Gwen Maxwell, MD

I had the best experience with Dr Maxwell and her staff. I had an mri that showed a ruptured silicone implant. She got me scheduled for surgery as quickly as possible. She helped me decide what was the right course for me to do. She helped me with all the questions I had before during and after my surgery. We replaced my implants.. I look and feel wonderful.. I'm 6 weeks post op and back to my normal self! Dr Maxwell has several of her staff that has been with her for 15-20 years.. that is saying a lot. Her staff is wonderful and knowledgeable. I am so happy I found her!

She (and her entire staff) are down to earth, honest and fun to work with. Prices were super reasonable; one of my procedures could've been done thru insurance\hospital, but my copay was triple what dr.maxwell charged. My results are natural and flawless. I'd never consider going to anyone else. The facilities are gorgeous, clean and hospital grade (if not better.) I'll be a customer for life.

Dr. Maxwell was very personal and straight forward when explaining the breast aug procedure with me. She helped me figure out what implants would be best for my lifestyle. The staff was all so kind and sweet, and very helpful with getting my surgery scheduled. 1 year later and I am SO happy with my results.

I had 2 treatments and no changes - also I had severe nausea & abdominal pain for about 6 weeks following treatment which is consistent with lipolysis with the release of fat breakdown into blood after treatment - the irony was that there were no visible results

Thirteen years ago I requested breast implants for my 49th Birthday and my Husband said yes. Rather than get a lift I chose large Mentor HP 480cc saline over the muscle to fill out my saggy little boobs. I went from 34B to 36G and they were amazing for sure, giving me the hour glass figure I desired. Now at age 62 it's time to explant. I returned to the same Plastic Surgeon Dr. Gwen Maxwell, who did my original augmentation, for my consultation in August as she is simply the best. There was no one else I even considered.
Unlike many who suffered illness or complications I’m very thankful I did not. My only complaint was shoulder/back pain. At 5’ 4”, 120 lbs. and a small to medium frame they were extremely heavy. This past year I’ve noticed my right breast seems smaller/more saggy and I’m wondering if my implant is leaking. Dr. Maxwell noticed the size difference as well at my consultation.
During the past couple years I’ve read countless stories and viewed MANY pictures here on RealSelf. I’m so very thankful to the amazing women who described the journey they took in great detail, provided the many pictures, and shared the ups and downs of this very emotional process. After much research my final 4 options were - 1) explant only, 2) explant with lift 3) explant with lift and fat transfer or 4) explant with lift and replacement. I chose option 2 (implant removal with full anchor lift) as I feel it’s best for me. I’m not concerned about the size I’ll end up with, only that they not sag. I’m looking forward to perky little boobs, no shoulder pain, cute sexy bras, and NEVER having another breast surgery. Wearing large/extra large tops and being medium on bottom sometimes left me looking frumpy in clothes or at least feeling that way. I am ready for them to go and my husband supports me 100%. His main concern is keeping me as healthy as I am right now.
My explant with total capsulectomy and anchor lift is scheduled January 4th, 2019. I’m both nervous and excited. There’s no doubt I’ll miss the girls as they’ve become “ME”. It will be a transition as all things involving change are. Regardless I feel very confident about my choice of procedure and Surgeon. In preparation I had my yearly physical, mammogram, and all tests are perfect. I eat healthy but am adding a bit more protein. My Fitbit Charge 3 has an app for relaxation if I get a bit edgy. I walk 6 to 7 miles every single day which also helps with the stress. December 5th I’m taking the 36G girls on one final trip, going to Seattle to visit my Son, Daughter-In-Law, and Granddaughters. A fun filled trip to take my mind off all things surgical!
I’ve bought a few new tops (size medium) in the styles I love. I also got a sexy lacy bra for a great price on Black Friday taking a chance on 34B as that’s what I wore 13 years ago pre-augment. I weigh 130 to 135 now and my body has changed a bit with age. Being 62 I’m not fretting about scars or expecting perfection. My wish is simply for perky boobs that do not sag regardless of the final size. I feel my expectations are realistic.
I return for my pre-surgical appointment with Dr. Maxwell December 18th. I’ll get my prescriptions and final instructions at that time plus make my last payment. I’ll continue to update as I make this amazing journey back to my natural self.
The pictures I’m posting today are from 13 years ago pre-augmentation. As far as the current ones I'm posting today – please understand they sagged much less right after getting implants so be kind when viewing. I’m really excited to see the end result and hopefully fit in my new purple bra.

