I'm 32 years old and have had 3 C-Sections. After having kids, I was left with lots of extra skin and a large gap in my abdominal muscles. I knew that an abdominoplasty would be the only way to restore my stomach. When it came time to consider a provider, I did lots of research. If I was going to have this procedure, I wanted it done by the best. After my research, I narrowed it down to 5 surgeons and went to 5 consultations across the country including in NJ and NY. This is when I chose Dr. Hammond and his team. The office staff is friendly and kind. They were quick to answer phone calls with any questions I had both prior to and after surgery. Dr. Hammond is not only a surgeon, he's an artist. He takes the time and attention to assure the best outcome and it shows in my results. I'm 5 months post-op and couldn't be happier with my results!
Initially I thought implants alone would give me the added volume needed to lift my breast’s, until I had a consultation and was informed I needed a lift and implants. I wanted a 2nd opinion as this procedure is associated with some scarring depending on the type of lift your breasts require. I required the lollipop or circumverticle incision. Fortunately I live near Grand Rapids and had many skilled surgeons to choose from. After some extensive research I chose Dennis Hammond. The man who wrote the book on reconstructive breast surgery. He agreed with the first surgeon that a lift in addition to augmentation would be best. He also chose subfascial versus under the muscle to avoid animation deformity.
To fully understand this review, I have to explain my journey. I initially had breast implants in 2007 by another surgeon in Michigan and I was really happy with the results but looking back they were a bit too high and looked fake. But I liked them. They were saline below muscle. In 2011 I was feeling sick all the time and thought I had “implant sickness” so I went to a Harvard Grad, board certified plastic surgeon in Sarasota (I had recently moved to Florida) and had them removed, full capsulectomy. The recovery pain was SO bad and I later found it wasn’t my implants, I had Lyme disease. It took a good year for my breasts to go back to somewhat normal looking. After healing from Lyme I went back to the Sarasota Dr and had implants put back in - again saline, under muscle.Again the pain was HORRIBLE and i immediately noticed that one breast was higher and more swollen than the other. Surgeon said this was normal. My drain on that side was filling rather quickly and I had horrible bruising. I had to go back into surgery for a hematoma and my breast never lowered, very asymmetrical and then developed a painful capsular contracture. Fast forward to 2018, I researched and found who was said to be the best plastic surgeon in Michigan (I had moved back). Well even though both of my nipples pointed down, he said I should only get the contracted breast fixed. Said they would look the same. Well they didn’t. Another hematoma (I should mention I am NOT a bleeder and very healthy) and right back into surgery for that hematoma, which again developed into another contracture. I looked so deformed, my breast was hard and I felt so defeated and self conscious. Then I was referred to Dr Hammond and honestly I was so reluctant after all the pain and money and surgeries I’d had. He is an absolutely amazing man and I could tell from the beginning he was not just your above average breast surgeon. The man is brilliant. Told me not to worry, he could fix both breasts and I would be very happy. Explained everything. I was still nervous but scheduled the surgery. 7 days post op I am absolutely thrilled!!! Hardly any bleeding, minimal drainage, minimal pain and very little bruising. He and his entire staff went over and above with their techniques. My after photo is 6 days out, I’m still swollen and flat from compression and I was lifted (nipples too, the scarring will be almost non existent if at all). I cannot wait to see my final results, but I am already thrilled and I absolutely love this man and his staff. Wonderful people, great bedside manner and they make you feel like family. I cannot say enough great things!!!
