My motivation is to stay competitive in the job market - age matters. With my glasses on, I look 32; and even under 30. My skin absolutely must stay telling this story. Seems to be working. It's costly, though, to go in every 3 mos! Dr. Kuisle does the right thing when the results aren't perfect: he sees it (at the followup) and fixes it without asking for more money.
This was the best thing I have ever done. I instantly felt as light as a feather when I woke up from surgery. My surgeon is amazing and I am healing so well. I highly recommend this surgery to anyone who is thinking about getting it! My whole healing process has been pretty easy. The most painful part of this whole thing was getting the drains removed! Other than that everything has been smooth sailing! Updated on 30 Jul 2015: Updated on 4 Sep 2015: Updates from the past several weeks. No pain, i have most of the feeling in my breasts still. I definitely have feeling in my nipples. My nipples, however, are very flat since the surgery - not sure if this will go away or if they will stay flat. My left nipple is more flat than my right nipple. My right breast tends to still swell up occasionally (as you will see in some of the photos) and makes my right nipple appear larger. Also, the weight of my breasts has not distributed evenly yet. My left breast has dropped a bit and looks normal, whereas my right breast holds most of its weight directly under my nipple (also why the nipple looks larger sometimes). My scars have faded quite a bit already. Theyre very flat and smooth, just discolored a little now. I feel great and am still very happy with my decision!(:
280cc, A to a small C, armpit incision My Dr. has a reputation as an excellent reconstructive surgeon. He did cut the left nerve and the surgery took an hour longer and caused pain on and off for a year, but it is fine now. It was important to me that they look natural, which is his specialty, and as much as they can they do! He also specializes in breasts imbalances or distortions, I saw that in his photo book. He, like most doctors, barely explains anything. His bedside manner is a straight forward no nonsense get the job done type - not rude, just not very expressive. I always took a friend with me to exams (recommended if you can) and am so glad I did. Whoever I took also trusted him. There were 3 before visits, 4-6 follow up visits, and the price includes all meds AND a visit to a nutritionist including all of the natural remedies that she recommended. That was awesome! His staff is extremely kind and friendly. A nurse was assigned to stay with me before and after surgery just to BE with me. That felt so supportive and re-assuring. Some things I learned:
In 1996, less than a year after the birth of my 4th child, and months before my impending divorce, (it was an eventful year! ) I had breast augmentation surgery with Saline Implants placed beneath my pectoral muscles. At the time my breasts greatly resembled acorn squash, and were closer to my waist than to my shoulders, so I also had a Mastopexy lift with a Wise Pattern, (anchor incision). Unfortunately, I do not have pictures from those early days, but I can say in all honesty that while my breasts never were quite right, they were a vast improvement over my post baby/breast feeding mammary's. The surgery really helped me get through some very tough years. I was fortunate that I had no complications or issues until I reached my mid 40's, and peri-menopause brought the 'gifts' of hormone changes, weight gain, and gi-normous boobs. I am currently spilling out of DDD bras, and have taken to wearing unflattering athletic support to avoid them altogether. In the last few months, after reading so many posts by other women on this site, I have finally worked up the courage to go back under the knife, and get my body back. My surgery is scheduled one week from today, (March 24) so I am now in count down mode and will begin sharing my experience in the hope that it will help others, as I have so greatly benefited from the sharing of other awesome women on this site. Updated on 25 Mar 2016: The surgery went very well yesterday with no complications, (aside from a few minor travel snaffus resulting from the blizzard that hit us on Wednesday). I cannot say enough about how wonderful my doctor and the hospital staff were, a truly top notch group! So far the pain is very minimal and I am cat napping alot, packed in ice and plan to do a whole lot of nothing today. Will post more updates next week after Dr. Kuisle removes my bandages. Have a great weekend! Updated on 30 Mar 2016: Lots of bruising, and still swollen but overall doing well. The doctor said not to be concerned about the eneven texture, (especially around the areola) as this will flatten out when stitches are removed on Friday. Updated on 30 Mar 2016: For sure my girls are pretty bruised and battered at the moment.... but I can see the potential shining thru. So so happy! Updated on 30 Mar 2016: For some reason this 1st view with bandages offdid not post the first go round. Pics are now a bit out of order, but you get the gist... lots of bruising, swelling and redness! Updated on 12 Apr 2016: Bruising and scabbing is still prominent, but no pain at all. The swelling has decreased, and my ability to sleep has dramatically improved. For whatever reason the pics make the incisions look so much scarier than they are in person. Still super happy with my decision to get implants out, tho I do wish the results were smaller. My PS said size will not be definite until 3 months post op, but I don't see them decreasing much as this is the size I was before the implants. Oh well, perfection is not a requirement for me to be so very grateful for a successful surgery and a healthy body! Updated on 27 Apr 2016: Well, I'm a month and a week since explant and lift surgery and doing well. I'm healing more slowly than I would like, (still have scabbing) but the swelling has decreased dramatically and I am completely pain free. I'm even able to pick up my 15 month old granddaughter with ease! I always worry that my pics will scare off women who are considering surgery, (the pics always seem to emphasize the wounds) and look so gross, but I appreciated so much the candor and honesty of the women who shared and helped me, so I'll post despite my concerns. One really positive thing is that I have absolutely regained, (if not increased) areola sensitivity and this was a great relief for me. For those ladies who have naturally small busts, you may not be aware how lucky you are. Most naturally big busted women have limited sensation, and after breast feeding four babies, mine were all but completely without sensation. Unexpected bonus! I continue to be so thrilled with my decision to have the implants removed, and feel so relieved every day to have myself back. So if you are just now seeing my pics, try not to be too alarmed, it's all been worth it and then some!
