30 years old, 5ft 9in, 135lbs, no kids. I lost 30lbs over the course of a few years and lost my breast volume in the process. I also have pectus excavatum (concave ribcage) which became more apparent with my smaller breasts. My surgery goal was to get a very natural, proportionate, "my breasts but better" look that replaced the loss of breast volume, especially at the top/upper pole. I looked at many portfolios of surgeons in my area and chose to consult with Dr. Stern because her pictures had the natural aesthetic I was going for, even though her office is more than an hour away from me (worth it!). She and her entire staff are amazing. I was nervous about being able to get the results I wanted with my ribcage and chest muscles, but she was unfazed and recommended small, moderate profile, over the muscle implants and an anchor lift. I felt very listened to, and left feeling confident and excited. The day of surgery went incredibly well. The in-office surgical suite is way more comforting than a hospital. I was a ball of anxiety, but the entire operating staff (all women) were very kind. They made me feel safe and kept me informed about the processes along the way. I can't speak highly enough about the entire team. I went home with tapes on all of my incisions, an ace bandage, and lots of ice packs. I switched out my ace bandage for a high impact sports bra after a few days. I barely had any pain during the first week and stopped taking pain pills after a couple of days. I took the muscle relaxers for several more days. My breasts looked massive to me at first due to the swelling, but have since settled and softened quite a lot. The soreness really settled in during week two, when the numbness started to fade and my nerves started to heal. Even that was maybe a 3/10 on the pain scale-- overall not bad at all. By week three, barely any soreness at all, just a few sensitive areas. All of these before/after pictures are about three weeks post-op. I can still wear my same bras and clothes, they just fit me way better now! I would absolutely recommend Dr. Stern and her team to anyone seeking breast surgery. Updated on 14 Sep 2024: I took my tapes off around 4 weeks post-op and started scar care. Some little pieces of stitches have worked their way to the surface of my skin, but they come out easily and the little holes heal up just fine. The scars are still bumpy (as expected) but getting better every day. I've returned to my usual workouts and lifting, and I'm feeling (and looking) great!
Saw Dr. Stern for a consultation for labiaplasty and clitoral hood reduction. After looking at my anatomy and listening to what end results I wanted she kindly told me that she didn't think I'd be happy with the results if she did it. She does not do clitoral hood reductions and instead of taking me as a patient knowing I wouldn't be happy with the end result, she told me I should look elsewhere. I appreciate that honesty.
Two days pre-op and I'm so excited and nervous at the same time! I'm sure everything is going to go great, and it is just my usual old anxiety about something new and what's to happen in the future driving these feelings of slight unease. I want to say thank you to any one that is reading this that has already been through the procedure. The stories I've read of others journey's has helped me in making informed choices and good questions to ask. My stats are: 5'2"; 90Lb; 41 year old mom of 3 young women. I have always been flat chested, and lost the little bit of breast tissue I did have after having my children, so now my poor ladies are deflated like a couple of flat tires , while my children are out here with very large breasts (D cup being the smallest size). I've often asked myself what the heck happened! Now, along with the help of my doctor, and my boyfriend (whom has been an integral part of this journey), the decision on type and size is Mentor 350 Ultra High Profile Gel implants, going in under the muscle. My end result desire is about a D Cup, even though I know this is not exactly how it works. This Queen of the Itty Bitty Tittie Committee is giving up her crown! There are some things I want to note here because I was totally shocked that nobody had ever mentioned all of the give ups you have to go through in order to have the surgery. Let's get the big ugly one out of the way, you must give up nicotine, even in vape form! This was a shock as I have had other types of surgery that were more of a necessity and less of an elective nature and was never told I had to stop prior to the surgery. Some things that really affected me were my hormone replacement therapy had to be stopped two weeks prior to surgery and continued for two weeks after surgery to prevent blood clots, there are many medications that can interfere with anesthesia or