My surgery is two weeks away and I’m so nervous! I was on the border for needing a lift but wanted to avoid the scars if at all possible so my PS suggested we first do a sub-fascial implant, wait six months, then reevaluate if a lift is still needed. My ideal size would be only a C cup or even just stay the bra size that I’m at, but I really just want to fill up the skin I have. Before kids I was a perky D cup and after nursing them now they are still a D but no upper pole, just a bunch of skin sitting in my bra. Not cute!! My biggest anxiety about the surgery right now is the size. PS ordered 350, 400, and 450 moderate plus xtra silicone for the day of, but I really am afraid of being too big. I don’t want to look all beefy up top like I did when I was just recovering from having a baby!! But I’m also concerned that too small of an implant when I have so much boob tissue to fill will give the rock in a sock vibes. Before photos are added! Updated on 9 Jun 2022: I am honestly nervous about winding up with huge bulging breasts. I’m going to ask my surgeon to start with the smallest/most conservative, and only go up if it’s not filling my breast envelope enough. Sometimes I feel like maybe I should have just done the lift and gone with a reduction and a small implant, but I really wanted to see if I’d get decent results with just an implant and avoid all the nipple scars. Maybe in a few years especially if they are to heavy and dropping like crazy I’ll go back for a revision and do the whole shebang then. But for now, we will see! Updated on 13 Jun 2022: Can’t stop wearing my rice sizers around the house. I really prefer the feel/weight of the 350cc, they feel so much lighter to me than the 400 or 440. But I’m feeling like my PS will likely have to go bigger to fill me up. It’s so hard to find before and after photos of patients who look like me before! Updated on 15 Jun 2022: Dreamt last night one boob wound up giant and the other little. Anxiety has arrived I just ordered 3 zip front bras from SheFit for post op, my PS hasn’t even mentioned needing these or anything yet so I’m just doing so proactively based on reviews I’ve read here. Can anyone share what was helpful to you post op? Ie- high support bras 24^7 for the first week or something softer? Updated on 20 Jun 2022: I had my pre operative marking appt this morning. I was so nervous and overwhelmed with emotions I actually cried at my visit and then felt silly- my surgeon was very gentle and reassuring in that moment for which I was grateful. It’s hard to love yourself and your body especially after having kids!! I’m hoping this goes great and afterward I have restored confidence being naked in front of my husband. He marked me planning for the 405cc but said he will go the next size up if he feels during surgery that my tissue requires it. Updated on 21 Jun 2022: I had to pick up 5 prescriptions which feels excessive. 2 are prophylactic steroid to help prevent capsular contraction, two heavy duty pain meds oxycodone and Valium, one diflucan preventative from antibiotic, and also some colace. I started the colace, diflucan and one of the steroids this morning as directed. Switched my gel nail polish to clear gel and stocked the house with groceries for the kids last night. Going to wash bedding and get my house and laundry all caught up today, shower and wash hair tonight. Tomorrow is the big day! If you’ve been following along you know I’ve been really anxious over the size. I would like to be smaller, afraid of waking up huge and “augmented” looking. I haven’t told anyone except my husband and mom about this surgery so I don’t want it to be obvious to anyone. But then I worry that I’ll go too small and then look like a rock in a sock. I gave my PS my blessing to use whatever sizer looks best in my pocket during surgery and I’m trusting him with that. He will only go up in size if my tissue requires it/is still dropping. But something I read here yesterday that I found super helpful and wanted to share with others who may be anxious about their size choice is this. A PS asked “if you woke up in recovery looking too small, or too big, which would be more disappointing for you?” Then choose your size, between the smaller and larger option, accordingly. Updated on 22 Jun 2022: I’m out on the other side! He went with 405cc after all and I’m thrilled with them. Already love how they look. Recovery has been a little harder than I anticipated but I’m on my pain meds and comfortable now. Will write a more detailed update in the morning! Updated on 23 Jun 2022: Okay I know I’ve been out of surgery for like 15 hours but I am so excited already. My left is sitting a bit higher and blockier than the left right now, I can feel underneath where the implant needs to drop down to fill in the lower pole more but I’m hoping that will come in time. I got to the OR around 12:30 on an empty sick stomach which was exacerbated by nerves and wound up waiting over an hour to get my IV started. I was so nervous I was almost convulsing just dying to get knocked out already. Surgeon and anesthesiologist came back to see me and say hello, both were very kind and the anesthesiologist even a bit funny trying to calm my nerves. My nurse Jo was an Angel among us I swear. They brought me back and asked what sort of playlist I wanted to hear in the OR haha. Before I knew it I was out and waking in recovery. Waking was sort of hard. I wanted to open my eyes and talk but it’s like I couldn’t do it. Took me two hours in recovery before I was up to walking. The drowsiness on the drive home was the worst but I got home and took a pain pill and was able to sleep comfortably, better on my side than my back. This morning I’m nothing but a bit sore but am up and around, did my hair and makeup and dressed myself. Feeling great. I already tried on one of my existing bras- 36D and it fits which I’m thrilled with. I got exactly what I wanted- fuller, not BIGGER. Though naked they sure do look so much bigger. If anyone has