Updated on 20 Dec 2018:
Went to my pre-surgical appointment this week. I picked up my pre-operative package which answers all my questions. I also discussed any concerns with the Nurse who will be assisting during my explant and lift. Choosing an incredible Surgeon Dr. Gwen Maxwell and staff is the best thing. Really hoping all goes according to plan and I there are no surprises. Last 2 weeks with my 36G girls.

Updated on 30 Dec 2018:
Enough with the stress, nervousness, and never ending thoughts my boobs turn out the way I hope!
My list of medications for this week:
Bactroban Ointment 2% - Swab the inside of both nostrils, ears, and navel twice a day starting Tuesday
Scopolamine 1.5 mg. - Place behind ear the night before surgery (for nausea)
Bromelain with Quercetin- 2 capsules 3 times a day for anti-inflammatory - starting Friday
Arnica Montana - 3 pellets under tongue 3 times a day - starting Friday
Zofran 4 mg. oral disintegrating - 15 minutes prior to taking pain medication for nausea or vomiting
Ativan 1 mg - for restlessness, anxiety and sleep
Percocet 5/325 - and/or Ibuprofen 800 mg - for pain

Updated on 3 Jan 2019:
This past week feels like nesting - 40 years ago before I had my boys. Things will change tomorrow and I won't be able to do much. So far I've packed my 36G bras, finished laundry 100%, and scrubbed EVERYTHING like crazy. My bed pillows are ready, meds in place, fridge full of drinks(not wine-yet), Note app on my phone to record drain amts, loose easy fit clothes out, fruits, veggies, healthy snacks, baked chicken, and a big bowl of SF lemon pudding for comfort. Everything is prepared and in place for a smooth recovery. Not really nervous. Just cartwheels happy in 24 hours I'll be home eating my lemon pudding and much lighter.

Updated on 4 Jan 2019:
I'll write more details tomorrow. One pic is before leaving for surgery. And right after arriving home without those darn implants. Bye Felicia! Had my SF lemon pudding as soon as I got home. It was delicious! I've also drank a lot - Life zero water, Crystal light, plain water, and now SF Cranberry juice. My husband and I watched a DVR movie. Just now got to bed. Feeling pretty good.

Updated on 5 Jan 2019:
I arrived at Dr. Maxwell surgical center at 8. By 9 had my paper gown on, nurses put warming blanket on, leg pump maybe for circulation, started an IV, put my sexy blue hat on and carefully went over my paperwork again. I must say every single Nurse or staff were simply awesome. Even though I was a tiny bit nerbous they put me totally at ease. Dr. Maxwell marked my chest for the best possible position for my new boobs. She asked me if necessary could she transfer a little bit of fat as one is a bit different (most women are). I told her yes …. She's amazing and I have total confidence in her. The anesthesiologist, Dr. Hunter came in next to ask his questions. I immediately felt comfortable and confident with him. He even complimented me on my enthusiastic attitude. I told him I always feel sad for the angry, depressed, unhappy people (realistically we're all just a heartbeat away from something out of our control happening and turning our worlds into a jigsaw puzzle with some very important pieces missing). I had my own share of losses, out of my control upsets and struggles…. but 95% of the time I'm in a positive frame of mind. As far as being excited and overjoyed about my surgery day finally arriving I was over the moon and it had to show. What really put my nerves to rest were all the amazing women on RS who posted their stories. I have been ready to explant these water balloons for a long time. Although I remained fond of them and well they were "ME" for 13 years. By Felicia!
They rolled me into the operating room, gave me the "don't have a care" injection and began creating my 62 year old dream boobs.
The next thing I remember 4 hours later was waking up with my awesome Nurse by my side. She gave me a Percocet because my pain level was around 5 or 6. Got me dressed and rolled me out to my anxious husband. Dr. Maxwell already talked to him when she finished so he was pretty calm. We have these little keychain pennies that say Lucky Us on one side. If we're going through anything stressful and are separated we each keep ours in a pocket.
Drive home took 40 minutes over smooth roads :) I didn't feel terrible at all. My husband hooked me up in my recliner with several bottles of my favorite drinks, and most important a bowl of SF lemon pudding which he added a cookie crumbled on the top to give it some extra bling yumminess. Then we watched a movie.
Drains are not bad - I've drained the left 3 times….the right zero.
The pain is not bad. I took one Percocet at 6 last night and Lorazepam at 8 before bed.
According to my Fitbit I slept 3 and half hours which I expected after surgery. I got up at 2 as I was in some pain and took another Percocet with the Arnica and Bromelain. I'm going to take an Aleve after I eat breakfast. I'll get a better view of my breasts when I take a shower later today. Just peeking at the tops I expect I'll be 34 B. But time will tell. I ordered a couple Fruit of the Loom bras from Amazon as I've read many posts they are the most comfortable and perfect for this recovery period - and they are only $8 each. It's 6:30 a.m. here in Tucson. My one concern this morning is the top of my breasts are a bit red. The left one is draining and is the most red. The right one is also a bit red but draining very little. Once I take this bra off for my bath I'll be able to see if the entire breast if red. Can't remember reading anything about it. Hoping it's nothing.

