James E. Lovett, III, MD

I highly recommend Dr. Lovett to anyone in the upstate SC area. I knew at my initial consultation that I wanted him to do my surgery. He was very thorough in explaining the process and answered all my questions without me even having to ask. All the staff are professional and friendly.

Updated on 19 Jul 2018:
I am currently post-op day 8, so I thought I'd tell about my first week recovery experience. That was what I was most nervous about going in and didn't really find a ton of info on here.

My surgery took right at an hour, and it took me 30 minutes to wake up. I immediately felt the weight of the implant on my chest and an achy feeling at the incision area (IMF). The recovery nurse, who was amazing, had me take a pain pill and the achy feeling stopped. We left about 15 minutes later. I pretty much slept the rest of the day.

Post-op days 1&2 I was able to get up and move around some but spent most of the day lying on the couch and napping. I was stiff and tight, uncomfortable but not in pain. I stayed on top of my pain medicine. My only real complaint was the muscle relaxers made me feel a bit lightheaded and dizzy.


Days 3&4 I switched from the pain rx to Tylenol and only took the muscle relaxer at night. I was able to remove the tape and shower. I let my husband take care of our kids and still took it pretty easy. I was still stiff and sore and would compare the feeling to being engorged when your breast milk first comes in.


Day 5 I was able to drive and return to work. I felt about 80% back to normal. I couldn't comfortably reach overhead or lean forward to pick something up, but otherwise felt pretty good.

Day 6 I really felt like myself again. I could kneel down and pick up my 1 year old son, lifting with my legs to stand. I went to my 1st post op checkup. Dr. Lovett removed the scar tape and advised me to start gently pushing straight down at the top of the implant several times a day to help them settle back down. I was able to go about my normal day, cook supper for my family, and deal with my kids.

For about 5 years or more now, I have wanted this surgery. Most would say, "it's not that bad", but to me I hated it and I had to see it everyday. Bags under the eyes run in my family, so I knew that it would get worse. I decided to see a surgeon and decided to do it! My surgery was June 7th, 2012 and I am 4 weeks post op. Very thrilled with my results and do not regret it at all! All went well. Surgery was about 2 hours, (I also had my left ear lobe fixed where I had a tare and my ear ring hole was too big) Healing of eyes was fast and bruising went away sooner that I thought it would. I did get Chemosis in my right eye. It is irritation and prolonged edema of the white part of the eye. Fluid builds up in the lining of the eye and protrudes some. I was prescribed steroid drops and its cleared in about 15 days. I have to say, it's so nice not to have to see the bags anymore or to have to worry about wether people were looking at them. I'm so happy with result! I was out of work for two weeks due to my job I do. First week spend with ice on eyes. Second week was much better. Best of luck to anyone getting it done. Be sure to check your doctor before having the surgery to be sure you have a good one.



Updated on 5 Jul 2012:
Sorry, I failed to mention how old I am in the beginning of my review. I'm 41.

I'll start out by saying that I've wanted to have more full breasts since around the 7th grade when other little girls started filling their clothes out more. Ive always been thin and "boyish" in my body type but having children did widen my hips a bit. Im 32 and I have 2 children, I'm 5'1 and 98lbs. I measure 31 25 35 and I would like to have a more hourglass shape.
When I went to my consultation I knew that my surgeon was the man I wanted working on me. He was highly knowledgeable, easy to talk to, and honest about what we could expect. After measuring me he recommended we go with 300cc high profile implants to get my desired volume with my narrow chest. He let me hold different implants so that I could feel the difference in types. I chose high profile mentor memory gel implants. I am still unsure on the volume because when I went for my consult I told the Dr id like to be in a 30d if that would not overweigh my frame. Now, I'm more focused on shape and proportion with my body. I want full breasts, I do not want to be top heavy. Ideally, if I could measure at 35 25 35 or around that area, thats what would make me happiest.
My preop appointment is not until June 14th because I wanted to wait until after our family vacation so that my recovery would not affect my family's time. Im attaching "wish boobs" as well as starting point.

