years prior to having this surgery.
Affirmation of the day- I'm human, not perfect ;)
My favorite part, besides the fantastic lipo procedure performed by Dr. Person's, to my waist, stomach, back and flanks, is that a good amount of fat stayed at the upper pole region of my breasts. They had grown flat over the years, even though I had never been thru breast feeding. I was looking for this upper pole improvement to my breasts, as my nipples are positioned 3.5 cm below what is considered optimal. I guessed right...... the added fat has helped to improve some low self-esteem I'd been carrying around since my late twenties when they began to droop. I think, besides a genetic component, my poor posture all those years wasn't helping to support my breast tissue- hence the droop. Again, it's never too late to change old habits.
I've returned to my full workout regime. I felt a bit weaker than usual, but not too bad. I've been walking lots these past two months, and I feel this has helped me maintain strength. I haven't measured, but I'm fairly certain I'm continuing to lose some lingering swelling, even at 2 mos. post- op, because as I woke up the other day I felt thinner. My belly was flatter. There is some residual numbness, but again, this is considered normal to the healing process.
I posted a pic of my hand. This pic was taken in good lighting. In darker lighting they don't look quite as good, but it does appear to me that my hands are less wrinkled than pre-op pics... not a whole lot, but definitely some improvement. And, the skin on my hands is less dry this winter.

Updated on 23 Dec 2019:
I’m happy to say I’ve been able to maintain the loss of fat since my surgery. This is a side by side photo. It feels gratifying to see the smaller hips and stomach on me.

Updated on 22 Feb 2020:
This week I had my 4 weeks post surgery appointment. I’m pleased. My breast fat gain has remained the same, and with a little dieting I did lose an additional 3 pounds of lower body fat during months 1-4. My breast measurements are still 36.5 inches in the morning and 37 inches in the evening.
My doctor recommended 4 sessions of laser treatments for the scars- at $100 per treatment. The scars are healing normally, but she said the laser helps with the process. I didn’t know I should be continuing with the scar gel, which I stopped at two months, but I was told, yes, it helps to apply the gel up to the 6 month mark, so I started up with it again.
I feel this surgery was well worth my time and money, in fact. life changing (with regards to my self-esteem, positive body image). Again, it was the grief I was carrying around all those years due to those poorly distributed fat areas I just wasn’t able to do anything about, as well as the drooping breasts which began during my twenties and the breast fat loss during my 40’s. With these areas well adjusted my negative feelings are pretty much gone. Although I feel critical of my shape now and then (I’d like to lose an additional 3 pounds) for the most part I look in the mirror and feel positive about what I see at my age.
Oh yes, the numbness of nerve tissue is 95% resolved at 4 months. And, the loose skin I was scared about, where fat was taken from my front/ abdominal region, is gradually tightening up on its own. My doctor said to give it an entire year to see the final result.

Updated on 6 Apr 2020:
At 5 1/2 months I'm continuing to maintain my liposuction and fat transfer results. Half the scars have faded and the other half, around my belly and hips, are slowly but surely becoming less red. (I once had a scar on my shin which was super red and took nearly three years to completely fade, so I realize my body may take a while to shed the redness).
My stomach has some unattractive loose skin, due to fat loss, around my belly button, but it's most noticeable with certain lighting. When I'm outside in the natural light my stomach looks better. I posted a picture taken outside. I also posted an up-close picture taken outside which shows the loose skin around my belly button.
I'm continuing to stay on a calorie cutting diet. I'd like to lose another couple pounds. I probably lost only half a pound or so from the surgery itself. My doctor said she used all the fat she took out of me to transfer back into my breasts and butt shelf area.
I've recently increased my workouts quite a bit. I feel better than ever in terms of strength and balance. I think the generous time off from my workouts which I gave myself for a couple months post surgery really helped so that I had the time to heal well and to maintain my fat transfer. Of course, during that time I really needed to watch what I ate so that I didn't end up gaining weight. I didn't lose much muscle mass during the time off from working out, and now after resuming my workouts for some time I seem to be stronger than ever.