Updated on 6 Jan 2019:
Still not sleeping very well on my back. I did wake with a bit of pain this morning - 7 on the pain scale. Usually it stays around 3 to 5. I took a Percocet and now am pain free. Still drinking crystal light, Ocean Spray 5, bai Antioxidant Infusion, vitamin water zero [RS bleep], 2 diet Dr.Peppers and plain water. My JP drains have very little today. So I'm sure they'll remove them tomorrow afternoon. Cartwheels happy about that. Just took an amazing shower and washed my hair it was awesome. My husband and I like what we see so far. I feel so much lighter. And with my thin arms they fit my chest.

Updated on 7 Jan 2019:
Today at 2 p.m. the drain tubes should be removed. Cartwheels happy, - get OUT! Swelling is down and bruising is much better. I woke up in pain - scale at least 6. Thankfully the Percocet kicked in fast. It was my last one and I'm hoping she gives me a few more today. From what we can see my husband and I think they look awesome. I'm loving the itty bitty look so far.

Updated on 7 Jan 2019:
Cartwheels happy. My new fruit of the Loom recovery bra from Amazon fit perfectly. I love my new boobs and can't wait to feel 100% so I can wear my new clothes. For now I'm exhausted and going to sleep. Let the healing continue. I return the 15th for outside stitches. Meantime just need to patiently wait for them to settle.

Updated on 13 Jan 2019:
All my research and preparation was crucial however I still had to actually walk the walk. It is a process and having all the answers doesn't make the walk any less painful etc. First pain medication; my Surgeon prefered ibuprofen over opiods. Yes I ate before taking it and took every precaution. Still it left me with stomach pain and I had to stop after the day 2. With 5 Percocet on day 1 and 5 more given on day 3 it just wasn't enough. I had a thumb joint replaced and my pain level was much worse but I had less pain during the recovery because I was prescribed plenty of percocet. Everyone's pain tolerance is different. Evidently mine is low. With that said its been a journey reminding myself this is a process and I don't get to jump to the finish line without walking the walk. So far my bruising is much better, my pain level is much lower, and I seem to be healing as expected. My left breast was always a bit smaller and still is. They have months to go before the final result so ?. Other than the pain I'm really happy with the results so far. I return Tuesday, January 15th to have the stitches removed. Then I can start using scar cream which will feel wonderful. They do feel tight and dry. I'm looking forward to the day I'm able to do more exercise besides just walking as I miss it although I have caught up on my dvr recordings and Netflix. So far it's been worth it and I'm loving the little boobies!

Updated on 15 Jan 2019:
Went for 2nd checkup and had my stitches removed. All were dissolvable except around my left nipple. So it was quick and pain free. In fact my pain is gone except for being a bit sore. I return for my final Doctor visit February 14th. :-)

Updated on 18 Jan 2019:
By day 12 I was feeling much better - pain free - more energy - over all in a better place. Posting a new picture as they are healing and changing a bit. So happy I finally got rid of the implants. It was time.

Updated on 20 Jan 2019:
Wanted to share. Found this super comfortable yoga bras on Amazon. They are amazingly comfortable. They had silly little nipple inserts which I removed. Not expensive so wasn't concerned if they last forever. But these are worth pucking up for the recovery period and/or sleeping later.