Updated on 20 Apr 2021:
Ive made a simulation and attached some pictures that show how thin/short I am. I really would like to have measurements from 34/25/35 to 35/25/35 as an end goal
starting measuring 31/25/35
Still up and down on what sizing to go with, im going to ask my office if they have sizers I can try on at my preop

Updated on 25 Apr 2021:
Ive been trying to research my bwd and different sized implants. My BWD was 11.3 on both sides during my consultation, the surgeon recommended that I use 300cc high profile mentor memory gel implants based on my desire to be more full, and my small BWD. (these implants also measure 11.1 making them smaller than my BWD in diameter)
I asked him if we could go up to 350cc even though that would put the implant diameter being .4 mm more than my BWD (350cc hp implants are 11.7 in diameter) he stated that he thinks I could go that big but he would take in different sizes just in case that size did not fit my body. Now that I've researched BWD I think I may ask about the 325 hp implant as their diameter is 11.4 and much closer to my BWD. Im still nervous about pushing him to put too much in me so at my preop I'm going to express to him that I want him to have the executive decision when it comes to 300-350 cc
I know 300cc is 11.1 in diameter so I'm wondering if I should just sacrifice the 50cc so I won't have to worry about the implant being too wide. Ive been looking for examples of women who went a little wider than their bwd but haven't had much luck.
As yall can tell, I'm an overanalyzer and by the time I get these puppies ill have extensively researched in hopes of getting my desired results.
Im attaching a few pics to show some of my lower half, as well as the lack of projection I have going on right now. Im ready to be an hourglass instead of a triangle shape.

Updated on 14 Jun 2021:
Today I went in and met with my surgeon and his nurse again. We discussed pre op and post op care, discussed sizes, and tried on sizers. I signed all my paperwork and paid off my total for my procedure. Im attaching pics of some homeopathic remedies I'm buying off Amazon to help with recovery (as recommended by the plastic surgeons office) I also ordered a medicine container to keep up with all my pills since they called in 5 scripts to my pharmacy.
I wish I would have taken pictures with the sizers in, they look so much better than the home made rice sizers ive been using lol (we choose 325 350 and 375 mentor implants to take into the operating room with us)
Surgery is next Wednesday. Im just hoping for a small gap as my breasts are moderately wide set and I know that my results will depend heavily on my anatomy. My surgeon has promised to do what he can to put my breasts close without compromising my nipple placement or causing any other deformities. Im excited/nervous/anxious/scared and all of those similar words. Ill keep updates coming as we go!

Updated on 15 Jun 2021:
I called my surgeons office today and asked if the nurse could give me a call back because I was a nervous wreck all night last night thinking.. what if I expressed that I want too big and focused more on not having a gap than I expressed that I dont want my entire frame to be overwhelmed by my new boobies? I was that hourglass silhouette, not just top-heavy.. if that makes sense. I told her that I think its just the numbers 375 that is making me feel this way as my max I was shooting for was 350. I really loved the way 350 looked on me but I don't really want to be any bigger than that (and I wouldn't be disappointed with a little smaller either). Ive asked my nurse to make sure my body isn't all boobs once I wake up and I trust her and my surgeon to make my dreams come true next week! My nurse is so patient, kind, and understanding, as well as informative. It takes their office less than 2 hrs on a call back preop and they always have a nurse on call after surgery in case I need someone. I'm still so happy I found and choose dr.kellers/dr.lovetts office. Dr. Lovett is performing my surgery and he is so down to earth and very easy to talk to. My nurse (Erica) made me feel at ease today, even though I tried to talk myself out of calling im so glad I did. Attaching 2 more before pictures, one with my surgical bra on to compare later.