Updated on 6 Apr 2020:
In my last review I said 5 and 1/2 weeks, but I meant the pictures were taken at five and a half ~MONTHS~.
I added another picture, as well, which was taken a couple weeks ago- 5 months post.... I hope these updates are a help to those who are considering this surgery. I've heard this surgery does not work for everyone, but I am 100% glad I trusted my surgeon, said my prayers and gave it a try. My results are very close to what I was dreaming up for myself.
My "wish pictures" are of young women, but I think when I showed them to my doctor in addition to letting her know that I wanted an hour-glass shape that this communication made me feel more confident going into the surgery. I went into it knowing I had done my job of clearly communicating to my surgeon the shape I was seeking thru the surgery.
I feel that the loose skin on my belly was pretty much unavoidable. At my age there isn't as much collagen in my stomach area as there once was, and my belly skin's ability to snap back as much as I needed was limited. The loss worked fine on my hips. Where fat was taken on my hips there was good snap back- my skin shrunk wrapped onto my new shape. Another perk was that I used to have stretch marks on my breasts from the days when my boobs were growing- in my twenties. The additional fat from the fat transfer has filled in those stretch marks so that the marks are pretty much completely gone.
I think my results were largely the skill of my surgeon, but also my body's ability to hold onto the fat. It's not so great when my body holds onto stomach fat so stubbornly, but when it's my breast fat that's staying...... that is a positive.
I felt so cautious and kinda scared of losing the fat post surgery......massaging my breasts twice every day, not doing rigorous exercise, not sleeping on them and not wearing an underwire bra until month 5. I'm turning 58 yrs. this year and am a bit of a fanatic when it' comes to staying young and look'in good........ anti-aging supplementation, eating clean diet, using stress reduction and awareness techniques and getting plenty of movement and exercise. It takes a lot to be me!

Updated on 8 Apr 2020:
I found these additional photos which show what a difference lighting can make. I'm posting them because I find it so interesting the way lighting can make all the difference in the world in terms of body image. The mirrors in my house are so unforgiving- showing every little dimpling, cellulite, loose skin, discoloration etc. which sometimes leads me to believe I need some further procedure on my stomach such as laser therapy, or perhaps even revision surgery. I'm having to remember not to be too picky, to instead focus on the part of me that is satisfied w/ the changes I've made.......the fact that I have bigger breasts and less fat in my hips and stomach. It helps to be in good lighting which doesn't show every flaw, such as outside in the sunshine.

Updated on 3 Jun 2020:
For some months after the surgery I continued to weigh in at 128 lbs. which was what I weighed the day of and for the years pre-surgery. I didn’t lose or gain any weight from the surgery. What my doctor took out, she put back in.
Still feeling discontent with my 128 lbs. weight post surgery I put my mind to it and dieted for a few months during the quarantine, and just this month I am now down 5 lbs, weighing in at 123lbs. I’m happier. I feel lighter and since I’m now eating less my digestion and my stomach feels better.
The trade-off is that with this weight loss I also lost 1/2 inch off my breasts. I don’t like this as my breasts are now only 1”” more than they were pre-surgery. (I’ll post some pics at the 8 month mark).
The loss of fat in my breasts definitely feels super sad to me, but it is a trade-off. I like my current slimmer size than the 5 lbs heavier size I was for the years pre-surgery and for the several months post-surgery.
I’m 5’5” so 5 lbs of weight makes a big difference on me, unfortunately it also means a loss of some of the beautiful breast fat which was transferred during the surgery. Although my girls are still definitely 1” larger than they were pre surgery and are really less flat ....I miss the extra 1/2”. This extra fat made quite a difference.
I think the important lesson for me here is that if I were to do this over again I would have let my doctor know how important it was to me that I experience a 5 pound weight loss as a result of the surgery, while at the same asking her to put plenty of fat into my breasts, as she did.


Updated on 4 Jun 2020:
..... just received some new info. It probably wasn’t even possible to get the 5 pound weight loss from the surgery I desired, because I didn’t have an additional 5 pounds of fat to take out in the first place. It makes me wonder if I should have lost the 5 pounds of weight thru diet and exercise prior to the surgery.