blood clotting or blood thinness. This may be a no brainier right... medicines have interactions with each other, but there were many herbal and vitamin supplements that I was informed to stay away from as well as certain foods like tomatoes, garlic, onions, cherries, and cucumbers. These changes are short term and not major interference in my life, nor enough of a reason for me not to go through with surgery. I just wanted to mention it since I noticed in all of the posts I read I do not recall anyone mentioning these things. Updated on 5 Mar 2021: The first few days were really painful and I needed my pain medicine like clockwork, and more ice than our freezer could keep up with, but that was really it for the bad pain. By day 4 I was already beginning to feel less pain and started using only over the counter pain medicine. Updated on 15 Mar 2021: The pain is mostly gone, I do have some soreness and it is difficult to sleep on my back or raise my arms. Thank goodness that my bf did a lot of research before I had the procedure, so he knew what to expect, and he took great carer of me through the first two weeks of recovery. I hope everyone that has this procedure, is able to have a person there to help them out with chores, and food because it is hard to not be able to lift 10 lbs or your arms for 6 weeks. It is getting easier to breathe, or I'm getting used to the feeling of the weight on my chest :) I'm happy to have a choice in bras, and not have to wear sports bras, though it was a little hard to find a store that carried a 32 D with no underwire. I am fortunate to have a Hane's Legg's Bali Store in town, so I was able to find 3 or 4 bras to wear until I can wear an underwire bra. The push up bra is so much more fun now, but not having to wear a bra in order to look like I have the shape of a woman, is so awesome! While going through the process I absolutely loved how I looked and thought it looked just right at the time, or even... I look great, fabulous, beautiful! Yet as I'm posting pics weeks after they were actually taken I can see all of the inflammation and swelling, as well as how high on my shest they look at this time. I look back with smiling eyes at the woman that didn't know how great she was going to look... yet! Updated on 15 Mar 2021: Here is a direct comparison in the same bikini top. I'm so glad to have gone through with this, I'm in love with them! I look at them all of the time, because there is some numbness around my areola and nipples I'm rubbing them a lot. I'm really happy with how my incision looked, my doctor did a great job! I hope you gals have a great experience too!
I'm a 37 yo hairstylist and mom of 3. I'm scheduled tomorrow to get TT , MR, lipo of flanks , BA with lift . I'm seeing Colette Stern in Asheville , NC. My amazing husband knew how much this meant to me and surprised me for our wedding by gifting me a Mommy makeover! I go in at 7:45 am tomorrow and will post updates if I'm up to it . Stats: 5"3 186 Updated on 13 Jan 2021: Wow !! I'm finally seeing some major changes !! I'm now down 3 pounds from day of surgery weight and I'm watching the swelling disappear right before my eyes ! I still have some around my hips but am very pleased with results so far ! Updated on 14 Jan 2021: I'm a 37 yo hairstylist and mom of three that has been wanting this for many years . My husband surprised me by gifting me my mmo. January 4th, 2021- I had a BA,BL ,TT, lipo of flanks . I was 186 w 5'4 post op. Dr. Colette Stern Asheville , NC was my surgeon . She has been so wonderful and her whole staff was woman and they treated me so nicely . Every question I had was answered . I can't wait to see how great my results will be 6 weeks from now ! Updated on 27 Jan 2021: Belly is still so swollen . I still have the drains but looking better day by day !!
Great doctor! Very understanding and helpful. Gave trusted guidance and thoughtful responses to questions. Sensitive to patient concerns. Has great reputation for surgical skills too. Comes highly recommended.
Thank you Dr. Stern for your patience, caring, understanding and amazing work throughout this journey. You are a true gem and talented surgeon. Your team are all wonderful and made me feel like family.
Dr. Stern took her time with me and answered all my questions I had. The day before my surgery I had a change of heart of what I had visioned for my breasts. I read all kinds of reviews on under muscle and above muscle implants. I was sure when I went in I wanted under muscle. As I did more research I became uneasy about under muscle and the look I really wanted. She took time out day of to explain the best option for me. She was amazing. I have already recommended her to multiple people who are getting procedures done in the near future (assuming this covid 19 goes away).