Updated on 23 Jun 2021:
They are sore, swollen, and up high right now. I cant say enough good things about upstate plastic surgery in s.c
Dr.lovett is amazing, hes kind and he really listens to what you want, hes also realistic and will tell you honestly about what results you can expect. Erica, my nurse was always accommodating, even the anesthesiologist was so very kind to me.
When I got into the surgical suite they had me change into a gown and go empty my bladder (they tested me for pregnancy before giving me any meds.
They ran an IV into my arm to give me antibiotics, pain meds, and anxiety meds. I also have 2 scripts for more antibiotics and one muscle relaxer and one pain reliever. They had a machine that blew warm air into my hospital gown to keep me warm.
My surgeon put 325 mentor memorygel high profile implants under the muscle. I love the way they look on my body. Ill keep yall updated as much as possible.

Updated on 25 Jun 2021:
So far I haven't been able to see any changes, its only been a couple of days though. I'm supposed to start wearing my surgical bra tomorrow after I shower and change my dressings. I will try to get a few pics of the incisions when I change my medical guaze.

Updated on 26 Jun 2021:
Before I removed the tape I was kind of sad that I had freaked out and asked for too small of a size on the day of surgery.. I know they will change but I felt like they was very small. Once I removed the tape and showered I felt better about the size and shape im getting. I was able to shower and wash my hair (slowly, and I bent my head in towards my chest so I didn't have to lift my arms all the way up)
After my shower I patted my steristrips dry and applied antibiotic cream, then I applied more guaze and tape over the area with incisions and put my surgical bra on for the first time. So far, im still loving my results.

Updated on 27 Jun 2021:
I've been very achy and sore today. My boobs still feel swollen and tight, with a burning sensation where my incisions are.
I'm almost out of pain pills so I'm hoping when I run out tylenol will help. I've seen several women on here comment that by day 4 they no longer needed their pain pills, well I sure do... I'm going to buy some tylenol pm to help me sleep when I run out because I'm normally a side sleeper so I've been sleeping in the recliner so that I don't roll in my sleep. I dont know if its the pain pills or muscle relaxers, but one of them knocks me out 30 mins to an hr after I take them.
Yesterday I broke down and cried because I felt useless. I'm so used to being independent and I have been having to depend on someone else to do even small things, like open my prescription bottles. It only lasted about 5 mins, and then I was able to calm down, I know this is only temporary but this is definitely a journey.
I have yet to wear a real bra and it will probably be that way for quite sometime but, ive measured at a 30dd (I'm super swollen right now so I know this will most likely change)
I am so bloated, I started taking laxative yesterday because stool softener was just not doing the job.
My boobs feel numb on the bottom half, and about halfway numb on my nipples. My breast have been itchy, actually I'm just itchy all over today.
Even though its still very early, I love my results and can't wait to see what the future brings.

Updated on 30 Jun 2021:
I seen my surgeon today and he said that my results are looking great but he wants me to start pushing my implants down atleast twice a day, and then instructed me to order a post op band to help hold them down. My muscles are trying to pull them up and fight gravity, he said this will help them settle down quicker. I was told to allow my incisions to dry more by using less ointment and then eventually none so that I can start rubbing my incisions soon..
After he pushed my implants down today I didn't immediately become sore but by the time I got home I was in so much pain. Thankfully I still have muscle relaxers and pain killers left over. I know now I'm going to need them every time I mash my boobs down for the first few days. I'm not as bloated as I was, but I started my period today so I know the bloat is coming back..
Dr.Lovett scheduled me another post op appointment in 3 weeks, and a complimentary massage after our appointment. I'm still so happy I choose Dr.Lovett and the whole staff at Upstate plastic surgery.

Updated on 30 Jun 2021:
7 days ago I was completely flat chested. I'm supposed to have my first complimentary boob massage directly after my one month post op visit with the surgeon.
My boob band will be here friday. Surgeon recommended so it should help :)

Updated on 2 Jul 2021:
Im still having a good amount of discomfort today but I would do it again.
Ive started massaging my incisions daily as instructed by dr.lovett, I'm also supposed to apply pressure to the top of my implant atleast twice daily and wear a compression band with my surgical bra. One of my stitches felt like it was pulling last night and it hurt so bad..
My breast band came in this morning so I've been wearing it all day today, the top of my breast is sore but I'm following every instruction my surgeon gives me because I don't want to mess up his beautiful work. I told my friend today "recovery is no walk in the park" but is it worth it? Definitely.
I've never felt more sexy, I've never loved wearing a tank top more, never been more excited to buy new underwear and swimwear. I look at lingerie now and I no longer think "I bet that wouldn't look good on me because I'm flat chested".
The pros by far have outweighed the cons, even in the recovery stage.