Updated on 24 Jun 2020:
8 Months Post Surgery
Before-
35" breast
31" under breast
30" waist
35" high hip (measured 2" below the waist)
35.5 hip
5'5" height
128 lbs. weight
After-
36.5" breast
31" under breast
28" waist
33" high hip
36.5" hip
5'5" height
123 lbs. weight
Although I attained a post-surgery 5 lb. weight loss (due to dieting) and this sadly resulted in a 1/2" loss of fat transferred to my breasts, I do continue to be very satisfied with with my feelings about my appearance/ my body.
I was able to gain and maintain a 1" hip increase with the fat transferred to my "butt shelf" and a total of 1.5" (and cup size) increase to my breasts. I lost 2" off of both my waist and high hip. These changes have made it so that my clothes fit well and proportionately. I took a tight dress and skirt out of my closet which I'd been saving for "some day" and they fit great!

Dr Persons is an amazing talent. She makes you feel comfortable and I knew right away I found the right doctor. There was no pressure, just real insight into what could help me take years off my age. In my business (high tech) where CEOs are often 20 years younger than me, experience isn't what people want. Dr Persons listens and clearly has empathy for her patients. I went in thinking I needed to do much more than what was necessary and after Dr Persons examined me, she gave me options that were much less invasive (and much less expensive) and I can't be happier with the results.

How do I begin to share my gratitude for the skill and compassion of Dr Barbara Persons. Not only is she an extremely capable surgeon but also a caring individual with a creative way of looking at complex skin and scar issues. It was incredibly inspiring and healing to work with a surgeon who has been through many of the same traumatic experiences I have experienced. I have been to several other plastic surgeons but Dr Persons was the first one to propose unique and alternative ways of addressing the scarring on my eyelid and cheek. Thank you Barbara - you are the best!!

Dr. Persons seems really knowledgeable and did the Restylane Silk injection herself but I do feel I would rather have left much of the filler in the syringe and not in my lips. I'd definitely go to her for other procedures but be more clear about my expectations.
My lips looked just full for my 51-year-old self and I was quite uncomfortably poofy for months. I would definitely do it again but insist on much less being injected.

My old doctor was 3hrs. away after I moved, but I still would make the drive to see her as it is hard to trust just anyone with your face... As it turned out I had 20 units of Botox injected into my forehead, and another 15 between my eyes. I believe it was just too much for me. I am not a regular user, and only did it cause I had a few spacial occasions coming up. Well a few days after I got home my forehead drooped really bad causing my already loose skin above my eyes to sag really bad on my lids. I couldn't even wear mascara as my lashes were scrunched from my eyelids. My forehead made me look like "Angry Bird"... I was so upset and not only did I not have the time to make the trip back to my previous doctor, but she was going on vacation. I started reading reviews about my problem on realself, and found one where someone said Dr. Persons had helped them with this issue. She was only about an hour away, but fully booked. I begged with her office clerk, and told her how desperate I was, (I was going to be in a lot of photos) and she finally agreed to squeeze me in the next day. It was a busy office, but everyone was very nice and treated me like I was a long time patient, and I only waited a few minutes. I have to say Dr Persons was so very kind and understanding and took her time to speak with me, so I took a leap of faith and trusted her. I am so happy I did. She strategically placed a little Bolotero (because it is faster acting then botox)) on the outer corners of my eyes, and by the time I drove home I could already see an improvement! They continued to improve, although they are still not back to normal it made a huge difference for me. Dr Persons was kind and reassuring and even gave me a hug before I left. I cannot say how grateful I am for her and her staff's help! I also have been considering having the CO2 resurfacing done in early winter and was given an estimate in writing. I think I have found the doctor I want to do it now (Dr Persons), and I will be sure to post photos for everyone to see.

Dr. Barbara Persons is intelligent, intuitive, and a perfectly trained M.D., Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. She has a "second sense" ability to know just what her patients need. My experience with Dr. Persons has been nothing short of fantastic. She is caring and talented, and a perfectionist, all while assuring her patients and making us feel comfortable. Dr. Persons can take care of truama injuries as well as make us all look our best! I have total trust in her!

I went to Dr. Persons for Age Spot Treatment. Her office is very professional and all procedures are explained throughly. I have been very pleased with my results. Her line of products help maintain my skins appearance and tone.