I'm excited to finally get new boobs! I'm 44, 125, 5ft3, had two breastfed kids and want to balance out my body! I'm small on top but not on my bottom! I've always been self conscious of my boobs, and they will probably get smaller as I get older. Also getting married in next 2 years, on a beach so want to look great for that :-) Looking at getting under muscle 325-350 cc silicone. Updated on 6 Nov 2017: I'm new to this site and see this term often but haven't seen the explanation. Can anyone help? Updated on 8 Nov 2017: I've never seen so many boobs as in the last 2 wks! Sometimes I wonder if I'm doing too much research...? But I want to know what to expect, and this site has been very helpful for the recovery stage which we all have to go through and varies from person to person. I had my pre op last week, and got a goodie bag / care package of vitamins, supplements, minerals etc which is awesome! Came with a schedule of what to take and when. The items help with building up my immune system, muscles, nerves, protect brain cells, add fiber and so on. See photo. This doesn't include the meds for pain that I have to pick up. This shows great care for me as a patient. Did anyone else get something similar (included in the cost)? Updated on 8 Nov 2017: This lovely lady has very similar proportions to me and I really like her after pic. Very natural. I'm surprised they claim she went to only a B with 350cc but I suppose that depends on the bra. Updated on 14 Nov 2017: Probably had my last exercise for weeks. Went for a 3 mile run at lunch, which I will miss until I am cleared to run again. Though will need new sports bras to hold the girls down :-) When did others feel safe to start running again? Updated on 16 Nov 2017: I'll be at the surgery center at noon so can't eat anything this morning, which is fine cuz I'm still full from the yummy curry last night! ( I hope that wasn't a bad idea!) I'm nervous about the constipation for the next few days so trying to get ahead! I will do my shower with antiseptic wash I was given, and wash my hair. Must hydrate until 9:30am. I couldn't decide what to wear to/from the op, so have 3 button down shirts in various sizes. One is my fiance's! And what about the bottom half? Do we need to take it off in surgery? I don't have sweat pants, and yoga pants may be a struggle post op. On a side note I found a bikini top of mine from pre kids which isn't padded so I wouldn't wear it after kids. I'm wondering how it will fit next week! Updated on 16 Nov 2017: No idea what the girls look like under this bra, they are strapped up tight! I feel like I did 50 push ups so not pain but tightness. Have a lot of drugs in me though!. I don't have Trex arms but maybe I will tomorrow? Actually my throat is annoyed from the tube they put it in so I'm soothng it with warm drinks. Also very tired and a bit hungry. I'm icing them now. My fiancé is a star fetching stuff for me :-) Dr went with 365cc which is surprising, but he knows what look I want. So I'm sure I will love them. I am dying to look but want take it easy this evening. It is almost 7pm here. Photos later. Updated on 17 Nov 2017: I checked out the girls today! They looked good, I'm a little concerned how large they are but hoping some of it is swelling. Taking off the bra felt good! I'm doing ice constantly. Can move my arms fine but chest is so tight it made sleeping hard. I think I got 2 hours. 45 degrees was not working in bed, so I tried the recliner at 2am. But didn't sleep until 4:30 ish. Not sure why, I'm more uncomfortable than in pain. I've stayed on top of muscle relaxant, ibuprofen and norco but it didn't make me sleepy like expected. Been trying to take a nap in the day but no success. Getting lots of TV time lol Updated on 19 Nov 2017: I didn't post anything yesterday as I was pretty tired. The tightness was strong and was icing as much as I could. Went out to walk around the mall which was good to get moving. Needed a nap when I got home! Also had my first shower and took off the big band aid as instructed. Boobs still look huge! But with a T-shirt on they look perfectly fine. Today I walked some more, didn't need to ice as much, and not as much pain killers so it is progress. I think the meds make me sleepy. Tonight boobies are much less tight but still high. Updated on 21 Nov 2017: Its surreal that I have a chest finally! I'm really enjoying trying on my dresses/bras/bikinis and seeing what fits or if it is now inappropriate Lol. Lucky for me I have bikinis that fit better now as my bottom half was always larger requiring me to purchase large on top that I could fake my chest size! I have a lot of dropping to do, but enjoying the look while I have it, shame I don't have a beach vacation coming up! Today I had my post op with PS and all is well, he showed how to help the drop by pushing on my implants. Did everyone do this? If I don't will they still drop on their own? I had questions but forgot to ask