Updated on 4 Jul 2021:
They are softening some, but still very firm and high. I cant fit any of my bathing suits anymore, and only the stretchy lace lingerie i owned still fits. Maybe its small on me now, but I used to hate the top on me and I feel so sexy in my own skin now.
Soreness is minimal, incisions are starting to heal.
Cons.. its hot and my boobs sweat now.
Pros.. my boobs are big enough to sweat now. If you're thinking about it, get the boobs... I felt guilty about spending so much on cosmetic surgery but it was so worth it! My confidence has never been higher! I have womanly curves!

Updated on 11 Jul 2021:
I have yet to wear something that shows them off. They just keep getting better. Im still wearing my surgical bras only. My old bra looks funny on me, I didn't even take a picture its just ridiculous.
They are a little sore, but its nothing like before its just everything settling. I dont need tylenol or anything, they just require a gentle touch right now. My left nipple is hypersensitive, both of them were, now the right nipple can stand touch without feeling pins and needles type of sensation.. I'm still applying Vaseline to my scars and massaging daily as instructed. I try to gently rub my breast daily, and I use cocoa butter on my boobs after my shower. Im still showering with gold dial. I'm going to make it a point to start taking my vitamins again this week. I used bromeline, grape seed extract, and arnica herbal supplement for the first week of recovery but when I stopped hurting I started slacking on my herbal supplements. Still could hug my surgeons neck for what he did for me, I've never felt prettier.

Updated on 13 Jul 2021:
Its still a little uncomfortable sleeping since I was a side sleeper but im really surprised ive managed to sleep on my back 3 weeks strait. My surgeon wants me to try to sleep on my back for 2 months if possible, so I'm trying. I have rolled to my side a few times since returning to my bed but I wake up uncomfortable every time. I have a bit of side boob now and the pressure just doesn't feel good on my side.
On the bright side, it keeps me from sleeping in because I can't get completely comfortable. I made a collage to compare how I looked before and after in an XS sized VS bralette and panties. Im going to be honest, just cause I can squeeze in it doesnt mean it still fits. It doesn't look insanely small but it feels super tight, and the band doesn't touch under my boobs in the front anymore, I'm sure that's a sign of it being too little.

Updated on 26 Jul 2021:
They keep getting softer, the shape keeps getting better. I asked to not have a big gap but not risk any complications, and man did my surgeon deliver. I could hug his neck, I am so grateful to him. The amount of confidence I have in tops, dresses, and swimwear is amazing. I bought a low cut bodycon dress and my first ever adult one piece swimsuit and for the first time since childhood, I love my body.

Updated on 15 Aug 2021:
I can side sleep now, and they are so much softer. I love them. I'm so glad that I took the leap and finally did it. I still brag on my surgeon when I look in the mirror.. Sometimes I show them off, most of the time I cover them up. I feel confident with my body all of the time, it's a great feeling and completely worth the investment.

Updated on 2 Oct 2021:
They are great. I love them and wouldn't change a thing.
I started out a 30b/32a
I'm in a 30dd/32d now
They are soft and bouncy, and they fit my frame perfectly. I still feel so comfortable with my body where before I was self conscious. I'm so glad I went through with it.

Updated on 12 Oct 2021:
I was finally able to get inside the store (victorias secret) today to be sized and I measured a 32d and bought my first push up bra..
I may be a 32dd honestly but I only had 30 minutes to shop.
I have never enjoyed victorias secret that much, it was the best feeling in the world to try on a d cup and realize, my cup may be too full..