questions fire away :) Thanks anyone whose been following and encouraging me. I had a few moments the past few weeks of worrying that this wasn’t right for me but im so happy I did it Updated on 23 Jun 2022: They feel rock hard and high, I’m hoping as the lower pole fills out as they drop I’ll get a tad more nipple lift. But I’m super happy so far since I was borderline for needing a lift. I haven’t had to take any pain medicine at all today, but I’m sure I will tonight just to sleep more comfortably. Day 2! Updated on 25 Jun 2022: I finally slept comfortably last night, though my incisions ache, specifically the left side which is still sitting higher than the right. I think the size is perfect and I’m actually a little nervous that as they “drop” they’ll be too small to fill in my skin fully. I feel 95% normal, just the aching incisions especially when I try to lift. It feels like a bad bruise in the IM fold and on my ribs. I’d really like this left side to drop down so it matches the right so I can stop worrying that it never will lol. Last night I iced and massaged the left side, doesn’t look any different today. Although they are starting to feel soft and squishy already. I’m amazed that I can’t tell the difference when I feel around in where my natural tissue ends and the silicone implant begins. So far the results look very natural, especially with clothes on Updated on 26 Jun 2022: Not much change today. Still quite sore at incision site on the left site and also doesn’t appear to have dropped at all. Trying to be patient! My skin and nipples are numb also, which I forgot to mention in my previous updates. I have sensation on the tops above but nipples and below are totally numb. Post op checkup is Thursday so I’ll try to check in for PS’s opinion on their healing and position and update after! Updated on 27 Jun 2022: No changes yet! Trying to stay patient. Waiting for the diva boob (lefty) to drop down more to round out at the bottom to match righty. It’s not super noticeable except the upper pole is much more full at the moment. I wish the right had the upper pole that the left did, I like the firmness. But waiting for the left to have the round lower pole the right does. Basically wondering if I’ll should have gone bigger hahahaha who would have known it’s possible to stare at your boobs several hours a day. All I know is I’m still happy with how much better they look for now, they’re not perfect still a work in progress but I enjoy looking at them and checking on them whenever I get a chance haha. I feel like my nipples look a little larger and lighter than typical too?! Maybe it’s bc I’m numb yet and they can’t get hard. We will see! Updated on 28 Jun 2022: I slept like a rock last night on nothing but ibuprofen, on my side too which was sooooo needed. So I’m officially done taking any painkillers- I can’t say they ever did much for me anyway as I was never really in pain other than that soreness at the ribs and incision area. That’s improved today- it only feels sore now if I try to push the girls together or massage too hard. Lefty still being a diva and sitting sort of high, maybe dropping a tiny bit but still not enough to tell a big difference. Today my steritape strips over the incisions are starting to itch and I’m excited to get them taken off Thursday to see the incision and relieve this itching feeling. I finish up my round of prophylactic antibiotics tomorrow and continue the other two another week or two I think but they aren’t causing me any side effects so that’s easy peazy. I just take them first thing in the morning. I feel a bit more sensation coming back in my skin and nipples too so that’s exciting! I’m so amazed at what this has done for my confidence. It’s such a good feeling to look in the mirror before I hop in the shower and not feel like “I wish…” I love my kids with all my heart and I’d do it all over again a thousand times over, but being done having kids and doing things for myself again feels so liberating. Highly recommend! Updated on 1 Jul 2022: Follow up went well, PS said the high side should drop with time. It looks better today, maybe she’s finally working her way down into the pocket a bit more. Again, just so happy with the size. I’ll add photos in a sports bra in case anyone finds it helpful- in my “boob research” I feel like they always look much bigger naked than they do clothed! Updated on 3 Jul 2022: A week and a half out and I feel great. A bit of soreness in the left incision still, but all feeling is returned to nipples and lower pole. Even heightened sensitivity of nipples I’d say- almost sunburn feeling at the end of the day if material is rubbing too much. Updated on 8 Aug 2022: Sorry it’s been a minute. Things have been going well- incisions stopped with the aching/sore feeling around week 4. Also the side that was riding a bit high dropped around week 4/5. Started “spitting sutures” around week 3/4 but that’s all gone now and it was only 2 which I had my husband clip off with nail clippers. I still am completely numb below the nipple on the lower pole of both breasts. I won’t be bothered if feeling never returns, my nipples and above and on the sides have full sensitivity again so the bottom is only strange when I intentionally feel around. I sometimes wonder if I should have gone larger for a wider diameter to further fill my breast envelope, but that’s me nitpicking because I really am happy with them. They look and feel so natural to me that I feel like I’ve always had them and even forget what I had before, until my husband shows me an old picture pre-op and I’m like WHOA! I was flat and saggy simultaneously. Scars are pretty dark looking but very flat and smooth at this point and I stopped taping them at 5 weeks. My surgeon didn’t recommend any further prophylactics or scar treatment other than time and I officially got the green light to swim and work out again. Not sure I’ll continue to update at this point but I’m happy to answer any questions anyone might have!