Updated on 3 Feb 2019:
Still a bit sore and one tiny little bruise fading slowly but I feel amazing. Swelling is gone and the left is a bit smaller which it always was. My right is kind of wonky which it always was. I feel loads lighter, younger, thinner, and totally loving dressing now (good riddance matronly). I measure 34C but that might change which is fine with me. I return Feb.14th for my final checkup. And my release to return to my normal routine. I am SO happy and feel better than I have in years.

Updated on 4 Apr 2019:
The only thing I would change is waiting so long to get my implants removed. Nerves and such kept me from doing it sooner. I feel amazing and love everything about my little boobs. I have 6 new 34C bras but my favorites are still the after surgery sports ones I bought from Amazon. I have no more shoulder/back pain and feel loads lighter. I use Palmer Oil/lotion but not really concerned with the scars. I'm finally, after many years, in a place of not thinking about my breasts on a daily and sometimes hourly basis. Life is GOOD!

Updated on 14 Jul 2019:
Six months later boobies feel soft, natural, and "normal". I wear 34C bras and I do not miss the 36G girls one bit. A weird thing happened at 5 months ... I noticed what appeared to be a tiny stitch coming out beside my right nipple. I started pulling it and after 2 inches came through got my husband to help. Crazy it ended up being 7 inches long - pic attached. Yes it was freaky but didn't leave any pain etc. I did wash the place it came out with peroxide and neosporin for a week afterwards. I need to see Dr. Maxwell one more time and will ask her about it. This implant removal was the best thing. Going into my retirement adventures healthy and feel amazing every single day.

Updated on 26 Dec 2019:
One year later and I'm doing amazing. All healed, 1st 3D mammogram perfect, and life is good. Living without 36G very heavy boobs is awesome. Living with 34C normal boobies feels darn good and no worries for future problems. Getting the bags removed was worth it! No doubt!

Well, story goes my ex-husband cheated on me with a lady who had big boobs. So, upon divorce I got saline 360cc put in in 2006. After nursing our baby and getting to 113 lbs. I literally had jr. sized breast tissue that was stretched out and withered. 12 years later, I’m scared of what the reflection will be when I look at my breasts without the implants having 3 more pregnancies and nursed 3 children all to a little less than 2. My kids are always having colds/fevers/runny noses. Not sure if the silicone outer shell breaking down had anything to do with it, or the effect these bags may have had on them in utero. My eldest daughter now nearly 16 never got anywhere near as sick as these kids, and still doesn’t. It could be other factors as well... mold in my air ducts or environmental, what we consume? N E How, in search of ultimate health. My left side has numbness tingling when I sit up straight (thoracic outlet syndrome I’ve been told), my hair is falling out(slowly but still happening), and I lose my train of thought, I can’t do a single push up anymore. Oh and my face has aged significantly. Here’s to an opportunity of detox and for me to hopefully put this ill past behind me. I am vain but I’m really really looking forward to the possibility of no more neck pain, my under arm lymph node going away, oh and I have a growth in my uterus (Dr. Says it’s like a mole indicating my uterus is old... ok... I’m 36 so I guess that’s fair) etc. I am scheduled for explant on April 20, 2018. My current husband is faithful but I have broke down on occasion asking him if he will still think I’m sexually appealing. I know that sounds awful but I’m not sure I will feel sexy. Plus probably some remnant damage from the first clown. Dr. Maxwell repairs the muscle under the skin and all of the scar capsule surrounding the implant is removed. So far I feel very confident in her abilities to help accomplish the most esthetic results possible without a lift. She says she does approximately 6 implant removals per week. Options later if I’m unable to feel like myself are a fat graft to the breasts. Quoted about $4000 for that. I’m not a rich woman but I opened this can of worms! Please be kind with your responses this is a fragile story for me and if you are reading, I’m sharing to let you know you are not alone. Sorta want you to hold my hand threw this and you hold mine. Nothing but love to you!

Updated on 10 Apr 2018:
Surgery is paid in full. Getting a dose of antibiotics through my IV during surgery (never had that before), a medicine patch for nausea after the general anesthesia, a non-opioid pain reliever, a through body wash with a surgical antibiotic soap they provide needs to be used when I wash up and prep myself prior to surgery. Got my comfy button top Pj set coming in the mail. And I was given the 411 on how to use my drains. Geesh! It’s happening! Ready or not here it comes! I love riding my bike! I look forward to the possibility that my hand numbness is greatly contributed to these. Oh they are heavy! 360cc of saline weights at least a lb each. Felt them in the PS office.