Updated on 14 Jan 2022:
I love my boobs! Pros by far outweighs the cons!
They are soft and movable now, and the size I picked can be played up with a push up bra, or down with a sports bra.
Here's the cons that I'm sure will probably never change, but I'm okay with it.
1. When I lay flat on my back, they don't lay down like real breasts, they still sit up (I got high profile implants to get more cc out of a small diameter) I was completely flat, so I needed the extra volume.
2. They feel "weird" when I hug someone tight or my children lay on my chest. The best way to describe it is I feel pressure from the implant being pressed.
3. Sometimes it's still a tiny bit uncomfortable sleeping on my side, but I do think that will improve because before I had no boobs to worry about laying on top of.
Over all I'm so happy I made the leap.

February 13th I finally get my breast reduction! I've always had large breasts, and now that I've birthed and nursed 4 children, these babies are tired.
Currently I'm 36G, I'm looking to be about 36D. I'm about 5'2" and 170 lbs.
I have just started preparing by starting vitamins and Bio Oil. I have Nux Vomica and Arnica Montana for closer to surgery and after. Pre op is January 31st!

Updated on 31 Jan 2020:
13 MORE DAYS! I had my pre op appointment yesterday! Surgery is scheduled for 10am and I am really happy with the doctor that I chose! We talked about taking down the width of my breasts as well as length, especially my larger left breast. He’s also going to address the side rib fat. HOORAY! I’m not sure exactly what areola size to ask for, I want smaller but not too small.

Updated on 4 Feb 2020:
I’ve got plans to do a boudoir shoot selfie style before surgery and after! I’m a photographer and I plan on using my husband as a human tripod, so I’m hopeful they will turn out well!
Aside from that, I take a picture of myself in every single shirt I wear so I can compare after surgery!
I got my period today, which means it should be done a couple of days before surgery. I’m thankful for that, but I sure wish I could take ibuprofen!

Updated on 13 Feb 2020:
Today is surgery day!!! I put my Scop patch behind my ear early this morning and have been very careful to not eat or drink since last night.
This morning I’m putting clean sheets on our bed, getting all of my stuff together, and then maybe get some vacuuming done!

Updated on 17 Feb 2020:
Surgery went great! Pain hasn’t been bad, but OMG the constipation at 3dpo!!! I thought I was going to DIE. No dang joke.
I took all sorts of varieties of stool softeners and laxatives, and after throwing up and being in tears feeling so awful, I went for the enema and FINALLY got some relief!! I’m hoping today will be better!
The other thing that kills is the ITCHING. I’m taking Benadryl which helps a little, but not a whole lot.
Sleeping is hard, but I expected that. Last night I took my first shower and got to see the new boobies! They have some gnarly bruising for sure. The incisions look great and my boobs are so cute and little and perky!! I’m so excited to shop my closet once things heal some more! I put on a cardigan today and was able to button it and have it fit!! I feel lighter and my back doesn’t hurt even though I’ve been wearing a bra nonstop! So far I’m happy with things!!

Updated on 22 Feb 2020:
I love these boobies!!! Clothing fits and my back doesn’t hurt and these boobs are staying where they belong!! Zingers are the newest bit of healing I’ve been dealing with. Otherwise I feel so good I’m having a hard time resting!!
I’m still using some gauze over the incision intersections and my areolas, no tape since day 2 when I showered.
This surgery is nothing short of life changing.

Updated on 26 Feb 2020:
I’m still in amazement at my new boobs and the novelty of being proportional!! Clothing is an entirely different experience. This has truly been life changing already.
Bruising is looking really great, I’m thinking it will be gone soon! I never had tape on my incisions, which scared me at first. So far they’ve had no issues though and no uncomfortable itchy tape is nice! Incisions seem to be healing wonderfully. Still dealing with some gut issues and zingers, and a bit of soreness, but I feel great as long as I rest.
Clothing fits. It’s like being human shaped again!!