I didn't want to post until things were 100% set in stone...so here I am!
I had consultations with a couple of different surgeons a few months ago. After much thought, I've chosen to go with the Swan Center in Atlanta, GA. The staff was exceptionally friendly, informative, and not pushy. I was really nervous, so I forgot 90% of the questions I had, but they were talkative enough to cover anything I wanted to know and told me to call or email any time I remembered a question.
Something that was a big help to my comfort was that multiple staff members had augmentations themselves, including the surgeon I spoke with! Dr. Catignani and the assistant, Cassie, made everything very comforting. There was also no charge AT ALL for the consultation (and they gave me a free t-shirt!). Little things like that really told me they care more about the client's experience than the money. Cassie gave me an email address to send them any "wish photos" I found (which I'll share here as well). Apparently, they print out these photos and add them to my file. Then when surgery day comes, Dr. Cat will have those photos on hand to compare then-and-there, to make sure the best implant is used to achieve my desired look.
After trying on a few implants for sizing in the office, we were thinking 300-325cc. So, after the appointment, my husband bought a "sizing system" with a few different sizers to wear, to see what I liked in a more long-term setting. Still definitely feeling the 300-325cc range!
After wearing them a few times and really feeling the upped confidence, there was no question that I wanted the procedure done. I chose to wait until after our Thanksgiving vacation to set the appointment, but we finally made the call a couple of days ago!
My pre-op appointment is set for December 18, and my surgery date is set for January 3. 39 days to go!
My stats are 5'5", 112lbs, bra size is a small B and I'll share some pre-op photos as well
I probably won't post again until my pre-op appointment. Fingers crossed from another stellar experience ^_^
Updated on 20 Dec 2018:
I had my pre-op appointment just a couple of days ago. We discussed the various do's and don't's and what I could generally expect in terms of care, bandaging, clothing requirements, etc. and all the paperwork was signed along with final payment made. I'm extremely excited, but the nerves are starting to kick in. I've never been under anesthesia, so I'm a little scared of that aspect. I already scheduled for at least 2 weeks off work to rest and recuperate. I'm honestly looking forward to the bed rest and excuse not to do dishes lol! Yesterday, my husband and I went out and bought a few button-up shirts, soft pajama pants, and cozy slippers. He also surprised me with of those big bed rest pillows with the arms on them (I have no idea what those are technically called).
My husband got the first couple of days off so that he can stay home and take care of me, as well.
There are a lot of little things that I'm nervous about, so I'm trying not to focus on all of that too much and instead just look forward to the good parts.
Updated on 11 Jan 2019:
Things have gone fantastically and I'm feeling so incredibly optimistic. I got to my surgery appointment at 7AM. They got me back, hooked up to the IV, antibiotic drip, and then the doc came in and made some marks. Shortly after, I was taken back to the surgery center and they had me under anesthesia in no time. I woke up in the recovery room a little uncomfortable but....that's it. We ended up going with 350CC, in the end. Pretty sure that's most likely to accomplish the look I wanted. At no point was I ever in any major pain, never nauseous, was able to eat normal solid food immediately. I was definitely super sleepy and napped a little on the ride home. I could have easily gone without any pain medication, honestly, but I took it the first three days, anyway, then switched to Ibuprofen just for the swelling. The worst part is the swelling - chest feels pretty tight. Ice packs have been my friend. Second to the swelling has been the boredom and general aches of being stuck in bed.
Doc said everything looked great at the post op appointment. I just have to continue taking things easy. Since the pain is almost 100% gone, it's pretty easy to over do things right now.
Oh, and the incisions feel super duper itchy sometimes, so that's annoying.
As for how they look right now, I'm really excited. They look kind of funny, do to not having dropped yet and that will take some time. But, even for sitting high at the moment, I think they're looking fantastic for this stage of the healing process, all things considered. They look stellar under a shirt. I've got another post-op this Wednesday. I'll be excited to finally change to a different bra - wearing this same one for so long feels kinda icky haha
All-in-all, so far, I'm feeling great and very, very happy
Updated on 29 Jan 2019:
The two-week post op went great. Doc says everything is looking as it should.
I was able to change to a different bra (though the new one isn't a heck of a lot prettier haha)
Things are starting to settle and I can see a MAJOR difference between now and week one. The right side is going a lot easier, looking better, and less problematic. There is still a lot of numbness on the underside of the left, and the left nipple is a little over-sensitive. The right feels pretty normal.
I'm back to working my full, normal shifts at work with no problems.
I'm still so excited. Everything is going wonderfully and statring to come together slowly.