Updated on 10 Apr 2018:
Purchased the recommended Arnica Montana 30x HPUS and Bromelain with Quercetin. Both are to help heal and reduce inflammation. I’m impressed! These are natural. Not to many Dr’s keeping up with the natural trends. I would have loved a pain killer that was marijuana based but I guess we aren’t there yet. I’m getting Tramadol because I don’t do well with my other options.

Updated on 20 Apr 2018:
Feels more painful than I remember. Day number one of getting them in. Will most likely need a fat graft. The Dr, anastesiaologist. Staff in entirety staff was so pleasant. Glad it’s done! Don’t have any regrets.

Updated on 21 Apr 2018:
Sinuses are clear! My head feels quicker. Looking forward to there advantages. Do not regret my decision at all!

Updated on 22 Apr 2018:
Just taking it day by day. Any suggestions on how to fluff our gals naturally? Right drain came out on its own. Alternating Tylenol and Ibuprofen. Took a shower and got bandages wet. Tried to blow dry them as prescribed but that didn’t work. So gently peeled away the bandages. Don’t regret it at all yet! The stitches look AMAZING!!!!!!

Updated on 24 Apr 2018:
Not really much change. I am a 34 A. According to VS. Its a more common size in the Pink section. So my bras are cheaper. Keeping pain under way with Hydrocodone and 600 mg of Ibuprofen 2 hours later.

Updated on 13 Jul 2018:

Dr.W. she is so amazingly smart and professional. I choose her because she was the only female Dr .in Tucson that did breast implants back in 2009. She is wonderful. Great job... Thank you . Armida

I have been a patient of Dr. Maxwell for about 15 years. I have had a rhinoplasty , my eyes and my forehead lifted. Last October I had a face and necklift. I keep going back to Dr. Maxwell because I am confident I will look the best I can and yet natural and not overdone! I get a lot of compliments and I refer everyone to her. She is also sweet and nurturing to her patients, the staff is amazing! I always had a very pleasant experience ! Thank you Dr. Maxwell!

I've known for several years now (well pretty much after I had my first kid) that I wanted a boob job but I can't believe it's actually here! Anxiety is kind of kicking in. Haha. Went in for a consult and loved the doctor and facility. I'm thinking I'll go with 415cc but may decide to do 400. I told doc I wanted to be a small D but look natural. She said anywhere from 350cc-450cc should look ok considering my stats. We will be going under the muscle and doing high profile.
Updated on 15 Feb 2017:
I've thought for several years now that I would get a boob job 'someday'- pretty much ever since I started having kids. Now that I'm done having kids and we're actually getting this set, my anxiety is setting in and I can't believe it's almost here! I went in for my consult with Dr Maxwell in Tucson. I had 2 friends that went to her and loved her. I too fell in love with her and her staff and the facility. My op is scheduled for march 14! Based on my stats, she said I could anywhere from 350cc-450cc and they would look good on my body. I told her I wanted to be a small D and look natural. At my appointment I felt like the 415 would be a good choice. I'm kind of second guessing and considering going down to 400 but I haven't decided yet. We're going under the muscle and doing high profile. Definitely counting down the days!



Updated on 20 Feb 2017:
I got a call last Thursday saying they had a cancellation on the 27th and asked if I wanted to move my procedure up. I agreed! So now I'm only a week away. I agreed to the 415cc and high profile but I'm second guessing myself and wondering if I should go one size smaller. I really don't want them to be too big! I'm getting super anxious now that it's so close.