Beyond Amazing!!!! I can't say enough good things about this kind and gentle man. I was in such a dark place after breast cancer diagnosis, BRCA 2+ gene mutation, the need for chemo therapy and double mastectomy. I was not eligible for a direct to implant reconstruction and had my initial reconstruction with another provider, who at the time came highly recommended. I was extremely disappointment when I ended up in expanders, but I was willing to accept that fate if the overall result was for the best. Covid hit and my process was delayed by an additional 3 months after fills were completed. I thought I had communicated very effectively with my prior surgeon on my desires, however, from day one after my exchange surgery, I was beyond miserable. I HATED everything about my new reconstructed implants. I had implants prior to BC and they were UTM. He went back UTM and with every f/u appt. I expressed my displeasure with my results, which fell on deaf ears IMO. I was told I needed to give it more time, I wasn't being patient enough to see the final results. I told myself I would endure 1 more procedure and give it 1 year total before I would seek a 2nd opinion. Needless to say, I was more unhappy than I was originally and extremely disappointed looking in the mirror everyday. I made my 2nd opinion appointment with Dr. Hammond, expecting to be told that "this was the best I was going to be able to get" as I was told by my previous surgeon. However, after much deliberation, discussion, pictures and thorough explanation, Dr. Hammond gave me hope that I could once again have beautiful breasts. I was nervous to get my hopes up and as surgery time neared, I just had to leave it up to his most skilled hands and God. When I awoke, I was in significant pain and thought- what did I get myself into, but the work he had to undo and reconstruct took over 4.5 hours to complete. When I took a "peek" on Day 2 post op- I couldn't believe my eyes!!! Even with all the swelling/bruising, I thought "WOW, Look at those - Now THOSE are some really nice breasts"!. He promised me he could achieve a good breast augmentation look- and he exceeded my wildest of wishes. I am so happy that I listened to my friend and sought out a second opinion at the hand of this most talented surgeon. It has been said that he is an artist with a scalpel and I truly believe he was my angel, fixing not only my "broken" breast, but my broken soul that cancer had taken from me. I would HIGHLY recommend any reconstructive procedure with Dr. Hammond. He is a master in his craft.
My journey with Partners in Plastic Surgery (PIPS) began when a routine mammogram discovered breast cancer. I was devastated and scared when I found out that I needed a bilateral mastectomy. However, Dr. Hammond and his entire staff at PIPS are sensitive, caring, and put me at ease throughout the entire process. His nurses and office staff are polite and professional and they answered my questions quickly. I always felt like they cared about my health and they reassured me when I was nervous. Dr. Hammond's surgical skills are exceptional and he demands nothing less than perfection of himself. His attention to detail and his rigorous work ethic allows him to be an innovator in his field and he is recognized by his peers and patients as "Being the Best." I am so pleased with my results and I am fortunate to have worked with Dr. Hammond and his entire staff at PIPS. Thank you again for making my breast cancer journey a success.
Dr Hammond did my breast augmentation and I couldn’t be more happy with my results! He did a fantastic job! They look very natural and the scar is almost non existent! Highly recommend him to anyone looking for breast work done. He really knows what he is doing! Thanks again!!
Absolutely amazing from start to finish. Dr Hammond had to revise my previous augmentation and lift from another Grand Rapids Dr. Im only 5 days post op. My revision consisted as a full mastopexy, smaller implant exchange and resizing my areolas. I could not be more please and am looking forward to my final results. And I can’t forget to mention Dr Hammonds outstanding surgical nurse, Joanne. Best bedside manner and makes you feel so relaxed and comfortable. My pain management was perfect. I only needed meds for the first 36 hours. I have showered and felt great right after surgery. Hardest part will be trying to take it easy for 6 weeks when I feel so good.