Dr. Stern and her staff are simply the best. I was very apprehensive about doing any kind of plastic surgery and went back and forth with it for over 2 years. I had always had very large breast and after kids (two c-sections) I was very self conscience of my body. Dr. Stern was highly recommended by my Primary Care doctor so I finally made the call and spoke with Lucinda, Dr. Stern's Patient Coordinator, who answered many of my questions and put me on the list for consult.I still was nervous and many times during my wait, I thought about just cancelling the appointment. When I went in for consult, Dr. Stern was so kind and understanding and made the appointment as comfortable as possible. She took the time to address all of my questions and concerns. She explained the recovery and without going into huge details she covered the basics of what she would be doing.During the pre-op appointments, I met with several others that would be involved in my care and all were beyond the normal care you expect. The morning of surgery, I met with Dr. Stern again and her entire team of ladies. They were above and beyond the best! They kept the room atmosphere very light hearted and reassured me over and over that everything was going to be perfect. I could tell they each loved their jobs and enjoyed working with each other.The last thing I remember before fading into a very peaceful sleep was Dr. Stern taking my hand to give me that final reassurance that I was in the best of hands. My follow-up appointments have been wonderful and now I feel like I have an office of friends. When I come in they know me by name and everyone speaks even if I am just passing them in the hallway. I am thrilled with my results, even though it has only been 5 weeks and I am already thinking about additional procedures.
I am 50 yrs old in April 2019- My weight is around 120lbs. I am 5' 6" tall- I got breast implants at age 27. They were 225 CC Smooth Saline under the muscle (incision in armpit) - I have always felt they were not "me"- but was always self conscious about my small chest and I was very much into fitness/ body sculpting. Back then, all the images on TV and media were women with "perfect" bodies (w/ huge boobs)- and I was young and insecure- Fast forward - 2 kids, breastfeeding, 2nd marriage to a wonderful guy, and lots of life experience and wisdom later- I was Really done w/ the implants and at the point in my life that I am truly secure with who I am, and where I'm at in life. I have wanted them out for at least the last 15 years- I finally had a consultation and decided to have it done! I was a little nervous but i was so ready that I knew there was no turning back- After my consultation & exam, (Colette Stern, Asheville NC) I decided to do the local anesthesia, no capsule removal/no lift- I had been on this site a lot and that helped me make my decision as well- I have been really impressed with the reviews on here! I had my surgery on Jan 14. I was instantly ecstatic- No pain at all- Quick recovery. It is now exactly 2 weeks later and I couldn't be happier! I knew from the time I made my appointment it was the right decision no matter the outcome- I am happier with the results than I even imagined- I only wish I hadn't waited so long! I encourage anyone who is considering it- Do your research and then follow your heart- You won't regret it! It's boosted my confidence which I didn't expect to this degree. (My husband even likes the "new" me better too) :) Updated on 29 Jan 2019: Here's a couple pics- One from pre surgery, one of 2 weeks post- Feel great zero pain or complications. If anyone is even thinking of having this done, just take your time, look at the best options for your situation, and then do it! Granted, mine was pretty straight forward, had no issues with my implants to begin with, no capsular contracture either, but just can't believe how amazing everything has gone. Updated on 16 Feb 2019: So far, so good- Still loving my decision- only wishing I'd done it years ago! I feel more confident than ever- Using Vit E and Almond oil on my skin and scars and they are looking better day by day- zero regrets- Loving not having to "hide" my bigger, faker looking self- no bra, no problem-
I have had 3 shoulder operations because of the weight of my breasts. A number people highly recommended Dr. Stern as the "go-to" doctor for a breast reduction. It was the best thing I have ever done! Dr. Stern was kind and knowledgeable. I felt completely comfortable with her. The staff was terrific. The recovery was pretty quick and easy.
Insurance companies look at many variables in determining whether they will cover a breast reduction, including back/neck/shoulder pain, rashes under the breasts, measurements, BMI, the anticipated volume to be removed, and occasionally photos. Different insurance companies have different criteria. A plastic surgeon should be able tell you whether coverage is a reasonable possibility after reviewing your symptoms and performing an exam.