Updated on 28 Feb 2017:
Well I can't believe I have boobs! I was pretty sick and nervous all weekend thinking about everything. I got to my docs office yesterday (Monday) at about 11:30. I filled out a little paperwork and they took me right back to start getting ready. The facility and all of the staff were so great. Definitely made me feel comfortable and helped to calm my nerves. I was wheeled back about 12:15 then about 2:00 I was ready to go home. I told the anesthesiologist we had a 2 hour drive home and he advised to just eat a couple cracker and take my oxy and not eat till I got home. I was pleasantly surprised that the drive wasn't too bad. I never got and have yet to have any bad nausea. Yay! My kids were all so sweet and concerned when I got home. My boys (9,7,5) at on top of making sure I have ice water and pretty much anything else and my 2 year old girl is doing great with being gentle around me.
My best friend came over last night and brought me delicious soup. She got me some great ice packs and set up my pills and put alarms in my phone with notes on what pills to take. It helped so much to stay on top of my meds- my night went a lot better than I was expecting.
I think size wise I'm going to be very happy. My main concern right now is my gap. I expected them to be high up, but I feel like my gap is pretty big. So I'm hoping as they drop- they will get a little closer. 
Still can't believe I have boobs!

Updated on 28 Feb 2017:
Had my op yesterday- I can't believe its over!I absolutely loved the surgery center and the staff with Dr Gwen Maxwell. They made me so much more comfortable considering I was so nervous.
I was told everything went perfect. I got 415cc in both sides- high profile. They are sitting up really high and there's a big gap right now. I expected them to be high but I'm a little concerned about the gap. I'm hoping that as they drop they get closer together too.
I'm in a little pain right now- my chest feels super tight and there's lots of pressure. I've been taking my oxy every 4-5 hours so I'm in and out of it. I guess I was suppose to also have a Valium script but I must have lost it so my hubby is calling to see if they can call one in for me. Anything to help these muscles relax sounds really nice.
Hoping I can recover quickly! Still can't believe I have boobs!

Updated on 3 Mar 2017:
Feeling slightly better. Mostly light headed and upset stomach. Still feel super bloated. Don't feel like there's much change in my breasts- still super tight and spread apart. Hoping for noticeable changes next week!

My family doctor knew how much I needed this TT and his first words DR. Maxwell. Paulie booked me fast and was a total sweetheart. Jody made me laugh and reassured me that if any work needed to or didn't need to be done Dr. Maxwell would be honest and boy she was! Jody had me laughing while doing the before photos and that was nit an easy task. I felt horrible about how I looked. I worked out 2 to 3 times a day and just couldnt see it at all. Dr. M was so sweet as soon as she saw me she immediately started thinking of how she could help while comforting me and giving me very valuable info to better my lifestyle. I wasn't feeling good during the consult and she gave me advice for that too. Her attention to detail is mind blowing. She is very caring, sweet, thoughtful and def keeps your goals in her mind. She keeps it real with what is a realistic outcome. I told her this was to help me get better confidence and help kick start my motivation bc I swear the mirror was killing it for me every time I walked by. I am 10 days post op and people are stunned at the results . 1 of my coworkers are scheduling surgery with her after seeing how meticulous her and the staff was with me. We are all hard working Soldiers who want to have families but don't want to worry about our physical appearance and overall confidence in our own skin. Dr. Hunter the anesthesiologist was so caring and made me feel so safe. Dr. Said sweet dreams before I went in. Heather Lori and the ladies at Docs Own Surgery center was amazing making me laugh the whole time. The center is very private and state of the art. No big hospital BC she has her own! I didn't even needs my anxiety meds! Priceless. My own private nurse watched me all night she checked on me before I could ever ask her for anything. Thank you Heather. I will post my pics as I can to show you that she is THE BEST!

Updated on 21 Mar 2016:
I need to get you my pre op photos because that Really shows how loose my skin and how I was changing with only qorkiing out. It wasn't cute. As I upload these I really see the difference and it makes me solo happy. I can't for the swelling to go down.

Updated on 24 Mar 2016:
Every time I come I am treated as I was the first time, like a queen. Bethany is always checking on me and giving me great tips to healing better. Anytime I get nervous about something Carol has been amazing! Together they tell me what is normal and isn't and so far. I'm doing great. Still numb but starting to get feeling and that is def interesting but I love my results still!!

Updated on 12 Apr 2016:
I am actually loving this! Best decision and doctor! I haven't been able to work out but woow! I can see it. In about 2 1/2 weeks I do my before and after. The best advice my doctor said is hide your scale and watch your food intake. I am doing that. My clothes are saggy, my uniform is saggy and I am starting to see I'm down 3 shirt sizes. I was a 16 I am a 12 now! I can't wait to work out! Still swollen and a little sore but feeling blessed. My nurse Bethany keeps motivating me and keeping on point with what's normal.