Hi everyone! I recently got 450CC extra high-profile mentor gel breast implants and I could NOT be more excited!! I am 31 years old, no children, 5’5 and 129lbs. My goal was a very full size D-DD. I had a mild case of “tuberous” breast which I fully did not even know or understand until I had my consultation with my surgeon. All I knew was I hated the shape and size of my breasts and they had always looked “different” than all my friends breasts. My nipples were too low and close to my breast base and this was a challenge for my surgeon as he actually had to surgically create entirely new “folds” for my implants. The base diameter of my breast was also smaller than most women’s, measuring at only 11.2 so a 415CC and 450CC were ordered for my surgery as going larger affects the implants diameter and can cause many complications when the natural diameter of the breast is too over stretched. I was thrilled when my surgeon told me after I woke up, that he was able to place the 450CC as that is what I really wanted!! My implants were placed above the muscle as he felt this would give me more of the “type 3” look I wanted. I wanted a full upper pole and a very full breast and because of the brand new folds he had to create, this would prevent the “double bubble” that can sometimes occur in cases like mine. I also needed a small fat transfer from my stomach and thighs to naturally line the under parts of my breasts because of this as my chest wall was somewhat asymmetrical and I had no fat on my lower chest to really work with. I am almost 4 days post op and I am absolutely in love with my surgeons skill and how amazing my breasts already look!! I will post photos tomorrow of how they currently look now. The pain the second day was by far the worst and I actually had to call my surgeon to get prescribed something stronger then the average Norco they provided to me. Sleeping on my stomach is a no go, which sucks bc that’s how I have slept my entire life but I can learn how to be a back sleeper with how pleased I am with my breasts and my now completely flat stomach!!! Updated on 26 Mar 2019: I am back to work today and feeling AMAZING. I took 4 full days off and that seemed to be adequate for me. Bruising is starting to turn more yellowish and I am so happy with how my breasts are ALREADY looking. I cant even imagine how they will look once they “drop.” Boob envy is a REAL thing and I am already wishing I would have went up another 100cc but I am told and also from my 3-D imaging, that my breasts should probably gain another full cup size, especially since mine were placed over my muscle for anatomy reasons. Anyone have any experience with this? Either way. I am thrilled with my results thus far. I have absolutely no “cons” to list and only a huge list of PROS. If you are on the fence about this, don’t be! It is an absolutely life-changing decision I wish I had made sooner!!! Updated on 26 Mar 2019: Pictures of 4 days post-op Updated on 9 Jul 2019: I am 2 weeks shy of being 4 months post-op and I could not be happier with my results. My breasts have fully “dropped” and most definitely have added a size since surgery. I am a very full 34DD. I am extremely happy with my decision and it was worth every dollar!
At 50+, I thought I was too old for a mommy makeover. It turned out to be a very rewarding investment.. I was referred to Dr. Hammond by a former patient. I was able to get a consult and schedule my appointment in a timely manner. I was back to work in 20 days with increased self confidence.
Usually it is possible to have a bigger implant put in after a period of time as the skin tends to stretch. Of course this all depends on your individual tissue characteristics but this is something you can easily discuss with your surgeon and possibly proceed if you chose an implant appears to fit well with your soft tissues. Good luck!!
Yes, actually, multiple sessions of fat grafting are the norm in places like Italy. I always like to fat graft twice if possible because the second time usually is easier and has a good effect. You can have breast augmentation at any time in the process as well. Good luck!
Seems a bit big, did you try on sizers or have computer imaging done? Be sure you understand the effects large implants can have on soft tissues over time, especially if you are thin!
Right now the slight difference between your breasts is the least of your concerns. This difference you note is well within what can be achieved in augmentation. You are also only three weeks out and you can't really make any judgements about your result until about three months have gone by. In my view your implants are too large and any nuance to creating a shapely breast has been sacrificed simply to achieve a large breast. No amount of weight training is going to help . Muscle contraction only pulls the implant up anyway and the old adage that pec muscles can milk an implant down is a myth. I suggest you let full healing take place then address your concerns with your surgeon. I would like to see you drop your implant size down to something that fits your body better. In my hands I would also fat graft your breast to help soften the peripheral contours. Hope that helps and good luck!
You must give yourself time to heal, will take at least three months to begin to see final result. Then can consider bigger implants if that is what you want. Good luck!