as I was tired so will write them down for next week. Updated on 24 Nov 2017: Black Friday shopping today and had to look in VS at bras! I got a sports bra and T-shirt bra in 36C for $20 each. 36C is not huge and what I wanted on paper but feels much bigger on my chest....? I tried on lots of dresses and felt top heavy/frumpy. Feeling conflicted. I love the size but should I have gone a little smaller? Or do I have swelling still. Maybe my issue is my lack of exercise, as my tummy is not toned and I feel flabby all over. But how do I exercise with 'giant' knockers? Will I ever be able to lie on my stomach again? Tried on a corset for fun that looked OK. Never had anything to put in a corset before! Not sure when I'd wear it though... The good news is I now only take ibuprofen and muscle relaxant at night. Don't need ice lately. Morning boob is lessening everyday. I tried to sleep on my side last night with some success but changing sides multiple times brought on morning boob each time which interrupted my sleep. Muscle spasms are less intense, and hydrating well seems to help. I'll be back to work on Monday and wasn't planning on anyone noticing my new installments! I think I can hide it with an appropriate sweater. Updated on 26 Nov 2017: I've been so lazy as instructed since surgery, but feel good so did a 2 mile walk up the bluffs to get out the house. I need to ask PS if I am cleared for some more exercise. The photos look so booby to me, though some of it is from the VS Knockout sports bra I'm using to help close my gap. My boobs have never met before and it might be they never do but I'd be OK with that. I may have get used to having side boob instead of cleavage! Updated on 2 Dec 2017: Things are pretty great, almost no spasms, no pain, insicions are healing nicely. I'm using biocorneum silicone cream on my scars as directed by PS. But still get some morning boob. To be expected... I'm impatient about the girls softening. I realized how firm they are when hugging people. Can they feel that too? BA is not something I've broadcast. Also will they change size with softening and dropping? I should have asked my PS this week. He answered all my other questions and I won't see him now for a month. I'd love to buy more bras but know my size will probably change so I'm making do with 2 or 3 36Cs. My struggle in the morning is finding something to wear to work that won't raise eyebrows! I'd love to show off but work is not the place! Had my fiance's work Xmas party last night which was very fun but I dressed down so I wouldn't be flashing assets in front of his boss lol. I do love trying on clothes all over again. But why the heck do most bras have padding, and a lot of it? Even C D E cups? I thought only AA A B cups would be padded. It's a whole new world. I'm trying to find light pad only so my perky nipples don't show through clothes and it seems I have more hunting to do. Also I wore an underwire to work one day and couldn't wait to get home and take it off! Another day I tried no bra but that made the spasms worse. I'll try to be patient. Updated on 7 Dec 2017: It feels like in the last couple of days the swelling has gone down, so I don't feel as large. They still have upper fullness, which I like and don't feel in a hurry to lose! One bra felt a little more loose, though I've resorted to sports bras all week since all others were rubbing me in annoying places. I tried on so many bras this week trying to find something comfortable for work that wouldn't enhance me more. I still fit 36C but also 34D depending on the brand. I bought a D that was wire free and more sports bras as I figure I won't Not fit them if my size goes up or down. I found I have a Mondors cord on my left incision which explains why that was a little more tender. I am self diagnosing from other photos. It will resolve itself so not worried. Scars are still very lumpy. Morning boob is still a thing. I had a cold this week but not severe. The ibuprofen helped with my sore throat and stiff boobs! I'm really needing exercise... Sigh ... too soon for high intensity. It's too damn cold for a walk. Probably have to walk on a treadmill instead. OR go dancing with my girls! And a cute dress! Updated on 16 Dec 2017: It is now my one month boobiversary! That means I've been pretty lazy for a month, no exercise, no major housework, just driving to work, school, mall etc. I've done some short walks but that's it. Exercise Has been trying on my old and new clothes and bras which has been fun! My house is in dire need of cleaning so today I did some vacuuming - it felt really strange on my chest muscles! I did half the house and if I feel good tomorrow I'll do the rest. I have the flu or something for the last week, which sucks. The coughing is hard on my chest and I can feel my stitches pulling at times. But I don't see any issues. I've taken more painkillers this week than I did after surgery! The sore throat was SO bad! I was hoping to get a longer walk in this week but that didn't happen. Really hope I'm better tomorrow. I hope everyone's healing well! Updated on 28 Dec 2017: So happy all restrictions have been lifted :-) I saw PS for a check up and he only doesn't want me doing push ups, except girl push ups which is fine by me, I was never good at them and only do them in my interval classes. But I am looking forward to getting to the gym! I look great in tank tops now :-D if I do say so myself! I went for a 2 mile run to see how it felt, my legs will tell me tomorrow, and tbh it felt weird for my boobs?! I think my pec muscles were tensing up for the first mile. PS doesn't require me to massage, but to push together daily so I can get cleavage going/maintained. My boobs finally can touch! That is a first! I will encourage them some more so I can rock a low cut dress in summer! I may have more dropping to do, but I'm happy with where the girls are. Still fit 36 C nicely, actually a little better since swelling went, and I've resisted buying more bras but it's SO tempting! I still try them on for fun at Macy's etc. Actually I got a comfy VS bra last week but I was exchanging it from a bralette. Not sure of the purpose of bralettes... Morning boob is a thing of the past! So glad! I sleep comfortably on either side or back. Scars are feeling less lumpy, I massage them with biocorneum twice a day. They seem good, still pink, so need more time. I am so thankful how well I've healed and having no issues. Really looking forward to warmer weather to showcase the girls! Happy healing everyone! Updated on 12 Jan 2018: Almost 2 months actually! All is well, loving playing dress up! Boobs feel a little softer than 2 weeks ago. Getting back to running has been nice. I frequented the new year sales for some bargains and managed to hold off on bras somewhat, but tried a LOT on. I'm fitting 36C mostly, but wouldn't be surprised if it goes to D with time. Sorta hoping not though. Planning my birthday night out for next week which will be a chance to dress up the girls! And hoping for mild weather so I can go with a short dress! Updated on 27 Jan 2018: I'm enjoying my boobs even more and feel protective over them. They have changed shape slightly since a month ago, dare I say, looking less fake?! Had my birthday party last weekend, wore a dress with no bra!! Unheard of! I'm now 45! Wish I got pictures ...doh! Hoping to have younger looking boobs for the next 20 years or more! I've been looking for max support bras for running and wonder if anyone has tips? I have the vs knockout bra which is super comfy, but also makes me look bigger! I think I can lose the 5-10lbs I've added over the last 10 years, which on the up side was helping give me breast volume! Updated on 18 May 2018: Long over due update! Getting more used to the size, and with the season changes I'm having to see what tops still work and which do not! I feel too chesty in some of them still but my fiance assures me I'm just right! I like the boobs more as they get softer. Pics are of 4.5 and 6 months. I'm still looking forward to swim suits and no longer feeling inadequate up top. Vacation in June! And I haven't tried swimming with these boobs! Do they float? Sink? Scar is not as faint as I'd hoped, so not going to a topless beach yet Lol. I'm back to the gym every other day, and a 10k run on memorial day to do (Bolder Boulder) . Arm strength is back to normal, but not shoulders yet, oddly. Chest I try not to do much for. Therefore my legs and butt are looking great! I can't wait for a vacation! I don't think I've enjoyed the girls as much as I hoped but life gets in the way as you know... Updated on 24 May 2018: No news as all is well, though I didn't get to ask some questions as PS seemed in a hurry. I got my 'after' photo taken which was great to see next to the before. My before don't look that bad, but I have to remind myself I was carrying an extra 6 pounds to give my breasts some volume. Now I've lost the 6lbs and can wear all my smaller pants again phew! Pool opens this weekend! Time for a bikini! I will post those pics when it happens. Updated on 27 Dec 2018: Love having boobs! I've not done an update for months, and I do think they have settled some more. TBH I think 300cc would have been enough, but there are times I enjoy having them larger for certain outfits. I suspect its the full profile, that if I could have gone with medium it would be less obvious. But my Dr only does high profile. So less cc would have been fine. Anyway... Its just a note for ladies not sure what size to get. I let my Dr decide and he went over my 350cc limit. I'll admit they look great, but it has taken a long time to get used to them, I'm still figuring out how to dress them. I've never had boob greed either. I still sleep in a bra. Is that normal? Without some compression I get uncomfortable and wake up at night. I'm one of the few people here that won't say 'go big or go home'.
